July 14, 2020
For more information, visit www.fbsynod.com
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I want to begin this update by saying “Thank You” to the many, many leaders and teams throughout our synod who continue to serve during this time of pandemic. My staff and I would like to thank all of our pastors, our deacons, our ministry and team leaders, and our volunteers who continue to work hard every day.
I also want to take a moment to thank my synod staff. They are working tirelessly to serve our synod, continue our missions, and support our leadership. Thank you to our Assistants to the Bishop, Pastor Khader, Pastor Rob, Deacon Connie, and Michele, and to the rest of my staff, Ileana, Jim, Marina, Yuliet, Kim, and Tina. Thank you for your continued support and hard work.
In the past few weeks, we have had four Zoom encounters with our synod. On June 5
th
, we had a conference for Synod Rostered Leaders. On June 12
th
, I gave my Synod Address and hosted a Q&A. On June 23
rd
, we held a Racial Justice Conference with Judith Roberts, which has since inspired the formation of our Racial Justice Team, which will be coming soon. And last week, on July 9
th
, we held a Vigil of Lament and Prayer, to mourn together and support one another as we navigate this difficult time.
We have another Zoom encounter coming up soon! On July 26
th
, we will host our Let’s Talk! Youth Check-In event...
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Calling all youth! Join Bishop Suárez and youth leaders from across our synod for a special Zoom gathering on July 26
th
!
We’ll spend time connecting, talking about what’s happening in our world today, and worshipping together. Bishop Pedro Suárez will lead the special time of prayer and worship.
Our youth check-in will include special guest speakers, music, and an opportunity to break into smaller groups for deeper discussion.
This gathering is intended for middle and high school students. All attendees will need to register in advance.
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Your gifts make a difference!
Here in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, we are committed to helping our congregations and communities respond to the need created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We know our churches are eager to help those in need, and our ministers are dedicated to offering worship online.
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Your gifts help support our ministries, fund new technology for congregations, and keep churches strong during these tough weeks.
You also support a variety of mercy ministries. One food pantry was able to feed 500 families because of this COVID-19 relief grant! Your gifts are changing lives and supporting communities in need!
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ATTENTION CHURCH LEADERS:
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The Florida-Bahamas Synod Welcomes
Rev. Katie Carroll as Global Mission Table Chairperson
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The Florida-Bahamas Synod has named Rev. Katie Carroll our new Chairperson of the Global Mission Table!
Rev. Kathryn Carroll (Katie) currently serves as interim pastor at South Miami Lutheran Church, though she has been in ministry in Miami congregations since 1994. Katie started as an Associate in Ministry, leading ministries ranging from community outreach to youth; she was ordained in 1997. Katie speaks Spanish fluently having lived in Argentina as a child, and she served a bilingual congregation in Coral Gables where she developed worship and congregational life in Spanish and English.
Katie has a passion for building bridges between individuals and communities. She was active in the Reformation 500 initiatives in South Florida and offers retreats and workshops in ecumenical settings. Katie was part of the Global Mission trip to Cuba in December 2019 and is excited to become involved in all five companion relationships of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Further, she looks forward to visiting congregations throughout the synod to build excitement and involvement in Global Mission! Katie also serves on the Candidacy Committee of the Florida-Bahamas Synod and, more recently, has become trained as a coach. Her particular interest is in environmental stewardship and caring for creation.
Katie and her husband Philip live in Coconut Grove, a neighborhood of Miami; they have four grown children and one granddaughter.
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We would like to thank PJ May for her many years of service as the Global Mission Table Chair!
PJ truly built her Global Mission Table role "from the ground up". She has worked tirelessly establishing relationships, providing reports, increasing awareness of global needs and partnerships, and serving the global church. She is an asset and a blessing to our synod and we are so appreciative of her fine work!
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Stewardship in Uncertain Times
Special Zoom with Mike Ward
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Mike Ward will be hosting a special Zoom presentation for those interested in learning about maintaining strong stewardship in difficult times. This is a continuation of Mike's Stewardship in All Seasons conversation.
The meeting will be held July 21
st
at 3:30pm. Please use the button below to access the meeting.
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Two Lutheran Counseling Services Groups
Coming Soon!
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First Responders Group - This group is designed to support and connect First Responders.
The group will be covering topics like:
- The effects of job stress
- Tools and tips for mental strength and resilience
- Common struggles faced by first responders & how to deal with them
- Resources to keep throughout your career
- Warning signs and symptoms of stress and trauma
Start Date:
7/27/20
End Date:
9/31/20
Time:
7:00pm
Group will meet on Monday nights at 7:00pm.
Requirements:
- Computer, stable WiFi, and webcam
- Currently employed as a First Responder
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Teen Social Skills Group - We will meet once a week for 65 minutes. Topics will include emotion regulation, communication skills and perspective practicing. This will be a fun and safe space for students to learn and practice their social skills, as well as meet other students.
Start date: 7/29/20
End date: 9/2/20
Time: 5:00pm
- Students must be 14-16 years old
- Students must live in Florida
- Students will need parents' permission to attend
- Students will be required to commit to all six sessions
- Students will need stable Wifi connection and a computer with webcam
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Resources for Rostered Ministers
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TRANSITION MINISTRY TRAINING
ONLINE WEBINAR
July 20-24, 2020
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.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Interim Pastors, First Call and New Call Pastors, Pastors in congregations needing new direction.
Interim Pastors 5 days (M-F) - $160
First Call/New Call Pastors & Others (M-W) - $130
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Boundaries Training
Boundaries training is crucial for rostered ministers, since we work closely with people and know the importance of relationships.
Rostered ministers can attend our Synod's boundaries & sexual ethics training
online
during COVID-19:
The expectation of the Bishop is that rostered ministers will attend or take boundaries training once every 3 years.
The cost is $49 to enroll. Questions about this training or about the boundaries workshops offered in the synod can be sent to Connie Schmucker at
connies@fbsynod.org
.
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Click on the calendar icon to see more
events on the Synod calendar
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September 26
- Bishop's Visit, Lord of Life, Miami
October 10
- Bishop's Visit, Advent, Melbourne
*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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