...Jesus came near & went with them

Upcoming Events

  • NWOS Affirmation of Vows Chrism Mass
  • NWOS Listening & Spiritual Discernment Retreat
  • Common Table: Young Adult Gathering
  • HopeWood Outdoors 50th Maple Syrup Festival
  • Multifaith Council Earth Day Celebration
  • Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and Management for an Economy of Life
  • Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University Benefit Dinner
  • Trinity Lutheran Church, Findlay: Jump Into Spring Event
  • Spiritual Retreat for Rostered Leaders and SAMs
  • Peace: Be Still Women's Retreat, COC, Whitehouse
  • Lutheran Summer Music Nominations
  • ELCA Young Adults Opportunities


Service and Sponsorship:

  • Growing Hope: HopeWood Outdoors Campaign
  • Ohio Hunger Network Online Shop


Resource Sharing:

  • Lutheran Men in Mission
  • ELCA Advocacy Resources
  • Living Lutheran Submission Link
  • Ohio Council of Churches Anti-Racism Resources
  • The Sermon Supply


Position Postings:

  • Assistant Professor of Homiletics - Trinity Lutheran Seminary
  • Full Time Positions - HopeWood Outdoors
  • Organist and Music Director - St. John Lutheran Church, Port Clinton

UPCOMING EVENTS

NWOS Affirmation of Vows Chrism Mass


Join NWOS for our 2026 Affirmation of Vows Chrism Mass on March 31st, 2026 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in North Baltimore. Lunch will be provided afterwards.


SAMs and Deans are invited to a brunch with Bishop Daniel and staff before the Affirmation of Vows Chrism Mass.

NWOS Listening & Spiritual Discernment Retreat


Are you curious where the Holy Spirit might be leading you?


Are you feeling a sense of call to serve the church in a new way?


Are you wondering about what it takes to become a public leader in the ELCA?


Do you feel God’s Spirit tugging or nudging you to explore spiritual gifts, passions and interests?


If any of these questions resonate with you, consider joining us for this unique one-day retreat.


Join Bishop Daniel Beaudoin and Synod Staff for this time of prayer and discovery together. We will explore scripture, share our faith stories, enjoy lunch together, and spend time with a spiritual director who will help us focus and listen for where God may be calling us next. Weather permitting, there will be time to explore the beautiful gardens at Schedel.

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.


We're having a board game night - bring one you love or use one of ours!

We’ll provide the snacks, and close the evening with a short prayer service.


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

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

HopeWood Outdoors: 50th Maple Syrup Festival


Join us at HopeWood Pines for our 50th annual Maple Syrup Festival! This is a fun and welcoming tradition for families and our community. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, maple sausage, and lots of more maple-filled fun! Try sassafras tea and donuts cooked over an open fire, take a nature hike, and be sure to visit the sugar shack to see how maple syrup is made. Afterwards, take a break from the fun and relax by the fire with friends, old and new. Plus, all proceeds support summer camperships for kids!

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.

Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School) 2026


The World Council of Churches is inviting applications for the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School), 17-28 August 2026 in Panama City, Panama (to be confirmed). Five partner organizations are joining the effort: the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council, Council for World Mission, and United Society Partners in the Gospel. The 10-day programme will train 20-25 church leaders to push for change in global finance and economy.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Capital University Benefit Dinner


Join us in supporting our local Lutheran Seminary as well as one of our ELCA Universities by enjoying a homemade dinner! As the church prayers for Leaders to be raised up for Christ's Church at work in the world we too should support those vital places that form and prepare Pastors, Deacons and other church Leaders. 


This dinner will support Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University as well as Capital University. Whether you are an alumnus of Capital or Trinity or just looking for a delicious dinner we hope you will join us as we do our part to support these faithful church institutions. 


This platted benefit dinner costs $40.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Findlay:

Jump Into Spring Event


We are excited to invite you and the individuals and families you serve to join us for an Inclusive Indoor Play Event designed to be accessible to people of all abilities. This family-friendly event is intended to create a welcoming, supportive, and fun environment where children and caregivers can connect, play, and access helpful community resources.


Our goal is to offer a safe and inclusive experience where all children, including those of all abilities or sensory sensitivities, feel comfortable, valued, and able to participate at their own pace.

We would be grateful if you would share this invitation with your clients, families, and community members who may benefit from attending. Your partnership helps us reach families who deserve accessible, joyful opportunities to connect and play.

Event details:

 

Contact: Christine Reasoner, christine.reasoner@gmail.com

If you are interested in hosting a resource table, volunteering, or learning more about how your organization can be involved, please feel free to reach out. We would love to collaborate with you.

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.

Peace Be Still:

A Women's Retreat at Community of Christ
Saturday, February 21, 2026

6517 Finzel Road, Whitehouse


C
alling all ladies!! On February 21st, Community of Christ Lutheran will be hosting a women's retreat called "Peace Be Still." Take some time to pause and enjoy a restful time of bible study, worship, spiritual practices, and fellowship. Doors will open at 8 a.m. for check-in. Breakfast and coffee/tea bar will be available before the start of the retreat. The retreat will begin at 9 a.m. and will end at 5 p.m. Lunch will be included in the retreat price. The cost of attendance is $50. Registration max is 50 guests.


A portion of the retreat funds collected will be given to Salem Lutheran Church to support their food ministry. We will also be collecting for The Period Project, a collection drive of feminine hygiene products to support the needs at Salem Lutheran. We ask that each guest consider bringing at least one item to donate to support this ministry.


Registration is required. Cash or checks to Community of Christ Lutheran Church are accepted as payment. Please indicate in memo line of check "Women's Retreat"

Lutheran Summer Music Opportunities

Nominate a Student for LSM 2026

June 21-July 19, 2026 at St. Olaf College


Now is the time to nominate students for LSM 2026. Enrollment for next summer is filling quickly, and we expect most remaining spots to be filled by the March 1 Standard Enrollment deadline. At LSM, students connect advanced musical study with worship and the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. We welcome musicians on all instruments—brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, and harp—to study with nationally recognized faculty in a welcoming and supportive community.

Young Adult Opportunities


Check out the ELCA YA newsletter for information about the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing, LWF Peace Messengers, YAGM Happenings, Interest Inventory, Gather Network, and Open YA Ministry Positions.

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.

Ohio Hunger Network Online Store 
NOW OPEN!


The Hunger Network in Ohio - A faith-based, ecumenical ministry working to end hunger by addressing the root causes of poverty has recently launched a t-shirt and coffee mug sale to support our efforts. Multiple designs and colors available.

RESOURCE SHARING

Lutheran Men in Mission:

Winter 2026 Ambassador-Gram


Find the Lutheran Men in Mission's Winter 2026 Ambassador-Gram at the button below!

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.

Living Lutheran: Submit an idea


Do you have an idea for Living Lutheran’s next great story? Whether it’s inspiring work your congregation is doing, your own interesting faith journey or a great photo you’d like to share, we want to know about it. Use the brand-new submission page on LivingLutheran.org or email us at stories@elca.org.


Living Lutheran is your source for news, reflections and stories from the ELCA and its local and global companions. Living Lutheranbelongs to the people of the ELCA and, as such, welcomes article ideas from readers. Please include the name of your congregation or your story’s connection to the church.

Ohio Council of Churches 
Anti-Racism Resources


For the fifth year, Ohio Council of Churches has developed a series of resources to guide worship and parish conversations around the work of anti-racism. For 13 weeks after Anti Racism Sunday (Oct 19, 2026), faith communities will walk together through this work, towards MLK Day and the Day of Prayer for Christian Unity.

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.

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.

Full Time Property + Kitchen Positions

HopeWood Outdoors

HopeWood Outdoors is hiring! For full time positions. They are looking for a Dining Services Director and a Property and Facilities Manager. Please click the link below to explore more about each position and to apply.

Organist and Music Director - St. John Lutheran Church, Port Clinton

The Organist and Music Director provides leadership for the music ministry of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, Ohio. This position combines service playing, choir direction, and worship planning to support the congregation's mission and worship life. Working closely with the Pastor and Worship Committee, the Music Director ensures that music enriches the proclamation of the Gospel and reflects the liturgical and theological heritage of the Lutheran Church. Interested candidates can request a detailed job description and are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience by emailing stjohnportclinton@gmail.com, attention Pam Boytim.

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

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