E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | August 29, 2023

Pumpkin Lattes and Hurricanes

Welcome to fall in Florida. By now you should know a hurricane is coming our way and we are faced with the potential for significant flooding, particularly from Tampa Bay up through the Pinelands Conference (Gainesville area). Alongside this, there is an increased risk of tornadoes, which require our immediate attention and action.

Steps to Safeguard Our Sacred Spaces:

1. Recognize the Danger Zones: If your church or facility is in a flood-prone area, please be proactive.
2. Use Sandbags: Surround entrances and AC units with sandbags to prevent water intrusion.
3. Elevate and Secure: Shift all essential items off the floor, especially electronic devices such as computers.
4. Safeguard Electronics: Ensure that all electronic devices are turned off, unplugged, and covered in plastic. Common garbage bags are efficient barriers against potential water damage.
5. Document Everything: This is an essential step. Please take photos and videos of your building's interior and exterior. This documentation will serve as a crucial reference in the aftermath of the storm.
6. Energy Conservation: Before evacuating or leaving the premises, turn off the AC. This is both an energy-saving and safety measure.

Your Safety Is Paramount

No matter the situation, your well-being and that of your congregation are of utmost importance. Always prioritize personal safety. Heed the advice of local officials and experts. If evacuation orders are issued for your area, please comply. They are given with your best interest at heart.



After the storm, when it's safe to do so, we encourage church leaders to inform the dean about the status of their congregation and any assistance required.

Our prayers and thoughts are with each one of you. We believe in the strength of our community, and together, we will weather this storm, emerging stronger and more united. Stay safe and may God be with you all.

Dear Siblings in Christ,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today, reflecting on the recent tragedy in Jacksonville, Florida. The senseless act of violence that transpired, rooted deeply in racism, is a stark reminder that the 60^th anniversary of the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains unfinished.

Jesus reminded us in the Gospel of John, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" John 13:34. It is this commandment that stands as a testament against any form of hatred or bigotry. Dr. King once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” In times like these, it's easy to succumb to anger and despair. Yet, we must remember that our mission, deeply embedded in our faith, is to be that light and love amidst the darkness.

The blatant racism that fueled the Jacksonville shooting should be condemned by every corner of our society. Racism, in all its forms, contradicts the teachings of our faith and the dream of a united nation. We are all children of God, deserving of respect, dignity, and love. Let no prejudice cloud this divine truth.

As we mourn the loss of innocent lives, I call upon each of you to reflect, pray, and act. Dive deeply into the teachings of Jesus, who championed love, understanding, and compassion for all. Engage in difficult conversations, foster a culture of listening, and promote understanding and unity within your communities. We are stronger when we stand together, echoing the divine command to love one another unconditionally.

In the face of adversity, let us remember that blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9) We are called to be these peacemakers, champions of love in a world that often seems overwhelmed by darkness. As we move forward, let's not only condemn the hatred that led to such a tragedy but also actively work towards creating a society where love, acceptance, and unity prevail.



May God guide us on this journey and grant us the strength and wisdom to bring about the change our world so desperately needs.

With prayers and blessings,

Bishop Pedro Suarez

Vision to Action Update

The Vision to Action 2023 Grant Season has moved to the next step in the overall process. Congregations and ministry partners submitted their Project Ideas by August 15. All project ideas were read carefully and given feedback. Though not every submission fit V2A parameters, all ideas revealed that the Florida-Bahamas Synod is anticipating a future filled with hope.  Those invited to proceed to the application phase are now preparing their narrative responses, timelines and budgets.  

A few tips for applicants: 

--you may submit your application at www.v2agrants.org anytime until September 30. Note that this is a hard deadline, and no applications will be received after this date

--V2A anticipates the requests for funding will be in excess of the $600K total allotment for 2023. The Grant Team will be evaluating and making decisions based on a project's level of innovation; its adherence to V2A goals; and its potential for forming new faith communities and growing the church

--as stated in bold on the website's Eligibility/Timeline Page, all applicants need to have made a commitment to Synod Mission Support and be fulfilling it and have completed their annual Trend Reports. The Grant Team is gathering this information on every congregation that applies.

Questions can be directed through the V2A website. For those looking ahead to 2024, be sure and view the 2024 goals which are listed on the FAQ page. May the Lutheran witness flourish and grow in the synod!

Attention Congregation Treasurers

In the first of a series of traveling meetings, we invite Congregation Treasurers to gather on Sunday, October 15, from 1:00-4:00 PM, at the Warren Willis Conference Center in Fruitland Park.

This will be an opportunity to learn, share, and discuss how the duties of congregation treasurer impacts their roles and the church. Some of the topics to be discussed will be:

• The burden of debt and mortgages
• The high cost of maintenance: electricity, HVAC, irrigation
• Insurance
• First Fruits Giving (What is it and how does it affect the budget/spending plan?)
• Best Practices (Learn to protect yourself from potential financial misconduct.)
• Threats to tax exemption status

There is no charge for this event. Please click here to register. Deadline is September 22.

Registration Now Open for Conference on Ministry

Don't miss the COM Special Activities!

Calling all rostered ministers of the Florida-Bahamas Synod! Join us at the 2023 Conference on Ministry, where we are thrilled to welcome an exceptional speaker: the Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger. As the founder of AE Sloan Leadership and the Senior Fellow and Congregational Strategist at Fuller Seminary's De Pree Center for Leadership, Dr. Bolsinger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

Renowned for his expertise in leading change, Dr. Bolsinger has taught doctoral students on this very topic. His insights have been captured in his award-winning and best-selling leadership books, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory and Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change.

At our conference, Dr. Bolsinger will guide us in exploring a different form of leadership required when venturing "off the map" into a disrupted world. As old best practices no longer suffice, we must equip ourselves with the tools and mindset to navigate uncharted territory.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from a distinguished leader in ministry. Together, let's embrace the challenges of a changing world and discover new paths to effective leadership.

Elevate your conference experience beyond the sessions and workshops – sign up now for the Golf Outing and Luther Springs field trip, where you'll strike the perfect balance between professional growth and personal rejuvenation!

Installations & Ordinations

Macy Kennedy will be ordained as a Minister of Word & Service at Messiah, Cape Coral on September 24 at 3 p.m. Bishop Suarez will preside.

Rev. William Kittinger will be installed as Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice on October 1 at 3 p.m.

2024 update on health rates and plan changes

If you have ELCA-Primary health benefits:

• Your 2024 baseline rate will increase 2.5%, which is lower than the 3% rate increase last year, making it the lowest in ten years. In addition to the baseline increase, contribution rates may also increase approximately 2-3% annually as you age and adjust when your health coverage level changes (that is, if you choose to enroll your spouse and/or children).
• If you have the ELCA-Primary Gold+ option, your deductibles will increase to $1,700 for member only, $2,550 for member and children, and $3,400 for member and spouse or member, spouse, and children. Coinsurance, out-of-pocket limits, and prescription drug cost-share will not change

If you have ELCA Medicare-Primary health benefits

• Your rate will increase or decrease due to our negotiated group rate and claims experience with Humana, depending on which option you select. The following are the 2024 monthly contribution rates for ELCA Medicare-Primary benefits, including dental benefits and the group Medicare Advantage PPO plan with prescription drug coverage:

Premium option $326 (up $16/month from 2023 rates)

Standard option $280 (up $8/month from 2023 rates)

Economy option $140 (down $27/month from 2023 rates)

• Your 2024 rates continue to be lower than three years ago before we moved to Humana Part D prescription drug coverage.

With 2024 Annual Enrollment beginning soon, a few reminders:

• You will receive more information about 2024 Annual Enrollment and your specific benefits in the next few months. Watch your inbox!
• The ELCA recommends two ELCA-Primary health benefit options: (1) Gold+ or (2) Silver+ with a monthly employer contribution to the member's health savings account (HSA). If your employer offers Silver+, you’ll have the choice to stay with Silver+ or choose the Gold+ option.
• You will receive more information about 2024 Annual Enrollment and your specific benefits in the next few months.
• Sponsoring employers can estimate their 2024 costs using their Custom Comparison Report on EmployerLink to arrive around August 22^nd.

2024 Annual Enrollment

• Retirees select Oct. 2 – 11
• Congregations/Organizations select Oct. 2 – 13
• Plan members select in waves starting October 19

ELCA Foundation Newsletter

When you’re leaving your financial legacy, a well-documented estate plan is key to setting up yourself and your loved ones for success. If you haven’t taken time this year to review that plan and any important documents you’ve kept on file, do so now. This issue of “Insights” features resources and information to help you cover all your bases. As always, I’m here to help you at any stage of the estate planning process. Feel free to contact me at any time; it is my ministry to be of service!

The Rev. Ana L. Lugo

ana.lugo@elca.org

(904) 219-2769

King of Kings, Port Richey Office Manager Position Available

King of Kings Lutheran Church in Port Richey, FL, is in need of a part-time office manager now. The Office Manager may work up 20 hrs. per week on a flexible schedule. The Office Manager is responsible for the following:

• Interacting with Church members, with utmost discretion, in coordination with the Pastor
• Updating Church Membership lists
• Assisting in the coordination for building maintenance with Church Council and maintenance staff
• Preparing the weekly church insert, and maintain birthday and anniversary list in the King of Kings, Pastor, and Larry "Drop Box"
• Coordinating Ushers and Readers for the Sunday Service
• Answer the phone and respond to calls or letters
• Order custodial, memorial garden plaques and worship supplies
• Maintaining the offering and new envelops for members
• Emailing completed PDF's of the bulletin and insert to congregational email list each week.
• Volunteer Coordination

Requires computer skills on Outlook, Excel, Publisher, Word and PowerPoint 

Please respond by email to: king2s@live.com

Grace, Lakeland open positions

Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) is a caring, welcoming, and dynamic congregation with a mission to share God’s love with each other, our community, and the world.

Part-Time CHOIR DIRECTOR

We are seeking a part-time Choir Director to participate in our music ministry.

The Choir Director plans and prepares anthems appropriate to the liturgical season, oversees choral interns, and coordinates small groups, such as the handbell choir, and solos for summer worship.

Ideally, we seek an innovative person with a bachelor’s degree and choral leadership experience with the ability to recruit, motivate musicians, and play parts for rehearsals. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and supply a link to a video performance demonstrating your choral conducting skills to: ChurchGraceLakeland@gmail.com by September 30th.

Part-Time ORGANIST

We are seeking a part-time organist to participate in our music ministry.

In collaboration with the pastor, the organist prepares and accompanies music for worship services including special services such as Christmas and Holy Week. The organist also accompanies the choir, worship band, guest instrumentalists and/or vocalists.

Ideally, we seek an innovative person with a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in playing a 2 manual pipe organ with foot pedals. Familiarity with the liturgy and the liturgical year is a plus. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and supply a link to a video performance demonstrating your organ and piano skills to: ChurchGraceLakeland@gmail.com by September 30th.

Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Myers Seeks Music Director

The Director of Music works with pastoral staff, volunteer musicians, and ensembles to develop high quality music for worship at Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church (GTLC). The Director of Music must possess interpersonal skills that facilitate rehearsals and worship for each of the music programs in association with staff and other music facilitators and volunteers. Read full description here.

Part-time Communications Position Open at Prince of Peace, Largo

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Largo, FL is seeking a part-time communications specialist who will assemble bulletins week, newsletters monthly and design other documents with contemporary imagery on an as needed basis for a variety of ministries. The position would require 8 to 12 hours per week—more hours during busier seasons of the Church Year. Working onsite is not necessary. Compensation negotiable. Please send resumes to employment@poplargo.org.  

Future Church: God's Love Made Real

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion!

Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit our website at https://lovemadereal.elca.org/

Worship Resources for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday

If you are still planning for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday (Sept. 10), resources are available. Newly crafted liturgical texts and considerations for preaching help make connections between the lectionary texts and the theme "God's work. Our hands." Click here for more.

• September 10: "God's work. Our hands." Sunday: 10th Anniversary!

• September 11, 18, 25: This is How We Die series, Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association

• September 18-27: ALOA 10-Day Tour of Greece: Walk in the footsteps of Paul 

• September 23: - diakonia graduation/retreat and conversation with the Bishop, Hope Lutheran Church, the Villages - Retreat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Graduation & Worship 4 p.m.

• September 28 – October 1: Making Disciples Retreat - Luther Springs

• October 13-15: Young Adult Retreat - Luther Springs

• October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, Fruitland Park

• November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering