Vision to Action: Deadline to Apply is September 30

The deadline for submitting an application for the 2023 season of Vision to Action is fast approaching! All applications MUST be submitted to the V2A website, www.v2agrants.org, no later than this Saturday, September 30 in order to be considered by the Grant Team. Late submissions will not be accepted.

As you put the finishing touches on your application, you are urged to read the website carefully regarding eligibility, timeline, budget writing, and more. The How-To Guide on the Apply page goes question by question, offering guidance and ideas for filling out the application. Think about how you can clearly state the ways your project idea (1) is innovative: envisioning a new way of being church; (2) addresses community needs; AND (3) helps to grow the church and form new communities of faith.

Rest assured there will be another grant season in 2024. If your congregation or ministry group did not feel ready to apply this year, you are encouraged to apply in the future.  

Synod Seeks Director of Operations

Are you a seasoned operations expert with a deep understanding of ELCA structures and practices? Are you ready to play a pivotal role in the mission of the Florida-Bahamas Synod? We are searching for a dedicated Director of Operations to lead the way. In this role, you will oversee daily operations, develop efficient policies, and ensure financial stability while fostering collaboration with various synod departments, ministries, and congregations. If you're a proactive, mission-driven individual with exceptional leadership skills, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact in our synod. Click here to learn more.

Installations & Ordinations

Rev. William Kittinger will be installed as Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice on October 1 at 3 p.m.

Mission Partners 100: Give Today!

Your gift as part of the synod’s Mission Partner 100 will help us preserve Sarasota’s past and architectural heritage as well as Sarasota’s future—the children who attend our pre-school—and help St. Paul Lutheran Church of Sarasota continue as a caring community-centered church. The St. Paul Lutheran Church of Sarasota Education Building is one of three on our campus designed by internationally-renowned architect Victor Lundy. While safe, the roof leaks and its iconic historical beams need to be replaced due to weather and termite damage. Click here to read more.

Attention Congregation Treasurers and Bookkeepers

In the first of a series of traveling meetings, we invite congregation treasurers and bookkeepers to gather on Sunday, October 15, from 1:00-4:00 PM, at the Warren Willis Conference Center in Fruitland Park.

This will be an opportunity to learn, share, and discuss how the duties of congregation treasurer impacts their roles and the church. Some of the topics to be discussed will be:

• The burden of debt and mortgages
• The high cost of maintenance: electricity, HVAC, irrigation
• Insurance
• First Fruits Giving (What is it and how does it affect the budget/spending plan?)
• Best Practices (Learn to protect yourself from potential financial misconduct.)
• Threats to tax exemption status

Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Augustine recently expanded their Family Ministry program to include a Youth-FULL Group for elementary school age kids. During their first meeting last week, they learned about the importance of loving ourselves as much as God loves us and they made Affirmation Portraits to help them remember.

Bach Vespers Tradition at St. Mark’s (Jacksonville) Continues

The Bach Vespers tradition at St. Mark’s (Jacksonville) continues as we prepare to sing our 20^th cantata by J. S. Bach, sung in the context of a Lutheran Vespers (Evening Prayer) service. The cantata serves as the musical offering at the center of a service with vibrant hymns and reverent liturgy.

We invite singers from the community to participate in this unique worship service. Professional instrumentalists and trained soloists join the choir to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Johann Sebastian Bach is widely acknowledged as one of the geniuses of western music. Lutherans honor him with the title “the fifth evangelist.” He wrote a cantata for nearly every Sunday of the church year and is known for dedicating his compositions with the words “soli Deo gloria” – Glory to God alone. His sacred cantatas present the gospel of Jesus Christ with grace and beauty.

“Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn” utilizes the tune Christe, du Lamm Gottes. Its central story is Jesus’ healing of a blind man near Jericho.

There is no audition for singers, but the ability to read music, along with experience singing in a choir, is important.

To secure your spot, contact Tony Cruz at 904-742-5136 or send an email to cantortonycruz@gmail.com with your name, contact information, and voice part (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass).

Rehearsal Schedule

• October 12, Thursday: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
• October 19, Thursday: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
• October 21, Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• October 28, Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• November 4, Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• November 11, Saturday: Dress rehearsal with orchestra - 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• November 12, SUNDAY: Service at 7:00 pm

Living Lutheran: Beating burnout

Though burnout of rostered ministers after the pandemic has been widely acknowledged, burnout of active members of congregations is also being felt. Read Living Lutheran’s September/October lead feature, where Brenda Martin shares eight steps to rejuvenate congregational volunteers, ways to recognize signs of burnout and what ELCA congregations are doing to support their members. Read more, and download the study guide.

God’s love made real (survey reminder)

Since we first asked you to join us in being church together, many have responded to this unprecedented opportunity, and there is still time to join us in the great conversation about Future Church: God’s Love Made Real!

We continue to learn about our church, what is strong and good and where we need to grow in Christ. If you have not yet, please take the survey and help us lean into what it means to create a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.

If you have already taken the survey: THANK YOU! Your voice helps us form the future of our church.

• September 28 – October 1: Making Disciples Retreat - Luther Springs

• October 1 - 2: Fall Seminary Snapshot, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

• October 10: From Wedding Rings to Nose Rings: Generational Differences in the Pews - Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association 

• October 11: International Women Leaders Back to School Gathering

• October 13-15: Young Adult Retreat - Luther Springs

• October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, Fruitland Park

• November 4-6: Signs Along the Way Discernment Weekend - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

• November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering