Mission
Partners in Action
Click
below to learn more about how Northeastern Ohio
congregations make Mission Partners an integral part of their congregational
life.
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Mission Partners, part of the
ELCA Division of Outreach, was created to serve all synods.
The Northeastern Ohio Synod Mission Partners program
promotes partnerships between the 216 synod congregations so
that the sharing of our time, talent and treasure can take
place.
What is the Biblical Basis for Mission
Partners?
Genesis 12:2-3 says: " and I will make of you a
great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great,
so that you will be a blessing." This charge by God to
Abraham applies to us today. We have been blessed so that we
can be a blessing to others.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us " to build each
other up." This scripture tells us we should
promote fellowship with and be supportive of all of our
congregations.
Ephesians 4:12 encourages "building up the whole
church." The church is built up with each new Mission
Partner arrangement.
2 Corinthians 8:13-14 calls for balance in sharing our
abundance with those in need.
How does Mission Partners fit into the
Northeastern Ohio Synod?
The NEOS Outreach strategy plan says: " We will
promote, support, and expand the Mission Partners
program...so that bridges are built between urban, suburban,
rural/small town congregations and area ministries."
Why become a Mission Partner?
St. Francis of Assisi said " It is in giving that we
receive." When we share our time, talent and treasure,
we receive blessings in return. Let the Holy Spirit work
through you and your congregation as a Mission Partner.
What examples of Mission Partnering are found in our
synod?
A congregation from a small rural town sent volunteers to a
new suburban mission to assist them in inviting a
relationship with Jesus.
A rural congregation provided an inner city
congregation with a truckload of potatoes for a food
program-the inner city church choir sang at the rural
congregation's worship services.
How does my congregation benefit?
Your congregation will be blessed by sharing your
blessings (time, talent and treasure). How? Your mission
statement will come alive. You will gain a sense of
accomplishment, satisfaction and meaning through
fellowship within your congregation and with your fellow
Mission Partner congregation. This will put new life in your
church.
How can my church become a Mission Partner?
Where may I get more information?
Contact one of these persons who are involved with the
Mission Partner program:
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Bob Ogden, Mission Partner
Coordinator, 419-281-7024 |
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Pastor Ron Zoesch, Synod
Missioner, 330-253-150 |
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Akron-Wooster Conference,
Barb Schuster, 330-669-2509 |
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Canton-Massillon
Conference, Dick Spall, 330-499-7369 |
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Cleveland East Conference,
Glenna Kimble, 216-752-5215 |
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Cleveland West Conference,
Dick Hantel, 216-741-0110 |
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Eastern Conference, Pastor
Bill Medford, 330-427-6195 |
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Richland-Ashland
Conference, Bob Ogden , 419-281-7024 |
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Southern Conference, John
Seng, 330-364-1642 |
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