The start to the 2022 hurricane season has been fairly quiet. The average date of the first hurricane is Aug. 11, but for the first time in seven years, no hurricane has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, or the Gulf of Mexico by Aug. 15. As with many storm seasons, the weather can be unpredictable. We shouldn't let the quiet start to the season fool us as experts are still predicting an active remainder.

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Walking with our Brothers and Sisters in Suriname

Sharing stories; singing songs; learning from each other and finding out what God is doing throughout the world; growing together as the body of Christ – all these exciting things happened during last week's visit of Rafael and Lucille Van Ommeren of Suriname to the Flagler/Volusia Conference. Read all about it in the reflection found here written by Marcee Wilkes, Global Mission Table Secretary and leader of the Suriname Team. Thanks to all who participated in this meaningful experience.

Your congregation, too, can be part of the excitement that is Global Mission. Contact Rev. Katie Carroll, Global Mission Table Chair at revkhc@gmail.com to have her come and share the story of Global Mission at your church, or to learn about hosting a companion visit.  

End of Summer Reading

Yes, I’ve been thinking I want more than regular Bible Study. But for what? 

Am I just going through a phase? I already have PLENTY on my plate…..

Yes, I feel like there’s more to my personal faith journey, BUT WHAT?

Is God calling me to something else? Something different? Maybe.

Take some time – read What Shall I say? Discerning God’s Call to Ministry…it’s on Amazon. And then? Check out www.diakoniafl.org. And then? Try a course. Fill out the application. Take one course and see where the road goes.

Sometimes we travel forward so as to reach a very specific point: maybe we are searching for true love, working towards a certain income level, or grappling for fame. We may be convinced that once we reach these milestones we are finally “done” in our travels. But no matter where you are or what markers you have reached, there is always more to experience and see. The steps we take can only lead us to new routes we must walk. What you think is the end is only the beginning.

“If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.” – Anatole France

Open Position: P/T Church Musician 

Church Musician – Part-Time

Christ Lutheran Church Cape Coral, 2507 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33904

To provide organ and/or piano music for weekend worship services including accompanying an adult choir and other church functions. Anyone interested should contact the Christ Lutheran Church office at 239-542-2709 or info@christlutherancapecoral.org.

Open Position: Organist

Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Kissimmee is in search of an organist. Click here to view the job description including information on salary and benefits. Interested parties should contact Debbie Groff at 410-802-8251 (mobile, preferred) or 407-847-4204 (church) or via e-mail at Debbie.Groff@trinsch.org.

Rev. Dr. Gabriel Morgan from St. Paul Tampa, and congregation member Josie Bachowski accompanied Marianna and Rico Gordon to Camp Lutherock in June. They called it life-changing and had the times of their lives. (Photo courtesy of St. Paul Lutheran Church)

To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.

ELCA Vital Congregations Training – Fall 2022

Is your congregation ready to take some steps (even small steps) toward renewal or revitalization? Are you ready to try some new things, share some ideas, gain a greater understanding of the broader mission, bring clarity about your own congregation’s mission, acquire knowledge on how to live that out in community, gain confidence to share what you have learned with the world, and find new allies from within a cohort of congregations? Then, you are invited to attend the 2022 Fall Session of the ELCA Vital Congregations Training.

This is a fast paced co-creative and co-experimental Training facilitated by leaders with steep experience in redeveloping congregations as well as added guest presenters from a variety of settings with a wealth of knowledge. These principles and more will be explored: focusing on Jesus and justice; being expectant of the Holy Spirit; living as disciples of Jesus; multiplying leaders who are young, diverse and bring fresh insights; and aligning with purpose and core values.

This will be a four-session training. The training sessions will be held two times per day from 1:30-3:00 p.m. (eastern time) and from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (eastern time) on October 6, October 20, November 3, and November 17. You may choose the best time each day that works for you. All sessions will be recorded and available to all registered participants. Pastors and congregations are encouraged to come as teams of 3–5 people for a time of inspiration, learning, planning, sharing, experimenting, visioning, and implementing. NOTE: This training is for people who did NOT attend the Vital Congregations Re-BOOT Camp in Spring 2022 or 2021.

Click here to register.

Click here to see a PowerPoint with more information about what will be taught in the sessions.  

• An invitational video.
• 2022 planning tool kit.
• 2022 worship resource.
• "Service in the Time of COVID-19."
• Posters, postcards and social media graphics.
• Spanish-language resources.
• Special hymn text, music and recording.

• Luther Springs 2022 Programs: Retreats & Programs for 2022

• September 10: Virtual Discernment Event 2022: Seminaries of the ELCA

• September 11: "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday: Day of Service

• September 13: Campus Ministry Consultation and Strategic Planning Event

• September 20-30: The Oberammergau Passion Play: Adult Lutherans Organized for Action

• October 7-9: National BOLD Gathering: Lutheran Men in Mission

• October 17-19: Conference on Ministry

• October 22: 5K Run & Walk: Lutheran Counseling Services

• November 13: Go Divas Benefit Concert: Lamb of God Church