10-13-04

The Auglaize Valley Region met at St. Paul UCC, Wapakoneta on Sunday. Over sixty folks came for building connections (as well as creating some interesting “gifts”), worshiping together, and sharing a meal. The Rev. Martha Due (past Association staff) provided an engaging sermon for reflection.
And Meanwhile, Sandusky Valley churches gathered at First UCC, Marion for the second of three events focusing on Proclaiming the Word. Sunday’s focus was music. Worship included the Dulcimer group from Peace UCC, Waldo, a harpist, music talents from First UCC, Marion – and a sermon in song. Worship was then followed by lunch and workshops.
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RECENT EMAIL & MAIL CHANGES and ADDITIONS
If your personal (or church) email address has recently changed, let us know! Here are a few of the more recent changes/addition we have been told about…
Rev. John Rainey (new Florida address)
The Fountainhead
207 NE Lakeview Dr. #1008
Sebring, FL 33870
863-385-8280
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Prayer Requests
Terry Kohanski (pastor at First UCC Findlay) writes: letting you know that I am having some health problems, minor at this time and hopefully will stay that way. I am coming out of remission. However, they can not determine yet if it is the Wegener's or the aspergillosis. We are treating it as the aspergillosis, which is easier to treat than the other. We will treat this way for the next month. If there is no improvement we will have to assume it is the Wegener's or if the testing comes back showing it we will have to treat the Wegener's. That treatment is Chemotherapy again, which will destroy the immune system and let the aspergillosis go rampant. SO let's pray that it is the aspergillosis and that we have it soon enough it will not effect anything else. I am feeling fine, still taking classes at the seminary and maintaining the church and preaching.
Please keep Margaret Phillips (long term active participant in the Association, member and organist at First Congregational, Berlin Heights) and her family and friends in prayer. Margaret’s cancer has consumed her body. She has been living life to the fullest these past few months and has prepared herself for the journey into eternal life. She has chosen to be at home at this time.
This Sunday is the Rev. Roddy Dunkerson’s last Sunday at St. Paul UCC, Oak Harbor. Our prayers are with Roddy and Diane as they move to Lincoln Nebraska where Roddy will serve as the Conference Minister of the Nebraska Conference. We celebrate Roddy’s gifts for ministry that will be a blessing to the Nebraska Conference and the whole United Church of Christ.
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Deadlines and Meeting Dates
This Saturday (23rd) is the Lakeshore Regional Event at Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship (Miracle on Cherry Street/First UCC), Toledo. 10 am – 3 pm. Pastor Will Stuart will be the guest preacher. Two Workshops will be offered: “Hospitality Ministry” and an “Introduction to the God is Still Speaking Initiative (note this is not the regular training – see below).” There is also a special focus for youth with art, music, drama and service. If your church has not registered, contact the Association office immediately!!!
Sunday (24th) is the third in the Sandusky Valley Events on Proclaiming the Word focus begin on children. Bloomville UCC is the location with worship beginning at 10: 15 am. Worshippers will experience ways to be sensitive to the presence of children in worship. Followed by lunch and a choice of three workshops: children’s sermons, rotation model Sunday School, and Children and Communion. If you have not registered, contact the Association Office immediately!!!
Sunday (24th) is the final of the three training opportunities for the God is Still Speaking Initiative. This will be held at St. Paul’s UCC, Bellevue; 5:30 pm – 8: 30 pm. The training is designed for churches to send a team from your church that will return and begin planning how your church can take full advantage of the Still Speaking emphasis and the TV spots that will be aired in Advent. Cost is $25 per church for the training material. If you have not registered, please contact the Association Office.
This week is the deadline for the Interim Ministers’ Workshop, Nov. 1, being held at Southside Christian Church, 2055 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield. There are two foci for the day: Tax and Compensation Considerations for interim Ministers, and Tools and Strategies for the Development Tasks of History and Identity. The Workshop is sponsored by the Ohio Conference /Region Interim Ministers Working Group. Registrations are made through Joyce Decker at the Ohio Conference office.
The Lakeshore Clergy (Church Professionals) will gather next Wednesday ( 27th) at the Holiday Inn in Fremont. 11am – 1 pm.
On the 28th the Auglaize Valley Clergy (Church Professionals) meet at Defiance College 2 pm – 3:30 pm as part of the Olds Lecture and event with Dr. David Trobisch. You are urged to take advantage of Dr. Trobisch’s presence and register for the lunch (11:00-12:15 pm) and his workshop (12:30 pm - 2 pm) prior to the clergy gathering. And plan to stay for the rest of the day (3:30 pm informal conversation with Dr. Trobisch; 5 – 6:30 pm dinner and 7 – 8:30 pm evening lecture). To register for the events with Dr. Trobisch, contact design@defiance.edu..
Upcoming:
Attention All Members of All Association Teams
November 6 (Saturday) will be the “All Team Event” this year. The new Association structure calls for an annual gathering for everyone for planning and evaluating together. This means Ministry Teams, Regional Coordinating Teams, Cabinet, and Church Development Team. We would also like to include the Deans, Nominating Committee and Search Committee. The event will take place at Trinity UCC, Tiffin; 9:30 am – 3: 30 pm (lunch provided). See the Monthly Mailing for more details. A special mailing is also being sent.
Missionary Visitor. Mr. Bruce Voorhis has served with the UCC Global Ministries for 13 years. He currently works with the Asian Human Rights Commission located in Hong Kong, but will be within the Association Nov. 24 – Dec. 15. There are still some weekdays and Saturdays available for churches who would like for him to come for a presentation. If you are interested, contact the Association office.
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Cool Web Links:
"A Look at Your County"
The U.S. Census Bureau has an interactive map of Ohio and all its counties. Go to the link below and just click on your county for some demographic profile information, and many links to further maps and downloadable tables.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/maps/ohio_map.html