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
November 23, 2021
President Wilson's Weekly Message
Read the weekly devotional message from Ohio District President Kevin Wilson HERE
Congregational News
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. DETAILS 
Mission and Ministry
There is vitality wherever God’s Word is proclaimed in purity and the Lord’s Sacraments are rightly administered. This Christ-centered vitality is the focus of re:Vitality, a suite of resources developed by the Office of National Mission to help you equip your congregation for carrying out God’s mission in your context. For more information, CLICK HERE
Youth News
Don't forget to register early for the LCMS Youth Gathering in Houston, TX July 9-13, 2022. For more information about registration and to get registration resources, CLICK HERE
School News
At Concordia University Irvine is pleased to announce that, for the 2022-2023 school year, they are offering qualified LCMS church work students a guaranteed total of $23,000 per year in institutional aid and an on-campus housing grant. To learn more about the church vocations scholarship, who is qualified, and additional application requirements for church work programs, go to: www.cui.edu/churchworkscholarship. To start the application process, go to: www.cui.edu/app. Enrollment deposits must be received by May 1, 2022. Questions? Contact Carrie Donohoe at: carrie.donohoe@cui.edu or 949.214.3389.
LCMS Highlights
In June, The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) adopted Marriage Between Church and State: A Report on Clergy Serving as ‘Agents of the State.’ The report follows several requests, in recent years, for the CTCR to address the question of whether or to what extent LCMS clergy should continue to serve as agents of the state in officiating marriages and signing civil marriage licenses. READ MORE
Prayers
For the week of November 28, 2021, please pray for these congregations:
  • St. Peter’s–Shaker Heights, Ohio
  • Emmaus-Wauseon, Ohio
  • Messiah-Middletown, Ohio
Ministry Partners
Concordia Publishing House is having their Thanksgiving Sale November 22-29, 2021. Check out the items that are available HERE
In a complex world, each of us need trusty advisers to lead us to proper decisions and actions. Some of the longest relationships adults may have may very well be with their financial planners who see them through opening their first investment account, planning for college, and implementing a retirement strategy. It is important to communicate your estate gifting plans to your financial planner so they can help you manage those gifts toward your goals until the Lord calls you home. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning counselor can help you communicate those goals. Contact Eileen Fitzenreiter at Eileen.Fitzenreiter@lfnd.org or
419-822-6461.

Ministry Moments, from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), are videos containing tips that they hope will help your ministry move forward, according to God’s will. Discover where God is leading and, with your leaders, design and implement creative and relevant solutions for what is ahead. Check out these Ministry Moments videos with topics on hospitality, announcements, etc. HERE
For more information, contact Lisa Hall, LCEF District VP via email at: lisa.hall@lcef.org or call: 216-570-7077 and she will be happy to help you get started.