Weekly Newsletter of the Florida-Georgia District
Equip, Empower, Engage -
Connecting People to Jesus
May 20, 2022
The FLGA District
Newsletter
Prayer Requests
Called to Glory

Reverend Juan Gonzalez (Beautiful Savior, Lehigh Acres, FL), was called to his heavenly home on May 5. Please keep his wife Eva and 3 children - Evita, Sofia, and Juan Jr. - in your prayers during this time of mourning. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

Reverend Dr. Christopher Rodger Meyer (Emeritus), has entered into his eternal rest with Christ. Please keep his family – daughters Gretchen and Elise, and son Craig and their families at this difficult but glorious time. A memorial service took place on May 9 and can be viewed here.

Mrs. Jackie Okun (Teacher Emeritus, Valrico, FL) was called into the arms of our Father on April 29. Jackie graduated from Concordia Bronxville and taught in the Florida-Georgia District her entire career. She retired in 2021 after teaching for 36 years. Prayers of comfort for her husband, daughter, and their entire family as they mourn this unexpected loss. Read more about her life and the details of her memorial service.


Prayers

Healing for Rev. Gary Dehnke (Circuit Visitor) who completed cancer treatment. We also pray for strength as he recovers from a hemorrhagic stroke on May 9 and begins inpatient rehabilitation.

Rev. Dan McPherson (Redeemer, West Palm Beach, FL) as he recovers from successful knee replacement surgery and begins physical therapy.

Rev. Bob Besalski (First, Gainesville, FL) as he recovers from successful surgery for pancreatic cancer on May 16.

Peace and healing for Jayson Gerken, son of Eric Gerken (Prince of Peace, Orlando, FL), as he continues his recovery from spinal cord surgery.

Praise and thanksgiving for the marriage of Rev. Ron Engel (Emeritus) and Claire "Graff" Engel on April 23.

Healing and strength for Rev. Mark Buckert (Emeritus) as he continues chemotherapy treatments for APL leukemia.

Continued prayers of healing for Rev. Chris Patterson (Concordia, Miami, FL) as he awaits further treatment.
Are you in need of prayer?

Submit a prayer request so that others in the District can lift up your need or thanksgiving to our loving Father.

We have updated our email services.

Please ensure all emails sent to District Staff use the email extension of flgadistrict.org
In This Issue
Prayers
District News & Events
Other News
District Resources
Greg's List
District News & Events
District Convention
June 16-18, 2022

Shirt Order
It's time to order your convention shirt! The cost of each shirt is $30. The deadline to place orders is Monday, May 23! 
Check the size chart before purchase. Shirt orders will be available to pick up at Convention Check-in.

Ingathering Event
We will hold an ingathering at this year's convention, Phil's Friends, a Recognized Service Organization of the Synod, will be the recipient. Phil's Friends has provided a list of items to collect during the convention. Please begin collecting these items in your congregation to help provide care for someone to know they are not walking their cancer journey alone. Learn more about Phil's Friends!

Convention Registration
ALL attendees must complete registration to take part in the convention. The Registration fee has now increased to $85.

Learn more about the 2022 FLGA District Convention.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Lutheran Counseling Services is here to serve the FLGA District. Reach out to their offices for a safe place to change your story.

Ministerial Assistance Program
The MAP is designed to help clergy, church workers, educators, parish nurses, secretaries, etc., and their families cope with church life and work challenges and demands. Learn more or set up an appointment.

On-Call Services
LCS offers free on-call services for those who need a safe place to begin their mental health journey. Call 407.644.4692 ext 5 or oncall@lcsfl.com.

And More!
Biweekly podcast - it's ok to not be ok! found on all major streaming sources and uplifting support on social media - Facebook and Instagram.
LERT Training Alert

Basic LERT Training Class will be held at Faith Viera Lutheran in Rockledge, FL, on May 21, 2022. Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response Program and learn the basic nature of disasters, opportunities to respond to personal needs in disasters, and support families, congregations, and the public during trying times. Participants must complete the Basic LERT Training Class to participate in all future LERT trainings.

Visit the website to learn more information and register.
May 23 - The Future Church, Part 2

Join FLGA Executive Director of Missions and Outreach, Dr. Peter Meier, for Mission Mondays, a one-hour Zoom call, for some great discussion! The Mission Mondays discussions are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 11 am. Next week the next topic is about:

What is the future of the church? Will Mancini, in his book, “The Future Church,” addresses challenges faced by the church today and offers solutions to help the church faithfully and joyfully fulfill the Great Commission. Join us for a look at his solutions and conversations about them.

Anyone who wishes to join in the discussion or just listen in is invited. Please register here to get your Zoom link.
First Clearwater –Community Easter Egg Hunt

As an outreach to their community, First Lutheran Church and School in Clearwater, FL, held a community egg hunt on April 16. This event was a great success that brought over 57 children and their families onto the church and school campus. These families were able to fellowship with others and learn about the love of Christ and His resurrection. He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Want to be a Seed Sower?

You can get help from the District Office through the Miracle Grow program.

Miracle Grow is designed to gather stories of what God is doing through our congregations and schools, and share them. To accomplish this, Miracle Grow will offer a seed investment of $300 to congregations and schools who engage in and share their outreach and mission activity stories, pictures, and videos. The goal is that the people of the FLGA District will learn, share ideas and concrete examples and celebrate God’s mission of connecting people to Jesus.

You can find all the information about the application here.
District Resources
May/June
2022

Submit a story
& picture to

Visit the 
for resources.
Here are some
for you to use in
your daily life.
Today is a great day to get started with Gift Planning!

to learn more
and begin the
submission process!
Through Lutheran Counseling Services, the FLGA District provides the Ministerial Assistance Program (MAP).

Other News
2022 Commencement Set for May 20 

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will close its 183rd academic year on Friday, May 20, with Commencement exercises for the 2022 graduating class.

The day will begin with the annual Theological Diploma Service at 10 am (CDT), and the Commencement ceremony will take place at 7 pm (CDT). All graduating students eligible to receive a call as a pastor or deaconess in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will receive theological diplomas.

Read more here about this special day and how you can watch the services online.
Executive Director Dr. Mike Rodewald to Retire

Dr. Mike Rodewald, Lutheran Bible Translators Executive Director, has announced his plan to retire to the board and members effective December 31, 2022. Lutheran Bible Translators and the board thank Dr. Rodewald and his wife, Cindy, for their many years of service in Africa and for his excellent leadership as Executive Director of the organization.

Beginning in January, the LBT board conducted a search for Dr. Rodewalds's replacement, recently gathered for its Spring Board meeting, and will soon make its official announcement. When God’s Word is understood in the language of the heart, hope is found. Put God's Word in their hands at go.LBT.org.
Greg's List - A place to give away or sell items no longer being used by your church or school or to find items you need/want or to feature employment opportunities.
Half-Time Bookkeeper/Church Secretary

Bethel Lutheran Church in Hobe Sound, FL, is seeking applicants for a half-time bookkeeper/church secretary.

For more details about this position, contact Pastor Tim Heath by email or, call 262.226.7232.
Marketing & Development Manager

Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries, Inc is seeking a Marketing and Development Manager to execute their ministry's development, fundraising, and marketing efforts. In a new position in the organization, the MDM will have the opportunity to interact with donors, plan and manage fundraising events and campaigns while maintaining branding standards and expanding the overall marketing plan.

Contact Sheryl DeWitt, Executive Director, for the full job description and to submit your resume.
Lutheran Counseling Services Now Accepting Applications for Interns

Florida Registered Interns (Mental Health, Marriage & Family
or Social Work) who are ready to join a team of counselors working in Central Florida schools are invited to apply.

Click here for a full job description and application information.