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The Meaning of Advent
Concordia Publishing House produced a brief video about the season of Advent. How can you use this video?
- embed the video on your church web site for visitors and others
- send the video to families in your congregation to discuss with their children
- show the video at the beginning of an adult forum and discuss individual's understanding/appreciation of Advent
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Advent Devotions: week 2
Key verse: I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:3-5)
Advent is a season that invites a return to prayer, but prayer does not have to be formal or restricted. Prayers can be elegant and poetic, to be sure, but simple and even raw, demanding prayers are heard by God as well. In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul tells the people he prays for them every time he remembers them. Your prayers can be as immediate and as simple. How many times during the day does a thought or memory of someone you know and love pass through your mind? Prayer does not need a perfect location or flowery speech.
Your prayer could be as simple as recalling the beloved Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" (ELW 257). How wonderful to mark the season by praying these words:
O come, o come Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Questions to ponder:
- What are some obstacles to your prayer life?
- What moves you to pray?
Prayer:
Open my mouth, O Lord, and may my lips declare your praise. May your Holy Spirit lead me to pray constantly, giving thanks, seeking guidance, and pleading for help and grace for all who are in need. Amen.
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Fire at Faith, Tampa
Fire damaged the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church, Tampa on Saturday, Dec. 8. Preliminary investigation suggests an electrical fire inside a walk. Thankfully no one was injured.
The synod staff are walking closely with Pr. Russell Meyer and the leadership at Faith. To make a donation to support the costs involved with repairs and restoration, go to the synod web site (
www.fbsynod.com) and click on 'give now'. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, and enter your donation in the ‘other’ box, identifying “Faith, Tampa Fire” in the note. Or send a donation to the synod office: 3838 W. Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607 with “Faith, Tampa Fire” in the note.
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ELCA Coach Launch
January 23-24, 2019
Training for ELCA Coaching
Sponsors: Florida-Bahamas Synod Coaching Ministry ELCA and ELCA Churchwide Coaching Ministry
St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1050 Boyd Dr., Mt. Dora, FL. 32757. Phone: 352-383-5402
Why attend ELCA Coach Launch?
…. help people in your congregation discover what God wants them to do and start getting it done!
…..help leaders get done what God wants them to do without doing it for them
…..help others maximize their effectiveness and potential
……stop the endless cycle of trying to get people to do things that you want to get done but they don’t want to do……and start helping people do what God wants them to do and multiply ministry!
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Parish Paper
access the Parish Paper on the synod web site
HERE
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The Parish Paper can be distributed within a congregation when proper permission is included. Use it in adult forums for discussion, council/committee meetings as devotions/starters, or for personal reflection.
From the January Parish Paper: Defining Church Vitality
Healthy, effective churches accurately answer the classic theological question, “What is the mission of the Church and how do we accomplish it?” They build on the biblical macro mission, apply it contextually with micro mission activities, and exhibit multiple method mission strengths. On which of the above lists does your church need to focus more energy?
From the February Parish Paper: What is Contemporary Worship
Worship is changing and will continue to change in response to the world around us. Is “contemporary worship” the best label to designate what’s happening with worship today? Independent churches that were the early adopters in the 1980s simply called what they did “worship,” while a number of worship consultants working today prefer terms like multisensory or multimedia worship. Clearly, no simple division exists between “contemporary” and “traditional” worship, which are each fed by many sources and streams.11 Whatever it’s called, church leaders must continue to grapple with new ways of engaging in this ancient practice called worship.
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Click on the calendar to go to the synod calendar to learn more about these events
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Dec. 16 -
Florida Pro Musica concert, Trinity, St. Petersburg
Dec. 16 -
Service of Lessons and Carols, Grace, Carrollwood
Dec. 16 -
Installation of Pr. Dennis Koch, Good Shepherd, Hernando (4:00 pm)**
Dec. 24-Jan. 1 - SYNOD OFFICE CLOSED
Jan. 3 -
Christmas Carol Fest, Peace, Ft. Myers (2:00 pm)
Jan. 6 -
Installation of Pr. Rick Bliese, Emmanuel, Naples (11:00 am)
Jan. 19 -
Longest Night Service, Hope, St. Petersburg (7:00 pm)
Jan. 18-20
Confirmation Retreat (Luther Springs)
Jan. 20 -
Ordination of David Thoresen, Atonement in Sebring (3:00 p.m.)*
Jan. 20 -
Paul Jacobs, concert organist, Prince of Peace, Largo (3:00 pm)
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
*rostered ministers invited to vest and process (color is red)
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Non-Summer Camp Opportunities for All Ages
Youth Programs
1) EQUIP HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
FEB 15-17, 2019
Energize! Question! Understand! Intercede! Proclaim! This event is for students who are ready for more than the average youth event. They will explore theological issues, discern their gifts for leadership and be challenged! Adult leaders and/or parent chaperones are welcome to join us and stay in Kuehner Center motel style rooms. Counselors and event staff will lead camp activities and cabin time.
2) FAITH JOURNEY CONFIRMATION RETREATS
January 18-20, 2019 Prayer
Youth: $169; Adult: $95. Receive a $30 discount for YOUTH by registering at least a month before the retreat!
Bring your confirmation class to Luther Springs and let us do the teaching. Whether you bring youth to an occasional retreat to enhance what they are already learning or you want to send youth to each of our retreats to cover all of their confirmation learning time, come join us on the journey! Luther Springs' counselors will guide campers through the weekend including Bible study, worship, campfires, games, canoeing, archery, swimming, hiking and more!
Adults & Family
1) GRANDS WEEKEND
March 8-10, 2019
Adults: $105; Youth: $70
GRANDPARENTS & GRANDKIDS, join us for a GRAND WEEKEND enjoying spiritual growth and fun. Each day includes regular camp activities, cookie baking, worship, Bible study, exploring creativity, sharing stories, growing together in Christ and family free time. Children may stay with grandparent(s) in motel-style rooms or in a cabin with a Luther Springs counselor.
2) QUILTING RETREAT
March 4-8, 2019 (Monday-Friday)
Spend a week with other quilters in a relaxed atmosphere. Teachers will assist with projects, as well as answer questions regarding different techniques. Quilters may work on provided projects for gift ideas to benefit non-profits, as well as their own projects. There will be a day trip to a local quilt shop and the opportunity to share some of your own creations!
$370 *Call registration (828) 209-6302 for discounted rates on cabin and campsite lodging!*
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2019 Resources from 1517 Media
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Bread for the Day 2019: Daily Bible Readings and Prayers
Offering Bible Readings and prayers for each day, this devotional is perfect for individuals, congregations, households, or small groups.
Read more
www.augsburgfortress.org
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Lasting Hope: Devotions for Lent 2019
This beautiful, full-color Lenten devotional explores the Psalms texts for Lent in year C of the Revised Common Lectionary with 40 entries, one for each da...
Read more
www.augsburgfortress.org
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Mission
Each T.B.D. lesson invites youth (Grades 9-11) to use their experiences, Christian tradition, and the Bible to unpack a theological idea and test that idea out in the world. Students jot down thoughts, share questions, and walk through a group...
Read more
www.wearesparkhouse.org
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- Synod Office
- Pompano Beach
- Trinity, New Smyrna Beach
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