View this email as a webpage

Peace: Like Falling Snow

In parts of our synod, snow fell in massive amounts last week, transforming neighborhoods into quiet, wintry scenes. For others, the snowfall was lighter, just a dusting. Whether you experienced mountains of snow or only glimpsed it in the distance, I think there’s something magical about the way it falls—soft, quiet, unhurried. Snow blankets the world in stillness, muffling the noise and chaos of daily life. In the midst of December’s busyness, snow invites us to pause, to marvel at its beauty, and to embrace the gift of quiet moments.

Image by Gosia K. from Pixabay

This season of Advent is much the same. It calls us to step back from the frenzy of preparation and lean into the peace that only Christ can bring. Like falling snow, the peace of God often comes quietly, gently, and in ways we might not expect. It’s found in a few deep breaths, a whispered prayer, or the glow of candlelight on a dark evening. It’s not a peace that erases life’s challenges but one that reminds us we are not alone in the midst of them.

As snow settles on the earth, may we also make room for God’s peace settle in our hearts. May we let go of distractions and embrace the stillness. May we pause long enough to hear God’s gentle voice reminding us of the promise of Emmanuel—God with us.

Questions for Reflection:

1. When was the last time you felt a deep sense of peace? What helped you experience it?
2. How can you create moments of stillness in your life this week?
3. Where is God inviting you to share Christ’s peace with others?

~Deacon Jenny Frantz, Director of Communication & Formation

If you are new to the program, we recommend beginning with Intro to the Old Testament (a Foundations Course). If you are interested in exploring how we share the gospel in your context, consider taking Communicating the Gospel al a carte. All classes can be taken individually!

Growing in Faith is a ministry committed to fostering learning environments for followers of Jesus to grow in faith. They believe that lay members of our parishes are integral to healthy discipleship in our churches and communities. So, they gather followers across congregations and synods to grow in faith together.

Advent Bulletin Stock Available for Churches in Need:

This Advent season, we’re pleased to announce that Advent-themed bulletin stock and other materials have been made available through generous contributions from churches eager to support congregations with limited funds. If your church could benefit from these materials, please reach out to Rebekah Wissler (rwissler@neos-elca.org), and we’ll connect you with the available supplies.

If your church has extra bulletins or other materials to share, please contact Rebekah Wissler to arrange a donation. Let’s join together to support one another as we prepare for this season of hope and celebration.

Looking for Advent Devotional Resources? We've been collecting them on our webpage!

The Church in Act: Lutheran Liturgical Theology in Ecumenical Conversation by Maxwell E. Johnson delves into the rich tradition of Lutheran liturgical theology, examining its role within the church and its place in broader ecumenical conversations with other Christian denominations.

For congregations and leaders, this book is an invaluable resource for understanding how worship and liturgical practices are not just rituals, but vital expressions of faith and community. Johnson’s exploration invites readers to reflect on the theological foundations of liturgy, while also offering a broader ecumenical perspective that highlights commonalities and differences in liturgical practices across traditions.

What makes The Church in Act particularly relevant for our context is its ability to bridge the gap between deep theological reflection and practical application in church life. Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, or layperson, Johnson’s writing makes complex theological ideas accessible, offering guidance for enriching our liturgical life and deepening our understanding of how worship connects us to the global church.

As we continue to engage in meaningful worship and build relationships across denominations, this book serves as both a theological resource and a tool for fostering greater ecumenical understanding. For anyone interested in the intersection of liturgy, theology, and the broader Christian community, The Church in Act is available for borrowing from the KRC.

Solstice Morning Somewhat-Contemplative Bird Walk

Saturday, December 21 at 10 a.m.

Sandy Ridge Reservation

6195 Otten Road, North Ridgeville, OH 44039

Meet in the main parking lot near the restrooms

Please let Pastor Marilyn Matevia (pastor@celebration-lutheran.org) know you are coming, so that we can plan for the hot beverages. We usually have a few extra pairs of binoculars to share, but bring your own if you can. We will post weather-related updates, if necessary, on our Facebook event listing, so check it from time to time!

The 2025 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 10 AM - 2 PM.

This is an annual observance that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, will join the movement of racial healing for our church and the nation.

This event will feature a free online educational event that centers the voices of ELCA leaders of color. We invite you to join us in this collective effort for a more just and equitable world.

This event is open to all ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders and members.

The New Year is shortly upon us, which means HopeWood Outdoors' Spring retreats are almost here! Check out the 2025 Spring Retreats/Events.

Join us for the Ohio Rostered Ministers Gathering January 21-23, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Being a rostered minister is no easy task in our time. Institutions are weaker, budgets are in decline, people are uninterested, and commitment is wavering. But these are only symptoms of a bigger issue. During this gathering, we will seek to peer beneath the symptoms and explore why many pastors and deacons find themselves in an identity crisis. As we engage with the presenter and colleagues, we will examine what living in a secular age does to ministerial identity and how rostered ministers can find new footing within it.

This event will be commuter-friendly as housing arrangements will be on your own. A daily schedule and other details are available on the website.

Servant Camp 2025 at Camp Frederick

Be a part of something bigger than yourself! Servant week is an amazing opportunity for you to enjoy the adventure of summer camp while making an impact in others’ lives. Coordinate with your Church group or sign up on your own. This is a great chance to make your summer matter!

Dates Offered:  June 22-27 and July 13-18

Cost: $330

For more information or to answer any questions, reach out to Matt Miller at director@campfrederickohio.com

Prayers for Comfort & Peace

Pastor Jonathan Stufft

Prayers for Healing

Pastor Jack Delk

Pastor Bonnie & Pastor Brian Peltomaa

Prayers for Sympathy

Pastor Eric Bodenstab, upon the passing of his father

Family and friends of Pastor Scott Anderson, upon his passing

Prayer concerns will be removed after four weeks unless otherwise requested.

Consent is required for all submissions. Thank you.

These pages are updated every week with new trainings, events,

opportunities, and more! Be sure to check them out.