Complete Story
03/26/2012
Roll Away the Stone 2012
Dear Friends,
Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" (Mark 16:2-3)
I’ve shared this text with you in the past because of its significance in our lives together in the Southern Ohio Synod. We prepare each year for the mission and ministry we plan to carry out, but often are held back by a stone blocking our way. The stone may be fear, pride, hurt, finances, job, or even apathy.
We fail to move forward because we wonder “who will roll away the stone,” rather than asking God to help us by clearing the way so we can be and make disciples through our various ministries within and outside our church walls.
I’m asking you to prayerfully consider how you might do your part to roll away the financial stone that has prevented the synod from offering our youth an opportunity to grow in their faith through our Faith Trek program. I have been asked by numerous youth during my visits to congregations when they can be a part of Faith Trek. The hurdle to launching Faith Trek in 2013 is funding.
The Southern Ohio Synod Council has approved my request to ask you and the members of your congregation to contribute to a special “Roll Away the Stone” campaign during the Easter season, with all funds going toward scholarships for young people from our synod to begin their Faith Trek in 2013. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to cover the year-long program for these young people and their mentors. Individual contributions may be sent to the Southern Ohio Synod, 300 South 2nd Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Checks should be made payable to Southern Ohio Synod, with “Faith Trek” in the memo field. Treasurers should use the new Congregational Remittance Form when submitting donations. Please write the total amount donated by your congregation in the Special Synodical Emphasis section marked Roll Away the Stone.
Below is a bulletin insert for your use during the Easter season as well as a brief description of the Faith Trek program. Please share these with your congregation as you see fit.
I pray for a strong response and the opportunity to make a special report and recognition about this at SynodFest during Synod Assembly.
On this Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter season, may God “roll away the stone” that keeps all of us from fully engaging in life in our synod and carrying out our role in His masterful plan.
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)
In Christ,
Callon Holloway, Jr.
Callon Holloway, Jr., Bishop
