Aug. 6 2019
It's Here: 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
from the July edition of Seeds for the Parish

Voting members are conveneing Aug. 5-10 for the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. This will be the 15th gathering of the assembly, the primary decision-making body of the ELCA. This year’s theme is “We Are Church,” and voting members will spend the week participating in plenaries, discussions, Bible studies and worship while deliberating the work of the church. Download the ELCA Guidebook  for up-to-date information before and during the assembly. Voting members can watch short  videos   that introduce some of the processes and procedures at Churchwide Assembly. To follow along with the assembly from home, livestream the proceedings at  elca.org/cwa .
Prayer for the Mission of the Church (ELW p. 75)
Draw your church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our teacher Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving in Christ's mission to the world, and together witnessing to your love wherever you will send us; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Synod Parish Deacon Retreat

Synod Parish Deacons are invited to the upcoming retreat at Redeemer, Winter Park, Sept. 6-7. If you are a Synod Parish Deacon and have not received direct communication about this retreat, please contact Connie Schmucker (connies@fbsynod.org). All Synod Parish Deacons--whether attending the retreat or not--are invited to send Connie a picture of yourself serving as you might normally serve in your congregation. These pictures will be used during the retreat. More information about Synod Parish Deacons and this retreat available at: https://fbsynod.com/resources/synod-deacon/
This video about Parish Deacons was created in 2010, but much of the information and descriptions about parish deacon ministry is still accurate.









Come to the Well Retreat
submitted by Pr Vicki Hamilton

Are you a woman that has spent so much time taking care of everyone else whether it be at your job, your spouse, your children or your friends to the point you are too exhausted to think at the end of the day? Can you recall the last time you felt loved? Or experienced ANGER? Was it today, yesterday, last week? What examples of anger do you remember from your childhood? as an adult? Were there few or many? As the caregivers for the universe we take on all of the burdens with the joy. During this retreat we will explore what angers us and hear stories from women like yourself, then put into action some ways to receive love and take care of ourselves. Let's take the time to share our stories, heal from the hurt, celebrate the joy, support each other and most of all show LOVE to the most important people in our lives, ourselves. If this sounds like something you want to experience while in a relaxed setting at a beautiful retreat center. Register now!

In partnership with Women of the ELCA
Ms Valora Starr
Director of Discipleship and Bible Study Leader
Co-Coordinator
Ms. Anna Allen - Spiritual Massage Therapist

September 20-22, 2019 @ Luther Springs Camp and Retreat Center
Hawthorne FL

Theme: Ladies Leading Despite Limits 
If you have a story to share about how your congregation is connecting with God, connecting with each other, or connecting with your community, send it to michellec@fbsynod.org. Stories should be no more than 300 words, and include at least 1 picture.
Mark your Calendar
Click on the calendar to go to the synod calendar to learn more about these events
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.

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.
Luther Springs Non-Summer Youth Program calendar

The fun of Luther Springs is not just for the summer. Check out these fall programs for youth:

Faith Journey Confirmation Retreat : Oct. 18-20
Trailblazers Retreat : Nov. 8-10

Plan ahead for these 2020 spring retreats:
Faith Journey Confirmation Retreat : Jan. 17-19, 2020
Equip Senior High Leadership Retreat: Feb. 21-23, 2020 
Aug. 5-10 -  ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Milwaukee, WI

Aug. 18 - Installation of Rev. William Wiecher, Christ the King, Miami. (4:00 )*

Aug. 25 - Advent, Melbourne: organ concert series kick-off

Sept. 8 - Installation of Rev. Pam Smith, Grace, Lakeland. (4:00)*

Sept. 8 - ELCA God's Work. Our Hands Sunday

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. 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)

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.
For Your Information
Team Talk Can Strengthen Volunteer Ministry
The following article is from the July, 2019 Parish Paper . The Parish Paper is available for congregations to print and distribute (with credit given). The Parish Paper can be used for personal reading and reflection, as opening discussion starters for council or committee meetings, for leadership team training, and for personal devotion.

Team talk can build a strong ministry team. Of course, some may not think of conversation as an important task, viewing it as getting in the way of work and slowing it down. On the contrary, conversation plays an important role in the life of a team, builds group durability, and sustains effort. Talking about the work helps to reinforce the reasons for doing what we are doing. 

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.

More information about workshops will be coming soon. Workshops being offered include:
  • Boundaries training (led by Bishop Suarez and Judith Spindt
  • Responding to and caring for immigrants and refugees (led by Dr. Alexa Salvatierra)
  • Talk to a Millenial Pastor (led by Pr. Sarah Locke)
  • Synod Parish Deacons, diakonia, and equipping lay people for ministry
  • and others!

Dates: Oct. 14-16 (New to Synod and Conference Deans arrive Oct. 13)
Location: Life Enrichment Center, Leesburg
ELCA Resources for Responding to Family Separation and Immigration Concerns
On June 28, 2019, the Women of the ELCA shared the following video with more information about how to get involved and offer support.
In 2018, the ELCA churchwide office produced a guide for ELCA members to learn more about what we are doing as an organization on family separation and immigration policies. 

In this guide
1. Resources explaining family separation.
2. What has the ELCA done about family separation?
3. What has the ELCA done to oppose family detention?
4. How can people advocate?
5. How can people walk alongside these migrants through the ELCA?
6. Where can I learn more?
7. Where should I donate?

Bishop's Calendar
  • Milwaukee (Churchwide Assembly)
  • Vacation
  • Tampa
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