Tools, Trainings, & More to Enhance Your Congregations
FAQ's:
1.) What is a tool, training (and more)?
A tool, training (and more) is simply anything that is designed to help empower YOU or your CONGREGATION. Examples include webinars, conferences, online or in-person learning events (continuing education), special groups offering help for a cause, or financial assistance opportunities. Of course, these are just a few examples. It is up to you to use your best judgement when submitting materials.
2.) What should I consider when submitting materials?
a.) When submitting materials, the first thing to consider is whether or not it is designated for rostered ministers only, or if it's open to anyone in our congregations. If it is open to rostered ministers only, it will be posted on this page. If it is open to anyone, it will be posted below.
b.) The second thing to consider are the benefits and opportunities for growth. Is this something that is going to help enhance your career, personal growth, or congregation? Example of an appropriate submission: "Help your congregation grow and thrive! Join our upcoming webinar on congregational enhancement."
3.) Where do I submit materials?
You can submit information via the form posted at the bottom of this page.
1.) What is a tool, training (and more)?
A tool, training (and more) is simply anything that is designed to help empower YOU or your CONGREGATION. Examples include webinars, conferences, online or in-person learning events (continuing education), special groups offering help for a cause, or financial assistance opportunities. Of course, these are just a few examples. It is up to you to use your best judgement when submitting materials.
2.) What should I consider when submitting materials?
a.) When submitting materials, the first thing to consider is whether or not it is designated for rostered ministers only, or if it's open to anyone in our congregations. If it is open to rostered ministers only, it will be posted on this page. If it is open to anyone, it will be posted below.
b.) The second thing to consider are the benefits and opportunities for growth. Is this something that is going to help enhance your career, personal growth, or congregation? Example of an appropriate submission: "Help your congregation grow and thrive! Join our upcoming webinar on congregational enhancement."
3.) Where do I submit materials?
You can submit information via the form posted at the bottom of this page.
TOOLS
Is Your Congregation Struggling with Stewardship Practices?
If so, please consider learning more about BCG!
Building a Culture of Generosity (BCG), is designed for congregations looking to energize dormant stewardship programs and initiate faithful patterns of generosity. Through the course of 6 virtual live training events led by a GSB consultant, and professionally designed, adaptable materials, you will find clear tactics for inspiring generosity in your community.
St. John/St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Endowment Fund
The St. John/St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Endowment Fund will be accepting applications for its 2023 funding cycle on May 1, 2023. Grants from this fund may be applied towards projects of any faith-based organization affiliated with the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod that introduce people to God’s grace and to God’s healing and helping presence.
In order to be eligible, grant requests should fulfill one of the following uses:
More People, More Ideas, Better Outreach!
The Sharing Congregational Resources presentation created by your Synod Council representatives is ready to go! All NEO conferences, clusters and congregations are invited to secure this unique opportunity. The Northwest Conference participated, spurring lively discussion and helpful thoughts. They are already benefiting in many important ways by sharing their congregational gifts in community with other congregations. To reserve a date on your calendar for the Sharing Congregational Resources presentation, please contact Susan Frantz (susan.frantz@yahoo.com or 937-725-0969, please leave message).
Churchwide Social Media Resources for Congregations
Did you know that our Churchwide website has resources you can use on Social Media? There are camera-ready resources you can download for your social media sites. There is also a guide called, "Social Media and Congregations: Planning and Procedures" to give you ideas for use. And the best part? They are free! Here is the link: https://elca.org/Resources/Congregational-Communications-Tools#SocialDigital
Opportunity for Congregations Without a Pastor
Is your church currently without a pastor? Are you preparing the worship space and/or the bulletin each week? Where do you go to find all the different prayers for each season? A few simple changes in the words used can enhance the worship experience. You can confidently plan engaging worship services using Sundays & Seasons, a fantastic resource available at Augsburg Fortress for around $50/year. The Rev. Lor Breyley loves worship, and is volunteering to schedule a gathering of worship planners from congregations currently without a pastor, to hear their needs, frustrations, and joys around this important ministry you graciously attend to each week. Let’s spend time working through segments of the S&S book to become familiar with what is available and useful for your congregation.
Interested? Email Rev. Lor Breyley at sunshinedancer2@gmail.com or call her at 248-850-6357.
Pierstorf College Fund: College Loans for the 2023-2024 School Year
The Pierstorf College Fund is a one-of-a-kind pan Lutheran financial aid program that provides interest-free loans to all Lutherans pursuing a higher education who live in the State of Ohio. These loans are specific to students who are or will be enrolled full time in a four-year undergraduate program at any accredited college or university. This year, the maximum interest-free loan is $4,000 for the school year. Founded in 1994, Pierstorf College Fund has awarded Lutheran students over $12 million, allowing them to worry less about tuition and focus more on their goals. We do not ask for family income information, and strive to provide loans for every Lutheran college student. First time borrowers can be new or returning college students. For information, visit www.Pierstorf.org to complete the online 2023—2024 application. Applications open April 15 and remain open until June 30, 2023. Questions? Email Pierstorf@messiahfp.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PierstorfCollegeFund for current updates.
If so, please consider learning more about BCG!
Building a Culture of Generosity (BCG), is designed for congregations looking to energize dormant stewardship programs and initiate faithful patterns of generosity. Through the course of 6 virtual live training events led by a GSB consultant, and professionally designed, adaptable materials, you will find clear tactics for inspiring generosity in your community.
- The cost is $600. Our synod will invest half of that cost.
- There will be two opportunities to attend an information session on June 12, 2023: one at 11am, and the other at 7pm.
- Zoom Link for the information session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81803862832?pwd=d1g2WW9Id3pVYmZEQ2NkR0JWYTh0dz09
- Registration: June 1 - August 1
- First session: Starts in August
St. John/St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Endowment Fund
The St. John/St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Endowment Fund will be accepting applications for its 2023 funding cycle on May 1, 2023. Grants from this fund may be applied towards projects of any faith-based organization affiliated with the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod that introduce people to God’s grace and to God’s healing and helping presence.
In order to be eligible, grant requests should fulfill one of the following uses:
- Provide seed money for new outreach activities, programs, and/or ministries.
- Support existing outreach programs which have not yet become self-supporting.
- Support programs specifically designed to reach people who are not currently being served by the grant applicant.
- Provide education and/or training for congregation members or staff consistent with the Endowment Fund’s outreach mission.
More People, More Ideas, Better Outreach!
The Sharing Congregational Resources presentation created by your Synod Council representatives is ready to go! All NEO conferences, clusters and congregations are invited to secure this unique opportunity. The Northwest Conference participated, spurring lively discussion and helpful thoughts. They are already benefiting in many important ways by sharing their congregational gifts in community with other congregations. To reserve a date on your calendar for the Sharing Congregational Resources presentation, please contact Susan Frantz (susan.frantz@yahoo.com or 937-725-0969, please leave message).
Churchwide Social Media Resources for Congregations
Did you know that our Churchwide website has resources you can use on Social Media? There are camera-ready resources you can download for your social media sites. There is also a guide called, "Social Media and Congregations: Planning and Procedures" to give you ideas for use. And the best part? They are free! Here is the link: https://elca.org/Resources/Congregational-Communications-Tools#SocialDigital
Opportunity for Congregations Without a Pastor
Is your church currently without a pastor? Are you preparing the worship space and/or the bulletin each week? Where do you go to find all the different prayers for each season? A few simple changes in the words used can enhance the worship experience. You can confidently plan engaging worship services using Sundays & Seasons, a fantastic resource available at Augsburg Fortress for around $50/year. The Rev. Lor Breyley loves worship, and is volunteering to schedule a gathering of worship planners from congregations currently without a pastor, to hear their needs, frustrations, and joys around this important ministry you graciously attend to each week. Let’s spend time working through segments of the S&S book to become familiar with what is available and useful for your congregation.
Interested? Email Rev. Lor Breyley at sunshinedancer2@gmail.com or call her at 248-850-6357.
Pierstorf College Fund: College Loans for the 2023-2024 School Year
The Pierstorf College Fund is a one-of-a-kind pan Lutheran financial aid program that provides interest-free loans to all Lutherans pursuing a higher education who live in the State of Ohio. These loans are specific to students who are or will be enrolled full time in a four-year undergraduate program at any accredited college or university. This year, the maximum interest-free loan is $4,000 for the school year. Founded in 1994, Pierstorf College Fund has awarded Lutheran students over $12 million, allowing them to worry less about tuition and focus more on their goals. We do not ask for family income information, and strive to provide loans for every Lutheran college student. First time borrowers can be new or returning college students. For information, visit www.Pierstorf.org to complete the online 2023—2024 application. Applications open April 15 and remain open until June 30, 2023. Questions? Email Pierstorf@messiahfp.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PierstorfCollegeFund for current updates.
TRAININGS
ELCA Coaching Training
Interested in being an ELCA coach? The next Basic Skills training begins June 6, 8-10 pm Eastern time. Cost is $375. Note: registration requires acceptance by Bishop Barbins.
All information is at this link:
https://www.elcacoaching.org/events/elca-segment-1-basic-skills-coach-training--111/2023-06-06
ELCA Vital Congregations Training
Is your congregation ready to take some steps (even small steps) toward renewal or revitalization? Are you ready to try some new things, share some ideas, gain a greater understanding of the broader mission, bring clarity about your own congregation’s mission, acquire knowledge on how to live that out in community, gain confidence to share what you have learned with the world, and find new allies from within a cohort of congregations? Then, you are invited to attend the 2023 Summer Session of the ELCA Vital Congregations Training, Part 1!
Once you've completed Part 1, you're invited to attend Part 2!
Please click below to download both informational handouts. If you have any further questions after reviewing the handouts, please reach out to Pr. Julianne Smith, jsmith@neos-elca.org. Thank you!
PART 1
PART 2
Interested in being an ELCA coach? The next Basic Skills training begins June 6, 8-10 pm Eastern time. Cost is $375. Note: registration requires acceptance by Bishop Barbins.
All information is at this link:
https://www.elcacoaching.org/events/elca-segment-1-basic-skills-coach-training--111/2023-06-06
ELCA Vital Congregations Training
Is your congregation ready to take some steps (even small steps) toward renewal or revitalization? Are you ready to try some new things, share some ideas, gain a greater understanding of the broader mission, bring clarity about your own congregation’s mission, acquire knowledge on how to live that out in community, gain confidence to share what you have learned with the world, and find new allies from within a cohort of congregations? Then, you are invited to attend the 2023 Summer Session of the ELCA Vital Congregations Training, Part 1!
Once you've completed Part 1, you're invited to attend Part 2!
Please click below to download both informational handouts. If you have any further questions after reviewing the handouts, please reach out to Pr. Julianne Smith, jsmith@neos-elca.org. Thank you!
PART 1
PART 2
MORE
Current Issue of "Mini Dawn," a Publication from NEOSWO
https://files.constantcontact.com/b8eaaaf5001/d2db6d44-3acc-4155-a201-6b66a39d442d.pdf
Current Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador Gram
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Spring-2023-Ambassador-Gram.html?soid=1120043891748&aid=TKBHYZW7qh8
RECLAIM: Embody, Embolden, Liberate
RECLAIM is a curated gathering for people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities brought to us by African Descent Ministries. Building on well established community traditions and principles like Umoja, Sankofa, and Ubuntu, we will gather together to grow across generations. The African Descent community thrives most when gathered. This event is meant for our siblings in the pulpits, pews, and brunch.
In the early 2000s, African Descent Ministries supported the Proclaim the Power event, inviting leaders from across the community to bask in powerful preaching while being equipped with the essentials for ministry. The event had a lasting impact on one of the largest generations of leaders in the church. Reflecting on how much culture has shifted since then, we are reminded of how important it is for us to reclaim our space. The Reclaim gathering concentrates on the tool kit for ministry as we muddle through a pandemic, climate change, and an era of preserving the spiritual and emotional wellness of healers. The church needs healthy and whole preachers and teachers, financial professionals and tech support, equipping of young adults, and culturally relevant approaches to the Word.
Grounded in scripture, this gathering seeks to help participants feel Embodied, emboldened, and liberated in their identities. Over the four day gathering, participants will engage in workshops, shared meals, praise and worship designed to build and strengthen community, teach new skills, share resources and rejuvenate weary souls. Follow us on social media as we announce our workshop leaders and keynote speakers. Join African Descent Ministries and our community on September 14th through the 17th in Minneapolis, MN. MORE INFO & REGISTRATION CAN BE FOUND HERE.
https://files.constantcontact.com/b8eaaaf5001/d2db6d44-3acc-4155-a201-6b66a39d442d.pdf
Current Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador Gram
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Spring-2023-Ambassador-Gram.html?soid=1120043891748&aid=TKBHYZW7qh8
RECLAIM: Embody, Embolden, Liberate
RECLAIM is a curated gathering for people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities brought to us by African Descent Ministries. Building on well established community traditions and principles like Umoja, Sankofa, and Ubuntu, we will gather together to grow across generations. The African Descent community thrives most when gathered. This event is meant for our siblings in the pulpits, pews, and brunch.
In the early 2000s, African Descent Ministries supported the Proclaim the Power event, inviting leaders from across the community to bask in powerful preaching while being equipped with the essentials for ministry. The event had a lasting impact on one of the largest generations of leaders in the church. Reflecting on how much culture has shifted since then, we are reminded of how important it is for us to reclaim our space. The Reclaim gathering concentrates on the tool kit for ministry as we muddle through a pandemic, climate change, and an era of preserving the spiritual and emotional wellness of healers. The church needs healthy and whole preachers and teachers, financial professionals and tech support, equipping of young adults, and culturally relevant approaches to the Word.
Grounded in scripture, this gathering seeks to help participants feel Embodied, emboldened, and liberated in their identities. Over the four day gathering, participants will engage in workshops, shared meals, praise and worship designed to build and strengthen community, teach new skills, share resources and rejuvenate weary souls. Follow us on social media as we announce our workshop leaders and keynote speakers. Join African Descent Ministries and our community on September 14th through the 17th in Minneapolis, MN. MORE INFO & REGISTRATION CAN BE FOUND HERE.
- Early Bird Registration is available through April 30, 2023 at $350 *EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSED*
- General Registration is available May 1, 2023 through July 15, 2023 at $400
- Registration after July 15, 2023 at $500
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