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Announcements
Haitian Earthquake Reports
President Cripe's Christmas Message
 Don’t miss President Cripe’s article, The Awe of the Incarnation. It is a gift from the Ohio District, LCMS, to all the visitors to our website during this season of Advent and Christmas
Video of President Cripe's Trip to Haiti
 The Second Annual Conference on Spirituality and the Arts Sciences will be held at Concordia University Ann Arbor on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 from noon to 5:30 p.m.
 The Eastern Panhandle in the fastest growing area of West Virginia. It also has no LCMS churches. This best explains why a group calling itself "Reformation Lutheran" has formed to work towards starting a LCMS church.
Pastors, Vicars, and Emeriti are invited to gather at St. Therese’s Retreat Center in Columbus, OH from April 11-13, 2010 for the 2010 Spring Conference.
An Evening of Praise and Worship is being offered to Junior and Senior High students at 5:00 PM on  Saturday, March 13 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH. The Praise Team from St. John’s Lutheran in Marysville will lead worship and Pastor Matt Hoffmann from Concordia Lutheran will share the Word. The evening is hosted by the Multicultural Youth Outreach of Ministry to New Americans.For directions click here.
 DON WHARTON, Lutheran singer and recording artist, will do a concert of praise at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Powell, OH on Sunday, March 21. For details please go to their website www.beautifulsaviorpowell.com or call 614-932-9122.
 The Ohio District Church Extension Fund's latest flyer with investment rates and important savings information is now available.
 District President Terry Cripe will visit mission sites in Charles Town and Elkins, WV, April 15 and 16. President Cripe is being hosted by Kevin Wilson and the Appalachian Mission Partnership.
 Volunteers are needed to help Somali refugees with ESL classes in West Columbus.
 A relief team with medical capacities will leave for Jacmel Haiti Saturday, February 27 and return Monday, March 8.
The Ohio District Lutheran Laymen's League 2010 Convention will be held at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 13485 West River Road in Columbia Station, Ohio.
 Pastor Berhanu Arsse invites prayers for African immigrants in Columbus, Ohio.
 The Ohio District Church Extension Fund's latest flyer with investment rates and important savings information is now available.
 The Lutheran schools in Northeast Ohio will gather for chapel on March 10, 2010 at 10:00AM downtown Cleveland at the Cleveland Convention Center Music Hall. All are welcome to come for chapel, which will be student led. Dr. Bueggler will provide a message for over 1000 students gathered for worship.
 Pastor Richard Lohmeyer will meet with people interested in the new church start for the Greenbrier Valley between 10 AM and Noon on Saturday, February 13 at the library in Lewisburg, WV.
Nathan Robbins will lead the new Concordia University, Ann Arbor, football program.
Mrs. Elizabeth Marcis Passed Away on Monday, February 8, 2010. Mrs. Marcis was the wife of Rev. T. Richard Marcis.
The Ohio District has been asked to help in getting word out of a medical relief effort organizing to go to Jacmel, Haiti, site of the second large quake in mid January.
 The Valparaiso University Chorale, one of the nation’s leading Lutheran collegiate choirs, will perform two Ohio concerts during its annual spring tour of the Midwest in preparation for an international tour at the conclusion of the semester.
 Richard W. Sansbury Sr., 73, passed away on January 25, 2010, at The Toledo Hospital.
 Worship is Lifted Up at the 2010 Lutheran Summer Music Academy. "Sing with All the Saints in Glory" is the worship theme for the 2010 Lutheran Summer Music Academy.
 President Cripe’s letter to his “Partners in Christ’s Mission” explains the urgency of the Ohio District’s Fan into Flame campaign.
 Attracting Visitors ... and making them stick! A 5-hour workshop designed to help congregations, on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Chesterland, OH.
 Click here to view a report showing actual dollars sent by Congregations to the Ohio District Mission Support Center in support of District and Synod mission and ministry.
 Ohio District Junior High Gathering - GOD STRONG
March 5 - 7, 2010 at the Marriott Northeast in Mason, March 12 - 14, 2010 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron. . . .featuring Ben Glenn - The Chalkguy and The Crew
 Are you wondering how to support the families in your congregation? Do you often think how important it is to nurture a child's faith but need some new ideas? Wouldn't it be nice to have a team of people working together to support families? Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 20th and read on . . .
Reporter Online offers latest information about LCMS response to Haiti Earthquake
 President Cripe invites voluntary support for victims of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.
Grace Lutheran Church in Elyria, Ohio is taking applications for the position of director/teacher for the 2010-2011 school year.
 Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, will again host its annual Symposia, January 19–22, 2010. The 33rd annual Symposium on the Lutheran Confessions has chosen God: Past, Present, and Future as its theme.
 Concordia Publishing House exceeded by more than 100 the goal of garnering 500 $5 donations in December 2009 for its "Simply CHRISTmas Campaign", A total of 613 donations were given for Hear Me Read Bibles, which are written specifically to help children struggling with literacy. The Ohio District's Appalachian Mission Partnership will distribute all of the Bible story books to children in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southeastern Ohio in August.
 The famed St. Olaf Choir will be offering a benefit concert at Severance Hall in Cleveland on February 1, 2010 at 7:30 pm. The program is being presented by Lutheran Agencies Organized in Service (LAOS).
 Jason Fox, FiF Campaign Director, reports that gifts and pledges from District congregations and individuals now total $899,691.
 The AMP Newsletter reports latest developments in mission work in Appalachia.
 On November 20, 2009, Building Hope in the City was given the Fred E. Lietz Mission Project Award by the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.
 What a Way is an initiative to encourage active recruitment and retention of church workers as an integrated part of the LCMS culture and lifestyle in our congregations.
 Pastor David Luecke discussed the Lutheran Reformation with Glenn Mertz of WHKZ, Cleveland, on October 30, 2009. Part one of the conversation is available here.
Part two is available in the Resources section of the website or by clicking here.
The IRS announced the 2010 mileage rates this week.
GOD STRONG - The 2010 Junior Gathering welcomes Ben Glenn - the Chalk Guy and The Crew as our guest presenters.
The Youth Ministry Team is seeking energetic, God-fearing teens to serve. Nominations are now open! The closing date is January 1, 2010.
 Concordia University, Ann Arbor, invites the public to three Christmas events.
 THE JESUS PAINTER will be appearing at St. John-Elyria on Sunday, December 13, 2009.
 On Sunday, 15 November, St John’s Lutheran Church observed American Indian Sunday. As part of their worship service, St John’s congregation experienced a taste of Cherokee culture.
 Pastor Tim Bickel was installed at River Of Faith LCMS Mission in Waterville, Ohio on Sunday November 15, 2009.
 The owner of the beauty shop on Pearl Rd was wide-eyed with amazement when she learned that the kids on the sidewalk outside her window were checking out the size of Noah’s Ark.
From October 25th - 27th, over 400 Ohio District pastors, teachers (early childhood, elementary and high school) and principals, dces, deaconnesses and pastor's wives 'celebrated' being workers of the Kingdom here in the Ohio District. It was time well-spent - look on to see photos and read a few short reactions to this event.
 Video taken by members of the October 2009 mission team from Northeast Ohio LCMS congregations using simple, hand held cameras offers a taste of Sunday morning worship at St. John Church, Jacmel, Haiti
 BHITC, its church partners and volunteers are now serving more than 140 refugees and immigrants each week...and the government reports hundreds more are on the way in 2010!
 Shorter days, colder nights, Thanksgiving approaching, Christmas just around the corner—this can be a hectic time of year. It is important to make time to reflect and pray and be thankful for all our blessings and the truly important things in life—family, Church and community.
 Building Hope in the City, the urban ministry program operated by Trinity Lutheran Church, Cleveland, Ohio has been named the winner of the national Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s Fred E. Leitz Award for outstanding Mission project of 2009.
 Lutheran elementary schools at Trinity Lutheran Church (Toledo) and St. John Lutheran Church (Marysville) have recently been recognized for their attainment of the rigorous standards of the National Lutheran School Accreditation process.
 Members of the Haiti Mission Team brought home video of the wonderful music performance that was part of their Sunday morning worship in Jacmel, Haiti.
 Click here to view latest issue of “Grace for Appalachia”, the newsletter of the Appalachian Mission Partnership.
 A musical celebration for Christmas on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Stocker Arts Center (Lorain Community College).
 Concordia University Ann Arbor is now accepting applications for the new Head Football Coach position.
 The last news article on the Haiti mission reported on the Cofi family. Mrs. Cofi's husband died last year, and then in December her home burned down.
 Invest in Church Extension. Invest in the future of the Lutheran Church.
 The Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has approved the acquisition of KFUO-FM “CLASSIC99” by Joy FM for $18 million, plus interest scheduled over the 10-year term, for a total of $26 million.
 Haiti team arrived in Jacmel on Thursday, October 1, 2009 with plans to return on October 8.
There is a limited amount of scholarship money available to youth who are members of Ohio District LCMS congregations to attend Ohio DIstrict Youth Ministry events.
 ST. LOUIS -- They were male and female. Young and old. Black and white. Professional church workers and laypeople. Some consider themselves lifelong prayer warriors, or "intercessors." Others are convinced they don't pray enough. All came together at the inaugural PRAY 2009 event here for one purpose: to pray. And pray they did!
Congregations and other ministries of the Ohio District are asked to help with the recognition of our professional Church workers' years of service at the All PCW Conference. Please email the names of your church workers and their years of service to Debbie Klusak at klusakd@oh.lcms.org. (Include the name of your congregation or school.)
Latest issue of our newsletter covering our mission work in West Virginia, Grace for Appalachia, is available here
 Almost $6,000 is helping to pay the tuition for preschool students in Appalachia. Hearts for Jesus checks were presented to St. Paul (Parkersburg, WV), Trinity (Zanesville, OH), Our Savior (Chillicothe, OH) and Redeemer (Lancaster, OH).
.jpg) Time is getting short – don’t miss this GREAT Conference. MORE
 View the OCEF September flyer to learn more about how OCEF investors help Lutheran Schools as they save for their own futures.
Partners in hope, help and healing
Announcing the 7th Annual
Lutheran Agencies Organized in Service
Faithful Servant Award
~ Nominations are Now Open ~
Partners in hope, help and healing
Announcing the 7th Annual
Lutheran Agencies Organized in Service
Faithful Congregation Award
~ Nominations are Now Open ~
You're invited to the
2009 Lutheran Agencies Organized in Service
Trolley Tour
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Location: Rejoice! Lutheran Church, 7855 Stow Road, Hudson, OH
Level One training: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Level Two training: 12:30 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Northern Ohio Lutherans are cordially invited to participate in SeniorFest 2009 on Saturday, September 19, 2009. SeniorFest 2009 will be held at Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church at 11680 Royalton Road in North Royalton, Ohio. The program will run from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch. RSVP registration is requested by September 10, 2009.
2009 - 2010 Ohio District Theme - GOD STRONG
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his Commanding Officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2 Timothy 2:1 - 7 (NIV)
 Repeating the LCMS position that the Bible condemns homosexual activity, Synod President Gerald Kieschnick issued a statement Aug. 24 that also offers "loving encouragement" and "our willingness to provide appropriate support" to like-minded pastors and lay people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
During the week of June 21-26, 72 youth and adults worked together to serve families, churches and organizations in the areas surrounding Caldwell, Ohio. This is an annual event of the Ohio District, coordinated by the Ohio District Youth Ministry Team.
 Wheat Ridge Ministries, in partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, is pleased to host a Living Well Day for Professional Church Workers in Bowling Green, Ohio, on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. The day will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Snook’s Dream Cars Automobile Museum.
 BHITC partners to offer new literacy and tutoring ministry.
 Ablaze Partners Network is a new resource helping Lutheran congregational leaders improve mission in these five basic areas of congregational life: worship, discipleship, outreach, service and church leadership.
 Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota has a ministry called TLCare that offers hospitality to those receiving medical care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
An updated listing of Board of Directors members and Board officers is now available. This listing reflects the results of elections that took place at the 2009 Ohio District Convention this June.
An updated version of the Congregational Self Study is now available. This tool is recommended to assist a congregation as it prepares to call a new pastor.
 You can promote family life and support the local Lutheran community with an investment in the Ohio District Lutheran Church Extension Fund.
 A service of thanksgiving and recommitment will be held on September 27 at 3:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Cleveland Heights.
 New Football Program Announced at Concordia University Ann Arbor
GOD STRONG is the theme chosen by the Ohio District Youth Ministry Team for the 2009 - 2010 year.
Concordia Historical Institute Museum, a state-of-the-art learning facility dedicated to preserving the history and celebrating the heritage of Lutheranism in America, will open Monday, July 27, to the public.
 Craig-Meyer—met a personal challenge to raise $27,000 to be used to support LCMS missionaries worldwide.
 Concordia University is seeking one or more qualified persons to teach entry-level college composition courses (not remedial or developmental).
 Building Hope in the City will offer its "Bridges Out of Poverty" seminar on July 25 from 8:30 to 3 pm at Bay Presbyterian Church.
Lutheran Chaplaincy Service 27th Annual Theatre Benefit 2009
 Dick Gahl's latest weblog article deals with Tsedekah (doing justice)
 August 2 will be Redeemer Lutheran's (Lancaster, Ohio) 50th anniversary celebration.
The 2010 Ohio District - LCMS Compensation Guidelines are now available. In order to allow each congregation and school to set salaries for their workers based on their local economy, the Guidelines were developed based on starting salaries of your local public school district.
 Click here for the latest information about how OCEF investments support the ministries of the Church and for the current investment return rates.
The focus of the event is educational, led by field experts to help individuals looking to grow skills in multiple areas pertaining to career changes and the ever transforming job market. This is not a job fair, rather an educational event looking to support those who are currently out of work or potentially may be out of work in the near future.
The third annual Circuit NW 2 Bar B-Q will be held at the home of Pastor Alvia M. Martis on Sunday August 16 at 3:00 pm.
The ABLAZE Partners Network is a professional social network for clergy and lay leaders concerned with realizing the goals of the ABLAZE movement.
 Rev. Terry Cripe was re-elected as the President of the Ohio District-LCMS by acclamation of the delegates attending the District Convention in Dublin, Ohio.
 Rev. Mark Fakih (right) was ordained and installed as Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in West Portsmouth, OH on Sunday, June 14. Rev. Terry Cripe, Ohio District President, presided over the ordination and installation. The service was attended by an overflow crowd of members and supporters from sister congregations in the Southeast Circuit.
 Pastor Kennaugh writes: "Now that we are through the school year and I have a moment to get other tasks done, here is a pictorial update on the sanctuary. . .
 More than 50 people from at least 12 churches attended the multi-cultural Revelation 7:5 Conference at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, on Sat., May 23.
 Approximately 60 clergy and lay leaders from Northeast Ohio congregations attended a retreat of affirmation and prayer at Concordia Lutheran Church in Independence, Ohio on May 19. The event was led by David Zachrich, Ohio District Vice President for Northeast Ohio, and David Bowers, Executive Director of the Ohio District Church Extension Fund.
 Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio invites attendees of the 2009 District Convention to help them "stuff the truck".
News from the 2009 Ohio District Convention will be published on the District Website.
 Rev. Dr. David Buegler suggests: Have a Major Mission Ingathering During The Worst of Economic Times
 You Know the Beloved Disciple
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. John 21:7
John 21:7 talks about ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ without actually mentioning him name. Why? Because it’s your relationship with Jesus that gives you your identity!
Breaking Habits
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4
We all struggle with habits – what’s yours? Be honest! For many of us, it’s attitude that keeps us from growing, excelling and soaring to the heights God planned for us. (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV).
A reminder to register for the workshop being sponsored by the Ohio District-LCMS and the Ohio District-CEF on May 19th at Concordia Lutheran Church, 6705 Brecksville Road, Independence, Ohio from 10 am to 3 pm.
 The Offering taken at the 2009 Ohio District Convention will benefit Central Ohio African Immigrant Ministry.
President Cripe announces the assignment of new professional Church workers to Ohio District congregations from the two LCMS Seminaries.
The "Revelation 7:9 Conference," a multi-cultural ministry conference, will be held from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, May 23 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH. The conference is geared toward helping congregations share the Gospel with people from the many different nations who have relocated into their communities and neighborhoods. It will include a multi-cultural worship experience, presentations by people engaged in multi-cultural ministry and a multi-cultural meal.
 Pastor Kennaugh reports that Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Springfield, OH "currently [has] the county's largest gazebo on our property, as you will see in the pics."
 There are more than three million deaf and 28 million hard of hearing people in the United States. About 95% of them are not churched, which makes deaf ministry a vast mission field. This workshop for anyone who has a heart for Deaf ministry will be held from June 15 -18 in Topeka, Kansas.
Be Honest
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Romans 12:17
If you always tell the truth, you’ll never have to worry about remembering what you said. Nothing’s more important than credibility. Lose that and you’ve lost everything!
 The 2010 LCMS National Youth Gathering will be held from July 17 to 21 in New Orleans, LA. The Ohio District Youth Ministry team is planning for the participation of a large and energetic delegation of young people from our District. A special page on our website will carry information about these plans as well as a link to the National Youth Gathering website.
You’re Doing It to Yourself
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
So often we use our faith to try and remove things that don’t feel good, or that we don’t like, instead of using it to go calmly through the storm.
 St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westlake, Ohio has committed generous financial support for to the Fan into Flame program. Pastor Larry Wesolick has provided a heartening account of the decision making process followed by the congregation and its leaders.
 MOST Ministries (Mission Opportunities Short Term) Can Help! Short-term mission trips provide opportunities for everyone to be involved in missions in a meaningful way.
 Integral to the task of Christian witness in a secular and pluralistic culture is the ability to articulate and defend the truthfulness of the Gospel. Concordia Theological Seminary is, therefore, pleased to offer “Contending for the Faith in the Twenty-First Century.”
 Visit the Ohio Church Extension Fund Photo Gallery to view latest images of building progress at Risen Christ.
 Concordia Publishing House introduces two evangelism resources to help Christians share their faith, How to Share Christ Confidently and What Jesus Means to Me, available for $2.99 each.
 A rich (and growing) array of stewardship resources is now available at the LCMS website. The purpose of this site is to provide resources for congregations as they elevate (make stewardship a high priority) and enlarge (see stewardship as all of life) stewardship among their members.
Rev. Kurt Bickel, EM was called to his eternal rest to be with our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday night, April 4th at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN.
Don’t be Afraid!
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalms 56:3
Have you any idea how much it's costing you to fear things that never happen? Meteorologists say that a fog capable of covering half a square mile is made up of only one glass of water, divided into 60 million particles. But when it settles, it can obscure your entire vision! A little fear can do the same thing. Why do almost half of us suffer from stress-related disorders?
The Ohio District Jr. High Gatherings brought over 800 youth and their chaperones together over the first two weekends in March. There were 160 participants at the Marriott Northeast in Mason, March 6 - 8 and 660 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, March 13 - 15. Bob Lenz, Lost and Found as well as Fish Out of Water lead the participants in celebrating being Christians seeking out the treasure that God has given to each of us.
The Ohio District and the district’s Church Extension Fund are hosting a day of encouragement and enrichment for pastors and key lay leadership in any LCMS congregation in NE Ohio. From Lorain to Ashtabula and south to Akron, any LCMS pastor is welcome to attend.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced the Taxpayer Certainty and Relief Act of 2009 on March 26, 2009. The tax bill includes a $2.3 trillion middle class tax cut package and also creates a freeze on estate tax rates and major estate planning modifications.
Click here to view a report on Congregational Mission Support of District and Synod mission and ministry. The report gives both a monthly and year-to-date comparison for the current year and the three previous years, as well as a graph showing the trend in Congregational Mission Support received since 2001.
 As of this writing, there is a serious flooding issue along both the Red River and Missouri River in the Upper Midwest.
An informational training session is available for all Congregational Treasurers.
 Concordia University Choir, under the direction of Brian Altevogt, will present a free concert in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity on Sunday, April 5 at 4:00 p.m. The Concordia University Choir will perform J.S. Bach’s Mass in F Major BWV233 with chamber orchestra. The program will also include companion works of Mendelssohn.
 St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church in Huber Heights invites the community to join the celebration of its 50th Anniversary Jubilee on April 18 and 19, 2009.
 "Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Christians' Life for Me!" is the theme under which the 2009 Ohio District Servant Event will be held, June 21- 26, in Caldwell, Ohio. Registration to serve is open to all high school youth and adults.
 On March 13, LCMS President, The Rev. Gerald Kieschnick, issued comments on the 2008 ARIS study of American religious identification.
 Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to announce its summer 2009 series of workshops for pastors, professional church workers and interested laypersons.
 In celebration of National Lutheran Schools Week, more than 1000 Lutheran students from schools across Northeast Ohio collaborated in a joint worship service March 4 at Cleveland Music Hall
 Redeemer Lutheran Church and Pre-School in Lancaster, Ohio, will celebrate school’s 50th anniversary with "A School Reunion". A special weekend of activities is being planned for Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, 2009.
 Lutheran Early Response, a LC-MS member of LDR Ohio, is collecting flood buckets, towels and wash cloths, sheets and pillowcases (all sizes), blankets (all sizes), appliances and furniture. Other items to help families move into temporary housing are also needed. To donate material items or to conduct an in-gathering (fill a trailer), please contact Mary Woodward at 740-509-1132. Flood buckets need to contain: 1 gallon of bleach, 2-3 large trash bags, rubber gloves, scrub brush, Pine-Sol or other ammonia based cleanser, Comet, N-95 face mask, sponges
 The LCMS Fan Into Flame organization announces that total financial commitments have reached $44.5 million.
 Work is under way at Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Springfield, Ohio, on a new sanctuary. Ohio District Church Extension Fund financing is helping the congregation add a major addition to its facilities.
 The Church Interpreter Training Institute (CITI) will host its spring workshop: “Religious Signs and the Language of Worship” from Friday, April 24th through Sunday, April 26th.
 This powerful new program from Concordia Publishing House invites families to experience the road to Calvary and the path to the empty Easter tomb.
 The Empire Brass will perform in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity at Concordia University Ann Arbor on Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 p.m. The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America’s finest brass quintet, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. Tickets for this concert are $15; discounts are available for students and seniors.
 Pastor David Buegler, Chair of the Ohio District's Fan into Flame effort has looked at II Corinthians 8 and thought about its implications for Fan into Flame in the LCMS and in the Ohio District.
 The Concordia University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Matthew Wolf will present a concert at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feburary 28 at 7:00 pm.
 The Appalachian Mission Partnership (AMP) is being formed to support the planting of 20 new LCMS churches in West Virginia. The AMP website's audience will be LCMS congregational members and leaders. It will provide information about AMP and opportunities to partner with AMP. Now AMP needs a name for its website. Please click HERE and take five minutes to give your opinion of seven possible names for the AMP website. Feel free to email a link from this article to congregational leaders and youth. The survey closes Feb. 17, 2009.
Lutheran Schools Week Chapel on March 4, 2009 when students from many of our Cleveland area Lutheran schools will gather for worship at the Cleveland Convention Center Music Hall at 10:30 AM. Everyone in our Cleveland area community is welcome to attend this exciting event.
This news article contains deadlines for congregations seeking candidates and/or vicars for 2009
 Lutheran Education Association Board member David Ebeling informs us that Katie Stam, recently crowned Miss America 2009, attends St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jackson County, Indiana.
Download the forms that you need to register for the 2009 Ohio District Junior High Youth Gatherings. Gathering I to be held at the Marriott Northeast in Cincinnati, March 4 - 6 and Gathering II to be held once again at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron.
The weekends are identical, featuring Bob Lenz as the keynote presenter, Lost and Found as the Gathering band andFish Out of Water, a drama team from Concordia University, Chicago as the Bible Study leaders.
The DEADLINE to register without late fee is postmarked on or before February 1, 2009. If you have questions, contact Karen Dutton at the Ohio District Mission Support Center (800) 901-2297 ext. 23.
 On March 20, 2009, Martin Marty will be in Cleveland, Ohio, speaking on behalf of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries' 40th anniversary.
With Church Extension Fund financing, Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, Ohio is completing a major expansion and overhaul of its physical facilities. The congregation plans a dedication service for its new building on February 22, 2009. These pictures give a sense of the scale of the project as construction was in progress.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009: Lutheran Schools Week Chapelfor all the Cleveland area schools. The Lutheran community is invited to this special event at the Cleveland Convention Center as we celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week by gathering for worship at 10:30 AM.
 January 2009 investment rates and additional information about Church Extension Fund programs is available here.
 There's no man in a tuxedo, and certainly no rabbits being pulled from tophats. Brock Gill leads a new generation of edgy Christian artists who will amaze you with seemingly impossible stunts and performances.
Tickets are going fast, so get yours today by calling Building Hope in the City for one of these peformances:
 Help your Ohio District Disaster Task Force by participating in the Disaster Preparedness Phase II Training held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1000 Noe-Bixby Road, Columbus, Ohio. Friday, January 16 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Do you feel tongue-tied or unprepared when it comes to sharing your faith? We all have missed opportunities. Imagine having tools to help you for the next time God sends the unbeliever in your direction! You can receive training in some of those tools by attending the Equip to Share Workshop from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, January 24th at Concordia Lutheran Church, 250 Peach Orchard Ave., Dayton (Oakwood), Ohio. Lunch provided for those preregistering. This interactive training from Lutheran Hour Ministries helps believers with the privilege of sharing the truth and love of Christ in everyday situations. Call 299-1912 to register. Free will offering to help with expenses.
Tallmadge Lutheran Church, Tallmadge, OH will be hosting regional Stephen Series Caring Ministry Workshop on Saturday, January 24, 2009.
Tallmadge Lutheran Church-Tallmadge, OH: Personal Financial Workshop on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 Noon.
 From Rev. James Herndon, Mission and Ministry Facilitator in Northwest Ohio: It is not often that an LCMS church has the opportunity to baptize adults or older children these days. Please keep our Waterville mission in your prayers.
A special collection of musicians will offer a Christmas Hymn Festival to benefit the restoration of Trinity's Beckerath organ will be held on January 4, 2009 at 4:00 pm.
 The 2009 National Conference will be held in Milwaukee from August 2 – 5.
 The Family Life Program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in conjunction with Focus on the Family, will present a Family Champion Training™ seminar on April 25, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 The Ohio District, LCMS is looking for professional church workers and congregational members who desire to make a life-changing difference.
 On November 24, 2008, the IRS issued new rates for use in calculating the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
 Did you hear a big noise around 9:20 am on December 1?
 Season's Greetings from Ohio Church Extension Fund. Click here for latest OCEF Rates along with important information about the the way OCEF investors support the ministries of local congregations
 Concordia University Hosts Its 31st Annual Boar's Head Festival - Dec.
5-7
Zion Lutheran Church in Painesville, OH will host the Boar's Head Christmas Festival of Lake County on Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th.
 About 20 people from Cincinnati and Dayton attended two seminars on church planting on Nov. 8 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Cincinnati. The seminars were led by Rev. Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab, LCMS Director for New Church Development.
The NLSA National Accreditation Commission recently granted a full seven-year period of re-accreditation to St. John Lutheran School of Defiance, Ohio.
Gordon Stuckert, Ohio District Superintendent of Schools, presented their NLSA certificate on October 26, 2008.
The NLSA National Accreditation Commission recently granted a full seven-year period of re-accreditation to St. Paul Lutheran School of Napoleon, Ohio.
Gordon Stuckert, Ohio District Superintendent of Schools, presented their NLSA certificate on October 12, 2008.
 Ocean Springs, MS, November 10, 2008 – Everything is not okay. Three years out from Hurricane Katrina there remains a lot of devastation across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Organizations like Camp Victor Ministries are working hard to rebuild the homes of storm survivors with limited resources.
 David Timm was ordained into the Pastoral Ministry on November 1, 2008. The Reverend David Zachrich presided over the ordination and then the installation of Pastor Timm as an Associate Pastor at Royal Redeemer in North Royalton.
 November Church Extension Fund investment rates. This article also offers information about how OCEF investments can be an important part of family savings for college.
 The LCMS Foundation has recognized Eileen Fitzenreiter for her accomplishments in gift planning and given her the leadership award for teamwork.
 Lutheran Home at Napoleon, a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society, broke ground on Oct. 12, 2008, for Bavarian Village III, the future site of new independent living homes for seniors.
Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab, LCMS Director for New Church Development, will present two seminars for the Southern Region of the Ohio District. The seminars will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Cincinnati. The morning seminar is on urban church planting and the afternoon on Ablaze! Covenant Churches. Lunch will be provided from Noon to 1 PM. There is no cost although a free will donation for lunch would be accepted. For more information please contact Rev. Kevin Wilson at wilsonk@oh.lcms.org or 614.440.5054 or John Suguitan at servant4321@yahoo.com or 513.266.6379.
Important Information for the Senior High Gathering!
In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the mainstream media scarcely noted the quiet but heroic efforts of hundreds of home care providers who crossed police cordons in downtown Manhattan to tend the survival needs of thousands of persons with special needs.
 After three years of seeding the Gospel into Cleveland's Arabic community, Building Hope in the City's Nicola and Nadia Abuamsha will begin weekly worship services this Advent.
 Rev. Peter Hofacker was installed as Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in South Charleston, WV on Sunday, Oct. 19. Rev. Ronald Bergen, Ohio District President Emeritus, preached at the installation service. Pastor Hofacker was installed by Rev. Jack Davidson, First Vice President of the Ohio District.
The Ohio District - LCMS October 15, 2008 Balance Sheet is now available. This report shows the assets of the District (things owned by the District), the liabilities of the District (things the District owes to others), and the Net Assets of the District. Click here to view the balance sheet. This report will be posted on a quarterly basis.
 Members of several NE Ohio congregations were in Haiti from September 26 to October 11. Four major hurricanes have wreaked havoc but the team members saw God at work in the beauty and faith of the Haitian people.
 Rev. Gil Duchow (EM), Rev. Steve Niermann and Rev. Alan Trapp were installed as Pastoral Care Ministers on Tuesday, October 14 by Ohio District President Terry Cripe.
 The installation service for Pastor Kent Wartick will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on October 26 at 4:00 pm.
 Pastor Peter Hofacker's Service of Installation will be held on October 19 at 4:30 pm.
 Church organists and pianists are invited to attend a workshop on service playing led by Dr. Paul Grime, Dean of the Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne.
 The Ohio District Disaster Preparedness Training Phase 2 will be provided on October 25 at Atonement Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio.
 Brief Update from the Haiti Mission Team.
 Concordia would like to invite all veterans and the general public to attend a special Veteran’s Day event on November 11, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
 Trinity Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN seeks to assist those members who travel to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
.jpg) About 75 people attended Emmaus Journey Lutheran Church's first public worship service on Sunday, Oct. 5 in Elyria, OH. Of the 75 worshippers, around 20 were children.
 The October edition of In Touch, the Ohio District, LCMS's monthly bulletin insert, is now available. This month, In Touch focuses on ministries in the District's Southern Region.
 St. Paul, Westlake, completed an Ongoing Improvement Process to obtain their second seven-year phase of National Lutheran School Accreditation.
 Building Hope in the City has launched its 2009 campaign for support of its vital urban ministries.
 This is to advise you that Rev. Harold H. Bode, EM was called to his eternal rest to be with our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ this morning, September 26, 2008 at 12:05am. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord!"
 Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab led church planting events at Pilgrim St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakewood on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Mengsteab, LCMS Director for New Church Development, led seminars on Urban Church Planting and Ablaze! Covenant Congregations. Around 25 people from churches in the Cleveland area attended the presentations.
 LCMS World Mission is pleased to share that Betsy Karkan, from the Ohio District, is entering into missionary service in Thailand.
 On Sunday, Sept. 14, Hurricane Ike swept across Ohio with Tropical Force winds. Approximately 1.9 million households lost power, causing food to spoil, fuel shortages due to closed gas stations, and loss of work time due to closed businesses.
 Thank you for your prayers. God has already been at work in spite of the storm.
 St. Louis, Missouri -- Praise God! This week, statistics recorded by Lutheran schools have pushed the total number of faith sharing incidents recorded on the Ablaze website over the 9 million mark.
 ANN ARBOR, Mich., August 27, 2008 – Pastor Matthew Ling and his wife, Rose, of Calvary Family Church in Kuching, Malaysia, will be teaching, speaking and learning in the Family Life Program at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) in the 2008 fall semester.
 On Sunday September 14, River of Faith, a new mission congregation in Waterville, Ohio had one of its first adult baptisms.
PLEASE BEWARE: In order to maintain their exemption from federal income tax, churches must comply with the regulations in tax code 501(c)(3) one of which is that the church must not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Congregations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod fall under Synod's blanket 501(c)(3) status ruling and must comply with these regulations. Failure to comply puts the congregation's tax exempt status at risk, as well as that of Synod.
 Everyone is invited to join the congregations of Circuit NE 7 at a Reformation Service on Thursday, Oct. 30th 7pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Painesville, Ohio. Pastor Jeff Stevens will preach.
.jpg) St. John, Nottingham, recently received National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) for the maximum period of seven years.
 Inspiring and exciting Junior High Youth Gatherings are scheduled for 2009.
South: March 6 to 8 at the Cincinnati Marriott Northeast.
North: March 13 to 15 at Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron.
The 2009 Junior High Gatherings will be: March 6 - 8, 2009 at the Marriott Northeast in Cincinnati & March 13 - 15, 2009 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron. The deadline to register for either event is February 1, 2009.
Pastors Michael Saylor and Dennis Dobbins will be the worship leaders at Gathering I in Cincinnati and Pastor David Goehmann will be the worship leader at Gathering II in Huron.
 A long planned Haitian mission trip initiated by several congregations of the Ohio District has been altered again.
 How to Assist Hurricane Gustav Evacuees: LDR Ohio is coordinating resources to assist over 2 million people who were evacuated when Hurricane Gustav struck the Gulf Shore states on Sept. 1.
 Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora, Ohio broke ground August 24th for a much needed addition to this growing congregation.
 Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) invites you to attend the dedication of the new Concordia University Bookstore. The dedication will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4.
The IRS has changed the regulations pertaining to tax-sheltered annuities, tax code 403(b). The new regulations go into effect on January 1, 2009 and basically shift the responsibility for administration and compliance from the worker to the employer. Each employer that allows contributions to a tax-sheltered annuity other than Concordia Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP) must have a 403(b) written plan document in place by January 1, 2009.
Concordia Plan Services has issued a statement due to a number of recent inquiries about the stability of Concordia Retirement Plans in light of the current volatility on Wall Street and other turbulent investment news. Click here to read this important statement.
 Rev. John Greig was installed as Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Dublin, OH on Sunday, August 10. Greig (pictured with wife Kim) has served on the St. John staff since 2005 as Associate Pastor. He follows Rev. David Reimann who was called to glory earlier this year.
 The Rev. Gerald Kieschnick, President of the LCMS, will speak at the Cincinnati Federation's Reformation service at 4:00 pm on November 2, 2008 at King of Kings Church in Mason, Ohio.
 A day for Lutheran Pastors and lay leaders, September 16 (8 am to 3 pm) at River's Edge Retreat Center, Cleveland. Learn to balance recreation, work and family using Lutheran Chaplaincy’s Circle of Life program. For details, visit The Lutheran Messenger's July/August edition.
Registration deadline is September 5.
 NEW OPPORTUNITY
Reaching Rural America For Christ. The conference will be held at Mahoney State Park, Ashland, Nebraska (25 miles southwest from Omaha) Thursday, November 6, 2008 beginning at 1:00 p.m. through Saturday, November 8, 2008 12 Noon.
 On September 14, after the LSS Annual Meeting at The Church at Mill Run, the organization will be presenting Tony Campolo. At 7 p.m. Dr. Campolo will speak on being called to serve those in need.
 Building Hope In The City's first annual Back-to-School BackPack Challenge has been a huge success, thank to their many donors and supporters! By mid-August, they will provide nearly 200 fully-stocked backpacks to students in our tutoring, cross-cultural and outreach programs. Now volunteers are needed at Trinity Church, Cleveland on August 1 from 3 to 7 pm to stuff the packs.
 The Lutheran Messenger reports on an innovative and successful VBS program at St. Mark, Chesterland. Click "Go. . ." to see the entire story or visit the newspaper's website.
 The Ohio District welcomed 58 willing workers from Ohio District congregations, Michigan and Indiana thanks to the coordination through the LCMS Youth Ministry Office and the Ohio District Youth Ministry Team.
 The Cleveland Plain Dealer's music critic, Donald Rosenberg, has drawn attention to Trinity Lutheran Church's music program in an article appearing in the June 25 edition of the paper.
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