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September 25, 2025
issue # 39
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"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
INVESTMENTS. We are bombarded often by so many INVESTMENT advertisements that entice us to be rich and not have to worry about having enough financial resources for our needs now and into the future. Many biblical faith stories remind us that all that we have are gifts from God. We are to be stewards—caretakers—of these gifts and graces in ethical and responsible ways. Money/wealth can either be a blessing or curse depending on what we do with it. In 1 Timothy 6:7-8, Paul writes, “...for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it, but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” Sermons that mention money are often topics of irritation, considered spoken too often. Stewardship programs become pledge drives for budgets; stewardship is not just about money and should include faith lessons on the care of time, talents, and treasures discussed all year.
Sunday’s lectionary from Jeremiah 8 is about buying a field as an INVESTMENT for the future. Psalm 91, reflected in the song “Eagles’ Wings,” is about God’s faithfulness and protection in the midst of destruction. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul reminds us, “The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” Paul’s advice to the rich is, “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they take hold of the life that really is life.” (vs. 18). Luke 16 contrasts the wealth of poor Lazarus and the rich man.
These stories remind us of the power that INVESTMENTS, resources, abundance, and wealth have. There is a call to use them as blessings to help others meet basic needs. How resources in one’s care are “spent,” is at the heart of accountability to God. Like the rich man, there is the temptation to flaunt and indulge in satisfying personal desires and needs rather than using wealth as a blessing to do good. The INVESTMENT of compassion and care has a way of the affirmation of “taking hold of life that really is life.” God has INVESTED in us to be BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
September 28, 2025-St. Paul's UCC, Bellevue at 10:30 am
October 5, 2025-St. Stephen UCC, Sandusky at 8:00 am & 10:15 am
October 12, 2025-St. Peter's UCC, Millbury/150th Anniversary Special Worship at 10:15 am
October 19, 2025-St. Paul UCC, New Bremen at 10:15 am
October 26, 2025-Emanuel UCC, Upper Sandusky at 10:00 am
October 26, 2025-Trinity UCC, Tiffin-Release of Service Dan Busch at 3:00 pm
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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.
Please keep them in your prayers.
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SEARCH COMMITTEE NEWS
The Search Committee met again on September 22. The committee is focusing on finding an authorized minister from within the Association or Conference for the time beginning right after Rev. Busch's retirement. The Cabinet and Committee believe it is important to have a key leader in place as soon as possible to manage the routine business of the Association, and respond to issues that arise, for a specified period of time or until a full time Minister is called. The Bridge Minister will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position. This application process will be handled locally, so watch next week's Vine for instructions. As always, questions and input are encouraged.
Meanwhile, separate committees are working to make Rev. Busch's retirement service and celebration a success. Watch for information in the Vine, and churches should be watching for invitations in the mail.
Search Committee Members: Pastor Jay Scott, Chairman, Rev. Darla Metz, Secretary, Peggy George, Doug Ricci, Rev. Jeremy Mann, Rev. Wendy Schindler-Chasney, Dian Ewald, Rev. David Long-Higgins
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The Northwest Ohio Association
of the Heartland Conference
of the United Church of Christ
cordially invites you
to attend a service
of celebration
honoring the dedicated service
and retirement of
Reverend Daniel Busch
Sunday, October 26th
at 3:00 p.m.
Trinity United Church of Christ
131 East Perry Street
Tiffin, OH 44883
(Refreshments immediately following the service)
Clergy are invited to robe wearing a colorful stole
| | 50th anniversary of ordination of Don Giesmann. | | Lay school graduate Regena Mummert | | |
St. Paul UCC, Wapakoneta is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Collective Confirmation Planning Zoom Meeting
Time: Oct 15, 2025 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87930200944?pwd=56jkgEZMG3dJhIk7YLbQsL61Q4SoJ8.1
Meeting ID: 879 3020 0944
Passcode: 204653
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One tap mobile
+13092053325,,87930200944#,,,,*204653# US
+13126266799,,87930200944#,,,,*204653# US (Chicago)
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/87930200944/invitations?signature=XjWlvXj_hzhdpbCOGUYEbB-Oal74mGPp_9Pu7no1N5U
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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 July 2025 -$102,329.44
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
the word about
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!!
| | Click on the video above for a message from our Keynote Speaker, Pastor Daniel Cooperrider! | | |
SWIMMING THROUGH CHANGE: Transitional Skill for Ministry
All Churches are in transition of some kind!
Join us October 19-23 at Camp Christian!
Cost is $325
for 4 nights and meals from Sunday evening to Thursday Morning.
(Day rates available for folks local to Camp Christian.)
We will start with Dinner on Sunday evening
and conclude on Thursday by noon
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Join us as we offer many Transitional Skills, both for those interested in Interim Ministry and for those seeking new tools in their current setting.
Presenters confirmed so far:
Rev. Dr. David Long Higgins, Rev. Allen Harris, Rev. Dr Elena Larsson, Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith, Rev. Jeff Nelson, Rev. Jeff Jackson, Rev. Vicki McGaw and Rev. Karen Bruno.
We will be offering both new topics and some that we just need to brush up on!
Here are a few:
· Revitalization through Outreach
· Reorganizing Church Governance
· Leading a Visioning Retreat
· When is it time to call your Judicatory for help?
· Developing new lay leadership
· As well as traditional skills for Interim Ministers
.
We will also be able to enjoy the outdoors at Camp Christian!
This training will satisfy the requirements to be in Interim Minister in the Heartland Conference and the Christian Church in Ohio, Disciples of Christ.
If you have questions or suggestions, please email Karen at
networks@heartlanducc.org.
Click on the Image above to Register!
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Join us 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. Register today!
| | 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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