St. John Lutheran Church, Hicksville, Ohio

06/18/2026

A son's journey with his father:

06/17/2026

Today, we honor the memory of the Emanuel Nine and continue to commit ourselves to the work of justice, reconciliation and faith.

"Creator God,

You lovingly created every person in Your beautiful image. We confess that we have not loved and protected Your beloved creation well. Racism and hate continue to blossom, disfiguring Your beautiful and divine plan for human life.

Help our unbelief, O God, in the realities of racism and oppression; remove the scales from our eyes and our hearts. Forgive us for our participation, both knowingly and unknowingly, in its flourishing. Give us the courage to remember and share these true stories of cruelty and injustice, and those who, because of it, lost their lives and freedom. Grant us determination and an accountable community to interrupt these unjust systems. Help us to use our voices, our agency, and our faith to advocate for justice.

Amen."

We invite you to reflect on their story at LivingLutheran.org.

06/17/2026

Volunteers, here we go! ✨

Applications for the Gathering Volunteer Corps and local volunteers are now open through August 19, 2026.

Apply today 👉 https://www.elca.org/gathering-2027/attend-volunteers

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

An eight-player contingent of area standouts garnered all-Ohio recognition on the baseball diamond as following this weekend’s season-ending state tournament, the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches’ Association announced its all-state

06/16/2026

Learn how the Mission Investment Fund helps ELCA congregations turn...

06/16/2026

Did you know?

In partnership with our neighbor synods across region 6, we are excited to offer a collaborative project that provides pre-recorded video and manuscript messages for each Sunday called "The Sermon Supply."

You will recognize some friendly faces from your NWOS staff as well as meet leaders from across the region! This is a wonderful option for pulpit supply, to introduce a fresh voice, or provide support during vacation time, these sermons available for all. Our prayer is that these resources will strengthen the ministry of your parish.

This Sunday's Sermon, June 21st, 2026, is provided by CJ Clark, Director for Evangelical Mission for the Southeast Michigan Synod!

Check it out here or at the link in our bio: https://nwos-elca.church/resources/supply-list/

06/16/2026

The word "diakonia" comes from the Greek word for service.

For generations, deaconesses have lived out that calling by serving in congregations, hospitals, schools, social service agencies, campuses, and communities around the world.

Diakonia is more than a ministry role. It is a way of following Jesus by walking alongside others with compassion, dignity, and hope.

That calling continues today.

To learn more about the Deaconess Community, visit us on the web at https://deaconesscommunity.org

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

VBS starts Monday at 6pm. Parents please send kids in play clothes as they will be painting.