July 30, 2019
diakonia: Discipleship Program

There are several opportunities for adults to get involved in the diakonia program around the synod. diakonia is a great way for adults to deepen their faith formation, strengthen their capacity for mission and ministry, and expand their involvement and investment in their congregation and community. Learn more about diakonia at: https://fbsynod.com/resources/diakonia/
Pray for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly
from the June 21 edition of Worship News

When the ELCA Churchwide Assembly convenes on Aug. 5, its voting members meet with confidence in God’s grace around word and water, wine and bread, to carry on their work on behalf of the entire church. This year will also include the election of a new secretary and a presiding bishop. As members of the ELCA, we encourage you to enter into a time of prayer for all who are involved and for the entire church.
The resource is available as a PDF.
Prayer for the Mission of the Church (ELW p. 75)
Draw your church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our teacher Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving in Christ's mission to the world, and together witnessing to your love wherever you will send us; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Adventures of Flat Jesus
submitted by Angie Pryor, Hope Lutheran, St. Pete

“Flat Jesus” was created from the basis of a children’s book called Flat Stanley, (written by Jeff Brown). In the book, a boy named Stanley becomes flattened and can be mailed to different places, having all kinds of exciting adventures.
Although we can’t take credit for the idea, “Flat Jesus” is a way for us to keep our church family connected during the summer. We made “Flat Jesus” available on card stock for our youth and adult members alike. They colored and decorated him. They were encouraged to take him with them as they traveled this summer. We invited them to take and share pictures of him doing lots of different things like going out to dinner, having fun at the beach, hanging out with friends or whatever they were doing! This helps us all to remember that Jesus is always with us, wherever we go! We have received several photos of “Flat Jesus” already and are displaying them in the church lobby as well as on our church Facebook page!  
If you have a story to share about how your congregation is connecting with God, connecting with each other, or connecting with your community, send it to michellec@fbsynod.org. Stories should be no more than 300 words, and include at least 1 picture.
Mark your Calendar
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For Your Information
Team Talk Can Strengthen Volunteer Ministry
The following article is from the July, 2019 Parish Paper . The Parish Paper is available for congregations to print and distribute (with credit given). The Parish Paper can be used for personal reading and reflection, as opening discussion starters for council or committee meetings, for leadership team training, and for personal devotion.

Team talk can build a strong ministry team. Of course, some may not think of conversation as an important task, viewing it as getting in the way of work and slowing it down. On the contrary, conversation plays an important role in the life of a team, builds group durability, and sustains effort. Talking about the work helps to reinforce the reasons for doing what we are doing. 

























Save the Date: Conference on Ministry

Rostered Ministers are invited to this fall's Conference on Ministry, an annual gathering and chance to connect, be refreshed, and be nourished by fellowship, learning and worship. This year's COM will include more workshops and space for collaboration and connection around contextual realities. More information coming soon. Registration opens Aug. 1st.

Dates: Oct. 14-16 (New to Synod and Conference Deans arrive Oct. 13)
Location: Life Enrichment Center, Leesburg
Bishop's Calendar
  • Tampa
  • Milwaukee (Churchwide Assembly)
  • Vacation
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