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Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger

World Food Day unites us with people across the globe in collective action to end hunger. This year, ELCA World Hunger is celebrating 50 years of working for a just world where all are fed.

“The ministry of ELCA World Hunger testifies to our belief in God’s promise of a time when we will hunger and thirst no more,” said Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. We take this promise seriously.

Fifty years after ELCA World Hunger was founded, we find ourselves at another critical moment in history. Amid rising costs, global conflict, the lingering impact of COVID-19 and the intensifying effects of climate change, the world once again faces a startling rise in hunger that is undoing decades of progress.

We continue to pray for those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Working alongside the Florida-Bahamas Synod, Southeastern Synod, North Carolina Synod, and other partners, Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to respond. They anticipate that LDR's greatest impact will be reaching those in underserved areas and in the long-term, community-focused recovery and care for which Lutheran Disaster Response is known. If you are looking for a way to help, consider donating here: elca.org/hurricanes/donate

100% of donations designated as "Hurricane Relief" will go to communities that have been heavily impacted by these storms. If you prefer, you can also send donations to the Northeastern Ohio Synod (designated for Hurricane Response) and we will forward on your behalf.

Find information and resources about Lutheran Disaster Response's hurricane relief at ELCA.org/hurricanes.

For many years the ELCA Annual Congregation Report included Form C. As time went by, the Office of the Secretary determined that the data collected through Form C lacked depth or thematic focus and that it took too long to report.

With those concerns in mind, we are trying something new in data collection. Instead of soliciting information from all congregations and worshiping communities simultaneously through Form C, we are conducting Congregation Pulse Surveys. These surveys are one way for congregations and worshiping communities to share their perspectives, strengths, and needs with synods and the churchwide organization in an expedient way.

The first two waves of the Congregation Pulse Survey were each sent to one quarter of ELCA congregations and worshiping communities in April and July. Over the next six months, the remaining congregations and worshiping communities will receive one survey, in either October 2024 or January 2025. Surveys will be distributed to the email address on file for the congregation or worshiping community with the churchwide organization.

Each Pulse Survey can be completed in five minutes or less and without any research. The best person to complete the survey is likely the congregation’s or worshiping community’s rostered minister, administrative assistant, or council president.

Many thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback! If you have any questions, you may contact Rebekah Wissler in our Northeastern Ohio Synod office: rwissler@neos-elca.org

Introducing: The One Church Experiment

It is now time to experiment! It is time for a playfulness within the Spirit to try new things, engage different paradigms and models, and experiment with structure all for the sake of God’s mission in the world: that the love of Jesus might be known.

Your Northeastern Ohio Synod office is excited to be moving to Google Voice as our phone service starting this week! While this new system will have a lot of advantages (i.e. reduced cost and mobile access for traveling staff), our synod staff has a bit of a learning curve ahead.

Please continue using the main office phone number when calling (330)929-9022 and hopefully you will not notice any differences on your end; however, this new system is completely different on our end.

Thank you in advance for your patience as we do our best to better serve all of you in our Northeastern Ohio Synod!

Embracing the Spirit of Reformation: A New Study Resource from the KRC

In celebration of this year’s Reformation Day, we are excited to introduce a new study resource titled The Heart of the Reformation: Grace, Faith, and Our Call to Reform Today. This study explores key Reformation themes—justification by faith, the priesthood of all believers, and the authority of Scripture—while also challenging us to reflect on how the Church can continue to be a voice for renewal in today’s world. With thought-provoking discussion questions, practical action steps, and opportunities to share your personal faith journey, this resource will help deepen your understanding of the Reformation’s impact and how God’s grace is still at work through us. 

Engage in this journey of faith and transformation as we honor our Lutheran heritage and explore what it means to live out Reformation values in our lives today by downloading at the button below.

Join us for a retreat specifically designed to support and equip full-time and part-time youth and family ministry staff. Share in the educational sessions and discussions, networking and resource sharing, relaxation, free time, conversation, and worship. Or, take a break from the group and enjoy a hike, nap, or some time by the fire. When you return to your ministry, you’ll be refreshed and renewed. 

Online registration is required two weeks in advance.

Join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for a conversation about God’s Love Made Real. This ELCA movement encourages us to create a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 12 p.m. Eastern time

Registration is encouraged, but not required. This event will take place on Zoom.

Bishop Eaton will share why God’s Love Made Real is meaningful to her and the future of the church. The Rev. Donald Kreiss, bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod, will host the conversation, and participants will have a chance to ask questions and share stories.

Learn more about God’s Love Made Real at lovemadereal.elca.org.

We look forward to sharing this time with you!

​We invite Rostered Ministers to join us for Reformation Days, designed to meet the ELCA’s requirements for boundaries and inclusion/anti-racism training. In addition, we are also featuring various workshops aimed at continuing education, focusing on key aspects of ministry.

8:30am - 4:00pm

St. Stephen Martyr, Canton, OH

Full Day - $50.00

Morning Session Only - $25.00

Afternoon Session Only - $25.00

Boxed lunches will be provided.

Two new classes for Growing In Faith Ohio kick off Nov. 7th! You won't want to miss them!

If you are new to the program, we recommend beginning with Christianity in a Lutheran Key (a Foundations Course). If you are a history lover or curious about female spiritual leaders in the early church, consider taking Church History al a carte.

Prayers for Healing

Pastor Jack Delk

Pastor Scott Anderson

Pastor Bonnie & Pastor Brian Peltomaa

Prayers of Sympathy

Pastor Jerry Burce, on the passing of his father

For the family and friends of Pastor Steve Patrick



Pastor Kathy Kluck, on the passing of her father

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.