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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.
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Register Online for Summer Camp Today
Even if you haven't received a mailer like the one you see here, visit us online for: camp schedule and descriptions, costs, registration information and more!
Register by March 31 for lowest fees.
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Got Camp? Rally Photos
More than 140 campers from 60 congregations enjoyed a winter weekend at camp in January.
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The Ohio Conference and the Central Southeast Ohio Association will be moving on February 26! Our offices will be closed on Friday, February 26 and Monday, March 1.
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 Introducing New Congregational Renewal Coach
Jim Oates has been added to the Ohio Conference staff as Coach for Congregational Renewal/Church Development.
His job will be to create a culture of vitality, growth, and evangelism across the Conference. Gathering networks of leadership from new and renewing churches, Jim will help apply training, accountability, and resources to settings where there is a passion for vitality.
His first major project will be preparing the Conference to work with Martha Grace Reese (author of Unbinding the Gospel) at our Annual Gathering, June 11-12 at Heidelberg University in Tiffin. Read more below. |
"Unbinding the Gospel" Project
We are excited to announce the new "Unbinding the Gospel" project that will begin to take shape at our Annual Gathering in June.
Martha Grace Reese, the author of Unbinding the Gospel, will be with us both Friday and Saturday, June 11 & 12, to lead workshops centered around the book and best practices for evangelism in our churches.
If you are interested in being a part of this project, will read the book and are willing to participate in a conference call with Martha Grace Reese in the next few weeks, please contact Jim Oates at 937-658-3389 or jimo@ocucc.org
Learn how your church can be part of the project
MissionInsite
Information to help your congregation
The Ohio Conference has contracted with MissionInsite to help our churches do demographic studies within their ministry areas.
Your church can receive free reports that offer excellent insight into what is going on in your community.
To sign up your church, please contact Jim Oates (937-658-3389). He can get you set up and help you get started.
Visit the MissionInsite webpage for an overview.
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 Growing giving in our churches
Sandy Lueschen has been called as the Minister for Financial Development to assist Ohio Conference churches with all aspects of financial health, including capital campaigns, ongoing giving, planned giving and endowments.
Sandy is known by many in the UCC for her work in stewardship and financial development, as well as her commitment to ecumenical ministry and international mission.
The part-time financial development position is a relatively new one, created in 2009, and filled initially by Nancy Ackley. The ministry is funded by capital campaign fees.
Several congregations have contracts with the Conference for capital campaigns, the only ministry for which a fee is charged. This creative model requires no funds from gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission.
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UCC donations, ground efforts continue to arrive in Haiti
As emergency relief personnel and crucial supplies continue to pour into Haiti, United Church of Christ members and congregations are maintaining their overwhelming support of the earthquake-ravaged nation, according to UCC leaders.
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 Search for Outdoor Ministries Director moves forward
The search for an Executive Director for Outdoor Ministries is progressing. After nation-wide posting of the position and job description, a number of qualified candidates applied. The search committee is scheduling a meeting to assess them.
When the Director is in place, a Marketing Director will be hired. This expansion of staff will give Outdoor Ministries the ability to improve the quality of the camping experience and promote it more effectively. |
 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:
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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.
To register or ask questions, contact Jim Ditzler, Disaster Response Team Co-Director. 330-262-3242 |
| Short Subjects
March and April 2010 issues available for you to use.
Mar. - New Trends in Belonging
Apr. - What We Can Learn from the Emerging Church Movement
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
Scenarios of Change
In an email communication chain labeled "Scenarios of Change," UCC Conference Ministers across the country are exchanging stories of how they are responding to the relentless decline in OCWM receipts.
It's a generally disturbing picture.
However, recent meetings of Ohio Conference Staff (including Association staff) have been remarkably upbeat and energized.
It was suggested that I share this news across the Conference. So here's what I wrote to the Conference Ministers.
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Ecumenical Rebuild in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 12-May 21. More
Sweet Honey in the Rock at Palace Theatre, Columbus, April 17, hosted by New Song Community Church Details
Spring Lantern Women's Fellowship, April 16-18. More
IB Safe Church Webinar Series for church lay leaders and employees More
UCC 2030 Clergy Network hosting June event for young clergy.
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Small Yet Significant, Missional Renewal of the Small-Membership Church, March 15-16, MTSO, Columbus
UCC/DOC Partnership Workshop, March 18-19, Disciples Regional Office, Columbus
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UCC Support Staff Network. Annual Meeting, April 8-11, Cleveland. More
Regional Youth Event, June 17-20, Defiance College OH 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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