Register Today for the Conference on Ministry

Don't Miss Keynote Speaker Reggie McNeal 

This year’s Conference on Ministry is set for October 17-19, 2022 at Warren Willis Conference Center (formerly the Life Enrichment Center) in Fruitland Park, Florida.

The Conference on Ministry is specifically for the edification and renewal of the rostered ministers of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. When our leaders are inspired, encouraged, and renewed, they are ready to lead God’s people with energy and passion. This year’s theme is “Thy Kingdom Come” featuring Dr. Reggie McNeal as our keynote speaker. 

Deadline to register for the Conference on Ministry is September 26.

Note: There will be a late fee after the deadline. REGISTRATION CLOSES AFTER OCTOBER 2.

Watch the video below to hear more from Bishop Suárez and Reggie McNeal!

Only 10 Days Left to Take the Survey!

The goal of Phase 2 of the Vision to Action process is to start focusing our visions (developed from the survey conducted in June) and become more specific. If we looked ahead in time, what would we see happening with the proceeds from the sale of St. James Lutheran Church? What would need to be developed for us, as a synod, to fulfill our call as the Lutheran witness in our community? How would we live out our faith and make the grace of Christ known? Click on this link and share what our future looks like as we move forward. 

Register Today for the COM Golf Outing

Registration is open for the annual Conference on Ministry Golf Outing. This year, all golf fees will be paid for in advance. Payment is non-refundable. If you already know the foursome or twosome you would like to play with, please include the names in an e-mail to jim@naplesemmanuel.org.

Cost is $35. Click here to register.

The deadline to register is October 10.

MP 100 Fall Appeal

St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pompano Beach has a mission plan which includes replacing their aging sign with a new two-sided monument and LED sign. Such a sign will cost about $50,000 to fabricate and install. Click here to learn more and give.

Walking Together: The Florida-Bahamas Synod and The United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI)

Last week, representatives of the synod Global Mission Table joined an ELCA regional representative in a visit to UTCWI in Kingston, Jamaica. This theological institution has been an important training ground for pastoral leaders throughout the Caribbean for over 50 years. Jamaica Team Chair Judy Olsen from Our Saviour in Ocala, Dr. Linda Brent of St. Paul in Pensacola, Global Mission Chair Rev. Katie Carroll and ELCA representative Hellen Rios-Carrillo met with UTCWI president Dr. Oral Thomas and Lutheran instructor Dr. Carolyn Schneider to learn more about the joys, opportunities and challenges of forming leaders for ministry in a rapidly changing world. What's more, there were wonderful gatherings with students (including Rafael Van Ommeren who visited four FBS congregations last month), board members and faculty. As an educational consultant, Dr. Brent facilitated a meaningful conversation about adapting educational strategies for the hybrid learning environment. Daily chapel shaped each day with song, scripture, and reflection.  

What an honor to walk together with UTCWI and bring greetings from the bishop's office, the synod, and indeed, entire ELCA! Together, we will continue to grow our companionship through joint projects and visit exchanges. To learn more about Global Mission and open your congregation to the blessings of companionship, contact Pastor Katie at revkhc@gmail.com. Someone can come to your church--to share the story and help you get involved!

Transition/Interim Ministry Leadership Team Updates 

Get to know you Transition/Interim Ministry Leadership Team. We thank Pastor Thomas Weitzel for nearly 11 years of service as the Transition/Interim Ministry Training Lead Facilitator and we welcome some new faces. Click here to read more.

2022 Florida WELCA Fall Gathering 

The Florida Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering is to be held at The Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Leesburg, November 11-13. This year's theme is Step by Step based on Proverbs 16:9 (NLT). The registration deadline has been extended to September 30, 2022. For more information, go to www.flwelca.com.

Seminary Dean to Retire

The Rev. Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore, rector and dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) on Lenoir-Rhyne (LR) University’s Columbia campus, has announced she will retire at the end of the fall semester following four years of outstanding leadership.

Read more...