E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | March 26, 2024 | |
|
Registration for Synod Assembly is Now Open
Synod Assembly is May 31- June 2, 2024
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, engage, and contribute to the collective mission of our synod. See you there!
Quick Links:
-
Registration: Early bird deadline is May 8.
-
Hotel: Group rate is $149/night. Reserve your room today!
-
Agenda: Get an overview of Synod Assembly activities.
-
Service Project: This year, we'll be serving the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.
-
Nominations: We ask your help in identifying nominees to fill these important positions.
-
Workshops: Find descriptions on this year's exciting workshops.
-
Resolutions & Memorials: All Memorials & Resolutions must be submitted by May 1, 2024 to be reviewed and prepared to be brought to the assembly floor.
| | |
|
|
Ordinations and Installations
-
Rev. David Lillejord will be installed as Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples on April 7, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.
-
Rev. Larry Grunden will be installed as Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church in Orange Park on April 14, 3 p.m. with Rev. Nicole Eastwood officiating.
-
Rev. A.J. Striffler will be installed as Pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington on May 5, 3 p.m. with Rev. Nicole Eastwood officiating.
-
Rev. Rebecca Craig will be installed as Pastor of Crossroad Lutheran Church in Fleming Island on May 18, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.
| |
|
Weekly Prayer Focus: Holy Week | | O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of Your Son You offer Your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. | | |
|
Task #7: Decision-Making Process
While no one can predict what will be needed for a specific disaster, often current ministries and administrative activities will need to be adjusted. Refer to the potential disasters you have identified, meet with different church ministries and brainstorm what might need to be adjusted. Consider how these decisions will be made and include a description in the preparedness plan. A clear understanding of how decisions will be made and implemented will assist our congregations to adjust more quickly.
During those discussions identify what opportunities for new ministries may arise. A congregation can find it exciting and renewing to begin to identify which opportunities might fit best with the resources and mission of the congregation.
Examples of potential opportunities:
- Provide a resting place for first responders.
- Serve as a warming station for community members.
- Housing for volunteers.
- Host a community worship service.
When a discussion about potential opportunities for ministry is held prior to a disaster, the congregation may be better able to quickly evaluate and respond to those that present themselves.
| |
|
Requests for the May Education Grant Now Open
Established by a generous gift from Pastor Rusty and PJ May, the purpose of the May Educational Grant is to make funds available to provide grants to ministers of Word and Sacrament rostered in the Florida-Bahamas Synod who desire and seek aid for advanced studies and/or continued education in the United States or in other countries in order that they might increase their knowledge and skills in ministry. The Mays know how life-changing a professional grant can be for a pastor early in their ministry. They are also aware that often the funds designated by congregations for their pastors for this purpose may not be enough. Therefore, the May Grant seeks to supplement congregational continued education funds. Grants will be “one-time” grants.
To apply, please go to the following link: https://fbsynod.com/resources-and-forms/the-may-education-grant/
Deadline for application is April 15, 2024. For questions, please contact Pr. Ana L. Lugo at Ana.Lugo@elca.org or (904) 219- 2769.
| |
| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
| | |
|
Happy Easter from Lutheran Summer Music!
Happy Easter from your friends at Lutheran Summer Music! Please enjoy this musical offering of Paul Basler’s Alleluia from Songs of Faith, performed by the LSM 2023 Festival Choir, conducted by Dr. Shannon Gravelle. Premieres March 31 at 8 a.m. https://youtu.be/oXfQXrkwr_E
Learn more about LSM @ LSMacademy.org.
| |
|
A Global Mission Event for Women: Virtual Workshops
Women of the Florida-Bahamas Synod are joining together with the women of our companion Lutheran churches in Guyana and Suriname for a two-evening, virtual event entitled "Finding Hope in a Complex World." There will be presentations led by women from each country , breakout group discussions, and joint worship/devotionals featuring each country's unique way of praise! This will be a wonderful opportunity to accompany each other and explore how the hope we share in Christ is revealed in different contexts. The event is being held from 6pm-8pm EST on Wednesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 24.
Please see the attached informational flyer for more information, and sign up via the link. Check your calendar and register--spaces are limited!
| |
|
Steadfast/Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance and purification, as we journey deeper in our relationship with God. Christ’s love invites us to speak out against the violence of the world and our complicity towards it. This Lent, join the Just Love team as we confront the trauma and terror in Palestine and Israel and accompany our siblings calling for a lasting peace rooted in the justice and love of God. Learn more: https://youtu.be/YssbcGD1cU4?si=GRqpGFksPckS4dje
Click here to read the devotionals.
| |
| Photos of the Week: St. Paul, Tampa & St. Andrews by the Sea | | |
|
St. Paul, Tampa was an active participant in Tampa Pride events, showcasing their commitment to inclusion and community engagement. They began by joining the Interfaith Service on Tuesday, March 19, held at the Portico, where they shared their message of love and acceptance. As the sole Lutheran church in attendance, they attracted considerable interest in their ministry from diverse attendees. Their involvement continued on Saturday, March 23, at Tampa Pride itself, where they amplified their presence and outreach efforts. To learn more about their mission and upcoming events, visit stpaultampa.org.
| |
|
St. Andrews Lutheran Church by the Sea in Jacksonville Beach embraced the spirit of Palm Sunday with a unique reenactment featuring Bonnie the mule. They held palm branches as Bonnie made her way down the road. The congregation joyously lined up on either side, joining in with shouts of "Hosanna!" in celebration.
To share a photo of your church of ministry, email comms@fbsynod.org.
| |
|
The Story of Angels Traces Unexpected Changes in Bible Narrative on Angels
Did you ever notice that angels at the beginning of the Old Testament are not quite the same as angels at the end of the New Testament? Nor are they the same in Genesis as they are in Judges or even later in Daniel and Ezekiel. And did you notice that no angels have wings anywhere at all in the Old or New Testament?
Retired Pastor Thomas L. Weitzel explores these things and traces the changing development of the angel narrative in the Bible in his latest book, The Story of Angels, available at Amazon.com.
The book lines up all the stories and entries about angels in the Bible in chronological sequence as the books of the Bible were written. Then from each story, a list of angel traits is developed. As the stories are reviewed one after another, it is possible then to compare the traits and recognize the changes that occur regarding angels both in the biblical narrative itself, as well as in the mindset of the people of those times in which the books were written. Thus, the book not only tells us about angels (and the changing nature of God, for that matter), but also it tells us something about how the Bible itself was written and compiled.
The Story of Angels is available at Amazon.com in two formats –in a “Reader’s Edition” written in paragraph form for private, personal Bible study, and in a “Teacher’s Edition” written in outline for use by Bible study leaders. Both editions are available in print paperback (238 pages) or e-book versions.
Pastor Weitzel is on the retired roster of the ELCA and lives in Seminole, FL.
|
|
In Search of Part-time Parish Bookkeeper
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Largo is looking for a Part-time Parish bookkeeper. The preferred start date is early April to allow for training.
Starting salary is $17-$20/hour depending on experience. This position has a flexible work schedule (16 hrs./week) with variation for holidays and vacations. Extra hours are occasionally required, such as at year-end.
This position maintains records and processes payroll for the church and the preschool. This position reports to the Senior Pastor and works closely with the Congregation Treasurer. For more information, please contact the church office at 727-585-9969 or email us at employment@poplargo.org.
| |
Music Position at Spirit of Grace in New Port Richey, Florida | |
|
A vibrant and growing ELCA Lutheran Church with two separate campuses is seeking talented and energetic musicians to lead services. The prospective Music Directors should be able to provide musical accompaniments using a blended service model including traditional, contemporary and praise music for services. The potential candidate would be responsible for assisting in building choral and/or praise teams. Musicians and pastors work together in the ELCA to build a cohesive expression of faith for the congregation. Our churches are working to find a new musical model moving forward into a new spirituality. We have congregation members available to assist this ministry.
Morning services are at 9 a.m. at the Hudson Campus and 10:45 a.m. at the Trinity Campus. Candidates may apply for one or both positions. We would also be open to job sharing with a couple of musicians. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Spirit of Grace Lutheran Churches are located on Hudson Road in Hudson and on Old State Route 54 in Trinity. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity contact Jane L. Riggs, janelinnriggs26@gmail.com, with a short email about your qualifications and your contact details.
| |
|
Help shape a new social statement
The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Social statements are the ELCA’s primary documents to address significant social issues. They are intended to aid reflection, shape conscience and set forth the ELCA’s teaching and policy on the major social issues and questions of contemporary life. Social statements are developed by task forces, using an established process of study and widespread participation across the church to guide theological and moral deliberation. Read more...
| |
-
May 31 - June 2: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
| |
-
September 16-18: Conference on Ministry, Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
| |
-
September 21: School of Lay Ministry Annual Retreat and Graduation Worship, Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville
| | | | |
