November 9, 2006
Office Hours at Northwest Association office 8 – 4 pm.
Email Address for Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister dlbusch@nwoa.org
Rev. Daniel Busch will be preaching at the Installation for Rev. David Williams at First UCC in New Knoxville this Sunday beginning at 10:15 am.
Prayer Requests
Rev. Bob Quillen – Fremont fell and broke his ankle. Please pray for a fast recovery.
Continued prayers for:
Marie Wharton – Licensed Lay person at Calvin UCC in Toledo after a fall and a broken leg.
Mary Burroughs, Lytton-Zion UCC in Delta needs on going prayer for health issues.
Rev. Terry Kohanski, First UCC in Findlay for ongoing illness.
On Saturday, November 4 nearly 50 people attended our first ever Kinderfest regional children's event at St. Paul UCC, New Bremen, including 22 children and 9 teen helpers. Churches represented included: Buckland UCC, Immanuel UCC, Kettlersville, St. Paul UCC, New Bremen, St. Paul UCC, St. Marys, and Spencerville UCC. The day included singing, story telling, puppets, games, crafts and hands-on discovery for kids. Parents and other adults enjoyed a massage, a prayer walk, and streamers and flags liturgical movement for worship. Photos will soon be posted on the web. Thanks to everyone who took part!
On Sunday, the Auglaize Valley Region celebrated the UCC's 50th Anniversary Kick-off at four locations, two of them being: Oasis UCC, Lima and Spencerville UCC. The Oasis at West Elm UCC in Lima had 35 people in attendance from Oasis West Elm and Emmanuel UCC in Bluffton. Spencerville had a great celebration with 68 people in attendance from the following churches: Buckland UCC, St. John's UCC, Holgate, Immanuel UCC, Kettlersville, St. Paul UCC, New Bremen, St. Paul UCC, Rockford, St. Paul UCC, St. Marys, Spencerville UCC and St. Paul UCC, Wapakoneta. At Spencerville in addition to the nationwide web streaming event, the evening included a candle light celebration, special music by Spencerville UCC's Bell Choir and Merge Praise Band along with a special "Let It Shine" altar cloth crafted by Dorothy Andrew that will eventually travel among the regional churches during the 50th anniversary year. Thanks to everyone who made this event so special.
The combined Auglaize Valley clergy luncheon meeting will be this Thursday, November 9 starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Country Charm restaurant in Wapakoneta. We hope you can attend!
The Auglaize Valley Regional Coordinating Team meeting will also be on Thursday, November 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Country Charm restaurant in Wapakoneta. The meeting will evaluate Kinderfest, and the 50th Kick-off celebrations along with planning for the Winter Break All-Niter youth event and Leadership Empowerment Day.
Please mark these upcoming Auglaize Valley Regional events on your church's calendar and inform the appropriate leadership of them:
Winter Break All-Niter regional youth event will be Sunday, January 14, 2007 from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. at the Celina YMCA. Rev. Darryl Kistler, Heidelberg College Campus Minister will be the keynote speaker during late night worship. Registration materials will be mailed out soon.
Leadership Empowerment Day will be held on Sunday, February 25, 3007 at Oasis on West Elm UCC, Lima, and will include helpful workshops, worship, a resource store, networking and fellowship.
Lakeshore Region
St. John’s UCC in Genoa was a host site for the 50th Anniversary celebration kick-off web telecast event on Sunday, November 5th. The festivities began with St. John’s newly formed Junior Praise Band* leading worship with two songs: “Breathe” and “Trading My Sorrows.” As more people began to arrive Pastor Steven Simpson welcomed them, introduced the band members, and invited visitors from other churches to introduce themselves. He and Rev. Bock then led people in a call to celebration. The Reverends Jim Melter, Elaine Bast joined Simpson and Bock in “A Creative Look Back over 50 years” and members of the Junior Praise band read various scripture passages that spoke of God’s light in the world. The congregation sang a new hymn to the tune of “Will the Circle be Unbroken” that was written especially for the celebration event:
Come and listen, God is speaking, God is speaking to us here.
God is speaking, are you listening, for God’s calling bold and clear?
The congregation also sang “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God from the UCC hymnal. After an introduction, the 6-minute “Let it Shine” video was shown. The congregation then sang “This Little Light of Mine” before viewing the live web telecast from the Amistad Chapel. After the webcast, people shared their reactions and reflections on the webcast with one another, then joined in singing “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds” from the UCC hymnal and closed with a benediction written especially for the celebration event:
“Go forth with all your senses attuned to God’s call…and shine!” “Amen and amen!”
*(St. John’s Junior Praise Band: Dave Thompson: drums, Carrie Sheldon: Bass, Amanda Taylor: electric guitar, Kevin and Derek Miller: acoustic guitars) Take a look on the NWOA web site for pictures www.nwoa.org
ATTENTION Church Quilters & Sewing Groups
MEET NEW ORLEANS TEXTILE ARTIST CELY PEDESCLEAUX
Learn how she and the quilters of Beecher Memorial UCC in the Katrina-devastated Ninth Ward have worked to bring hope to their neighborhood even as they face the challenge of rebuilding their own facility.
After hearing
their pastor’s stories about her work group experience in New Orleans, the
Evangelism & Outreach Board at First Congregational UCC, Sandusky, decided
to bring this locally well-known New Orleans artist to Northwest Ohio.
Through her interaction with the quilters and sewers in our area, they hope
to increase awareness of the post-Katrina situation as it really is, and to
help raise funds to rebuild her church. Beecher Memorial UCC is one of two
UCC churches that had to be closed after Katrina hit.
The Beecher name is an important one in the history of First
Congregational. Not only was Sandusky named in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s
book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, but a member of the Beecher
family, Lucas Beecher, an abolitionist and attorney, belonged to the
church. He was none for fiercely defending the runaway slaves in court.
In addition to talking about her Katrina experiences, Cely looks
forward to talking about Civil War quilts and the secret Underground
Railroad codes sewn into some of them. She is bringing 14 quilts to
display and making one especially for her visit ("Bible Scenes Through A
Window") to be raffled off at the end of the week.
Below are the locations Cely will be speaking:
Sunday,
November 12
First Congregational UCC, Sandusky 6:30 p.m. Pot Luck, with program to
follow
(Those wanting to attend the program only, plan to arrive by 7:15 p.m.)
Monday, November 13 - St. John UCC, Defiance 2:00 p.m. & Buckland UCC, Buckland 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 14 - Calvary UCC, Crestline 6:00 p.m. Supper, 7:00 p.m. Program
Wednesday, November 15 - Trinity UCC, Tiffin 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 16 -
Fremont Kiwanis 11:45 a.m. - St. Paul’s UCC, Bellevue 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 17 - First Congregational UCC, Sandusky 10:00 a.m.
She will be in Wooster that evening - plans still tentative
Christian Youth Ministry Director - St. John’s UCC, Genoa
Our congregation is in search of an enthusiastic Christian looking for an opportunity to do youth ministry. This person should posses the ability to plan and implement activities for those ranging in age from 3 to 18. They should also have excellent organizational and communication skills, and desire to be highly visible in our church community. This is a part time, salaried position with a flexible schedule. Opportunities for growth into a full time position as well as educational reimbursement are available. Applications must be submitted before 11/18/06. For more information about our church, or to apply, please contact our office at 419-855-3906 or by email at office@stjohnsgenoa.com. St. John’s is on the web: www.stjohnsgenoa.com
Responsibilities include:
-Plan and develop events that encourage spiritual growth and fellowship for our youth
-Network with community and church organizations to plan events
-Plan and coordinate Sunday school curriculum and events
-Attend worship service and board meetings on a regular basis
-Invite and welcome new and inactive youth in church activities
-Build rapport with the youth and act as a role model
-Enhance knowledge base by attending seminars and training opportunities
Help Wanted - UCC Disaster Ministry Office, New Orleans
The UCC Disaster Ministry Office in New Orleans is entering the rebuilding phase of work and ministry with families in the affected areas of New Orleans. In order to provide quality service, work and assistance to families, the UCC Disaster Office is in search of licensed professional tradespersons to work with the UCC Disaster Office in the following capacities.
Master Commercial Electrician. Lead crews in completely rewiring two UCC churches and rewiring another church’s fellowship hall in order to accommodate additional use and work groups. Work will include removal of existing damaged wiring, planning and installing complete service to the building, both rough in and finish.
Master Residential Electrician. Lead crews in rewiring UCC church members’ homes. Work will include removal of existing damaged wiring, planning and installing complete service to the home, both rough in and finish.
Master Plumber. Work in UCC churches and church members’ homes, repairing and replacing water and/or gas lines. Installation of rough in plumbing and finish installation of equipment and fixtures.
Licensed HVAC Technician. The work required includes complete installation of HVAC equipment in one church and work in church members’ homes. In most instances, the work involves complete installation of an HVAC system.
People in these positions will work with the UCC Disaster Office and New Orleans permitting and inspection departments in order to insure quality and maintain standards of Orleans Parish.
This is a volunteer opportunity. In order to expedite the work, individuals are welcome to plan a trip to New Orleans as soon as possible. Expected length of stay is two weeks. The duration is flexible dependent on work load and schedule.
The UCC Disaster Office will purchase needed equipment, tools and supplies and will work with the city permitting office to obtain licenses for each individual. The UCC Disaster Office will supply housing during the person’s stay and will work out logistics of travel while in New Orleans. In certain cases the UCC Disaster Office will pay for the person’s travel to and from their home.
Interested people are invited to contact Rev. Alan Coe, Minister for Disaster Recovery in New Orleans at 830-832-2222 or revacoe@yahoo.com.
Sisters in Faith – Nov. 30th – Howard Lodge at Camp Berry, Findlay, OH See attachment-more information
Update your web page
Would you like to update your church webpage, ask
webinfo@nwoa.org for help. Visit
www.nwoa.org for more Association
information.
Monthly Mailing
The monthly mailing will be sent over the email by request only. If you would like to receive the mailing by email please contact Joan Davidson at joan@nwoa.org.
Help us meet our OCWM Goal for 2006
Goal for 2006 - $ 495,000 (as of Sept. 06) $ 272,751
100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!!
Open House for Rev. Walter Clausing
Sunday, December 3, 2006 1-3:00 pm
Heritage Hall at St. Paul’s UCC, 201 N. Perry St., St. Marys, OH 45885
Please join Rev. Clausing in celebration of this amazing milestone in his life!!
Christmas on the Gulf Coast
The need remains great! You can help make the holidays bright for families on the Mississippi Coast.
Back Bay Mission and The St Vincent DePaul Society join together again this year in the
CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
We are collecting toys for children, teens and small gifts for the elderly (Walmart Gift Cards are also needed)
Please send unwrapped gifts to arrive on or before December 1
To St Vincent DePaul Society, C/O Our Lady of Fatima, 314 Jim Money Road, Biloxi, MS 39531
Mark the boxes CHRISTMAS
For more information please contact Back Bay Mission 228-432-0301 Or bbvol@datasync.com
If you want to send Christmas Gifts to the Gulf Coast read this:
This week a notice came to our church that Back Bay is collecting Christmas gifts to hand out. I assume all the churches got that. If any church decides to do that and can get their gifts to us by Nov 13, Terry and I are making a trip down that way to deliver some pews, altar, pulpit, etc. to New Orleans and we will drive on over to Back Bay and deliver the Christmas gifts, thus saving lots of postage. I know it requires some quick buying, but it will save lots of $$$ as we are going there anyway. Will you please send this to the NWOA churches? They can let us know by emailing tangeman@ohiolink.net, or calling 419-657-2196. Thanks so much. Jeanette Tangeman
Deadlines and Meeting Dates
Upcoming
November
9 Auglaize Valley Clergy Country Charm, Wapakoneta 11:30 a.m.
12 Rev. David Williams Installation- First UCC, New Knoxville 10:15 am
12 Small Church Cluster Choir Fest Republic UCC 3:00 p.m.
15 Personnel Committee Mtg 10:00 am
16 Faith Formation 10-2 p.m.
16 Church Development 1-4 pm
16 Sandusky Valley RCT First UCC, Marion 5 pm
17 Conference Youth Event
20 Lakeshore RCT Castalia 5 pm
21 Stewardship & Caring 1-3 p.m.
21 Lay School 7:15 p.m.
23-24 Office Closed/Thanksgiving
December
4 Sandusky Valley Clergy Fairhaven Community, Upper Sandusky 11:30 am
5 Church and Ministry Fairhaven Community, Upper Sandusky
5 Holiday Luncheon at Fairhaven Community, Upper Sandusky
5 Lay School 7:15 p.m.
7 Nominating Committee Mtg 9:30 am
8 Monthly Mailing Deadline
9 Cabinet 9:30-2 p.m.
11 Deans Meeting 10:00 am
14 Auglaize Valley South Clergy
19 Lay School 7:15 p.m.
25-29 Office Closed
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