E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | November 21, 2023 | |
A Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Suárez | |
Synod Staff Welcomes New Operations Manager | |
We are happy to introduce Bill Rosché as our new Operations Manager. He will be handling logistics and operations for the Synod. Bill joins us from GEICO after 25 years where he held multiple positions, most recently as a corporate trainer. Bill grew up in Virginia Beach, Va. as a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He is a graduate of Florida State University and is a huge fan of FSU football. Bill has been married to his wife, Linda, for 25 years and they recently renewed their vows in Hawaii. They relocated to Tampa in 2005 and are members of St. Paul in Tampa. They love to travel and spend too much time at Disney. Bill said, “It is a blessing to be part of the Synod and I’m here to support everyone in any way I can.” You can reach him at billr@fbsynod.org.
| |
|
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 | | Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
| | |
|
Global Mission Fall Newsletter
It has been an exciting fall in the world of Global Mission! Read about news from our companions, as well as the recent International Consultation that gathered churches from Latin American and the Caribbean. Learn about the Lutheran World Federation and our companions' involvement in its Fall Assembly in Poland.
By virtue of being part of this synod, you and your congregation are part of the Companion Program. Consider hosting a Global Mission Sunday; invite someone to speak about our ministries together. Support Global Mission with your prayers and your financial gifts; join a companion team. Want to learn more? Email Rev. Katie Carroll, Global Mission Table Chair, at revkhc@gmail.com.
Click here to download the newsletter.
|
|
Embrace Renewal: Luther Springs' Diverse Retreats Await You in the New Year
Luther Springs invites everyone to join their upcoming array of retreats starting in the new year, catering to diverse interests and ages. Whether it's the hands-on Master Builders retreat, the reflective Respite in the Wilderness designed for rostered leaders gearing up for Lent, or the creative Quilting Retreat, there's something for everyone. Click here for a comprehensive list of available retreats. To register, visit www.LutherSprings.org or call 828-209-6301.
|
 | |
The Just Love team is preparing “An Advent Journey with Mary,” four resources that congregations can use for worship or Bible study during the season of Advent. Each week’s resources will focus on the experiences of Latin Americans in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, and will include recorded conversations, scripture readings, music suggestions from Lutheran hymnals and other resources, a few paragraphs of instructional material, and discussion questions.
Congregations and individuals can decide for themselves how to use the resources for each week—whether in a worship service, a Bible study, or some combination of the two. Some people may wish to join together online to engage with the resources. We'll explore the following themes:
- Week One: Mother of Jesus; Mother of God
- Week Two: Visions and Wonders
- Week Three: Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Call to Work for Justice
- Week Four: Las Posadas and Our Call to Hospitality
Click here to receive these devotional resources during Advent.
| |
|
Let's Help Pave the Way to the ELCA Youth Gathering!
Our vibrant youth and young adults are already gearing up for an electrifying summer of events, and we're expecting an impressive turnout of 500-600 enthusiastic individuals from the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Brace yourselves, because "Created To Be" is set to deliver an absolutely thrilling experience!
But here's the thing -- we want to ensure that everyone who desires to attend can make it a reality. That's where you, your congregation, and your conference come in. Together, we can provide financial support to those who might otherwise miss out, just as countless generous hearts have done in previous years. Even if your own congregation doesn't have young attendees, you can still be a sponsor for someone from another congregation.
The cost for each person to partake in this life-changing adventure is estimated at $1,000-$1,200. Your contribution can make all the difference, and it's as simple as visiting the synod's website. In past years, your incredible generosity has surpassed $10,000 for this noble cause, and for that, we are grateful.
Don't wait, be a part of this incredible journey by following this direct link for your contribution.
And if you happen to know someone in need of financial assistance, here's a link to the application that can be their ticket to an unforgettable summer. Let's come together and make "Created To Be" an unforgettable experience for all!
| |
|
12 Day Pilgrimage to Greece & Greek Islands
Join Bishop Pedro Suárez and Bishop Yehiel Curry in a 12-day joint synod pilgrimage to Greece and the Greek Islands, June 18-29, 2024. Explore New Testament lands and walk in the footsteps of Paul.
Pilgrimage highlights include:
-
Athens city tour (the world-famous Acropolis, Pan-Athenian Stadium & more!)
- 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey
- The ruins of Ephesus where Paul spent three years during his ministry
- the island of Patmos
- Santorini, Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth
- And much more!
Click here for more details and to register.
| |
| Photo of the Week: Memorial, St. Augustine | | |
|
Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Augustine celebrated Reformation Day with activities involving their family ministries. Their new elementary age Youth-FULL group decorated pumpkins with the Luther Rose. Their middle/high school youth group made fun "Marty Memes," which decorated the church hall and they also made lanterns for the altar. The lanterns are decorated with sketches of the church and represent the light of Christ which spread following the Reformation. (Submitted by Linda Chambers)
To share a photo of your ministry in action, email comms@fbsynod.org.
| |
|
POP Largo Seeks Adult Day Care Administrator
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Largo, Florida has a licensed Adult Day Care ministry called Ruth’s Promise. We currently have an opening for the Director/Administrator of the Ruth’s Promise Adult Day Ministry. Supervisory and senior care experience required. Position is full-time with benefits, Monday through Friday. If interested or for more information, please call the church office at 727-585-9969 or email Terri Ziegler at ruthspromiseadp@gmail.com.
| |
Job Opportunity at Peace, Ft. Myers | |
Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers is looking for a new Parish Administrator. This is a full-time position with competitive pay and full benefits. Please direct inquiries to Rev. Andreas Stein at andreasstein@rocketmail.com. | |
|
ELCA Church Council appoints Michael Burk as presiding bishop pro tempore
The Church Council of the ELCA appointed Michael Burk as presiding bishop pro tempore after its Executive Committee approved Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s request for a four- to six-month leave of absence, to begin Nov. 17. Burk, former bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, will care for the responsibilities of the presiding bishop during her leave of absence. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization’s board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 9-12. Read more.
| | |
|
North American and Holy Land Heads of Churches Meet in Solidarity and Prayer
On Nov. 16, the North American heads of Churches Beyond Borders met online with their Lutheran and Episcopal counterparts in the Holy Land for a time of solidarity and prayer.
The six participating heads of churches included Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, Bishop Doctor Sani Ibrahim Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Archbishop Linda Nicholls of the Anglican Church of Canada, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of The Episcopal Church, National Bishop Susan Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The six churches renewed their commitment to mutual accompaniment, solidarity and prayer as a witness to Christ’s justice and peace, uniting our churches beyond all borders. This meeting, originally planned as an in-person visit, was held online; the postponed trip will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Churches Beyond Borders is an ecumenical partnership in North America, or Turtle Island, which includes the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC), The Episcopal Church (TEC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
| |
|
Prayer Vigil - Ceasefire Now! - November 20, 6 p.m.
Join National Council of Churches and many other ecumenical partners in a public time of prayer for peace in the Middle East. The prayer will be livestreamed on Churches for Middle East Peace's YouTube page on Monday evening.
| | | | |
