Click the image above to watch the Bishop's update on YouTube!
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This text was taken directly from Bishop Suárez's video transcript. It maintains the original format of his spoken address.
Bishop:
Greetings and welcome to this Florida-Bahamas Synod Update for the first week of June 2020. I am Pedro Suarez and I gladly serve as your Bishop.
Aura:
And I am Aura Suarez, serving as a Deacon of the ELCA. It is a pleasure to be with you today. Here are the latest happenings in our synod:
Bishop:
In his letter from Birmingham jail, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” End of quote.
Right now, our nation is mourning yet another act of brutality against a black individual. As the ELCA, we strongly condemn white supremacy and all acts of violence against people of color and those whose language is other than English. We will continue to advocate for justice for people of color and those whose language is other than English, especially the black and brown communities at this time.
We mourn the killing of Mr. George Floyd. We lift our prayers for his family, and we join them and the Minneapolis community in calling for justice. We join our prayers with all those across our nation and our world fighting against prejudice, racism, violence, and hate. At the same time, we do not condone acts of vandalism. And we clearly understand that generalizing is also hurtful.
Most police officers do not use brutality, just as most black people are not thugs, all Latinos are not criminals, not all people from the Middle East are terrorists, and not all white people are racists. Together as allies, we are the majority.
Aura:
Meanwhile at our local level, we want to recognize the hard work of our pastors, deacons, congregational council members, and other church leaders as we continue to battle against COVID-19. Our leaders are doing an incredible job meeting the needs of their churches and communities. We encourage members of our congregations to reach out and support our leaders. You could send an encouraging email, call them on the phone to check in, or find another safe way to send them love.
Most importantly, we remind our congregation members that the best way to support your church leaders at this time is to offer them understanding, respect, patience, and prayer during these difficult weeks. We know some of our churches have chosen to open and gather for in-person worship again. Know that we are praying for you and encourage you to always follow best practice guidelines for safe worship.
If you have any questions or would like any guidance on your health and safety plan, please contact the synod office...
+ Bp. Pedro
Rev. Pedro Suarez, Bishop
Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA
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The need is urgent.
Your help is vital.
Here in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, we are committed to helping our congregations and communities respond to the need created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We know our churches are eager to help those in need, and our ministers are dedicated to offering worship online.
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Your gifts help congregations like Our Savior in Tampa. After receiving their United As One grant funding, they were able to continue their food pantry mission to help feed those in need in the Tampa area.
Your gifts provide essential support to our congregations and mercy ministries.
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Messages of Thanks from our Florida-Bahamas Synod Pastors
"I thank the Florida-Bahamas Synod for the COVID-19 grant. The funds will greatly help us as we are preparing to re-open our Food Pantry under very different parameters due to COVID-19."
"We are deeply grateful and humbled by this generous support..."
"Thank you for your help and support of our food ministry. It is a great help to our community during these times of uncertainty. God bless you, the staff, and the work of our synod."
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ATTENTION CHURCH LEADERS:
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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will record new Trinity Sunday sermon
In light of recent national events, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will rerecord her Trinity Sunday sermon for congregations. The new sermon will be available later this week.
All rostered ministers should ensure that they are subscribed to our synod's email list. The video will be sent out as soon as our synod office receives it.
Please email our Communications Specialist Marina Ernst at
marinae@fbsynod.org if you have any questions.
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The ELCA Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Racism & White Supremacy
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
(Micah 6:8).
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) reaffirms its commitment to combating racism and white supremacy following the recent murders of Black Americans.
Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Dreasjon (Sean) Reed, and George Floyd were our neighbors. Ahmaud Arbery was
chased down, shot, and killed
by a retired police officer and his son while jogging in Brunswick, Ga. (Feb. 23, 2020). Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was shot eight times by Louisville Metro Police Department officers who entered her apartment while serving a "no-knock warrant" (March 13, 2020).
Dreasjon (Sean) Reed, a 21-year-old from Indianapolis died after being shot at least eight times by an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer (May 6, 2020).
George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis while begging for his life, a block away from Calvary Lutheran,
an ELCA congregation
(May 25, 2020)
.
As the Conference of Bishops, we condemn the white supremacy that has led to the deaths of so many unarmed Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color in our country.
We grieve with, pray for and stand in solidarity with the families and friends of all whose loved ones have been and continue to be victims of injustices run amok, racist violence and the insidious venom of white supremacy.
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Boundaries Training
Boundaries training is crucial for rostered ministers, since we work closely with people and know the importance of relationships.
Rostered ministers can attend our Synod's boundaries & sexual ethics training
online
during COVID-19:
The expectation of the Bishop is that rostered ministers will attend or take boundaries training once every 3 years.
The cost is $49 to enroll. Questions about this training or about the boundaries workshops offered in the synod can be sent to Connie Schmucker at
connies@fbsynod.org
.
FAQs about online Boundaries Training through the Lewis Center:
What will happen after I go online, register and pay the $49 fee?
You will receive a payment receipt. This means that your registration has been processed. You may then log back into lewisonlinelearning.org, at your convenience, and start the course.
What if I have a question?
You may call the office at (202) 664-5700 or email the Lewis Center at
lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu
. The office is not closed, but the staff is working from home due to COVID 19. If you leave a voicemail, they will call you back.
How long does it take to receive the certificate once the program is completed?
The course takes on average 4-6 hours. Once the work is completed it usually takes the Lewis Center 24-48 business hours to review the work and either send out the certificate or an email regarding what needs to be redone.
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Congratulations to Scholarship Recipient
The Florida-Bahamas Synod congratulates Brandy Schneck, recipient of the Fund for Leaders Mission Developer/ReDeveloper TEEM Scholarship!
We offer our prayers for Brandy as she continues her education and ministry!
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Revision of
Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline:
We want to hear your voice!
This church’s document,
Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline,
describes the grounds for which discipline may be imposed according to the practice of this church. Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitution calls for this document, stating that “[t]he Committee on Appeals shall establish definitions and guidelines, subject to approval by the Church Council, to enable clear and uniform application of the grounds for discipline of officers, rostered ministers, congregations, and members of congregations.” Its purpose is juridical: to assist in the processes of consultation, discipline, and appeals. It does not set forth the high expectations this church has for all who participate in our life together.
It has been a number of years since
Definitions and Guidelines
was last substantively updated. The Committee on Appeals is conducting a review of this document with the intent to submit a revised version to the Church Council for approval in spring 2021. The committee is seeking input from across this church so the document can better provide clear and uniform application of the rules, protect people from harm, and prevent impediments to the proclamation of the gospel.
The committee is particularly aware of the need to hear a diversity of voices and perspectives. You are invited to participate in two ways:
- An online survey that will be open until June 15
- A series of digital town halls across the month of June
To take the survey or register for the digital town halls, we encourage you to
CLICK HERE
and let your voice be heard.
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Our Candidacy Committee is Seeking New Members!
Are you looking for a rewarding new way to get involved in ministry? We are currently seeking nominations of lay females who evidence a strong faith, worship faithfully, are active in the life of their congregation, have a positive and enthusiastic spirit, a commitment to follow through, and would like to be a part of the formation and education of future pastors and ELCA deacons.
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Search for Global Mission Table Chairperson
Florida-Bahamas Synod
Are you an ELCA member interested in Global Mission work? Do you have a passion for exploring other cultures and discovering the Gospel in other contexts?
The Florida-Bahamas Synod is seeking a person to chair the Global Mission Table! The work of the Global Mission Table (GMT) is to foster growth and deepen relationships with our Companion Churches in other countries. The GMT Chairperson will be responsible for overseeing the GMT, increasing awareness of Global Mission, and deepening our relationships with our companion churches.
The ideal candidate will have strong multi-tasking skills, a love of travel, the ability to delegate tasks, and the ability to learn and respect different cultural customs and traditions. You must be healthy enough to travel overseas and must possess a valid passport. Bilingual skills are a plus!
The Global Mission Table Chairperson will need to commit approximately 10-40 hours per month to the position. This time will vary depending on upcoming events and seasons. Most work will be completed at home, with occasional foreign travel.
Ready to apply? Email your resume to Pr. Khader El-Yateem - Assistant to the Bishop at
khadere@fbsynod.org
.
Be sure to tell us why you’re passionate about promoting Global Mission!
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Click on the calendar icon to see more
events on the Synod calendar
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September 26
- Bishop's Visit, Lord of Life, Miami
October 10
- Bishop's Visit, Advent, Melbourne
*Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process at installation and ordination services. Red is worn for ordination, color of the day is worn for installations.
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