E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | February 13, 2024 | |
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2024 Synod Assembly Service Project
Will you join us in supporting the 2024 Synod Assembly Service Project benefitng the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. This Christian organization has served the homeless population in central Florida since 1948. As one of Central Florida's oldest and largest homeless services providers, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission remains committed to helping the hungry, hurting, and homeless by providing programs and services designed to transform lives. Through short-term provision of basic needs, Christ-centered care, discipleship, and education, OURM aims to lead the homeless to permanent independence built upon a personal relationship with Christ.
This year, we will collect high-demand items from the Rescue Mission's wish list. Thank you for partnering with us to be the hands and feet of Christ during our Synod Assembly.
For more information, email Tina Fritz at tinaf@fbsynod.org.
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It's Time to Submit Your Annual Reports
These reports are another point of connection between your congregation and the Bishop's Office. They help us track categories like attendance, baptisms, expenses, mission support, and more. They also help us plan programs and events to best support the ministries of the congregations throughout our synod.
Annual Parochial Reports (January-December 2023)
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Deadline to file online with the ELCA’s Office of the Secretary by March 1, 2024.
- If you cannot file online, a paper copy can be completed and mailed to the Synod House by February 15, 2023.
Annual Rostered Leader’s Report to the Bishop
- To be submitted by March 1, 2024. All ordained ministers rostered in the Florida-Bahamas Synod under call, on leave from call, on disability, or retired, must file a report.
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Go to https://fbsynod.com/forms-2/ and click on the “Annual Rostered Leader Report” link. Select and download the report that corresponds to your roster status and save it to your computer. Upon completion of report, save again, and attach to an email message to ileanas@fbsynod.org.
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DEM Positions Now Open
The Florida-Bahamas Synod is actively seeking two dynamic individuals to fill the role of Director for Evangelical Mission. This is a unique opportunity to lead and inspire congregations in their mission outreach efforts, fostering growth and connection within our diverse communities. Click the links below to apply:
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Ordinations and Installations
Rev. Lucas McSurley will be installed as Pastor of Lamb of God Lutheran Episcopal Adventure in Fort Myers on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., with Bishop Pedro Suárez and Bishop Doug Scharf officiating.
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Coming Soon: 2024 V2A Grant Season
Key dates, introductory workshops and more!
Watch the E-Spirit for more information.
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Step 2: Develop a vision of the work that the team will do
What will the parameters of the team's work be? Will the focus be to protect the church building and contents so there can be a return to "normal” congregational life as soon as possible? Will the team assist impacted parishioners or reach out to the wider community? What types of assistance will the church be able to provide? Having a clear vision will allow the team to begin to set goals for preparation, response, and recovery phases of dealing with disasters.
Next week: setting goals.
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Weekly Prayer Focus | | Lord Jesus, during Lent, I seek spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, cleanse my heart, and draw me closer to your love and grace. Amen.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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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 sign up to receive these devotions via email.
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Jacksonville Campus Ministry 50th Anniversary Celebration
Jacksonville Campus Ministry is delighted to invite you to our 50th Anniversary celebration on March 2, 2024 at 1pm. We will gather at the University of North Florida Student Union for a luncheon and enjoy presentations from our current students and honor our past history as a ministry. Anyone and everyone who has ever been connected to our campus ministry or who loves campus ministry is invited to join us. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Please register here.
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Master Builders Men’s Retreat February 23-25, 2024
Like working with your hands? Join us while we do big and small projects to improve Luther Springs. It won’t be all work and no play....you can enjoy kayaking and fishing on the lake, testing your skills at archery, telling stories around the campfire, devotions, rocking on the back porch, or exploring the property. This is a great opportunity for individuals, the men’s group from your church or a group of friends to come and enjoy working with their hands and building community. Projects will include creating a campfire worship space at the lake and clearing fire breaks for future controlled burns. Bring any tools you are able to: chainsaws, pole saws, hammers, drills, etc. Need a less physical work project? Not a problem; we have plenty of that, too! Lon Buss, FL Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) Ambassador, will join us to share LMM Resources and events to help build congregations’ ministry with men. Leader: Rev. Jonathan Gantt.
The event begins with dinner at 6 p.m., but you are welcome to arrive anytime during the day if you would like. Cost $135/person – Scholarships available. To register: www.LutherSprings.org/Master-Builders or 828-209-6301. If you have questions about the program itself, you can contact Deacon Sue Mendenhall at 828-209-6312 or smendenhall@novusway.org.
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Black History Month Resource
To honor Black History Month in the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod, the Just Love Team presents “Harmonies of Heritage: Music’s Journey Through Black Church History.” We present four genres of music that impacted the heart and soul of America. We ask each congregation to present the Harmonies of Heritage: Music’s Journey Through Black Church History summary each week in February. It can be done during announcements, a bulletin insert, or wherever fits best into the service. Each week we offer songs and prayers for use during the service.
Click here to download Week 3: Gospel/Civil Rights
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Photo of the Week: Trinity Pembroke Pines | |
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Your Feedback Wanted!
The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) has designed a survey to be shared throughout the ELCA. There are questions that apply to churchwide, synods and congregations. Participation is voluntary. You can take the survey here. The deadline to respond is March 15. More information about the commission can be found here.
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May 31 - June 2: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
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September 16-18: Conference on Ministry, Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
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September 21: School of Lay Ministry Annual Retreat and Graduation Worship, Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville
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