News from Global Mission

Our connections with companion churches continue to thrive despite the challenges of the pandemic.  

Every day this week at our companion seminary in Jamaica, UTCWI,  the Lutheran community at the school is leading the school's morning chapel. You are invited to participate! The same zoom address will serve all week. On Wednesday, October 27 it is from 11-noon EST and includes communion; on Thursday and Friday the 28th and 29th, the service will be from noon to 12:30pm EST. To join in, follow the zoom link: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83180196563?pwd=R2FtUHdGZE04S3kxWC95Tnk1bFMvZz09

Meeting ID: 831 8019 6563 Passcode: 860998

In other news, members of the Florida-Bahamas Synod participated in a two day virtual seminar organized by the Lutheran Church in Suriname on the topic of gender-based violence. The program featured speakers from community organizations and churches in Suriname, Guyana and the United States. It was an informative and moving experience, as all committed themselves to providing care and compassion to victims and advocating for those whose cries for justice are not heard.  

Finally, the Global Mission Scholarship Fund has been established! This new vehicle for giving focuses on continuing education in our companion churches. Those with a passion for education can be assured that 100% of their donations go toward providing learning opportunities which build the capacity of our companions. St. Marks by the Sea in Palm Coast held a Global Mission Sunday this month and is excited to be the first congregation making a donation to the new fund! A hearty thank you goes to Pastor Iacona the St. Marks congregation for their gift. Your congregation can be next--contact Pastor Katie Carroll, Global Mission Table Chair, to make plans for her to visit your church.  

Join the exciting ministries happening in Global Mission! Email Pastor Katie at revkhc@gmail.com.

News from the diakonia Program!

On November 20, 2021, the 17 diakonia graduates of the classes of 2020 and 2021 will celebrate the completion of their studies with a day of gathering, a ‘come ‘n see’ class, lunch, conversation with the Bishop and a graduation worship service at St John Lutheran Church in Winter Park….and YOU are invited to all the events of the day or just some of the parts. To join us, just shoot an email to micheleahilton@aol.com and let us know you are coming, how many with you and whether you will be joining us for lunch.

Especially invited is anyone who has wondered, thought, discerned, considered….that diakonia’s 2 year course of study is calling your name.

In 2022 we will be offering 3 options for diakonia study. We believe the options will accommodate each individuals needs.

• In person classes
• Self-study
• On-line Zoom

Get the full scoop at the day of graduation celebration or contact Michele Hilton at micheleahilton@aol.com.

Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine

Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine is a four-week virtual pilgrimage from the ELCA’s Peace Not Walls and Young Adult Ministry teams featuring young adult voices from the ELCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. 

Join us this Advent Season on the WAY to Bethlehem: Prepare, Journey, Arrive, Witness

What is “the way to Bethlehem,” as Advent practice, and as Christian engagement in Palestine? What does it mean for us as Christians, and for the church, to be called to resist the injustice of “the way things are” in favor of following the disruptive and transformative way of the Lord? What does it mean for us to be “on the way”?

This resource is available to everyone, regardless of age. You can use this resource as an individual or as a leader for a group gathering during Advent.

Webinar on Nov 1: Interested in leading a group through this resource? Get tips and tricks and a sneak peek at the resource.

Opening Webinar on Nov 22: Join us as we kick-off the series.

Register here to receive the resources and sign up for the webinars

Stories of Faith in Action

The publication Stories of Faith in Action and the resources that go along with it are designed to share how important your weekly offering in your congregation is in sustaining and growing God’s mission. The portion of your offerings that support the ELCA’s synodical and churchwide ministries is called Mission Support. The publication and resources found here help explain and answer questions about Mission Support and tell the story of those gifts in action.

CLICK HERE to access this resource on the ELCA website. For more Stories of Faith in Action, you can CLICK HERE.