Complete Story
03/19/2020
Message from the Thrive! Campaign Manager Regarding COVID-19
As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, and the State of Ohio closes schools and bans gatherings of over 100 people with the exception of religious organizations and some other institutions, congregations are grappling with difficult decisions about holding worship services. On March 16th, Bishop Dillahunt strongly recommended congregations of our synod suspend all on-site, in-person worship services for the time being. Due to our polity, she cannot demand such action, so it is up to rostered ministers and congregation councils to mutually make the decision.
I fully support the Bishop’s recommendation to suspend worship. Protecting and saving the lives of those in our congregations and community is a sign of our love through Christ.
Congregations currently in the midst of Thrive campaigns, or soon to embark upon them, are asked to simply postpone their campaigns. They will receive guidance from me in the next few weeks about how to proceed once it is safe to do so. Thrive is important to the future of our congregations and synod, but the lives of our people, and faithfulness to the gospel, are what matter most.
I will work with you in the future to complete successful campaigns when the time is again right. I speak for Bishop Dillahunt and all the synod staff when I say that we truly want your congregation to thrive! That is, after all, the purpose of the campaign. But you are the most important of all.
May our loving God keep you and your people in peace and wholeness during this challenging time.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Larry Donner
Thrive! Campaign Manager
Newark On-Site Thrive Training Cancelled
Due to health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the onsite training scheduled to be held March 24th at St. Paul’s, Newark, has been cancelled. We will endeavor to provide online training opportunities as soon as it is practical, but our main concern right now is the health and well-being of our church members and communities.
Thank you for your understanding and patience – and for your faithfulness as you endeavor to navigate these stormy, uncharted waters brought about by the pandemic. May God grant you wisdom and strength, and keep you safe.
If you have questions, suggestions or concerns, please contact Thrive Campaign Manager, Pastor Larry Donner, at Thrive@SouthernOhioSynod.org.
Now for some good news!
More Astounding Results!
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Oakwood, completed its Thrive campaign on March 1st. Leaders of the congregation, which averages about 84 people at worship per Sunday, had set a sizable goal to shoot at of $13,000. But filled with the spirit of generosity and abundance, as well as hope for the future seen in Thrive’s goals, church members committed to a whopping $39,486 –– three times more than their goal!
Many thanks to Pastor Stefan Rickman, Ministry Coordinator Michele Oaks, and all the people of Our Savior for their support and leadership! Your astounding response is yet one more indication of how Thrive is taking hold in the hearts and minds of people across our synod.
Campaign Update!
Seven congregations have now completed Thrive campaigns, all of which have surpassed their goals, and several more churches are in the midst of campaigns. Synod-wide commitments to Thrive as of March 1st (including non-binding goals, individual and other gifts, and designated gifts from other sources) now total over $600,000. Thanks to all those who are supporting the Thrive campaign so generously! Read further to see how your support is already making a difference.
