Sept. 10 2019
Disaster Coordinator Job Opening

Florida-Bahamas Synod is accepting applications for a Synod Disaster Coordinator until October 1st. The position is full-time, year-round. The Synod Disaster Coordinator will work with synod staff to develop and implement strategies for disaster preparedness and mitigation, and disaster response and recovery at the congregation and synod levels. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, experience in human services or social services preferred. 1 to 2 years experience in Disaster Response and Public Relations desired. Applicants should have excellent people skills, time management skills and in depth knowledge of the ELCA in its various expressions. Tampa based residency preferred. Position requires extensive travel and overnight stays.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Full benefits are available.

Interviews will be held between October 1 st  and 15 th  in Tampa.
Please send resumes to  Micheleh@fbsynod.org .
Hurricane Dorian Update

Thank you for the incredible amount of support, prayers and care shown for Our Saviour Lutheran Church and the Bahamas. Please check the synod web site for answers to many questions about the synod's response and ways that individuals can continue to support and be involved in the restoration process. We give thanks that we have been in contact with Pr. Cliff Lewis, who reports that the congregation is encouraged and strengthened by the prayers and support being extended towards them in this time. In a recent note, Pr. Lewis mentioned that in worship last Sunday, his congregation took comfort in the following hymn that they sang as they shared stories about their experience through the hurricane. We will continue to walk with them in the days and months ahead.

No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that rock I am clinging
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

(ELW 763 "My Life Flows On in Endless Praise")
Dreams and Prayers Fulfilled as New Building Opens
The following story was shared by Pr. Don Erickson, Rock of Ages, Wildwood

While we did not wander in the desert for 40 years it, at times, felt like that as the congregation of Rock of Ages in Wildwood waited to realize the long-held dream of its own worship facility. The dream began with a small group in 2006 who began with worship being held in a funeral home. It was through a partnership with 1st Presbyterian Church of Wildwood that the 140 year-old original 1st Presbyterian building was renovated and made ready for Rock of Ages to begin worship later that year. The dream met many obstacles over the next 7 years, and seemed very distant as a pastoral vacancy left the congregation in doubt. 
New Chairperson for Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee

Jennifer Grumbling is the new chairperson for the Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee, succeeding Jerry Belz who has served in that role for many years. Jennifer will be installed in this position at the Synod Parish Deacon Retreat, which has been RESCHEDULED for Oct. 25-26, 2019. That retreat will also include an opportunity to give thanks for the faithful leadership of Jerry Belz and all who serve on the Oversight Committee.
Mark your Calendar
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For Your Information
Where Does Mission Support Go?

ELCA members recently gave $1.7 billion in unrestricted offerings to support God’s mission and ministry. Each year, ELCA congregations pledge to send a portion of the offerings they receive to fund ELCA ministries in their synods and beyond. In the ELCA, we call these funds Mission Support. Where does your offering go? This video shares how your Mission Support impacts life-changing work in our communities and around the world. Learn more about Mission Support at ELCA.org/SOFIA .
GLOBAL MISSION FUND-DAY
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019

The Florida-Bahamas Synod Global Mission Committee invites you to set a Sunday apart to lift up this synod's global mission partners.

Global Mission Fund-Day Ideas

  • Have Sunday School, Bible study class, or Youth Group do display on one or more of our companions – Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana and Suriname
  • Include music from our companion countries (or other countries) in worship service
  • Lift up our companions and the Synod Global Mission committee in the prayer of the church
  • Have a luncheon or social hour following worship to include foods from our companion countries
  • Apply for Thrivent Action Team project and get $250 to buy foods for a luncheon or social hour and have people donate money that would go to Global Mission Special Projects Fund
  • Take up a special collection for Global Mission Special Projects, or a companion project (please contact PJ May for ideas)
  • Invite a former YAGM to do a presentation

Speak with your pastor, church council, worship & music committee or others to start planning now for your congregation and/or conference to increase awareness of our Global Mission partners and keep Global Mission ALIVE!
We are grateful that there was no hurricane damage to churches in Florida last week, but we know that hurricane season is not yet over. The information below is important to keep in mind throughout the hurricane season.
FEMA Public Assistance Grants

Beginning in 2018 Houses of Worship became eligible for FEMA Public Assistance Grants to assist with the cost of repairs to your facilities. These grants can help with coverage of deductibles and costs not covered by insurance. It is important to document all your activities. This is a rigorous process but has the potential to make a significant difference in your recovery. This information is intended only to get you started and to help you get off to a good start with you documentation.  

First, it is important to document your volunteer contributions in preparation for the storm and then afterwards. You will need to document the names of every volunteer who helps prepare your facility to mitigate damage. You will need their names, hours worked, supplies contributed including receipts, and mileage. Supplies may include water, food, tarps, wood, nails, equipment rental etc. This will need to be done separately before and after the storm.

Immediately after the storm you will need to register with FEMA to get a number, and submit your registration for a PA Grant. In the process of getting repairs done pay close attention to the procurement process requirements of the grant.

From there follow the instructions. You will be contacted by an agent of FEMA of the State of Florida after they have received your initial information.
Bishop's Calendar
  • Synod Office
  • Synod Council Mtg (Venice)
  • Hope, The Villages (Installation of Pr. Bruce Dillman)
  • Tampa (Latino Ministry Association)
  • St. John, Winter Park (ordination of Nicole Eastwood)
  • Christ the King, Sebastian)
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