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Honoring a Trailblazer: Celebrating Rev. Elizabeth Platz’s 55 Years of Ministry

This past Sunday, Celebration Lutheran Church in Chardon gathered for a worship service steeped in gratitude, history, and holy joy.

Together, the congregation celebrated the 55th anniversary of ordination for Rev. Elizabeth Platz, the first woman ordained by the Lutheran Church in America on November 22, 1970.

Rev. Platz presided at the table just as she has faithfully done for more than half a century, and Bishop Laura Barbins joined to preach. A joyful reception followed worship, complete with stories, laughter, and heartfelt gratitude.

But even more powerful than the celebration itself was the recognition of what Rev. Platz’s ministry has meant for generations of women called to serve. Bishop Barbins reflected on the meaning of standing beside her that morning: Rev. Platz was ordained about 25 years before Bishop Barbins, and Bishop Barbins was ordained about 25 years before Celebration’s current pastor, Rev. Marilyn Matevia. Three women, three eras, one calling: woven together by faithfulness, perseverance, and the Spirit’s persistent work through the Church.

Rev. Platz paved the way.

She did so not only through her ministry, but through resilience during a time when many still doubted a woman’s place in the pulpit or at the altar. Her courage made space for others. Her faithfulness opened doors. Her voice, steady and wise, helped shape a Church more reflective of God’s expansive welcome.

Pastor Sarah Schaaf of the Northwestern Ohio Synod made the two-hour drive to Chardon with her children to be part of the day. She later wrote about what the moment meant to her: “Sometimes we tell ourselves that what we do doesn’t matter, but Rev. Platz would remind us (over the rim of her glasses, mind you) that this moment was possible because there were people who advocated for her place at the table... So do your part, beloved children of God, because God’s welcome is wide.”

As we share some of Pastor Sarah’s photos from the day, we also give thanks — not just for Rev. Platz’s ministry, but for every person who prayed, encouraged, advocated, and made room. Her story reminds us that the Church is continually being re-formed by those who show up, speak up, and follow God’s call with courage.

May we continue that work, so that generations after us can look back and say:

Because of them, we could walk through this door.

Because of them, we knew God’s welcome included us.

Because of them, we were free to respond to God’s call.

Thanks be to God for Rev. Elizabeth Platz - and for all the saints whose faithfulness shapes the future of the Church.

Thank you for your Mission Support!

Every week, Lutherans across the country gather to worship. Together we experience the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love. As part of this experience, many of us give to our local congregation. Every year, ELCA members give about $1.6 billion as regular offerings to ELCA congregations and worshiping communities. When you give your offering, most of it stays with your local congregation to fund its vital work. A portion (about 5%, on average) becomes Mission Support, given by your congregation to your synod. Mission Support ensures that your synod can find and equip leaders of all ages and deploy an array of ministries, including those of synod companions and those for youth and young adults. Your synod also gives a portion of this Mission Support to your ELCA churchwide organization to back our shared work across the country and around the world. Mission Support is possible only because of your congregational offering. Learn more about Mission Support at livinglutheran.org/SOFIA.

This December, a delegation from our Northeastern Ohio Synod will travel to South Africa as guests of our companion synod, the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), for their 50th Anniversary Celebration! Our delegation and will spend time strengthening relationships, learning from local leaders, and witnessing the work God is doing through our global siblings in Christ.

We invite everyone to keep them in your prayers during their travel December 8-22.

These prayers may be included in the Prayers of Intercession on the Sundays our delegation is in South Africa. Congregations: Please feel free to adapt as needed for your context.

Northeastern Ohio Synod Delegation 
(left to right)



Pastor Angela Freeman, Ron Jantz Jr., Lankika (Kika) Mendis, Bishop Laura Barbins

This trip is made possible through funds from ELCA Global Mission, our ELCSA Global Companions, and our synod’s long-standing Global Mission Travel Fund.

We’re excited to share some new resources available to all Northeastern Ohio Synod congregations for this Christmas Eve! Congregations who do not have a called pastor or deacon may find these especially helpful.

Developed by our Deacon for Baptized Living, this worship service draws upon the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) to provide a meaningful service of the Word for Christmas Eve. You can use the Service as-is, or customize it your context. Our Resource Center Specialist has also curated a list of helpful resources including digital resources, books, hymns and more!

The Lutheran Men in Mission Fall 2025 Ambassador-Gram has just been released!

"Waiting in Hope" Advent Resources from the CaSTLE Project

This four-week Advent series is designed for evening gatherings or can be modified for Sunday mornings. Each week pairs a worship element with an Advent theme. The purpose is to explore how the worship practices of the church prepare us to live as people of hope, peace, joy, and love—formed by the coming of Christ into the world and sent to embody his light in our daily lives.

Experience the fifth annual Musical Advent Calendar from Lutheran Summer Music, November 30–December 24—daily musical meditations to inspire reflection throughout the Advent season.

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, with all videos archived at LSMacademy.org/acal. 

Sign up to receive each day’s video directly to your inbox:

Advent is just around the corner! Join ELCA Young Adults and ELCA Sumud as we prepare for Rooted in Faith, an advent practice created in collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land(ELCJHL).

The series includes four devotionals written by clergy, lay leaders, and youth, a resource about Palestine’s “biblical botany,” and a children’s Christmas book about Christmas in Palestine.

Preparing for the Thanksgiving Life

As we look toward tomorrow’s feast, most of us are getting ready for houses that will be full of food, family, and the yearly reminder to be grateful. It’s easy to feel thankful when the day is unfolding in front of us. The real challenge comes afterward, when the last plate is boxed up and the world starts moving at its usual pace again.

St. Paul’s call to “give thanks in all circumstances” isn’t about pretending everything is good. It’s an invitation to carry a grateful heart with us even when life is complicated or heavy. That kind of steady, everyday gratitude is part of how we stay grounded in God’s presence and pay attention to the ordinary gifts we rely on each day.

If you’re looking for a simple way to nurture that kind of practice in the days ahead, Luther Seminary’s God Pause devotion is a helpful companion. It’s short, steady, and easy to return to, especially during a week when many of us are trying to move from a holiday of thanksgiving to a life shaped by it. A daily moment of scripture and reflection can be a quiet way to keep gratitude at the center as we head toward Advent.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Hunger Network in Ohio's Annual Celebration Dinner!

On December 9th at 6pm, people of faith and community leaders will gather for dinner to celebrate the work of 2025 and prepare for 2026! We will present our 3rd annual Faithful Servant Award Recipient as well. This will be a great time to take a breath on the journey of Advent and justice as we await God's breaking into the world to reconcile the brokenness and ensure the hungry are fed with good things!

Pre-dinner advocacy:

For those who are able, we also invite you to join us at 1:00 for a public policy advocacy briefing and legislative visits at the Ohio Statehouse. We will offer an advocacy briefing on the issues related to affordable housing and food security (including some opportunities we have to advance some legislation in 2026!) and talk about how we can share our stories with lawmakers to create meaningful change. This is a great opportunity for experienced advocates and first timers to visit the statehouse and see how their voice can create change in our world! 

You can sign up for one or both events here. www.hungernetohio.com/events 

Growing in Faith Classes Registering Now

Thursdays, December 11th - January 22nd

6:00-9:00 PM on Zoom

Registration is now open next Growing In Faith courses! Two virtual courses will run simultaneously every Thursday from 6:00-9:00 PM during the five weeks of December 11th to January 22nd! For Course 3, the Foundations Course is Intro to Old Testament and the Practical Course is Communicating the Gospel. If you are new to Growing in Faith, we always recommend starting with the Foundations Course.

2026 Ohio Rostered Ministers Gathering

Join us for the Ohio Rostered Ministers Gathering January 20-22, 2026 at the Hilton - Columbus/Polaris.

We are excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Greg Carey, Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary (Lancaster, Pennsylvania). His primary commitment involves preparing students for public leadership, including public interpretation of Scripture. He has authored or co-edited a dozen books related to biblical studies, with interests in the book of Revelation and other ancient apocalyptic literature, rhetorical interpretation, the Gospel of Luke, and public biblical interpretation.

Registration is now open!

The Southern Ohio Synod will hold Boundaries Training for Rostered Ministers on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 1 - 4 PM at the Hilton - Columbus/Polaris.

Note: This timing does NOT conflict with the 2026 Ohio Rostered Ministers Gathering!

We will be offering this in-person only. The training is free, but registration is required.

And, this is open to all Rostered Ministers within Region 6!

Registration is now open. You must register for this even separately from the Ohio Rostered Ministers Gathering.

Reminder: All Rostered Ministers, including Retired Rostered Ministers, must complete Boundaries Training every 3 years!

Prayers for Healing

Barb DeBord, Synod Authorized Minister

Pastor Bob Hanson

Prayers of Sympathy

Family and friends of Pastor Clyde McGee, who died on November 10, 2025

Pastor Julianne Smith, on the death of her brother

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.