11/24/2014

Southern Ohio Synod E-bulletin for the Week of November 26, 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

Click on title to read more and take the survey.

 

Synod News

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. 

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

TechSoup Now Has Quickbooks Available for Minimal Fee for Non-profits

Exciting news! Now religious charities can qualify for Intuit donations at TechSoup. 

Save the Date! Congregational Hunger Leaders' Day at Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Feb 28 2015

In 2015, hunger leaders will gather at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank's warehouse and distribution facility in Grove City where we'll hear from our own Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt, as well as have an opportunity to tour the Mid-Ohio Food Bank facility, meet other like-minded Lutherans, learn how to: effectively promote and maintain a hunger ministry, successfully apply for an ELCA World Hunger Grant, where and how to advocate for hunger issues, and how to get a hunger ministry off the ground if you're just starting out. There's somehthing to learn and apply for everyone!  

 

ELCA News

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.  

International Women Leaders Discuss Lutheran Identity, Leadership

Women leaders from across the Global South discussed the role and contribution of women in church and society as part of an annual seminar supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) International Leaders–Women program. 

A New Consortium Supports Lutheran Disaster Response, Social Ministry Affiliates

Lutheran Disaster Response will participate in a new Midwest Disaster Consortium designed to create sustainability among four social ministry organizations affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) disaster response ministry.

ELCA Global Links for December 2014-Share with Your Congregation How Your Mission Support Links Us Globally

Great resource to demonstate how your mission support reaches around the world.

Ebola Outbreak: Food Assistance in Liberia

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa continues to expand. There have now been more than 13,560 cases of infectedpersons and more than 4,950 deaths. While the disease itself continues to ravage communities and elicit fear and stigma, there are consequential impacts of the disease that are also severe, such as food shortage. 

 

Partners and Affiliates 

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. 

Trinity's Midweek Blast for November 26, 2014

Spiritual But Not Religious

An Update from Portico re Legal Challenge of Housing Allowance for Clergy

GOOD NEWS!!! Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, acted to preserve the housing allowance exclusion for clergy, following a year-long legal challenge from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Rather than rule on the issue of constitutionality, the Court determined that the Foundation lacked standing to challenge the housing allowance exclusion and returned the case to the U.S. District Court of Western Wisconsin with instructions to dismiss the lawsuit. - 

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio Bulletin Insert Highlights 2015 Program Offerings

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio has several exciting events coming up in 2015. Among those events are: Women's Spirituality Retreat January 30 - February 1 2015 at the Fleming Falls Retreat Center at Camp Mowana Big Ban Spring Break March 16-19 2015 at Lutheran Memorial Camp--This event is specially designed for young adults! 

 

Prayers

Family and Friends of The Rev. Dr. Trygve Skarsten

Pr. Jim Wilson as he recovers from injuries suffered in a car accident

Family and friends of The Rev. Earlean Miller regarding her death

Pr. Gerhard Kraus regarding hospitalization

Pr. Grace Werzinske and family as they mourn the loss of her father-in-law

Pr. Robert Heinlein's sister, Barbara, as she is put on life support

Family and friends of The Rev. Enno Gahl regarding his passing

 

Employment Opportunities 

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

November 27-28, 2014
Synod Office Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving Holiday

December 4, 2014 9:45-11:30AM
Northwest Columbus Clergy Cluster Gathering--Prs. John Morris, Craig Swanson, Gail Swanson, hosts
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Dublin

December 5-7, 2014
Making Room For Jesus Family Advent Retreat
Camp Mowana Mansfield, Ohio

December 6-7, 2014
Leadership Institute: Leadership in Context

December 9, 2014 10:00AM
SOS Mission Developer Gathering
300 S. 2nd Street, Columbus, Ohio

December 10, 2014 10:00AM-12:00PM
Pastoral Associates Gathering 
SOS Office, 300 S. 2nd St, Columbus, Ohio

December 10, 2014 10:10AM
Stillwater Cluster Meeting
St. John Lutheran Church, Covington

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

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

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