Join Us for a Virtual Mini-Session with Dr. Reggie McNeal

Searching for Kingdom Collaborators

January 12, 2023 | 11 a.m.

Kingdom leaders co-conspire with God to bring more of His kingdom to earth. Reggie’s presentation highlights how to spot them, what characteristics they evidence, and how church leaders can partner with them for greater kingdom impact in your community. Who knows? You might just be one of these leaders yourself! Webinar participants can send in questions ahead of time through the registration link as well as participate in live Q&A during the online event.

Click here to register.

Florida-Bahamas Director of Disaster Response Opening

The Director of Disaster Response assists the Florida-Bahamas Synod with building a disaster response infrastructure and implementing it throughout the state. The position is responsible for assisting the Synod and congregations to be prepared and readied to respond to disasters, minister to those dealing with tragedy, and build capacity within our congregations to respond in times of need.

If you would like to apply, click here for a complete job description. After reading it, if you are qualified please email your resume to Pastor Rob Rose, Assistant to the Bishop of Administration, 

robr@fbsynod.org.

Hurricane Damage to Our Congregations

This hurricane season was a hard one. Many of our buildings sustained significant damage. Bishop Suárez and the Synod Council would like to know if your congregation is dealing with damage and to what extent. If this is the case in your community, please take this two minute survey so we can start to collect information regarding the total extent of damage and costs: https://forms.office.com/r/tifqaCkNva  

When Was the Last Time You Had Someone Really Listen to You?

Coaches listen. To you. With a Coach you can clarify where you are and where you are going. Coaches help you map things out and take action.

In our FB Synod we have trained and experienced ELCA Coaches who can partner with you to help you get to where you need to be and go. Find out more at FBSynod.com/coaching. Coaching: It’s About What’s Next!

Interim Pastor/Transition Ministry Training

In-Person, January 31- February 2, at Luther Springs! Register now!

In the bestseller, Passages, Gail Sheehy argues that life, from birth to death, is really a series of twists and turns, with each being an opportunity for creative change. There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, 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. If you are in your first call, On Leave from Call or retired, this may be an opportunity for you. Click here to register.

Join us for the diakonia Graduation on Jan. 21 at Hope Lutheran, the Villages

ALL are invited to join the graduates and their friends and families, their instructors and coaches in a day of celebration!

The Florida-Bahamas Synod’s School of Lay Ministry presents the 14^th diakonia graduating class on January 21, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church, the Villages.

Come all day. Come for part of the day. Come for the graduation worship service. COME!

We will gather around 9:30 a.m. for coffee and fellowship. Then a Come’n See class where you can enjoy a taste of the education opportunity provided by the School of Lay Ministry’s curriculum, which now offers over 20 courses for new students, and continuing education for graduates and even congregation Bible Study.

For prospective parish deacons, a Table Talk will be held in the afternoon.

Stay for lunch! We will be joined by Bishop Pedro Suárez, and we will enjoy conversation with the bishop after lunch. 

Worship with us at the graduation worship service, Bishop Suárez presiding. This is sure to be a moving and memorable service.



To attend, please send an email to Ed Bornman at bornmel@diakoniafl.org and let us know. There is no charge for the class, conversation with the bishop or worship. If you’d like to join us for lunch, the cost is $15 which can be paid at the event or online at diakoniafl.org/Tuition and fees/graduation lunch.

Click here to read a letter from diakonia Executive Director Rev. William Hamilton.

2023 Special for Rostered Leaders

We want you to know just how much we appreciate you and important work you do by offering the following specials just for you.

Respite Stays At Camp

We all need time away to rest and renew our body, mind and soul. We invite you to schedule a respite stay at any of our locations in 2023. Rostered leaders will receive 50% off the normal nightly rate.

Discount is only applicable towards lodging and meals are not included. Contact our Reservations Coordinator 828-209-6328 to learn more or to reserve your stay with us.

(Dates and lodging are subject to availability)

1/2 Off One Program Per Year

Come enjoy the fun and faith-filled experiences of our camp programs in 2023! Rostered leaders will receive 50% off one program registration. Use code ROSTERED23 when registering. One discount per person and cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. Good towards any year-round program or Adult offering during the summer.

Learn more about all the program offerings this year by visiting our websites: Lutheridge.org, Lutherock.org, LutherSprings.org, Lutheranch.org.

Contact your Camp Registrar with questions:

• Lutheridge or Lutheranch: Allyson West, 828-209-6302
• Lutherock or Luther Springs: Michelle Kallies, 828-209-6301

We hope to see you at camp in 2023!

Synod Parish Deacons Retreat

“Growing in Faith, Hope and Love” Retreat will be held March 3-4, 2023 at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Oviedo FL. We encourage all Synod Parish Deacons to attend this in-person retreat to hear updates, learn about new opportunities, meet other Synod Parish Deacons, and more! Please visit the Florida-Bahamas Synod website for more information and the registration form.

You can also find this information on our Synod Parish Deacon Facebook Page at FBS Synod Parish Deacons.

Volunteers of The Community Church in Babcock Ranch recently made 407 sandwiches as part of their Saturday Sandwich Outreach, bringing their total sandwiches made and distributed to 3,287 in their first year! The sandwiches are sent to organizations who serve the under-resourced in the Babcock Ranch area. (Photo courtesy of The Community Church)

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

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church

At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly last August, voting members adopted a memorial concerning restructuring the ELCA’s governance, and in November the Church Council responded to this by authorizing the establishment of a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church. Individuals who wish to be nominated for the commission or to nominate another person can learn more here. Nominations are open through March 9.

https://www.elca.org/crlc.

• January 21: Hope Lutheran - The Villages - diakonia Graduation Eucharist 4:00 pm

• January 26-28: Latinx Ministry Competence Workshop: Wartburg Seminary

• January 27: Stewardship Symposium: Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University

• January 31 - February 2: Interim Pastor/Transition Ministry Training

• March 3-4: Synod Parish Deacon Retreat

• April 10-20: Joint Synod Holy Land Pilgrimage

• September 18-27: ALOA 10-Day Tour of Greece: Walk in the footsteps of Paul 

• September 23: - diakonia graduation/retreat and conversation with the Bishop, Location TBD

• October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Location TBD.