The District Connection exists to inform and inspire the congregations and partners of
the Ohio District LCMS in fostering the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
The District Connection
December 14, 2021
President Wilson's Weekly Message
Read the Weekly Devotional Message from Ohio District President Kevin Wilson HERE
Pastors and Church Workers
BEYOND THE WALLS WITH JESUS
It is difficult to live honorably as a child of God when the Church is increasingly marginalized and ridiculed. To be sure, this is a consequence of evil in the world, but it is also because God’s people don’t know the Scriptures and/or because they compromise what they believe or how they live in the world.
You are invited to the 2022 Michigan District Theological Conference on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Our Savior in Lansing, MI, to gather and consider how our faith can shine as we engage with the culture outside the walls of the church.
For more information, or to register in-person or for livestream, visit: michigandistrict.org/theological22. You must register for livestream in order to receive the conference livestream link closer to the event date.
District News
VICAR AND SEMINARY GRAD PLACEMENT REQUESTS
If your congregation is interested in a vicar or seminary graduate for 2022-23, please contact Cheryl Ohradzansky in the President's Office for preliminary paperwork by January 15, 2022.
Congregational News
"A Living Nativity" will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio on Friday and Saturday, December 17-18, 2021. DETAILS

Christ Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio will be preparing for Christmas by praying the O Antiphons at 7:00 PM on December 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. 

The Kantorei from Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, will lead Epiphany Choral Vespers at St. Paul-Valley City on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM. See FLYER 

The Kantorei from Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, will lead Epiphany Choral Vespers at Zion-Columbus on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM. See FLYER 
Mission and Ministry
Check out the 2021 December POBLO Newsletter with the "Good News of Great Joy for ALL the People."
Youth News
End Goals: LCMS Youth Ministry. LCMS staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and hear insights from a variety of youth leaders. Listen to the podcast HERE
School News
The "LCMS School Ministry - Information Sheet" is available to download and print copies to share with your congregation, school, Bible study groups, friends and family.
LCMS Highlights
KFUO Radio – Christ for you, anytime, anywhere – has Advent and Christmas music playing now through January 6, 2022. To access, CLICK HERE 
Prayers
For the week of December 19, 2021, let us pray for St. Paul-Valley City; Trinity-Willoughby; St. Philip-Toledo, and our Lutheran High Schools. SEE REQUESTS
Ministry Partners
In Luke 1–2, the Bible records four canticles (songs) that were sung during the incarnation and birth of our Lord. The December issue of The Lutheran Witness (LW) highlights how these canticles teach us about Christ. The issue also discusses how and why the church continues regularly to use these canticles, particularly in the daily offices, to keep us mindful of the Christmas gift all year long. READ MORE
Who will be best blest by gifts from my estate someday? For most, attention turns first toward family. That can be a godly response, as God has given us great responsibility to teach and nurture and care within our families so that we know Jesus. Yet family inheritance is not an obligation or entitlement; it is a gift of God’s gifts to family. Spend time thinking about how those family gifts will bless family members. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help. Contact Eileen Fitzenreiter at Eileen.Fitzenreiter@lfnd.org or
419-822-6461.

The Lutheran Church Extension Fund has an Education Center where you will find helpful information, frequently asked questions and other documents.  Want to know more? 
Contact Lisa Hall, LCEF District VP via email at: lisa.hall@lcef.org or call her at: 216-570-7077 and she will be happy to help you see how LCEF can be of assistance to you!