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Holy Listening - Walking and Praying

The last couple of days I had the opportunity to retreat at HopeWood Pines with youth and family ministry professionals. I found inspiration in listening to those who are dedicated to the faith formation of young people in our congregations and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside them.

One of our guest presenters was a Spiritual Director and pastor from the Southern Ohio Synod. She invited us into a space to reflect on our own lives and where we might be living compulsively rather than contemplatively. We were given space to walk, be in silence, and to listen for God.

While this might sound simple, I wonder, when was the last time you sat (or walked) and intentionally listened for God? When was the last time you looked at the world around you and noticed where God is moving?

This coming week, I invite you to take a moment for a walking prayer. Walk slowly. Pay attention to the silence and the sounds. Notice even the smallest of miracles in nature. Welcome each breath in and each breath out. Go at an even slower pace. Open yourself to God's presence around you. Breathe in. Breath out. Listen. Pay attention.

~ Deacon Jenny Frantz, Director of Communication & Formation

November 4-8, 2024, your synod staff will be participating in a week-long, staff-only event that the NEOS staff is calling, "SPACKLE: Synod Personnel's Aikido* Catch-Up for Knowledge, Learning, and Efficiency." 

During this time, all of our emails and phone messages will be set to away settings. We are kindly asking everyone to only reach out to us if there is an emergency situation. We will NOT respond otherwise. Please note that in order to receive a response from us, your email or voicemail must include the word "EMERGENCY" in the subject line. All other messages will be deleted

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to better serve you and our community.

*Aikido - "Aikido principles can be applied beyond martial arts, promoting harmony and continuous improvement in professional settings. By incorporating these principles, organizations can foster a disciplined approach to personal and collective development." - Stevens, John. The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido. Shambhala, 1992.

On October 10, 2024, the Social Security Administration announced the 2025 Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. During its meeting on October 12, the Synod Council approved a resolution setting the 2025 baseline salary for pastors and deacons. The Compensation Standards document and the worksheets have been updated on the website to reflect the 2025 baseline salary.

The expectation is that congregations will use the current Compensation Standards document and appropriate worksheet whenever calling a pastor or deacon and when reviewing compensation for the next year.

As we prepare for an important election season, it is essential to engage thoughtfully and faithfully in shaping our society's future. We offer a curated collection of resources from the ELCA and other organizations to support you and your faith community during this time. These materials are designed to foster informed civic engagement, provide spiritual enrichment, and promote unity amidst potential polarization.

Within the ELCA resources, you'll find comprehensive guides on voter education and advocacy, reflecting our shared commitment to justice and community involvement. Additionally, materials from other organizations offer frameworks for respectful dialogue and collaboration across diverse perspectives, equipping you to maintain harmony and understanding within your community during the election.

We encourage you to explore these resources and consider how they can enhance your community's participation in our democratic process. Together, let us embody the values of informed engagement and compassionate action.

Please download the attached PDF for full access to these resources.

For additional resources, please email me at the button below.

TOMORROW: 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

Walk-In Registrations Welcome! Please bring the registration fee with you. Boxed lunches will not be available for walk-in registrations.

Full Day - $50.00

Morning Session Only - $25.00

Afternoon Session Only - $25.00

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

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.

The Hunger Network in Ohio would like to invite you to attend our Annual Celebration on November 10th at All Saints Lutheran Church in Columbus at 3:30.

This is a party everyone, so bring your friends! We will have a few speakers, present a few awards, and celebrate together a great year of advocacy and working to end hunger! 

All Saints Lutheran Church

6770 North High Street

Worthington, OH 43085

Tickets range from $10-$100.

Appetizers and lite refreshments served.

Living into the Reign of God (even in anxious times) November 12, 2024, 9 AM - 3 PM

Resurrection Lutheran Church (Hilliard, OH)

Open to Rostered Ministers (Active, OLFC, Retired), Chaplains, Interns, Seminarians, & Lay Leaders.

Please register by November 8, 2024.

[Note: The registration deadline has been extended!]

This event is hosted by the Southern Ohio Synod Congregational Resource Team.

Prayers of Thankgiving

Deacon Lindsay Stertzbach and her husband, Austin, on the birth of their daughter

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

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.