Newsletter

November 13, 2025

issue # 46

You are a translator! All of us are! We often communicate to others for others. Sometimes we clarify what others are saying or trying to say. Sometimes we share the meaning of actions so that others understand what is going on.  It happens all the time among family members, friends, at school, at work. We can bring clarity or peace or insights. Its not always easy but communications explained can bring delight and understanding when we are unsure, confused or angry. At church, work, in neighborhoods we can be translators for others with the words we use. Its not easy, and sometimes it doesn't work. As witnesses and ambassadors for Christ we are often the ones to help in times when others might be confused, misunderstood, angry, or trying unsuccessfully to communicate. Proverbs 16:21 says, "The wise in heart are called discerning and gracious words promote instruction. (NIV). The New Revised Standard (updated) says, "The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness." Sometimes it takes repeated tries and experience over time to be a translator for others but the resulting understanding and possible peace is worth it. Who are you trying to be a translator for? Perhaps between siblings? co-workers? church members? We are also reminded of Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers..." Maybe this week you will be an agent of the Lord's peacemaking with his grace and strength.

Pastor Don

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, & Rev. Wayne Chasney.

*Please keep them in your prayers.

*PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE ADDED TO OUR PRAYER LIST. CONTACT KIM NYE AT NORTHWEST OHIO ASSOCIATION VIA EMAIL: KIM@NWOA.ORG OR CALL (419) 447-8323.

TWO SPECIAL COMMITTEES BEING FORMED

Association Cabinet Looking for Volunteers

Two special committees are being formed by the Cabinet. We are looking for volunteers from our churches in the Association to help with two specific projects. See the committees and their descriptions below.

Building Committee: This committee will evaluate the current condition and use of the Association headquarters building in Tiffin, and submit a report and recommendations to the Cabinet. The evaluation should answer the following questions: What is the condition of the building? Are there any repairs or improvements needed? Is the Association headquarters operation utilizing the space efficiently? Is there too much space for the current/future operations of the Association? Could any part of the building be rented to another entity for office or meeting space?

A second component of the Building Committee’s objective is an analysis of items currently in storage in the building, and whether an of the stored items could be disposed of. If so, arrange for the disposal or disbursement of the items.

For this committee we are looking for any interested volunteers, but especially persons experienced in construction/remodeling and real estate sales/auctioneering.

Information Technology Committee: This committee will evaluate all means of technology in use in the Association headquarters, from personal printers to the phone system, to the computers used by staff, to the server and internet, and submit a report/recommendations to the Cabinet.

For this committee we are looking for any interested volunteers, but especially persons with IT expertise.

How to volunteer: Persons interested in joining either of these committees should submit to the Association office their name and contact information, along with anything that indicates a level of expertise in the requested areas. Volunteers will be contacted by either Rev. Don Giessmann or Pastor Jay Scott.

*Please contact Kim Nye at the Northwest Ohio Office if interested in joining these special committees: kim@nwoa.org or call (419) 447-8323

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES

As the new Bridge Interim Association Minister thank you for your prayers and suggestions!  Thank you for your welcome!

The NWO Association Cabinet continues goals for RENEWAL. Its exciting! Please read and pray over the article by Vice Moderator, Pastor Jay Scott, about upgrades and ideas for technology and for the Association building. This is about better outreach to people.

What do you recommend? What resources would you like to help with? Ideas? Better building use? AI or Cloud suggestions? How can each of us donate our time, talent, treasure to help? Want so serve on a Committee?

Praying is something we can all do! Lets pray to seek the Lord's will and way! In a changing world we are so blessed with the love of Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and all kinds outreach through the UCC, Heartland Conference, NWOA, our local churches, and individual members serving the Lord and needy people. Thank you for being involved in countless ways.

Sharing the Gospel of God's grace in a needy world involves all of us, with our 70 churches with over 14,000 members. It involves friends who will join with us ahead that we don't know yet. We celebrate our Lord and His resurrection! We celebrate the Scripture guiding us! We are people in His love, grace, and peace.

Warmly,

Pastor Don

MONTHLY ARTICLES

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

Dear Friend:

On October 28th, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, one of the most powerful and destructive Category 5 storms on record in the Caribbean. Its devastation also impacted Haiti and Cuba.

Presently, 13,000 people in Jamaica remain in shelters and 34 fatalities have been reported – a number that is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Authorities in Haiti report 25 fatalities, with that number also expected to rise in the coming days.

At this time, we are issuing an appeal to help immediate and long-term recovery efforts in these Caribbean countries. The primary needs at this recovery stage are shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation, healthcare and food. Please consider making a donation to support our recovery efforts. Your generous support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need.

• Through ACT Alliance and Church World Service, the UCC is working to get resources for those who need them.
• Through Global Ministries, we are also in contact with our partners in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti and are working quickly to accompany and support their response efforts.

The UCC has posted a prayer and a short statement in response to the hurricane.

Please consider making a gift today. Thank you for your past support of disaster relief efforts that have rebuilt communities around the world. We do this work through your generosity.

Sincerely,

Michelle Carver

Philanthropy Director

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.

Registration Deadline is December 10, 2025! 

Your generous gift makes our ministry possible.