JOURNEY TOGETHER FAITHFULLY

A Call to Study and Dialogue

In 2001, the Churchwide Assembly mandated that this church engage in studies on human sexuality that would lend to the development of a social statement on sexuality. Social statements are social policy documents, adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, addressing significant social issues. This work is completed by a task force comprised of ELCA members and leaders selected from various backgrounds and viewpoints.

The Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality will now consider these memorials and proposals as it listens to members and others throughout this church through listening posts and responses to the study, “Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk about Human Sexuality.”

The DRAFT Social Statement will be available to members on March 13, 2008. It will be posted on the Northwestern Ohio Synod Web site at www.nwos-elca.org and will be sent to congregations and rostered leaders.

Discussion on this Social Statement will take place in our Synod.

WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 2008

WHERE: Zion Lutheran Church, 22 North Second St., Waterville

TIME: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Roger Willer of the ELCA will be present to assist with this discussion. Assistant Marc Miller will be the convener.

Your voice is an important part of our partnership together in fulfilling God’s mission through the membership of this synod and the ELCA.

Please plan on attending.

What are the characteristics of a healthy growing church? What causes one church to grow and another one to whither? What are growing churches doing right? If you have asked yourself
such questions, or if your congregation is struggling with its mission, or even if your congregation is one of those that is doing something right, this year’s Spring Leadership Event was designed for you. Our theme is Growing Again, Naturally.

At one point in your congregation’s history, it grew - naturally, like a seed tossed into ready soil. No one had to hire an outside consultant to enable it to grow. No one had to read a book, other than the Bible. No one had to do anything, apparently. Like seed it just grew by God’s grace. Today some churches are still growing naturally, while others are struggling.

A German researcher by the name of Christian Schwarz set about to discover why some churches grow naturally. He found eight characteristics common to all growing churches. These characteristics and some growth principles comprise a tool he developed and
called “Natural Church Development” or NCD. The keynote speaker, Pr. Dave Daubert from the ELCA’s “Outreach, Evangelism and Congregational Mission” unit, will give us a basic understanding of NCD and the eight characteristics of growing churches.

The event workshops will then address each of the eight characteristics. Leaders from growing congregations, who are not yet familiar with NCD, will describe how their congregation is growing naturally in a particular characteristic. Then a coach with NCD training will interpret
that growth in light of Christian Schwarz’s eight characteristics and growth principles.

By the end of the day we hope you will have a seed pouch of “best practices” to take home to your congregation along with a renewed confidence in the Lord who gives the growth, and a
whettened appetite to learn more about NCD and how it might help your congregation focus its missional energy and grow naturally again.

For Information and Registration Click Here

Spring Rostered Women’s Retreat

What: Ohio ELCA Rostered Women’s Retreat

When: 2 p.m. Thursday, May 8 to 1 p.m. Friday, May 9

Where: Camp Mowana, Fleming Falls Retreat Center, Mansfield

Cost: $80 per person, double occupancy

              $125 per person, single occupancy

Registration Deadline: March 30, 2008 WITH 50% non-refundable payment

The theme for the retreat is “in process”; if you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Pastor  Deborah Wissner or Pastor Wendy Sherer.

Please fill out the registration form http://www.nwos-elca.org/downloads/WOMENSRETREAT_000.doc and send your check,

made out to Camp Mowana, to:

Pastor Bonnie Gerber

All Saints Lutheran Church

6770 N. High St.

Worthington, Oh. 43085