This past Sunday, Bishop Suárez invited Pastor Rob Carlson, Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission in the North Region, to help share the message for this week. To watch the Sunday message, click here.
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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence |
The Florida-Bahamas Synod Global Mission Table is participating in the observance of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with churches throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.
Each day from November 25 to December 10, companion churches will post via social media various prayers, stories, devotions, and images. These have been shared through the ELCA Global Mission and Lutheran Office for World Community Facebook pages. The Florida-Bahamas Synod participated on December 2 with our companion in Suriname, and will participate again on December 9 with our companion in Cuba. You can view the first collaboration here.
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Transition Ministry Training Online Webinar
January 25-29, 2021
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.
COST:
Interim Pastors 5 days - $160
First Call and/or New Call Pastors & Others (M-W) - $130
The first three days of presentations focus on elements that are common to all transitional situations, lifting up the differences for new call situations and interim situations. The final two days are specific to interim ministry and will review the specifics of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Transition Manual and processes.
The Continuing Education Credit for the Rostered Leaders Annual Report to the Bishop is 9 hours for 3-day attendees, or 15 hours for 5-day attendees.
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The United As One COVID-19 Special Appeal continues to provide support to congregations during this pandemic.
This blessing of funding during the pandemic is monumental for our congregations in need.
One Pastor writes, "I just opened the mail and was so delighted to see the check for $2000 from the Synod for the technology grant...This will be a big morale booster for all who have worked so hard on virtual services this year, and are continuing to put in extra hours as we transition to in-car worship this Sunday.
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Join the Florida-Bahamas Synod and lift up your neighboring congregations!
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New Newsletter from Babcock Ranch Now Available! |
On September 1, 2020 a new mission was approved in the ELCA as a SAWC (Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community). So what has been happening in Babcock Ranch?
Click here to read the new newsletter created by Pastor Matt Shapton, highlighting the progress and ministry at Babcock Ranch!
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Stories From The Heart:
Bold Gathering
December 12th at 11:00am-2:00pm CST
Six speakers will be sharing their experiences and insights in messages for both men and women. No cost to register and watch from church with a small group or from your own home
(donations are welcomed). To Register: Click Here!
Lutheran Men in Mission is excited to announce our first speaker, Dr. Mallory Everett. Check www.boldgathering.com for more updates and schedules as they are released.
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Dr. Mallory Everett, PsyD., LPC has more than 10 years of clinical experience. She recently completed her PsyD in Counseling Psychology in August 2019 from the University of St. Elizabeth. She presently is working with clients who are attempting to establish and maintain recovery, Co-Occurring (diagnosis of mental health disorder and substance abuse), Crisis Management, College students who experience adjustment and academic deficiencies, Children and families in need of psychoeducation and resources to meet family needs, Incarcerated and Diversity Challenges. |
Also from Lutheran Men in Mission: Stories From the Heart
This past year has shown us many things about American People. We have seen our great resilience and our deep divisions; we have also been reminded of the deep and painful racial challenges our country faces. These challenges are faced by every aspect of society, from streets to boardrooms, from faith to healthcare; there is no corner of American society that is not been impacted by issues of race and prejudice.
Lutheran Men in Mission have long prayed for the day when all God’s children come together as one. As the old children’s hymn goes; “Jesus loves the little children; All the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black and white they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world”. In an effort to foster new relationships and understanding, LMM has invited members of the BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) community to share from the heart their stories without editing or censorship. We asked them for a simple thing: “Share the story of your heart that you wish the church could hear!”
This Bold Gathering provides LMM’s platform for them so that we might hear their responses. Again, these are their stories, straight from the heart. It is our prayer that through this experience walls may be torn down and that relationships may be fostered.
May these “Stories From the Heart” move and challenge you. Above all else may they serve as the first steps to bridging the space that divides us. Building the foundation for new relationships and understandings that bring us together as one in Christ.
Sincerely, John Sundquist, Executive Director of Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM)
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Parish Paper issues for January and February are now available!
New issues of the Parish Paper are now available!
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Pay yourself income, then pay it forward. Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity. |
If you are age 65 or older, you can establish a charitable gift annuity that provides you with fixed payments for life, with the remainder of the gift benefiting the ELCA ministry of your choice. With your gift you’ll receive an immediate income tax deduction, and a portion of the payments you receive may be tax-free as well.
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Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary & ELCA Fund for Leaders can help you afford education
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When the Spirit nudges and tugs, and you begin to consider a call to ministry, an important question is: Can I afford theological education?
We want you to listen to God’s call, knowing you can afford the master’s degree program required for rostered ministry in the ELCA. Therefore, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary offers up-to-full tuition grants for all ELCA students.
Another important funding opportunity comes from ELCA Fund for Leaders, which provides full-tuition grants for ELCA students in candidacy. LTSS students who earn a Fund for Leaders full-tuition scholarship receive a housing scholarship which covers all or most of your on-campus housing expenses. Find information about ELCA Fund for Leaders here.
Questions? Want to talk about seminary? Contact Jennifer Shimota at 803-461-3297 or Jennifer.Shimota@lr.edu.
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Facing Forward
December 10, 2020 - 9:30am—2:00pm
Hear—Help—Heal: Florida Council of Churches Online FLASH Assembly
We began the year with a very different prospect than it is ending. COVID-19 has revealed multiple pandemics. We’ve known they were there: white supremacy, violence, environmental degradation, health and income disparities. Now the great majority have realized that we all have suffered from these pandemics. Let us face forward with resolve to pursue our high calling. Our cause is spiritual in nature – a spirituality that shapes worldly affairs so that they reflect God’s intention of wellbeing and fulness for all people. In the name of the one who died for all, let us hear the cries, render Good Samaritan help, and heal the body politic.
Morning Session
- 9:30 am: Opening of Assembly
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10:00 am: Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Hispanic Faith Advocacy (Biography)
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10:45 am: Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Jubilee at the Capitol (Biography)
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11:30 am: Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Healing the People (Biography)
Afternoon Session:
- 12:45 PM: First Panel Discussion: Advocacy During Pandemic with Karen Woodall and Bacardi Jackson
- 1:20 PM Second Panel Discussion: The Spiritual Struggle for Good Policy with former Rep. Jennifer Webb and Rev. Dr. James Morris
For more details, visit https://floridachurches.org/flash2020/.
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Our Central American partners were devastated by multiple hurricanes in quick succession, leading to widespread destruction, flooding, and death.
Please help us provide relief to our family in Christ in Central America.
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