July 21, 2020
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Bishop's Message for the 7 th Sunday after Pentecost
Grace and peace are yours from God our Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This year, 2020, besides going down in history for COVID-19, is also a year of presidential elections here in the United States. We see promotions for candidates all over the media. I know some of us are already getting tired of hearing commercials about it, and church is the last place we want to hear about partisan speeches.

Well, in today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus talking about his main message, the one he spoke from the beginning to the end. The Kingdom of God. Last I checked, a Kingdom is a form of government. The community that wrote the Gospel according to Matthew showed the political side of Jesus’ message. It presents an alternative understanding to the oppressive rulings of their times. Today, we hear the word  political , and what most people hear is partisan language. No, we know there is a separation of church and state, but politics and religion are different. It is part of our communities...



Calling all youth! Join Bishop Suárez and youth leaders from across our synod for a special Zoom gathering on July 26 th !

We’ll spend time connecting, talking about what’s happening in our world today, and worshipping together. Bishop Pedro Suárez will lead the special time of prayer and worship.

Our youth check-in will include special guest speakers, music, and an opportunity to break into smaller groups for deeper discussion.

This gathering is intended for middle and high school students. All attendees will need to register in advance.
COVID-19 Relief Fund
At the Office of the Bishop, we have been hearing stories of the great work congregations are doing in their communities! It is inspiring to learn of the continued work and presence our congregations are making where God has planted them. You are the face of Christ to many and we applaud you!

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we are aware that those in mercy ministries (food pantries, meal serving, clothing and shelter providers, laundry service, etc.) are not only remaining a positive presence – but are now serving many more people than they did before the pandemic!

How Can We Help You?

If your mercy ministry needs financial assistance (even if you have already requested a grant), please fill out a request by clicking here .

How Can You Help Us?

Please give to our United As One COVID-19 Relief Appeal to continue supporting mercy ministries in our synod!
What's New?
Diakonia Graduation & Fall Semester Postponed

For the safety of our diakonia students, the 2020 diakonia graduation originally scheduled for August 15 th, as well as the fall semester, have been postponed until after the first of the year 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Peggy Aiello, Chair of the Steering Committee, at peggyaiello@gmail.com. For more information on diakonia, please visit our synod website by clicking here.

We look forward to gathering together again when it is safe to do so!
Stewardship in Uncertain Times
Special Zoom with Mike Ward
Mike Ward will be hosting a special Zoom presentation for those interested in learning about maintaining strong stewardship in difficult times. This is a continuation of Mike's Stewardship for All Seasons conversation.

The meeting will be held today, July 21 st , at 3:30pm. Please use the button below to access the meeting.
Holden Villages, Lutheran Wilderness Retreat in Washington, Seeking Volunteers and Employees

Holden Villages in the state of Washington is seeking volunteers and employees to join their team. Holden serves as a remote, faith-centered retreat founded in the ELCA with easy access to the wilderness and a slower pace of life. It is majority volunteer run, with a few employee positions. All staff receive free food & housing. Long-term volunteers also receive a stipend and health care, and employees receive a salary and benefits. Holden has been closed the summer of 2020 in order to take precaution against the spread of COVID-19. Descriptions of the specific positions are below:

Medic - The Medic is a long-term volunteer position, full-time in the summer months and half-time in the winter months. Responsible for providing the basic medical care of the village staff and guests. 

Accountant Lead - The Accountant Lead is an employee position and works with the Business Manager to maintain accurate financial records, prepare the annual budget, and prepare for audits.

For more information, please visit their website by clicking here . Questions? Email  staffing@holdenvillage.org
News From Our Synod
Good Shepherd Lutheran Member Seeking Life-Saving Kidney Donation

A member of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Boca Raton is seeking a kidney donation as he fights for his life against Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Andrew Astarita was diagnosed with PKD 15 years ago. The disease has now progressed to stage 4, and a life-saving kidney donation is desperately needed.

Andrew is a husband and father to an eight-year-old daughter. He has lost several family members to PKD, including his mother.

For more information on helping Andrew, please visit his site by clicking here.

To learn more about making a living donation, visit the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) website www.kidney.org/livingdonation.  You can also contact the NKF’s free helpline at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273) or email at nkfcares@kidney.org   If you want to talk to someone who’s already donated a kidney, NKF can also help.
All Saints Lutheran Joins Partners for Ecumenical
Prayer Vigil

All Saints Lutheran in Tamarac joined Ascension Presbyterian Church in Lauderhill for an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Justice on June 7 th . The vigil was held in front of Ascension-Peace Presbyterian Church, with whom All Saints Lutheran has partnered before.

Rev Wyles Hughes and area Pastors (including Rev. Cathy Lauterhahn, Lutheran Pastor/Chaplain, and Rev. Reginald Hansome of All Saints Lutheran), along with Lay Leaders and residents, gathered for a vigil for racial justice. Both faith communities felt it was important to show solidarity with their racially-diverse neighbors in Broward County, and lift their prayers to God for peace, love, and reconciliation together.

The gathering had homilies and a keynote speaker from a commissioner of the city of Lauderhill. Afterwards, the attendees made a procession of cars en route to New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Hollywood, FL while displaying signs in their car windows. They concluded the vigil there in prayer.
Pastor's Article Wins First Prize in
South Florida Writer's Contest

A poignant article on our nation's current events has won a Florida-Bahamas Synod pastor first prize in the South Florida Writer’s Association June Writers Contest.

The Rev. Dale Alan Young won the top award for his article The Pandemic Has Opened the Curtain. His piece examined the role of COVID-19 in recent social justice protests and national politics.

Mark Your Calendars
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events on the Synod calendar
September 26  - Bishop's Visit, Lord of Life, Miami

October 10  - Bishop's Visit, Advent, Melbourne

*Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process at installation and ordination services. Red is worn for ordination, color of the day is worn for installations.
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