E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | May 28, 2024 | |
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Service Project
Don’t forget your donations for Orlando Union Rescue Mission. A truck will be collecting supplies outside the meeting area from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Learn more.
Nominations
We need a youth nominee for Synod Council, who is a high school student, 15-17, male or female from any mission district. Also need nominees for the Discipline Committee: 1 female layperson, 1 male rostered minister, and 1 female rostered minister. For Churchwide Assembly voting members, we need 1 female layperson and 1 male layperson from the Southeast Mission District; and 1 youth, high school student, age 15-17, male or female from any district. Please consider who might fill these positions and submit their nomination from the floor of the assembly on Friday. More info...
Worship Offerings
Opening Eucharist: AMMPARO – the ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany migrant families today and in the future.
Closing Eucharist: Resurrection House Mission (Rez House) in Dade City, Florida, is dedicated to bringing God’s word to the poorest of the poor. They work hand in hand with the people to help create better living conditions and are proud to stand in the gap for children and their families.
Click here to read the Synod Assembly tips and info letter. (Note: this letter was sent to the email address used on your Assembly registration.)
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Ordinations and Installations
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Margarita Romo will be ordained on Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, with Bishop Suárez presiding. Margarita has been called as Pastor of Resurrection House Mission in Dade City.
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Weekly Prayer | | God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time you are the triune God: Author of creation, eternal Word of salvation, life-giving Spirit of wisdom. Guide us to all truth by your Spirit, that we may proclaim all that Christ has revealed and rejoice in the glory he shares with us.
Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Vision to Action Update
V2A encourages all potential applicants to submit a Project Idea Form found on the V2A website by June 1. You will learn if yours is the type of project V2A will consider and also receive tips on how you might strengthen your application. Bear in mind the firm deadline for submitting a grant proposal (including all financial statements and other required documentation) is July 15.
Note there is a V2A workshop at the Synod Assembly. Learn about some of the existing V2A projects, the V2A process, and innovation in our synod. Attendance can meet the Introductory Workshop requirement. See you there!
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Just Love Juneteenth Observance
The Just Love Ministry of the Florida-Bahamas Synod presents a Juneteenth Freedom Day Observance, Saturday, June 15 at 3 p.m. The observance will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando (7900 S. Apopka Road) and will be livestreamed on the synod Facebook page. Additional details in the flyer here.
To find Juneteenth liturgy and worship resources from the ELCA, click here.
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Just Love Summer Ambassador Retreat - June 28-30, 2024
Join the Just Love team at Luther Springs June 28-30, 2024, for an ambassador retreat where we will support one another and learn the skills to do justice in our congregations, conferences and communities.
Participants will arrive late Friday afternoon/early evening for dinner and will finish with worship late Sunday morning. All participants will receive a journal and a PDF of the Just Love Biblical Justice workbook.
Registration includes lodging and meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast), as well as two follow-up sessions on Zoom. If you prefer a printed version of the Just Love Biblical Justice workbook, it will be an additional $10. Registration is capped at 40.
Please contact Pr. Kari Niedermaier at doulakari@gmail.com or Paula Edwards at Pedwards1013@icloud.com for additional information about the retreat.
Justice work is integral to our life in Christ and should not depend on our financial resources. If attending the Ambassador Retreat will cause financial stress, please reach out to Paula or Rev. Kari as scholarships are available.
Click here to register.
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Join LSM 2024 In Person or Online!
Lutheran Summer Music announces its 42nd season, offering over 30 free and open-to-the-public concerts and recitals. All events take place this July at Valparaiso University, and most will be livestreamed. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. The LSM 2024 season will culminate during Festival Week (July 21-28), featuring the LSM Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, a Festival of Hymns, and closing each day with sung Evening Prayer. Of special note, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) will join this year’s LSM community and offer an intergenerational performance of J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 for a complete listing of events and to access the livestream.
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Church Administrator for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Leesburg, FL
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is seeking a Church Administrator to manage office and communication tasks as well as moderate bookkeeping. This job reports directly to the pastor, providing administrative support, performing church operational duties, and acting as a key liaison with the congregation. Requirements include strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills. Must be comfortable with Microsoft Office, email, and database management. The work expectation is 20-25 hours +weekly in the church office in Leesburg, with some flexibility. Hourly compensation is commensurate with related work experience and operational, management and interpersonal/communication skills. Please email resume to: gloriadeilutheranleesburg@gmail.com.
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Positions Available at LCS
Lutheran Counseling Services (LCS) provides professional counseling, mental health education, and consultation services, guided by the grace of God. We're currently hiring for two positions: Front Desk Receptionist and Billing Specialist in our Winter Park Office.
Front Desk Receptionist Position:
Are you friendly, organized, and passionate about helping others? Join us as a Front Desk Receptionist! You'll be the welcoming face of LCS, providing excellent customer service to our clients. While insurance verification and Spanish-speaking skills are a plus, they're not required. We value strong attention to detail and good customer service above all else. If you're motivated to make a positive impact, apply today!
Billing Specialist Position:
Are you detail-oriented and skilled in billing processes? LCS is seeking a Billing Specialist to join our team. In this role, you'll ensure accurate billing, reconciliation of accounts, and resolution of discrepancies. Knowledge in mental health billing and accounts receivables is needed for this position. If you're ready to contribute to our mission of renewal and growth, we want to hear from you!
Join LCS and be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. If you want to learn more or apply you can email admin@lcsfl.com.
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NEW RESOURCES: “God’s work. Our hands.”
On Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of
service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore these resources to plan and promote your day:
- Planning toolkit.
- Worship resources.
- Slides for projection screens or online worship.
- Posters and social media graphics.
- Spanish-language resources.
- Promotional banners.
- Special hymn text, sheet music and recording.
This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16.
Old Lutheran has T-shirts and other items available for purchase. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts is Aug. 16.
Don’t forget to share your congregation’s participation with us! Send stories and photos to LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you.
Participate on social media using #GodsWorkOurHands.
If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 8, you’re encouraged to consider another day for your service activities.
“God’s work. Our hands.” is an extension of the work you do every day to make your community a better place. We look forward to working together on Sept. 8!
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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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