Disaster Response Feedback Needed

The Florida Bahamas Synod strives to help local congregations continue to be the church even during a disaster. This follows Christ’s call to bring hope and healing to our neighbors in need whomever they may be. Hurricane season is approaching, and we all need to be ready in case a storm hits our synod.

There are two parts to dealing with any disaster. First, have a plan before a disaster strikes so you are prepared ahead of time. Second, how do we respond to a disaster once it passes? 

To get an idea of how we prepare and serve, please click here to take a short survey and provide feedback on how the Synod Disaster Response team can better serve you and your congregation.

MP 100 Spring Appeal - St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 

Over the years, the Mission Partners 100 program has made a difference in our congregations and new developments of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Over the last two years these congregations have benefitted from this wonderful program, and a total of $45,363.00 has been raised.

This spring, our appeal focuses on St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pensacola. Located on 9^th Avenue, St. Paul sees over 25,000 cars passing by each day. However, the church building is set back and is nearly invisible to those driving by, and the welcome sign is outdated, lacking color and messaging to draw people’s attention.

Working closely with the Office of the Bishop, St. Paul’s has established a new mission plan: “Envision.” The Envision mission plan includes an at-home community experience for all who walk through the doors of St. Paul. It will turn the congregation’s focus on warmly welcoming guests.  

• Click here to learn more about St. Paul's initiative and to donate.
• Click here to view a video from St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Diakonia News

Sitting at my desk, I came across a flyer with a post-it note attached. The note said, “Why not you?” Say what? It was a brochure for a new synod program – a two-year program – and I thought to myself, “Is my pastor serious? I don’t have enough on my plate with a full-time job, active ministry life, family, friends, etc.?”

Nevertheless, I found myself driving the 45 miles to the site where the courses were being held, on a Saturday morning, and met 13 people – none of whom were committed to anything more than this first class.

Two years later, we all graduated and my life was changed forever…in ways I never could have imagined.

You are invited on the journey. Come and see! Self-study is now available. Go to diakoniafl.org to check out the web site, or email me, Michele Hilton, at MicheleAHilton@aol.com.



There’s a seat with your name on it.

Volunteer Opportunity at Synod Assembly

This year’s Synod Assembly will include and in-person volunteer opportunity at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. This private non-profit serves six counties in Central Florida and last year alone distributed enough food for 73 million meals.

If you live in central Florida or can come in early, join your fellow Lutherans at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 3 at the warehouse (411 Mercy Dr., Orlando) and let’s get to work. Can’t make it to the warehouse? Take up a special collection and bring it with you. Let’s fill these bins. If each congregation brings 50 pounds of canned goods and other items, we could donate more than four tons to Second Harvest! That would help a lot of struggling families. 

Critically needed items:

• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Grains (rice, cereal, oatmeal)
• Proteins (canned meat, tuna, beans, peanut butter, canned soup)
• Dairy (dry or evaporated milk)
• Baby Food
• Non-Food items (these can’t be purchased with food stamps – e.g., soap, shampoo, toothpaste)

Online Service of

Lament & Confession

Monday, April 4, 2022, 7 PM

In commemoration of the 54^th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us lament and confess the sin of racism and take up the disciplines that will bring forth understanding and peace. Click here to register for the online service.

The Just Love Team invites persons who would like to partner with us as ambassadors by completing the form at this link. Future trainings are now being planned. 

A Wellness Retreat for Rostered Leaders During a Pandemic

*NEW Additional Dates: June 13-15

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.

June 13 - 15

(Mon-Wed)

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.

Open Position: Piano/Organist Accompanist 

All Saints (Port Orange)

All Saints Lutheran Church in Port Orange is seeking a piano/organist accompanist. Hours average 3.5-5 hours per week to include choir rehearsals and Sunday worship services. Click here to view complete job description. Interested parties can inquire at 386-761-9129 or send resume to lmccandless@gmail.com.