12/10/2014

Southern Ohio Synod E-bulletin for the Week of December 10, 2014

Missed last week's e-bulletin? Click HERE to view our archived weekly e-bulletins and get caught up on what's happening in our synod.

 

Vision For the Southern Ohio Synod Survey--Members of the Synod Encouraged to Take the Survey

It's not too late to provide your thoughts. Click on title to read more and take the survey.

 

Synod News

You Are Invited To Read And Download The Dec Issue Of 'Reflections On Congregational Life' And See How You Can Grow Your Congregation

This month's issue of Reflections on Congregational Life addresses the downward trend in membership and worship attendance at congregations in the Southern Ohio Synod. The article also provides doable suggestions and real-world examples of how your congregation can reverse the trend and grow. Please download and share this month's Reflections on Congregational Life with your congregation. 

Read Bishop Dillahunt's letter regarding the proposed changes to our synod's governing documents. 

After Assembly, I requested the Task Force continue their work and review all of the governing documents of this synod by looking at the them through a missional lens and remove or modify provisions not required by the ELCA, in order to allow flexibility in addressing mission opportunities in this synod for the future. 

Parish Paper for January and February 2015

The January 2015 issue is titled, 'Our Future Pastors: Assessing the State of the Pipline'.

The February 2015 issue is titled, 'How to Avoid the Potholes on the Road to Retirement'.

Reminder! 2015 Nominations Form-Please Complete the Form for Nominees from Your Conference for Synod Council, Trinity Seminary & Churchwide Assembly

At the 2015 Southern Ohio Synod Assembly, being held at Capital University on June 5 & 6, voting members of the assembly will elect clergy and lay members for the following positions: Synod Council, Trinity Lutheran Seminary & Churchwide Assembly. 

 

 

ELCA News

ELCA Presiding Bishop Delivers Video Message on Racial Justice

In a Dec. 5 video message on racial justice, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton said, “Our nation and our church have been and remain deeply besieged by racism. Following the decisions by grand juries in Ferguson and New York, it has become clear that we have different experiences of life in this country. We continue to struggle. We continue to struggle in our conversation about race in our congregations, communities and places of business, even at our kitchen table.”  Eaton’s video message is available at http://bit.ly/1rXtlN1. 

Attn Portico Benefits Members: Healthy Living to Replace EmbodyHealth in December

ELCA health plan members and spouses, you'll access Healthy Living directly through myPortico - no more need for a Mayo Clinic ID and password. 

You are Invited to 'Called to be a Living Voice: Vocation Reformation Mission' in Atlanta in July 2015

Registration is now open for 'Called to be a Living Voice: Vocation . Reformation . Mission at www.LivingVoice2015.org. 

Central America: Drought Causes Concerns for Food Security and Livelihoods

Cattle have died and crops have been completely diminished in a drought across Central America that is recorded as the region's worst dry period in the last 30 years. The drought has impacted more than 2.5 million people across the region. Three countries that are feeling deep impacts of this drought include El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, where crops are either completely depleted or prices for grains have increased so significantly that many families cannot afford to purchase them. The drought is causing concerns for food security and livelihoods. 

'Cross True Gift of Christmas'; Bishop Eaton's Column in the December Issue of The Lutheran

In her December column for The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton reminds us that “all of our Christmas glorias are realized in Jesus’ glorification on the cross.” With Jesus we have peace, we have hope, we are loved—and not just at Christmas. 

The Gift is You--A Story About ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission

While teaching English, working in churches, leading youth groups and serving in rehabilitation centers, Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) learn how to become vulnerable, build relationships and realize their identity as missionaries. - 

ELCA Presiding Bishop Offers Prayer, Hope in Wake of Ferguson Decision

In response to the St. Louis County grand jury decision November 24 not to indict Darren Wilson in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered a word of prayer and hope. 

Nigeria: Emergency Assistance for People Fleeing as Attacks Continue

Nigerians are fleeing amidst continued attacks that are believed to be the actions of Boko Haram. On Nov. 10, 2014, there was a massacre of 48 people near the territory of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN).

Support Needed for New ELCA Missionaries and Young Adults in Global Mission--Will You Help?

For more information on how to create a covenant with these missionaries of prayer, communication and financial support, contact globalchurch@elca.org or visit www.ELCA.org/globalchurch.

ELCA Presiding Bishop and Ecumenical Leaders Provide Advent Devotions

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and leaders from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, and The Episcopal Church have written a series of weekly Advent devotions for members of the four denominations. 

ELCA Bishops Support Obama’s Immigration Reform Announcement

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Conference of Bishops released a statement Nov. 20 in support of President Obama’s announcement of immigration reform.  

 

Partners and Affiliates 

Lutheran World Relief Prepares for Typhoon Hagupit Relief, Commits Initial $50,000 to Aid Relief Efforts in the Philippines

In preparation for Typhoon Hagupit, which is expected to make landfall December 6 local time in the Philippines, Lutheran World Relief, a U.S.-based humanitarian agency, has made an initial commitment of $50,000 to assist those most affected and will be on the ground to assess needs and develop a plan to aid in both short- and long-term recovery. The storm is predicted to cause widespread damage and affect millions in an area still recovering from last year’s Super Typhoon Haiyan. 

Join Ohio Interfaith Power and Light for a Climate Conversation on January 22, 2015

A Climate Conversation is a forum where we can have an informative, thoughtful, and morally-relevant conversation about climate change. The first hour is a video-conference presentation by scientist, Dr. Joel Barker of Byrd Polar Research Center at the Ohio State University, and Ted Ford, President and CEO of Advanced Energy Economy. 

Interfaith Power & Light Invites Congregations to join Valentine’s Weekend Preach-In on Global Warming

Interfaith Power & Light expects its 2015's Preach-In on Global Warming to be the biggest yet. The organization and its 40 state affiliates are aiming to sign up 3,000 faith communities to preach or hold educational events on Valentine's Day weekend.

Trinity's Midweek Blast for December 10, 2014

Trinity Faculty: Innovative Leaders Tackling Challenges 

John I. William Jr. to Become President of ELCA’s Muhlenberg College

Williams is the first African American ELCA college and university president, according to the Rev. Mark N. Wilhelm, director for schools, colleges and universities, ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission. “I am delighted to welcome John Williams into our ELCA higher education community, and I look forward to working with him to continue and enhance the mission of Muhlenberg College,” he said. 

Jacob's Porch College Ministry Insider Newsletter (Nov 26 2014)--Read up on what's going on at the OSU Campus Ministry

Jacob's Porch publishes a wonderful electronic newsletter, which the Southern Ohio Synod will share as it is released. We cannot share all the photos and format on our website, but a link to the full newsletter is provided below. Please take a few moments to read up on how these young people are growing in their faith and sharing the love of Jesus on campus and in the Central Ohio community. 

 

Prayers

Pr. Fred Bernlohr as he continues to gain strength after a mild heart attack

Family and Friends of The Rev. Richard Jurgensen

 

Employment Opportunities 

Pianist
First English Lutheran Church, Columbus

Marketing and Financial Development Coordinator
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio

Administrative Assistant
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio

Vice President for Mission Advancement
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP)

Director of Adult Ministry
All Saints Lutheran Church, Worthington

Parish Nurse 
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio

If your ELCA-affiliated organization or congregation has an open position you'd like to advertise, please send the position description, contact person information and a deadline for submitting applications to sbarton-nonno@southernohiosynod.org.

 

Upcoming Events in Our Synod

December 11, 2014 10:00AM-12:00PM
Cincinnati Conference Rostered Leaders Event
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kenwood

December 13, 2014 10:30AM
Consecration Worship Service for Mr. Daniel Jacob
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Dayton

December 14, 2014 4:00PM
Installation of The Rev. Bob Abrams as Assistant to the Bishop
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 3500 Main Street, Hilliard, Ohio

December 15, 2014 12:00-2:00PM
Bishop's Christmas Luncheon
Confluence Park Boat House

December 16, 2014 10:00AM
5.5 Cluster Meeting
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio

December 17, 2014 11:00AM-1:00PM
Springfield Cluster Meeting
Shouvlin Hall, Room 207, Wittenberg University

December 18, 2014 9:45-11:30AM
Northwest Columbus Clergy Cluster Gathering--Pr. Tim Muller
Ascension Lutheran Church, Columbus

Dec. 24, 2014 - Jan. 2, 2015
Synod Office Closed

December 25, 2014
Christmas
O' Little Town of Bethlehem

January 1, 2015
New Year's Day 2015

January 8, 2015 10:00AM-12:00PM
Cincinnati Conference Rostered Leaders Event
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kenwood

January 8, 2015 10:30AM-12:00PM
Youth Ministry Cluster
Christ, Bexley

January 9-11, 2015
Middle School MiX
Lutheran Memorial Camp

January 15, 2015 12:00-2:00PM
Youth Ministry Cluster
Olive Garden, Middletown

January 20, 2015 10:00AM
5.5 Cluster Meeting
Messiah Lutheran Church, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

January 21, 2015 11:00AM-1:00PM
Springfield Cluster Meeting
Shouvlin Hall, Room 207, Wittenberg University

January 29 - February 2, 2015
The Extravaganza
Detroit, Michigan

January 31, 2015 9:30AM
Synod Council Meeting
Trinity Lutheran Seminary

 

 

To see all events on the synod website calendar click HERE.