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Kaufman Resource Center Has a New Website Home!

Did you know the Northeastern Ohio Synod has a resource center that YOU have access to? The Kaufman Resource Center (KRC) is open to lay leaders, rostered ministers, congregation members, and more. The KRC provides the opportunity to access guidance and support, share your talents with others, examine resources and meet one another on our journey to carry out our commitment to the work of Jesus Christ.

The Northeastern Ohio Synod Resource Center was developed upon request of the synod Congregational Life Committee in 1991. Connie Garrett, the first Resource Center director compiled and organized resources to serve congregational leaders throughout the center as well as organizing a resource fair highlighting the ministry strengths of congregations in the synod. Four and a half years later Connie resigned to enter Trinity Seminary and become a rostered leader in the ELCA.  

In 1996, Karen Kaufman became the director and furthered this foundational resource center by expanding the monthly newsletter and adding supplemental e-newsletters to share ministry resources, practices and opportunities within and for synod congregations. Karen continued curating and adding resources published and unpublished consistent with Lutheran theology. She gathered congregational leaders of similar interests together for educational events and mutual support; Karen also served as a consultant and support to synod committees, task forces, staff and congregation leaders in the areas of their respective ministries.

In 2001, the resource center moved from a 396 square foot space to a 1500 square foot space in the present building. Beginning in 2004, the catalog of published resources became available on-line. Karen retired in 2021 and in her honor the Synod Assembly renamed the Resource Center after her.

Today, Rebekah Wissler serves as your Northeastern Ohio Synod resource specialist and archivist. With a master's degree in Library and Information Science, Rebekah is an amazing steward of the KRC. Be sure to check out her weekly segment in this newsletter titled "Resources with Rebekah."

Recently, the KRC website received a major renovation and merged with your NEOS website. Check out the new pages!

"Stepping up to Supervision" with Susan Beaumont is coming to Ohio thanks to the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and this high quality training is open to all! Pastor Mitch Phillips participated in this course online during the pandemic through Luther Seminary and highly recommends it for all pastors and anyone involved in supervising people in the church.

The event is over two days, April 10 & 11 and details can be found here:

This Lenten season the ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to educate themselves on the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW).

May 5 is MMIW Awareness Day. We encourage you to learn about MMIW during Lent, 2024, and then join others in commemorating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's Day on May 5.

This new resource guide provides an extensive list of resources that you and your community can use throughout Lent and beyond.

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) has designed a survey to be shared throughout the ELCA.

There are questions that apply to churchwide, synods and congregations. Participation is voluntary.

Please complete the survey by March 15.

Celebrating Afrofuturism: Expanding the Narrative at the Close of Black History Month

As Black History Month draws to a close, it's important to acknowledge that African-American history is rich with more than hardship; it is a tapestry of imagination and hope. The National Museum of African American History & Culture offers a digital exhibit on Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that fuses science fiction, historical fiction, and African heritage. This genre allows us to explore and celebrate the boundless possibilities of Black life and culture, beyond the narratives of trauma.

Afrofuturism sets a visionary stage for worship services - it's a journey through time colored by the vibrant contributions of African Americans to the arts, technology, and socio-political discourse. By engaging with this forward-facing concept, our communities can expand the scope of Black History Month, promoting stories of resilience and triumph that inspire us all to look toward a future filled with progress and hope.

Visit the museum's online exhibit to bring this dynamic vision into your life and services as we continue to honor and build upon the legacy of Black history year-round.

"Afrofuturism tells us about how the past thought about the future; and how African Americans dreamt of worlds they wished to occupy and soon brought into being."

Bishop Barbins, along with bishops from every region of the ELCA, visited the US/Mexico Border January 27 - February 1, 2024. While there, they met with people with a diverse set of perspectives around the immigration crisis. 

All are welcome as Bishop Barbins shares pictures, experiences, and impressions from her time at the border. Learn how your congregation could become a sponsoring congregation for those legally seeking asylum. 

Join us on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at either 12:00pm or 7:00pm on Zoom. The following link will work for both sessions.

Meeting ID: 827 3437 7561

Passcode: 504803

Indulge in a day of maple-filled fun at our annual festival! Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, maple sausage, and live music from a local band. Try sassafras tea and donuts cooked over an open fire, buy some real maple syrup, or take a nature hike. Don’t forget to visit the sugar shack to see how maple syrup is made.

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Take a break from the fun and relax by the fire, connecting with old and new friends. Our annual maple syrup festival is a fun and welcoming tradition for families and the community. Plus, every purchase supports summer camperships for kids. Don’t miss this sweet and memorable family-friendly event!

Our Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - the Hunger Network in Ohio - will hold its monthly check-in call on zoom on Thursday March 14th at 7pm. All are welcome to join the conversation or just listen in and hear what other people of faith are working on.

This month, we will offer updates and conversation about redistricting reform, the capital budget, and environmental issues. We also want to hear from YOU on the issues most important to your community!

Register at www.hungernetohio.com/events

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.