"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
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CONFLICT. It is disturbing to read, see, and hear about all the hostilities that are taking place in our families, communities, and nations. Even in faith communities there are disagreements that have led to anger, clashes, and divisions. Kindness, mercy, humility, and respect are lacking in the public and religious dialogue and interactions with one another, especially to those who are oppressed because of their diversity.
In the June 2025 Sojourners magazine, a question is noted, “How does one live joyously in the face of oppression?” In Sunday’s reading from Psalm 42, the psalmist asks, “Why are you so upset (disquieted) inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give God thanks, my saving presence and my God.” (vs. 11). Flip Wilson, comedian from the 1970s and 1980s was described as a comedian who went on stage and the audience hopes that Flip likes them. One character he often played was Geraldine Jones who often said, “The devil made me do it.” What is at the core in us that causes CONFLICT, war of words, and vendettas that make us less than what God created us to be in relationships that are both human and divine?
The Gospel lesson for Sunday is about Jesus’ confronting demons that possessed a man who “For a long time he had not worn any clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs.” (Luke 8:25). Jesus understood the CONFLICT in this man’s life and asked, “’What is your name?’ ’Legion’, he replied, because many demons had entered him.” (vs. 30). It was Jesus who offered healing and restoration in the man’s life. CONFLICT cannot be the final action in our lives.
As Christians we are called to be “resurrection” people who proclaim that God continually creates in us reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, wholeness, holiness, and restoration of relationships. Deb Long, NWOA bookkeeper, gifted me with a Diamond Art Painting that has these words: “Pray Big, Worry Small, Trust God, Love One Another, Laugh More, Stress Less, Have Faith, Rejoice & Be Grateful.” CONFLICT is changed to love. Again, “Hope in God! Because I will again give God thanks, my saving presence and my God.” BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
June 22, 2025-Wapak at 9:30 am
June 29, 2025-Farewell to Scott Johnson, Spencerville at 10:00 am
July 6, 2025-Spencerville at 10:00 am
July 10, 2025-July 16, 2025-General Synod
July 27, 2025-Lyme Congregational Church at 8:45 am
July 27, 2025-Bloomville UCC at 10:15 am
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ANNOUNCEMENT
The Cabinet of Northwest Ohio Association has received notice from our Association Minister, Rev. Daniel Busch, that it is his intention to retire by/on November 1, 2025.
The Executive Committee of the Cabinet has been tasked with planning, preparing, and implementing procedures for the next steps in the Search Process for the Association Minister.
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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, Peggy George, Rev. Diane Christopherson, Rev. Patrick McKinney, Regena Mummert, Rev. Mike Ebersole, Susan Bishop, Rev. Diane Thomas, Rev. Jeanette Tangeman, David Weininger is in the hospital.
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Ordination Anniversary Celebration
Rev. Ed Shelly (left) was honored for his 70th Ordination Anniversary by Association Minister, Daniel Busch (right).
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THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
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IRS Standard Mileage Rates for 2024
- 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 | | | | |
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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2025 STEWARDSHIP THEME MATERIALS
Congregations in the Heartland Conference are eligible
for 50% off the cost of Digital and Print Stewardship Theme Materials!
Please use the coupon code HTLC2025 at checkout
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Article Heading “Dreaming God’s Dream” helps people understand the impact our congregations can make in our communities if we generously support them.
The materials include eight complete worship services, hymn suggestions, sermon starters from eight different authors; plus additional faith formation sessions for children, youth, and adults.
The materials also provide practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. Campaign guidance for every step of a year-round or seasonal effort helps leaders make the best use of these robust materials for their specific context and size.
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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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Article Jointly sponsored by the Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church in Ohio (Disciples of Christ)
Our Theme: Jesus Still Matters!
Our Bible Lecturer & Vesper Speaker: Rev. Carl Robinson
Our Conference Choir Director: Michael Grim,
St. Andrew's Christian Church, Dublin
Full Registration: $245 – Registration and most meals. -Partial attendance options are available
More information, registration, hotel information and more available at https://www.ccinoh.com/minist.../adult/adult-conference.aspx
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Adult Conference is full of endless possibilities where faith is deepened and broadened, ministry leaders are born and nurtured, and fellowship within the wider Church is strengthened. Adult Conference is an inclusive, welcoming place, where conferees are free to explore issues openly, honestly, and without judgment.
Through Adult Conference, conferees may find that God is calling them to explore horizons they had never considered or even dreamed of before. We hope that many will be able to experience the far-reaching impact that Adult Conference has in the lives of individuals.
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Jill Frey
Executive Director of Outdoor Ministries
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Our German Exchange Counselors will be at Camp Christian for most of their summer, volunteering with our camp sessions and also with some of the Christian Church of Ohio (DOC) camps as well.
They will also be supporting Grands and Family 2 and 3 as well as Seek and Sip.ext Link
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Lisa Seeck is 21 years old and from Muenster, Germany. She is currently enrolled in University studying to be a teacher focusing on History and Theology. In her free time she enjoys painting, going to museums, and spending time in Café’s with friends.
| | Lisa Seeck (L) and Lisa-Marie Kuhn (R) | | | Lisa-Marie Kuhn is also 21 years old from Muenster, Germany. She is currently enrolled in University studying to be a teacher focusing on History and German language. In her free time she enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, volunteering as a Scout leader, and hanging out with friends. | | | | |
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They are both looking forward to meeting all of our campers. If you haven’t registered yet, Late registrations are open for MMADD/CampOut for an additional $40 late fee through Friday June 13th . Sportscamp Late registration are open until June 15 For $40 late fee.
There are still openings for Grands and Family 2 and 3 and also Seek and Sip, deadlines July 13 and 16th respectively.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Save the Date 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. Registration information available soon.nd not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs. Place article copy here.
Text Link
| | | 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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