Abdurazak Kedir Abdu—A Refugee’s Story
This story submitted by Pr. Fred More, co-chair of the Refugee Ministry Task Force at St. John Lutheran Church, Winter Park, Florida. It is one in a series of stories being shared over the next several weeks about congregations engaging with their neighbors.
Abdurazak Kedir Abdu, a refugee from Ethiopia, arrived at Orlando International Airport on October 17, 2017 where several members of St. John Lutheran Church, Winter Park, were on hand to welcome him. That warm reception marked the beginning of a 20 month story of strangers meeting for the first time, becoming a blessing to each other and resulting in a friendship that would last well beyond their time together. Abdu, which he prefers to be called, was on a refugee’s journey and the people of St. John would walk with him every step of the way.
The people of St. John soon learned that Abdu is a tireless advocate for human rights, especially the rights of women, children and individuals with disabilities.
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Upcoming Events from Florida Council of Churches
The Florida-Bahamas Synod Advocacy Table invites you to consider the following events being sponsored/supported by congregations, leaders, and the Florida Council of Churches. Please share these events with those in your networks who might be interested in participating.
Dreaming God's Dream Retreat (before CoM)
We're looking for another two dozen pastors from across the state and faith traditions who will help develop faith-rooted organizing "un-network". Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra will lead the retreat Oct. 13-14.
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Conference on Ministry
Rostered Ministers are invited to this fall's Conference on Ministry, an annual gathering and chance to connect, be refreshed, and be nourished by fellowship, learning and worship. This year's COM will include more workshops and space for collaboration and connection around contextual realities.
REGISTER HERE.
Dates: Oct. 14-16 (New to Synod and Conference Deans arrive Oct. 13)
Location: Life Enrichment Center, Leesburg
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“Come here...and take your place at the table” Luke 17:7
All women are invited to the 2019 Fall Gathering
COME TO THE TABLE
hosted by the Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA (November 8 - 10, 2019, Leesburg, FL)
Visit the website for workshop titles, descriptions, and presenters.
The registration deadline is October 15, 2019 (October 1 for Voting Members)
Did you know that we have a scholarship program for
the
Fall Gathering?
We know it’s not always easy being you. We don’t want you to choose between paying for prescriptions, groceries, or daycare and being in fellowship and worship with your sisters in Christ. Learn more about SHARE THE SPIRIT at
www.flwelca.com.
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Click on the calendar to go to the synod calendar to learn more about these events
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All are invited to join in a service of prayer and remembrance on Sept. 11 being organized by Synod Staff and hosted by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tampa. This brief service at 9:00 a.m. will include a reflection from Pr. Khader El-Yateem, Holy Communion (Bishop Suarez presiding), opportunity for prayer and music.
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Practice Discipleship Retreat for Youth Workers and Volunteers
Luther Springs
Sept 26-29, 2019
Motel: $80 + $25 each additional night; Cabin $65 + $25 each additional night;
Prices increase $25 one month prior
Come to rest, re-energize, and reconnect with God and His action in our lives! Thursday evening we will gather for a time of networking and hospitality. Friday two all day intensive care courses. (Church Safety & Home Grown Faith). Saturday and Sunday we will offer workshops geared to equip you in your ministry to children and youth. Register for just one day or for all four! For questions please contact Sue Mendenhall at (727) 415-9887.
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Treasurers/Financial Assistants Gathering
Treasurers from all over the Synod will gather on Saturdays in September and October at 6 locations around the Synod.
- September 21st – Hope, The Villages
- September 28th – St Paul – Sarasota
- October 5th – The Synod House – Tampa
- October 12th – Mision Luterana Sagrado Corazon – Miami
- October 19th – Spirit of Joy – Orlando
- October 26th – Messiah – Panama City
This gathering will take place from 8:30-12:30 to network, review current Best Practices, learn, share and connect. Please contact Michele Hilton at micheleh@fbsynod.org if you plan to attend.
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Art for Faith's Sake (AFFS) Concert Series @ Prince of Peace, Largo
All concerts held in the Sanctuary of
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave., Largo, FL 33770
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are presented free-of-charge. Seating is first come, first serve.
Sunday, October 27 (3:00 pm)
Reformation Sunday Organ Recital
Christopher Gage, organist
Join us for a recital of organ music of the Reformation. Dr. Gage is Director of Music at Overbrook Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.
Sunday, December 15 (6:00 pm)
Santa Lucia Festival of Lessons and Carols
A service for choirs and congregation followed by the telling of the story of Santa
Lucia and cookie reception. Festival Choir, organ, handbells, and instruments.
Free tickets are required for this event, phone the church for more information.
Sunday, January 5 (5:00 pm)
Epiphany Feast of Lights
Commemorating the visit of the wisemen including readings, tableau, Festival
choir, and instruments. Wassail Party to follow
Sunday, January 26 (3:00pm)
Fandango!
Grammy-nominated quartet (guitar, cello, flute, violin) playing a mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan, and classical sounds.
Saturday, February 15 (6:00PM)
Three-Organ Spectacular Weekend
A Spaghetti Dinner is served in the Parish hall, followed by
an Old-Fashioned hymn sing with dueling pianos.
Tickets ($15) are required for this event, phone the church for more information.
Sunday, February 16 (3:00pm)
Three-Organ Spectacular!
Festival choir performing Louis Vierne’s Messe Solennelle for choir and
two organs, along with other music for three organs.
Thursday, March 5 (7:00pm)
The Concordia Choir
Conductor René Clausen conducts the 72-voice a cappella choir from Moorhead, Minnesota in a varied concert in his final tour before retirement.
Free tickets are required for this event, phone the church for more information.
Sunday, March 22 (3:00pm)
Shawn Thomas, Organist
Parish Musician Shawn Thomas presents an afternoon of music on the Austin organ.
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Aug. 29 -
Church Finances for Missional Leaders - ZOOM (4:00)
Aug. 29 -
Creation Justice training, St. Armands Lutheran Church
Sept. 8 -
Installation of Rev. Pam Smith, Grace, Lakeland. (4:00)*
Sept. 8 -
ELCA God's Work. Our Hands Sunday
Sept. 11 -
Sept. 11 prayer service, led by Synod Staff and hosted at Good Shepherd, Tampa (9:00 a.m.)
Sept. 13-14 -
Synod Council mtg
Sept. 15 -
Installation of Pr. Bruce Dillman, Hope, The Villages (3:00 pm)*
Sept. 19-21 -
Assembly of Association of Latino Ministries, ELCA
Sept. 20-22 -
Come to the Well Women's Retreat, Luther Springs
Sept. 21 -
Gathering of Treasurers/financial assistants, Hope, The Villages (8:30-12:30)
Sept. 26-29 -
Practice Discipleship Retreat, Luther Springs
Sept. 28 -
Gathering of Treasurers/financial assistants, St. Paul, Sarasota (8:30-12:30)
Oct. 5 -
BIC training, Orlando
Oct. 6 -
Global Mission Fund-Day
Oct. 12 -
Gathering of Treasurers/financial assistants, Mision Luterana Sagrado Corazon – Miami (8:30-12:30)
Oct. 13-14 -
Dreaming God's Dream Together, Life Enrichment Center, Leesburg
Oct. 13-14 -
Conference Deans and New-to-Synod gathering, pre-COM
Oct. 14-16 -
Conference on Ministry, Life Enrichment Center, Leesburg
Oct. 19 -
Gathering of Treasurers/financial assistants, Spirit of Joy, Orlando (8:30-12:30)
Oct. 26 -
Gathering of Treasurers/financial assistants,Messiah, Panama City (8:30 - 12:30)
Oct. 27 -
Art for Faith's Sake (AFFS) Concert Series, Prince of Peace, Largo (3:00 pm)
Nov. 8-10 -
Synodical Women's Fall Gathering, Lake Yale Conference Center
*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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Becoming an Inclusive Church Training in Orlando
Reconciling Works Central Florida chapter is planning to lead a B.I.C. (Becoming an Inclusive Church) training in Orlando on October 5. Participants are expected to be from Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist and other denominations. Enrollment is limited to 24. If you are interested in attending, email Dale Truscott (at dtruscott@cfl.rr.com), who is planning the event.
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Upcoming ALOA Webinar
ALOA has much to offer Lutheran congregations in the area of Older Adult Ministry. In addition to the resources on our website, ALOA offers regular Webinars on key topics for Older Adult Ministry that are practical and
free of charge.
Find complete information and register at
aloaserves.org/events/webinars/
August Webinar
ALOA - Seniors in Transition
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Noon Eastern Time
An interview with Chrislyn Carson about "Seniors in Transition" - a resource to help older adults make pro-active decisions about one of the hardest decisions older adults face: where they will live in the later years of life. The discussion will go over a template to help congregations develop an interactive, eight week class for older adults from the church and community. The series of classes will explore options for staying at home and options for moving to a care facility of some kind.
Both webinars are free of charge, 60 minutes max.
Register in advance at
aloaserves.org/events/webinars/
Once you register, you'll receive a confirmation email with information on how to access the webinar.
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By the Grace of God
The Reverend Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore
has been called as Rector and Dean of
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
of Lenoir-Rhyne University
Your prayers and presence are requested
for a Service of Installation and Eucharist
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
10:30 a.m. in Christ Chapel
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
4201 North Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina
All are invited to a luncheon in Reinartz Hall and the Student Union after the service and to Dr. Shore's lecture titled "Christ Is Risen: Proclaiming the Gospel in a Culture of Fear" at 1 p.m. in Stavros Lecture Hall.
Rostered ministers, bishops, and other judicatory leaders are invited to vest and process. The liturgical color of the day is green. Those representing academic institutions are invited to process in academic regalia. All participating in the procession will vest in Branham Conference Room at 10:00 a.m.
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- Synod Office
- Vacation
- Synod Parish Deacon Retreat
- Reformation, Orlando
- Synod Council (Venice)
- Hope, The Villages (Installation of Pr. Bruce Dillman)
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