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
January 11, 2022
President Wilson's Weekly Message
Read the Weekly Devotional Message from Ohio District President Kevin Wilson HERE
Congregational News
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1075 Glenwood Avenue, Napoleon, Ohio would like you to join them as they celebrate the total refurbishment of their beautiful 67-year old organ with invited guest performer, Kevin Hildebrand, Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN and published composer. Kantor Hildebrand will be giving a recital at St. Paul-Napoleon on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Come and enjoy some excellent music by this special guest!
Mission and Ministry
Did you know that, on average, more than two-thirds of people living in rural and small-town areas have no connection to a Christian church? Do you ever wonder how to reach out to the lost and wandering around your congregation, while dealing with the realities of an aging congregation with seemingly fewer and fewer resources? The Rev. Todd Kollbaum, Director of LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission will discuss the resources available in a FREE Webinar: “Rural Ministry Resources” from 1–2 PM, CT on Thursday, January 13, 2022. DETAILS
Youth News
Have you registered your congregation's youth group for the 2022 Winter Mini-Gatherings yet? The deadline to register is February 15, 2022. Check out the locations where the mini-gatherings will take place and get more information HERE
LCMS Highlights
Financial transparency is beneficial for church operations. Form 6:21 was created to provide a simple and clear way for a congregation to communicate its mission, activities, and financial operations to its members. Check it out by downloading the form HERE
Prayers
For the week of January 16th, we are praying for: St. John-Sherwood; Trinity-Maysville, KY; St. John's-Marysville. SEE REQUESTS
Ministry Partners
Genacross Lutheran Services announces the appointment of Jeff Barror as its Director of Operations. PRESS RELEASE
We want to keep our estate plans as simple as possible. An estate plan includes many legal documents: wills, trusts power of attorney, health care representative, etc. Many of those documents control who is responsible for your affairs in your last days on earth and after the Lord calls you home. Your attorney will present the decisions to be made and create clear direction according to state law to make sure your wishes are followed. In selecting these people, your choice will not just be a business one, or legal one. In addition, you focus on what makes you different, your connection with Jesus. Who are the faith-filled, responsible people in your life you choose? Your LCMS Foundation gift planning counselor can get you thinking and praying. Contact Eileen Fitzenreiter at Eileen.Fitzenreiter@lfnd.org or 419-822-6461.

Is your congregation seeking God's will and praying for direction with your ministry plans? The Lutheran Church Extension Fund can help you get a jump-start with their Ministry Clarity program. Through the Ministry Clarity process, LCEF can assist you in discerning God's vision for your congregation.
For more information on how to get started with Ministry Clarity, contact Lisa Hall, LCEF Ohio District Vice President via email at: lisa.hall@lcef.org or call her at: 216-570-7077.  Lisa will be happy to help and answer your questions.