| | | |
October 9, 2025
issue # 41
| |
"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
GRATITUDE. In Luke 17, we read about the miracle of the healing of ten men who had skin diseases and approach Jesus saying, “Jesus, Master, show us mercy!” Jesus’ ministry included many healing miracles as well as being a teacher of goodwill and love. Jesus was often condemned by the Jewish faith leaders for breaking traditions and religious laws when He associated with Samaritans, talked to women, and recognized children’s importance in God’s Realm. Jesus’ ministry was one of love and compassion, opportunities to make persons whole and holy, rather that the judgment of condemnation and disrespect.
The ten men with skin diseases would have been avoided and not welcomed in their communities and faith communities. Yet Jesus hears their pleas and just tells them, “‘Go, show yourselves to the priests’ As they left, they were cleansed.” They trusted Jesus and a miracle happened. But there is more to the story. Only one returned to thank Jesus as he praised God for restoration of his life that would again allow him to be accepted into the life of his community. What is fascinating about the healing of the man was that he was a Samaritan, considered by the Jews to be unrighteous, condemned as an outcaste of “the” faith, and unworthy of God’s favor. Mercy was turned into GRATITUDE as his life was healed. The Samaritan had reverence for God’s love and God’s love gave him renewal of his life. Unworthiness and condemnation turned into acceptance as a restored and holy person.
Jesus says, “Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? No one returned to praise God except this foreigner?” Many times we forget how blessed we are and play the scarcity card. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” God has been merciful to us and loves us even we think that we deserve more than we have received. Greed, selfishness, and arrogance curtail GRATITUDE. Yet, amazingly, the one perceived as inferior received mercy, is healed, and praises God. God nourishes our minds, bodies, and souls, heals our broken lives, offers unconditional love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. We receive God’s amazing grace unconditionally. With thanks for all the blessings we receive from God and from one another that are both human and divine, we offer our GRATITUDE to God for BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
| | |
Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
October 12, 2025-St. Peter's UCC, Millbury/150th Anniversary Special Worship at 10:15 am
October 19, 2025-St. Paul UCC, New Bremen at 10:15 am
October 26, 2025-Emanuel UCC, Upper Sandusky at 10:00 am
October 26, 2025-Trinity UCC, Tiffin-Release of Service Dan Busch at 3:00 pm
| | |
Prayer Concerns / Request
Continuing prayer for:
Dee Schroer, Rev. Daniel Johnson, Rev. Jim Garner, Rev. Don Corbin, Rev. Randall Forester,
Rev. Gale Gebhart, Rev. Don Giesmann, Rev. David Culp, Rev. Diane Christopherson, Rev. Patrick McKinney, Regena Mummert, Rev. Mike Ebersole, Susan Bishop, Rev. Diane Thomas, David Weininger, Rev. Adrian Sunday, Peggy George, & Rev. Frank Isaacs.
Please keep them in your prayers.
| | Those receiving anniversary certificates at retirement luncheon. | | |
SEARCH COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR “BRIDGE MINISTER”
Job description, updated salary, and
application process posted below:
In order to more accurately and immediately convey the need for executive leadership between Rev. Busch’s retirement and the calling of his replacement, the Search Committee, with guidance from the Cabinet, has revised the position. It is our hope that we will receive resumes from authorized ministers in the Association, or from around the Heartland Conference for the position of part time Bridge Minister. We believe this is a good opportunity for a retired minister, or one serving a church part time.
The Bridge Association Minister will provide executive leadership for the Northwest Ohio Association beginning as soon as possible. The position is expected to be temporary and end after a negotiated period of time, or upon the calling of a Designated Association Minister. The part time hours per week will vary. The Bridge Minister will not be eligible to apply for the Designated Minister position. The work of Bridge Minister can be performed in a hybrid style of onsite and remote activity, but the Bridge Minister must be available to address issues onsite, if needed, that come up within local congregations. Click here to see the complete job description, and the salary package being offered.
The Search Committee will be handling the application process locally. Instead of submitting a profile through the national system, interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and any supporting documentation. Email a cover letter and all documents to Peggy George, pgeorge1953@gmail.com
Questions about the position should be directed to Pastor Jay Scott, Chairman; jayscott1981@yahoo.com or 419-689-0436.
| | |
The Northwest Ohio Association
of the Heartland Conference
of the United Church of Christ
cordially invites you
to attend a service
of celebration
honoring the dedicated service
and retirement of
Reverend Daniel Busch
Sunday, October 26th
at 3:00 p.m.
Trinity United Church of Christ
131 East Perry Street
Tiffin, OH 44883
(Refreshments immediately following the service)
Clergy are invited to robe wearing a colorful stole
| | |
This year we collected 12 School Supply Kits, 9 Glue Sticks, 33 Buckets, & 140 Hygiene Kits at the Northwest Ohio Association office. Thank you to all our generous donors who dedicated their time to make this possible. We couldn’t do this without amazing people like you for your commitment & continuation of spreading kindness to those in need. We are grateful for your support that will impact several lives. It will bring positivity, hope, light, faith, & comfort to those in need.
Let’s keep this going for years to come!
Thank you so much to all donors & Blessing to all!
| | |
If you know someone who would like to receive our Vine Newsletters or Resubscribe to our newsletter, please share this link below. Click on link to fill out the form.
| | |
St. Paul UCC, Wapakoneta is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Collective Confirmation Planning Zoom Meeting
Time: Oct 15, 2025 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87930200944?pwd=56jkgEZMG3dJhIk7YLbQsL61Q4SoJ8.1
Meeting ID: 879 3020 0944
Passcode: 204653
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,87930200944#,,,,*204653# US
+13126266799,,87930200944#,,,,*204653# US (Chicago)
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/87930200944/invitations?signature=XjWlvXj_hzhdpbCOGUYEbB-Oal74mGPp_9Pu7no1N5U
| | |
Northwest Ohio Association
Boundary Training Workshop – In Person Only
We invite you to participate in our upcoming Boundary Training, held in person on Wednesday, November 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church of Christ in Tiffin, Ohio. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with pastries, fresh fruit, and beverages provided. The registration fee is $20.00, payable online at the time of online registration or by check made out to the Northwest Ohio Association of the UCC. You will find the workshop description and registration link below. We look forward to seeing you there!
Workshop Description
This specialized training is designed to equip pastors and faith leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support victims within our community. As spiritual leaders, pastors hold a unique and influential role in addressing domestic violence and human trafficking by educating, guiding, and engaging their congregations and communities. Because of your regular presence in houses of worship, at community events, and in other public spaces, you may be in a position to recognize the warning signs that someone is in danger. This training will provide practical tools and critical insights, including:
- Recognizing the signs of domestic violence and human trafficking
- Responding effectively to domestic violence situations
- Implementing trauma-responsive care practices
- Understanding myths vs. facts surrounding abuse
- Addressing and preventing spiritual abuse
As part of this training, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in an immersive 30-minute scenario designed to deepen their understanding of the challenges survivors face. This powerful experience will highlight the complexities of abuse and prepare you to respond with compassion, confidence, and effectiveness.
Amy Kinney serves as the Executive Director of First Step Domestic Violence Center in Fostoria OH. She is also the Pastor at St. John's UCC Fostoria. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and a Master of Science in Leadership, both from South University, as well as a Master of Practical Theology from Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Amy has several years’ experience serving survivors of domestic violence along with a 25-year career in healthcare and 15 years in higher education.
Marrisa Orzechowski serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator at First Step and holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University, along with a master's degree in the same field, focusing on victims and offenders. She has extensive experience supporting survivors in various shelters throughout Northwest Ohio and has also worked within the mental health sector to assist these individuals. Additionally, Marrisa is the previous Executive Director of Hope’s Landing, a social enterprise dedicated to aiding survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.
| | |
Periodic Support Consultation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025
In-person or via Zoom:
Northwest Ohio Association
416 Wentz Street
Tiffin, OH. 44883
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Leader: Mark Bishop
***If you would like the form emailed to you, please contact Kim Nye at the
Northwest Ohio Association.
Email: kim@nwoa.org
or Call (419) 447-8323.
| | |
2025 OCWM Giving Goal - $250,000
(Goal approved at the 63rd Annual Meeting)
OCWM giving Through August 2025 -$115,027.23
Supporting OCWM...
Creating A Just World for All!
Thank You!
CHURCH TREASURER
Church Remittance Form - please use this form when sending donations to/through the Association Office.
IRS Standard Mileage Rates for 2025
- 70 cents per mile for business use
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
| |
VISIT THOSE CHURCHES OFFERING SUNDAY SERVICE ONLINE | | | | |
If you want to jump start your thinking about Stewardship and Generosity, our 5 videos collection of topics covered with noted consultant Don Hill is available. As you click on the resources page, a short synopsis of each video is available. Can be used effectively in small group settings or you can take a segment for use in worship.
Permission is granted for the churches of Northwest Ohio Association, UCC to use the series as they wish with proper credit given.
| | |
From the Pastoral Relations Working Group
of the NWOA Church and Ministry Team
Spiritual Directors
Learn more
Anti-Racism and White Privilege
Learn more
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 nanettef@syctelco.com
READ ON FOR MORE RESOURCES
| | | |  | | |
PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. offers a full range of theological courses which embrace your doubts and questions while giving you a firm foundation. For more information visit us at: www.PATHWAYSTheological.org
PATHWAYS Theological Education continues expanding its offerings. Look for information coming soon on the Environmental Justice Certificate, the Advanced Faith Formation Practitioner's Certificate, and new preaching and Bible courses in conjunction with the Southern New England UCC Conference Project Proclaim (funded by the Lilly Foundation). Go to the website to see a schedule of upcoming courses.
| | |
Want an easy way to connect with The Heartland Conference's resources and news?
Add this QR Code to your church's bulletin or print material. From here you can access our website, newsletter, email our staff, register for camp, and more!
This QR code will be regularly updates in time for things like Annual Gathering Registration and other primary conference events.
| | | | | |
Help us spread
the word about
Heartland Conference Networks!
Click on the image for a
printable flyer to share
with your congregation!
Find your people, find your passion!
Connect through the Networks!!
| | Your generous gift makes our ministry possible. | |
Stay Connected
Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
cell: 419-934-5386 email: dlbusch@nwoa.org
Kim Nye, Office Administrator/Search Coordinator
email: kim@nwoa.org
Deb Long, Bookkeeper
email: deb@nwoa.org
OFFICE PHONE: 419-447-8323
OFFICE EMAIL: office@nwoa.org
| | | | | |
