E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | December 17, 2024 | |
A Christmas Message from Bishop Pedro Suárez | |
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Respite in the Wilderness for Rostered Ministers and Church Professionals – Program
January 16 -18, 2025 (Thursday morning through Saturday morning)
A gift from NovusWay to rostered ministers and church professionals. Enjoy a retreat of rest and renewal through prayer and study as we prepare for the busy season of Lent. Join Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven in a journey through the texts for Lent. With room for introverts and extroverts, we will dwell in the Lenten lectionary and work on themes, frameworks, and creative possibilities for Sunday and mid-week worship opportunities. To register, click here or call 828-209-6301. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Sue Mendenhall at 727-415-9887.
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Save the Dates
Synod Assembly: June 12-14, 2025 | Embassy Suites, Kissimmee
Conference on Ministry: September 29-October 1, 2025 | Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills
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Ordinations & Installations
January 26, 3 PM - Installation of Pastor Bob Vogl at Trinity, New Smyrna; Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven will preside.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Global Mission Accompaniment Trip to Cuba
A delegation from the Florida-Bahamas Synod visited our companion church, Iglesia Unida Evangelica, in early December. The church is headquartered in Santiago de Cuba. Read all about the experience in the newsletter found here.
For more information, contact Rev. Katie Carroll, Global Mission Chair, at revkhc@gmail.com.
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As we journey through this Advent season, the Just Love team of the Florida-Bahamas Synod is pleased to offer "The Advent of Peace: Reflections and Prayers in a Time of Distress." We hope this devotional will bring unity, hope, and healing during these challenging times.
This year, marked by a devastating hurricane season, a divisive national election, and ongoing conflicts, calls us to work for peace and justice for all of God’s children and healing for God’s creation. The devotions draw inspiration from the Gospel of Luke, especially Zechariah’s Benedictus, and the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor who resisted the Nazi regime.
We thank Revs. Paul Gibson, Gabriel Morgan, Derek Hoven, and Chuck Miller for their reflections. Each devotion includes hymn suggestions and a YouTube link for an additional song. Download the devotional and join us in this season of reflection and prayer.
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Luther Springs 2025 Summer Camp Registration NOW OPEN
Register between December 1, 2024 and February 15, 2025 to receive $30 off.
Luther Springs offers a place set apart where children in grades 1-12 can unplug from technology for a week, experience exciting adventures, get inspired by nature, and grow in faith!
Our on-site programs are a great experience for that first-time camper or the camper that isn’t quite as adventurous as others. For those thrill seeking children in grades 6-12 we offer special “Outdoor Adventure Programs” where kids can challenge themselves with new adventures like zip lining, horseback riding and more. A week of camp is an investment that will impact the life of your child for years to come! Details and registration here.
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South Miami Lutheran Living Nativity & Sing-A-Long
Monday, December 23, 7-8 p.m.
This year marks the 47th anniversary of South Miami Lutheran's beloved Living Nativity. Introduced three years ago, the outdoor sing-a-long has become a cherished addition to the event. Last year, over 50 people gathered to experience the Nativity coming to life, singing hymns and Christmas songs together.
On December 23 from 7-8 p.m., South Miami Lutheran will host the Living Nativity & Sing-A-Long on their front lawn. All are invited to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy singing favorite holiday songs in a warm and welcoming community atmosphere.
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Experience Christmas Joy at Trinity, St. Pete
Saturday, December 21, 1 p.m.
Trinity, St. Petersburg, is presenting “Christmas Joy!” a concert of music for organ, piano, and choir on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1 pm. The program includes compositions and arrangements by Benjamin M. Culli and Mark Hayes. Admission is free. Donations to fund the church’s music programs are welcomed!
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Opportunity for organist/director of music
St. Peter, Ft. Myers Beach has an immediate opening for an organist/director of music. This is a part-time position. The organist/director of music will play the organ and lead the choir on Sundays for one service. This also includes one day a week choir practice. This is a total of 4-5 hours per week.
Hourly pay starting at $20 per hour, depending on experience.
Please contact St. Peter ELCA, Fort Myers Beach at 239-463-4251 or email at stpeterfmb@gmail.com for more information.
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This month, we highlight the inspirational story of Laurie Larson Caesar, bishop of the Oregon Synod, and her recent visit to the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland. This visit celebrates the connection between our ELCA synods and companion synods worldwide, a relationship supported by Mission Support.
Additionally, on January 13, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. Central time, there will be a webinar introducing "6 Weeks on Money," a resource aimed at aligning financial practices with personal values. Congregations are invited to participate in a pilot project to enhance financial literacy and stewardship.
Read the December 2024 Mission Support Memo.
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June 12-14, 2025: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee
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September 20, 2025: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota
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September 29-October 1, 2025: Conference on Ministry, Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills
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