 | Plan Advent preaching with Conference Minister
Bob Molsberry |
Bob Molsberry will lead a 24-hour retreat at Pilgrim Hills, Sunday afternoon, November 13 through Monday afternoon, November 14, to help pastors focus on the upcoming lectionary themes for Advent.
The retreat runs from 3 p.m. Sunday through 3 p.m. Monday, and includes dinner, breakfast, and lunch. The $62 registration fee includes lodging, meals and programming.
What do we long for this season? What is the content of our hope? What is the nature of our waiting? How do we talk about these themes in the parish? This will be a time of refreshment in a natural setting to explore and learn from one another. By Monday afternoon, you will be ready to launch your Advent season in your local setting.
Study time will be supplemented with traditional camp activities. Bring comfortable, warm clothing, including outdoor gear if you plan to hike or explore. Bring a sleeping bag and plan to bunk in heated cabins. Please register by November 4.
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Funeral services set for Ryan Mathews
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Ryan Mathews, who died unexpectedly on October 12 in St. Louis following an automobile accident earlier in the week.
Ryan was a member of First Grace UCC in Akron and a recent graduate of Eden Theological Seminary. He had been approved for ordination pending a call by the Eastern Ohio Association.
The funeral service will be held at First Grace UCC, 350 S. Portage Path, Akron, OH, on Thursday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Clergy who are attending the service are invited to bring red stoles, but it is not necessary to robe.
Obituary from StLouisToday.com
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Let Justice Roll
2011 Senior High
Fall Youth Event
November 18-20 · Pilgrim Hills Camp
Register online now!
Registration cost: $110
Includes meals, snacks, 2 nights lodging
Registration deadline: November 4
Musicians: Andra Moran and Stephen Daniel King
More information
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And coming Summer 2012 . . .
National Youth Event
July 10 - 13
Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana
For youth groups, age 13-18, and their advisors
FAQ * Cost * Plenary Speakers * NYE Video
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Outdoor Ministries News
Outdoor Ministries Is on the Move
When most of us think of Outdoor Ministries, we think of camp . . . an event at Templed Hills or Pilgrim Hills. Now when the kids of Avon Lake UCC think of Outdoor Ministries, they can also think of their own backyard!
This Fall, Avon Lake invited Outdoor Ministries to partner in their Fall Cross Training program. Participants gather for dinner and worship and then separate into age groups for programming time. Outdoor Ministries provides the activities for the 3 - 12 year olds. More
Meet Ann Sperry, our new Registrar
Please welcome Ann Sperry as the new Registrar for Outdoor  Ministries. Ann started the first week of October. In her last position she worked as the in-office sales and marketing support person for sixteen outside salesmen, as well as providing administrative assistance to other offices in the company.
After running the office in the family business for almost twenty years, she returned to school and obtained her degree in Graphic Communication in 2003. More
Visit Outdoor Ministries online
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Sharing America's Resources Abroad (SARA)
SARA is a Christian ministry offering medical assistance
to improve lives around the world.
SARA mission team builds walking path for residents with Alzheimer's at Hungarian nursing home
On a recent trip to Hungary, SARA founders, Stephen and Jeannie Szilagyi, toured a nursing home in Szerencs. Its new Special Care Unit has great potential for helping residents with Alzheimer's disease, but it needed an open area, with repetitive paths in a familiar, non-threatening environment to provide the best care for its residents.
Mike and Laura McCoy and Lilly Monday, from the Szilagyis' church, Christ Reformed UCC in Akron, made a recent work trip to the nursing home. With their help, the area was mapped out, supplies purchased, and the path was built. Just one example of SARA in action. Visit the SARA website to learn more.
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Impacting Congregations for Good
Jim Oates
Ohio Conference Church Development/
Congregational Renewal Coach
For almost two years we have been working hard in the Ohio Conference through Church Development and Congregational Vitality to "Impact Congregations for Good." We are working to inspire leaders, help congregations find new vitality and a new mission for this new day of being the church.
There are many opportunities to get a team together from your church and attend some training and leadership development:
Church Vitality Roadshows
Pastors Leadership Groups
Support for New Church Start Pastors and Congregations
In addition, I can offer:
Guidance in a congregation's discussion of mission/vision/vitality
Help for church leaders looking for a new way to think about leadership and vitality
Click here for details about any of these opportunities.
I look forward to working with any congregation and pastor throughout the Ohio Conference. Please call at 937-658-3389 or email me at jimo@ocucc.org, and we can talk about working together.
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Ohio Conference Disaster Response Ministry
Wooster area work team spent a week in New Orleans in September repairing damage from Katrina
Photos and details
Clean-Up Kits Needed
Our stock of clean-up kits is low! Your church or group can help. Learn how here.
Visit our website
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Short Subjects
OHIO CONFERENCE DISASTER RESPONSE CLEANUP KITS NEEDED. Our inventory of cleanup kits is low. Recent flooding in Ohio has increased demand. Great project for Sunday School classes, youth groups, annual meeting service project, men's & women's groups. Click here for complete instructions and ingredients for cleanup kits.
YOUTH - Calendar of repeating wider church events for youth and young adults. Include these events in your annual youth program planning. Our Conference Minister welcomes invitations to preach or visit local church gatherings. Contact Bob Molsberry by email or phone (800-282-0740, Ext. 203) to schedule a date. |
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Conference Minister's Corner
Rev. Bob Molsberry
Email Bob
Impacting Congregations for Good: The Post-Modern Project of the Ohio Conference
What do post-modern Conferences of the United Church of Christ do?
Before I answer that, it might be helpful to rehearse some of the things Conferences don't do any longer.
Conferences no longer have a corner on the market for programming.
We no longer have sufficient staff, and local congregations know that high quality programming is a keystroke or click away on the Internet.
Conferences no longer claim to meet all the needs of their local congregations (if they ever did).
Para-church organiza- tions provide high quality Christian education materials, continuing education opportunities for clergy, and other congregational resources. More
Email Bob
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National Donor Sabbath
November 11-13
On the weekend of November 11-13, 2011, faith communities around the nation will join in observing National Donor Sabbath.
This weekend offers the perfect oppor-tunity to educate members of your congregation about the drastic need for organ and tissue donors. More
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2012 UCC Medical and Dental Insurance Rates Announced
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Ministering with Congregations on the Brink
Workshop sponsored by Ohio's Interim Ministry Working Group
October 24, 2011
Westerville Community UCC
Leader: Dr. Rick Morse
$30 (includes lunch)
Learn more
Flyer and registration form
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2012 Ohio Conference Annual Gathering It will be new and different, and it will offer the best of past Gatherings!
Day 1: Saturday, June 16 · Columbus
Emphasis on learning, inspiration and conducting business · Adam Kukuk - Leader of Four Doorways workshop exploring worship resources · Rev. Susan K. Smith, Pastor, Advent UCC - Keynote · Business meeting · Worship service Day 2: Saturday, September 15 · Templed Hills Camp All about fellowship, fun and friends · Hog roast for lunch · Campfire (optional Friday overnight) · Enjoy the camp with outdoor and indoor activities Mark your calendar for one day or both! |
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