Gatherings with Bishop, Rostered Leaders & Spouses

The Thrive Campaign has been launched to equip the people of God in Southern Ohio to thrive in ways we have not previously been able to afford or attempt. The goals center around:

-Equipping Lay Leaders

-Raising Up Leaders for Smaller Congregations

-Strengthening Rostered Ministers

-Launching New Congregations and Reaching New People

-Enhancing Worship Practice

The Thrive Campaign has been launched to equip the people of God in Southern Ohio to thrive in ways we have not previously been able to afford or attempt. The goals center around:

• Equipping Lay Leaders
• Raising Up Leaders for Smaller Congregations
• Strengthening Rostered Ministers
• Launching New Congregations and Reaching New People
• Enhancing Worship Practice

We want you, as Rostered Leaders of our congregations, to hear more about this exciting opportunity. The following opportunities are available to you. You are welcome at the one in your area or you are welcome to travel outside your conference if the schedule works better for you. Please RSVP to the host site.

• Cincinnati Conference Gathering, August 18^th, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Pastor Henry Zorn, with wine & cheese, plus other refreshments
• Muskingum Conference Gathering. August 22^nd, 5:00 p.m. at New Hope Lutheran Church, Adamsville (740.796.4665), including potluck supper
• Northwest Conference Gathering, August 31^st, 10:00 -1:00 at St. Mark, Fairborn (937.878.4700), with catered lite lunch

This effort is being planned by a Pastors Advisory Cabinet (PAC) that is led by Rev. Bonnie Gerber and Rev. Gil Santiago. Other Cabinet members include pastors: Michael Althauser; Elizabeth Clothier; Jonathan Eilert; Steve Mahaffey; Barry Scott; Charlie Woodward; Henry Zorn; and Campaign Manager, Larry Donner

Here is what others are saying about Thrive:

• “The partnering congregation for a new mission start and synod as a whole will be strengthened as we seek to answer the great commission- to go and make disciples of all nations.” – TOM MCCARTHY - Trinity, Marysville

• “Training from the Synod for lay leaders would be a huge blessing for me. To be successful at any new job/position training is critical. Training offered from the Synod would be a welcome guide for me, to hopefully be able to do my best when asked to serve the congregation.” – DONNA POEPPLEMEYER, Council President

• “It’s important for kids to have a choir where they can learn to use their God-given treble voices to embrace both heritage and contemporary Lutheran music, and work in Christian fellowship to enhance worship for the entire congregation.” – ROBIN STEVENSON, Director of Children’s Music- Prince of Peace Loveland

New Thrive Video Created for Church Leaders A new resource – The Thrive Council Presentation Video – is designed to be shown to Church Councils or other church leadership to help them make an informed decision about participating in Thrive … and how to do it.

The new video incorporates the two campaign videos you may already have seen at the Synod Assembly or other gatherings, but it also includes a helpful overview of why we’re doing the Thrive Campaign and how congregations are invited to take part.

You may view the video on Vimeo or at the Synod website – Thrive News section.

Check it out … and schedule a time in August or September to share it with your congregation’s leaders.

Don’t have the ability to stream or download the video? A limited number of DVD’s are available. Contact Larry Donner, Thrive Campaign Manager, at Thrive@SouthernOhioSynod.org to order a copy.

“Congregation Leader” Training Scheduled

Every congregation is asked to appoint a Congregation Leader (or Team) by October 31^st , complete and submit a Congregation Leader Appointment Form, and then arrange for the Leader(s) to attend a training event in your area.

Here are the training dates and locations where Congregation Leaders will learn all they need to know about running their congregation’s Thrive campaign, as well as how to conduct effective stewardship campaigns for your church.

November 2, 2019

10:00-11:30 am   Good Shepherd, 7701 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati

2:00-3:30 pm   St. John, 122 West National Road, Vandalia

7:00-8:30 pm   Synod Office, 300 S. 2nd Street, Columbus

November 17, 2019

2:00-3:30 pm  St. John’s, 116 North 7^th Street, Zanesville

5:00-6:30 pm   First English, 220 North Columbus Street, Lancaster

Please help our planning! Register your Leaders by emailing their names and which event they will be attending to: Thrive@SouthernOhioSynod.org

Everything You Need to Join in the Thrive Campaign

Looking for how to register your congregation in the Thrive Campaign? Download the Congregational Acceptance & Leader Forms Packet. It contains all you need to get started in the campaign.