Complete Story
04/29/2020
Southern Ohio Synod e-bulletin for the Week of April 29, 2020
Stronger and better together:
Joining Jesus in the restoration of the world!
As promised, everything in this e-bulletin pertains to the current COVID-19 pandemic and our response as the Church. Everything below is available on our website. Many of the resources are updated daily. Please check our website and Facebook page regularly and look for emails, like this one, from SOS Communications and Bishop Dillahunt.
Synod News
COVID-19 Resources centralized for easy access to the information you needPlease 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.
New information in the COVID-19 Resources section you need to know about: 1. 24 Questions Your Church Should Answer Before People Return 2. Responsible Start Ohio Welcome Page--Sector Specific Operating Requirements 3. New checklists relevant to congregations and members 4. CDC Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities: Read this to be ready when congregations can safely meet together again. 5. 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.
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This week on Facebook...SOS Serves isn't only about food pantries or clothing distribution...It's about being Jesus' presence in our communities. Read how Augsburg Lutheran Church, Cincinnati showed the love of Christ during a time of mourning to members and the community.
On Monday, April 27 Augsburg LC, Cincinnati held it's first brief 'lawn gathering'. A long time member died from COVID-19 a few days earlier. Congregational members were invited to meet in the church parking lot, with signs and masks. Those who were unable to attend or uncomfortable about attending were invited to pray at home during this time. We drove to the home in a procession. It was quite a site. Neighbors joined the congregation on the large front lawn and nearly filled it. Some stayed at or in their cars. Most in masks. Everyone social distancing. Some with signs. One member brought his guitar and played it. Together we sang hymns, heard God's Word, and prayed for the family. Family members Face-timed other family members. When we were finished, Augsburg members spontaneously began to yell to the family "We love you" "God is with you" "We're praying for you." The presence of the Spirit was undeniable. If you have a story to share, please send it to SOSserves@southernohiosynod.org. |
Youth Gathering Informational Meeting
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Missed the Online Stewardship Workshop? Watch Recording with Updated Information!If you missed the April 2nd or 23rd online workshops on 'Keeping Stewardship Strong in Uncertain Times' led by our Thrive consultant, Pr. Mike Ward of GSB Fundraising, you may now view a recording of the April 23rd event. The recording includes updated information not part of the April 2nd workshop. Get tangible ideas for responding during this crisis, keeping generosity flowing to your congregations, and the type of effective messaging to use in communications to your congregation and community. You may access the recording at: April 23rd Online Workshop: Keeping Stewardship Strong in Uncertain Times. The password is: 3M*T$8@! Please note: the first 6 minutes includes “gathering time,” so you may wish to “fast forward” to timestamp 6:05 where the workshop begins. For additional resources from Mike and GSB about responding to the crisis, click here: More Resources from GSB The workshop is brought to you by Thrive! and the generosity of many individuals and congregations who have donated to the campaign. |
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Bishop Dillahunt to participate in 'Finding Courage in a time of Overwhelming Fear' online event May 3As part of a new series from The Cincinnati Festival of Faiths, Bishop Dillahunt will share her thoughts during the third in the "Turning to Faith" series of brief webinars will be held this Sunday, May 3, beginning at 4:00 pm. |
Note to the synod: As we wait a little longerDear Church, Much like in the story of Noah in the 8th chapter of Genesis where he watched and waited and sent out birds to see if the time was right to open the doors to the ark and resettle the earth, we, too find ourselves watching and waiting for the right time to re-open the doors of our church buildings for in person worship. Governor Mike DeWine shared his plan on Monday to begin re-opening the economy of Ohio, for many business sectors the time has come to bring back employees and welcome customers, but for congregations, the dove has returned. It is not yet time for us to come together physically as the Church. Click on the headline to read Bishop Dillahunt's latest letter to the synod. |
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ELCA News
Tracking Online Worship Attendance--Updates to Form A for ELCA reportingThis period of “social distancing” has demanded that congregations come up with creative online solutions for gathering the community in worship, whether through livestreaming, posting of recorded services, or both. This has led to many questions about how to track and report attendance when it comes time to fill out Form A next year. |
ELCA COVID-19 responseYou can help the ministries of the ELCA by supporting your local congregation and making a gift to the ELCA’s COVID-19 Response Fund. |
ELCA Worship News for April 2020When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain your touch can call us back to life again, fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been; love is come again like wheat arising green. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 379) |
Affiliates and Partners
SOS Lutheran Men in Mission starting weekly Bible StudyConnect with Dave Drumm to get on the email list and begin connecting spiritually with others in our synod during this time of isolation. It's not too late to participate! Join in today!!! |
LOMO Board makes difficult decision to cancel all summer camps, including Amazing Grace Day Camps, due to CoronavirusOur number one priority is to love each and every person we encounter; this includes campers, donors, retreaters, students, volunteers and employees. |
The staff of the Southern Ohio Synod is here for you as you need us. Please reach out to us as you always have if your congregation's leadership needs guidance or support.
Prayers
A note from Bishop Dillahunt: A prayer for protection and of gratitude while we wait
Pr. Brian Nunnally as he undergoes surgery
Joan Fant, wife of Pr. Dan Fant, as she is hospitalized
Deacon Dr. Timothy Guenther as he recovers from surgery
Pastors, Deacons and others making end of life visits during the pandemic
Employment Opportunities
Music Director/Organist/Handbell Director
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Reading, Ohio
Ohio jobs from the Coronavirus.ohio.gov website
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