...Jesus came near & went with them

Upcoming Events

• Common Table: Young Adult Gathering
• 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum
• Journey to the Southern Borderlands Event
• HNO Faith & Legislative Leader Luncheon
• Multifaith Council Earth Day Celebration
• Healthy Congregations Special Event 2026
• Faith and Freedom: Understanding Christian Nationalism
• TLS Seminary Student for a Day
• TLS Nelson. W. Trout Lectures
• LSM Choral Gathering
• Beyond Sobriety - The Practice that Sustains Recovery
• LSS of NWO Stock the Shelves Event
• Unwanted Firearms Disposal Event
• Spiritual Retreat for Rostered Leaders and SAMs
• Lakeside Lutheran Chautauqua
• 2026 Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts
• 2026 School of Congregational Development
• Community Health Check Round Up

Service and Sponsorship:

• Growing Hope: HopeWood Outdoors Campaign

Resource Sharing:

• 2027 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
• 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering GNews
• ELCA Advocacy Resources
• The Sermon Supply
• 2026 Portico Updates

Position Postings:

• Assistant Professor of Homiletics - Trinity Lutheran Seminary
• Church Organist - St. John, Celina
• Director of HR - Luther Home of Mercy

UPCOMING EVENTS

Common Table: Young Adult Gathering

Join us for our monthly Common Table meeting, an intentionally ecumenical and inclusive community for young adults ages 18-35.

Come enjoy meaningful community and connection.

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 6pm

Reynolds Corners Branch Library

4833 Dorr St. Toledo, Ohio, 43615

Tap into your creative side and join us for an earth day inspired craft! No skills needed. We'll be painting pots and then planting in them. We'll also enjoy "dirt desserts." If you're not feeling crafty just join us for the snacks and conversation. As always, we end with a short ecumenical prayer service. Meeting Room: Large

Whether you're looking for community, curiosity, or just a fun night out, you

belong at the table. We hope to see you there!

2026 National Faith + Climate Forum

Join faith leaders and community members at Faith Lutheran for a live watch party of the National Faith + Climate Forum 2026. Experience a day of powerful discussions, engaging workshops, and community building as we explore the intersection of faith and environmental action.

Come and be part of a movement towards sustainable congregational practices and robust community resilience. Let's inspire and support each other in acts of faith that care for creation and advocate for climate justice.

Journey to the Southern Borderlands

The Refugee Assistance Program at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church invites you to join us and hear from four team members, people of faith, who journeyed from NW Ohio to the southern borderlands to listen and learn about the current reality of immigration at the border. Calla Gilson-Burns (NW-OH Synod), Pastor Chris Hanley and Andrew Wells (Glenwood Lutheran, Toledo), and Raiden Browning (Olivet Lutheran, Sylvania) will be with us the first Saturday in May to share their stories of what they saw and heard, what the visit taught them, and how it touched their lives and stirred their belief.

They embarked on this journey with guidance from the Border Servant Corps, a social ministry partner of the ELCA, visiting Lutheran churches and shelters near the border, hearing from government personnel, humanitarian aid workers, and migrant family members who offered their lived experiences. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to work for justice for all people. Come and hear their stories from their travels to the southern border, experienced & shared through a lens of faith. Everyone is welcome; bring a friend.

Faith and Legislative Leader Luncheon: 

Building an Economy that Works for All!

Join the Hunger Network, Council of Churches and Dominican Sisters of Peace on May 18th from 11 - 1 for lunch with state legislative leaders and staff.

We have all seen costs going up around us - food, housing, healthcare, childcare, utilities and much more. Did you know there are bi-partisan, common sense solutions to reduce costs that everyday Ohioans are struggling to afford? Let's come together to identify solutions with our lawmakers.

Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available NOW! 

Multifaith Earth Day Celebration

MFC is partnering once again with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Sacred Grounds to host our annual MultiFaith Earth Day celebration on April 26. This beloved event honors the beauty of our natural world while exploring ecospirituality and sustainability through the lens of diverse faith traditions.

We are currently seeking faith communities to host tables showcasing how their traditions honor the environment, as well as community organizations promoting sustainability initiatives. Volunteers are also needed!

This event is free and open to people of all faiths. We hope you'll join us in celebrating our shared responsibility to care for the earth.

Healthy Congregations - 2026 Special Event

These presentations will offer perspectives on how Bowen

Family Systems Theory can help us navigate confusing human behaviors.

Why do we do the things we do when we know better?

These playful presentations examine imponderables about change, relationship triangles, family of origin, and leadership.

Faith and Freedom: Understanding Christian Nationalism in America

This event aims to educate clergy/laity of Ohio Council of Churches congregations and Columbus area African American churches/community members about the main purposes and implications of the Christian Nationalism movement.

Seminary Student for a Day

Come and be a seminarian for a day at Trinity Lutheran Seminary! From 8:30 AM-3:30 PM, experience a sample class, take a tour of campus, hear from current students, and learn about the programs offered and the application process. Lunch is included; email sschier@capital.edu for more information.

TLS - Nelson W. Trout Lectures

Each year Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University holds the Nelson W. Trout Lectures, honoring the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Nelson W. Trout. The lectures include two days of inspired worship, focused learning, anointed preaching and Spirit led conversation. As always, this year's lectures are held in his honor.

This year's Guest Lecturer is Rev. Traci Blackmon. She is CEO & Founder of HopeBuilds, LLC, and a theologian in residence at Eden Theological Seminary. An ordained minister, public theologian, and registered nurse, she is a national leader in faith-based justice work and previously served as Associate General Minister and Vice President of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Blackmon has advised national leaders, spoken globally, and received numerous honors for her leadership, advocacy, and faith- based work.

Lutheran Summer Music - Choral Gathering

You are invited to join fellow singers for a day of inspiring, community-centered music-making at the LSM Choral Gathering. Led by Dr. David Cherwien, LSM faculty member and former Artistic Director of the National Lutheran Choir, this event offers a welcoming introduction to the music, people, and artistic life of Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College.

Invite your choir members and join us!

Beyond Sobriety -The Practice That Sustains Recovery With Barry Lehman

Wednesday, April 29th

1PM EST on Zoom

Barry Lehman joins us this month for a discussion that looks beyond sobriety. 

With a Doctor of Ministry in counseling, Lehman specializes in long-term recovery. He is the author of the award-winning book, Mastering Recovery.

Hear from Barry as he shares his unique perspective as pastor, counselor, and musician about:

• How people actually grow 
• Why practice—not just insight or belief—is the engine of expanding recovery
• How to build a life that keeps growing—not just maintaining sobriety

LSS of NWO - Stock the Shelves Event

For the fifth straight year, Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio is hosting our Stock the Shelves drive-thru donation event, benefitting our Choice Food Pantry, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2025. As demand for our pantry continues to grow, LSS is seeking opportunities to raise donations and funds. In 2025, our pantries served a 5-day supply of food to nearly 9,000 individuals. Our three previous Stock the Shelves events raised more than 10,000 items of food and $23,000 in monetary donations.

We are seeking monetary donations, as well as local businesses and/or organizations who would like to host a donation box in their establishment, for collection of non-perishable food items up until our main event date. During our Stock the Shelves event, we are encouraging the community to join us at our Toledo location, 2149 Collingwood Blvd., with their donation. We can assist you with bringing the items out of your vehicle into our building; saving you a trip out of the car! Attached is our STS 2026 Sponsorship/Donor Package which includes the flyer, request letter, and a sponsor/donor registration form.

There are other ways for the public to donate as well. We have an Amazon wish list with in-demand items that can be purchased and shipped directly to us; a link can be found on our website, www.lssnwo.org under the ‘Give’ section. Monetary donations can also be made using the link included in this email below. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call my direct cell 419.407.7181 or at the office. We appreciate your role in assisting us to help to provide food security in our communities!

Donate to LSS: https://secure.myvanco.com/YPR0/campaign/C-14QW4

Shop our Amazon Wishlist: https://amzn.to/3wmk4pE

Unwanted Firearms Disposal Event

During this event, volunteers will shepherd gun donors as they drive through a prescribed process. Trained safety experts will handle the guns. The guns will be chopped up into parts, which can then be made into art pieces. Donors will receive Kroger or Meijer gift cards: $50 for long guns, $100 for handguns, $200 for assault rifles, with a limit of $300 per donation. This event is only open to volunteers, gun donors and the trained safety experts, not the general public. The event is coordinated by the Multifaith Coalition to Reduce Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action and Sisters 4 Unity. Please help spread the word--flyer attached. Thanks! 

NWOS Southwest Conference Presents:

To Love as God Loves: Spiritual Retreat for Rostered Leaders and SAMs in collaboration with the NWOS Southwest Conference

"To Love as God Loves" is a three-day, three night Benedictine-style retreat featuring plenty of silent time for contemplation, reading, and prayer. Daily worship includes morning, midday, and evening prayer along with daily eucharist.

Lakeside Lutheran Chautauqua

Celebrate faith, fellowship, and family during Lakeside Lutheran Chautauqua. Join fellow Lutherans for uplifting worship (featuring Rev. Michael Beck), family activities, and joyful community along the shores of Lake Erie. For more information about registration, complimentary passes, and the Lakeside Lutheran Chautauqua week, please visit our website!

Invitation to Attend the 2026 Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts (CWTA)

The 2026 Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts (CWTA) is a high-quality, affordable conference, full of practical ideas that you can adapt to your own setting, along with meaningful worship experiences — for ministry practitioners and by ministry practitioners. It will be held July 20-22, 2026, on the campus of St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN.  You are invited to participate!  

CWTA attracts participants from many different roles, including experienced and first-call Pastors, Deacons, and other church professional leaders; Lay people including lay leaders; Church workers – volunteer and paid; Children youth and family ministers/leaders; Artists; Church musicians; Christian education professionals; Outdoor ministry professionals; Seminarians; Others interested in deepening theological understandings and spiritual practices; and Members of congregations that are reimagining their vocation.  We’ll provide opportunities for you to find those people at the conference so you can connect and share experiences.  

SCD 2026

The “School of Congregational Development” is the UMC’s largest training and resourcing event. From August 2-5 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Columbus, practitioners from across the globe will be here offering workshops on a variety of topics. Hosted in Columbus, Ohio, SCD 2026 equips and empowers leaders to build communities where people truly belong and, together, become more like Christ—loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading courageously for the sake of the world.  

Community Health Check Round Up

Join St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Toledo, for their Community Health Check Round Up! There will be free food and beverages, free medical services and referrals, music and more!

SERVICE AND SPONSORSHIP

Growing Hope:

Campaign for HopeWood Outdoors

HopeWood Outdoors is launching a new capital campaign! This campaign is called Growing Hope and our desire is to expand the impact of Lutheran outdoor ministries here in Ohio. With a goal of $2.5 million, the priorities of Growing Hope include projects at both HopeWood Pines and HopeWood Shores, as well as the expansion of HopeWood Connect.

God is already bringing growth to HopeWood’s ministries, including 190% growth in campers since 2022. What a blessing to know that God is already Growing Hope among us! We want you to join us in Growing Hope, too. We invite you to read attached documents will share more details about how God is expanding ministry through HopeWood Outdoors.

RESOURCE SHARING

2027 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants

ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job access, human rights, policy change and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger, for good.

2027 Domestic Hunger Grant Timeline:

• Letter of inquiry (LOI) open: April 15 – July 1

• Link to apply: 2027 Domestic Hunger Grant - Letter of Inquiry

• LOI review period: July 13 – Sept. 15

• Synod review lead webinar: July 15

• Notifications to partners invited to apply: Oct. 30 at the latest

• Partners complete applications: October – December

• Partners notified of official award: January 2027

• Grant start date: March 1, 2027

2027 ELCA Youth Gathering

Every three years, thousands of high schoolers and their adult leaders from across the ELCA come together for the ELCA Youth Gathering. It’s not just an event but a movement in which faith ignites and community comes alive. Through inspiring speakers, experiential learning and transformative connections, young people experience the church in bold, unforgettable ways. Each night, participants share a unique faith experience through high-energy worship and powerful storytelling. The Gathering is an opportunity to ask big questions, grow in faith and be part of something bigger than yourself. Are you ready to join the movement?

ELCA Advocacy Resources

ELCA Advocacy offers a monthly blog called "Advocacy Connections" which features Policy Notes, Action Alerts, Featured Resources, Dates of Note, and much more!

You can find Editions of Advocacy Connections and learn how to sign up to receive these emails at the link below.

Young Adult Opportunities

Check out what’s happening with ELCA Young Adult Ministry this month!

Sermon Supply Library

Region 6 Sermon Resource

We’re excited to officially launch The Sermon Supply, a collaborative project from the synods of Region 6!

Beginning today, congregations can access a growing library of sermon videos and manuscripts—designed to support preaching ministry across our synods. Whether you're looking for pulpit supply options, a fresh voice, or support during vacation time, these sermons are free to use and rooted in the Gospel. 

Each sermon is filed in a folder by lectionary number, making it easy to find what you need.

Thank you for being part of this shared ministry. We hope these sermons equip and encourage you and your communities in the weeks to come.

2026 Portico Updates

2025 FSA Claims Submission Reminder 

Tying up receipts and loose ends? ELCA Health Plan members have until April 30 to submit 2025 claims for reimbursement from your health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). Submit 2025 claims to Further (and 2026 claims to HealthEquity). Not sure what qualifies as an eligible health care expense? This guide can help.

Quantum Health – Better Search. Better Care. 

Starting April 1, ELCA Health Plan members may notice a refreshed experience on the Quantum Health Care Coordinators website and app — including an enhanced provider search designed to make finding high-quality care easier. Contact a Care Coordinator for help navigating care, resolving claims and billing issues, and confirming your provider or clinic are in-network. 

 I Spy Something Blooming …

Spring is a great time to get active, try something new, and build habits that support your well-being. Breathing fresh air, looking for signs of growth, and praying for our planet is a great way to give thanks for creation. Want to go the extra mile? ELCA-Primary health benefit members can explore Burnalong classes designed to help your wellness goals bloom. Check out the April calendar.

POSITION POSTINGS

Assistant Professor of Homiletics

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Homiletics. This position includes a three-quarters teaching appointment and a one-quarter appointment directing the seminary's assessment process and portfolio or the seminary's grant applications and processes. The nine-month contract will begin in August 2026.

Church Organist - St. John Lutheran Church, Celina

Looking for an organist to lead our 9:00 am traditional worship service each week and other special services during the church year (Lent, Advent, Christmas Eve, Night of Promise,...).

Learn more about our church at https://www.purpledoorchurch.org/

Director of HR - Luther Home of Mercy

Luther Home of Mercy is actively seeking a Director of Human Resources to champion a positive and inclusive culture, work collaboratively across diverse teams, lead performance management, labor & union relations and regulatory compliance. Luther Home of Mercy was founded in 1928, by a Lutheran pastor, to serve individuals with disabilities. They employ 400+ staff across 22 locations.

If you have an announcement or an event that you would like to share throughout the synod, click below to access our submission form. Questions: news@nwos-elca.org