There will not be an E-Spirit sent on Dec. 24 or Jan. 31. The next E-Spirit will be sent on Jan. 7. Anything submitted for E-Spirit between Dec. 20-Jan. 7 will be included Jan. 14th and following.
|
|
Cultivating Presence This Advent
Introduction:
Though deemed the “most wonderful time of the year,” this season can be hectic and overwhelming with additional worship services, countless holiday gatherings, and a range of emotions to navigate. Portico and Deacon Tammy Devine have designed a resource to help you alleviate some stressors and focus on what matters — so you can open your hearts to the coming light of Christ Jesus.
Our “Gift of Presence” activity includes weekly devotions and simple daily prompts crafted to help you reframe your mindset and be more fully present for the joys of this season.
|
|
Week 3
There are times when I find it challenging to pray. Often, these are times when I am distracted, full of doubt or fear. Noticing my self-talk and reframing my mindset allow me to open the line of conversation with God who can transform, strengthen, refresh, and renew.
A life of prayer opens us to see God’s signature on creation, in ourselves, and in the stranger. Prayer allows us to be grateful, and living with gratitude allows us to see hope. Richard Rohr says, “Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us. Choosing gratitude until we are grateful and praising God until we ourselves are an act of praise. Mature prayer always breaks into gratitude. ” We are children of the light, hope, and love. Take a moment to explore what this means for your life:
- What are you grateful for?
- Where do you see hope? How do you bring hope?
- What practice of presence has helped you live in hope?
Devotion
Light a candle to bring light into your room and open your heart through the words:
WOV 633 Awake, Awake and Greet the New Morn, Verse 3
In darkest night his coming shall be,
when all the world is despairing,
as morning light so quiet and free,
so warm and gentle and caring.
Then shall the mute break forth in song,
the lame shall leap in wonder, the weak be raised above the strong,
and weapons be broken asunder.
(Marty Haugen)
|
|
Transition Ministry Training
Transitions –
There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, or has just received a newly called pastor, or is seeking new direction into God’s future, it is a time of transition from something that was to something that is yet to be.
The Transition Training Event will help attendees to focus on what it is that properly motivates ministry so that the “yet to be” is fully in the hands of God, and God’s people are themselves renewed and ready for that ministry.
Learn more and register
HERE
.
The next Transition Ministry Training event will be at Luther Springs on Jan. 27-29, 2020. More information available
HERE
.
|
|
AdventWord as an Advent devotional practice
Find the introduction and instructions for AdventWord
HERE
.
Below are a collection of photos that have been posted online by FBSynod members and partners. How do you see these images connecting with the words? How do the images and words connect with the season of Advent for you?
|
|
Christmas Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
...We know that God is up to something. We long for peace. And sure enough, God comes to us in the form of a helpless baby in a wooden manger.
|
|
Click on the calendar to go to the synod calendar to learn more about these events
|
|
Advent Season organ Mini-Concert Series at Advent Lutheran Church, Melbourne
|
Retirement Celebration for Pr. Tom Unrath (Messiah, Cocoa)
Pr. Tom Unrath's last service--with a reception following--will occur at Messiah Lutheran in Cocoa on Sunday December 29. Service is at 10 am with reception following.
|
|
Dec. 24-Jan. 1 -
SYNOD OFFICE CLOSED
Dec. 29 -
Retirement service and celebration for Pr. Tom Unrath--Messiah, Cocoa (10:00 a.m.)
Jan. 5 -
Installation of Pr. Tom McGawley, Hope, Daytona Beach (2:00 pm)*
Jan. 10-11 -
Synod Parish Deacon Retreat (Epiphany, Oviedo)
Jan. 11 -
Vitality Retreat, Panhandle Conference (St. Paul's, Niceville)
Jan. 12 -
Installation of Pr. Will Kittinger, Emmanuel, Naples (11:00 a.m.)*
Jan. 12 -
Ordination of Deacon Michelle Mehan (Nativity, Weeki Wachee, 3:00 pm)*
Jan. 14-16 -
Living Forward in Joy and Peace, Luther Springs
Jan. 18 -
Vitality Training Retreat, Tradewinds Conference (Holy Spirit, Juno Beach)
Jan. 27-29 -
Transition Training Retreat, Luther Springs
Feb. 11-13 -
Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando
Feb. 11-13 -
Deans' Retreat, Luther Springs
March 7 -
Vitality Training Retreat, Lake Conference (Lamb of God, Haines City)
April 7 -
Chrism Mass, St. John's Lutheran, Winter Park (11:00-2:00)
*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.
|
|
Charitable giving tip:
Support ministry through your retirement account
The following information comes from Insights,
a newsletter of the ELCA Foundation. To read the full newsletter and subscribe to future newsletters,
click HERE
.
If you are 70 ½ and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you are required by law to withdraw a certain amount of money from the account each year — this is known as your required minimum distribution (RMD). Many people find that they don’t need the extra income, but they’re required by law to take it. With the recent tax code changes, not everyone can itemize deductions, which means the RMD will be taxed as income. Making a gift to charities directly from your retirement account in the form of a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) may allow you to meet your RMD requirement without increasing your taxable income.
|
|
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME in Panama City
We are seeking individuals and groups of up to 25 to donate their time to families recovering from Hurricane Michael. Weekly and single day events can be coordinated. Projects assigned as skill levels are identified. Opportunities to include; hanging and finishing drywall, paint, carpentry, installing windows, flooring and cabinetry, light plumbing and electrical.
Volunteer camp site is hosted by the Messiah Lutheran Church in Panama City.
Based on availability for groups up to 14 persons. The cost is $10 per person per night not including meals.
TO VOLUNTEER CONTACT Kim Hopkins
Email: Kimh@fbs.org
For information call
Kim (850) 319-2686
|
|
Mission Support Covenant Forms Available
The 2020 Mission Support forms are available on the synod web site. These forms help the synod office plan well for ministry priorities and programming for the next year.
>>>
Click HERE
to access the forms to download and print<<<
|
|
YAGM Applications Accepted Now
Priority deadline for applications is January 15, 2020 with application closing on February 15, 2020 for service beginning August 11, 2020.
A one-year, international service-learning and faith-formation opportunity in churches and social service ministries for young adults, ages 21-29.
Applicants who apply before the priority deadline of January 15th will receive a decision on their application by the end of February. Applicants applying by February 15th will receive a decision by the middle of March. Specific country assignments are made at the mandatory Discernment-Interview-Placement (DIP) event in April (April 16-20, 2020). At that event, individual preferences will be considered, but final placement is based on many factors.
|
|
- Synod Office
- Christmas break
|
|
|
|
If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe to receive it in the future, please click
HERE
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
