05/16/2018

Southern Ohio Synod e-bulletin for the Week of May 16, 2018

Stronger and better together:
Joining Jesus in the restoration of the world 

2018 Southern Ohio Synod Assembly

Deadline for registration is May 18! Get your registrations in today!

Synod News  

New Stewardship Development Opportunity Available to SOS Congregations

The Southern Ohio Synod is delighted to make available a new resource for congregations who would appreciate the support of professional fundraising services as they develop their stewardship ministries over the next two years.

We want you for the Synod-wide Assembly Worship Service Choir!

Practice May 31 at 7 pm and performance on June 1 at 6:30 pm. Won't you share your talents with us?!

May 2018 Parish Paper available for download and reading

'How to Balance Hospitality and Church Security'

Stewardship Mission Moment

We currently have 26 congregations in the call process. All of this work is handled by Pr. Jeff Wick, Assistant to the Bishop, and Gabrielle Hudecek. We continue to see an increase in the numbers in the call process because of rostered minister retirements. 

SOS Youth and Family Ministry

Faith Skills

Youth Gathering T-Shirts...

Reminder! 'Blast Off for Books' collection at SOS Assembly--Don't miss out on this great way to serve the youth of Houston!

The books you donate will be distributed at community book fairs, camps and other events around the city as part of the Gathering's Service Learning experience. By putting books in the hands of Houston's economically disadvantaged students, you can help change lives.

If you wish to receive all of Gary's monthly information, please contact Gary Pecuch at gpecuch@southernohiosynod.org to be added to his distribution list.   

ELCA News

ELCA presiding bishop issues pastoral message on Gaza situation

I join Bishop Sami-Ibrahim Azar of our partner church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), who today said: 'We mourn with the families of the dead and dying and pray for the recovery of the injured. We believe that violent actions against the Palestinian civilians will hinder the potential for peace and reconciliation efforts between Israel and Palestine and will only lead to more violence and bloodshed.'

Susan Briner elected bishop of the ELCA Southwestern Texas Synod

The Rev. Susan J. Briner, Seguin, Texas, was elected May 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election was held during the Synod Assembly May 5-6 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas.

Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld elected bishop of South-Central Synod of Wisconsin

The Rev. Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld, Beloit, Wis., was elected May 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Thomas-Breitfeld is the second African American woman to be a bishop in the ELCA.

Patricia Davenport, first female African American elected ELCA synod bishop

The Rev. Patricia A. Davenport, Philadelphia, was elected May 5 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's May column in Living Lutheran

God loves

ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow for Ohio position now open!

The ELCA is looking for an Advocacy Fellow to fill an important hunger leader roll starting this year!

Partners and Affiliates

Churches for Middle East Peace Annual Assembly Advocacy Summit: And Still We Rise

Join us in Washington to learn more and take action on Capitol Hill, June 17 @ 5:00 pm - June 19 @ 5:00 pm EDT.

Employment Opportunities 

This link is now located on the lower left-hand side of the synod home page in the quick links box.

Program Director, Advocacy Engagement
ELCA
Washington, DC

Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries, Chaplains’ Office
Gustavus Adolphus College
St. Peter, Minnesota

Minister of Communication & Support
David Lutheran Church
Canal Winchester, Ohio

ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow-Ohio
Columbus, Ohio

Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakeside Park, KY

Children's Minister
Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbus
Columbus, Ohio

Public Policy Coordinator (Part-Time)
Ohio Council of Churches
Columbus, Ohio

Interim Executive Director
Ohio Council of Churches
Columbus, Ohio

Parish Administrator
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakeside Park, KY
2718 Dixie Highway Lakeside Park, KY 41017

Director of Youth and Education
St. John Lutheran Church, Celina
1100 N. Main Street, Celina, Ohio

Campus Minister
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA

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. You may also access our online form by clicking here.

Prayer Requests

Below are prayer requests for people in our synod or people connected with our synod. Please remember these brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers.

Click HERE to read the full prayer requests.

• Synods that have elected or re-elected bishops during this assembly season

• Prs. Craig and Wendy Richter regarding the death of Craig's grandmother 

Congregational Vacancies

(Click on link above to see current congregational vacancies in the Southern Ohio Synod and celebrate with those who have received calls to our congregations. Updated May 7, 2018)

Upcoming Events in and Around Our Synod           

May 17, 2018
10:30AM
Dayton Conference Gathering

June 1-2, 2018
Southern Ohio Synod Assembly
Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center, 100 Green Meadows Drive South, Lewis Center, Ohio

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

If you don't think you should be receiving this e-bulletin, please email Susan Barton-Nonno, at sbarton-nonno@southernohiosynod.org, to be removed from our list.