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| Newsletter of the Ohio Conference United Church of Christ |
November 2009 |
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Connections is the monthly e-newsletter of the Ohio Conference, designed to strengthen the connections between us - and maybe make some new ones. You are receiving Connections because of your connection to a ministry of the Conference.
We encourage you to forward this resource liberally within your congregation, to leaders and committee members. Please help us expand our mailing list by providing email addresses.
Tell us your story! If your congregation - or group of churches - has a story you would like to tell about a successful program or ministry or a problem you have solved, we'd like to hear about it. We'll share as many of your stories as possible in Connections.
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 Travel to New Orleans with Ohio Conference Disaster Response Team
Repair Katrina damage on May 1-9, 2010 work trip
◊ Flood damage repairs are far from complete.
◊ Opportunities to serve are abundant.
◊ Experienced UCC staff is ready to host volunteers and guide work projects.
Although the memory of Hurricane Katrina is fading, the impact on the citizens of New Orleans is still fresh. The lack of media attention may suggest that the recovery is complete, but the fact remains that thousands of homes are still far from livable.
Volunteers from faith organizations have been the single greatest source of help in getting people back in their homes. You can be part of the recovery effort.
To register your interest or ask for more details, contact Jim Ditzler, Ohio Conference Disaster Response Team Co-Director: 330-262-3242 · jditzler@sssnet.com | |
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 Got Camp?
Try out camp at January 29-30 Pilgrim Hills rally
You're invited to come to camp in January. Last year's winter rally was so good (some of the campers are pictured above) that we're doing it again!
New this year! You can stay overnight in one of our winterized cabins.
Friday, January 29
Check-in from 5 - 6:30 pm
Dinner at 6:30 pm
Campfire with s'mores and camp songs
Sleep-over (slumber-party-style, with boys in one cabin and girls in another)
Saturday, January 30
Breakfast
Camp activities
Hear about exciting things in store for summer camp
Lunch
More camp activities
Head for home at 4 pm
Stay overnight or come just for Saturday.
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 2010 Annual Gathering
Join us at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio as we continue Connecting Vital Ministry Networks. Our focus will be on helping clergy and lay leaders create and nurture vital congregations and their ministries.
In addition, we are encouraging networks of folks with a common calling to plan an event during the Annual Gathering.
Leaders
Music: Goist Family String Quartet from Immanuel St. Bernard UCC, Cincinnati
Rev. Martha Grace Reese, author of the Unbinding the Gospel series
Rev. Geoffrey Black, UCC General Minister and President
Dr. Marian Plant, Assoc. Professor of Christian Education and author of Faith Formation in Vital Congregations
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| Conference financial consultant is ready to help your congregation
In these tough economic times, many of our church members and congregations are struggling with finances. But some churches are finding this is the right moment to prioritize what is important in mission and ministry.
A surprising number are considering launching a capital campaign, to upgrade facilities or pay down mortgage debts, so that they can free up more money for mission.
Is your congregation ready to consider a capital campaign?
Do you need assistance crafting an annual stewardship campaign?
Is it time to set up an endowment at your church, or help members with planned giving tools?
We hope you will call on your Ohio Conference Financial Ministries for help.
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| Short Subjects
SING! PRAYER AND PRAISE Music Workshop, First Grace UCC, Akron, Saturday, December 5, 11am-2pm. Open to anyone interested in learning more about incorporating the new Sing! Prayer & Praise songbook into their churches and worship services. Cost: suggested donation of $10 for lunch and materials. RSVP by December 2 to Tiffany French, frencht@ucc.org or 216.736.3759. Learn more. ONE RACE, ONE PEOPLE, ONE PEACE
A dramatic musical production written by James H Chapman and performed by Flow Theater Group at St. John's Church UCC, Columbus, November 23, 7:00 p.m. This 75-minute dramatic performance mixes humor and poetry with music and theater to initiate conversation about many of the social issues facing us today. Learn more
Disaster Response in Galveston, Texas. Workers needed for rebuilding after 2008 Hurricane Ike. Ohio Conference members, Jean and George Siddall, will be station mangers hosting workers in a church in Texas City from January 15 - February 15. For more information, contact George Siddall, Disaster Response Team Co-Director, 513-228-0515 or gtsiddall@yahoo.com. Details
Please consider including SARA in your church's budget. Work continues in Serbia, Hungary, Romania and El Salvador. Gifts should be designated for any or all of these areas. Thank you. Our Conference Minister welcomes invitations to preach or visit local church gatherings. Contact Bob Molsberry at bobm@ocucc.org or 800-282-0740 to schedule a date. | |
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Conference Minister's Corner 
Rev. Bob Molsberry
I think that the wider settings of the church beyond the local congregation - Association, Conference, and national and global settings - are derivative of the local setting of the church.
This is not a universally accepted opinion, nor is it entirely supported by the United Church of Christ Constitution and Bylaws. Some would say it goes so far as to violate our polity.
A couple of people might even come after me with torches and pitchforks for uttering it aloud.
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| Upcoming Events |
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Conference office closed November 26-27 for Thanksgiving holiday
Ohio Ministries Convocation, January 25-26; Crowne Plaza Columbus North Hotel (new location), Print or view PDF Brochure
Conference office closed December 24 - January 3 for Christmas holiday
IT'S YOUR TURN: YOUTH LEADER'S LOCK-IN AT THE RADISSON. Annual youth leader's gathering, January 29-30, 2010. Keynote speaker: Steve Case, creator of the Caffeine and Christ series of resources for youth. Share ideas, support one another in our work, hear a good program, and have a great time together. From Friday evening after supper to Saturday mid-afternoon. For more information, contact Marilyn Freeman at pilgrimce@ameritech.net or Wendy LeForge at wleforge@aol.com.
UCC/DOC Partnership Workshop, March 18-19, 2010, Disciples of Christ Regional Office, Columbus. For all UCC/DOC ordained ministers who would like to learn about our two denominations. This is a requirement if you are seeking Ordained Ministerial Partner Standing. Details to come.
Regional Youth Event, "Challenges, Choices, Consequences," June 17-20, 2010, Defiance College, Defiance, Ohio
Hope Floats II Alaskan CruiseTour, June 18-30. Departure from Vancouver. Seven-day cruise of Inside Passage and 5-day motor coach/train exploration of Alaska interior. Part of your fare benefits Hope Homes. Learn more. www.hopehomes.org
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| Contact Information |
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Pam Brown
Ohio Conference
Communications/Admin. Assistant
800-282-0740
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