12/15/2020

A note from Bishop Dillahunt: 6 things you need to know AND a very Merry Christmas to you!

Grace and peace be with you as we soon celebrate the birth
of Jesus Christ this Christmas.

Happy Advent 4 and Christmas Southern Ohio Partners in the Gospel,

As Christmas celebrations begin I wanted to fill you in on some things...

1. Scammers are at it again.  I will never ask you for gift cards or cash via email.  Please be careful.

2.  Mr. Josh Brodbeck, Synod Worship Director, is busy preparing a Lessons and Carols service for individuals and congregations to use for Christmas celebrations, services and devotions.  We in the Bishop’s Office offer this service to you and we wish you all a blessed Christmas from us to you. Links will be available around December 20th.  Merry Christmas!

3. Don’t forget to fill out the fun and exciting 2020 Congregational Report which is coming to you from the ELCA. 

4. Thank you for continuing to tell the story of Jesus in these months of COVID. As we look to 2021 we know that the virus will still be with us. Though we have hope that the vaccine will be available for everyone over the next months, the virus is still here.  We continue to follow CDC guidelines and update the COVID Resource page on the website.  We remember what we are called to do as the Body of Christ…to care for neighbor. We pray for those affected by COVID. We pray for hope.

5. Yes, we will have a Synod Assembly in 2021!  Yay! Synod Council voted to have a virtual assembly through a Continuing Resolution. The official announcement will be sent to you shortly. I know we all want to see each other in person, and it will happen (maybe with a synod worship event when it’s safe to gather) but for now we will do Synod business online June 4-5, 2021.  It will be different. It will be fun. It will be an adventure!  Details coming soon!

6.  I am excited to tell you that an official constitutional by-law recommendation announcement from Synod Council is coming soon for Assembly. It reflects an exciting opportunity for our campus ministries. 

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your Mission Support. Thank you for what you have done to make sure the Gospel is proclaimed in communities around this mission territory.  We in the Bishop’s Office wish you a blessed Christmas and a safe and healthy 2021! Opportunities are ahead of us and we go into the new year together for the sake of the Gospel. 

Merry Christmas,

Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt
and the Bishop Office Team