Things to Consider About In-Person Worship During the Pandemic from SOS Bishop's Office

The following was produced on behalf of the synod by Pr. Larry Donner, Thrive Campaign Director, and the Bishop’s Outside the Box Team. Bishop Dillahunt greatly appreciates their work to pull this document together and hopes it, along with the other resources mentioned in the document, will be of help to you and your leadership team.

Community Resources Ohio

COVID-19 Resources for Ohioans: Includes connections to SNAP, Utilities Assistance, Rent Assistance and other resources to share with members and your community

Congregations share their plans for the immediate and longer term future regarding worship--in person and/or virtual

We thank the congregations who have kindly shared their current plans for 'What comes next' in regard to worship and the life of the church in light of current gathering restrictions and the continued presence and threat of COVID-19 in our communities.

Attending MYLE, tAble and/or Youth Gathering?

Remembering and checking in on our congregations regarding storm damage

“O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home:” (ELW 632 v. 1) Let us know how your church building and members are doing during this time of heavy rains and flooding.

ELCA video for synod assemblies 2020

SOS assembly attendees would have seen this video from the ELCA on May 16 at Epiphany LC as part of our time together. Please take a few minutes to watch this video with your household and know that even apart we are the Church, and we THRIVE!

God's Work Our Hands Day of Service September 13 2020

This year our church — and our world — are living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing has changed the way we worship and serve. We miss gathering with family and friends to share God’s love in person. But the need is great, and God’s church is at work.

Invitation to attend 'Becoming the body of Christ where all bodies are valued: A conversation around the ELCA’s resolution to condemn White Supremacy'

May 21, 7-8:30 pm with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Bishop Kevin Strickland of the Southeastern Synod.

United.

In a time of physical distancing due to the coronavirus, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us in her latest column in Living Lutheran that we aren’t islands—we are united in baptism.

Here to Serve: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19 Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders, Wednesdays, 2 pm ET

You are invited to join this weekly gathering designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church and throughout society.

Register NOW for 'Navigating the Rapids: Finding Hope in Changing Times' May 28-29

Register now for the completely online 2020 May Leadership Event sponsored by Healthy Congregations & Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

MENTAL HEALTH IN A TIME OF COVID-19: Task-Shifting to Address Increasing Challenges — Part 3

With the expected increase of mental health challenges related to COVID-19, our third webinar installment will highlight faith-based and community groups, which are using online training and resources to develop mental health skills in their leaders. Tues., May 26, 2020 | 12:00 p.m. ET