E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | October 17, 2023

SYNOD NEWS

The JUST Love Ministry Presents: An Advent Journey with Mary

The Just Love team is preparing “An Advent Journey with Mary,” four resources that congregations can use for worship or Bible study during the season of Advent. Each week’s resources will focus on the experiences of Latin Americans in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, and will include recorded conversations, scripture readings, music suggestions from Lutheran hymnals and other resources, a few paragraphs of instructional material, and discussion questions.

Click Here to receive these resources.

Installations & Ordinations

The installation of Deacon Tara Lentz-Friederichs as Director of Faith Formation at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Temple Terrace will be held on Sunday, November 5, at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Rob Rose will officiate.

Prayer Focus: Clergy Appreciation Month

MINISTRY UPDATES

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.

12 Day Pilgrimage to Greece & Greek Islands

Join Bishop Pedro Suárez and Bishop Yehiel Curry in a 12-day joint synod pilgrimage to Greece and the Greek Islands, June 18-29, 2024. Explore New Testament lands and walk in the footsteps of Paul.

Pilgrimage highlights include:

Athens city tour (the world-famous Acropolis, Pan-Athenian Stadium & more!)
3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey
The ruins of Ephesus where Paul spent three years during his ministry
the island of Patmos
Santorini, Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth
And much more!

Click here for more details and to register.

Upcoming Events at Luther Springs!

October 20-22: Journey of Faith - Confirmation

Topic: Worship

Whether you bring youth to an occasional retreat to enhance what they are already learning or if you send youth to each of our retreats to cover all their confirmation learning time, come join us on the journey! Luther Springs' counselors will guide campers through the weekend including worship, Bible study, campfires, games, canoeing, archery, swimming, hiking, and more! Individual campers are welcome, as well as church groups. $185 per youth | $105 per adult

November 10-12: Trailblazers - 1st - 5th Grade

Theme: Bible Exploration

How do we read the Bible? How do we look up a Bible verse? Why is there an Old Testament and a New Testament? During this fun, faith-filled weekend we will explore our Bibles, play games, canoe, do archery, swim (weather permitting), make crafts and enjoy campfires! $180 per youth | $105 per adult

November 10-12: Advent-ure Retreat

Middle and high school youth will enjoy a weekend of camp fun, adventure, activities, and exploring the season of Advent. Each year features a different adventure activity off-site. Our 2023 activity: kayaking off-site on a spring-fed lake. $254 per youth | $105 per adult

Learn more at luthersprings.org.

Photos of the Week: South Miami Lutheran Church

On Sunday, October 8, South Miami Lutheran Church celebrated its 75th anniversary with a service led by Bishop Suárez, who is pictured above with interim pastor Rev. Victor Jortack. Click here to read more about the history of this church and its outreach to the community.

To submit your photo to E-spirit, email comms@fbsynod.org.