"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
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FOLLOW. Many children have played the game “FOLLOW the leader.” A leader is chosen and the others mimic whatever the leader does. The game promotes listening skills, encourages understanding of directions, and enhances physical coordination. If someone doesn’t FOLLOW the leader, that person is out of the game, and the game ends when no one is left but the leader. Then a new leader is chosen and the game continues.
One of the intriguing biblical stories is about Elijah being taken into heaven by a whirlwind/windstorm. (2 Kings 2). Elijah is accompanied/FOLLOWED by Elisha who would not separate himself from Elijah even when told to “stay here.” Elijah asks, “What do you want me to do for you before I’m taken away from you?” (vs. 9). Elisha’s interesting response and request is to have double the spiritual power from one whose spirit was very powerful and provided great leadership to the people. What would you ask for as people of faith if given the opportunity to ask for something? Power, possessions, and privileges are so self-serving and selfish. Receiving God’s Spirit in double portion would be life-changing and blessings to be able to change our lives and the world as God would intend them to be.
In the Gospel lectionary reading from Luke 9, Jesus calls out to people to “FOLLOW me” as an invitation to make changes to love God, neighbor, and oneself. FOLLOWING Jesus shows love unconditionally with forgiveness to bring about peace and goodwill to God’s creation. The invitation to FOLLOW Jesus also notes contrasts when excuses are made to be engaged in other things. Excuses distract us from doing justice, finding peace, and being stewards of God’s gifts, graces, and creation. Jesus’ call is for change of attitude from the doom and gloom messages of today and living blessings in face of oppression. It is living the fruit of the Spirit of “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22). We need God’s Spirit to lead us especially when we are threatened by spoken or written hateful words, physical harm, or by our self-doubts of being created in God’s image. Let us FOLLOW our leader. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
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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SEARCH COMMITTEE NEWS
The Association Cabinet received and accepted on June 7, 2025, Rev. Dan Busch’s notification of his intention to retire. The Cabinet granted his request to make October 31 his last day on the job, and granted him sabbatical until the end of 2025. The Executive Committee was appointed by the Cabinet to be the Search Committee and conduct the process for finding a new Association Minister, and the committee was authorized to add several members at its discretion.
The members of the Search Committee are:
Peggy George – Cabinet Moderator
Pastor Jay Scott – Cabinet Vice-moderator
Rev. Darla Metz – Cabinet Secretary
Dian Ewald – Cabinet Treasurer
Doug Ricci – Cabinet Past Moderator
Rev. David Long-Higgins – Conference Minister
Rev. Jeremy Mann
Rev. Wendy Schindler-Chasney
The Search Committee held its first meeting on June 19 and began designing a basic process and timeline for the search and call of an Association Minister. Initial plans were also made for a Service of Release for Rev. Busch followed by a reception on Sunday afternoon, October 26 at Trinity UCC in Tiffin.
The committee will meet again on July 9 and delve into creating a profile for the position so the vacancy can be posted. Questions, and input into this process, are always welcome, and can be directed to any member of the committee.
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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 home, Adrian Sunday is in the hospital, Peggy George is home recovering from shoulder surgery.
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THANK YOU
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| |  | 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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From the Pastoral Relations Working Group
of the NWOA Church and Ministry Team
Spiritual Directors
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Anti-Racism and White Privilege
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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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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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