"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
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GREED. One of the most difficult issues to deal with personally and in the church is “money.” It is interesting in public life we are affirmed or valued by our appearances, possessions, wardrobes, bank accounts, or belonging to certain organizations. Supposed financial classism determines invitations to prestigious parties or events, or shunning from various organizations. “Big donors” (wealthy?) are sought by the church and various organization to stabilize financial shortfalls or help with building projects visioned for growth of organizations. It seems strange that there are often negative comments when leaders of the church mention “money,” with the most common remark, “They’re always asking for money.” When planning for a new year’s budget, leaders design a “stewardship campaign” that so often just focuses on the financial needs of the church.
Stewardship should be considered year-round, for God has entrusted to us to be stewards of all our blessings—again, year-round—to take care of our time, talents, and treasures. Jesus dealt with money and possessions and spoke often about them. In the lectionary reading for Sunday from Luke 12, Jesus responds to a conflict about a family squabble dealing with inheritance, and replies, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of GREED. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” (Luke 12:15). Jesus follows this statement by telling the parable of the rich man who planned additions to store his harvest, and died that night.
GREED subtly can become an idol, a distracting force by living life without being good enough, not having enough, or a problem by living without thankfulness and gratitude. GREED distorts love by its selfishness and its endeavors to constantly search for satisfaction and self-fulfillment. GREED twists and changes God’s creation and Christ’s love in our lives to be a commodity rather than being a blessing of love, inclusivity, forgiveness, renewal, justice, and peace. Following Jesus we are changed from selfish interests to ways of kindness, generosity, sharing, patience, and affirming one other as created by God with dignity and purpose. By our words and deeds, let us be faithful followers not in the way of self-indulgence but with generosity. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
August 10, 2025-First UCC, Marblehead-Farewell to Doug Williamson at 10:30 am
August 17, 2025-First UCC, Marblehead at 10:30 am
August 31, 2025-Park Congregational, Toledo at 10:00 am
September 7, 2025-Baseline, Bloomville at 9:00 am
September 7, 2025-College Hill, Bloomville at 10:30 am
September 14, 2025-Sylvania UCC, Sylvania at 10:00 am
September 21, 2025-Salem UCC, Kenton at 10:30 am/165th Anniversary of Salem UCC, Kenton
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
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, Rev. Jeanette Tangeman, & David Weininger, Adrian Sunday, Peggy George.
Please keep them in your prayers.
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THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
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IRS Standard Mileage Rates for 2025
- 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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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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HELP IS NEEDED IN CENTRAL TEXAS
Photo Credit: Jim Vondruska / Getty Images
This month heavy rainfall and catastrophic flash flooding devastated areas of Texas. More than 100 people were killed or remain missing, including dozens of children. The flooding displaced many people, destroying homes and severely damaging critical infrastructure, including roads and river crossings.
When a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude strikes, United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries is ready to help. The Disaster Ministry Team at the National Ministry of the United Church of Christ has been in contact with the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator and the Conference Minister for the South Central Conference to monitor the situation and determine how best to support communities. We need your help to empower our churches and members in the impacted areas to help their communities recover. Your donations can make a difference.
HELP NOW - Please scroll to the bottom of the page and change the designate your gift box to Severe Storms.
Your generous donation to UCC Global HOPE’s Disaster Ministries, specifically reserved for this event, helps our church continue to serve!
| | | | 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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