July 18, 2007
Email Address for Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister dlbusch@nwoa.org
Rev. Daniel Busch will be preaching this Sunday, July 22nd at Immanuel UCC in Kettlersville at 10:00 am. He will also be participating in the UCC Walk, Celebrating 50 years, joining St. John’s UCC-Tiffin, Second UCC-Tiffin and Trinity UCC-Tiffin beginning at 2:00 pm.
Prayer Requests
Maggie Maher, the Christian Educator/Youth Director at Park Congregational UCC in Toledo was in a serious car accident earlier this year. At the present time she has returned home and is looking at ways of helping out at the church. Please keep Maggie in your prayers.
Doris Shellhouse member of our Faith Formation MT had open heart surgery on June 11th at Riverside Hospital in Columbus following a heart attack. Doris then returned to Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky after the surgery and has just returned home. Please keep Doris in your prayers during this recovery time.
Rev. Max Andrew had open heart surgery the last week of June and is now at home recovering quite well. Please keep Max in your prayers.
Rev. John Tostrick, Minister of Parish Life at St. Paul UCC in New Bremen has resigned as of September 15, 2007.
Rev. Patrick Minnick, Designated Pastor at St. John’s UCC in Bucyrus has resigned as of July 31, 2007.
Rev. Richard Weir, Pastor at St. Paul UCC in New Bremen has announced his retirement and will be resigning as pastor on September 30, 2007.
Best wished to all!
The Finance and Budget Committee met on July 14 for its quarterly meeting. The committee was pleased with the OCWM giving for the first half of 2007 by the churches of NWOA. We were only several hundred dollars short of 2006’s mid-year giving. This is the first year in many years that we have not seen a large drop from the previous year. As was stated at the Annual Gathering we feel that we have turned the corner. What a joy it would be as the UCC celebrates our 50th Anniversary if we could turn our OCWM Mission Giving around and exceed what was given in 2006. The challenge we give to the churches of NWOA is to exceed our 2006 OCWM giving. We have over five months to meet this challenge. Thank you for your continued support of NWOA!!! Larry Clausing, Treasurer
Paul Deppen to be Honored
The Rev. Paul Deppen, Pastor Emeritus of St. John’s UCC, Genoa will be honored for 55 years of ordained ministry this Sunday, July 22, 2007 at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Following worship the congregation will honor Paul, who was ordained on June 21, 1952, and his wife, Marilyn, at a reception hosted by St. John’s worship committee. Friends from other sister churches are welcome to come and join in the celebration and/or to send remembrances and notes of congratulations (to be read to Paul during the festivities) to St. John’s at 1213 Washington St., Genoa OH 43430 or by email at office@stjohnsgenoa.com .
Congratulations to Rebecca McKibben and Rev. Adrian Sunday which was married on July 7, 2007 at Calvin UCC in Toledo.
The Hymn “God Our Maker, Whose First Summons” created by Rev. Carl P. Daw reflecting the theme of the United Church of Christ 50th Anniversary celebration, “Let It Shine” is available for use by UCC Congregations until February 7, 2008. If you need a copy call the office and we will get it to you.
Bridge Coffee House at the Oasis on West Elm United Church of Christ in Lima, OH
The dates of the Coffee House are as follows: July 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16 7:00 p.m.
Nu-Vizion UCC, Toledo
Needs list attached to this email
Volunteers needed
Our volunteer force is committed and gifted but we are still in need of some volunteers particularly given the growing numbers we anticipate. If you are able to volunteer for a single day or on an ongoing basis we'd love to hear from you. We need shepherds to travel with various age groups, assistant shepherds for some groups with growing numbers, assistance with crafts, games and general set up and clean up.
Program runs on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:45pm.
May God bless you all in Christ Jesus! Kathryn Helleman
Peace Bubble comes to Northwest!
Singer-Songwriter Jerry Leggett, a UCC minister, will share a musical menu that includes classic peace standards by the Beatles, Bob Dylan and Tracy Chapman, plus a mix of his own soul-stirring Leggett originals. Jerry began a yearlong, nationwide peace mission in January, with stops at 50 UCC churches in observance of the denominations 50th anniversary celebration. His rousing, live music will take place on an intimate sound stage-a converted, tear-shaped, vintage RV that has been christened “The Peace Bubble.”
The tour is “a nonsectarian, nonpartisan effort to celebrate the ideals that make for peace in the heart and peace in the world,” says Leggett.”
sample music can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II4kyCOsllA
For more information about the concert and Jerry Leggett go to www.peacebubble.org
The Peace Bubble is coming to Zion UCC, Fireside, July 19th 7 pm. Outdoor Concert on the parsonage lawn next to the church. 13525 Twp. Rd. 178, Bellevue, OH. You are invited to bring a lawn chair, relax and envision a more peaceful world, believing that another world is possible. There is no charge. A freewill offering will be taken to support this mission. In case of inclement weather the concert will be held in the church sanctuary.
The Peace Bubble will be at First Congregational UCC in Sandusky on August 11th. From 11am to 2pm there will be a Jerry Gravenhurst chicken barbeque. The concert will begin at noon with a peace pole dedication. There will be games for the kids, ice cream provided by Big Brother/Big Sisters, and a mission fair.
"Church Finance, Giving and Growing Generosity” Workshop by Margaret Mills and Nancy Ackley will be held at Spencerville UCC, Spencerville, OH, Sept 8, 9:30am-2:30pm, lunch included, $15. It is being sponsored by the Auglaize Valley Region Coordinating Team. Watch for monthly mailing flyer!
Church Professional Event! Mark your calendar October 1, 2007
Speaker Rev. John Thomas, General Minister and President of the UCC
Location: Heidelberg College, Tiffin
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
First United Church of Christ, 1500 Tiffin Road, Fremont, Ohio
Wednesday July 25th 4:00pm to 7:00pm eat in the air conditioning or outside under the canopy
Chicken Noodle Soup, Vegetable Soup, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
Sloppy Joe Sandwiches, Baked Goods, Homemade Ice Cream, Shop at the Bazaar
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Emmanuel UCC in Bluffton will be hosting an Ice Cream Social on Thursday, July 19 from 4 until 7. The cost for the meal will remain the same - $6 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. We will be serving chicken or barbeque beef sandwiches, chicken noodles, baked beans, an assortment of salads, pies and cakes and beverages, and of course ice cream. We are located at 8375 N. Phillips Road, Bluffton, Ohio.
2007 Ohio Conference Annual Gathering Saturday, July 28
Villa Milano Conference Center, Shrock Road, Columbus
The Unexpected Presence Keynote speaker: Luther K. Snow
Author of The Power of Asset Mapping, How Your Congregation Can Act on Its Gifts
Nomination of the new Conference Minister
On Saturday, May 19th the Ohio Conference Board of Directors approved the nomination of the Rev. Robert Molsberry to be the new Conference Minister for the Ohio Conference. Bob will be called by election to this position at the Conference Annual Gathering on Saturday, July 28 at the Villa Milano Conference Center in Columbus.
In recommending Bob to the Board of Directors the search committee wrote: “The Rev. Robert Molsberry brings many gifts and skills to the Ohio Conference that are particularly appropriate during this transitional time and will serve the church well throughout his tenure, if called. He is a person of strong faith. He has demonstrated an ability to adapt well to new situations. He is adept at working with diverse communities and is able to build consensus among those with whom he works. He is a strong communicator. The Committee is convinced that the Rev. Molsberry is the right person at the right time to lead our Ohio Conference.” Plan to be at the Annual Gathering to meet and call Bob as our next Ohio Conference Minister. An informal gathering to meet Bob will be held on Friday evening, July 27th at Westerville Community UCC, 770 County Line Road, Westerville.
One or more American Sign Language interpreters are needed for the Ohio Conference Annual Gathering, July 27-28, in Columbus. Approximate hours: 7 – 9 pm on Friday, July 27, and 9 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday, July 28. Please contact Pam Brown — pamb@ocucc.org, 800-282-0740-Ext. 202, 614-885-0722-Ext. 202 — to discuss details and compensation.
OHIO Conference – United Church of Christ
Make a Difference Grant Application Form
This application form can be found on the Ohio Conference web site www.ocucc.org under Services to Our Members. Application deadline is September 1.
Outdoor Ministries Sponsored Fall Work Days
Pilgrim Hills Saturday September 22, 2007 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Templed Hills Saturday October 6, 2007 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
As we get closer to the work dates we will update the web site concerning specific work projects for each site, tools and/or supplies that would be helpful to bring. Lunch will be provided for the volunteers. Please let us know how many volunteers will be attending from your church or in your group. You may contact us by email campregistrar@ocucc.org or by phone 1800 282-0740 ext. 209 or 207 Helen Schultz, Registrar
The Ohio Conference Disaster Response Team is looking for some men and women who would be available with a 2-3 day notice to travel to an area of need (such as flooding), to help with the supervision of volunteers (who have been trained) and to ensure that all of the equipment which has been used makes its way back to the mud out trailer (which has already been outfitted by the team). These people could be helping with the actual cleanup, but their main responsibility would be as described above. If you would be willing to share your time and talents to help occasionally in a time of great need, please contact Mr. Jim Ditzler, 330-262-3242, jditzler@sssnet.com, or Mr. Terry Tangeman, 419-657-2196, tangeman@ohiolink.net
READY FOR A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE??
WHAT: Join the work group going to our UCC Back Bay Mission, Biloxi, MS. for hurricane recovery.
WHEN: Oct. 6-14, 2007
WHAT WILL WE DO: The group, led by Rev. Jeanette and Mr. Terry Tangeman, will be working on home rebuilding in the neighborhood of the mission, while sleeping and eating at the very pleasant trailers provided for volunteers on the mission site. Back Bay Mission works to find housing for the homeless, helps with utility bills, has a food pantry, and works in the community as an advocate for the homeless. Following Hurricane Katrina, the low cost housing was wiped out, so even after nearly 2 years, people are still sleeping in the woods.
COST: provide own transportation (car pool, fly)
$50 per person for the week to Back Bay, plus dividing $150 group fee; meals on the way down and back, plus around $35 for the week per person to purchase food; $7.50 for insurance; $10 T shirt.
WHO: Must be at least 16 years old.
MORE INFORMATION: tangeman@ohiolink.net, or 419-657-2196. We have a limit of 28 people and some spaces are already filled, so let us know soon if you are interested.
We will be collecting the following items to take with us on our October trip to Back Bay Mission. If you have new or gently used items on this list to donate, please contact Rev. Jeanette Tangeman, tangeman@ohiolink.net, or 419-657-2196
Men's pants sizes 28-36 ONLY (no other clothing)
Backpacks, Small tents, Duffel bags, Sleeping bags
Hygiene supplies: soap, shampoos, razors, floss, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, bug spray
We will also be making a stop in New Orleans to drop off school books and supplies, and the following items needed for the 20+ schools that are opening this summer:
Band instruments (they have someone for cleaning and repairs)
Mouthpieces, reeds, valve oil
Music stands, Drum practice pads, Drums--any
All kinds of balls (ie: soccer, basketballs, footballs, base balls, etc.)
Ball gloves, Cleats, Jump ropes
Glass slides (for science labs)
And of course: Gift cards to Wal-Mart and Home Depot as well as cash donations (all cash distributed at the mission)
If you have any other items, please call us to check before sending them as storage continues to be a problem in both places.
Defiance College Senior High Event OCT 6.
Defiance College will be holding a college day entitled, "Jesus Counts on
Character(s)", October 6 from 9:30am to 9:30pm. The day will involve fun, learning, presentations, drama, film, entertainment, and more. More details will be mailed to local churches on July 20th. This event is geared toward youth in their junior and senior years of high school. Please mark your calendar for this great day.
Keyboard Artist Needed
Seeking versatile musician/keyboard artist to play Steinway piano, Hammond
organ and /or Rolland digital piano for regular church services and choir.
Applicant should be willing to play all types of music and be comfortable
with a variety of worship styles.
Please contact First Congregational Church, PO Box 66, Berlin Heights, OH
44814.
Call 419-588-2102 for an application.
Congregational Library of the American Congregational Association, Massachusetts has sent the NWOA Association a booklet on Records Management. It was created by this organization expressly for churches with roots in the Congregational tradition. This booklet addresses many common records management problems faced and a few that may not have been considered. One of the goals of the Library is to assist all Congregational Churches in their role as record keepers. The Library is open to the public Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30. Staff is available to respond to emails, phone calls, or mail on various topics including anniversary preparation, historical queries and genealogy. Please visit the web site www.congregationallibrary.org for more information.
The 2008 Ohio Ministries Convocation January 28-29, 2008 at University Plaza Hotel, Columbus, OH
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.
Deadlines and Meeting Dates
Upcoming
July
18 Maumee Bay Clergy – Bangkok Café 12 noon
19 Faith Formation MT 10 am
19 Sandusky Valley RCT 5 pm St. John’s UCC, Mansfield
25 Personnel Committee 10-Noon
28 Ohio Conference Gathering Villa Milano Conference Center Shrock Road, Columbus
August
7 Church & Ministry Mtg
8 Monthly Mailing Deadline
9 Auglaize Valley South Clergy
Old Barn Outback Rest., Lima 11:30am & Auglaize Valley RCT at 1:30 pm
22 Maumee Bay Clergy 12 Noon Bangkok Cafe
23 Witness & Proclamation MT
25 All Team Meeting St. John’s UCC, Tiffin
All Team Event, August 25, 2007 at St. John’s UCC- Tiffin See registration in the monthly mailing.
September 8, 2007 “Church Finance, Giving and Growing Generosity” Workshop – Margaret Mills and
Nancy Ackley Spencerville UCC, Spencerville 9:30 – 2:30 pm
October 1, 2007 A Church Professional Event – Rev. John Thomas, Speaker
Heidelberg College, Tiffin
November 10th Auglaize Valley Kinderfest Children’s Event, St. Paul UCC, New Bremen
Theme “Let’s Go Fishing”
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