Our Moderator
Dear Family and Friends in Christ
As Moderator, I would
like to take this brief opportunity to thank the faithful members
and new members of our church family, We have added some very
blessed individuals to our midst and we have lost some of our
satins. It is with great rejoicing that we welcome and become
family with you in Christ our Lord. The renewed leadership taken
by every part of our family and the great things we have
accomplished shall continue to show our discipleship in Christ.
As you read the church Mission Statement
and Vision Statement, church leadership hopes you get a clearer
idea of who we (all the people) are and where we are going. Church
leadership wants to remind all of you to remember that we as a
congregation steer our own ship, we choose to covenant with the
United Church of Christ but the UCC does not control or dictate to
us. That is the uniqueness of our rich denominational history. having
said that with insight from new members of our congregation and
ideas and mission Rev Joyce has gathered during her sabbical we
want to refocus and reshape our mission in this community.
As the church moves forward ion 2008, we
continue to work on incorporation of the church and society for
recognition by the State of Ohio. We want to use the idea of one
set Code of Regulations for the "First Congregational United
Church of Christ and Society" as one organization with one
focus, and one set of goals for the community. We will also be
transferring the deed of the Community Center to the Board of
Directors of that organization for insurance purposes. We contunue
to see our church family grow in witness to Christ as we embark
ion new missions each year. A group traveled to Steubenville this
summer, we partnered with the HIV Communities fo North Central
Ohio to finish the sofit on the Agape House for HIV client's in
Sandusky and we started a fund raising, entertaining, opportunity for
the community participation in activates of the community center.
New opportunities for witness and fellowship with other Christians
arise on a daily basis. Let us not forget that "GOD is
Still Speaking" to each and everyone of us, every minute,
every day and every year. God's Blessing to all as we continue our
life's journey together in Christ through the New Year. On
February 24, 2008 we celebrate teh 185th anniverasry of our church
here in Berlin Heights. "This little light of mine I'm
Going let it chine, Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it
shine!"
Love in Christ
Deb Oehling
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