The Ohio District Archives has a collection of past District newsletters and “Grapevines” since its beginning in 1963 up to 2006. After 2006, it continues with the “E-Source” e-mail. Take a look at some of the past activities and actions of our Synod, District, and its congregations and schools, as we look “Through the Archives.”
50 Years ago - January 1971
Lutheran Laymen League (LLL) received much acclaim and congratulations about its new Christmas program on television called, “Christmas Is.” This program was carried by more than 150 television stations in December and told the story of Benji, a young schoolboy, who is unhappy because he has been chosen to play the role of second shepherd. He learns through a flight into fantasy about the true meaning of Christmas. Many congregations received referrals from interested people who watched “Christmas Is.”
Over 200 teachers attended the annual Lutheran school teachers meeting at Bethany-Parma, featuring various discussion groups and 25 exhibitors. Many teachers called it, “the best ever.”
As authorized by the recent Denver Synodical convention, 8 District pastors, including Pastor Horst Hoyer, attended a program at Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, IN on Pastoral Education and Renewal.
40 Years Ago – January 1981
The Ohio District Newsbeat reported about the recent LCMS Great Commission Convocation which was held in St. Louis November 1980 and drew over 5,300 participants. The first of its kind, the Convocation offered worship, 10 major addresses, and 78 workshops and 35 exhibits geared to helping congregations fulfill the Great Commission in their vicinity.
“Forward in Remembrance”, the Synodical thank offering, which began in 1980, has already received $6 million. The expected goal is $40 million. The gifts will be used to support North American and overseas missions and ministries, and also the training of church workers.
25 Years Ago - January 1996
The District newsletter featured a story about “Gospel Partners” a new District program which encouraged congregations to raise funds and then applied them to their own mission projects. This project will also encourage new ministry networks that will be linked by interests, gifts, and focus of ministry. President David Buegler and Vice- President Dale Kern head up the project.
St. James-Archbold, Ohio celebrates its 150th anniversary with special observances throughout the year. The congregation recently remodeled their church building with the help of Laborers for Christ.
Several pastors and laypeople from the Ohio District participated in PROMPT (Puerto Rico and Ohio in Mission Partnership Together) and took part in Vacation Bible School programs in Puerto Rico. The participants learned much about mission work through their service.
Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN planned to hold several activities throughout 1996 to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
10 Years Ago - January 2011
The District encouraged individuals who want to do mission in Haiti to join one of the scheduled teams traveling to Haiti. At least one team a month has been scheduled for the foreseeable future. Construction on the guesthouse has started. Rev. David Luecke and Mrs. Jackie Rychel headed up the team.
The Ohio District welcomed to the staff Rev. Michael Saylor (Redeemer-Convoy) and Rev. Douglas Dewitt (Immanuel-Hamler) as part-time Mission and Ministry Facilitators. Mike will serve as a resource for the Northwest congregations in mission planting and outreach. Doug will serve as a rural ministry resource for congregations of the Northwest region and will maintain communication to strengthen and develop healthy relationships between clergy and the District.
5 Years Ago - January, 2016
Rev. Kevin Wilson, the District Mission and Ministry Facilitator-Southern Region shared with congregations, “Conversations about Faith & Life” (CFL), devotions which encouraged and equipped Christians to respond to God’s grace by living out their vocations.
The District promoted MissionInsite (MI), the demographic program used by the Ohio District. This is a free resource offered to all Ohio District congregations to help them understand the demographics in their vicinity.
The 2016 National Lutheran Schools Week was kicked off in January 26. Our 60+ Lutheran schools and early childhood centers here in the Ohio District joined together with the network of nearly 2,300 LCMS preschools, elementary schools and high schools throughout the nation to celebrate God's work among us.
