![]() Be very, very careful, because the Story of Jesus has the power to transform us from who we are, into the people and communities that God longs for us to be. “Sent by the Crucified and Risen Jesus to Make Disciples, Equip Leaders, Strengthen Parishes, and Nurture New Communities for the Renewal of Northwestern Ohio and the World”.Ĭlick here to access our newly released 6-session Bible Study on the Story of Jesus.ĭownload the study, open (or turn on) your Bible, gather with a group of friends, get outside the four walls of the congregation, to learn and share the Jesus story, to learn and share your story, and to learn and share the story of your community.īut be careful. The mission of the Northwestern Ohio Synod captures both our call to be centered in the Gospel and our call to be sent into the world. And we are centered in Jesus to be sent into the world. We are the followers of a crucified and risen Lord, and the work we are called to do is always centered in Jesus. Those of us who know and live the Story of Jesus have a great opportunity before us to lovingly share the Story of Jesus. The Gospel Story of Jesus matters, though many of our neighbors here at home and around the world, have not experienced the Good News of Jesus. A story that many of us have been learning and telling our entire lives. Our focus this year will be on learning and telling the Story of Jesus. To be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, to witness… To tell… To share… the Story of Jesus to the ends of the earth. In Acts 1:8, Jesus calls His disciples to be witnesses. This we pray in the blessed and holy name of Jesus.“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) Road to Emmaus art by Chinese-American artist Dr. Lead us to grow strong in our daily prayer and in our love for you. Let us pray: God of justice and joy, as we begin this study of the Book of Nehemiah may we be inspired by your love and transformed by your will to be built into the people you long for us to be. May we also experience the great joy of God, the gracious love of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit to renew and transform our lives and communities. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (Nehemiah 12:43). At the dedication of the rebuilt city wall, we read, “They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy the women and children also rejoiced. During the time of Nehemiah, the city of Jerusalem experienced a similar transformation. Be very, very careful, because God’s Word has the power to transform people and communities from who we are into the people and communities that God longs for us to be. This year’s planner highlights the life and ministry of a radical contemporary disciple. I want to encourage you to open your Bible, gather with a group of friends, get outside the 4 walls of the congregation, and learn what God desires to teach you. Our call to discipleship is an attachment to the heart, mind, and soul of Christ that propels us to act as Christ would in our daily encounters with others and in our growing relationship with God. What follows is a 6-session Bible study on the Book of Nehemiah. ![]() This powerful Bible verse captures God’s desire for us to pray. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). One of my “go to” Bible verses related to prayer is Philippians 4:6, and this will serve as our Year of Prayer memory verse. Nehemiah takes everything to the Lord in prayer. ![]() In the Old Testament, Book of Nehemiah, we read that before Nehemiah lays even one stone Nehemiah prays. Prayer has the power to transform people and communities.Ī long time ago, Nehemiah was called by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Prayer is a foundational spiritual practice and a cornerstone to building a life of Christian discipleship. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we will strengthen the prayer lives of our leaders and equip our parishes to be places that are grounded in prayer. Our focus this year will be on God’s gift of Daily Prayer. ![]()
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