Bishop Suárez's Synod Update for November 2020 |
To watch Bishop Suárez's Synod Update, click here. To read the Bishop's message on our website, click here.
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Tropical Storm Eta Update |
T.S. Eta will impact Florida this week as the storm travels over the state. Many counties will experience high winds with torrential rain and coastal flooding, from the west coast up to the Panhandle. Please stay tuned to your local weather for the progression of the storm and continue to pray for our congregations in the path of the storm. For more information, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov or our Synod website by clicking here.
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Florida-Bahamas Synodwide Thanksgiving Worship
Tuesday, November 17th
at 7:00pm
You are warmly invited to gather with your brothers and sisters in Christ for a special Thanksgiving worship on November 17th.
This virtual worship service will be led by Bishop Pedro Suárez and members of the Office of the Bishop.
After a long and difficult year, it is important to gather as a synod and reflect on our blessings, expressing our thankfulness and enjoying our community.
To access the meeting, use this link:
No registration is required! All are invited to attend.
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The United As One COVID-19 Special Appeal continues to provide support to congregations during this pandemic.
The United As One grant has recently helped congregations improve livestream worship services, provide necessary resources for mercy ministries, and meet needs created by COVID-19.
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Join the Florida-Bahamas Synod and lift up your neighboring congregations!
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The Global Mission Table Fall Newsletter is Here! |
The Global Mission Table (GMT):
What is it? What does it do? How is its work accomplished? And what does it have to do with my congregation? Read all about the world of Global Mission in the Fall 2020 Newsletter found here.
You’ll learn about the companions of the Florida-Bahamas Synod—Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, and the seminary in Jamaica—and how we partner with them to witness to the gospel. You’ll find the latest news and see pictures from recent activities and immersion trips. You’ll discover that even during the pandemic, we remain connected. You’ll also read a tribute to PJ May, the visionary GMT Chair that recently stepped down, and meet Rev. Katie Carroll who now serves in the role. Most importantly, you’ll learn from the wonderful team leaders for each companion, all of whom encourage your involvement.
Check out the newsletter and get inspired…and join in the ministry! Should you have questions or want to learn more, contact Pastor Katie at revkhc@gmail.com.
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Prayer of the Week from our Racial Justice Think Tank
Good and gracious God,
In the midst of uncertainty, thank you for being the rock that keeps us anchored to you.
In the midst of darkness, thank you for being our light.
In the midst of struggle, thank you for being our peace.
Help us to see in each other a brother or a sister in Christ.
Help us to see in the people we encounter along our journey a reflection of your image.
Help us to love, help and care for all your children, regardless of how they look or sound.
Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
This prayer was submitted on behalf of the Racial Justice Think Tank by
Rev. Victor Jortack.
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Boy Scouts Bankruptcy FAQ for Congregations |
The Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 18, 2020, largely in response to the large number of sexual abuse claims made against the organization. Many congregations across denominations have hosted scouting groups throughout the years and some have Boy Scout charters.
If your congregation has hosted a scouting group or has a charter, please take time to read the FAQ document below to understand the “proof of claim.” If your congregation is to file such a proof, it must be done by Nov. 16, 2020.
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Ignite the Church Conference 2021
Adapting to a New Reality: Living into a Fresh Vision for God’s Church
Join the Ignite the Church Conference in 2021 for Adapting to a New Reality: Living into a Fresh Vision for God’s Church. Monthly webinars focus on:
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January – Encouragement Beyond Fatigue
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February – Justice and the Common Good
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March – Hybrid Community: Virtual & In-Person
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April – Creative Expressions of Church
All conference proceeds are donated to the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Last year's gift to future leaders totaled $6000.
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Advent Resources from ELCA World Hunger |
Join the Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee
We are now seeking Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee members. According to committee guidelines, we need one Synod Parish Deacon and two clergy who have at least one active Synod Parish Deacon. Please review the Synod Parish Deacon Handbook, found by clicking here, to learn more about the role of the Bishop’s Oversight Committee.
If you feel that the Holy Spirit might be calling you to serve in this capacity, please submit a one-page reflection, directed to Bishop Suarez, as to why you feel called to serve in this capacity, and tell us a bit about the gifts and experience that you would bring to the committee.
Please email reflections to Deacon Connie Schmucker at connies@fbsynod.org by November 3rd. Bishop Suárez and the chair of the Bishop’s Oversight Committee, Jennifer Grumbling, and Deacon Connie Schmucker will review all submitted reflections.
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Florida Women of the ELCA Take Fall Gathering Online! |
Following a difficult decision by the Florida-Bahamas SWO Board to cancel the 2020 Fall Gathering at Lake Yale, the Board and Conference Co-Chairs set about the hard work of creating a virtual place where women across the state could access workshops, hear stories about ministries we are engaged in, and come together for Bible Study and worship.
Now, they have launched the 2020 Virtual Fall Gathering Place at www.flwelca.com. The site will be updated regularly between now and November 14th to provide new opportunities for you. As new features become available, the SWO Board will post announcements on their Facebook page or send them via email. Sign up for emails at www.flwelca.com.
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This signature event gathers ELCA World Hunger’s leaders for a time of networking, idea sharing, learning and planning for our shared ministry.
If you would like to know more about the Florida-Bahamas Synod World Hunger initiatives, please contact Barbara Miller at barbaramercerm@icloud.com.
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Updated COVID-19 resources are available on our synod website!
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