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October 30, 2025
issue # 44
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"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
GOOD-BYE. AUF WIEDERSEHEN. ADIOS. VISZONTLATASRA. BAR LOKOM. AU REVOIR. SAYONARA. SHALOM. ADJO. ZAI JIAN. ARRIVEDERCI. Northwest Ohio Association members, churches, and faith friends, I give thanks to God for you blessing me with your gifts and graces as we shared together being the faith community, the Body of Christ. Team and committee meetings, office administration, search committees, preaching, annual meetings, anniversary celebrations of authorized ministers and congregations, conflict situations and resolutions, the sacraments of Holy Communion and Holy Baptisms, officiating at weddings and funerals, times of faith, fellowship, and fun, and other times together around tables of food that nourished our minds, bodies, and souls. Relationships with the Conference, other associations, various United Church of Christ and ecumenical partnerships nourished and affirmed my faith. Twenty years of changes and yet so much the same.
I have been blessed to work with a dedicated and creative staff who share and have shared their talents and skills with integrity and generosity. Together we have provided services and care gladly. Bookkeeper Deb Long, office administrator Kim Nye, and former employees Joan Davidson, Katheryn Adams, Mary Powell, and Carolyn Pennington are to be commended for their services to NWOA; I thank them for making my job easier and together to be available for service and ministry to others.
Thank you for your support of ministries and missions in your communities and around the world. You have allowed me to be part of these places of ministries and missions and you have been present through me in affirming people’s lives to be part of God’s family, too. Thank you for being ministers through both word and deed, sacrificially giving of your time, talents, and treasures so that others can experience God’s love and know that they, too, are part of the world family of faith. You have ministered to me through your music as God has blessed many people with talents who share faith through music as church musicians, and using their skills and voices to glorify God. I have been blessed by those who are life-long faith learners and who take time to share their faith with me and the church. Faith formation leaders, and learners continue to share the Good News of God’s love from generation to generation. You have taught me so much about the Christian faith to affirm me as a Child of God. Thank You!
On November 17th, movers will arrive at my home in Tiffin and begin the process of moving to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania where a new chapter in my life will begin. I will be near my only grandchild, Odin, seven years old, with my daughter Alison and son-in-law Charles. My son Christopher and Cori live in Newport News, Virginia, and will be closer for visits.
My call as NWOA Association Minister comes to an end on November 1, 2025, but memories will last forever. I ask you to pray for me and I will pray for you as we both journey into God’s future of unlimited possibilities. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you always. “May you love God so much that you love nothing else too much; May you fear God enough that you need fear nothing else at all.” BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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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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BRIDGE ASSOCIATION MINISTER CALLED
NWOA Cabinet voted to call Rev. Don Giesmann
Retired minister Rev. Don Giesmann has been called by the NWOA Cabinet to be our Bridge Association Minister starting November 2, 2025. Rev. Giesmann will take over the position part time upon the retirement of Rev. Dan Busch. Rev. Busch will begin a two-month sabbatical on November 2 and then be officially out of the position on December 31.
The search continues for a Designated Association Minister who will hold the job on a more permanent basis. This call will require a vote of the Association, either at the Annual Meeting next spring, or at a special meeting.
Between now and the end of the month, Rev. Giesmann and Rev. Busch will work together to ensure a smooth transition. The Cabinet’s next meeting is November 8, at which time a review of the transition will take place, as well as a liturgy of installation.
Anyone with questions can email Pastor Jay Scott, Search Committee Chairperson, at jayscott1981@yahoo.com
| | Online registration for Boundary Training is now closed. *If you still need to register, please call Kim Nye at the Northwest Ohio Association Office at (419) 447-8323. | | |
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 September 2025 -$135,407.58
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
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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!!
| | Registration Deadline is December 10, 2025! | | NOTICE: The button below is the link to Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering. Just a friendly reminder that if you received an email, do not open the link it is a scam. | |
Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States.
The Neighbors in Need offering supports ministries of justice and compassion, with one-third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds supporting UCC justice ministries.
In 2025 the Neighbors in Need Offering supported 26 grant recipients across the UCC who were engaged in projects of direct service and advocacy.
While many of our churches collect the offering on part of World Communion Sunday, contributions to this offering can be collected on any Sunday during the calendar year. Thank you for your support and generosity!
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Heartland Conference 2026 Camp Launch!
Jill Frey is the Executive
Director of Outdoor Ministries.
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Mental Health in
Faith Formation!
Carol Peterson from the
Mental Health Network.
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Our discussion will include:
· Ideas and resources for Blue Christmas or Longest Night services
· Sharing liturgies, prayers, and supportive practices
Ways to utilize materials and guidance from the wider church
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Thriving Church
Featuring Erin Cash & Kory Wilcoxson
Event hosted by the CCiOH
Congregational Renewal Team.
All Are Invited!
| | | | Come spend the day hearing the stories of thriving churches and the core values that help them thrive. This event is for both Pastors and congregational leaders! The $60 registration fee includes the all-day session, a copy of the book ($10 value,) and lunch. Add on overnight at Camp Christian in a Cabin for $25 | | 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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