E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | September 24, 2024 | |
Emmanuel, Venice Launches Ministry Innovation Lab | |
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Thanks to a V2A grant, Emmanuel, Venice launched its Ministry Innovation Lab, to create many types of online content, both live and on demand. Initial offerings have been targeted to the congregation; next, the content will be introduced to the community. Their overarching goal is to create content that can be viewed anywhere, and anytime.
Emmanuel is close to achieving its goal of 100 subscribers in the first year. With new content added weekly, the lab is evolving into a comprehensive library that members can access at their convenience. Viewership for various topics, including church news, book studies, and outreach, typically ranges from 40 to over 200 views per item.
When ready to launch to the community, Emmanuel will reassess its website as well as other sources of communication to better support the project. The congregation hopes to impact members’ spiritual lives by offering a robust library of information available at their convenience. Further, it hopes the library will be a path for the community to get to know Emmanuel and engage. The goal is to grow in numbers, as well as in spirit!
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Boundaries and Inclusion Education 2024
Region 9 Boundaries and Inclusion Education (R9BIE) plans annual, and three-year rotational, boundaries educational opportunities and learning events. Therefore, the Florida-Bahamas Synod encourages our rostered ministers, seminarians, and interns to participate in the Region 9 boundaries educations. The cost to attend annual Boundaries Education is covered by the Synods of Region 9. The 2024 Focus is Cultural Competencies:
Plan to attend one of the following events:
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Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, 9am - 1:30 pm
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Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, 9am - 1:30 pm
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Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 9am - 1:30 pm
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Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, 9am - 1:30 pm
Register here. Registration for each session will close one week prior to each session.
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Vision to Action Schedule Change
Due to a shift in the Synod Council meeting schedule, Vision to Action grant decisions will not be released until Monday, November 25 (rather than November 1.) Rest assured, funding of grants will follow in December and awardees will be on their way in 2025 as planned!
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Ordinations & Installations
October 19, 2:30 PM - Installation of the Rev. Ben Mandrick as pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fernandina Beach; Bishop Suarez will officiate.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Focus on Haiti
Through your generosity, The Global Mission Table is partnering with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Haiti. Our recent $75,000 gift was added to over $300,000 in other donations designed to bring the hope and healing of Christ to vulnerable people. LWF works with local partners who know their communities well and are able to work even amid the unrest in the country. Recently we received news regarding the impact our gifts are having:
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Empowering Haitian Farmers through Honey Production
Over the past six months, LWF’s local partners have diligently trained 75 apiculturists in southern Haiti. Equipped with tools and materials, these farmers are now empowered to produce honey and propolis. Armed with business plans, several farmers are collaborating to optimize production and market access. Honey, a nutritious and beneficial product, not only provides nourishment for the farmers and their families but also generates valuable income. As these farmers share knowledge and expertise, the honey business in Haiti will undoubtedly flourish. We are proud to witness the impact of our collective efforts in empowering Haitian farmers and improving their livelihoods.
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144 women farmers in Buvette, Jérémie, Grand Anse, Haiti, are inspiring us all!
These incredible women have come together to manage their own collective farm, empowering themselves and their community. In the photo below they are harvesting fresh okra, ready to sell at the market. Their hard work and dedication are a testament to the strength and resilience of Haitian women.
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Earlier this month, the Global Mission Table also sent over $15,000 to the Lutheran Church in Haiti to purchase school supplies. Information and photos about this initiative will be shared through E-Spirit in the near future.
The Global Mission Table stands with Haiti and is grateful for its longstanding companion relationship. Further, we stand with the Haitian diaspora that has come to the United States to build new lives and contribute proudly to this nation. We are deeply troubled by the rhetoric surrounding the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Not only were the accusations false, but they have caused real harm. Further, the words have instilled fear in the hearts of our Haitian brothers and sisters in our own community as well as throughout the country. We pray that hateful speech would cease, and a spirit of civility would be restored in the public square. Presiding Bishop Eaton released a statement last week concerning the Haitian community in Springfield which can be found here.
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Support and Resources for Palestinian Advocacy
In May 2024 at the Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly, you blessed our Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Palestinian neighbors with an overwhelming majority on the passing of Resolution 24-O2 Palestinian Advocacy and Dismantling Christian Zionism.
As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities within our ELCA ministries, we wanted to remind you that every congregation in the synod is encouraged to educate their members on the ELCA’s ongoing witness in the Holy Land using the resources listed in the resolution. We are reaching out to you to see if there is any additional support or learning materials you might need regarding the recent resolution. Your leadership and dedication are invaluable to our community, and we want to ensure you have all the resources necessary to effectively guide and support your congregation.
We would also like to inform you that St. Michael’s Wellington will be live-streaming a learning workshop on the second Tuesday of October and November. We invite all to attend. More details can be found in the flyer.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you for your continued commitment and service. We look forward to hearing from you. You can contact the Just Love team at justloveflorida@gmail.com.
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Join Us for Holy Land Solidarity Day: Live-Streamed Event on October 19
An invitation for all Florida-Bahamas Synod members—and especially those on the April 2023 Holy Land trip: the Working Group on the Middle East (WGME) of the Metro Chicago Synod ELCA will sponsor a Holy Land Solidarity Day on Saturday, October 19.
The opening worship and first session will be live-streamed from 9:30 to 11 a.m. CDT. You are invited to join us online for:
- a greeting from Pastor Khader El-Yateem
- an introduction to the ELCA’s new initiative "Sumud: Justice for Palestine and Israel"
- analysis of the news of the week from the Holy Land conflict
Watch for further information on how best to take part.
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Free Holy Communion Cards Available at King of Kings Lutheran Church
King of Kings Lutheran Church, located at 10337 US Highway 19, Port Richey, has 5 boxes of Holy Communion Cards available for any congregation in need. If you're interested, please email us at king2s@live.com or call 727-868-5744.
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Peace, Fort Myers seeks a Music Ministry Director
The position is full-time with benefits. Primary responsibilities include playing the organ and/or piano at a 9:30 a.m. Sunday service, directing the choir and the handbell choir, and planning and participating in a 5 p.m. Saturday night service. For a more detailed job description, please visit Peace’s website: peaceftmyers.com. Applications can be submitted to: jcarter13@comcast.net by October 25.
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Worship Resources for a National Election
Scripture readings, prayers and assembly song suggestions are offered to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, as part of morning or evening prayer, as part of regular weekly worship, or for personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. They are available here.
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You’re invited to celebrate World Food Day with ELCA World Hunger!
Join ELCA World Hunger for a celebration of World Food Day and the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger!
This special online event will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, vice president of the ELCA.
Tune in Oct. 15 to hear firsthand stories from ELCA World Hunger partners — including Educación Popular en Salud (EPES), a community health organization in Chile founded over 40 years ago, and more recent starts such as Tapestry Farms, a Midwestern urban farm system in the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois. You’ll hear about their work with ELCA World Hunger and their impact on these communities — all as we celebrate 50 years of ministry and get excited for our shared work toward a just world where all are fed.
Register here.
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