Sept. 18 2018
Synod Council "On the Road"
Submitted by Annabella Parker, Synod Council member (Advent, Melbourne)
The synod council has a practice of holding the September meeting each year "on the road." This year, the council chose to gather in the First Coast conference. Friday, Sept. 14th, the synod council gathered at St. John's Lutheran Church, Jacksonville for dinner conversation with the community, and worship. This time of gathering gave those in the area a time to learn more about the work of the synod council, while at the same time connecting the members of the synod council with the ministry in the community. It is important to hold these forums so the council can stay aware of local dynamics, while at the same time strengthening the connection between council, conference and congregation. The conversation forum was followed up by worship led by Pastors Vicki and Ham Hamilton.

The council would like to thank the community of St. John's for being gracious hosts and serving wonderful food. Thanks to Trinity, Jacksonville, for facilitating and allowing the council to hold the meeting at their congregation. Thanks also to conference dean Pr. Ham Hamilton for supporting and encouraging the community gathering for conversation. Thanks to all those who took time to gather for the time of sharing and worship.

To invite a member of synod council to visit and share with your congregation, please contact your conference dean.

Thanks and Celebration

The synod council received the report from Deacon Sue Mendenhall regarding the funds raised to support scholarships for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Over $19,000 was contributed from individuals and congregations throughout the synod. This was a phenomenal expression of support and abundance. Pr. Bruce Edwards, member of council and pastor at Resurrection House, Dade City, said a special word of thanks for the generosity. "Thank you for doing that," he said. "Our kids were able to go, and it was life-changing." Stories were then lifted up about other ways congregations and conferences worked together around the Youth Gathering. These stories included partnering around transportation and housing, sharing registration costs within conferences, and supporting leaders in a variety of ways.

THANK YOU for supporting the synod council's commitment that finances would not be the reason a youth would not be able to attend the Youth Gathering. THANK YOU for the many ways pastors, leaders, conferences and congregations found creative ways to work together around the Youth Gathering. THANK YOU for a commitment to generosity and abundance when investing in youth and youth ministry.
"Thank you for doing that...Our kids were able to go, and it was life-changing." --Pr. Bruce Edwards
God’s Work, Our Hands – Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Wildwood
 
submitted by Pr. Don Erickson
Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Wildwood chose to participate in the God’s Work, Our Hands project by hosting a laundry day at a local laundromat. Pastor Don Erickson recognized a community need that was not being served by other groups. The cost of doing laundry is a costly proposition for those who don’t have their own laundry equipment or access to that of a friend or relative. Considering the cost of meeting the many needs of a household the cost of laundry might give way to other more urgent expenses. Rock of Ages members enthusiastically supported this new community service effort by raising the funds necessary to purchase laundry supplies and operate the machines. In typical Lutheran fashion volunteers brought baked goods and bottled water for the patrons!

It is anticipated that this first effort will evolve into a regular occurrence serving more people. News of this event was shared with clients of a local soup kitchen and will broaden to the local elementary school at which 80% of students are from economically stressed families. Pastor Erickson hopes that other churches in the area might wish to partner in this ministry.
Disaster Response

Communities in North Carolina and in surrounding areas continue to be affected by Hurricane Florence. Many of us in the Florida-Bahamas Synod are familiar with the deep impact of hurricanes and other severe weather disasters. As we keep those affected by severe weather in our prayers, we are invited to support disaster relief with abundance.

Here are some ways to support disaster response and relief:





>>> make a contribution to the Florida-Bahamas Synod Disaster Response fund** (this fund allows the synod staff to respond to local needs that arise from a disaster)<<<


(**note: gifts designated for 'disaster response' will be used for any disaster need that arises. Gifts designated for a specific storm/disaster can only be used for needs related to that storm/disaster)
Mark your Calendar
Click on the calendar to go to the synod calendar to learn more about these events
RSVP/Register for these events!
Sept. 27-30 - Practice Discipleship Retreat for Youth Workers (Luther Springs)
Sept. 22 -  Installation of Rev. Janice Mynchenberg, Epiphany, Oviedo (2:00 pm)
Sept. 23 -  Installation of Pr. Reggie Hansome, All Saints, Tamarac (3:00 pm)
Sept. 28-30 -  Come to the Well Retreat for Women (Luther Springs)
Sept. 30 -  An Evening with the Classics, Grace, Carrollwood
Oct. 6 - Heart of Florida Conference Gathering (8:30-12:00), Castle Church
Oct. 9 -  Boundaries Workshop, Cross+Road, Fleming Island
Oct. 14 -  Installation of Pr. Bob Schaefer, St. Stephen, Pompano Beach (3:30 pm)
Oct. 20 -  Retreat on Prayer, Mandarin, Jacksonville
Oct. 21 -  Installation of Pr. Deborah Geweke, Christ, Ft. Lauderdale (10:00 am)
Oct. 21 - Installation of Pr. Sandy Hutchens, Redeemer, Bradenton (3:00)
Oct. 27 -  Installation of Pr. Steve Winsor, Nativity, Palm Beach Gardens (11:00 am)
Oct. 27 - Oktoberfest, Christ Our Redeemer, Temple Terrace
Oct. 28 -  Installation of Pr. Richard Leseganich, Messiah, Cape Coral (3:00 pm)
Oct. 28 -  Castle Church Brewery Blessing (4:00-7:30 pm)
For Your Information
Pews Available
Spirit of Grace, New Port Richey, has a variety of pews available to a ministry or group who would benefit from them. They are free if picked up and transported by the recipient.

Total pews=18
1@9ft; 1@12ft; 1@12 ft 10 in; 2@15ft; 13@17ft

Contact: Sharon Crawley, Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, New Port Richey, FL
drscrawley46@gmail.com
Compensation Guidelines
The 2019 Compensation Guidelines and narrative are now available on the synod web site . These resources are valuable to rostered ministers and congregational councils in reviewing, evaluating, and adjusting compensation for rostered ministers.
Resourceful Stewards Initiative
The Resourceful Stewards Initiative is available for rostered ministers and their congregations.
Financial wellness is a vital part of a healthy life. Ministers who are in a financially sound position experience greater satisfaction in their work and their relationships, and are more able to freely serve the church and its mission without being encumbered by financial anxiety.

Savings Matching Programs
The church is an active partner in addressing specific needs raised by rostered ministers, helping rostered ministers develop their personal financial and stewardship health. Two Savings Matching programs share financial resources with rostered ministers.

These programs match rostered ministers’ contributions to a dedicated emergency savings account and/or increased contributions to their ELCA retirement plan accounts.

Click below to learn about the programs, services and resources available to you as a minister or lay person!

Bishop's Calendar
  • Tampa Conference Meeting
  • Synod Office
  • Oviedo, Epiphany - Installation of Pr. Janice Mynchenburg.
  • Tamarac, All Saints - Installation of Pr. Reginald Hansome.
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