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August 21, 2025
issue # 34
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"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
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RESCUE. The 1994 movie Shawshank Redemption, filmed at the Reformatory in Mansfield, has become a classic, with intriguing views of criminal prison life. There is an underlying theme for the need of redemption—RESCUE--from criminal behavior. In 1947, banker Andy Dufresne is jailed for supposedly killing his wife and her lover. He is befriended in prison by Red, who is serving a life sentence for smuggling contraband. Andy, with personal selfish intentions, helps a prison guard with tax issues, which leads to Andy becoming the financial advisor to many guards and the warden. While “helping” his clients, Andy diverts funds to his own accounts so that when he escapes from prison he will be financially secure. For nineteen years he digs his way out using a small rock hammer behind the covered wall with a giant picture of Rita Hayward without any suspicion from prisoners or guards. He escapes. He worked deviously hard to be liberated from prison and viewers are sympathetic to unjustly convicted Andy.
In Jeremiah 1:8, the reluctant prophet is told by God, “Don’t be afraid of them, because I’m with you to RESCUE you.” The writer of the 71st Psalm lists the petitioner’s prayer, “My God, RESCUE me from the power of the wicked; RESCUE me from the grip of the wrongdoer and the oppressor because you are my hope, Lord.” Luke 13 is the story of a women “who had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years…” Jesus called to her and healed her, “Woman, you are set free (RESCUED) from your sickness. He placed his hands on her and she straightened up at once and praised God.”
What in our lives needs to be RESCUED and released? We need to be RESCUED from misusing, damaging, and wasting God's creation. With appreciation, we receive God’s generous gifts of and to our minds, bodies, and spirits. We need to be released from those things of greed, conflict, and hate. We need to turn to ways of love, peace, and joy. It is a change (conversion) from limiting living for personal gain to affirming that we are all created in the image of God, welcomed as God’s beloved and into the Body of Christ, and RESCUED. Thanks be to God! BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
Saturday, August 23, 2025-officiating funeral for Rev. Michael H. Smith
August 24, 2025-St. John's UCC, Holgate at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall
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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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.
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THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
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IRS Standard Mileage Rates for 2025
- 70 cents per mile for business use
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
| |  | VISIT THOSE CHURCHES OFFERING SUNDAY SERVICE ONLINE | |
NWOA Stewardship and Generosity Ministry Team
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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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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.
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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!!
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Applications For Part-Time Disciples of Christ Regional
Church Bookkeeper Now Being Received
The Christian Church in Ohio is seeking a Part-Time Bookkeeper to help with Regional Church finances, as well as assist with the If Not Now, When? If Not You, Who? financial campaign. The Part-Time Bookkeeper serves a vital role in supporting the financial health and accountability of the Christian Church in Ohio, a Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This position works closely with the Regional Administrator, Regional Church Treasurer, the Major Fundraising Campaign Coordinator, and Treasury Services of the Office of General Minister and President (OGMP) to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, proper account reconciliation, and alignment with denominational financial protocols. This role does not involve payroll processing or check issuance responsibilities.
The part-time bookkeeper can work remotely but must be present on site (of the Regional Church Offices in Marysville, Ohio) at least weekly and more frequently during peak seasons and financial campaigns.
Hours: Part-time (up to 15 hours/week, flexible schedule). More time may be required during peak seasons. Compensation: $20-$23 p/hour depending upon experience. No additional benefits are offered.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three references to: Rev. Erica Brown, Chair, Personnel Committee, Christian Church in Ohio at elbrown348@gmail.com. Applications are being received until the position is filled.
Click HERE for the complete Job Description
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CHHSM is actively searching to fill the role of Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Vice President and COO is vital helping to guide and support CHHSM's mission and ministry in meaningful ways.
CHHSM invites and encourages applications for this position. They will begin reviewing applications August 11, 2025. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
Click HERE for the job description for this important leadership role in CHHSM.
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AGM Search Reopens
After not identifying a candidate last spring, the search for the next Associate General Minister has reopened.
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Apply Now for the 2026 UCC Church Grants
Applications are now open for grants to support
the work and mission of local churches.
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Prayers and a Look Back – Katrina 20 Years Later
The UCC reflects on Hurricane Katrina 20 years later...
| | 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. | | | 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
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