E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | July 11, 2023 | |
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Transition Ministry Training Online Webinar
July 24-28, 2023
There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, or has just received a newly called pastor, or is seeking new direction into God's future, it is a time of transition from something that was to something that is yet to be. The Transition Training Event will help attendees to focus on what it is that properly motivates ministry so that the "yet to be" is fully in the hands of God, and God's people are themselves renewed and ready for that ministry.
Training is scheduled for July 24-28, 2023, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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Members Wanted for New Task Force
The 2023 Synod Assembly adopted a resolution to put into place a task force that addresses gun violence. If you are interested in serving on this task force, please send a short email to Ileanas@fbsynod.org stating your name, your home congregation, and a short description of how you feel your gifts would contribute to this endeavor.
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Installations & Ordinations
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Eric Locke will be ordained and installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pensacola on July 29 at 10 a.m.
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Alisha Ungs will be ordained and installed at Advent Lutheran Church in Melbourne on August 6 at 3 p.m.
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Kerri True will be ordained and installed as associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bradenton on August 12 at 11 a.m.
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Your Participation Requested
At the 2023 Synod Assembly, voting members were encouraged to meet the Synod Council - have conversation, share thoughts AND take a quick survey about what synod assemblies might look like in the future.
It was fun and lots of good feedback was received. Now, it's your turn. Click on the link here and tell us your preferences.
Thanks for your input! We'll share results as soon as we can!
Your Synod Council
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Weekly Prayer Focus
You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised. You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Grant that we may believe in you, call upon you, know you, and serve you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
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Vision to Action News and Notes
Vision to Action (V2A), the new Florida-Bahamas Synod Grant Program, is in the midst of the 2023 season. You are encouraged to be part of the excitement! After being launched at the Synod Assembly, there have been two learning sessions where a variety of topics and questions were addressed. Now is the time for your dream team to start convening, learning, praying, and developing ideas.
A few tips as you move forward:
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consult the www.v2agrants.org website regularly where you'll learn about eligibility, timeline, developing a project idea, how to apply, and more.
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utilize the email form found on each page of the website, to submit your questions or concerns...no question is too small, and you will receive a response!
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as you think of project ideas, don't hesitate to email them to V2A, simply for feedback--the grant team is here to advise, suggest, and assist.
The website can be accessed on the Resources tab of the Florida-Bahamas Synod website, or by typing www.v2agrants.org into your browser.
Vision to Action: giving life to innovative ideas.
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Finding Home
It was an evening of celebration and reflecting upon, by the grace of God, how far they have come. Over the July 4 weekend, a dinner was hosted by the Minnesota-based Center for Victims of Torture for 80 Nicaraguans relocated to Miami, having been exiled from their own country for speaking out against their repressive government. Revs. Dale Young and Katie Carroll of Miami participated in the dinner. Lutheran congregations in the Miami Conference have worked in ecumenical partnership with UCC congregations to resettle the Carlos Valle family who are among the refugees. Since the Valles' arrival in April, Christ the King, St. Thomas-by-the-Bay and St. Timothy have provided food, clothing, household goods, financial support, and resettlement assistance. The Valles now have an apartment, have begun to find employment, and can call Miami, home. Words scarcely capture the gratitude they feel toward the faith communities that have welcomed them.
At the dinner, Rev. Young gave the group vital information about gaining access to healthcare and ways to work legally as some in the group await immigration hearings. The Center for Victims of Torture will continue to assist the group, yet the ongoing relationship building and support of local churches is of critical importance. Deuteronomy 10:19 reminds us, You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. We are called to this important ministry of hospitality and welcome.
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In Search of Just Love Team Members | |
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We are looking for Just Love Team Members. If you are are interested or know someone else who is, please share this job description and then email us so we know you are interested at justloveflorida@gmail.com.
Just Love Team Member Responsibilities & Invitation
Team Responsibilities
- Participate in Just Love Monthly Gatherings (first Thursday of the month at 6 pm on Zoom)
- Help plan and lead events & projects (examples include Conference on Ministry workshop, facilitate an ambassador training, Synod assembly, develop devotions or liturgy, help plan/host a special event, develop or curate liturgies for feasts outside of the Anglo tradition -- e.g. Juneteenth, posadas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, etc.)
Personal Responsibilities
- Continue to grow in your own Just Love practices
- Attend at least two Just Love Ambassador workshops or one retreat annually
- At least twice a year read, listen, and/or participate with materials on the Just Love website or a similar resource
Additionally, we dream of one day having several Just Love Ambassadors in every corner of the synod who lead conversations and learning opportunities, work with pastors and leadership teams, and help develop Just Love resources and facilitate Just Love events. If you are interested in serving in that capacity, sign up here.
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Photos of the Week: Faith Lutheran Sarasota | |
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This summer – June 11 through July 28 – Faith Lutheran Sarasota is home for energetic young volunteers from throughout the nation. Each week, a new group arrives to help repair Hurricane Ian damage and assist organizations that help people recover from the storm’s wrath. They sleep at Faith and also help in the Faith Food Pantry.
The youth volunteers and their leaders come from Nebraska, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri and Florida.
A fabulous team of Faith volunteers prepares breakfast and the evening meal for the young workers each day, and Pastor Eric Olsen leads worship for the workers and Faith members at 7 p.m. each Thursday by the main pavilion at Siesta Key Beach.
With Luther Springs, the people of Faith consider it a privilege to host the groups as part of the congregation’s service to God and to neighbors in need.
Check the Faith Facebook page to see more photos of the volunteers in action!
To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.
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Lord of the Seas in Need of Pulpit Supply
Are you up for an adventure? Lord of the Seas in Big Pine Key is in need of pulpit supply. You will cover your own travel expenses, but they will compensate at pulpit supply rate of $175 and provide Saturday overnight accommodations. If you are interested, please contact Deacon Connie Schmucker at connies@fbsynod.org.
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Epiphany Lutheran Church-Oviedo Celebrates Pastor's 35th Ordination Anniversary
On July 2, Epiphany Lutheran Church-Oviedo celebrated the 35th year of Pastor Janice’s ordination, and 5 years as pastor at Epiphany. A July 4th pot-luck luncheon was planned and held along with gifts of cash and gift cards that were assembled in a gift basket which was presented to Pastor Janice at the end of worship. Read more...
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Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lakeland Job postings: Choir Director and Organist
Part-Time CHOIR DIRECTOR
The Choir Director participates in the music ministry of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lakeland Florida, by preparing, rehearsing, and directing liturgically appropriate music for worship services and other events. Read full job description.
Part-Time ORGANIST
The Organist participates in the music ministry of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lakeland Florida, by preparing, performing, and accompanying liturgically appropriate music for worship services and other events, using a 2-manual pipe organ, piano, and other instruments as needed. Read full job description.
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Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples Seeks Minister of Music
Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples seeks a compassionate leader to guide our congregation’s music as we grow our ministry within and beyond the doors of our church building. CVLC is an ELCA congregation known for its welcome in worship. Our campus is on Route 41, about a mile south of Bonita Beach Road. Read full job description.
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WATCH: Together We Are Called
In this year's Synod Assembly video, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton teaches us the ways that we are called together to bear God's creative and redeeming word to all the world. Watch now.
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September 23: - diakonia graduation/retreat and conversation with the Bishop, Hope Lutheran Church, the Villages - Retreat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Graduation & Worship 5 p.m.
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October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, Fruitland Park
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November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
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