E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | August 9, 2022

SYNOD NEWS

Embody the Word: 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Stay up-to-date with the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, convening Aug. 8-12! The livestream, updates, land acknowledgement, FAQs and more can all be found at elca.org/ChurchwideAssembly.

You can also view photos and updates from our synod leadership in attendance on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/FlaBahSynod.

Registration Now Open for 2022 COM

Register today for the 2022 Conference on Ministry. We will welcome Dr. Reggie McNeal as this year's keynote speaker as we gather October 17-19 with the theme: "Thy Kingdom Come." Click here to read Dr. McNeal's bio. Deadline to register is September 26.

Give Now for Flooding Relief

Lutheran Disaster Response is planning a long-term response to the severe flooding in Kentucky and other states in the region. Give today to support flood survivors: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z3JW/campaign/C-121Y5

Installations & Ordinations

Rev. Teresa Stewart: August 27, 10:00 a.m., as Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Spring Hill.

Weekly Prayer Focus

God of wisdom, call us, inspire us and guide us as we shape the work of this church according to Your will for the whole world.

MINISTRY UPDATES

The Global Mission Summer Newsletter is Available

Wonderful things are happening in the world of Global Mission, and you are encouraged to read about them and join the excitement. Click here to access the Summer 2022 Global Mission Newsletter. Read about an upcoming visit of Surinamese seminary student Rafael Van Ommeren to the Flagler-Volusia Conference; learn how Global Mission got started in the synod; find out how lives are being changed through a goat project in Haiti and how the contributions our synod makes to World Hunger have supported a community farm in Cuba.

All this and more, is a click away. Feel stirred to get involved or just want to learn more? Email Global Mission Table Chair Rev. Katie Carroll at revkhc@gmail.com. She is available to visit your church, either in-person or via zoom.

Just Love Team Upcoming Events

The Just Love Team will host an online post-assembly discussion on the actions of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly on Sunday, August 14, 2022, 4 p.m. Several memorials address questions around the future of the church and how it continues to address racism and white supremacy. We will listen and share and learn together where the Gospel is leading us today. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/postCWA22.

Just Love Ambassador Training will be held at Synod House on Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. During the recent Synod Assembly in June, the Just Love Team held an engaging workshop to educate and discuss anti-racism ministry. The team invites those who are willing to serve as Just Love Ambassadors to attend this training event. It will provide insight and suggestions on how to address and transform racism in your congregation through Bible Study, Book Study, Workshops, and Sacred Conversations. RSVP online by 8/17: https://bit.ly/JLT0820

diakonia News

See you in September

See you when the summer’s through

Bye-bye. So long. Farewell…

Yup…those are lyrics to a hit song from the 1960s.

It’s summertime here in Florida and the perfect time for lots of us to take off and avoid the searing summer heat.

So, if you have been thinking about diakonia or thinking about starting a journey to better prepare you for lay leadership in your congregation, or just wanting a little more than a regular Bible study, we hope to see YOU in September.

Even though the School of Lay Ministry courses are continuing over the summer, our Steering Committee will be taking a hiatus for July and August. So, cut this out and stick it on your refrigerator.

Relax (or chillax as the younger people say) for the summer and then we’ll be back in September looking for you.

LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Bus for Sale at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Juno Beach

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church has a 2013 Ford Bus F550 for sale. It can accommodate 29 people with the driver. There are 4 extra seats that can be used for a little extra storage.

It does need tires and some ignition work. If anyone is interested or wants additional information, call business manager, Mark, at 561-624-9663. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photo of the Week: South Miami Lutheran

South Miami Lutheran Church recently hosted "Undie Sunday" where members collected over 200 pairs of socks, T-shirts and underwear for the men, women and children of the Miami Rescue Mission. (Photo credit: Meredith Mills)

To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.

ELCA NEWS

Resources Available for “God’s work. Our hands." Sunday

On Sunday, Sept. 11, congregations will join together for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday. This annual day of service is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

To help you plan for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, we invite you to visit ELCA.org/DayofService for resources including:

New Housing Resource

“Housing: A Practical Guide for Learning, Advocating and Building” is a new ELCA World Hunger resource for congregations who want to learn about and take action to address the housing crisis in their communities.

For congregations new to this work, this resource will provide step-by-step guidance on how to build awareness and capacity around the root causes of homelessness, how to become an advocate for affordable housing and people experiencing homelessness, and, finally, how to build affordable housing.

For congregations already involved in this work, the resources in this guide can help with congregation and community education, training new volunteers and refining your current project.

Download the guide.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Luther Springs 2022 Programs: Retreats & Programs for 2022

September 11: "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday: Day of Service

September 20-30: The Oberammergau Passion Play: Adult Lutherans Organized for Action

October 7-9: National BOLD Gathering: Lutheran Men in Mission

November 13: Go Divas Benefit Concert: Lamb of God Church

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