Keeping Us Connected in Christ"

                                                    Northwest Ohio Association, 

                                                     United Church of Christ

                                                       March 23, 2005

God’s blessings as you continue the journey through Holy Week to Resurrection Day!

April 13 there will be a Prayer Vigil at noon at the Statehouse in Columbus, sponsored by the Ohio Conference (the Ohio Conference School Finance Study Group).  This is a witness for a state budget that support public education and is in conjunction with the Ohio Fair School Campaign.  For more information contact Rev. Milton Ellis (mjellis@oberlin.net).

April 6 is the registration deadline for the Lantern Fellowship’s Spring Retreat.  The theme is “Lost in Wonder Love and Praise.” April 15-17 at Pilgrim Hills.  A wonderful time to stop, breathe, and seek God’s presence in the wonder of creation.  Rev. Dianne Shirey will provide leadership for the weekend.  Cost: $95.  Registration is through the Ohio Conference Office.  Brochure was in the March Monthly Mailing.

 

POTLUCK LUNCH SUNDAY, APRIL 3^RD — In honor and appreciation of Rev. David and Jean Hunt’s 13 years of ministry at First UCC, New Knoxville, there will be a potluck lunch immediately following the church service starting at 11:30 on April 3^rd. Chicken and ham sandwiches and drinks will be furnished. Bring your favorite dish of food and enjoy good food and fellowship with friends. If you can't make the lunch, Jean and Dave will be in the Social Room till 3:00 p.m. to see and talk with friends. Stop by and wish Rev. Dave and Jean Happy Retirement while they do volunteer mission work.

Have you seen the God is Still Speaking TV Ad?  The UCC website (www.ucc.org) lists which networks are airing the commercial and what time. However, 25,000 internet users accessed the TV ad through blogads – these are ads placed on online journals!

Reminder to Sandusky Valley Church Professionals.  The next meeting is on April 4 and will be at Mugsy’s restaurant in Upper Sandusky. 11:30 am.

The 3^rd Annual Small Church Event is April 9.  This year it will be held at the UCC National Church House in Cleveland.  Small Church leader and visionary, Rev. Scott Planting will lead the day of discussion on small church issues.  Cost: $10 per person.  Registration information has been sent directly to churches and is in the March Monthly Mailing.  Deadline for registration is April 4.

RECENT EMAIL & MAIL CHANGES and ADDITIONS

If your personal (or church) email address or mailing address has recently changed, let us know!

Prayer Requests

Daughter born to Mitch and Cheryl Reed (Mitch is the Youth leader at First UCC in New Knoxville)  Elizabeth Arawen Reed was born on Friday, March 18th around 6pm. She weighs 7 lbs. 11 oz. and is 20 1/2 in. long. She has a full head of black hair, just as Catie did.  Congratulations Mitch and Cheryl!

Rev. Michelle Stecker, Faith Community UCC in Toledo has become ill with viral meningitis. Please prayer for her fast recovery.

Pat Minnick's dad, Richard Benson, suffered a stroke on Saturday, March 19th.  He became non-responsive on Monday in the afternoon.  Life support was removed on Monday evening.  She has gone to New York to be with her family.

Pat is the pastor at St. Paul’s UCC, St. Marys.  Please remember Pat and her family in your prayers.

Deadlines and Meeting Dates

Upcoming

March  

25        Office Closed – Good Friday

29        Annual Meeting Planning Committee

                        St. John’s UCC, Kenton, 10 am.

30        Firelands Clergy 9:30 -11:30 am

            1^st UCC in Sandusky

31        Faith Formation 10 -2 pm

April

4          Sandusky Valley Clergy 11:30 am

            Mugsy’s restaurant, Upper Sandusky

5          Church and Ministry Team

5          Lay School 7:15 pm

9          Small Church Event – Cleveland

9          Flight School Shiloh UCC, Dayton

12        Maumee Bay Clergy, Calvin UCC, Toledo; 9-11 am

12        NWOA Interim Ministers, Calvin UCC, Toledo 11 am

14        Auglaize Valley South Clergy, 11:30 am Lima

16        Flight School St. John’s, Mansfield

16        Flight School Trinity Methodist, Defiance

17        Personnel Committee 9:30 am

19        Lay School 7:15 pm

20        Lakeshore Church Professionals, Holiday Inn, Fremont, 11 am

21        Search Committee  9:30 am

21        Defiance Clergy11:30amDefianeCollege

24        Installation – Rev. Martin Stiffler

            Emanuel UCC, Upper Sandusky

30^th NWOA Annual Meeting, St. John’s UCC, Kenton