Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to view as a webpage.

Presiding Bishop Eaton Responds to Attacks on Lutheran Services in America

In a message to the church, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton says that “despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church.”

Over the weekend, Elon Musk and retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn attacked Lutheran Services in America, a non-profit partner of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS), wrongly calling this vital network of 300 health and human services organizations in 1,400 communities across the nation an "illegal money laundering operation."

LSA serves people of all faiths, providing services for children, youth, and families; older adults; people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; veterans; lawful refugees; new Americans; and more. Living out the Gospel to love and care for neighbors, LSA uses funds voted on by Congress to care for the least, the lost, and the lonely of our nation. Watch Presiding Bishop Eaton’s video response here.

Your Congregation and Immigration

For congregations:

There are a lot of questions about what can and cannot happen if ICE shows up at a local congregation. Putting up a piece of paper, as seen on Facebook or Instagram, does not stop law enforcement. Here is a “checklist” and a Q&A for churches, NOT individuals, when dealing with ICE. The hope is that it will not become necessary, but knowing what to do in a stressful situation before it happens makes sure everyone – the local congregations, individuals, and the ICE officers – is safe. Please feel free to share this with your congregations. We are working on a webinar for individuals impacted by the administration’s executive orders. As soon as a date is picked, we will let you know. 

For individuals:

Pastor Rob Rose, Assistant to the Bishop, Administration, is working with the legal team at Lutheran Services of Florida to set up a webinar for individuals concerned with their immigration status. The webinar is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, but has not yet been finalized. Once finalized, information will be posted on the Florida-Bahamas Synod Facebook page and next Tuesday's E-Spirit.  

Annual Reports and Mission Support Deadlines

Annual Parochial Reports (January-December 2024):

• File online with the ELCA’s Office of the Secretary by March 1, 2025
• If filing by paper, send to the Synod House by February 15, 2025.

Rostered Leader’s Reports:

• Due March 1, 2025, for all rostered ministers in the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
• Download, complete, and email the appropriate form to yulietg@fbsynod.org.

Questions? Contact the Synod Office.

Vision to Action (V2A) Announces a New Grant Manager

The Florida-Bahamas Synod deeply thanks Pastor Katie Carroll for her dedicated leadership as the V2A Grant Manager. From the outset, Pastor Katie laid a strong foundation for this ministry, launching a grant program that has empowered congregations to embrace innovation and explore new ways of being church. As she steps down to devote more time to family—including welcoming four new grandchildren this past year—her impact on V2A remains significant. In the first two years, V2A, with the support of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, has awarded over $1 million in grants.

Stepping into this role is Rebecca (Becca) Bass, whose extensive background in both church and secular leadership will provide strong administrative, communication, and planning support for the V2A program. Becca holds a Master’s Degree in Christian Spirituality and is a certified grief educator and spiritual director. Passionate about listening to congregations and nurturing growth, she brings a deep commitment to fostering emerging ministries. A member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Becca also serves on the Synod’s Candidacy Committee.

Pastor Katie shared, “Though it’s hard to leave something I greatly enjoy, I am thrilled that Becca is coming on board. I anticipate a seamless transition—she is excited to get started and brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the position. Becca will help bring V2A to the next level, with new ideas and insights, and an enthusiasm to focus more attention on follow-up and sharing stories.”

Pastor Rob Rose, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration, expressed appreciation for Pastor Katie’s leadership, emphasizing the impact of her work in shaping V2A into a dynamic and effective grant ministry. He also voiced excitement for Becca’s transition into the role, highlighting her gifts and vision for the program’s continued growth. Pastor Rob underscored the power of innovation in transforming the church, affirming that the V2A grant ministry provides congregations with the resources to explore bold, faithful ways of engaging their communities.

The work of Vision to Action is far from finished—this is only the beginning of what God is doing through the faithful innovation of congregations across the synod. To reach Becca feel free to email her at grants@fbsynod.org. For the latest information about V2A grants visit V2Agrants.org.

May Education Grant

What is the May Education Grant and how can rostered clergy take advantage of this resource? Watch the video to learn more.

To honor Black History Month in the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod, the Just Love Team presents "Voices of Justice: Faith and Resilience in Florida’s Black History.” We present four periods in Florida’s history:

• Fort Mose (1738)
• Rosewood: Remembering Injustice (1923)
• The Civil Rights Movement in Florida (1964)
• Modern Justice Movements (2012-Present)

Don't miss the annual Black History Month service on February 9 at 9:57 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando. This year's event features a talk and Q&A session with Ms. Lizzie Jenkins, a direct descendent of a survivor of the Rosewood Massacre. You can also view the service via live stream on the Synod's Facebook page.

Rescission of Sensitive Locations Policy



On behalf of AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), we are sharing the following resource from the National Immigration Law Center.

The Factsheet: Trump Rescission of Sensitive Locations Policy outlines the impacts of this administration’s removal of “Protected Areas” from immigration enforcement (i.e. churches, schools, hospitals, etc.).

The document also outlines next steps and action items a congregation or organization can take to continue to support and protect immigrants in these formerly protected areas.

To stay up-to-date on resources available to support immigrant communities, we encourage monitoring the AMMPARO resource page for downloadable tools and information, and following and signing up for the ELCA’s advocacy alerts.

Considering Your Call Weekend: March 28-30, 2025

CYC offers you the opportunity to:

• Explore vocation and discernment with others
• Learn about Wartburg’s degree programs and the various pathways to earn your degree
• Worship with the Wartburg Seminary community
• Meet current faculty, staff, and students, hearing their stories and experience
• Share in meals and fellowship, including social events with the community
• Experience Wartburg Seminary through the convenience of a weekend visit!

Need overnight accommodations on Friday and Saturday? Wartburg is happy to provide housing for you and your spouse, friend, partner, pastor or supporter while you’re there. They will also provide meals and snacks while you are on campus. Need financial assistance with travel costs? They can help! Get more details and register here.

Luther Springs 2025 Summer Camp Registration NOW OPEN

Register between December 1, 2024 and February 15, 2025 to receive $30 off. 

Luther Springs offers a place set apart where children in grades 1-12 can unplug from technology for a week, experience exciting adventures, get inspired by nature, and grow in faith!

Our on-site programs are a great experience for that first-time camper or the camper that isn’t quite as adventurous as others. For those thrill seeking children in grades 6-12 we offer special “Outdoor Adventure Programs” where kids can challenge themselves with new adventures like zip lining, horseback riding and more. A week of camp is an investment that will impact the life of your child for years to come! Details and registration here.

Celebrating a New Era of Music: Free Organ Concert at Christ Lutheran

Christ Lutheran Church in Englewood will host a free organ concert on Sunday, February 16, at 3 p.m. to celebrate the installation of a new 400 seven-rank pipe organ, generously donated by Allen Dreyfuss.

The concert will be performed by Dr. Richard Benedum, professor emeritus of music at the University of Dayton. Dr. Benedum, who became the church’s organist last year, has had a distinguished career in music, serving as music director of the Dayton Bach Society and conducting numerous performances of Bach cantatas and other major works. He has also directed international music seminars in Vienna, Austria, and studied with renowned musicians Helmuth Rilling (Stuttgart, Germany) and Christoph Wolff (Harvard University). Most recently, he retired as artistic director of the Sarasota-Manatee Bach Festival.

This special afternoon of extraordinary music will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. A free-will offering will be received. The community is invited to attend and celebrate this musical milestone.

Spirit of Grace Donates Instruments to Churches in Need

Spirit of Grace is generously donating two musical instruments to churches in need:

1. Lowrey Director Organ – A quality instrument with easy-play features and a powerful sound system delivering "Live Performance" quality sound. While the organ does not include a bench and has some imperfections in the wood finish, it appears to be in working condition.
2. Yamaha Digital Piano – This versatile piano offers 14 voices, including grand and electric pianos, organ, strings, choir, harpsichord, and acoustic guitar, along with effects like digital reverb, chorus, and delay. The tone can be customized using the "brilliance" slider. Despite minor chips in the finish, it is also believed to be in working condition.

Please note: Recipients must load and haul the instruments themselves. Both are located at Spirit of Grace in Hudson, FL. If interested, contact the church office at 727-758-5800 or churchoffice@soglutheran.org.

Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Message on Executive Orders

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton released a pastoral message on recent executive orders which says, in part, “As a church, we are called to speak up when the government distorts or denies the image of God in each person by endangering access to protection, peace, and daily bread. Where harm or inequity occur, we are called by God to respond with love and advocacy.” Read more...

Fireside Chat: Exploring Pathways for Chaplaincy in the ELCA

The Seminaries of the ELCA and the ELCA Chaplain Corps will host a virtual fireside chat on Thursday, February 13, at 8 p.m. Eastern time, to explore the pathways to serve as a Chaplain in the ELCA. This engaging session will provide insights into the chaplaincy journey and answer common questions about this vital ministry. Register here.

ELCA World Hunger Lent Resources

New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation during Lent. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources in the Easter season.

During your Lenten journey, ELCA World Hunger invites you to reflect on the work of ELCA World Hunger partners who are dedicated to ending hunger at its roots. We hope that these stories of ELCA World Hunger’s partner organizations working to strengthen community will help you to celebrate your place in your own community.

You can order or download free versions at ELCA.org/hunger/resources.

• February 23-26: Making Disciples, Luther Springs

• February 28-March 2: Master Builders Men’s Retreat, Luther Springs

• March 3-7: Quilting Retreat, Luther Springs

• March 8: Luther Springs Open House, Contact Deacon Macy at mbakken@novusway.org for details.

• April 4-6: God Spa Women’s Retreat, Luther Springs

• April 25-26: Synod Parish Deacon Retreat, St. Stephen, Longwood

• June 12-14: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee

• September 20: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota

• September 29-October 1: Conference on Ministry, Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills