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September 17, 2025
issue # 38
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"Blessing Always"
Association Minister Message
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
BALM. A section of a hymnal, “Life of the Nations,” includes such hymns as “For the Healing of the Nations,” ”In the Age of Twisted Values,” “Where Armies Scourge the Countryside, Bring Peace to Earth Again,” and “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life.” We are bombarded daily by news of conflicts, divisions, wars, and destruction not only between nations, but also in political settings, neighborhoods, our own personal lives, and faith communities. Acts of violence cause fear, disrespect, starvation, harsh treatment in places of confinement, being unsheltered, or tortured to death. Food supply lines are closed causing malnutrition. Many people fear being punished or enslaved, not being able to survive, not being heard, not being respected, and not being loved.
The prophet Jeremiah lived in Judea that was being crushed by neighboring nations of power and military strength. The Judean people, and other smaller nations around them, were caught between Egyptian and Babylonian powers and used as pawns to be the buffer zone, and often battle grounds, between these two military powers. Jeremiah is often called the reluctant prophet, because of his initial hesitancy and then feelings of inadequacy to respond to God’s call to lead the Judean people. Jeremiah observes destruction everywhere and his people’s lack of trust that things would get better. Jerimiah asks, “Is there any BALM in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” (8:22). BALM is an ointment with healing strength, bringing relief and comfort with tranquilizing power.
Jeremiah’s first words were discouraging and defeatist, recognizing the Judean people being pawns to powerful nations. There was “...a BALM in Gilead…” and Jeremiah finds courage and strength to announce God’s encouraging words of hope for autonomy and independence for the Judean people. A spiritual affirms “There is a BALM in Gilead to make the wounded whole…to heal the sin sick soul.” BALM—ointment, God’s love—in the midst of struggles, leads us into peace in all conditions of life—“…the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.” Through and with each other, God’s BALM brings joy and hope so that “…peace is ours when Christ shall reign; then with all our swords be plowshares and God’s children free from pain.” BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
September 20, 2025-Zion Fireside, Bellevue at 4:30 pm
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 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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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
| | Certificate presented to Darla Metz for 10th Anniversary of Ordination. | | |
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!!
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Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi,
and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” -Mark 8:27
“Into the Deep – Who Is this Jesus we say we follow?”
Come Be Part of the Heartland Conferece Annual Gathering!
Friday, September 26th, 2025!
Rev. Dr. Dave Long-Higgins
Conference Minister
Dear Beloved in Christ,
I am so excited to invite and urge you to attend this year’s Heartland Conference Annual Gathering! Based on feedback we have received over the years, this year’s Annual Gathering will be for one day, on Friday, September 26, 2025! We will be meeting at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, just north and west of Columbus at the wonderful Benes Center. Our covenant calls each congregation to send one lay delegate. Every authorized minister, regardless of ministry setting is also a delegate. I look forward to being with you all! I hope you will register today by clicking here. I want you to be aware of some of the highlights that await us.
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Announcing - Outdoor Ministries 2026!
Join us!!
Initial plans for 2026 are set and registration will open in November 2025. But for now, here are the dates so you can plan to join us.
Click here for more information.
Summer Resident Camp for Children and Youth at Camp Christian, Marysville, OH:
- Music, Mindfulness, Art, Dance, and Drama, June 21-27, 2026
- Camp Out, June 21-27, 2026
- Sportscamp, June 28-July 4, 2026
Grandparents and Family Camps:
Grands and Family camps are for children age 4-11
and their parents or grandparents.
- Grands and Family at Camp Christian, June 10-13, 2026
- Grands and Family at Camp Wanake, August 2-5, 2026
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Watch our website for other opportunities. If you are interesting in Co-Directing another session or opportunity, please contact Jill.
- Dunkirk Family Camp, Dunkirk, NY, July 5-11
This camp is Sponsored by Dunkirk Camp and Retreat Center
People of all ages are welcome. Adults come with and without
children of all ages. Children must come with a supervising adult –
parent/grandparent.
Adult Opportunities:
- Lantern Fellowship retreat for all adult Women across the Conference!
Spring Lantern Fellowship: April 17-19, 2026 at Camp Christian
Fall Lantern Fellowship: September 18-20, 2026 at Camp Christian
Summer Camp for adults; Dates to be determined
We are always considering other opportunities year-round. Please contact Jill if you have an idea of an event you’d like to help plan.
Why should you consider attending one of these events yourself or sending your child?
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Voices for Hope: Surviving and Thriving the Crisis of Suicide.
Saturday, September 27, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Wing Grace Hall, First Community North
(3777 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43221)
Dr. John Ackerman, a clinical psychologist and the Clinical Manager of the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, will be the keynote speaker. He is an engaging speaker, and a widely published, renowned expert in the field. Dr Ackerman’s presentation will be followed by time for questions and answers.
Before and after the presentation, participants will be able to visit the resource tables staffed by representatives from 10 organizations focused on gun safety and suicide prevention. These local and national organizations support families who have been impacted by suicide.
Presented by the Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Justice ministry team, this dynamic and meaningful event is free to the public! Please register by clicking the button below.
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"Peter Enns (Ph.D., Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of biblical studies at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He has written numerous books, including The Bible Tells Me So, The Sin of Certainty, and How the Bible Actually Works."
A collection of Pete's books are available through the First Community Church Merch website and for sale during the events, or purchase where you like to buy your books.
The form linked below is registration for the Saturday presentation.
All are welcome to attend any of the services on Sunday, no registration necessary.
Watch Spiritual-Center.org and FCchurch.com for updates, or to learn more about our ministries. Any questions, please email JBratka@FCchurch.com.
| | 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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