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...Jesus came near & went with them |
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Upcoming Events:
- Capital Nelson Lecture Series
- Navigating the Digital World: LFCNA
- National Faith + Climate Forum
- Gathered to Scatter: Fresh Expressions
- ELCA Chaplain Corps
- Spiritual Exploration Discernment Retreat
- NWOS Summer Academy
- Ohio Summer Youth Retreat
- The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
- Listening to the Spirit-Spiritual Retreat
- Wild Goose Festival
Service Opportunities:
- Volunteer for LSS Choice Food Pantry
- YouthWorks Mission Trip to West Virginia
Coaching & Support:
- Leaderwise: Ministering to the Minister
Partner Updates:
- Protecting Medicaid
- ELCA Advocacy Action Alerts
- Global Refuge
Resource Sharing:
- Free Choir Robes - First, Stryker
Position Postings:
- Summer Staff - HopeWood Outdoors
- Office and Account Manager - Grace, Fremont
- Director of Music - Trinity, Findlay
- Church Musician - Messiah, Toledo
- Organist - Zion, Sandusky
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Coordinator of Children, Youth & Family Ministry - Providence, Holland & Community of Christ, Whitehouse
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Nelson Lecture Series with Vance Blackfox
March 20
Captial University, Columbus
| A free event that is open to the public, the Nelson Lecture is an annual speaker series in memory of Constance Ruth (Nelson) Wise, a Capital University alumna who envisioned a space dedicated to fostering open dialogue and discussion. Constance's wish was for guest speakers and thought leaders to support and embrace conversations on religion and various topics that align with the mission statement and values of Capital. Please note the location changes of some events. | | |
"This isn't Kansas, Toto" A New Digital World:
Lessons for Adults and Children
March 25, 2025 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Lutheran FCNA
| The digital world is here to stay, and while it is capable of offering information and opportunities previously unavailable to most of us, that capability is a double-edged sword. Information that is false can be passed off as truth; comments that are mere opinions can appear to be facts; websites that are inappropriate for anyone can be accessed by the youngest or most vulnerable; persons who appear to be peers on social media can be predators; humiliating social media posts can lead the most susceptible to harming themselves. | | |
National Faith + Climate Forum 2025
March 27, 2025 Noon-5:30 PM
in-person at Faith Lutheran, Swanton or Online
| Join faith leaders and community members at Faith Lutheran for a live watch party of the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025. 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. | | |
Affirmation of Vows: Chrism Mass
April 15, 2025 11:00 AM
Faith Lutheran Church, Fremont
| Rostered Ministers and SAMs are invited to gather for affirmation of vows at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. Join together with your colleagues for this special service, with lunch to follow. No RSVP required. Please direct any questions to Cassie Mugler or call 419-423-3664. | | |
Gathered to Scatter Conference
April 25 - 26, 2025
Zion Lutheran Church
503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky
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Our neighborhoods are aching for the good news of Jesus Christ. God wants to empower everyday churches to embody the Kingdom in everyday places.Learn how regular congregations are reimagining and reorganizing to bring hope into the cafés, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and common places we spend our days.
At Gathered to Scatter you will learn:
- To reach people who might never come to a traditional “Sunday” church
- To seize the opportunities your congregation has right now for greater impact without disrupting your existing church
- To develop and unleash motivated leaders even if you don’t have a big staff
While many leadership events are oriented around well-known speakers, Gathered to Scatter features practitioners who are deeply experienced in leading small- and mid-sized congregations into more vital futures. Their desire is to help you do the same.
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ELCA Chaplain Corps Info Meetings
May 16 or May 17, 2025
Columbus, OH
| The ELCA Chaplain Corps is the endorsing unit for all chaplains of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rev. Christopher Otten serves as Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Sr. Director of ELCA Chaplain Corps, alongside Michael Sonnenberg. Together they can guide you through the process of obtaining an Ecclesiastical Endorsement. Email Michael.Sonnenberg@ELCA.org for more information. | | |
Spiritual Exploration Discernment Retreat
May 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Simpson Garden Park, Bowling Green
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Join Bishop Daniel Beaudoin and Synod Staff for this retreat time together. We will explore scripture, share our faith stories and spend time with a spiritual director who will help us focus and listen for where God may be calling us next. Lunch included!
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NWOS Summer Academy:
Faith, Grace & Tough Talks
June-August 2025
Lakeside Chataqua + Online Sessions
| Do find yourself challenged by the current socio-political-spiritual polarization of our culture and our church? Do you sometimes or often run into difficult conversations and situations that deplete you? NWOS staff have heard you and will host 24 synod leaders, Pastors, Deacons, SAMs, and Pastoral Leaders for a pilot program specially created as an intensive, next-level communication and deep listening skill-building this summer. | |
Ohio Summer Youth Retreat
June 29-July 2
HopeWood Pines-Marengo, Ohio
| Registration is now open for the Ohio Youth Retreat June 29th-July 2nd at HopeWood Pines - LMC. Youth entering grades 6 through 12 are invited to attend. This experience is open to all youth in Northwestern Ohio, Northeastern Ohio and Southern Ohio Synod. A team of youth leaders from each synod has been planning this exciting mini-week, and each synod is contributing to subsidizing the cost to keep this ecperience affordable at just $150 per youth. | |
The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
Minneapolis, August 13-15
The first gathering of The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy will take place in Minneapolis August 13-15; early-bird registration is now open. Under the theme Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing, the Seminar will host Pastors, Deacons, Musicians, and Seminarians to discuss liturgical formation in the ELCA in the evangelical catholic tradition. Plenary speakers include Max Johnson (University of Notre Dame), Ed Foley (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago), Audrey West (Lutheran School of Theology/Yale), and Lizette Larson-Miller (Diocese of Huron), as well as Daniel Schwandt, Kevin Vaughn, Andrew Schaeffer, and the Minnesota Boychoir as musicians.
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Listening to the Spirit - Spiritual Retreat
August 25-28, 2025
Spiritual Center of Maria Stein, Maria Stein, OH
Join us for a three-day, three-night Benedictine-style spiritual retreat for rostered leaders and SAMs. It offers plenty of quiet time for reflection, meditation, reading, and prayer plus morning, midday, and evening worship and daily eucharist. Contact Pastor Dave Westphal with questions at pastordavedelc@gmail.com.
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Wild Good Festival
August 28-31, VanHoy Farms and Campground
Join us at the 2025 Wild Goose Festival, a celebration of Spirit, Justice, Music and Art. Taking place August 28-31 at VanHoy Farms and Campground. The festival offers inspiring speakers, music, and workshops to deepen spiritual connection and community. Together, we’ll explore how faith intersects with action and transformation.
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Volunteer with Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio needs volunteers!
"We are looking for volunteers to help serve in our Choice Food Pantry. We are open Tuesday and Thursday mornings and need help to keep our pantry running smoothly. If you would like to join our team and have a fun and rewarding experience, while serving the community, please contact Debbie at 419-243-9178 or by email. Thank you!"
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2025 Summer YouthWorks Trip to West Virginia
July 20-July 25, 2025
Logan County, WV
The youth and adult organizers of St. Peter Lutheran in Ridgeville Corners are looking for other parishes to partner with them on a summer mission trip for youth ages 8th grade through high school. The theme for the 2025 trip is: Dust "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." - John 13:15. We're all following something - let's work together and bring our love for Jesus into this community. Contact Pastor Mindy Elliott for more information at prmindy@rtecexpress.net.
| | Ministering to the Minister
| Regardless of where anyone stands on the political spectrum, it's safe to say that it's been difficult to lead in these times. We are offering you a menu of opportunities to support clergy, whether that clergyperson is you, someone in your care, or someone who you call "your pastor." We purposely put together a range of opportunities at a range of price points, so there is something for everyone. And, if you're needing something that just isn't here, please reach out to us! LeaderWise is called to walk alongside you, and in times like these, we feel our calling more deeply than ever. | | |
Understanding Medicaid
ELCA Advocacy & Lutheran Services in America
A recent webinar was held regarding the importance of protecting Medicaid coverage for those in the greatest need, presented by ELCA Advocacy and Lutheran Services in America. Hosts provide insight on current legislative proposals that could reduce access to essential healthcare for millions of Americans, including elderly nursing home residents, children and people with disabilities. This funding is crucial for the work of our social ministry partners in Northwestern Ohio.
| | We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. Click above to receive alerts. Consider acting on two recent alerts: | As we seek to foster a world of just and welcoming communities. The below resources and links include educational resources, contact information, and ways you can engage in the work of welcome. | | |
Free Choir Robes - Adult & Child Sizes
First Lutheran Church, Stryker
First Lutheran Church in Stryker, Ohio has approximately 30 redish/burgandy adult choir robes that need a new home! We also have approximately 20 light blue children's choir robes and a few white robes available. Please email Jody with interest or questions.
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Apply to Work at HopeWood Camps in 2025!
Join the HopeWood Outdoors team and help create a welcoming community where faith and nature intersect. Transformative programs aim to cultivate growth, connection, and hope in a beautiful outdoor setting.
While camp counselors make a positive impact on campers’ lives, develop valuable skills for your future career, and deepen their faith in a fun and supportive community, there are so many other positions available! Young adults hold a variety of positions that support summer programming through logistical support and leadership from lifeguarding to serving as a maintenance assistant to assisting in the kitchen and offices. The Program Coordinator supervises and coordinates summer camp programs in a manner that ensures a safe and enriching experience for all campers, counselors, and guests. Any role you take at camp will empower our campers to have a great summer experience and empower you to explore your next steps in life’s journey.
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Office and Account Manager
Grace Lutheran, Fremont
Grace Lutheran in Fremont is searching for an Office & Account Manager who will serve as the lead administrator and financial representative for the congregation and its supporting ministries. They will efficiently manage and oversee the day to day operations of the church office including scheduling, filing, communications, and data entry as well as handling financial responsibilities such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and related bookkeeping data. Please direct any questions to Pastor CJ Bailey at pastorcbailey@gmail.com.
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Director of Music
Trinity Lutheran Church, Findlay
Trinity Lutheran in Findlay is seeking a Director of Music. This position is 25 hours a week and duties include: leading worship on Piano and/or Organ, directing musical groups, helping to select hymns and special music. If interested, contact Pastor Will pastorwill@trinityfindlay.org or follow the QR code above to the Indeed posting.
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Church Musician
Messiah Lutheran Church, Toledo
Messiah Lutheran Church, Toledo is currently seeking a church musician. This position requires the following abilities:
· To read sheet music.
· To play the organ and or piano.
· To provide appropriate music for a traditional Lutheran worship service along with the flexibility to incorporate contemporary worship music.
· To be willing to work alongside of the pastor and cantor.
· To be willing to work with a future seasonal choir.
· Be available for weekly Sunday morning service and special services.
The interested candidate should contact Pastor Mark Kuhlman to audition.
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Coord. of Children, Youth & Family Ministry
Providence, Holland & Community of Christ, Whitehouse
Providence, Holland & Community of Christ, Whitehouse are seeking a coordinator of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
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Organist
Zion Lutheran-Sandusky
This year-round position which involves essentially 2 Sunday services at 8 am and 10:30 am respectively along with our choir practice on Thursday evenings. We do not have choir during the summer months and so that lightens the load during the summer months. Please see the job description attached for more details. Email Lori Wobser, church administrator or call 419-625-2112.
| | 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 | | | | |
