God is Still Speaking. The refusal of NBC and CBS to show the UCC TV Commercials has led to more publicity than was planned! As of December 2 (second day of the commercial) there had been 285 local and national news stories, including a morning appearance by Bob Chase on Good Morning America, a segment with John Thomas on ABC World News tonight with Peter Jennings, an extended appearance by Bernice Powell Jackson on MSNBC’s Hardball with Christ Matthews, an interview on CNN with Ron Buford. In less than one week, there have been 288,000 visits to www.stillspeaking.com; 161,800 visits to www.ucc.org; and 70,000 inquiries to the locations of UCC churches. There was quick work done to expand the capacity of the website to receive all the contacts. As of December 2, 85 online gifts were made totaling $7,202 to ensure the ad’s continuation. Of the 85, 55 were non-UCC members!
As our churches have become excited about the Initiative, a secondary effect has been the impact on the request for UCC identity items, which are described as “flying off the shelves.” Identity items usually result in about $5000 worth of the sales at the UCC Resources warehouse. With the campaign going, October resulted in $116,000; $121,000 in November and because of the publicity, December is expected to be even higher.
For up to date information about the “God is Still Speaking Initiative” and stories being shared, check both websites above.
How is your congregation involved in the “God is Still Speaking Initiative”? We are seeking pictures of what you are doing (banners on the outside or inside of your church; marching in a local parade, etc.) Send us digital pictures and we will post them on the Association website (www.nwoa.org). In addition, we would like to hear stories from your congregation – have you had inquiries or visitors, is your congregation more excited about being welcoming?
Retired Ministers, spouses, widows and widowers gathered at Parkvue Community, Sandusky for their annual Holiday Luncheon. It was a delightful afternoon of fellowship, sponsored by the Association Church and Ministry Team. Parkvue Community (member of United Church Homes) provided a wonderful lunch; and Ed Shelly, Frank Isaacs, and Marilyn Deppen led the entertainment. Cliff Munger won the grand door prize! And a good time was had by all!
The 2005 Ohio Ministries Convocation is January 24-25 at the Columbus Marriott North. On Monday night, January 24, UCC participants are invited to join our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) colleagues for a meal at the Northwest Christian Church. Meal reservations need to be made with Bonnie Hicks at 440-458-5112. The Rev. Dr. William Edwards, the new Disciples Regional Minister in Ohio will be the primary speaker.
Yearbook reports are being prepared to send out as we speak. Each Church will receive a white envelope, marked yearbook reports, to complete and return to the Association Office. The information you provide us will be sent on to the Conference and National offices and will be printed in the 2005 Yearbook.
Along with the yearbook information, we received an informational report on each ordained clergy holding standing in our Association. All information is checked for errors. Your home address and telephone number are included on this form. “I authorize this phone number to be published in the Yearbook” is one line that needs to be answered Yes or No. If you do not want your home phone number to be published in the yearbook, please contact the Association office at office@nwoa.org.
RECENT EMAIL & MAIL CHANGES and ADDITIONS
If your personal (or church) email address or mailing address has recently changed, let us know!
Elizabeth (Betty) Savukinas mother in-law of the Rev. Brian Knoderer passed away on Sunday Dec. 5th at her home. Please remember Brian, Ann and family in your prayers.
Margaret Phillips, Berlin Heights passed away Sunday Dec. 5. A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, Dec. 12 at the First Congregational UCC, 5 Main St., Berlin Heights at 3:00 pm with calling hours from 1-3pm before the service.
Clyde Barnes (Certified Lay Minister) and member of St. John’s UCC, Bucyrus passed away on Tues. December 7th. Services for Clyde will be Friday, December 10 at 1:30 pm at St. John's UCC in Bucyrus with burial at the Nevada Cemetery. Calling hours are 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, December 9 Lucas Funeral Home, 401 South Main Street in Nevada, Ohio. A luncheon will follow at the church. Please remember Clyde’s family during this holiday season.
Deadlines and Meeting Dates
Upcoming
December 9 Auglaize Valley Clergy 6:00 pm St. Peter’s UCC, New Bremen
December 10 Monthly Mailing Deadline
December 11 Flight School at Shiloh UCC in Dayton
December 14 Maumee Bay clergy gather at Sylvania UCC, 9 am – 11 am. Mr. David Yonke, religion editor for the Toledo Blade will be present.
December 18 Flight School at St. John’s Mansfield
December 18 Flight School at Trinity Methodist, Defiance
December 18 Flight School, St. John’s, Mansfield
December 18 Flight School, Trinity Methodist, Defiance
December 20 Church Development 9:30 am
December 21 Lay School 7:15 pm
December 23-24 Office Closed – Holiday
December 27-30 Minimal coverage in Office
December 31 Office Closed – Holiday
COOL WEBSITES
ASSIMILATION of visitors is a KEY process of church growth. If you want to see the LATEST in Internet-based resources for a powerful assimilation ministry to help GROW your church, check out “Power Visitor” at: http://www.connectionpower.com/ . The intro video is very helpful. Click on the “Free Demo” link (even if you don’t use the demo) to get to some free Adobe files (articles on assimilation).
