...Jesus came near & went with them

Upcoming Events

• ELCA's National Day of Racial Healing
• Common Table: Young Adult Gathering
• Racial Justice and Faith Certificate
• Spiritual Retreat for Rostered Leaders and SAMs
• Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation Webinar
• Lutheran Chautauqua Grants 2026
• Voices of Faith in Climate Action Webinar
• Growing in Faith: Course 4 Registration
• Charles H. Wright Museum Bus Trip
• Peace: Be Still Women's Retreat, COC, Whitehouse
• Lutheran Summer Music Nominations
• ELCA Young Adults Opportunities
• Interfaith Peacemakers Teams with Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Service and Sponsorship:

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

Resource Sharing:

• Portico E-News Update
• ELCA Advocacy Resources
• Living Lutheran Digital Subscription
• Ohio Council of Churches Anti-Racism Resources
• The Sermon Supply

Position Postings:

• Full Time Positions - HopeWood Outdoors
• Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Application Deadline Feb. 1, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

ELCA's 2026 National Day of Racial Healing

As a sacred practice, story sharing highlights history, preserves language, engages culture, offers wisdom, sustains survival and teaches lessons that foster connection. Join us for a night of intentional storytelling, deep listening and reflection, featuring diverse voices that will draw us closer together.

When: January 20th, 2026 from 7-9 PM

Launch of Common Table

Join us as we launch Common Table, a new, intentionally ecumenical and inclusive community for young adults ages 18-35.

Come enjoy good food, new friends, and meaningful connection. We'll share Chipotle catering, get to know one another through speed-friending, and pause for a brief time of prayer led by Pastor Dalton Rosa-Ruggieri.

Whether you're looking for community, curiosity, or just a fun night out—you belong at the table. We hope to see you there!

PLTS Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Course

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is offering classes that are designed for anyone - clergy or lay, any age, any identity, any level of church involvement. No undergraduate degree is required. The cost $250 per course, and after four courses are completed, one will receive a Certificate in Racial Justice and Faith from PLTS.  

The first class will be on the topic of Womanism and Social Justice and will begin on February 9. Please enroll by Jan 25. 

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.

When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation



The Center of Addiction and Faith is offering a free one-hour webinar entitled "When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation” on Jan. 28, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 PM CT features special guest Michael Hsu, MD, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and health services researcher and clinical faculty at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He will explore the role of internet gaming and digital technology in the lives of children, adolescents, and adults—highlighting both the potential benefits and the risks of problematic or compulsive use. The session will help faith leaders recognize signs of unhealthy gaming or technology use, understand when gaming may be serving deeper emotional or spiritual needs, and offer practical, compassionate ways to support individuals and families while encouraging balance, community, and healthy limits.

Lutheran Chautauqua Association Grants

Each week during its nine-week season, Chautauqua Institution provides an array of programs including fine and performing arts, lectures, worship services, and religious programs, as well as recreational activities. Lutheran Chautauqua Association is offering two grant opportunities for a week-long stay at the Lutheran House.

CHAUTAUQUA GRANT

For persons of color and/or whose primary language is other than English

FIRST TIME CHAUTAUQUAN GRANT

For a Lutheran lay individual or family who might not otherwise be able to experience Chautauqua

Both grants include:

• Gate passes
• One parking permit
• Lodging for the individual or the family (parents/guardians and includes children under 18 living at the same residence) at the Lutheran House
• Participation in Kids Club for children who may be eligible

If you know a deserving Lutheran individual or family, please share the application!

Deadline: February 15, 2026

Webinar - Voices of Faith in Climate Action: COP30 and Beyond

Hear from Lutherans who attended the UN COP30 as they give updates, reflections and direction on meaningful action toward climate solutions. Panelists will gather on Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. ET. “Why do Lutherans bother to show up to COP year after year?” asked delegate Laura Muther. “Our presence at COP means that we can carry these stories of faithful people with us.” Hear for yourself and join us in the commitment to climate care!

Diakonia Classes Registering Now

Thursdays, February 5th - March 5th 

6:00-9:00 PM on Zoom

Registration is now open next Growing In Faith: Diakonia courses! Two virtual courses will run simultaneously every Thursday from 6:00-9:00 PM during the five weeks of February 5th to March 5th! For Course 4, the Foundations Course is Intro to New Testament and the Practical Course is Healthy Congregations.

Charles H. Wright Museum of

African American History 
Bus Trip: Friday February 6, 2026

Pick Up in 3 Locations


Join fellow Christians on a journey to Detroit to explore the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History! The bus will pick up at three locations and lunch will be provided! Registration will come in January. For now, please email calla.gilson.burns@nwos-elca.org to express interest.

Peace Be Still:

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

6517 Finzel Road, Whitehouse


Calling 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.

Interfaith Peacemaker Teams

Join us for a transformative two-day training at the Interfaith Hub Event! Learn proven, ground-level strategies to build Interfaith Peacemaker Teams and lead within your community.



When: Friday, Feb 27 – Saturday, Feb 28 

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

Where: Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, 2199 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43209

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

Portico E-News Updates

New 2026 Portico Health ID Card

If you’ve got ELCA-Primary Health benefits, you should have received a new health ID card. This year’s card now includes a Group ID number for easier reference. Note: if you received two sets of cards in the mail, be sure to use the second set and destroy the first. Not sure which is which? Double check that the coverage level and deductible amounts match what you have elected. Questions? Quantum Health Care Coordinators are here to help: 877.851.5656, 7:30am-9pm (Central) Monday-Friday. You can also download the Quantum Health mobile app to access and use your card digitally.

EAP Update for ELCA-Primary Members

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Spring Health, a partner of 98point6 by Transcarent, will provide mental health support and other Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. Therapy is available for members and dependents age 6+, and coaching is available for those 13+. The clinical network includes thousands of licensed providers with option to connect in-person, by phone, vireo, or text. Connect via your 98point6 app or learn more on myPortico.

January is Financial Wellness Month

Check out Fidelity’s tips for setting smart, achievable financial resolutions to feel more confident about your financial life. Better yet, check in with a credentialed Portico Financial Planner at no out-of-pocket cost to you … they understand the unique attributes of church benefit plans and have detailed knowledge of ELCA benefits. Book an appointment online or call 800.922.4896.

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 the January 2026 Edition of Advocacy Connections and learn how to sign up to receive these emails at the link below.

Digital Living Lutheran Subscriptions

LivingLutheran.org launched on Monday, Dec. 8! Members of congregations are now able to set up a free digital memberships:


• A welcoming, easy-to-access format.
• A personalized dashboard prioritizing the stories that interest them.
• Access to members-only content, ability to save and “like” articles.
• E-news delivery options, both online and in their email inboxes.
  

Living Lutheran tells the stories of the ELCA, bonding us as a church across congregations, synods, states, regions and countries. Invite your churches to get informed, inspired and equipped with the perspectives they need to deepen their faith and connect with the broader Lutheran community. You’ll also find options for individual and group subscriptions to the print magazine. Please email questions to livinglutheran@elca.org.  

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

Full Time Property, Kitchen + Program Positions

HopeWood Outdoors

HopeWood Outdoors is hiring! For full time positions, we are looking for a Dining Services Director, a Property and Facilities Manager, and an Associate Program Director. We are also hiring for a part time Assistant Program Director. Please click the link below to explore more about each position and to apply.

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM)

Application Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) is a one-year, international service-learning and faith-formation opportunity in churches and social service ministries for young adults, ages 21-35. Applications for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 service years are open now on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of January 15, and a final deadline of February 1 of the prospective year.

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