Hygge: Coziness and Comfort

For the last week, I have been craving coziness. All I want to do is curl up under a blanket by a fire while sipping a warm beverage. I want to sit silently and enjoy the moment while the world stills around me. The Danish people have a word for this: hygge (pronounced H(Y)OO-gə). Hygge is a way of life for Danes that embodies a sense of coziness, simplicity, and being present.

To practice hygge is to practice restorative self-care and it is also a commitment to togetherness in community. Admittedly, I'm no expert in Danish culture, so I cannot speak to all that hygge is; however, I do understand how calmness, gentleness, and peace can restore our selves and our communities.

This past week I have seen friends, family, and a nation facing hardships. I have listened to the tears of loved ones and sat in the grief with them. Maybe you have been doing the same?

In Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie's book The Lives We Actually Have, there is a blessing called "For when so many are suffering (and you don't know what to do)." I stumbled upon this blessing in the last week and I have been reminded that even when I want to withdraw to the cozy, I am also called to community. Even when I want to avoid the world, I am called to engage in it.

God's great love for us works through us so that others may know God's great love, too.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

In the coming days, may you find some time for hygge - to relax, enjoy the simple pleasures in life, share time with loved ones and be in the moment. And may you find time to delight in God's love and comfort, so that others may come to know it through you, too.

~ Deacon Jenny Frantz, Director of Communication and Formation

News, Updates, & Resources

A note from your Synod Staff: Thank you all for your patience and understanding as our staff participated in our SPACKLE week (a time to fill in the gaps) November 4th-8th.

We were able to work on projects that kept getting pushed down the list and got quite a bit done!

We're now ready to journey into Advent and the holiday season with all of you!

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.

Thank you for fostering a spirit of generosity and support within our community!

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Applications are Rolling!

The 2025-2026 application is open and ready for you to apply for a year of accompaniment in one of our many partner country programs!

Not quite ready for the 2025-2026 cycle? Our applications are rolling, so you can apply for the 2026-2027 cycle now!

Learn More and Apply // Click Here

*applicants must be between 21-35 years old and citizens of the US

Your weekly guide to resources from the Kaufman Resource Center (KRC), where Rebekah Wissler, our dedicated Resource Specialist & Archivist, thoughtfully compiles resources to empower and engage you and your congregation.

Graceful Conversations – Building Arcs Across Divided Perspectives

Maintaining connection and respectful discourse across divided perspectives can be challenging, especially following election seasons. Graceful Conversations: Building Arcs Across Divided Perspectives is a thoughtful, five-part video series designed to foster constructive and empathetic dialogue within communities.

This five-part video series is a collaboration between Lutheran Advocacy - Minnesota and The Ministry Lab. It includes brief videos, facilitator guides, participant handouts, and a comprehensive toolkit. Created by Tammy Walhof of Lutheran Advocacy - MN, with contributions from Rev. Emily Meyer of The Ministry Lab, this series is rooted in helping participants reflect on how we, as people of faith, can engage with each other in grace-filled, meaningful ways.

Each session provides tools and insights for bridging divides and building relationships across differing perspectives:

Session 1: Explore the roots of division and begin with self-reflection on our own connections to self, community, and God.
Session 2: Identify our core values, recognize daily instances of polarization, and reflect on our inner responses.
Session 3: Build a “toolbox” for tackling challenging conversations and cultivating resilience.
Session 4: Learn to “reframe” conversations, moving from fear and dualistic thinking to understanding and empathy.
Session 5: Practice connecting with others through graceful, authentic conversations.

Each session includes take-home practices—such as breath prayers, mindfulness, and intercessory prayer—to make graceful engagement a daily habit. *Graceful Conversations* offers a valuable framework for fostering understanding and respectful dialogue, making it ideal for small groups, adult education, or as a series to support meaningful connection across perspectives.

Graceful Conversation Materials // Click Here

Session Videos // Click Here

Upcoming Events

The One Body, Many Members: Anti-Racist Conversations Affinity Group will be meeting in person on Saturday, November 16th at 10:30 am. Advent Lutheran Church 15309 Harvard Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44128

Meet with guest author, professor and speaker, Reverend Doctor James R. Thomas. He is a retired associate professor of church and ministry and worship from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University and a visiting professor of church history and ministry at Good News Theological Seminary, Accra, Ghana. He will be discussing his book, A Rumor of Black Lutherans. Book signing will also be available.

You may also join by Zoom at the link below.

Join By Zoom // Click Here

For More Info & To Register // Click Here

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.

Join us for the 95th Capital University Christmas Festival!

For nearly a century, this beloved event has been our university’s gift to the community, showcasing the internationally renowned Capital University choirs. Let the voices of the Chapel Choir, Choral Union, Cantabile, Consort, and Philomel, alongside talented instrumentalists from the Conservatory and the Columbus arts community, fill you with the spirit of Christmas.

Set in the beautiful and intimate Mees Hall, this immersive concert experience blends music with storytelling through poetry, prose, and scripture. Every corner of the hall will come alive with song, creating an atmosphere that surrounds you with holiday magic.

Dates & Times:

Thursday, December 5: Concert at 7:30 PM

Friday, December 6: Concert at 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 7: Concert at 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 8: Concert at 3:30 PM

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