"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
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AUTHORITY. Being a devout Jew, Jesus was well-versed in the traditions, commandments, and rabbinic debates about how to live a faithful life as God’s spokesperson. Jesus was constantly challenged about His AUTHORITY. On one occasion, a scribe (religious legal expert), recognizing Jesus’ “wisdom/AUTHORITY,” was seeking to understand Jesus’ ethical teachings of the faith. He asks, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus responded by reciting the “Shema,” the basic “creed/testimony” of the Jewish faith, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:29-30, repeat of Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Faithful Jews spoke this first thing in the morning and last thing before sleeping, reminding them there is only one God as opposed to religions around them of many gods. By repeating and believing these words, God was the AUTHORITY over their lives.
There are 613 commandments that the faithful were to follow: 365 “Thou shall nots,” and 248 “Thou shalls.” Jesus succinctly summarized the law with the Shema and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31, repeat of Leviticus 19:18). These two laws are the fundamental foundations of faith that connect God, neighbors, and us together to live in harmony and love. Interpreting the law legalistically makes it so rigid and inflexible that it cannot act in compassionate and caring ways. When law focus on its intention, it is relationship building, generous, kind, and inclusive in affirming God’s creative diversity in each other and the world.
Jesus’ message invites us to seek the Realm of God as servant-disciples in ways of love for God, others, and ourselves. Love transforms us and the world when visions become actions of peace, justice, and goodwill. We pray down God’s Holy Spirit on us so that we will be given God’s AUTHORITY as healers of evil and broken relationships. Conviction of faith in God leads to love for, with, and to others. “May our dreams prove rich with promise, each endeavor, well begun; Great Creator, give us guidance till our goals and yours are one.” (Catherine Cameron, NCH, 556.) BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
Nov 3 - Preaching First UCC - Marion 11:00 am
Nov 10 - Preaching at College Hill UCC 9:00 am & St. John's UCC Baseline 10:30 am - Bloomville
Nov 17 - Preaching at Zion UCC - Bettsville 9:30 am
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Church Moving Sale
St. John's UCC
68 Park Avenue East Mansfield, OH
November 7, 8, 9 * Cash Only
Flyer
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UCC Hymnals to Give Away
St. John's UCC, Mansfield
Call the church secretary DaLynn
for more information 419-522-2813
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LOOKING FOR "THE NEW CENTURY HYMNAL"
Copyright © 1995 The Pilgrim Press
First UCC in Galion is in need of 25 more New Century Hymnals.
If you have extra or are no longer using what you have
and would like to pass them on,
please contact First UCC, Galion at 419-468-4380.
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THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
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IRS Standard Mileage Rates for 2024
- 67 cents per mile for business use
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
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VISIT THOSE CHURCHES OFFERING SUNDAY SERVICE ONLINE | |
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Rev. Paul Moyer, Holland (center) is celebrating his 60th Ordination Anniversary and was presented with a certificate by Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister. Pictured with Rev. Busch and Paul is Judy Moyer. Congratulations.!
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Rev. Hafidha Saadiqah, Toledo (center) was honored with a Certificate celebrating her 25th year of Ordination. The certificate was presented by Rev. Daniel Busch (left). Rev. Ed Heilman joined in the picture. Congratulations!
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Prayer Concerns / Request
Continuing prayer for: Dee Schroer, Rev. Daniel Johnson, Rev. Jim Garner,
Rev. Hafidha Saadiqah, Rev. Randall Forester, Rev. Gale Gebhart, Rev. Don Giesmann, Rev. David Culp, Rev. Jeff King, Peggy George, Rev. Martin Stiffler and family, Rev. Diane Christopherson, Rev. David Voll, Pastor Amy Kinney, Rev. Adrian Sunday, Rev. Jeanette Tangeman, Rev. Patrick McKinney, Rev. Brad McKibben, Regena Mummert, Pastor Amy Kinney
To the family of Ted Hansen, The NWOA extends Christian Love & Sympathy to family and friends. Mr. Ted Hansen, 2005 graduate of the NWOA Lay School of Religion passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the Heritage Corner Health Care, Bowling Green. Rev. Marge Mair-Hansen, spouse of Mr. Hansen served at First UCC, Shelby and is now retired living in Bowling Green. The Hanneman Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Theodore Hansen Obituary | Oct 27, 2024 | Bowling Green, OH
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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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NWOA Witness and Proclamation Ministry Team | |
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As Christians, let us love those who have recently immigrated from Haiti.
Jesus expects no less of us.
A topic that has appeared in the news recently has concerned the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Since the presidential debate in early September, the community has been threatened by over thirty bomb attacks. These have affected schools, government institutions, and universities. It was stated in the presidential debate that the Haitians were eating the dogs and the cats of the community. Governor DeWine and Springfield officials affirmed that this is not true.
The Haitians in Springfield make up about a third of the population of the city. The city, which was stagnant with a declining population, has seen new life with the new residents. They are here under a federal program that gives them Temporary Protected Status. Some of them have been invited to the community while others have come to take jobs, especially in manufacturing.
A Joint Statement on the Current Crisis in Haiti was issued by the Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ on September 26, 2024. It begins, “Our hearts are heavy with concern for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. A land known for its resilient spirit is now gripped by an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, characterized by rampant gang violence and deep-seated political instability. As followers of Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the sufferings of our Haitian neighbors; instead we are called to respond with compassion, solidarity, and action.”
Ongoing gang attacks targeting vital infrastructure, including police stations, prisons, schools, hospitals, and religious sites, have instilled fear and chaos across the nation. According to the most recent human rights report from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, at least 1379 people have been killed or injured and another 428 kidnapped between April to June 2024. Many of the weapons smuggled into Haiti have come from the United States from states with lax firearm laws such as Florida, Texas and Georgia.
The Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are cruelly targeted again with anti-immigrant racist language and threats. A pastoral letter from Rev. David Long-Higgins sent on September 19 regarding the situation in Springfield calls us to “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
As Christians, let us love those who have recently immigrated from Haiti into Springfield, Findlay, Lima and perhaps the community in which we live. Jesus expects no less of us.
Rev. John Mummert, Salem UCC, Kenton * NWOA Witness and Proclamation Team
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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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Does your congregation have a special ministry it would like to engage to make a difference in the world? A MAD grant may be just the thing to help that get launched.
The application can be found by clicking on the link below. For further questions, contact Becca Hoskins at becca@heartlanducc.org
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One can’t help but see the current “climate” of hurricane disasters, and wonder what the Heartland Conference is doing? Thus, I wanted to share several things related to this.
First, on Sept. 28, the CWS semi was filled during the Heartland Conference Annual Gathering. For our part, our 2024 goal was 2,024 buckets & kits. As that semi rolled out of the parking lot, it left with 2,334 buckets and kits that came from our Depot, our churches, and our partners! There were lots of other buckets and kits, besides ours…at the same time, CWS was filling trucks at its New Windsor, Maryland warehouse, in anticipation of hurricane Helene.
Secondly, CWS did respond by sending 3,296 cleanup buckets and 4,360 hygiene kits to Florida and North Carolina. However, this has resulted in their reserve stock being very low. If your church feels God’s nudge to continue to assist with buckets and kits, please do so…and then let our Heartland Conference Disaster Response Team know! If you haven’t had the chance to assist with the creation of buckets and kits, now is a perfect time to respond! Our Templed Hills Depot continues to be open to receive these until the end of November. At that time, we will transition to Camp Christian, having established our Depot site there, as well as housing our pickup and 2 trailers.
So…”how can I help?” Prayer. Monetary Donations (sent through the UCC Global HOPE website, or sent to the Heartland Conference with a Helene/Milton notation), CWS cleanup buckets & personal hygiene kits.
Currently, many of the affected areas are still in the initial phase of Search & Rescue. Others are in the Immediate Needs phase, with organizations such as Red Cross, Salvation Army, Samaritans Purse, Team Rubicon, etc. providing basic needs. Eventually, it will transition into the Recovery Phase, which is where faith-based organizations typically plug themselves in. Stay tuned for more information to come, when we have it.
Thank you.
Heartland Conference Disaster Team
Kevin Gehres, Disaster Response Coordinator
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Join us in the next Chapter…. Registration opens November 1, 2025 | |
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Although we are still finishing the last chapters at Templed Hills, it is time to peek ahead! Maybe read the introduction, read an excerpt from Summer Camp 2025, and get ready to pre-order your copy (register for camp) Nov. 1st!!
That’s right, Summer Camp 2025 is loading…. You can read all of the information here, including Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on 2025 fees and discounts.
Don’t miss out on your favorite Summer Camp in a new location. We are so excited that our previous directors and many other volunteer staff as well as new ones are already signed on.
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Jill Frey
Executive Director of Outdoor Ministries
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Once again, we will offer weeklong resident camps for ages 7/8-18 with Music/Mindfulness/Art/Dance/Drama, Camp Out, and Sportscamp.
We will have three sessions of the very popular Grands and Family (adults with kids 4-13) camp. One will be in the Central (near Marysville), one in the Northeast (near Beach City), and one west (near Tiffin).
Seek and Sip (21+) Adult Camp will also return and we hope you will join us.
If you would like to give the gift of camp to someone for an upcoming Holiday, here are directions on how to get a Gift Certificate in our registration system.
There truly is something for everyone. Please mark your calendars and register November 1st.
Congregations, now is the time to get your Summer Camp Sunday on your Church Calendar for this winter or early spring – February is a great month! A tool kit including liturgy, bulletin inserts and more will be available in January.
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When: Thursday, October 17; Monday, October 28; Thursday, November 7, 6:30-8pm
Where: Zoom (register)
Topic: Building Strong Communities:
An Appreciative Approach
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 – STRONG COMMUNITIES
Join us for a transformative workshop on building strong communities through an appreciative approach to community ministry. Move beyond traditional charity models and embrace an abundance mindset, leveraging the gifts and assets within our communities to create lasting positive change. Discover how to tap into the resources already present and cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience within our neighborhoods.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 – RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
Join us for an in-depth exploration of building resilient communities to thrive in the face of future challenges. In this workshop, we’ll analyze community challenges on individual, associational, and institutional levels, to leverage our strengths and assets. Discover how to harness the power of community collaboration and innovation to create a resilient foundation for the future.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – BELOVED COMMUNITIES
Join us for this rich theological discussion about building the Beloved Community. Delve into a rich theological framework for community ministry, drawing from biblical themes. Discover how the concept of the beloved community serves as a contemporary language to articulate the aspirations of the “Kingdom of God.” This workshop serves as the foundational theology for our community ministries, guiding our efforts towards building inclusive, thriving, and transformative communities.
Facilitator: The Rev. Michael Anthony Howard
Michael has been serving as the Minister of Faith in action since March 2019. From the wooded knobs of Kentucky countryside, Michael is a teacher, community organizer, and prophetic Christian leader. He has taught and served around the world, including Peru, Brazil, India, and Ethiopia; along with Kentucky, Virginia, and New Jersey. In addition to traditional pastoral ministry, Michael has coached and co-founded a number of community organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses. Michael is an ordained minister in the UCC and has an MPA from Morehead State University and an MDiv from Drew Theological Seminary.
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Rev. Jim Kulma helps participants strengthen their personal devotions, Bible study, and prayer life. He is a great Biblical storyteller and his previous class was highly reviewed. All ages are welcome to participate. | |
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Mission Moments
Use Mission Moments every week to tell a story about your congregation’s connection with the wider church. Each issue – which is designed to be inserted with your newsletter or Sunday worship bulletin – is an effective way to inform your members about what they make possible through their gifts to Our Church’s Wider Mission.
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The 4th Annual Fallen Timbers Art Festival
November 2 -3
3100 Main Street, Maumee, OH
events@fallentimbers.com
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Dealing With Violence & Trauma: at home, at work and within
Chaplains Association of Ohio CAO
November 8, 2024
9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Zoom Conference
Registration online:
Chapsohio.net
Brochure
with complete
information
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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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PATHWAYS Theological Education - FALL 2024 SECOND TERM
MINISTRY PREPARATION COURSES
o Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian (Level 1, Begins 10/16)
o Introducing the Old Testament (Level 1, Begins 10/16)
o Variety of Beliefs within Christianity Today (Level 1, Begins 10/16)
o Old Testament Hermeneutics (Level 2, Begins 10/16)
o Introduction to Storytelling for Preaching and Proclamation (Level 2, Begins 10/16)
o Ecological Theology (Level 3, 6-weeks, October)
NEW for 2024 (Partner with PROJECT PROCLAIM of Southern New England UCC)
DICKINSON SERIES Exploring the Bible: Introducing the Old Testament (Level 1, Begins 10/16)
PROJECT PROCLAIM Skill Courses: Writing About Faith and Religion for the Public, Scout Opatut (Level 2, Begins 10/16)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rev. Dr. Ruth E. Shaver, Academic Dean (RuthShaver@PATHWAYSTheological.org)
Rev. Melissa Ashmore, Registrar (registrar@PATHWAYSTheological.org)
The next UCC History and Polity course begins January 8, 2025.
For more information, go to the PATHWAYS Theological Education website, pathwaystheological.org
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Your generous gift makes our ministry possible. | |
Stay Connected
Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
cell: 419-934-5386 email: dlbusch@nwoa.org
Joan Davidson, Office Manager/Search Coordinator
email: joan@nwoa.org
Deb Long, Bookkeeper
email: deb@nwoa.org
OFFICE PHONE: 419-447-8323
OFFICE EMAIL: office@nwoa.org
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