Search begins for Outdoor Ministries leader
Following last summer's 19% increase in camper days and building upon consultant recommendations, the Ohio Conference has created a new position: Executive Director for Outdoor Ministries. A second new position for Director of Marketing will be added once the Executive Director is in place.
The increased staffing will provide a platform for increased excellence in the quality of the experience offered by Outdoor Ministries, and will pave the way for sustainability of this ministry into the future.
Here is the announcement that is being posted:
The Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ is seeking an "entrepregelical" Executive Director for Outdoor Ministries who will guide the organization to a new level of excellence in the delivery of ministry on behalf of our local congregations. The successful candidate will be comfortable working within a culture of faith, but will demonstrate a proven ability to bring a sustainable business model to this ministry. He or she will be expected to create a new organizational habitat combining an environment of spirituality with a culture of execution.
Full job description and contact information.
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 It's Your Turn - Youth Leaders Lock-In
January 29-30
Radisson Hotel at Gateway - Church House, Cleveland
Leader & Keynote Speaker
Steve Case, author of Caffeine & Christ series
Register by December 30
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Grants Awarded to 14 Congregations
Ohio Conference-sponsored grants were recently awarded to support 14 congregational ministries. Details below.
Racial Ethnic Empowerment Grants
Denison Avenue UCC, Cleveland · $3,000
Congregational development, outreach, worship
St. Paul's UCC, Cleveland · $2,000
Youth minister, youth programs, food ministry, liturgical arts in CE
St. Peter's UCC, Cincinnati · $2,500
Multi-cultural arts and awareness program
From 39 requests totaling $76,000, 11 grants were given, for $9,600, the total amount available. MAD grants are awarded annually.
Miller Avenue UCC, Akron · $1,250
Help to provide pastor's salary
NuVizion UCC, Toledo · $1,250
Help to provide pastor's fringe benefits
First Congregational UCC, Mt. Vernon · $500
Funding for Intentional Growth Committee program
Columbia UCC, Barberton · $500
Funding for community outreach efforts
Congregational UCC, North Canton · $700
Purchase multi-media equipment for sanctuary
Zion UCC, Bettsville · $700
Purchase audiovisual equipment for sanctuary
Zion UCC, Delaware · $500
Purchase food and bedding for use by homeless families hosted by congregation
Trinity UCC, Miamisburg · $500
Purchase food and supplies for Saturday Suppers and free store outreach program
The United Church of South Vienna · $1,200
Purchase supplies and equipment for Child & Adult Summer Lunch Program
Denison Avenue UCC, Cleveland · $1,250
Pay operating costs on church building that hosts congregation's community ministries
St. Paul's UCC, Cleveland · $1,250
Support for Outreach Center that serves people in need
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 2010 Annual Gathering Schedule Posted
Tiffin, Ohio
Connecting Vital Ministry Networks
The music of the Goist Family String Quartet from Immanuel St. Bernard UCC, Cincinnati, was a highlight of the 2009 Gathering. The Goist brothers will join us again in 2010.
The focus of the Annual Gathering 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.
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 UCC/DOC shared luncheon at Ohio Ministries Convocation
On Monday, January 25, you are invited to have lunch with colleagues from the UCC Ohio Conference and the Disciples of Christ Ohio Region.
Location: Crowne Plaza Columbus North Hotel
Cost for lunch: $20, payable at the door
To make a reservation for lunch, call Joyce Decker at 800-282-0740 or email joyced@ocucc.org.
After lunch, you will have an opportunity for informal discussion led by Ohio Conference Minister, Bob Molsberry, and the Disciples Regional Pastor and President, Bill Edwards.
Spiritual but Not Religious: Problem or Opportunity?
Crowne Plaza Columbus Hotel North - new location!
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 Travel to New Orleans with Ohio Conference Disaster Response
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.
The citizens of New Orleans still need our help. 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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January and February 2010 issues available for you to use.
Jan. - Become Comfortable with Conflict - Step One to Moving Beyond It!
Feb. - Should We Fine-Tune Our Church's Internal Culture?
BLANKETS+ PROGRAM from CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Rebuilding hope for people recovering from catastrophes
With over 60 years of experience, Church World Service applies its expertise in overseas disaster and recovery work to their work in U.S. communities recovering from catastrophe. In partnership with local organizations, CWS can make a big difference to people displaced by a hurricane or economic hard times. Working in partnership with your congregation, we can do so much! Learn more YouTube Video
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
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
Shove Over for Christmas
I lean toward great big fat Christmas trees, the kind that don't fit in through the front door without taking paint off each side of the frame; the kind that, when you finally cut the string wrapped around it, the branches explode outward across half the living room, sending the cat scurrying to her hiding place in the basement.
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Upcoming Events
Conference office closed December 24 - January 3 for Christmas holiday
SING! PRAYER AND PRAISE Music Workshop, First Grace UCC, Akron, January 9, 11am-2pm. Learn about the new Sing! Prayer & Praise songbook. RSVP to frencht@ucc.org or 216.736.3759. More.
UCC/DOC Partnership Workshop, March 18-19, 2010, Disciples of Christ Regional Office.
Regional Youth Event, Challenges, Choices, Consequences, June 17-20, Defiance College OH
Learn more
Hope Floats II Alaskan CruiseTour, June 18-30. Depart from Vancouver. Seven-day cruise & 5-day motor coach/train exploration. Details
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