COVID-19 Resources centralized for easy access to the information you need

Please see our COVID-19 Resources page by clicking on the link below (also found in our Quick Links section on the bottom left of or home page) or select one of the links to a specific section using those links below.

https://bit.ly/SOS-COVID19

New information in the COVID-19 Resources section you need to know about:

1. CARES Act: Information and resources for congregations and individuals

2. CDC Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities: Read this to be ready when congregations can safely meet together again.

3. Link to Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website. This link is under the ODH CDC Who Resources and Mental Health Resources sections.

• CARES Act
• Notes from the Bishop
• SOS Resources
• ELCA Resources
• ODH CDC WHO Resources
• Worship & Study Resources (Includes links to online worship and Bible studies)
• Mental Health Resources
• Conference & Web Services
• Prayers

'Talk to Us Tuesdays' 

April 15 kicked off a multi-week Facebook discussion about how and what you're doing during the 'Stay At Home' orders and pandemic in general. The purpose of this campaign is to connect us with one another and share our experiences and thoughts on uplifting, but relevant topics.

Our first 'Talk to Us' question was 'What was the highlight of your Easter Sunday and why?' Check out what people said by clicking the 'Posts' link on the left-hand side of our Facebook page. Our page is public, so you don't need a Facebook account to read, but you will need one to participate in the sharing.

Next week's topic is 'Who do you want to thank during this time of pandemic?' Can be an individual or a group. Make sure to tag individuals when you respond so they can read your thank you!

'Keeping Stewardship Strong in Uncertain Times' workshop offered again for those who missed it the first time!

In the middle of the pandemic chaos, one SOS congregation following the program outlined in this virtual workshop saw over $500k in leadership gifts for their capital campaign. Find out how your congregation can encourage giving even during uncertainty. April 23 at 11 am EDT.

A pastoral note to the synod: The practice of Holy Communion while we are apart

In this time of uncertainty, pain, sickness, anxiety, grief and life, I remind you of our Mission in Southern Ohio and the Church…to make sure the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, is read, heard, shared, invited into and proclaimed. And the vision of this mission territory is Stronger and Better Together…Joining Jesus in the Restoration of the World. We are Church and we are together in a new way.

Beware scams during this time of COVID-19: Please share these resources with your congregation and family

'Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.' Matthew 10:16

Video of Pr. Mike Ward's online stewardship workshop available now

Pr. Mike Ward's 'Keeping Stewardship Strong' workshop has been so in demand, that not only are we offering the workshop again on April 23, Pr. Ward has made available a recording of the workshop for you to share with your leadership team.

Coaching for Rostered Ministers during these unprecedented times

Pr. Mike Weaver, the Southern Ohio Synod Coaching Coordinator, is offering his coaching services to all SOS rostered ministers who would like some additional guidance as they face new challenges in congregational leadership.

Colleague willing to lend an ear if you want to talk

Pr. Mark Nodo has also offered his ear to rostered ministers in our synod who may need someone to talk to and discuss how the pandemic is affecting them, their family, their congregation, etc. This is not a counseling service, although Pr. Nodo is a licensed counselor, but rather a time to be real with a colleague.

Contact Pr. Mark Nodo at mnodo@sbcglobal.net or on his cell 614.353.5478.

Bishop Eaton's Earth Day message

As Christians we are guided by the promise expressed in our social statement that we are empowered "to be loving servants to creation." It is our duty to care for God's earth.

MIF and ELCA Credit Union is here to assist customers during this COVID-19 crisis

Both the Mission Investment Fund and the ELCA Federal Credit Union have expressed the willingness and capacity to offer assistance to our investors and borrowers who are facing hardship during the COVID-19 crisis.

ELCA Social Message feedback needed--May 27 deadline

The idea of government was already very much in focus because this was an election year, and the pandemic has focused it more so. But what does the ELCA teach about the nature and function of government in relation to God’s purposes? What is a faithful Lutheran response regarding citizenship and civic engagement?