By Rev. Alan Dicken - Wednesday December 30, 2020
Dear Ohio Region, As 2020 draws to its close, we wanted to offer a brief word from the Ohio Region, thanking you for all you have done this year. Together, we were able to have Lenten and Advent Devotionals, support the Green Chair Fundraiser, give to the Renewal Initiative, receive grants for the free store, speak out against racism, gather together via zoom calls, and now we are getting close to being able to call a new Regional Minister! Despite all of the twists and turns of this year, we have been able to be faithful in our shared ministry as the Christian Church in Ohio. Thank you for all that you have done to help us live out our calling as Disciples!
Continue Reading
By Rev. Ralph S. Wearstler - Friday December 25, 2020
This year the Advent and Christmas season has been a very different one for most of us. Our traditions of preparation and celebration have caused us to be more intentional and creative. For some of us we have experienced a sense of isolation much like Mary and Joseph, with just a few people stopping by to help us celebrate.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Thaddaeus Allen - Thursday December 24, 2020
Please read Luke 2:1-20 ~ This day is a most holy of days. This night is a most special of nights. This season of Advent is about to climax with an announcement, a birth, and a song for all of creation to hear. This day God and the Church invite us into a renewed participation with the Incarnation. God is with us, and lives with us, and forms us ever new and always.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Michael Doerr - Wednesday December 23, 2020
REJOICE! ~ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14
Continue Reading
By Rev. Jeff Gill - Tuesday December 22, 2020
Micah is an under-appreciated prophet of Advent. Isaiah and Amos would have known of Micah’s message as contemporaries, and Jeremiah speaks approvingly of him from the generation just after him. One thing we get from Micah’s preaching is that there were obviously other prophets speaking in his era, and that they were speaking a word more congenial to what the kings and princes wanted to hear, whose “prophetic” word was comforting to those in power, even in support of those who oppressed the people.
Continue Reading
By Anne C. Sowell - Monday December 21, 2020
Rejoice ~ Even though this year has been like one I’ve never seen, tumultuous, filled with a virus that has taken many lives, made many sick and denied many of us the right to assemble in the Lord’s house.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Dean Phelps - Sunday December 20, 2020
Gifts That Change Lives ~ And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28, NRSV). ~ I was 12 years old that Christmas. Under the tree, I found an envelope with my name on it. When the time came, I opened the envelope to find only an index card with an instruction on it. Too many years have passed for me to recall the exact instructions or sequence, but they were simple instructions like, “Look under the milk.” Under the milk carton, then, was another index card with another instruction.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Eugene James - Saturday December 19, 2020
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matthew 2:10 ~ Advent is a season of joyful anticipation. The Magi entered a season of anticipation when they saw that unique star in the east and discerned that it would lead them to the Christ child. It was not stationary, they had to follow it and when it stopped over the place where the child was, the Magi rejoiced. The season of anticipation had concluded, the place where the Christ child lay had been found. They entered in, worshiped him, and presented him their gifts.
Continue Reading
By Shelby Baxter-Andrews - Friday December 18, 2020
Scripture: Psalm 126 (CEB) ~ The book of Psalms is all about humanity's relationship with God. In times of trouble, joy, war, exile, and triumph, the people of God express themselves in this book through Poetry. Psalm 126 is both testimony and prayer. It is reassurance that God has done and can still do great things! It reminds us that when things seem like they will never get better, God has the power to use our pain and our tears to yield a bountiful harvest. God can make rivers flow where before there was only waste.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Cynthia Klingemier - Thursday December 17, 2020
Read Psalm 119:89-90: “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.” (NIV) ~ I’ve been watching the skies lately. Paying attention to the cloud formations. Searching for breaks of light in the glowering gray. Looking for distant sun rays to make their way my way. Watching angry storm clouds approach, unleash their fury, and travel on, soon enough making ways for calmer days. Enjoying the movements and beauty of puffy, fluffy fly-swiftly-across-the-sky wind driven clouds or flow-lazily-and-gently-overhead soft-as-cotton clouds.
Continue Reading
By the Regional Minister Search Team - Wednesday December 16, 2020
The Regional Minister Search Team continues to be so very grateful for your prayers as we move forward in the process of discernment for our next Regional Pastor and President. We carry the hope and understanding that we represent you in our discernment each step of the way.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Jeff Gill - Wednesday December 16, 2020
Every year, no matter your own personal situation, each of us has a store of memories, many delightful and always a few awkward and painful ones, about what Christmas has been before in our lives. We also all know and anticipate how this year’s observance will be different. “Empty chairs around the table” has usually been just a metaphor, since we rarely leave a chair empty, but in many homes a standard table will simply not have enough people physically present to fill them. So for many of us, for the first time perhaps, we literally will have empty chairs at the table.
Continue Reading
By Kevin Poe and Jennifer Berlyoung - Tuesday December 15, 2020
1 Timothy 4:12, NIV: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." ~ Youth are the future of the church. The youth are a symbol of hope. To have youth in our churches makes us happy but to see youth serving, side by side with adults year-round, is something that elevates it to true joy. Youth have so much to give the church and are particularly placed for ministry as they are developing their own skills and figuring out where they can excel. We thank God for the blessing of the youth, and rejoice in the privilege of hearing their important voices.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Kristine Eggert - Monday December 14, 2020
Please read Habakkuk 3:17-19 ~ December 14 is a date etched in my brain and occupies permanent space in my heart. It was on Friday, December 14, 2012 that a lone gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School just as classes started and killed 20 first-graders and 6 school staff members. On Saturday morning, I tore the sermon I’d written into shreds and began again. It was the 3rd Sunday in Advent – the morning when we would light the Joy candle.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Deborah Saxe - Sunday December 13, 2020
Please read Psalm 126:1-6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 ~ Leading into this Advent season the world has been in a time of wilderness: so much isolation, such dry spirits. In preparation for this time I couldn’t help but reflect on how alone we have each felt, and it made me consider the Nativity story from a deeper and truer place. I considered how alone each one of these characters must have felt in their individual circumstances, decisions, geography, power structures. It reminded me of a wider truth about the Scriptures, that these are a collection of the stories of ordinary people, the ancestors of our faith, teaching how we can better respond to our own experiences of isolation or complication.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Chris McCreight - Saturday December 12, 2020
Matthew 21.28-32 - Wait, is Jesus talking about us? - The Parable of the Two Sons - 28 'What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, "Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” 29He answered, "I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, "I go, sir”; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?' They said, 'The first.' Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Jim Bane - Friday December 11, 2020
It was just over a year ago, and I was running through a wooded trail in a small-town park in the middle of Tennessee. The temperature was about freezing, and it was about midnight. My headlamp was dim, and the running flashlight I was holding was going out. And I wasn’t 100% sure I was even on the right path. Other than the cold and the darkness and the confusion things were going fairly well.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Dr. CJ Koen - Thursday December 10, 2020
Joy brings us a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. it is an emotion that we experience When life seems good to us. The times when the sun is shining, the times when our team is victorious, when we feel health and strength. People hardly ever talk about happiness amid heartbreak, or pleasure in the midst of painful sickness, or the exhilaration of losing.
Continue Reading
By Bruce Bowerman-Jett - Wednesday December 9, 2020
Let us Rejoice!!! ~ Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ~ Think of this: Instead of worrying about problems we cannot solve, you choose to be joyful! We all have been on a journey in life. Consider the many struggles the Apostle Paul had and how he must have felt as he sat in one imprisonment after another.
Continue Reading
By Gladys Davis - Tuesday December 8, 2020
Fellow Disciples, What a year it has been! The year of Covid-19 has brought challenges all around. We had to cancel in-person Summer Camps this year and switch to virtual. Instead of housing campers and retreat-goers, we have been working with the Union County Department of Health to prepare to potentially house individuals recovering from the virus or needing to quarantine.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Mary Jo Bray - Tuesday December 8, 2020
We enter this season of Advent in the midst of a pandemic with 240,000 + lives lost to COVID-19. At the time of this writing, we do not have a clear winner in the US Presidential race, and even if we did, we have an angry nation divided almost equally in half. Churches are struggling, families are separated, holidays will be disrupted. Everything seems challenging, and out of balance. From this chaos, we hear the peaceful words of Psalm 27:
Continue Reading
By Reverend Audrey Connor - Monday December 7, 2020
As a night chaplain at a hospital, part of my role is to round to the different nurse’s stations taking the emotional temperature of the staff and to hear of patients who may benefit from the presence of a chaplain. Each night I am asked by nurses, “How is the house?” I learned quickly that the question is never about where I go after work - the hospital is the “main house”. The people I talk with are usually seeking a bigger perspective to their night in the hospital.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Rick Spleth - Sunday December 6, 2020
Within the hymnody of the church there are at least two familiar songs that liken peace to a river. One is the African American spiritual sung by many Sunday School children and youth at camp— “I’ve Got Peace Like a River.” That one continues the water imagery with subsequent verses affirming “love like an ocean” and “joy like a fountain.” Properly sung, that popular song, entails some hand motions done with a sense of exuberance. If you invite some first graders to sing this song, you are going to end up with some noise. So, if you equate peace with quiet, I would not recommend that you encourage the singing of this song.
Continue Reading
By Manny Latio - Saturday December 5, 2020
Hi, my name is Manny Latio. You can call me a young adult leader. No matter where you are in the country, or the world for that matter, no matter what time of day it is, happy December 5th. I will be leading today’s devotional for Advent, and today’s devotional from Psalm 85:8-13. And…actually, I’ll read—yeah, actually I’ll read it…a little bit.
Continue Reading
By Christian Church in Ohio - Friday December 4, 2020
Life does not always play out like we imagine. This is true for us individually and true for our Congregations. You plan for things to be a certain way but then “life happens.” We pray for the courage to dream, to believe, and to hope when circumstances have changed, and even in a time like this, to rejoice. Through the Christmas Offering, resources are provided that assist the Christian Church in Ohio in supporting Congregations, Ministers, and the ministries of Camp Christian and the Ohio Region.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Cynthia Klingemier - Friday December 4, 2020
Please read Isaiah 43:1-3a ~ In the age before broken and torn things were so easily and simply discarded, and in the age when wounded things were mended if at all possible, the oval wicker basket was a fixture beside the grandmother’s worn, wooden rocking chair with the equally worn sky blue cushion on its seat. Maybe a foot deep, the basket with its woven, narrow wooden strips gave the appearance of small brown building blocks placed one on top of the other in alternating rows. The basket’s lid never rested on the top of the basket but always sat underneath the basket’s wickered bottom, cradling the work nestled inside with care. That basket was never empty.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Sarah West - Thursday December 3, 2020
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! - Luke 1:39-45
Continue Reading
By Rev. Seth Stout - Wednesday December 2, 2020
Please read Psalm 79; Micah 5:1-5a; Luke 21:34-38 ~ The creators of the lectionary have put these three scriptures together on purpose. We often, especially during advent, assume that the scriptures go together because they are talking about the same thing. ~ That’s not the case.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Brian Carr - Tuesday December 1, 2020
Please read Psalm 79; Micah 4:6-13 ~ The readings for today show a people in chaos and turmoil; a people lost in brokenness and in need of wholeness; a people struggling with the world around them and who are seeking restoration and a light at the end of the tunnel. Sound familiar?
Continue Reading
By Rev. Eugene James - Monday November 30, 2020
Developing an understanding of the concept of whole church among clergy and congregations is a crucial task that Regions have. It is essential that they are able to perceive the fact that they share in ministry beyond their location. This understanding among congregations is crucial to enabling Regions to advocate and support the mission and vision of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Continue Reading
By Rev. Allen Harris - Monday November 30, 2020
Lectionary Readings: Psalm 79; Micah 4:1-5; Revelation 15:1-8 ~ It is helpful to remember before reading today’s lectionary texts that for much of the church’s history Advent was more akin to Lent than our modern-day festive celebrations would suggest. Even today in some religious traditions Advent is a time of sober assessment of who we are as people of faith and where we are in our faith journey, and spiritual disciplines such as confession and repentance are central to the season.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Alan Dicken - Sunday November 29, 2020
Hello Ohio Region! Welcome to Advent. It is finally here. For many people, it is our favorite time of the year. For all of us, I imagine, we have been wondering just how Advent will look this year. No matter what exactly our church practices may be, this is sure to be a very different kind of Advent season. Still, it is a season of rejoicing. That is the theme for the Advent Devotionals we will be seeing and reading in the coming weeks. Rejoice!
Continue Reading
By Christian Church in Ohio - Monday November 23, 2020
This upcoming Advent Season, we will be livestreaming several services from this facebook page.
Every Sunday for the next four Sundays, we will be hosting Taize themed contemplative Advent Vespers services.On Monday Dec 21, we will also be sharing a Blue Christmas Service.
Continue Reading
By Regional Minister Search Team - Friday October 9, 2020
Greetings, fellow Disciples! As many of you saw at our virtual Regional Assembly, we were excited to share that the Regional Profile has been completed along with a Regional Minister Job Description. We believe that these are reflective not just of our current identity as a collective community of faith, but also as a foundational visioning document for going forward.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Don Baird - Friday October 2, 2020
I've been struggling with the meaning of World Communion Sunday this week.
In Galatians 3:28 Paul writes
"28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
These were the three great issues of his time which Jews and some Jewish Christians believed separated persons from God and from each other - dividing lines which he insisted time and again were overcome in Christ. In our time the issues of religious diversity, gender equality, and racism and social class divide us still. In this season we would certainly add politics to the list.
Continue Reading
By Christian Church in Ohio - Tuesday September 29, 2020
We had such a wonderful Virtual Regional Assembly on Saturday! We are so glad that so many of you were able to join us online. If you were not able to participate on Saturday, the content and videos (with the exception of the live Zoom gatherings) that were available on Saturday are still available for you to access at your convenience. There are also several ongoing Outreach at Home projects and donation opportunities. ~ We want to especially say THANK YOU to all of the people who assisted in pulling together the Assembly. Whether it was preparing content, providing or assembling videos, performing music, hosting Zoom gatherings or workshops, or any of the other behind the scenes work. We are so grateful for the time and work you put into this!
Continue Reading
By the Christian Church in Ohio - Wednesday September 9, 2020
We have reason to be joyful in Ohio today! Today we celebrate that we have in just 7 weeks already exceeded our goal for the Renewal Initiative! As of 4:00pm today, we have received gifts totaling $75,506.11! Plus, we know that there are still generous donations from Congregations and individuals on their way to further exceed this initial goal.
Continue Reading
By Candis Wilson, Regional Moderator - Friday August 14, 2020
This year has found us all in unprecedented times. Our daily normal has no longer been normal and has challenged us with finding new ways to work, live, and worship. For our Region to continue safe practices, this year's Regional Assembly will be a virtual experience on our scheduled gathering date of September 26, 2020 for Ohio Disciples to participate in and view at their convenience.
The theme for the Assembly is "Rise Up” based on Isaiah 40:31 which reads:
"but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Continue Reading
By Regional Minister Search Team - Thursday August 13, 2020
Thank you to all of you who have connected with us, offering support, prayer, and hopeful ideas for the shape and leadership of our Christian Church in Ohio beloved network and community of congregations! As I've had the opportunity to see (virtually) and hear from more of you, I am more and more grateful for the depth and range of hopes and dreams (and passion) that we have together. In these conversations, the Regional Minister Search Team has heard that many of you would like more regular communication and updates from us. We understand and will do our best to send regular updates, including this one!
Continue Reading
By Alan Dicken - Tuesday August 11, 2020
Renewal Update: We wanted to send you an update about the Renewal Initiative and let you know that we have already collected a little over $35,000! We wanted to say a big THANK YOU! We have updated our giving thermometer here /other-pages/renewal-initiative.aspx. You can also find additional documents and resources about the Renewal Initiative at that site. - Worship Resources: To supplement the Renewal Initiative, there are some worship resources we have put together for use in the coming weeks. If your church is interested, here are a few resources that could be incorporated into a worship service including Hymn Recommendations, Call to Worship, Prayer and a video including Scripture Reading, and a Sermon.
Continue Reading
By Staff & Leadership of the Christian Church in Ohio & Camp Christian - Monday July 27, 2020
Dear Friends, Since March, our lives and daily routines have been disrupted in ways that none of us have anticipated. I’m sure you’ve gone through your own upheaval in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives – our families, our employment, our finances, and even the way we worship and join in fellowship. As you probably know, The Christian Church in Ohio and Camp Christian had to make the tough but necessary decision to not hold in-person Summer Camp, as well as postponing all Regional events for the Spring, Summer, and now into the Fall. It is clear that these sad but needed decisions have left a void in the lives of many people, especially those who were eager to spend time at Camp this summer. This situation has also caused a real, tangible financial hardship for the Region and Camp Christian. Registration fees and donations made in conjunction with those events help pay for our staff, operations, buildings and grounds, and general upkeep of the Camp.
Continue Reading
By Christian Church in Ohio - Wednesday July 22, 2020
Recently, we had the chance to catch up with our international church partners at Centro Shalom! It was a great opportunity to be reminded of how global the church of Jesus Christ truly is. We affectionately call The Shalom Center, "Camp Christian South America" and our shared ministry between Chile and Ohio is linked by a long history of delegations, shared resources, and mostly through ongoing prayer and continued relationship rooted in the Holy Spirit.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Eugene James - Wednesday July 15, 2020
Coming together in fellowship is a common characteristic of Disciples, which enriches and enlivens our gatherings. We look forward to those times that we share together. The Regional Assemblies provide opportunities for fellowship and much more. Congregations have the time and space to share the activities and accomplishments of their ministries as well as the challenges they face and their hopes for the future. Representatives from the General Ministries, the Office of the General Minister and President, the wider church, and inter-faith groups take part in the programs that inform and enlighten the participants. Representatives from each congregation play a role in conducting the business and making critical decisions affecting the life, direction, and future of the ministry of the Regional Church.
Continue Reading
By Regional Minister Search Team - Friday July 3, 2020
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Even in these times of uncertainty and isolation we have much to celebrate as we find new ways of moving and being in the world. As we pray for you in your new and renewed ministries, we are also asking that you would be in prayer for our Regional Search Committee. We have been meeting regularly in discernment about where we have been, where we are, and where God is leading us next.
In our time together, the Regional Search Team has met six times with our Regional Church Council Moderator, Candis Wilson, as well as, Rick Spleth, visiting Regional Minister from Indiana. During that time, we have reviewed the Regional Constitution and Bylaws for our own edification in this process. We have evaluated job descriptions and compensation packages for other Regional Minister positions throughout the country as well as comparable positions in the United Church of Christ and non-profits, allowing us to better examine how to balance the administrative, pastoral, and creative aspects of this unique calling. All of this has been held in faithfulness to the Marks of a Faithful Regional Church and the Manual for a Regional Search Committee.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Alan Dicken - Friday June 5, 2020
Dear Ohio Region, In late April, we shared the tough news of the decision to close Camp Christian for summer 2020 for the health and safety of all of those who are involved with our camping program. It was a devastating decision, but we knew it was what was right for us to do. Since then, we have been hard at work developing programming and options to make available to the region. The directors and ADs from the various camps have been meeting and talking through what some of our alternative options could be and we are very pleased to announce that we will be able to provide online camp alternatives for all of our camp programs!devastating decision, but we knew it was what was right for us to do.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Thaddaeus Allen - Friday May 15, 2020
The Fifth Mark of a Faithful Regional Church instructs us that regions are charged with: CARING FOR MINISTERS AND THE MINISTRY - The Region provides care for ministers and their families. The Region helps promote healthy relationships between congregations and their leaders. The Region assists clergy and congregations in the Search and Call process in order to match the needs of congregations with the particular gifts and graces of ministerial leaders.
Continue Reading
By the Christian Church in Ohio - Tuesday May 5, 2020
We hope you and your family are well in these challenging times. As a faithful supporter of the mission of Camp Christian and the Christian Church in Ohio, we wanted to take some time to update you on some of the things that are going on at Camp Christian and throughout the Ohio Region even as we navigate through this pandemic. We all may be working remotely and scrambling to adapt ministries to a new, physically distant world, but we are nonetheless continuing to work hard to move forward in mission. At the risk of employing a now overused sentiment, our ministry remains important, “now more than ever.”
Continue Reading
By The Christian Church in Ohio & Camp Christian - Monday May 4, 2020
“GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”
The past few months have been a time that has created circumstances that we never thought we would be in, as individuals, as churches, and as a region. Despite the ups and downs experienced by so many, people have continued giving their time, talents, money, donations of food, and other valuable resources needed in so many ways. The generosity has been incredible and it is something the region is truly grateful for.
Continue Reading
By The Christian Church in Ohio & Camp Christian Committee - Wednesday April 29, 2020
For 70 years the summers at Camp Christian have been the highlight of the year for so many people. It’s abundantly clear from all of the messages of prayers and support we received over the last few weeks, as well as the number of RSVPs for our modified summer programming that Camp still holds an important place in the hearts and minds of the people of Ohio. The love and passion that so many show for Camp Christian is a great blessing. This has been, and continues to be an amazing and beloved community.
Continue Reading
By the Christian Church in Ohio - Friday April 24, 2020
Dear Ohio Region, Happy Eastertide! We have continued to be in prayer with and for each and every one of you especially over the past couple of weeks of celebrating Holy Week and Easter in new and different ways this year. We hope you are staying healthy and safe and will continue to pray for healing and hope for us all as we move forward together in our faith and in our congregations.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Dean Phelps - Wednesday April 15, 2020
The fourth mark of a faithful regional church is calling out and developing leaders. The tag and description both frame leadership as call: “The Region assists individuals and congregations in discerning God’s call as they move through life’s journey.” Leadership and ministry are a calling. I have long held to the belief that as soon as we rise from the water of baptism we are called to ministry. Each of us have gifts for a particular ministry. The faithful regional church serves as a partner with the local congregation in helping people understand their gifts and discern their call.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Thaddaeus Allen - Saturday April 11, 2020
Please read Matthew 27:57-66 ~ On this Holy Saturday we sit at the tomb of Jesus and join with all of creation in the great silence that this day holds. The mystery and confusion of what has been, what is, and ultimately what will be weighs heavy on our hearts and minds. With all of creation the church is compelled to renew again our commitment to live in and into the holy mystery of what happens between Thursday night and Sunday morn. This day we wait in holy silence for that which is to come
Continue Reading
By Rev. Dr. Betty M. Green and Rev. Dr. Irvin W. Green - Friday April 10, 2020
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” John 18:10-11 NRSV ~ It is frightening to realize that, if Peter had his way, the chosen course of Jesus would have been altered. Without consulting with Jesus, or anyone else, Peter drew his sword and sought to initiate a battle. He must have believed that the other disciples would join in. Otherwise, he would have to know that the Roman soldiers could have killed him without bringing him to trial.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Dean Phelps - Thursday April 9, 2020
In a Worthy Manner ~ Please read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ~ When I step to the table to offer the words of institution—that is, to tell the story—I use these words from Paul almost every time. The most likely reason is that these are the words my pastor used, and so I carry it forward. This is the story I was told, so now I am telling it to you.
Continue Reading
By Lectio Divina - Wednesday April 8, 2020
Follow the Lectio Divina phases for your devotion today ~ Praying with Scripture falls into the following four phases. These phases are not air-tight compartments with rigid transitions between them. Lectio offers a natural flow from one phase to the next rather than a lock-step march. ~ Please read Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Continue Reading
By Rev. Matt Every - Tuesday April 7, 2020
Mark 14:3–9 (NRSV): While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
Continue Reading
By the Christian Church in Ohio - Monday April 6, 2020
Paycheck Protection Program ~ The federal government has allocated more than $350 billion to assist small businesses, including non-profits such as congregations and other denominational organizations, in keeping employees on the payroll and covering critical expenses through this trying financial time. The CARES Act created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), providing loans through the Small Business Administration with provisions for loan forgiveness of up to 100%, depending upon how the loan funds are spent.
Continue Reading
By Mike Valentine - Monday April 6, 2020
Please read John 12:1-12 ~ This Jesus has to die! There’s just no getting around it. He’s disrupting our agenda. He’s affecting our livelihood. He’s challenging our authority. He’s dismantling our influence. Either he goes or we’ll all be undone. That was the motivation behind the sinister conspiracy to kill Jesus of Nazareth. The religious and political bosses had met and the decision was made. Come Passover we’re going to abduct this Jesus and rub him out before anymore of this gets out of hand. We owe it to ourselves, our institution, and our nation to remove this upstart reformer from the equation. As such, we’ll send out spies to infiltrate meetings and gatherings in order to learn of his whereabouts. And when the time is right, we’ll make our move.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Rick Spleth - Sunday April 5, 2020
The Back Story ~ Please read Luke 19:28-38 ~ If you read the gospel of John the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem sounds like a flash mob, something that just sort of happens. John says “The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So, they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-- the King of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it.
Continue Reading
By ~ the Hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor” - Saturday April 4, 2020
Please read Matthew 21:8-11 ~ Reflect on the Hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Continue Reading
By the Camp Christian Committee & Regional Staff - Friday April 3, 2020
Greetings Region of Ohio, Every day we are in prayer for our region. We are in prayer for all those who are church leaders, both clergy and lay. We pray for those who belong to our congregations. We pray for healing and hope for us all. We also pray for our leadership, that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit to do what is safe and faithful. Every day we also take in new information about this Covid-19 situation, and we make adjustments to our daily lives in many ways. These recent updates and projections have now shifted from looking at our response to the virus in terms of days and weeks, to looking ahead in terms of months. That shift has caused us to look at how we will need to approach our camping program at Camp Christian.
Continue Reading
By Rev Dr. Claudella Koen - Friday April 3, 2020
Joy in a New Reality ~ Please read Romans 8:6-11 ~ In this text Paul believes that here and now humans can live in the Spirit (verse 9). Paul believes that this new reality is not something people dream about in their heads, or must work hard to pretend that they are living in. It is not a reality that exists somewhere else or in the future. Paul is certain that it is real, it is here, and it is now. Paul is convinced that because of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection that a new reality exists. This is not to say that people continuously have occurrences of Spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues or prophesying. It is to say that believers in Christ live in a new environment, a new place with new reality structures. Instead of living a life structured by sin and death, we can live in one structured by Christ, by the Spirit, by life. We can live in the Spirit because we are “in Christ Jesus” (8:1).
Continue Reading
By ~ Scripture for Reflection: Revelation 21:1-5a - Thursday April 2, 2020
Scripture for Reflection: Revelation 21:1-5a Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
Continue Reading
By Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr. - Wednesday April 1, 2020
The God of the Living ~ Matthew 22:23-33 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 23 The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection;[a] and they asked him a question, saying, 24 “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died childless, leaving the widow to his brother. 26 The second did the same, so also the third, down to the seventh. 27 Last of all, the woman herself died. 28 In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her.” 29 Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels[b] in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is God not of the dead, but of the living.” 33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching.
Continue Reading
By Alan Dicken - Tuesday March 31, 2020
A video update from the Ohio Region
Continue Reading
By Rev. Dr. Pamela Barnes-Jackson - Tuesday March 31, 2020
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NKJV) ~ From Ashes to Rejoicing: The Story Is Not Over! ~ We as Christians understand the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Because Christ died on the Cross, we thank God, his story did not end at the cross, it was just the beginning. When thinking of ashes, the ideology that comes to mind is something has been destroyed and the ashes are the remains.
Continue Reading
By The Christian Church in West Virginia and Pennsylvania - Monday March 30, 2020
Please read Isaiah 55:1-9 ~ Mighty and merciful God, giver of grace and goodness, we come as grateful children this day. We come confessing that we are not always grateful to you or as gracious to others we encounter in the twists and turns of our lives. We thank you that you have promised your forgiveness to us as we place our trust in you. Hear our prayers that we might be forgiven, renewed and restored to a fuller life—the life you have shown us in Jesus the Christ.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Deb Bolen - Sunday March 29, 2020
Please read John 11:1-45 ~ Every single one of us has known death and grief, haven't we? We can put ourselves in the place of Mary and Martha, and the friends who are weeping at the death of Lazarus. We also may be familiar with the disappointment of Mary and Martha, who had sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was ill and he had not come until now, when Lazarus had been dead. For four days the family has been waiting, as their feelings of grief are compounded by disappointment and perhaps anger. We too may feel disappointed and even angry that our prayers have not been answered the way we wanted. After four days, the initial shock and disbelief is still raw but perhaps beginning to fade just a tiny bit. And now, here is Jesus, at last, too late they think. And Jesus, seeing the pain and grief of all those present, wept at his friend's tomb before calling him forth from the tomb.
Continue Reading
By The Christian Church in West Virginia and Pennsylvania - Saturday March 28, 2020
Please read John 15:1-8 Jesus said, "I am the vine and you are the branches… Abide in me as I abide in you.” We come to reaffirm and renew our connection with the life-giving Vine. Jesus said, "I appointed you to go and bear fruit… fruit that will last.” We want to be fruitful, productive people whose lives make a difference. Jesus said, "This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” Christ, you are the Vine. We are the branches. We will bear your fruit. We will abide in your love and share it!
Continue Reading
By Rev. Cynthia Klingemier - Friday March 27, 2020
“3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with God in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps God’s covenant of love with those who love God and keep God’s commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.” Daniel 9:3-6 (NIV)
Continue Reading
By Ohio Regional Staff - Thursday March 26, 2020
As we prepared to write this letter and update, we were reminded of the many openings of the epistles often attributed to Paul. In 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 we read: 3 Grace to you and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by God you were called into fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Continue Reading
By Wendy Taylor - Thursday March 26, 2020
Luke 3:10-11 ~ 10 The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” ~ Lent is a time for “ALMSGIVING” ~ "The Lenten call to almsgiving means making the needs of other people our own. One of the central lessons of the cross is compassion; the heavy burdens we carry help us to appreciate the suffering in others.” - Teaching Catholic Kids
Continue Reading
By ~ From the DHM 2015 Lenten Resource - Rev. Dr. Beth Rupe - Wednesday March 25, 2020
Please read Philippians 2: 1 – 11 ~ "Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends." Philippians 2: 2 ~ The Message Bible ~ "Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other." Philippians 2: 2 ~ Common English Bible ~ One need not scroll very far on a news website or listen very long to a news broadcast, before there is a story illustrating the brokenness and factionalization of our world. Over and over again, we are bombarded with “us” verses “them” mentality and an attitude of protectionism and isolationism. Our world is marked by an increased tribalism rather than a sense of unity, and competitive rather than cooperative spirit.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Christopher K. Stark - Tuesday March 24, 2020
“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NRSV) ~ Things were easier in elementary school. Milk came in single servings, we had designated times for naps, and I always knew what season it was just by glancing at the bulletin board boarders. October had jack-o-lanterns, November was turkeys, December evergreens, January snowflakes, and in February little red hearts abounded. I learned in elementary school that February is a month dedicated to love. We would set aside a day to pass out cards letting everyone know that we loved them. We passed out little inspirational sayings on candy hearts that I think were made of chalk dust and sugar. And I learned that love is best expressed by sharing food, preferably sweets.
Continue Reading
By the Hymn “If You Will Trust in God to Guide You” - Monday March 23, 2020
Please read Psalm 55:22-33 ~ Reflect on the Hymn “If You Will Trust in God to Guide You” by Georg Neumark ~ Chalice Hymnal 565 ~ CCLI #225547
Continue Reading
By Rev. Jeff Gill - Sunday March 22, 2020
Ephesians 5:8-14 ~ For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light - for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Continue Reading
By Lectio Divina - Saturday March 21, 2020
Follow the Lectio Divina phases for your devotion today ~ Praying with Scripture falls into the following four phases. These phases are not air-tight compartments with rigid transitions between them. Lectio offers a natural flow from one phase to the next rather than a lock-step march.
~ Please read John 9:1-41
Continue Reading
By Rev. Thaddaeus Allen - Friday March 20, 2020
Church Administration or Stewardship of the Body in Trying Economic Times ~ Thaddaeus B. Allen, Regional Minister, West Virginia and Pennsylvania ~ March 20, 2020 ~ Yesterday I was contacted by three congregations who expressed very real concern for the financial realities that we will all face as a result of COVID-19. For many these realities are here, right now. This is not theoretical or abstract stuff we are worrying about, rather this is a very real issue that we must address. We can survive this fiscal reset, but only if we stay together and raise our game as church administrators. These thoughts are for congregations and church bodies who are fiscally tight and not running overflowing with cash. This is about all of us!
Continue Reading
By Rev. Harry Bolen - Friday March 20, 2020
Please read Romans 5: 1 - 11 ~ As we read what Paul wrote in Romans 5: 1 - 11 we come up against many of the sufferings that Paul went through for his devotion to Jesus. Paul was originally Saul until he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and instead of being vilified or harshly put down for his persecution of Christians, he found a love so deep and forgiveness so genuine that it changed his life and his life's direction.
Continue Reading
By The Christian Church in West Virginia and Pennsylvania - Thursday March 19, 2020
Please read Psalm 32 ~ Lord of all that is silent and all that is spoken, because our lives are full of detail and deadlines, much to be done and little time in which to do it all, we find few moments in which to savor the beauty of the world, to contemplate the fierce endurance of everything that lives, to enter that timeless realm of divine mystery which surrounds us, entered only in silence. Yet we know that this place exists and is close to us. O God, grant us a glimpse of this inner sanctuary, and the desire and calm to dwell there in prayer.
Continue Reading
By Ohio Regional Staff - Wednesday March 18, 2020
Dear Ohio Region, What a long month this past week has been! Seriously though, we pray that you are doing well and that you are all taking care of yourselves, your families, and your communities. We are praying for the whole region and for all of the ways that we can be working together, praying together, and lifting up one another in support, love, and encouragement at this time. For our part as a Regional Staff, we want to do our best to share with you what we have been doing and how we anticipate to be moving forward. Communication and transparency are vital to us all as we make important decisions about how we move ahead as a church and in relationship together.
Continue Reading
By the Camp Christian Committee & Regional Staff - Wednesday March 18, 2020
We are all coming to terms with the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus. We are well aware of the numerous organizations and businesses that have closed their doors in recent days or have had to alter what they do in a significant way. We have learned that is not always possible to plan too many days in advance as situations continue to change. However, the Camp Christian Committee does have an eye on the future even if our knowledge of what the future holds may be limited. Our Camp Christian Committee met online in recent days to discuss what this upcoming summer might look like as far as our outdoor ministries are concerned. We want you to know that steps have already been instituted as far as cleanliness and sanitization are concerned which are likely to remain in place even when the coronavirus is behind us. And the most important thing to hear is that no decisions have yet been made concerning our summer program.
Continue Reading
By In Memory of Rev. Paul A. Johnson - Wednesday March 18, 2020
Please read John 4:1-26 ~ The repeating of this scripture would be a lesson in history. This scripture could also be a source for negative preaching. I recommend that a person look at the whole chapter to discover something positive and challenging. The message I receive from this scripture can be summarized in two great hymns. “Come unto me ye weary, and I will give you rest” and “In Christ there is no east or west”.
Continue Reading
By Christian Church in Ohio - Tuesday March 17, 2020
Dear Ohio Congregational Leaders! How are you doing? There is a lot going on and we know that last week especially was difficult for many of you having to make decisions on the fly. With urgent congregational communications, altered worship practices, and perhaps even the need to quickly learn new technologies to facilitate online services, it has certainly been a tumultuous time for churches across Ohio. All of this, of course, has been piled on top of normal pastoral care duties and the now exacerbated needs of an entire community going through this crisis all at once. Truly, we know and understand that this must be an incredibly trying time for you in your pastoral role and leadership. Know that we are praying for you and are grateful for your service and ministry. Your calling and your gifts are appreciated now in ways that they have not been before. Thank you for your service, your generosity of spirit, your compassion, and your love. Please know that you are not alone. There are similarly gifted and passionate ministerial leaders across the state that share your vision and compassion as we all continue forward in mission.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Jeff Gill - Tuesday March 17, 2020
For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ~ Acts 13:47 (NRSV) ~ Saint Patrick is a Christian figure who floats into and out of our consciousness from the mists of time, and of legend. He’s associated with Ireland, and the day is an observance that has a pretty spectacular secular association, but the good saint and bishop didn’t convert water into green beer. Patrick was a victim of slavery and oppression who chose not only to forgive his captors, but to commit his life and ministry to their benefit. Patrick, in short, wasn’t Irish. It was Irish pirates who captured and sold him, and it was from his home in England and his adopted land of France where he was trained for ministry, out of which he dedicated his life to return to the Emerald Isle.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Eugene James - Monday March 16, 2020
Relationships are so very important and fundamental to human existence, the relationship between spouses, parents and children, teacher and student, co-workers, employer and employee, pastor and congregation just to name a few. The way those relationships develop and grow has a significant impact on our lives. The Regional church provides fellowship groups that foster the development of broader relationships beyond the local congregation. I don’t hesitate to say the trust earned through the relationships I established over the thirty years prior to my being called as Regional Minister has been an immense asset to enable me to fulfill my responsibilities effectively.
Continue Reading
By ~ From the DHM 2017 Lenten Resource - Rev. Courtney Richards - Monday March 16, 2020
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"
Continue Reading
By Rev. Cynthia Klingemier - Sunday March 15, 2020
“28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) ~ WEARY IS THE WORLD. Weary of hateful words. Weary of suicide bombers. Weary of mass shootings. Weary of job loss. Weary of increasing taxes. Weary of hunger. Weary of poverty. Weary of division. Weary of war mongering. Weary of creation abuse. Weary of lies. Weary of inept leaders. Weary of ….. (keep filling in the blank). The list goes on and on. And the weary hearts of the world’s inhabitants sink deeper and deeper into despair.
Continue Reading
By Life in Liturgy from The Christian Church in West Virginia and Pennsylvania - Saturday March 14, 2020
Please read Psalm 27 ~ Loving God, through Jesus Christ you bring light and life to a dark and dying world. We give you thanks and praise for your love which he reveals to us, even today, and for the hope which his life and death and resurrection unfolds for our world. Even as you love the world so greatly and sacrificially in Jesus, help us in his spirit to live and to love your world today, especially as we lift to you the lonely, the hurting, the sick and the dying.
Continue Reading
By The Visiting Regional Ministers - Friday March 13, 2020
Dear Church, On Thursday, Governor Mike Dewine outline several actions designed to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus among Ohioans. Among them was a ban on gatherings of 100 or more. Although religious services are exempt, the ban prompts our congregations to consider how we respond to the outbreak of COVID-19. As communities of faith, we gather for worship, fellowship, and mission. We are naturally in close proximity to each other, and many members of our communities are among the most vulnerable to the disease. While cancelling worship services and other church gatherings is not mandated, we should consider that possibility to ensure the health and safety of those who worship and serve with us.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Michael Doerr - Friday March 13, 2020
O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our maker! Psalm 95:6 ~ Every morning at camp, cabins of Chi Rhoers gather together for morning prayers. As candles are lit, this verse is read out loud together by campers and their counselors. Thinking about this, I wonder at how many campers have shared in this devotion through the years. Was this prayer liturgy, and this verse, used at the very beginning of Camp Christian's ministry? Even back in the days when there were 8 (yes, 8!) weeks of Chi Rho every summer?! Hundreds, even thousands, of campers, every morning for a week, every summer for generations, have begun a time of prayer in the morning seeking God's presence in that moment, and by extension for the entire day ahead of them. This is significant, really it is. If we call Camp Christian holy ground with straight faces, it can only be because we have joined together seeking God's presence, and God has answered our prayers by providing it.
Continue Reading
By ~ Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 51:1-10 - Thursday March 12, 2020
Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 51:1-10
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Continue Reading
By Christian Church in Ohio - Wednesday March 11, 2020
Dear Church, This is just a quick message to let you all know what the Region is doing in response to COVID-19. First and foremost, we are praying. Praying for healing, praying for wholeness, praying for hope. We ask all of you to join us in this prayer as we know that we must always root all of our actions, thoughts, and daily lives in the power of prayer. ~ We know that prayer requires action of us as well and we want to reassure you that we are taking action...
Continue Reading
By Pastor Wally Burman - Wednesday March 11, 2020
Please read John 7:53-8:11 The Voice (VOICE) ~ This passage of Scripture tells the story of the woman caught in adultery and brought before Jesus by the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity. They also claimed Mosaic authority for their interpretation of Jewish Laws.
Continue Reading
By Rev. Kerry Reed - Tuesday March 10, 2020
Please read Isaiah 65:17-25 ~ Perhaps, it is easier to think of a new creation at the time of year when crocus peep through the earth … when sunny days outnumber grey cloudy ones … when birdsong awakens us more frequently. More than the truth of the natural references, Isaiah’s invitation is to account for God’s presence in their post Exilic lives. The invitation to the Hebrews celebrates God’s promise actualized back in the Promised Land.
Continue Reading
By ~ From the DHM 2016 Lenten Resource - Rev. Antonio (Tony) Redd - Monday March 9, 2020
“You Have Nothing to Fear” Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 NRSV ~ 1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” ~ 9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, 10no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. 11For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 13You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. 14Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. 15When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. 16With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.
Continue Reading
By Rev. John Cox - Sunday March 8, 2020
Throughout Epiphany I had been preaching a series based on the world of "Star Trek." It was not everyone's cup of earl grey tea, but it was fun for me to be able to share the love of God through the lens of this science fiction story. ~ I learned a few things that I would like to share...
Continue Reading
By ~ In Memory of Rev. George R. Reese - Saturday March 7, 2020
Please read John 13: 21-32 ~ “. . .And it was night.” (vs. 30c) ~ “And it was night.” marks much more than time of day! It applies to everyone. Each knew the NIGHT - Judas, Jesus and each disciple had their personal night ahead. ~ Eli Wiesel wrote: “Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. . .
Continue Reading
By Lectio Divina - Friday March 6, 2020
Follow the Lectio Divina phases for your devotion today ~ Praying with Scripture falls into the following four phases. These phases are not air-tight compartments with rigid transitions between them. Lectio offers a natural flow from one phase to the next rather than a lock-step march.
~ Please read Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Continue Reading
By Alan Dicken - Thursday March 5, 2020
Hello and Happy March!
In January, I began a blog post to update folks with what I have been up to as the Regional Program Director and what I am hopeful for in the coming months in this role. February came and went quickly, but here is a recap of what all has been happening with the Ohio Regional Program Director!
Firstly, I am hopeful that everyone is having a good and faithful start to their Lenten Season as we head into this month of preparation for the coming of Holy Week and Easter. If you would like to receive Lenten Devotionals, many leaders from around the state have offered daily devotionals which can be found here...
Continue Reading