Don't forget to join Bishop Dillahunt for a check-in call regarding the next steps for congregations as the Ohio economy begins to open up and stay at home orders change.

When: Apr 30, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Bishop's Update 

Please click the link below to join the webinar: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88206542262?pwd=d096WUZkZ3JOeEhURGVRVEZXLzF0QT09

Password: 927377

Or iPhone one-tap : 

    US: +12532158782,,88206542262#,,1#,927377#  or +13017158592,,88206542262#,,1#,927377# 

Or Telephone:

    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

        US: +1 253 215 8782  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 929 436 2866 

    Webinar ID: 882 0654 2262

    Password: 927377

    International numbers available:  https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbXD1EleSl

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. Publications to consider as congregations make a plan to begin in-person worship

Guidelines For Re Engaging In Public Religious Gatherings

From Citizens for Community Values (Ohio specific)

24 Questions Your Church Should Answer Before People Return 

Article by Ken Braddy, Jr. (Not Ohio specific)

Guidance for the New Normal from the Clergy Coaching Network

Clergy Coaching blog (Not Ohio specific)

• 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

Missed the Online Stewardship Workshop? Watch Recording with Updated Information!

If you missed the April 2^nd or 23^rd 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 23^rd event.

The recording includes updated information not part of the April 2^nd 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.

Recruitment for the 2020 cohort for Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS) extended until May 22

Given the mass disruption in the life of the church and society, Pr. Katie Kerrigan is extending the SAS recruitment period to May 22. Please don't miss out on this incredible opportunity.

Bishop Dillahunt to participate in 'Finding Courage in a time of Overwhelming Fear' online event May 3

As 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.

Youth Gathering Informational Meeting
Mon, May 4, 2020 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT) 

Please join Gary Pecuch from your computer, tablet or smartphone. 
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/673163261 

You can also dial in using your phone. 
United States: +1 (669) 224-3412 

Access Code: 673-163-261 

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: 
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/673163261 

Leading through uncertainty...

During this time of uncertainty, Pastor Mike Weaver, Synod Coaching Coordinator and Certified Leadership and Influence Coach, invites you to gather for Leading Through Uncertainty. 

You will walk away with:

1.  Seven questions to prepare yourself and the congregation for what’s next.

2.  Insights about how to be influential on video.

3.  A tool that will help eliminate stress and help you stay focused during this time.

4.  Wisdom from the world of improv theater to help you lead well during this time.

Tracking Online Worship Attendance--Updates to Form A for ELCA reporting

This 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 response

You 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 2020

When 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)