|
|
|
|
| Newsletter of the Ohio Conference United Church of Christ |
January 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Haiti earthquake appeal
The United Church of Christ has launched an emergency appeal for Haiti after a major earthquake struck the country. Thousands of people are feared dead and countless have been left homeless.
The outpouring of compassion, concern and support of United Church of Christ members and friends has been amazing. Prayers, offers of personal service and unprecedented on-line donations have poured in.
Ways you can help:
PRAY. God is surely grieving and weeping with all those who have lost loved ones. As the body of Christ, we are called to reach out with help and prayers.
Haiti Earthquake Relief Worship Resources
DONATE. Beyond prayers, money is what can be most helpful now. Please encourage individuals and local churches to be very generous in responding.
Haiti Earthquake Appeal - UCC secure online donation & information site
Must Read: BEFORE You Collect Donated Goods
ASSEMBLE KITS. Hygiene and Baby Kits are urgently needed for survivors.
Church World Service has issued an urgent call for Gift of the Heart Kits.
ADVOCATE. Our ecumenical partners are asking that we advocate to the US government for "temporary protected status" for undocumented Haitians now in the United States, since it would place severe burdens on them and the government of Haiti to send them back to Haiti at this point.
VOLUNTEER. If you feel called to "go and help," please direct energies to Disaster Recovery Work Groups that are working in New Orleans/the Gulf Coast, Florida, Iowa, etc. There may be time in the future to be helpful in Haiti, but this is not yet the time.
Thank you for all you are doing to reach out to our sisters and brothers in Haiti in concrete and helpful ways. |
 2010 Summer Camp InformationIs On the Way to You
Look for something new this year! Instead of the traditional 24-page camp catalog, churches and camper families will receive a one-piece, full color mailer (just like the image here) that contains the complete camp schedule, descriptions and basic registration information.
The mailer opens up to a 17" x 22" poster that can be hung in your church. This format allows us to conserve our financial and natural resources and still tell everyone about the exciting summer we have planned!
The materials have been mailed (bulk mail) and should be delivered to camper families and churches in a week or so. Look for yours soon!
Complete camp information is now available online.
Secure online registration should be active by the end of January. Although we are encouraging everyone to register online, if you just can't wait, you may print the PDF registration form and send it with your payment.
Start getting ready for summer camp now
|
Join your UCC and DOC colleagues for lunch
at the Ohio Ministries Convocation
January 25 - 26
On Monday, January 25, share a meal with colleagues from the UCC Ohio Conference and the Disciples of Christ Ohio Region during a break at the Ohio Ministries Convocation.
Location: Crowne Plaza Columbus North Hotel
Cost for lunch: $20, payable at the door
(but please make a reservation so we will have a meal for you)
To make a reservation for lunch, call Joyce Decker at 800-282-0740 or email joyced@ocucc.org by January 18.
After lunch, informal discussion will be 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!
|
|
Come for a day of connecting with God and nature
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Registration at 9:30 am · Dismissal at 4:30 pm
Cost: $30 (There is an additional $40 charge if you come the night before.)
Make reservations through the Ohio Conference at 800-282-0740 or joyced@ocucc.org two weeks before the retreat date.
For more information call Janet Burkhart, 330-682-3791.
Spring Date: Saturday, May 1
Schedule and more information |
GOT CAMP? RallyJanuary 29-30 at Pilgrim Hills Camp
| |
|
|
|
|
Search is underway for
Outdoor Ministries leader
The Ohio Conference has created a new position: Executive Director for Outdoor Ministries, and applications are being received.
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.
|
 2010 Annual Gathering
June 11-12 · Heidelberg University · Tiffin, Ohio
Connecting Vital Ministry Networks
Clergy and lay leaders - Come for inspiration and practical help in creating and nurturing a vital congregation.
Leading our discussions:
Rev. Geoffrey Black - UCC President & Gen. Minister
Rev. Martha Grace Reese - author of Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism
Rev. Marian Plant - author of Faith Formation in Vital Congregations
Get energized by small group sessions geared to your interests:
- New church start leadership teams
- Church and Ministry committees
- Seminarians
- Retirees
- StillSpeaking church leadership teams
- Worship planners and musicians
- Leaders of rural churches
- Financial ministries
- UCC identity
- And more!
|
|
For the Lord God has blessed you in all the work of your hands.
New Orleans Mission Trip
Ohio Conference Disaster Response Team is sponsoring a trip to New Orleans to continue repairing Katrina damage.
Thousands of homes are still not livable.
Experienced UCC staff is ready to host volunteers and guide work projects.
Volunteers from faith organizations have been the single greatest source of help in returning people to their homes.
You can be part of the recovery effort.
To register or ask questions, contact Jim Ditzler, Ohio Conference Disaster Response Team Co-Director. 330-262-3242 |
| Short Subjects
EDEN SEMINARY OFFERS ONLINE BIBLICAL STUDIES COURSE, beginning February 2010. Read more.
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
Church World Service applies its expertise in overseas disaster and recovery work to their work in U.S. communities. 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
FREE CHURCH SUPPLIES. The following items are available for adoption:
· Stainless steel communion supplies (cup & bread trays)
· Nativity set approximately 2' wide by 1' tall. Characters are about 3" tall.
Please contact Westerville Community UCC at 882-7056 for more information.
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. | |
|
|
Conference Minister's Corner 
Rev. Bob Molsberry
Thoughts on Haiti
As I write this, the world is reeling at the level of damage inflicted on the Haitian people by the January 12 earthquake, compounded many times by the poverty and lack of infrastructure of that nation.
I find myself feeling powerless as I stare at images of overwhelming suffering on the TV screen. It's a calamity of biblical proportions for those who are trapped on the streets of Port-au-Prince.
But here are some things I know:
|
|
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18 - 25, Ohio Council of Churches
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
| |
|
| Contact Information |
|
Pam Brown
Ohio Conference
Communications/Admin. Assistant
800-282-0740
|
|
|
|
|
