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October 16, 2025
issue # 42
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"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
COVENANT. In our litigious society, contracts often become sources of conflicts and lawsuits if terms are unfulfilled, overlooked, or ignored. It often takes a court case to determine and interpret what a contract between parties was to accomplish or define in relationships. The contract either limits or proposes expansion of actions between parties or entities in some type of orderly fashion. Simple contracts might be purchase of some product to be delivered by a certain date. COVENANTS are established between two or more entities: societies, married couples, the church and members, family inheritances, educational institutions and students, businesses and customers, governments and citizens, God and each one of us. The church often forgets that it COVENANTS together to be the Body of Christ to share joys and sorrows with care and celebration, compassion and appreciation.
The prophet Jeremiah encountered a discouraged people who had been captured, tormented, and displaced by the world-powers of their day. They lost hope and even thought God had deserted them and rejected them as God’s chosen Ones. The prophet Jeremiah reminds his people, “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new COVENANT with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” (Jeremiah 31:31). The new COVENANT was intended again to remind the people to have God’s law within them, on their hearts, and importantly God says, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (vs. 33). To have this intimate relationship with God is awesome, amazing, powerful, and demanding. This COVENANT affirms that we are the beloved family of God. It is God who blesses our minds, bodies, and spirits in ways of hope, peace, joy, and love.
As people of faith, we COVENANT with God to journey into God’s future of unlimited possibilities. Anger and hopelessness are changed by God’s power and love as it embraces all the diversities of this world where differences are blessings, not burdens. We COVENANT to share our faith in both word and deed in acts of transformation, kindness, and forgiveness through ministries and missions opportunities that give and receive compassion, reconciliation and hope, justice and peace, and gifts and graces in abundance. We COVENANT to be the Body of Christ of extravagant welcome in us and through us with one another. BLESSINGS ALWAYS!
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
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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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.
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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.
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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
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NOTICE:
**AT THIS TIME, YOU ARE UNABLE TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR BOUNDARY TRAINING IN ACS. ACS IS WORKING ON THE ISSUE & WILL NOTIFY US SOON AS IT IS RESOLVED.**
**PLEASE SEND KIM NYE AN EMAIL TO REGISTER AT: kim@nwoa.org. WE WILL GET YOU ADDED TO THE REGISTRATION.
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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.
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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
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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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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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Summer Camp Registration Opens November 1, 2025!!
Click here for all the information.
Who are you or your church going to send to camp this summer?
Make your plans now!
No kids in your congregation? No problem!
Jill Frey
Executive Director of Outdoor Ministries
I have heard many people tell me, “Our church knows how impactful camp can be for children and youth, but we don’t have any kids at our church, so we really can’t help.”
Surprise!
You can make a difference in someone’s life!
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Do you have the money you need to start your next community project? Whether you would like to partner with a local health services agency to confront the opioid crisis, start a racial justice initiative with the churches in your community, or something else entirely, the Make a Difference Grant could help your church serve the community.
The Make a Difference Grant is an endowment created in 1998 that holds earnings designated for support of leadership development, congregational ministries, and community outreach at both the local and regional levels.
Your proposal for funding form needs to be submitted by November 14, 2025. Grant awards are made up to $1,000.
Questions: Contact Becca in the Conference office at becca@heartlanducc.org or 800-282-0740. The Make A Difference (MAD) committee looks forward to helping you to get your special ministries underway!Do you have the money you need to start your next community project? Whether you would like to partner with a local health services agency to confront the opioid crisis, start a racial justice initiative with the churches in your community, or something else entirely, the Make a Difference Grant could help your church serve the community.
The Make a Difference Grant is an endowment created in 1998 that holds earnings designated for support of leadership development, congregational ministries, and community outreach at both the local and regional levels.
Your proposal for funding form needs to be submitted by November 14, 2025. Grant awards are made up to $1,000.
Questions: Contact Becca in the Conference office at becca@heartlanducc.org or 800-282-0740. The Make A Difference (MAD) committee looks forward to helping you to get your special ministries underway!
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Annual Gathering Highlights
It was wonderful to be together for this year's Heartland Conference Annual Gathering where we explored together the theme, "Into the Deep: Who is this Jesus we say we follow?" Thanks to all who planned, presented, and participated in this celebration of covenant we are privileged to share. Whether you were able to attend or not, the following video captures some of the energy and messages of the day. May you be inspired as the energy of that day continues to reverberate throughout our life!
| | Developing additional sources of revenue such as rent, endowment draws, and special events or offerings can augment the giving of members. Learn practical steps your congregation can take to raise financial resources beyond the stewardship campaign. | | |
Join us for a retreat for authorized ministers in the Heartland Conference (UCC) and the Ohio Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), to be held at Camp Christian, January 13-15, 2026.
The retreat will feature a variety of workshop options along with plenty of time for rest, renewal, worship, and conversation with colleagues. Register today!
| | 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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