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This past Sunday, we hosted a gathering at your synod office as we wished "Farewell and Godspeed" to three of our staff. We are grateful for the years of ministry with Pastor Angel Jackson, Pastor Julianne Smith, and Deacon MaryAnn Schwabe.

Pastor Angel will be continuing to serve at St. Jacob in North Canton, now in a full time capacity.

Pastor Julianne will be retiring at the end of this month.

Deacon MaryAnn will continue to serve without interruption as the Executive for Synod Relations at the ELCA churchwide office in Chicago.

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to be present with us.

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us.

~The Holden Prayer

A Special Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you to all who were able to make it to the Farewell and Godspeed event this past Sunday for Pastor Jackson, Deacon Schwabe (who was unable to be present), and myself.

It was good to be with friends and colleagues during this time of transition in our lives.

~Pastor Julianne Smith

Growing In Faith is a ministry within the ELCA committed to fostering learning environments for followers of Jesus to grow in faith. We believe that lay members of our parishes are integral to healthy discipleship in our churches and communities. Thus, we gather followers across congregations to grow in faith together.

Growing In Faith is a series of classes that you can take all in one year or over the course of many years. The courses are offered collaboratively through Zoom with Northwestern Ohio Synod. Each course runs for 5 weeks and costs $65/course + credit card fees.

The following courses will be taught on Thursdays from 6-9pm via Zoom this Spring

Introduction to the New Testament

February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7

Living as a Christian in the World

March 21, April 4, 11, 18, 25

*no class on Thursday, March 28th - Maundy Thursday*

Lutheran Creeds and Confessions

​May 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6

Beginning Thursday, January 25th, join Pastor Leonard Killings for our synod's newest Affinity Group!

An affinity group is a gathering of people or congregations with a common interest. It provides support, information, and opportunity for members to pursue this common interest. 

For more information on the affinity group and for a specific issues to be addressed at an affinity group meeting, contact Pastor Killings at hunger@neos-elca.org.

Beginning January 16th, your synod staff are launching a new monthly conversation on Zoom for leaders of congregations without a called pastor - including those in transition with an interim pastor and those who are scheduling regular pulpit supply - however, leaders from any congregation are welcome to attend. These conversations will provide an opportunity for questions and dialogue with your synod staff and leaders in other congregations as we provide support and encouragement for each other.

Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm as we journey together to shape our Lutheran expression of Christianity in the 21st century.

Meeting ID: 812 4308 7987

Passcode: 762380

*Please note: the Zoom link provided here will be the same for every month.*

Congregational Meetings Annual Report Cover:

The ELCA provides a downloadable cover which includes a letter from Presiding Bishop Eaton and an opening liturgy for annual congregation meetings.

Rostered Ministers:

The Annual Report to the Bishop will be available soon. You do not need to use the form that comes from the Office of the Secretary of the ELCA as there will be a separate one that comes from your Northeastern Ohio Synod Office.

I Imagine Angels

A heartfelt thank you for your thoughts and prayers during DJ's surgery and recovery. I am happy to share that he's doing great, and just in time for his third birthday. Over the last few weeks, we shared many popsicles and read many books. One of which is available to borrow from the Kaufman Resource Center. 

I Imagine Angels: Poems and Prayers for Parents and Children by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a heartwarming book that became a source of comfort and prayer, guiding us in challenging moments through pages filled with sonnets, poems, songs, and psalms from around the world accompanied with thematically related works of art from the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. As we navigated pain and restless nights, the book's gentle and reassuring tone provided solace for both my child and me. I Imagine Angels is full of faith and perfect in times of joy and thanksgiving, or in times of comfort and healing. A timeless classic to be cherished by all ages.

Can't join us in person? Join the livestream by clicking the green button on the home page of Good Soil's Website (you will be redirected to Good Soil's Facebook page) or by going to Good Soil's YouTube page.

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.