E-Spirit

Weekly Newsletter

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News, Stories, and More

from the

Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA

March 8, 2022

Keeping up with news and stories from around the synod...

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On this International Women's Day, we celebrate women and their contributions to society and the world. We pray for the many brave women all around the world who face uncertain futures as they deal with war, strife, and violence.


We particularly pray for the women of Ukraine who struggle to keep their children safe and who take up arms in defense of their families and country. May our Lord give them strength and peace. If you would like to contribute to the people of Ukraine, please give through Lutheran World Relief.


In celebration of International Women’s Day, the ELCA is collecting funds to invest in the future of women leaders, our companion churches, educational institutions, and communities. Let’s expand opportunities for women around the globe as we strive for a church and society built on true gender equity.

Your gifts will be matched dollar for dollar until we reach $50,000. Give now.

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Lutherans Doing Good


With all that is going on in the world today, we can be overwhelmed, but when we work together our humble efforts can make a huge kingdom impact.


Hurricane Sally plowed into the Panhandle of Florida in 2020 leaving devastation in its tracks.


Two years later residents are still living in unsafe homes due to Sally. Blue tarps continue to cover roofs from Pensacola to Panama City to Gulf County. But Lutherans are making a difference.


Over the past two years, the ELCA National Lutheran Disaster Response and your Florida-Bahama Synod partnered with local congregations to help the elderly, the disadvantaged, the disabled, veterans and many more, to get back into safe homes. Donations from ELCA congregations from across the country are making a huge difference here in Florida.


Recently Pastor Rob Rose, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration, presented a check to B.R.A.C.E., the hurricane recovery agency in Pensacola, to help with the recovery efforts. Click below to see the live interview that aired on the local ABC New.

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Synod Assembly Registration opens this Friday, March 11


We are thrilled to finally be able to gather in assembly after two years of pandemic precautions. We look forward to a joy-filled time of worship, workshops, and fellowship. It's time.


We will meet at the Caribe Royale in Orlando from June 3 through 5, 2022.


Look for a special edition Assembly email this Friday, March 11, with links for registration, nominations, hotel, and more.



Last Call for Workshop Submittals


We are seeking workshop leaders for the 2022 Synod Assembly, June 3-5. Our theme is Joyful, Patient, Faithful based on Romans 12:12.


Workshops will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, June 4. Workshops will be 1-hour sessions, with 15 minutes between each session, and there will be three sessions.


If you are interested in presenting, please click here to submit your workshop proposal, or email to robr@fbsynod.org. Deadline for submission is March 10.



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Ordinations & Installations


  • Oscar Mauricio Restrepo will be ordained as a Minister of Word & Sacrament at Grace Alone Lutheran Church in Fort Lauderdale, on Sunday, March 13, at 3:00 PM.


  • The Rev. David Guss will be installed as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Miami Springs on Sunday, April 10, at 10:30 AM.



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Searching for Two Synod Parish Deacons


We give thanks to Synod Parish Deacon Marcy Kysilka, who has served on the Bishop’s Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee for six years. She served as the committee’s treasure and has helped coordinate many parish deacon retreats. We wish that she could stay longer. As a result, we now have two Synod Parish Deacon vacancies on the committee: the committee chair and a committee member. (The committee consists of three pastors and three Synod Parish Deacons. Please click here to learn more about the Florida-Bahamas Synod Parish Deacon program and the role and responsibilities of the Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee.)


Bishop Suarez and staff recognize and celebrate the importance of the Synod Parish Deacon program as Parish Deacons serve and support our pastors and strengthen our congregations as lay leaders who are grounded in their faith. If you sense that God may be calling you to serve as the chair of the Bishop’s Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee or to serve as a committee member, please submit a one-page essay that addresses the following: “Why do you believe that you are being called to this position and what gifts, skills and experiences do you have that will enable you to fulfil the responsibilities of this position?” Please also include a recommendation letter from your pastor. The essay and reference letter, and/or a request for more information, may be sent to Deacon Connie Schmucker at connies@fbsynod.org.


Just Love Team


Interested in watching the listening sessions hosted the by the Just Love Team in honor of Black History Month? Click here to watch all three sessions.


The Just Love Team is seeking Ambassadors. If you are interested, complete the form at https://forms.gle/qE6JjwtSTqXPwU4z8. Thanks!



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A Wellness Retreat for Rostered Leaders During a Pandemic


Facilitated by the Rev. Sharon Taylor

 

And all who thirst will thirst no more

And all who search will find what their souls long for

The world will try, but it can never fill

Leave it all behind, and come to the well. Casting Crowns

  

Let’s be Honest. Being a rostered leader is challenging in good times. During a pandemic, pastoring can be unbearable at times!


Through a generous grant from Lutheran Disaster Relief-USA, the Florida-Bahamas Synod is sponsoring this two-night retreat as a crisis response and an opportunity to decompress and reconnect to our spiritual selves. 


“Come to the Well” retreat will provide opportunities for rest, renewal, and play. Using spiritual practices, we will reconnect with God, with ourselves, and with one another.


May 9-11

(Mon-Wed)

2:30 PM - 2:00 PM

St. Peter Lutheran Church

3751 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach


Overnight accommodations at the Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel. Please click here for information and registration.

 

It's not too late to file these annual reports



  • Rostered Minister Reports - Download and save to your computer. Following completion, save, and attach to an e-mail to ileanas@fbsynod.org.


  • Mission Support Covenants - You can file your covenant online or by returning the card to the Synod Office. This year, the Florida-Bahamas Synod will forward 46% of our mission support dollars to Churchwide.



OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

The Village

Lutheran Counseling Service

Support Groups for LGBTQ+ and Trans Youth- March 2022

Click here for the LGBTQ+ group.

Click here for the Trans Therapy group.



"Lettuce" Give Thanks

ALL Women of the Caloosa Conference

March 26

Christ Lutheran Church

Cape Coral

Information & Registration



College Readiness Webinar Series

Click here for more information on this series.

Registration



Luther Springs 2022 Programs

List of retreats and programs for 2022:

Information & Registration


Grief Matters

Virtual Educational Series on Grief

Click here for schedule of topics and registration.



Boundless Wide & Deep

July 24-29

Luther Springs in Hawthorne

A week of fun and ministry for youth.

Schedule & Registration

Audaire Spiritual Direction Formation Program

Zoom Information Sessions

March 21 or April 21

Register here