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Last week, Rostered Ministers from across Ohio gathered at Sawmill Creek Resort for a time of rest, renewal, and learning. We gathered under the theme "Stories that Shape Us" and heard the storytelling of Rev. Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, Native Theologian. We discussed the stories our bodies tell us, the stories passed down between generations, and (of course) the stories in the Bible.

On Wednesday afternoon, rostered ministers had the option of participating in the Blanket Exercise. The Blanket Exercise is an experiential learning workshop that leads participants through over 500 years of Indigenous history, highlighting the relationship between the tribal nations and the European explorers, colonial setters, and Canadian government. Of course, much of this history is shared with us in the United States as well.

If you ever have the opportunity to participate in the Blanket Exercise, you'll find moments in history that our text books don't talk about. It is hard to not be emotionally impacted as you hear the stories through a new lens.

We are grateful for the opportunity to gather together with colleagues in ministry as we worship, build relationships, and learn. When we gather together, we are reminded that we do not tell our stories alone. We are all a part of God's incredible story!

To learn more of the story of Native and Indigenous people and their relationship to the ELCA, go to elca.org/indigenous.

ELCA Educational Debt Task Force Survey of Rostered Ministers

The burden of educational debt has had a profound impact on many rostered ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. At its spring 2022 meeting, the Executive Committee of the ELCA Church Council approved the formation of a task force to study the issue and shape recommendations for providing relief to as many pastors and deacons as possible.

One of the first steps in this work is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how educational debt is impacting our leaders, their families, their call processes, and their ministry. We’d like to hear from you.

All rostered ministers, active and retired, are invited to participate in this survey. Even if you no longer carry or have never carried educational debt, we want to hear your experiences and perspective. 



Your individual responses are confidential and will be shared only in aggregate. Please complete the survey by Friday, Feb 9. Thank you for your participation and support.

~The ELCA Educational Debt Task Force

How as Lutherans should we understand our relationship to civic life — including government — as individuals and as a church body? After studying the questions for the past three years, a social statement task force has posted a draft social statement on civic life and faith.

Social statements are important documents because they govern church teaching and policies, and support ministries. They also serve as discernment tools for ELCA members as they think about social issues such as civic life.

Between now and Sept. 30, 2024, you are invited to study and give feedback on the draft by filling out an online survey or attending a hearing in your synod, as available. To access the draft and the survey, and to find information on how to host a hearing in your synod, go to www.elca.org/civicsandfaith.



After the feedback period has closed, the task force will revise the draft with attention to the public input and submit a proposed version of the social statement to the ELCA Church Council, which will vote on sending it to the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly for consideration. If adopted at the assembly by a two-thirds margin, the social statement will become official social teaching of this church.

Lake Institute on Faith and Giving: Fostering Generosity through Faithful Conversation

At the heart of stewardship in many faith communities is the concept of generosity - a generosity that's both in spirit and action. The Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, recognizes the importance of nurturing this virtue and offers many resources rooted in comprehensive research and practice. One such invaluable tool is Let's Talk About Faithful Generosity, provided at no cost. This resource pairs seamlessly with the Lake Institute's Faithful Generosity Story Shelf, a curated collection that shines a light on congregational stories of innovative stewardship. It has been crafted to assist faith leaders and their communities as they navigate the complex layers of philanthropy, going far beyond mere monetary transactions. The conversations prompted by this tool delve into the essence of giving, revealing the core beliefs and values that animate the practice of giving in alignment with one’s faith. Far from a simple fiscal dialogue, it is an exploration of the profound spiritual and communal principles that guide the actions of giving, serving as a testament to the shared convictions within a faith tradition.

The Let's Talk About Faithful Generosity tool understands the diverse perspectives within any congregation and offers a structured yet flexible framework for dialogue. It provides thought-provoking questions that delve into personal and communal beliefs around generosity, inviting participants to reflect deeply on their motivations and practices of giving. By creating a safe space for this conversation, the Lake Institute aims to empower individuals to articulate their stories of generosity, connect these narratives to their faith traditions, and inspire a collective commitment to generous living. Whether used in small group meetings or as part of broader stewardship initiatives, this resource serves as a catalyst for transformational giving that resonates well beyond the walls of places of worship.

Hunger Network in Ohio:

Monthly Advocacy Affinity Group

2nd Thursdays at 7pm on Zoom

NEXT EVENT: February 8, 2024

Join fellow advocates from across Ohio to hear what is going on at the Ohio Statehouse, ways to get involved, ask questions, and share what is going on in your community. All are welcome to this time!

Prayers for Healing

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.