Jan. 22, 2019
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
from the web site of the World Council of Churches

At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17:21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services. The event that touches off this special experience is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Traditionally the week of prayer is celebrated between 18-25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul. In the southern hemisphere, where January is a vacation time, churches often find other days to celebrate it, for example around Pentecost, which is also a symbolic date for unity.

The theme for the week of prayer in 2019, "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue ..." is inspired by Deuteronomy 16:18-20. The resources for the week have been prepared by members of different churches in Indonesia.
Climate Impact and Environmental Inequity: Towards Justice for All
Feb. 1 & 2, 2019
Parramore, FL
Florida Interfaith Climate Actions Network (FL-iCAN!) active participants in Florida’s democracy invites you to the: 
 
Fifth Annual Assembly
Callahan Neighborhood Center
101 N. Parramore, FL 32801 
 
Friday February 1, 2019, 10 AM – 8 PM (registration/networking at 9:30 AM) Saturday, February 2, 2019, 10 AM – 4 PM (registration/networking at 9:30 AM) 

Host & Convenor: Florida Council of Churches 

https://floridachurches.org  to see agenda and Register to attend.

Click here for more information.

Questions? Contact kleitsch@verizon.net or 727-550-9660  
ELCA World Hunger Resources for Lent
This Lent, we invite you to focus your congregation’s Lenten activities by joining us during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. Together, we’ll experience how the grace of Christ moves us to engage in transformative works of love around the world through ELCA World Hunger as God calls us into the ministry of hope, liberation and restoration. 

Reconciling in Christ Sunday is January 27th
from ReconcilingWorks
 
ReconcilingWorks is excited to announce that the 2019 Reconciling in Christ Sunday Worship resource is brought to you, in partnership with The Naming Project!
The Naming Project is a summer camp for 14-18 year-olds, or those who have completed 8th-12th grades who are of any sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, who are interested in discussing and understanding sexuality and gender in terms of their own spiritual journey. It is by the hearts and minds of these campers, as well as The Naming Project staff, that we are able to provide your RIC Community with a worship service to the voice of these LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults. We'd love to share in these celebrations as well, so take photos or videos and tag ReconcilingWorks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or send them to: AshleiB@ReconcilingWorks.org.


>>> learn more <<<
Mark your Calendar
Click on the calendar to go to the synod calendar to learn more about these events
Jan. 23-24 -  ELCA Coaching Training, St. Philip, Mt. Dora
Jan. 24 -  Ordination of Sarah Locke, St. Mark’s, Jacksonville (6:00 p.m.)*
Jan. 25-28 - ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, Jacksonville
Jan. 27 - Installation of Pr. Maryanne Kehlenbach, Living Faith, Tradition (10 am)*
Jan. 28-30 - Transition Training, Luther Springs
Jan. 30 - Ordination of Pam O'Donnell, Christus Victor, Naples (6:30 pm)*
Feb. 1-2 - Synod Council meeting, Tampa
Feb. 12-14 - Dean's Retreat, Luther Springs
Feb. 15 - Community Conversation, St. Armand's Key, Sarasota (6 pm)
Feb. 17 - Flute Ensemble, Prince of Peace, Largo (3:00)
Feb. 19-22 - Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando
Feb. 19-22 - Academy of Parish Clergy Conference, Oviedo
Feb. 22-23 - Candidacy Committee Meeting, Tampa

*rostered ministers invited to vest and process (color is red for ordination, color of the day for installation)
For Your Information
Submit Reports

Rostered Minister Reports and congregational Parochial Reports provide the synod office with valuable information that helps us support, respond to, and prioritize ministry effectively. Mission Support Forms are another important way to help synod staff prioritize and respond to ministry needs well.

Please submit reports and forms so that we can best support your ministries and contexts.

Community Conversation-St. Armand's Key, Sarasota
On February 15th at 6 pm St Armand's Key Lutheran Church, Sarasota, will be hosting “Living Faithfully in these Times.” Please join us for a conversation over the changing face of America. How do we (or can we) engage as communities of faith, providing safe spaces for dialogue, in today’s polar and emotionally charged environment. This event is free and open to the public (all of our communities of faith). Our conversation leaders/presenters will be Pr. Stephen Bouman, Bp. Pedro Suarez, and Pr. Khader El-Yateem. 
Bishop's Calendar
  • Synod Office
  • Jacksonville (ordination of Sarah Locke, Youth Ministry Extravaganza)
  • Luther Springs (Transition Ministry Training)
  • Tampa (Council meeting)
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