Newsletter

October 23, 2025

issue # 43

     "Blessing Always"

Association Minister Message

Rev. Daniel L. Busch

           RESTORATION. The world news was very important recently: hostages released in the Middle East and a ceasefire in the Gaza strip. Seemingly fulfilled are prophetic words, dreams, visions, hopes, and RESTORATION. This weeks’ lectionary from Joel 2:28-29 are so contemporary, “After that I will pour out my spirit upon everyone; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old me will dream dreams, and your men will see visions. In those days, I will also pour out my spirit on the male and female slaves.” To be held prisoner for years and mistreated, and tortured, yet amazingly many are still alive. A people’s homeland has been so destroyed that they will have to build new a homeland where people have been starving, disease infested, and no way of escaping. Innocent victims were caught in a situation of mistrust, captive of a political system of antagonism, a war of terrorism, and disrespected. Captors claimed entitlement for themselves land and people’s rights.

     Judah, the Southern Kingdom, had been in a state of disarray and decline for years, both economically and spiritually. Neighboring nations would often cross over Judah and Israel in wartime adventures against other nations. There were also a locust plague and drought that ruined Judah’s economy. The people lost faith in God and optimism was at an all-time low. It was in this time of depression and decline that God sent Joel to tell the people to turn from their sinful ways and find RESTORATION. If the people would not turn from their evil ways, more devastation would happen to them. Even though the Babylonians captured them, the Day of the Lord would come and their fortunes would be RESTORED. There would again be prophetic words, dreams would change devastation into recognition as a nation, and personal dignity would be achieved.

     Joel’s words ask us what kind of prophecies, dreams, and visions do we have as we journey into God’s future? Are they only past achievements or are God’s plans for us a future of unlimited possibilities? Are we open to receiving the pouring out of God’s Spirit on us so that we are RESTORED to right relationship with God and one another? Joel’s words remind us that there is RESTORATION and healing with God personally and as the Body of Christ. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.

Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister

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, & Rev. Steve Trimble .

Please keep them in your prayers.

BRIDGE ASSOCIATION MINISTER CALLED

NWOA Cabinet voted to call Rev. Don Giesmann

    Retired minister Rev. Don Giesmann has been called by the NWOA Cabinet to be our Bridge Association Minister starting November 2, 2025. Rev. Giesmann will take over the position part time upon the retirement of Rev. Dan Busch. Rev. Busch will begin a two-month sabbatical on November 2 and then be officially out of the position on December 31. 

    The search continues for a Designated Association Minister who will hold the job on a more permanent basis. This call will require a vote of the Association, either at the Annual Meeting next spring, or at a special meeting.

    Between now and the end of the month, Rev. Giesmann and Rev. Busch will work together to ensure a smooth transition. The Cabinet’s next meeting is November 8, at which time a review of the transition will take place, as well as a liturgy of installation. 

    Anyone with questions can email Pastor Jay Scott, Search Committee Chairperson, at jayscott1981@yahoo.com



 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 26^th

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

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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.

MONTHLY ARTICLES

NEIGHBORS IN NEED 2024

"BECAUSE OF YOU OUR CHURCH CHANGES LIVES"

"WHAT IS OCWM AND WHY DOES IT MATTER"

Send your story to Mike Fonner mfonner@bright.net

The Stewardship and Generosity Team share stories of the many ways that churches make real their practices of Stewardship and Generosity. Read below current mission happenings.

Laundromat Mission

5 for 5 Mission +

Shalom Food Pantry

"Mission to Go" Fund

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.

The Stewardship and Generosity Team continues to work hard at finding ways to give you and your church resources for enhancing the giving of your congregations. We encourage you to explore the following links:

To donate to Ukraine:

Global Partners - Heartland Conference UCC (heartlanducc.org)

Resources from the Heartland Conference

Generosity & Stewardship - Heartland Conference UCC (heartlanducc.org)

Time, Talent and Treasures

TimeTalentandTreasures.docx

Stay informed through Facebook

www.facebook.com/groups/593773784349506

TEAM ARTICLES

Solar Powered Lantern by Alice Chun

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.

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10th Annual Symposium - REGISTER TODAY!!

Join us in person or online on Oct. 31st for a dynamic day of exploring the vital and often overlooked role of creativity in aging. This event is designed for all who want to expand their understanding of how creativity can enrich lives, support wellness, and build connection — especially in later life.

In-Person Registration (Includes Lunch)

9/29 and Before: $70 (includes CEUs)

9/30 and Later: $85 (includes CEUs)

55+ and students: $40

Online Zoom Registration

9/29 and Before: $45 (includes CEUs)

9/30 and Later: $55 (includes CEUs)

55+ and students: $25

Resident of United Church Homes community: $15

Your generous gift makes our ministry possible.