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Eclipse Chasing

Seven years ago, my best friend and I unintentionally planned a camping trip through the line of totality for the solar eclipse that crossed the United States on August 21, 2017. We first figured this out when we struggled to find a hotel room months in advance near Omaha, Nebraska. Deciding to embrace our good fortune, we detoured our route to experience totality at Chimney Rock National Historic Site.

We left early from our hotel the morning of the eclipse to get ahead of traffic as much we possibly could and we were grateful there were still spots left in the parking lot of our destination. We learned that quite a few of the folks there were "eclipse chasers." They had traveled all over the world to experience totality. I remember my friend and I thinking how silly that sounded. Why would people spend so much time and valuable resources for a 3-minute experience?

Chimney Rock leading up to and during totality. August 21, 2017.

As the moon moved in front of the sun, twilight fell in the middle of the morning, crickets started chirping, the temperature dropped, and people cheered. This surreal moment of beauty reminded us of the goodness of God's creation. We understood immediately why people would chase this experience.

Sitting behind my apartment read for the eclipse! April 8, 2024.

Now, after years of hype, many of us in Northeastern Ohio were able to experience totality of another solar eclipse. Having the experience in 2017, I wondered if it would live up to my expectations, especially knowing the typical April weather in Ohio. I decided I wasn't going to go anywhere and just enjoy what I could from my apartment. I can honestly say, this time was just as incredible as the first! I now find myself pondering how I could be in the line of totality for the next one - whenever and wherever that may be. Maybe eclipse chasing is in my future after all! The next day in your synod office, we were all abuzz about our eclipse experiences. We talked about the temperature drop, how the Spring Peepers started croaking, the birds stopped singing, and the 360° sunset around us. We noticed the stars and the sun flares. Social media was filled with photos, too!

One coworker made the comment, "It was so nice to experience something communally that was positive." That got me thinking. So often we focus on the things that divide us, the arguments, the things that tear us apart. We hear so much of the negative. How incredible it was to be able to share in the wonder of God, even if just for a few moments, and to be reminded that nothing can "eclipse" God's love for us! And that is something definitely worth chasing. ~ Deacon Jenny Frantz, Director of Communication & Formation

Totality on April 8, 2024 from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Resolutions and Memorials to be considered by the assembly are to be submitted in writing to the synod office by April 15, 2024 for consideration by the Committee on Reference and Counsel. Resolutions submitted after the deadline must be of an urgent nature which could not be submitted prior to the deadline because of changing circumstances in the church or the world. 

To find out more about memorials and resolutions visit: https://www.elca.org/About/Churchwide/Office-of-the-Secretary/Memorials-and-Resolutions and view the “Feb. 2021 Memorials and Resolutions Webinar.”

From your Synod Treasurer:

Dear NEO Synod Congregational Pastors and Treasurers:

In the next couple of weeks, the Synod’s outside auditors, Apple Growth Partners, will be sending you an email requesting confirmation of the Mission Support payments you made to the Synod during our fiscal year 2023, which runs from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024. In the past these confirmation letters were sent by U.S. mail, but now they are sent by email and Apple Growth requires an email response. I want to assure you that this is not a scam or phishing attempt. Please provide Apple Growth a timely response. If the auditors do not get a high enough response rate, their audit procedures will require more manual investigation on their part and on the part of the Synod staff. This will drive up the cost to the Synod.

If you have any questions about this, please give the synod office. Thank you for your cooperation.

Project Isaiah 43: Begins this weekend!

God spoke these words to the people of Israel in exile in Babylon, but there is no reason to believe God isn’t saying the same thing to the church today!

Do you wonder what the Lutheran Church of the 21st century will look like? Are you concerned about the future of your congregation?

Bishop Barbins and the Northeastern Ohio Synod Staff is inviting every congregation to send four people to a Project Isaiah 43 event in your conference! Each Project Isaiah 43 event will include a brief presentation time, but will be heavily focused on conversations as we think together about the future of Lutheran Christianity.

We would appreciate an RSVP (link below) to help ensure we have adequate supplies and refreshments for each event.

The Pierstorf College Fund was established in 1994 and is a one-of-a-kind Lutheran financial aid program for all Lutheran students pursuing a higher education who live in Ohio. They have awarded over $13 million in loans to more than 4,000 students since 1994. First time borrowers may be new or returning college students. They do not ask for family income information. The pastor of the applicant is their sole reference.  

For more information, please visit Pierstorf.org to complete the online application. Applications are open from April 15 through June 30, 2024. Follow Pierstorf College Fund on Facebook and Instagram for further updates.

Please contact Pierstorf@messiahfp.org or call 440-665-3653 with any questions.

Harvesting Stewardship: Lutherans Restoring Creation

As Earth Day nears, congregations looking for direction or taking their first steps towards caring for creation will find a compassionate ally in Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC). LRC transforms Earth Day from a momentary gesture to a lasting commitment that is beautifully interlaced with the practices of worship and sermon. Their wealth of materials offers a tangible means for churches to express their deep respect for our planet through actions and words, ensuring each service is a testament to our collective responsibility to cherish the Earth.

In the LRC’s liturgical offerings, there lie stories of interconnection, echoing the spirit of environmental guardianship. Spiritual leaders are furnished with an array of tools that enable them to integrate themes of nature into their sermons and prayers, thereby nurturing and encouraging their congregations to step forward into action. This initiative goes beyond verbal expressions, instilling in every gathering a conscious remembrance of our intrinsic connection to the Earth.

At the heart of LRC's philosophy is the belief that each congregant is a steward of the Earth, caring for their part of our global ecosystem. LRC’s mission transcends the church boundaries, reaching out to shape communities and guide policies, ensuring that our collective response to the environment is not just heard, but fervently met. Through their dynamic programs and resources, LRC inspires us to plant the seeds of a rich and enduring future, turning Earth Day into a collaborative celebration of our enduring commitment to preserve and honor the only home we have.

The Creation Care Affinity Group of the Northeastern Ohio Synod represents a concerted effort to uphold the sanctity of environmental stewardship. This group offers a space where belief harmoniously converges with ecological responsibility, propelling congregations to embrace and practice conservation principles. For additional resources or interest in joining this affinity group, please click the button below.

ELCA Sumud is hosting their 3rd Sumud Series Webinar coming up Saturday, April 13th at 11 am EST.

Hear from some of our Palestinian Pastors who were featured in the Sumud Lenten series share about how they talk about the Holy Land and sumud. Prepare for synod assemblies and practice having the conversations in real time. This webinar will equip you with resources and space to practice sharing.

Registration is still open until April 15th! It's not too late to join us this summer in New Orleans!

Northeastern Ohio Synod Leader Info Meeting Monday, April 15th 6:00pm on Zoom.

Link to the meeting has been emailed to you. If you haven't registered for the gathering yet, contact Jenny to be added to the list. We'll talk about everything from Registration Updates, to Synod specific information, to required leader training, and more! This meeting is mostly for the Primary Adult leader, but additional adult leaders are welcome to join.

National Faith + Climate Forum Tuesday, April 16. 2024

12:00pm - 5:15pm EST

Celebration Lutheran Church in Chardon will host a regional in-person gathering of webinar viewers/participants for the National Faith + Climate Forum, April 16, from noon to 5:15 p.m. This event is produced by ecoAmerica and Blessed Tomorrow.

Registration is free. Light lunch and refreshments will be served.

Register and select Celebration as your preferred location (you can also participate from your own home or office, but this will be more fun!).

Contact Pastor Marilyn Matevia if you have any questions: pastor@celebration-lutheran.org

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.