By Stephen Garcia, Director of Disaster Response 

Although Hurricane Ian devastated lives across the Florida-Bahamas Synod, it is in times of disaster where the light of God's people extends far beyond what we could even hope for. Check out this story of disaster response out of Emmanuel Lutheran in Naples, FL. 

Meals of Hope is a ministry sect of Emmanuel Lutheran. For over two years, in partnership with the local food bank, Meals of Hope has offered nearly $100 worth of supplemental groceries to residents of Collier County every Wednesday afternoon. 

While Collier County was not hit directly by the storm, people were still heavily impacted. Many people are dealing with the aftermath of water rushing into their homes leaving many homeless.

As you tour the county the remains of people’s memories can be seen piled up, one after the other, on the side of the road, waiting to be taken away by trash trucks.

There are approximately 4.5 people per family living in Collier County which presents a great need here to be met. Pastor William Kittinger was encouraged to report the feeding of 506 families with the total number of people fed being just under 2,300. 

He said, “We do this with about 35-40 volunteers from the congregation and the community who work in two, 2-hour shifts. Many high schoolers from Palmetto Ridge volunteered as well as employees from a medical manufacturing company in Naples called Arthrex. To date, this is the largest feeding we’ve ever been able to do.” 

It is the call of God that motivates the church to reach into the world, to be full participants in community, and to care for those in need. It is refreshing to see that even in the midst of devastation, there is still hope. Let this story serve as a reminder that when something happens in our community, our neighbors will be knocking on our doors and we should be prepared to step up to the needs. 

Want to play a part in helping communities like Collier County recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian? 

Click here to visit our website. It is here where you can:

• Give (all proceeds go directly to serve communities in need)
• Sign up to volunteer 
• Receive further info on assistance 

Installations & Ordinations

The installation of the Rev. Harry Schenkel as pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Longwood will be held on Saturday, October 15 at 6 p.m.

Boundaries Workshop Registration Open

It may sound strange to think of boundaries as a gift, but that is exactly what they are. In the complexity of human relationships, boundaries don’t just protect congregants and rostered ministers from harm. 

Boundaries also provide insight, clarity, and a framework within which healthy relationships can grow. Boundaries are therefore an effective part of any rostered minister’s toolkit – an important resource in the development of the relationships that form Christian community and ministry. This workshop is presented by two pastors who currently serve congregations of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Along with video presentations, multiple resources will be shared which you can take back to your ministry site. Substantial time will also be given for group discussion, and open and honest conversation. The registration fee covers lunch, and all the resources that will be shared with participants. Click here to register.

"Across the street from our church there is a fire station and a sheriff's office annex. There are approximately 75 employees and some of them are Chapel School families, past and present. This year (and last year) we celebrated our first responder neighbors for "God's Work, Our Hands." Sunday. After worship, children and adults gathered in the hall for fellowship and an assembly line creating gift bags for our heroes across the street. The gift bags included coffee mugs, and snacks that were donated by Thrivent and our Chapel School families, along with information about our church and school. Our Youth Group helped with everything from set up to clean up. We invited our neighbors and they brought over a huge ladder truck. Everyone had the opportunity to look inside the truck and many questions were answered by the firefighters. They even raised up the ladder to over 100 feet! Many of our families included homemade cards of thanks. We had 161 people in attendance. The firefighters were genuinely touched by the outpouring of love."

(Submitted by Linda Chambers, director of Memorial Lutheran Chapel School)   

To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.

The National Lutheran Choir’s Virtual Subscription: For Everyone, Everywhere

Join the NLC no matter where you live with a Virtual Subscription! Enjoy periodic content delivered directly to your inbox all season long, including performance sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes glimpses, interviews with musical experts, and more! This year, the Virtual Subscription also includes three documentary-style exclusives. For more information or to purchase your subscription, visit NLCA.com/Virtual-Subscriptions.

Resourceful Servants: Grants for COVID emergencies

God's mission in the world is served when vibrant leaders receive support in their ministry with vital communities. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many congregational leaders used up savings they'd built up or had difficulty making payments on their homes, utilities, transportation or health care needs. These struggles were particularly acute for leaders in under-resourced communities.

To accompany leaders facing these situations, the Resourceful Servants Initiative will offer grants of $1,000 to as many as 200 leaders heavily impacted by the pandemic. This funding may not fully resolve any financial crises, but it may help leaders achieve some stability and engage in ministry for the sake of the world.

Learn more and apply.

World Food Day Celebration

Join ELCA World Hunger for a celebration of World Food Day, hosted by Rick Steves and special guest Mark Jansen, CEO of Blue Diamond Almonds. This special event will be streamed online so you can celebrate with ELCA World Hunger wherever you are!

• When: Sunday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m. Central time
• Where: ELCA Facebook page and ELCA YouTube channel

RSVP not required; simply visit our Facebook or YouTube page to attend. Facebook and YouTube accounts are not required. Can’t stream it live? The recording will be available on Facebook and YouTube after the event is over.



Questions? Contact hunger@elca.org.

• Luther Springs 2022 Programs: Retreats & Programs for 2022

• October 15 or 27: Region 9 Boundaries and Inclusiveness Education 

• October 20 & November 3 & 17: ELCA Vital Congregations Training

• October 11, 12: Grief Matters Community Forum: Love and Loss: Sorting Through the Feelings

• October 17-19: Conference on Ministry

• October 22: 5K Run & Walk: Lutheran Counseling Services

• November 11-13: 2022 Florida WELCA Fall Gathering

• November 13: Go Divas Benefit Concert: Lamb of God Church

• January 21, 2023 - Hope Lutheran - The Villages - diakonia Graduation Eucharist 4:00 pm

• April 10-20, 2023: Joint Synod Holy Land Pilgrimage