03/13/2013

E-bulletin for the week of March 6, 2013

Take a glance at the headlines and intro paragraphs below. Then click through to read the full story on the synod website. Also, if you prefer the news to come to your social networking pages, follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

 

Synod News

Plan Regarding Election of New Synod Bishop to be Shared Soon

Because Bishop Callon Holloway, Jr. will retire this summer, an election to select a new bishop for the Southern Ohio Synod will be held at SynodFest, June 7-8, 2013 at Wittenberg University.

Reminder! Plan to Attend the God Sightings in the New Reality Tier 2 Gathering in Your Area

Our next God Sightings in the New Reality Gatherings will be held in Cincinnati, Sidney, Westerville and Hilliard.

4G Networking Stewardship Program at Trinity Lutheran Seminary April 20--Don't Miss this Inspiring Event

You are invited to attend the 4G Ne†working event on April 20, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 2199 East Main Street, Columbus.

35.8% of the Way Toward Our 65% Health Assessment Goal--Just 52 More People Needed!

Between January and February 2013, 35.8% of eligible members of the Southern Ohio Synod took the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment. THANK  YOU!

January 2013 Profit & Loss Statement Available for Download--Thanks to a Great January We are Able to Send 40% to ELCA for Mission Support!

January 2013 was the end of fiscal year 2012 for the Southern Ohio Synod. It was also a stellar month for congregational remittances, allowing the Synod Council to keep its originally planned 40% mission support contribution for the full year to Churchwide.

Attn Congregational Treasurers and Financial Secretaries--Download Your Copy of the 2013 Congregational Remittance Form Today

Please download and begin using the 2013 Southern Ohio Synod Congregational Remittance Form today for your mission support and second tier giving to specific ministries in the synod or ELCA.

New Newsletter from SOS Mental Wellness & Recovery Task Force--Excellent Resource for Yourself & Your Congregation

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made is the new publication from the Southern Ohio Synod's Mental Wellness and Recovery Task Force.

Resolutions for Consideration at SynodFest 2013 Due March 15

Reminder! Please RSVP for Congregational Officer's Day--March 16 2013

In January, a letter was sent to all congregations inviting all Congregational Officers to the Southern Ohio Synod annual Congregational Officer's Day, which will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 10 am until 3 pm. Our host congregation is David Lutheran Church, 300 Groveport Road, Canal Winchester.  

The Parish Paper for March and April 2013 Available Now for Download and Distribution

The Parish Paper is a monthly publication containing "ideas and insights for active congregations." It is paid for through your mission support sent to the synod office.

 

ELCA News

ELCA Bishops Discuss a Distinctive Lutheran Witness in the World

Recognizing the rapidly changing landscape of religion, society and the world the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said the ELCA is in a "kairos" moment and that members can make a compelling "Lutheran witness in our culture today."

ELCA Bishops Say Addressing Violence Begins by Listening

Expressing grief over the tragedy of gun violence in the United States, the 65 synod bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) offered a pastoral letter on violence to the 4-million-member church. In their letter, the bishops invite members to address together the cause and effect of violence, engage in prayer and respectful conversation, and care for one another and the communities impacted by violence.

 

Affiliate/Partner News

FREE Day of Camp Coming May 5 to LMC in Mt. Gilead!

'A Place at the Table' Movie About Hunger in America to be Shown March 15 at Gateway Film Center

'Building Men for Christ' Workshop April 27, Sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission

Please join workshop presenters Rich White and Tom Green for a one day workshop designed to help church leaders develop a life-changing men's ministry in their congregation. The workshop is titled 'Building Men for Christ' and will be held on April 27, 2013 at Salem Lutheran Church, 70 East Dayton St, West Alexandria, Ohio.

Ohio Council of Churches & UHCAN Ohio Sponsor Advocacy Day on March 20 in Columbus

The Ohio Council of Churches is working with the Univeral Health Care Action Network of Ohio to offer members from local congregations interested in health care advocacy an opportunity to meet with lobbyists, as well as local legislators or their aides.

Join Trinity Lutheran and Bexley Hall Seminaries for an "Exploration Event" April 2 & 3

Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary will host an "Exploration Event," April 2 and 3, 2013, for those who wish to explore a new vocation and learn more about seminary.

 

Prayers

Pr. Ed Williams and his wife, Cheri, as they mourn the loss of Cheri's father

Pr. Beth Westphal as she undergoes thyroid surgery

Pr. Steve Brown regarding ongoing kidney problems

 

Upcoming Events

March 14, 2013 9:30-11:45AM
Cincinnati Conference Rostered Leaders Gathering
Good Shepherd, 7701 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati

March 14, 2013 6:00-9:00PM
God Sightings in the New Reality-Tier 2 Gatherings
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7701 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati

March 15-17, 2013
'Come to Serve!' Journey of faith
Confirmation Retreat
Lutheran Memorial Camp in Fulton, Ohio

March 16, 2013 10:00AM-3:00PM
Congregational Lay Leaders Day
David Lutheran Church, 300 Groveport Rd, Canal Winchester

March 16, 2013 3:00PM
Nominating Committee Meeting
Synod Office, 300 S. 2nd Street, Columbus

March 17, 2013 12:30-5:00PM
Faith Trek Leadership Day (1)
Gethsemane Lutheran in Columbus

March 18, 2013 6:00-9:00PM
God Sightings in the New Reality-Tier 2 Gatherings
St. John Lutheran Church, 120 W. Water St, Sidney

March 19, 2013 6:00-9:00PM
God Sightings in the New Reality-Tier 2 Gatherings
Grace Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Rd, Westerville

March 20, 2013 11:30AM
Springfield Cluster of Rostered Leaders
Shouvlin Hall, Wittenberg Campus

March 21, 2013 8:15-9:45AM
Central Ohio Northwest Clergy Cluster Meeting
Prince of Peace--Pastors John Morris, Craig Swanson, Gail Swanson and Vicar Jay Mitchell hosts

March 21, 2013 6:00-9:00PM
God Sightings in the New Reality-Tier 2 Gatherings
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 3500 Main St, Hilliard

March 26, 2013 12:30-2:00PM
West Dayton Cluster
Buckeye Jakes in West Alexandria

April 4, 2013 8:15-9:45AM
Central Ohio Northwest Clergy Cluster Meeting
Location TBD

April 6, 2013
SOS WELCA Spring Gathering Dayton Conference
Christ the King, Centerville

April 6, 2013
Synod Council Meeting
Synod Office

April 11, 2013 9:30AM-3:00PM
Candidacy Committee Meeting
Interview Day
Synod Office

April 11, 2013 9:30-11:45AM
Cincinnati Conference Rostered Leaders Gathering
Good Shepherd, 7701 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati

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