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August 28, 2025
issue # 35
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"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
HOSPITALITY. Hebrews 13:1-2 are thought provoking words for people of faith: “Let mutual affection continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, (“open up your homes to guests”--CEB), for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it”--NRSVue) (“angels unaware”--KJV). My mother was an immigrant after she and my grandmother were permitted to join my grandfather who had immigrated 10 years before them with many other men relatives who came to this country for employment. At many family and church gatherings, I heard how difficult it was for them to “fit in” because of the contempt that previous settlers, who had only been in that frontier region themselves for just 2 generations, spoke critical words, spat upon them, and did not welcome them at certain business. HOSPITALITY was blind and non-existent, determined by customs, language, and appearances. I relate to immigrants today who have come to this country to find opportunities that are not possible in their “homeland,” escaping violence, and are treated badly. HOSPITALITY can be discriminatory, giving prominence to those invited to events and devastating for social climbers or supposed friends of event organizers.
We all are immigrants of God’s world, limited by time between birth and death. We are strangers not only as citizens of this nation, but also strangers at work, social and family gatherings, and often, regrettably, when we are supposed to be the “community” of faith. “Angels unaware” should remind us that welcoming “strangers” may be God’s way of testing how we live our faith in word and deed. Together we are God’s gifts to one another by sharing God’s blessings graciously. We are all created in the image of God, all God’s children, family and no longer strangers or orphans. We often treat one another selfishly or narcissistically, rather than with love and compassion. Those who place limits on friendships are not respectful. HOSPITALITY is God’s gift to heal and bring peace to GOD’S world. HOSPITALITY offers kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation to and from one another. “Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.” (vs. 16). BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
August 31, 2025-Park Congregational, Toledo at 10:00 am
September 7, 2025-Baseline, Bloomville at 9:00 am
September 7, 2025-College Hill, Bloomville at 10:30 am
September 14, 2025-Sylvania UCC, Sylvania at 10:00 am
September 20, 2025-Zion Fireside, Bellevue at 4:30 pm
September 21, 2025-Salem UCC, Kenton at 10:30 am/165th Anniversary of Salem UCC, Kenton
September 28, 2025-St. Paul's UCC, Bellevue at 10:30 am
October 5, 2025-St. Stephen UCC, Sandusky at 8:00 am & 10:15 am
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
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The Northwest Ohio Association Office will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025
in Observance of Labor Day.
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SEARCH COMMITTEE NEWS
Interim Association Minister Position to be Posted
The Search Committee working to fill the vacancy created by the pending retirement of Rev. Dan Busch is aiming toward the calling of an Interim Association Minister. This will be a part time position at least to start, but that status can be reevaluated after the first of the year. The Search Committee will conduct candidate interviews, then recommend a candidate to the Cabinet for a vote on the calling. While it is preferable to have the Interim Minister start in late October, it will depend on the availability of the person selected. The position will be posted nationally via the national website, and this is where all candidates should apply. If it is not posted by the publishing of this issue of the Vine, keep checking as it will be posted soon. Here is the link: oppsearch.ucc.org/web/default.aspx
Questions and input about the search process are welcome and encouraged. The members of the Search Committee are: Vice-moderator and Committee Chairperson Jay Scott, Moderator Peggy George, Cabinet and Committee Secretary Darla Metz, Cabinet Treasurer Dian Ewald, Past Moderator Doug Ricci, Wendy Schindler-Chasney, and Jeremy Mann.
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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, Rev. Jeanette Tangeman, & David Weininger, Adrian Sunday, Peggy George, & Frank Isaacs.
Please keep them in your prayers.
| | Rev. Dr. Kay Mooney Cox 60th Anniversary of Ordination | | |
2025 OCWM Giving Goal - $250,000
(Goal approved at the 63rd Annual Meeting)
OCWM giving Through July 2025 -$102,329.44
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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