E-Spirit
February 6, 2018

Bold - Passionate - Faithful
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Features:
  • FBSynod Pastor Receives MS Activist of the Year Award
  • In Memoriam--Sylvia J. Pate
  • Parish Paper: Finding Significance as a Small Church
  • EQUIP High School Leadership Retreat

  Events Coming up:
  • Valentine's "Senior Prom" Youth Gathering Fundraiser, Good Shepherd, Seminole
  • Redhead Express--concert, Grace, Carrollwood
  • Master Builders Weekend, Luther Springs

For Your Information:
  • Green Hymnals Available
  • Reports Due Feb. 15
  • Workshops at Assembly
Click the calendar above for more information about these events
Feb. 5-7 - Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando
Feb. 6 - Scholar in Residence, St. Armands Key, Sarasota
Feb. 11 - Messiah Music Series, Messiah, Ft. Myers
Feb. 11 - Redhead Express Concert, Grace, Carollwood
Feb. 11 - Messiah Youth Clown Ministry at Faith, Lehigh Acres
Feb. 13 - Scholar in Residence, St. Armands Key, Sarasota
Feb. 23-25 - Master Builders Retreat, Luther Springs
More information on this year's Lenten Visits, along with an opportunity to RSVP, is now available. These events are free and open to all. Your RSVP helps with planning.

Features
FBSynod Pastor Receives MS Activist of the Year Award
Thanks to Pr. Tom Unrath for sharing his story!
Pr. Tom Unrath, Messiah, Cocoa, was presented the MS Activist of the Year award from the Mid-Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) in December, 2017. This award was given to Pr. Unrath for his work in raising, not just general awareness, but specific awareness among political leaders who can shape laws and budgets. Pr. Unrath was speaking with local State Senators and Representatives, as well as addressing concerns to US senators and Representatives.

In Memoriam - Ms. Sylvia J. Pate
The life and story of Sylvia Jeane Pate was lifted up in a recent newsletter from the ELCA African Descent Ministries. We give thanks for her life and witness in the church and the world. Learn more about the ELCA African Descent Ministries .
Sylvia Jeanne Pate, age 85, peacefully passed away on Dec. 30, 2017 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She served for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America in many capacities including Interim Dir. of the Commission for Women in Chicago, IL Ms. Pate was also the first lay president of the African American Lutheran Association (now ADLA). A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 17 at New Hope Lutheran Church, 2000 Catalpa Dr., Dayton, OH 45406 beginning at noon followed by a Memorial Service from 2:30PM - 4PM.
Parish Paper:
Finding Significance as a Small Church
The March and April editions of the Parish Paper are posted on the synod web site HERE . Congregations and individuals are able to use and distribute the Parish Paper as part of the synod's subscription. Please review the information regarding distributing these articles.
Lewis Parks writes in Small on Purpose that to say “God” is to insist that there is more here than meets the eye in the small church. He says there is always “more” in our midst, but leaders spend too much time checking for symptoms rather than looking for strengths. He cautions against simple solutions and encourages leaders to find ways to release energy and surrender “wish dreams.” 

Synod Staff Position Descriptions Available
Two synod staff positions have been posted on the ELCA Careers page and are open to all qualified applicants. These positions are for the positions of Director of Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop for the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Since the DEM is an ELCA Churchwide position, applications will be filtered through the office in Chicago. But Bishop Suarez and his team will be reviewing and interviewing applicants.

Please feel free to share these links with those who are qualified and interested. Please submit interest and inquiries through the ELCA web site.



Notice: Rostered ministers and lay leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who apply for a position in the churchwide organization must have completed Rostered Minister Profile papers on file.
Upcoming Events
"Valentine's Senior Prom"--Youth Gathering Fundraiser
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Seminole, is hosting a Valentine's "Senior Prom" for those 55+ who want to come together for food, fun and fellowship. The event is a fundraiser for the 2018 Youth Gathering. Senior Prom will take place on Saturday, February 10th at 12:30pm. Although the flyer mentions a 2/2 RSVP deadline, all are invited and can just call the office to RSVP before the actual event. And...if you forget to RSVP, you are still welcome and encouraged to come.
Redhead Express--Concert at Grace, Carrollwood
Sunday, Feb. 11, 5 pm-7 pm

FREE "Gospel Plus" (Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Country, and Folk) concert featuring four red-headed members of the Walker family, plus light refreshments afterwards. Donations accepted (a free-will offering will be taken). Grace Lutheran Church - Carrollwood (3714 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa 33618 - just off North Dale Mabry Highway near the Verizon store).
Master Builders Weekend, Luther Springs
Like working with your hands? Join us for MASTER BUILDERS WEEKEND, Feb. 23-25 , while we do big and small projects to improve Luther Springs, enjoy the lake, tell stories around the campfire, enjoy a healthy competition through camp games and sit on the back porch talking about our faith.

Leader: Steven Helm 

More information and registration HERE .
For Your Information
Green Hymnals Available
Lutheran Apartments, a facility located in St. Petersburg, has 20-30 green "Lutheran Book of Worship" hymnals available to donate to a congregation or ministry that might be blessed by them. If you or a ministry you are aware of would like more information about these hymnals please contact Pr. Paul Gibson (pastor@trinitylutheranstpete.org).
Reports Due Feb. 15
Thank you to all who have submitted Rostered Minister reports, Parochial Reports and Mission Support Covenants. That information helps the Office of the Bishop better prioritize, equip, support, and encourage ministry throughout the synod. The links to these reports are:

>>> Annual Parochial Reports (to be filled out by congregational leaders and submitted through the ELCA portal)<<<

>>> Annual Rostered Ministers Reports (to be filled out by active and retired pastors and deacons and sent to Ileana Sardinas (Ileanas@fbsynod.org)<<<

>>> Mission Support Covenants (to be filled out by congregational leaders and submitted through the synod web site)<<<
Workshops at Synod Assembly
This year's Synod Assembly will be a 'workshop assembly,' meaning there will be multiple workshops offered throughout the weekend. If you would like to LEAD a workshop at this year's assembly, and you have a topic you are ready to lead, please let Sr. Michelle Collins know by registering HERE . As assembly planning continues, she will be in touch with you about your interest and workshop. The theme for this year's assembly is "Grounded in the Gospel." More information about Synod Assembly will be coming soon.
Bishop's Schedule 
Feb. 6-20, 2018
  • Lutheranch (Region 9 First Call Theological Education Event)
  • Houston (Latino Scholars Mtg)
  • Prince of Peace, Largo
  • Luther Springs (Synod Council)
  • Tampa Office
Florida-Bahamas Synod 813-876-7660 
info@fbsynod.org