Registration for Synod Assembly is Now Open

Synod Assembly is May 31- June 2, 2024

At this year's Synod Assembly, we will conduct crucial elections for various positios within our synod, including the synod treasurer, representatives to attend the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August 2025, members of the Synod Council, and other key synod positions. We are also honored to have Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica as a guest speaker, who will share insights on Paul's dream and call to reach those he didn't expect. Our Churchwide representative, Maryn Olson, Director of LDR, will report on the ELCA. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn about the impactful work being done by our ministry areas and agencies. Workshops will be offered on Saturday afternoon, providing valuable learning experiences for attendees. As part of our commitment to serving our community, we will be collecting food and toiletries for the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, engage, and contribute to the collective mission of our synod. See you there!

Quick Links:

• Registration: Early bird deadline is May 8.
• Hotel: Group rate is $149/night. Reserve your room today!
• Agenda: Get an overview of Synod Assembly activities.
• Service Project: This year, we'll be serving the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.
• Nominations: We ask your help in identifying nominees to fill these important positions.
• Workshops: Find descriptions on this year's exciting workshops.
• Resolutions & Memorials: All Memorials & Resolutions must be submitted by May 1, 2024 to be reviewed and prepared to be brought to the assembly floor.

Open House for Rev. Khader El-Yateem at Synod House on March 6

Join us for an open house at the Synod House on Wednesday, March 6, from 3-5 p.m., as we bid farewell and wish Godspeed to Rev. Khader El-Yateem. All are welcome to stop by, sign his guestbook, and extend their best wishes. Light refreshments will be served. Don't miss this opportunity to show your appreciation and support!

RSVP with your name here if you are planning to attend.

Ordinations and Installations

• Rev. Lucas McSurley will be installed as Pastor of Lamb of God Lutheran Episcopal Adventure in Fort Myers on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., with Bishop Pedro Suárez and Bishop Doug Scharf officiating.
• Rev. David Lillejord will be installed as Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples on April 7, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.
• Rev. Rebecca Craig will be installed as Pastor of Crossroad Lutheran Church in Fleming Island on May 18, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.

V2A Introductory Workshops Continue

The 2024 Vision to Action grant season has begun! Virtual Introductory Workshops are being held at various times during March and April. Two are scheduled for this week--this evening, March 5 at 7 p.m. and Friday, March 8 at 11 a.m. Attendance at a workshop is required of all applicants. You can register on the V2A website by clicking here.  

V2A is a grant program of the Florida-Bahamas Synod designed to fund innovative, new ministries that are relevant to the local community and focus on intentional evangelism. Learn more at www.v2agrants.org.

Step # - 4 Gathering Information

As we continue to work on our preparedness and response plans, we need to know what our congregational assets are. Generally, we think of three types: human, financial and physical. 

What are our human assets?

• All members and contact information. Note in the directory or prepare a sub list of those who are particularly vulnerable and relevant notes about specific needs and contact information for those who need to know or are responsible for this person’s welfare. For example: the elderly, physically or mentally challenged people, people who are isolated or have limited resources, etc.
• Staff and contact information.
• Parishioners with disaster related skills/certifications and other resources. These folks can be useful in times of disaster. For example, first responders, those who speak the languages of the surrounding population, Stephen Ministers, social workers, counselors, people who can provide childcare. Identify who has completed background checks and abuse clearances according to your congregation’s policy.
• The contact information for any outside group which uses the building. Would anyone in those groups be a candidate to join your response team?
• The contact information for any community partners. For example, other communities of faith, schools, businesses, organizations, synod, local government contacts, etc.

What are our physical assets?

• Make and regularly update a list of all physical property including church records and data systems. In addition to making a physical list of these assets, take pictures or make a video. As you do this, make note of any repairs needed or issues to be addressed.
• Consider whether any of these material assets should be archived, and, if so, do so.
• From the above list, identify equipment and other physical resources important to disaster response such as vehicles, generator, kitchen, shower, large space for outdoor worship, etc.
• Make a list of items that should be removed if the building is threatened, where they should be taken and by whom.
• Make a list of items to be given special protection if the building is threatened, what steps are to be taken and by whom. (Example: computer should be wrapped in plastic and lifted off the floor)
• If there are special codes or passwords needed to operate any physical assets, make a list of those or indicate how to access these.
• Locate or produce a blueprint or drawing of the church facility. Mark the location of first aid and survival kits, fire extinguishers, utility cutoffs, building exits, alarm controls, fire-safe storage, and “safe spots.” (Example: windowless interior hallways or areas of reinforced structure where people may shelter)

What are our financial assets?

• What accounts, investments, lines of credit and loans do you have?
• Where are they located?
• What is the contact information?
• Who can access them?
• Where are the financial records and how are they backed up?
• What steps does the congregation take to ensure that the funds are protected from mismanagement?
• What steps are necessary for the congregation to gather and distribute disaster-related donations of funds or supplies?

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary to Move to Hickory, NC

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, one of the ELCA’s seven seminaries, will move from Columbia, South Carolina, to the main campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, early next year pending approval of the university’s trustees in March.

“The reasons for this decision are clear: The budget deficits that we face at the seminary are insurmountable considering current enrollment and broad national trends in theological vocations,” the Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, LTSS’s rector and dean, wrote in a letter announcing the plan to the seminary’s alumni. Read more...

Has your congregation made the 2022 constitutional updates?

At the Churchwide Assembly in August of 2022, amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations were adopted and mandated to be incorporated into each congregation’s constitution. Those amendments, as well as the updated Model Constitution can be found here:

https://www.elca.org/Resources/Office-of-the-Secretary.

Once the constitution has been updated, please send it to me at: lindalou6451@gmail.com.  A detailed review will be done, and I will get back to you if any corrections need to be made. Once complete and reviewed by Synod Council, it will be on file at the Synod office. If you have any questions, I can be reached at the above email address.

Thank you,

Linda Rosché, Constitution Review Committee

Steadfast/Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance and purification, as we journey deeper in our relationship with God. Christ’s love invites us to speak out against the violence of the world and our complicity towards it. This Lent, join the Just Love team as we confront the trauma and terror in Palestine and Israel and accompany our siblings calling for a lasting peace rooted in the justice and love of God. Learn more: https://youtu.be/YssbcGD1cU4?si=GRqpGFksPckS4dje

Click here to read the devotionals.

2023 Tax Preparation Resources Available

Two helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides:

• The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.
• Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.

Both tax guides are available on myPortico and EmployerLink.

Jacksonville Campus Ministry Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry

On March 2, Jacksonville Campus Ministry hosted a luncheon to celebrate 50 years of ministry to students in the Jacksonville Area. The gathering included students, rostered leaders from around the synod, past and present campus ministers and board members, as well as friends of the ministry. Pastor Sarah Locke shared with the gathering that the beginning point of campus ministry is sharing with students that "God adores you!"

Churches Team Up at Pasco Pride

Members of St. Paul, Tampa and All Saints, Lutz staffed a table at Pasco Pride on February 24. We passed out candy, brochures, cards containing Bible verses about God's unconditional love and welcoming comments and stickers to let people know that all are welcome in our churches (both are RIC congregations). Thanks also to Rev. Guiseppe Mattei from Nativity, Weekee Wachee for stopping by!

We will attend Tampa Pride in Ybor City on March 23. If you'd like to join us, please contact Brian Scott (bscott9744@aol.com; St. Paul) or Marcia Greensfelder (mgreens@tampabay.rr.com; All Saints).  

Music Position at Spirit of Grace in New Port Richey, Florida

A vibrant and growing ELCA Lutheran Church with two separate campuses is seeking talented and energetic musicians to lead services. The prospective Music Directors should be able to provide musical accompaniments using a blended service model including traditional, contemporary and praise music for services. The potential candidate would be responsible for assisting in building choral and/or praise teams. Musicians and pastors work together in the ELCA to build a cohesive expression of faith for the congregation. Our churches are working to find a new musical model moving forward into a new spirituality. We have congregation members available to assist this ministry.

Morning services are at 9 a.m. at the Hudson Campus and 10:45 a.m. at the Trinity Campus. Candidates may apply for one or both positions. We would also be open to job sharing with a couple of musicians. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Spirit of Grace Lutheran Churches are located on Hudson Road in Hudson and on Old State Route 54 in Trinity. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity contact Jane L. Riggs, janelinnriggs26@gmail.com, with a short email about your qualifications and your contact details.

St. Mark By The Sea, Palm Coast 10-member volunteer team makes annual mission trip to Give Kids the World, Kissimmee

Is this a ministry your church might like? A mission trip in our own backyard! Give Kids The World Village is set on 89 acres in Kissimmee complete with family villas, cafes, amusement rides, ice cream parlor, kids spa, adult oasis, parties every evening, a castle, and access to all the theme parks in the area….a place where terminally or critically ill children and their families can spend a week, all expenses paid. Staffed by hundreds of volunteers who serve food, operate amusements, dish out ice cream, work in the spa, and deliver pizza, to name a few services. Give Kids the World has served over 190,000 children and their families since opening in 1989.

The St. Mark team rents a house in Kissimmee for a Monday-Friday each February and volunteers to serve on eight four-hour shifts over that period. We can tell you there has never been a time when our hearts were not touched and our lives blessed. Want more info? Check out www.gktw.org or contact Sherri.dhunter@gmail.com.

Take the CRLC Survey Today!

At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, the body directed the Churchwide Council to form the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC). The CRLC was charged with reconsidering the statements of purpose for each of the three expressions of the ELCA (churchwide, synod and congregation) and the principles of its organizational structure, being particularly attentive to our shared commitment to dismantle racism. The CRLC is to bring recommendations to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. As part of this work, the CRLC is seeking input from across the church via an online survey. It is important that we hear from a wide range of people, especially laypersons. Please go to www.elca.org/CRLC and you will find the survey there. The deadline is March 15. If you have read this to this point, why don’t you click on it right now and give the Commission your thoughts? What is the Spirit stirring in you? Thank you in advance for your participation. 

Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas

We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), consistent with our church's social teachings, stand in full solidarity with people of faith who respond to God's call to serve their neighbor. As members of the conference, we are elected to lead one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.

We are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general's office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House has been singled out by the attorney general's office over potential legal violations for the social services it provides to immigrants in Texas. We recognize Annunciation House's exemplary way of faith—by way of humanitarian works in close partnership with the federal government and other nonprofits in the region—that ensures migrants are treated with dignity and respect. Read more...

ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza

ITASCA, Ill. (March 3, 2024) – The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice. 

As members of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, we are elected to lead one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. We are compelled to advocate, pray and act by the social teachings of our denomination and by our belief—rooted in Scripture—that all people are made in the image of God. 

We mourn the loss of 1,200 precious lives in Israel on Oct. 7 by the actions of Hamas and the trauma for those 250 others who were taken hostage. We mourn the loss of over 30,000 precious lives in Gaza—including tens of thousands of women and children—who have died in Israel’s military action since then and the trauma that ripples outward from this loss. ​​We grieve the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel since Oct. 7 as the circle of violence expands and makes casualties of yet more civilians.

Too many have suffered. Too many lives have been lost. Strong U.S. leadership is needed to help bring a comprehensive permanent cease-fire and lasting peace. Our country’s leadership is needed to support human rights and the Geneva Conventions, to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and to provide greater access for humanitarian relief in Gaza, as well as to advocate for the immediate and safe return of the hostages and release of political prisoners, for affirmation of both Israel and Palestine’s right to exist, and for a path forward that disrupts cycles of violence. Mindful of the rise in hate targeted at people across complex intersections of race, ethnicity and religion—worldwide and nationally—we exhort our legislators, leaders and neighbors to oppose hate in all its forms, and we recommit ourselves to partnership in that same work. 

Jesus taught: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). We affirm that all our neighbors, near and far, are children of God and made in God’s image, and we are praying for President Biden, our legislators and all decision-makers. May God give us and our leaders everything necessary to meet the needs of this critical moment, particularly peacemaking.

• March 14: Understanding How Loneliness Influences Health and What Nurses Can Do to Help Lonely People - Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association

• April 5-7: Signs Along the Way Discernment Weekend, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary 

• April 19-20: Refresh and Renew, Synod Parish Deacon Retreat

• April 19-21: God Spa - Luther Springs

• May 31 - June 2: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Orlando Lake Buena Vista South

• June 18-29: Joint Synod Pilgrimage to Greece

• September 16-18: Conference on Ministry, Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.

• September 21: School of Lay Ministry Annual Retreat and Graduation Worship, Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville

• October 4-7: Marty's Autumn Motorcycle Retreat at Lutheridge Camp & Conference Center