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Feb. 12, 2019 www.fbsynod.com

Hate-Free Zones: A Small Start to Something Big The following story was posted in the Hernando Sun earlier this month. On Thursday evening, January 24, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Spring Hill hosted a public forum on "Creating Hate-Free Zones in our Community." The idea of the forum was conceived by a committee of church members. Reverend Thomas Weitzel introduced a panel of community leaders made up of John Stratton, Interim Superintendent of Hernando County Schools; Rocco and Julie Maglio, co-publishers of The Hernando Sun; John Mitten, Hernando County Commissioner; and Morris Porton with the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis attended the forum, along with other members of the community. Reverend Weitzel commented in his opening remarks about the rise of hate in our society and even just a rise in disrespect. READ MORE

Zion, Groveland, Preparing to Celebrate 100 yrs! Plans are underway for Zion Lutheran in Groveland’s 100th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for May 5. We are seeking friends of Zion and Camp Emmanuel who would like to join us in this event. Contact Louise Willim at foxpointfl@aol.com to get more information.

This video from ELCA Advocacy, on caring for creation, features Bishop Suarez and Pr. Daniel Locke (St. Mark's, Jacksonville). Please share the resource and ministry of caring for creation with your communities! More resources for conversation about caring for the environment are available on the ELCA web site: https://elca.org/environment

The Synod Office will once again serve as a staging place for this event. Some members of Synod staff will be participating. Congregations and individuals in the Tampa area are invited to volunteer.

2019 Homeless PIT Count - Volunteer Sign Up The annual Homeless Point-In Time Count will take place in Hillsborough County on Thursday, February 28, 2019. 500 VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help conduct the Street Count or Youth Count. Read more campaign.r20.constantcontac...

Mark your Calendar

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ELCA CoachLaunch 2019 May 8-9, 2019 This course will introduce you to coaching basics, and give you an opportunity to practice. Upon completion, you will have a framework to begin using these skills in formal and informal coaching relationships. >>> Register HERE <<< >>> Learn more about Coaching Ministry <<< RSVP link for Lenten Visits will be available next week. The events are free, but an RSVP is helpful for planning. A $5/person or $20/congregation donation will be accepted to help cover the cost of snacks/supplies. Synod Assembly 2019 Information will be available on the synod web site by the end of the week. Registration for Synod Assembly opens March 15th. Dates for Synod Assembly are June 6-8, 2019 at the Embassy Suites, Kissimmee.

Feb. 16 - Installation of Pr. Anna Figueiro, Mandarin, Jacksonville (11:00 am)* Feb. 17 - Flute Ensemble, Prince of Peace, Largo (3:00) Feb. 19-22 - Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando Feb. 19-22 - Academy of Parish Clergy Conference, Oviedo Feb. 19 - Matthew Graybil in Concert (Good Shepherd, Tampa, 7:00 pm) March 2 - ALOA Fest 2019 (Christ Our Redeemer, Temple Terrace, 9:00-3:00) March 9 - Lenten Visit (Grace, Tallahassee) March 16 - Lenten Visit (St. James/Santiago Apostol, Coral Gables) *rostered ministers invited to vest and process (color is red)

For Your Information

Hymn Writing Contest The ELCA is offering people from across the church an opportunity to submit their original composition to be considered as a hymn for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday. Our dedicated day of service is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA--one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor. This new hymn will become a year-round worship resource and should reflect on service as an opportunity to explore our life in Jesus Christ in response to our gratitude for God's abundant grace. Entries will be screened by a selection team and one hymn may be selected. The winning entrant will receive a $500 honorarium. Submissions should be emailed or postmarked on or before March 1.  Learn more .

Good Shepherd, Tampa Music Series Concert: Matthew Graybil, Piano Tuesday, Feb. 19 7:00 PM Good Shepherd, Tampa for more information: http://goodshepherdtampa.org/concerts-and-services/

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Bishop's Calendar Synod Office Orlando Luther Springs (Dean's Retreat) St. Armand's Key, Sarasota Mandarin Lutheran, Jacksonville (Installation of Pr. Anna Figuiero) Faith, Lehigh Acres Advent, Melbourne Beach Vacation

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