View this email as a webpage

I grew up in a household that deliberately followed the church seasons. Advent was truly a season of preparation. We spent much of December decorating, baking cookies, and lighting the candles on the wreath. We would do our family Advent devotional each Sunday and, *only after singing a few carols*, ate a few cookies. Prior to my dad being ordained, I have memories of driving around town to look at lights after Christmas Eve worship. We had family rituals around celebrating Christmas Day and I was reminded many times in the days following December 25th, "It's still Christmas!"

Once our lives transformed into being a pastor's family, we became even more staunch about our seasonal celebrations. Often, we would be so busy leading up to Christmas Eve that we weren't able to think about Christmas until the day happened. We often expressed frustration on December 26th, when we could finally enjoy our time together, that the world had moved on from Christmas. It's still Christmas! These days after Christmas became more and more precious family time. Maybe it's that way for you, too.

While we're already into the New year and I'm already back to work, I'm still feeling the Christmas Spirit. Christmas music still blasts in my car everywhere I go, my decorations still have a few more days out of storage, and I'm savoring the last few holiday sweets. As I make my lists of what to get done, I'm keenly aware of how many people are still on their holiday vacations. Many schools have yet to start back up, folks are still traveling, and we still have Epiphany to celebrate this weekend. When making work calls, I've been surprised any time someone actually picks up their phone! It's still Christmas!

As we continue to live in the season of Christmas, may we be filled with the awe and wonder of the Christ child. May we still marvel at the Light coming to dwell with us. May we remember that God continues to be closer to us than our very breath.

Indeed. It is still Christmas!

~Deacon Jenny Frantz, Director of Communication & Formation

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 early next week. 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.

2024 Mission Support Intent Forms were mailed to Congregational Leaders at the end of 2023. Mission Support is the portion of regular offerings that your congregation shares for synod and churchwide ministries for God’s mission beyond the local congregation. As you discuss your Mission Support commitment for the coming year, please consider how your offerings reflect your calling and build up the body of Christ. 



While printed forms were included in the mailing, Congregation Leaders may choose to complete their forms online. You can find a fillable PDF or a link to a Google Form on our website.

2024 Ohio Rostered Ministers Gathering: Registration Ends This Friday!

Blessing the Home at Epiphany - Chalking the Door

Chalking the door is a cherished faith practice that transforms the home into a sacred space. Rooted in the wisdom of Deuteronomy 6:9, this tradition beckons us to create room for God and blessings within our dwellings. Our homes, regardless of size or permanence, are sanctuaries where the rhythms of life unfold.

Epiphany, observed on January 6th, marks the perfect occasion for this ritual. Using any chalk and the main doorway, families or individuals inscribe the doorposts with the symbols 

20 + C + M + B + 24. The letters C, M, and B represent the names of the Three Kings—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar—and can also stand for "Christus Mansionem Benedicat," meaning "May Christ bless this dwelling."

Chalking the door is a communal experience, encouraging households to come together, pray, and reflect on the significance of inviting Christ's presence into their lives. The liturgy for this practice guides participants through prayers that invoke blessings, light, and goodness upon the home. As the inscription is made, participants declare the arrival of the Wise Men and invite Christ to bless and remain with them throughout the new year. This beautiful tradition, passed down from Europe, offers a tangible and meaningful way to foster a sense of God's presence and commandments within the sacred spaces we call home.

Click here for a downloadable/printable resource from ELCA Faith Formation for information, materials, and liturgy on Chalking the Door.

Click here for an Epiphany Blessing for a Home adapted from Come, Lord Jesus: Devotions for the Home (Augsburg Fortress, 1996) and "Blessing for a Home" in Evangelical Lutheran Worship Pastoral Care, pp. 337–353.

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.