Keeping Us Connected in Christ"

Northwest Ohio Association,

United Church of Christ

October 27, 2004

Fall Back. Remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour on Saturday evening, so you will be on time Sunday morning.

Last weekend was another busy weekend.

Over 60 folks gathered on Saturday for the Lakeshore Regional Event, held at Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship (Miracle on Cherry Street). The focus was on Hospitality, with workshops, worship (Pastor Will Stuart preaching), and fellowship. There was a special program for youth which included a service project as part of “Make a Difference Day.”

Sunday morning, the Sandusky Valley Region sponsored their last Proclaiming the Word event. Bloomville UCC hosted the day which emphasized children in worship. Eight churches were involved with children present from several of the church. Lunch and workshops followed.

The third God is Still Speaking Training happened at St. Paul UCC, Bellevue. Twenty-six churches have participated in the training opportunities. If your church has indicated that they are “opting in” to the God is Still Speaking Initiative, has not been able to attend a training opportunity, but would like to have the training sometime in November, contact the Association Office. If there are enough churches interested, it may be possible to arrange for one more training. Please contact the Association office by Nov. 1.

Women’s Rallys. About forty women gathered at First UCC, Galion for the Templed Hills Program cluster Women’s Fall Rally, with the theme “God is still speaking”. On October 12, about fifty women from the Heidelberg Program cluster gathered at Community UCC, Fort Seneca. Their focus was on the “History and Music of the Taize Community in France.”

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. Mark Houshower (home address)

700 Maple Crest CT #E105

Bluffton, OH 45817-8552

Rev. Bob Avers

1301 Aberdeen Ave.

Columbus, OH 43211

Prayer Requests

Rev. Jeff King’s (Republic UCC) wife Sue had knee replacement surgery this past week.

Margaret Phillips (long term active participant in the Association, member and organist at First Congregational, Berlin Heights) is at home and receiving care from hospice.

Hurricane Relief Update

Hurricane Disaster Response

Larry Burch is spending some time in the area of Byesville, OH (south of Cambridge) assisting with the assessment of flood damage in the area. He reports that there is much work to be done. For those of you interested in organizing workcamp trips to assist with the clean up: George Siddall is the person to contact for Ohio locations (513-228-0515 or (correction) gtsiddall@juno.com). The UCC website (www.ucc.org) provides information about volunteering for clean-up in Florida. Bill Wealand is organizing the response in Florida (Jim Ditzler, Ohio Disaster Response Team, is also working in Florida; Peni Gray of St. Stephen UCC, Sandusky recently returned after working with the American Red Cross Disaster Response Team in Mobile, AL). The need continues for Clean-up and Personnel Care Kits!

Deadlines and Meeting Dates

Upcoming

October 28^th 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..

November. 1. Interim Ministers’ Workshop at Southside Christian Church, 2055 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, sponsored by the Ohio Conference /Region Interim Ministers Working Group

November 6 (Saturday) will be the “All Team Event.” 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).

November 7 – All Saints Day Celebrations. In connection to the God Is Still Speaking Initiative, churches throughout the denomination are choosing to lift up their connections to other churches in the United Church of Christ. Liturgical resources and hymns have been created. There is a section of resources in the God Is Still Speaking training binders. There are additional resources on the website: www.stillspeaking.com.

November 8 – Deadline for registration for the Fall Youth Event being held Nov. 19-21 at Round Lake Christian Assembly, Lakeville, OH. “Moving with the Song of Life” is the theme. Registrations are to be sent to St. John’s UCC, 700 South Defiance St., Archbold, OH 43502. Lost the registration information? Contact the Association Office.

November 10 –Timely Topics at the Association Office, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. This month’s focus is on “Here I Stand: Remaining focused and effective in the midst of anxiety in the congregation.” Char Burch will present perspectives based on Family Systems theory and Peter Steinke. Bring your lunch!

Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship Work Day

(Miracle on Cherry Street)

November 20^th, 2004 -- 9am to 4pm

We are moving towards an exciting time in our ministry as we plan our preview worship series in Advent and kick off regular Worship times. While this is an exciting time it also means that there is much work to do. Can you help??

We’ll provide Lunch and Drinks and lots of work.
You provide the people power and basic cleaning supplies.
Tasks will include cleaning, organizing spaces, yard work if weather permits,
Please bring snack food to share.
Youth under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
RSVP to Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship by Monday, November 15^th.
419-241-9358 or by email to nuvizioncf@sbcglobal.net

Cool Web Links:

Download the Percept "SOURCE BOOK"

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http://www.link2lead.com/L2L/PDF/sb2003-1.pdf

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