"The Vine"
An email update.... Keeping Us Connected in Christ"
This newsletter is brought to you by your OCWM Contributions
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"Blessings Always"
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
Association Minister Message
June 2, 2021
CRAZY. “He has gone out of his mind.” (Mark 3:21) Mental illness presents many societal issues. Call someone CRAZY and acts of rejection can be perpetrated on someone, even with or without psychological diagnosis. It is sad how named CRAZY persons have so many cruel things done to them. It is not just being identified as mentally CRAZY, persons can also be identified as physically or spiritually CRAZY. It is unkind when persons are laughed at for being in the “nut-house” or sanitariums or hospital psyche wards. Or even the flippant remark, “Oh, s/he’s crazy” can cause irreprical harm to relationships with families and friends. Abusive behaviors perpetrated on someone have often resulted in low self-esteem/lack of confidence/CRAZINESS in those persons. And think of all the so-called CRAZY persons who have given us inventions/cures/music that have made life better for us. God’s gifts and graces are given to all of us.
It is reported in Mark’s Gospel, chapter 3, after “The Twelve were chosen,” Jesus gave them authority to cast out demons. Jesus then goes home. There was such a crowd around Jesus “...so that they could not even eat.” (Mark 3:20). The crowd accused Jesus that He “…had gone out of his mind.” He’s CRAZY! The family comes to try to get Him away to a safe place.
The scribes (religious legal experts) made their way from Jerusalem so they could discredit Jesus’ ministry. Jesus offers a response that challenges the scribes’ authority. They then plot to discredit Him that led eventually to His death, which they accomplished. However, since we know the end of the story, they failed their mission to destroy Jesus, for this CRAZY Jesus became the Resurrected Jesus, “conquering sin and death, and reconciling the world to Himself.” (UCC Statement of Faith).
Mark includes a story about Jesus’ relationship to His family. It is at this point that Jesus expands the definition of family, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother, sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:35). It is Jesus’ inclusiveness that makes us family with Him.
In Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, “So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day.” (4:16). There is a little bit of CRAZY in all of us, but God loves us no matter whatever flaw we may think we have or named by others. It is too strenuous and time-consuming to be perfect. With God’s help and loving support from one another, nothing can separate us from God loving us and being sister and brother to one another. CRAZY? God will take care of that, too. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister |
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May 26 - June 9 Out of Town - Vacation Time
June 13 - Preaching at Calvary UCC, Crestline 10:00 am
June 20 & 27 - Preaching at Sycamore UCC 10:30 am
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Prayer Concerns/Request
Continuing prayer for : Keith Huizenga, Rev. Steve Voelker, Rev. Diane Christopherson, Rev. John Miller, Pastor Dee Schroer, Pastor Bill Kerr, Tim Metz, Jim Huckemeyer, Pastor Tom Kagy, Rev. Marty Stiffler, Rev. Doug Williamson
John Gilberg, Chair of the El Salvador Coordinating Team, New Bremen, was in the hospital recently. Please remember John in your prayers.
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2021 OCWM Giving Goal - $280,000
2021 Giving through April - $65,488
CHURCH TREASURER
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The Northwest Ohio Association of the United Church of Christ and the Lay School Board offer classes to expand knowledge about the Christian faith to those folks in congregations who are actively involved in the life of the church. |
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Lay School of Religion
Next Class:
Pastoral Care
Beginning:
September 2021
Instructor:
Rev. Catherine
Lawrence
Class Brochure
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2021 PERIOD SUPPORT CONSULTATION
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
Location: VIA Zoom
Time: 9:00 am - Noon
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***From the NWOA Stewardship and Caring Ministry Team |
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Dear NWOA Faith Family,
The Stewardship and Caring Team is pleased to offer you a series of conversations with Don Hill, a specialist in Stewardship and Fundraising. The team met with Don one Saturday morning in April and from that meeting came 5 separate videos for your consideration. A new video will be posted each week so you might take time to linger over each one (about 15-20 minutes in length). If you wish to follow up with the team with questions or wish to be put in touch with Don for a follow up consultation use the Association email or phone number to send a message and someone will be in contact with you. We hope you enjoyed these “conversations” and that Don’s thoughts prove useful to all as we continue to engage our local church Stewardship practices.
Blessings to All, The NWOA Stewardship and Caring Team
Video # 1 - Post-Pandemic: Is this the time to ask for money? CLICK HERE
Video # 2 - A Church Member's Legacy:
How to Support the Church after You've Gone CLICK HERE
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***From the NWOA Witness and Proclamation Ministry Team |
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To the clergy and lay people of the Northwest Ohio Association…..
I am the Chair of the Witness and Proclamation Team, and we have been working to keep you informed through The Vine of ways in which we can witness to the salvation we have in Jesus Christ and proclaim it in the corner of Northwest Ohio where we live and worship. Please note that we are also trying to keep you informed through our Facebook page, and please LIKE / FOLLOW us so that you can stay engaged with us and others.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 New International Version
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
What a “season” this Covid pandemic has imposed upon us and which continues to influence us in ways that we are conscious of, and in other ways which are deeply unconscious or subconscious!! The long-term effects of this “season” will appear and reverberate for decades to come, with many of these revelations being rather shocking to us when they come, I imagine.
God blessing and peace to all,
Pastor Scott Johnson
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***From the Pastoral Relations Working Group
of the NWOA Church and Ministry Team
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Covid Resources
The coronavirus pandemic has revealed and exacerbated places of pain and injustice throughout our institutions and communities, and clergy have borne the weight of this. The Pastoral Relations working group has listened to the pain that exists in our local clergy and have been trying to pay close attention to mental health and family concerns. Included here are links to resources for clergy and churches to be aware of. Read more
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Spiritual Director
Ongoing Covid 19 issues and other daily life processes can get in the way of mental health and happiness. We are in the process of gathering names and email addresses of spiritual directors. The names we have so far are:
Please contact them if you would like to explore what spiritual direction is and how it can help in your day to day life.
If there are other spiritual directors you know who would be interested, please let us know by contacting the Pastoral Relations WG of the Church and Ministry Team by calling the Association office. 419-447-8323
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Anti-Racism & White Privilege
Attached to the end of the newsletter is an additional list of available resources.
We hope that these resources meet the needs of pastors looking for resources to begin conversations regarding anti-racism within their congregations. If you have other ideas for how we may assist in bringing resources / training to you regarding this topic, please contact Nanette Warnecke-Flood at [email protected]
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LOCAL CHURCH NEWS
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY COORDINATOR POSITION AVAILABLE
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, St. Marys is seeking a dedicated and energetic person to fill the position of Children’s Ministry Coordinator. This part-time position is part of a robust children’s Christian Education program.
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CHOIR MUSIC AVAILABLE
Trinity UCC, Elliston has a large archive of choir music that is no longer of use there. If you are a passionate music archivist and interested to look into their selections, contact Pastor Ryan [email protected]
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Director of Faith Formation Opening
Sylvania United Church of Christ is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to develop and provide spiritual, relational, organizational and administrative leadership to all faith formation programs and church activities, with a primary focus on children, young families, youth, and young adults. The candidate must have a passion for faith formation, desire to engage meaningfully with individuals of all ages and life stages, and skills in program and event development and implementation are essential to this role.
Please send a cover letter and resumes to: Sylvania United Church of Christ, Attention: David Walker and Rev. Dr. Vern Swett, 7240 Erie Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560 or emailed to [email protected].
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Director of Connection
& Engagement
Opening
Sylvania United Church of Christ is seeking candidates for Director of Connection and Engagement. This position helps connect internally and externally through outreach, fellowship, worship and membership. In each area of connection, opportunities are provided for in-person and digital engagement. The Director of Connection and Engagement will be an active participant in outreach, inreach, and digital communication offerings. A demonstrated passion for people, desire to creatively communicate through digital and in-person mediums, and skills to foster connections both internal and external to the congregation's life are essential to this position.
Please send a cover letter and resumes to: Sylvania United Church of Christ, Attention: David Walker and Rev. Dr. Vern Swett, 7240 Erie Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560 or emailed to [email protected].
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Chicken BBQ (1/2 chicken) $10
Trinity UCC, McCutchenville
Sunday, June 13th 11:30 - 1:30 pm
Carry Out only with a ticket order by Wednesday, June 9th.
Call the church at 419-981-5808
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Special Offerings
November 14- Stewardship Sunday
December 19 - Christmas Fund
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Join the United Church of Christ Musicians Association online for workshops, worship services, a wonderful concert, vendors and networking. We will be virtually hosted by the First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC in the historic town of Glastonbury, Connecticut.
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Camp is On!
Camp will be Safe!
Kids need Camp!
After more than a year of isolation and disrupted social schedules, what we need most is time and a safe space to gather and re-connect! Summer camp has always been a great place for everyone to connect on a deeper level with each other and with Christ and for children and youth to do so under the supervision of caring and loving adults. This year we need this more than ever. We know that Covid-19 is still among us and we are taking lots of precautions for all events happening on site and are offering family events, as well as virtual events to meet your family’s needs. For on-site events we are asking participants to monitor their health and avoid risky exposures two weeks prior to camp, pass a screening upon arrival, wear masks consistently, and participate at camp in the same small group of 10 or less for their activities, including eating and sleeping.
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Summer camp worship bulletin insert now available in the two most common sizes! |
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If you have potential campers who are not sure which camp is for them, Faith Adventures is a great place for a 9–11-year-old to start and try it all at camp! check it out. |
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Does your church pay for a portion of the fees for campers in your congregation?
If so, please get your payments to the conference office by May 10th, if possible so that we can enter them and the parents can pay the remaining balance by May 15th.
Please click below for a handy form you can use to accompany the check so that payments are processed appropriately. If you have any questions or concerns about payment timeframe, please contact Executive Administrator, Becca Hoskins at [email protected] or 1-800-282-0740, ext. 2.
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For several decades, SARA, Sharing America's Resources Abroad, has been a ministry of the Heartland Conference fostering mercy, justice, and healing, for many around the world. On June 5th at 10:00 am you are invited to a virtual mission trip to Eastern Europe and other parts of the world to hear stories of transformation and the challenges of a changing world. Maybe you have been on a SARA mission pilgrimage yourself or maybe you are hearing of SARA for the very first time. Either way, you are invited to join in the joy of the journey for a one-hour experience on June 5th at 10:00 am via zoom. Register today by clicking on the image above.
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UCC Webinar—Taking a Stand with Indigenous Water Protectors
Buses and carpools are being organized from around the country to go to the headwaters of the Mississippi in Northern Minnesota, so that people of conscience can join Indigenous-led nonviolent actions to stop the expansion of a massive oil pipeline. While not all of us can go in person, all of us can act in other ways to support this vitally important cause. The Line 3 Expansion is a tar sands oil pipeline project under construction that, if completed, would cross a hundred waterways. It would also pass near the border of multiple Native nations and across hundreds of miles of treaty-protected land, which those communities depend on for drinking water and wild rice gathering. In the UCC’s next Creation Justice Webinar, we will learn more about Line 3 and what faith communities can do to stop it. Featured speakers will include the Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs from the Minnesota Council of Churches, Nina Berguland from the Youth Council and Indigenous Council for Earth Guardians, and Joe Meinholz from Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light. Even if you can't make the webinar’s scheduled time on Monday, June 14th, at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording of it. Sign-up now for the webinar!
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Save the date! Plan to join the Heartland Conference this September 24 and 25 in-person or virtually for our 2021 Annual Gathering. Though we continue to work on the details, we couldn't help but share our vision and inspiration.
We invite you to Say "Yes!": Connect with friends and neighbors, Equip yourself and others for ministry and mission, and Support one another in covenant as we come together as a Conference. Our team, invigorated by our newly articulated Why, Covenant, and Calling statement, is crafting an annual gathering experience that encourages all to live the love, unity, and compassion of Jesus; collaborate to mutually share resources; communicate with openness and transparency; to empower generous and responsible stewardship; and to honor God’s diverse gifts among us in all settings.
Keep an eye on your inbox and our Facebook page as we will release more details and announce registration soon!
“But in Jesus it is always 'Yes.' For in him everyone one of God’s promises is a 'Yes.' For this reason it is through him that we say the 'Amen,' to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:19b-20
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Join in conversations with local church pastors from across all three conferences as they share learnings from the long season of COVID and what those might suggest for emerging ministries going forward.
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How to Attend General Synod
Meet.ucc will be the hub for all virtual Synod 2021 activities.
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ATTENDING GENERAL SYNOD? JOIN US FOR THE ONA LOVE FEAST!
Planning to attend the UCC’s first virtual General Synod in July? Be sure to register for our ONA Love Feast at 7 to 9 pm EDT on Tuesday, July 13. This Synod event will celebrate the launch of the Coalition's 50th anniversary celebrations. Keynoter is Carmarion Anderson, a vibrant transgender activist and co-leader of the “TransSaints” movement in the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. She is also Alabama director of the Human Rights Campaign’s “Project One America.” Coalition executive director Andy Lang will speak on the “State of the Open and Affirming Movement,” and the famous Coalition Choir will perform. Please note: the Love Feast is one of the “optional events” when you register for General Synod.
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DO YOU LOVE TO SING?
JOIN THE COALITION CHOIR
The ONA Coalition Choir has been a feature at every General Synod since 1985. This year, the choir will perform virtually at our General Synod Love Feast. To learn more, contact Kimi Floyd Reisch.
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NATIONAL OPEN AND AFFIRMING SUNDAY!
June 27 is National Open and Affirming Sunday! Always celebrated on the fourth Sunday of June, the Coalition created ONA Sunday as an opportunity for congregations to renew their commitment to support LGBTQIA+ neighbors and their families. On June 7, we'll release an inspiring worship and music video, along with worship resources to help you build your own ONA service. Let’s celebrate the rapid growth of our movement, hold our 1,700 ONA churches and ministries in prayer, and commit to growing our movement until the UCC is not just 33%, but 100% ONA!
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Heritage Sunday
The first annual Evangelical and Reformed Heritage Sunday is a dedicated day for each church to celebrate and share their unique heritage and continue the traditions of the former Evangelical and Reformed Church. We will celebrate this day on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Resources are available on our website. Visit the Heritage Sunday page for a sample order of worship, bulletin covers, suggested hymns, and various historical resources.
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Proclaim God's Word in Worship and Worshipful Ways
Strength our Witness to the Gospel in the World
Discern God's Will for Faithful and Effective Ministry
Manifest Faithful, Wise and Responsible Stewardship of all God's Gifts
Demonstrate Care, Compassion, Forgiveness and Accountability to and for One Another
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Stay Connected
Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
Deb Long, Bookkeeper
OFFICE PHONE 419-447-8323
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