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E-Spirit
Weekly Newsletter
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News, Stories, and More
from the
Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA
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News, Stories, and More... | |
A Christmas Message from Bishop Pedro Suarez | | |
Bishop Pedro Suarez sits down to give members of the Florida-Bahamas Synod a message, and share a reading from the gospel of St. Luke, for the 2021 holiday season.
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CLICK HERE to watch the Bishop's Christmas message in Spanish.
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Here they are!
The diakonia Graduating Class of 2021!!!
November 20th was a day of memorable gathering, worship, and fun! Diakonia students from the Miami-Dade, Space Coast and Heart of Florida conferences celebrated the completion of their diakonia studies, receiving their certificates and diakonia crosses from Bishop Suarez. The graduation worship was hosted by St. John Lutheran Church in Winter Park, Florida.
The Graduation worship was attended by many friends, family, and guests as well as some Pastors of the students, and current diakonia students!
Interested in diakonia? Contact Michele Hilton at MicheleAHilton@aol.com.
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First Row (L to R) Michele Hilton - diakonia Steering Committee Chair, Carol Willard, Boris Camille, Lisa Gomez, Lisa Montalchi, Deacon Aura Suarez.
2nd Row: Ed Bornmann- diakonia Steering Committee Treasurer, Anne Marie Danielle Charlot, Hesterine Pittman, Bishop Pedro Suarez, Jane Burton, Linda Carol Poppe, Beth Perry, David Shank.
3rd Row: Rev William Hamilton - diakonia Executive Director, Deacon Connie Schmucker- Bishop's liasiaon to diakonia, Gennell Perez, Erich Schuttauf.
Not in attendance but missed grreatly: Edgard Azor, James D'Avignon, Mark Rose, Georgianna Schuttauf, Ruth E. Yates.
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Virginia Synod's Bulletin for Christmas
"A Thrill of Hope: Lessons and Carols" for Christmas is a worship opportunity for the Virginia Synod to come together and praise the Newborn King! Inspired by the French Christmas carol, "O, Holy Night" (Cantique de Noël), this service will explore many of the ways the world is weary, how God comes to us in our weariness, and how we still rejoice.
This service will be available in a variety of formats:
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Pre-recorded and available for download on Vimeo for you to upload to your online platforms. Available December 15. https://vimeo.com/vasynod
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Installations and Ordinations
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Sunday, January 9, 11:00 a.m. - Josh Pontious will be installed at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Juno Beach.
Sunday, January 23, 3:00 p.m. - Oscar Mauricio Restrepo will be ordained at Grace Alone Lutheran Church in Fort Lauderdale. Bishop Suarez will be presiding. Pastor Restrepo will also be installed as Mission Developer of Mision Luterana Guadalupe during this service.
Sunday, January 30, 2:00 p.m. - Jeff Gross will be installed at New Life Lutheran Church in Sarasota.
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Rachel Kurtz
Live Outdoor Concert
January 16, 2022
2:00pm
Rachel Kurtz has been touring and singing for almost 20 years. She speaks frankly about love, God, parenting, and heartbreak. Her infectious laugh is peppered throughout her concerts. Her songs are rife with emotion and can make you get up and dance. Whether she is singing in a bar or church, her voice can cut through the noise and gives the listener a place to rest. She has sung at the last six national youth gatherings and her song "Make a Difference" is sung nationwide on any given Sunday. Come on out to hear her sing, you will be surprised and delighted!
St. Peter Lutheran Church
3751 Estero Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33931
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Substitute Keyboardist/Organists for Living Lord Lutheran
Living Lord Lutheran Church, Lakewood Ranch, is putting together a substitute list of organists/ keyboardists for the coming year.
On Sundays, we have two traditional services at 7:45 am and 11 am, and a contemporary service at 9:00 am.
If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, please contact: info@LivingLordFL.org.
Or check out the website at livinglordfl.org.
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Church Administrator
St. Mark Lutheran, Dunedin, FL
St. Mark Lutheran Church is seeking a Church Administrator to manage the church office, property and school tenant relationship.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Demonstrates a passion for Christ with enthusiasm, energy and cheerfulness in their calling.
- Demonstrates a heart for ministry with the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Must be a people person able to work with all types of people.
- Communications, Office Management & Property Management experience.
Click Here for the full description. For more information, and to send in your resume, please contact Pastor Katy Fast at pastorkatyfast@gmail.com.
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Palms Deaf Church Founding Pastor, Lori Fuller. | |
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Palms Deaf Church is coming to the Florida-Bahamas Synod in 2022.
It’s exciting to see a new congregation about to be birthed. And, you and your congregation can become Partners in Mission to help make this happen for the whole synod. Your prayers and support will help make this bold adventure happen.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Rob Carlson at robc@fbsynod.org.
Click Here to read more about Palms Deaf Church. To watch an informative video on Palms Deaf Church, click here.
Please share this information and video with your congregation.
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2022 Rostered Minister Suggested Minimum Compensation Guidelines
Following the virtual Synod Assembly in October, a new Compensation Team was appointed by Bishop Suarez. This team is made up of Word & Sacrament ministers, Word & Services ministers, and Lay leaders. The team reviewed the current conditions regarding our rostered ministers, congregations, and the economy.
There were many factors debated in a healthy constructive manner. The team considered the market correction and cost of living increase recommended by the synod Compensation Team for rostered ministers last year (roughly 6.5%), the inflation rate this year (6+%), the increase in Portico (3.5%), the impact of COVID on our churches and the giving they receive, and the outlook for 2022.
After some hard conversations, the Compensation Team recommends the following two changes to the Compensation Guidelines for 2022:
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Compensation - At the very minimum, rostered ministers be given at least a 3% increase in their base pay. We encourage congregations to start at the 3% and be as generous as possible.
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Bonus - It is also the recommendation that, given the past two years, rostered ministers be given a gift of grace in the form of a paid week off (including a Sunday) for Health & Wellness. This week would have the following suggestions:
- It is in addition to all paid time off a rostered minister already has;
- It is only good for the calendar year of 2022;
- It is a one-time gift of grace and appreciation for the year of 2022;
- It is non-redeemable for cash payout, carry over to another year, or exchange for any other benefit;
- It is used in any manner the rostered minister would like to use it; and
- Appropriate coverage is to be in place during the leader's absence.
Click here for the 2022 Compensation Narrative. Click here for the 2022 Compensation Worksheet.
The Synod Compensation Team
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