The Lord now sends us forth with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth a better place to live.
The angels are not sent into our world of pain
to do what we were meant to do in Jesus’ name;
that falls to you and me and all who are made free.
Help us, O Lord, we pray, to do your will today.
(ELW #538 – The Lord Now Sends Us Forth)

Dear Southern Ohio Synod,

This past Sunday, I joined First Lutheran Church & Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for their joint worship service. What a witness to commUNITY within Springfield! Thank you to Pr. Gil Santiago for the invitation and both congregations for the wonderful worship & fellowship afterwards.

In the months that have 5 Sundays, they start their 5th Sunday morning worship service with the congregation choosing a few hymns to sing together before the Prelude. We sang several songs of Praise (and even a Christmas Carol!). The hymn verses I shared above echoed in my mind as these congregations worshiped together and as I drove through the city of Springfield, doing a Prayer Drive, praying for these communities as I drove through the city.

Last night, we once again heard the Haitian community in Springfield mentioned in national media.

In my statement to our Synod on September 17, 2024, I reminded each of us of the words of Jesus, reminding us to love and care for our neighbors, and the words of Martin Luther, calling us to support our neighbors. You may read that full statement here.

Last week, the Conference of Bishops of the ELCA met in Chicago. We issued a statement yesterday, emphasizing speaking truth in the midst of falsehoods and rumors. You may read that full statement here.

As we head into the final few weeks of this current election cycle, let us also remember Luther’s words in his explanation to the 8th Commandment:

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray them, slander them, or hurt their reputation, but defend them, speak well of them, and explain everything in the kindest way.

Having truth-filled conversations and interactions can be difficult, especially as national anxiety and stress rise. Our Authentic Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Team is compiling a list of resources to help guide us. Those resources will be available later this week.

Continue to hold our siblings in Springfield in prayer, particularly the Haitian immigrant community. St. Vincent de Paul (Springfield) continues to accept donations to serve this particular community. If you would like to donate, you may do so here.

In Christ,
Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt