Nearly 140 Episcopal and Lutheran clergy and lay leaders from more than 40 parishes gathered in May to participate in an interactive workshop focused on stewardship and generosity. The program, which was a collaboration between the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, featured nationally recognized stewardship expert and author, Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith. Bishop Mark Hollingsworth and Bishop Abraham Allende led a forum on spirituality and giving followed by a group question and answer session moderated by the Rev. Brad Purdom, Canon for Congregations and Christian Formation.

The event was the first collaborative education session between the Diocese and the Synod. The Episcopal Church is in full communion with the ELCA. The success of the conference demonstrated another way in which our denominations can work together and learn from each other.

"This approach of bringing the two churches together allowed for all to see that we face many of the same issues. It was helpful to learn about the approaches that other churches take to discuss stewardship. It was encouraging to see how well all the parishes got along and to witness the strong relationship of our two Bishops,” shared Tom Smith, a workshop participant from St. Patrick in Brunswick.

There are many stewardship resources available to you and your parish at the Diocesan Resource Center. Additionally, the diocesan development staff is always available for stewardship questions, training, coaching, or support. Please contact Rebecca Miller for more information.