01/21/2020

New church council devotions resource created by rostered ministers in the SOS

Greetings, synod leaders:

Like most pastors, I have searched to find suitable material to share with church councils and other committees for opening devotional materials. Sometimes we have read books together, discussing a chapter and praying. Other times we have left it to council members to lead them from their own favorite Bible verses or materials. Recently I discovered that in 2017 the Virginia Synod of the ELCA developed a resource where pastors from ministries or congregations in the synod wrote a brief devotion for each month. Knowing how I feel when people come to me with an idea asking if we could do it, I undertook the process myself with the blessing of Bishop Dillahunt. I began by contacting pastors in my own area, the Central Ohio Conference, thinking that I would get a half dozen or so volunteers. I was overwhelmed to hear from 15 folks willing to share their thoughts with lay leaders of our synod. I was truly thankful for the response. I had to tell three that they will be contacted for the 2021 resource first, then pastors from other areas around the synod.
           

On the pages following are 12 devotions, one for each month of the year, to use as you would like – provide for congregation members, church councils or committees. Although there may be some slight differences, most have a scripture reference, a couple of paragraphs of reflection, a few discussion questions and a short prayer. Use them as you wish with my blessing!!

The months were written by the following rostered leaders of our synod:
           

January – Pastor Liz Lowry, Messiah Lutheran in Reynoldsburg, Ohio; now serving in
                            Anchorge, Alaska.

February – Deacon Nick Bates, director of the Hunger Network of Ohio and synod liaison for
                 advocacy and public policy.

March – Pastor Glen Bengsen, retired and living in Powell, Ohio.
           

April – Pastor Beth Clothier, Trinity Lutheran Church in Marysville, Ohio.
           

May – Pastor Todd Mills, Director of Congregational Engagement and Advancement, Capital University.     
           

June – Pastor Barry Scott, Trinity Lutheran Church in Marysville, Ohio.
           

July – Pastor Bonnie Gerber, All Saints Lutheran in Worthington, Ohio.
           

August – Pastor Tim Kuenzli, retired and living in Pickerington, Ohio.
           

September – Pastor Doug Warburton, Peace Lutheran, Gahanna, Ohio
           

October – Pastor Sally Padget, First English Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio.
           

November - Pastor Tim Isringhausen, Christ Lutheran Church, Bexley, Ohio.
           

December – Pastor Craig Richter, All Shepherd’s Lutheran Church, Lewis Center, Ohio.

May the Holy Spirit enlighten us and lead us to faithful lives of leadership and service in Jesus’ name.

Pastor Ralph Wolfe
Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio

2020 Southern Ohio Synod Devotions for Church Councils-Word Doc

Southern Ohio Synod Devotions for Congregation Councils-PDF