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E-Spirit Weekly
Newsletter
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News, Stories, and More
from the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA
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The Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American will meet September 17-19, 2021 at the Embassy Suites in Kissimmee, FL.
The theme for assembly is "United Spirit, Diverse Body."
The Synod Assembly will be in person with guidelines to keep us safe, but also unrestricted in our meeting and conducting of business.
Online registration is now open!
The deadline for registration is Friday, August 27, 2021.
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Thank you to all who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 for helping to make Synod Assembly as safe as possible. | |
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Synod Assembly 2021 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Luis R. Torres
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Luis R. Torres-Hostos, Ph.D., is Founding Dean and Professor of the School of Social Work at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, TX. He assumed his role on August 1st, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rapidly integrated into the university, local, and binational communities of the Rio Grande Valley, where he is positioning the School of Social Work to play a key role in promoting health, health equity, and social justice.
During his first year, he lead a strategic planning effort that will increase the number of faculty and researchers in the School; expand community-engaged research and scholarship in areas impacting the Rio Grande Valley communities; and strengthen educational initiatives like expanding clinical preparation in the master's program, developing additional specializations, creating a bilingual master’s program, and building a doctoral program.
Dr. Torres-Hostos’ research focuses on health inequities and social determinants of health with a focus on Hispanic and African American communities. He also works on community engagement initiatives aimed at building community resilience. He is currently leading a team of researchers, community partners, and students in an NIH-funded project titled Community Engagement Strategies for COVID-19 Prevention and Response in Underserved Communities in Hidalgo County, which is part of the Texas CEAL (Community-Engagement Research Alliance Against COVID-19 in Disproportionately Affected Communities) Consortium (see www.TexasCeal.org). Dr. Torres-Hostos’ research and community work have been funded by federal, state, and private entities.
He has traveled and worked extensively in Latin America, and has established research collaborations in Mexico, Central America, and Puerto Rico. He serves on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross South Texas Chapter and is a member of the Rotary Club of Mission. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Torres-Hostos holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University in New York City and has over 30 years of clinical, teaching, research, and administrative experience.
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Synod Update for June 2021 | |
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The newest Synod Update is now available for viewing. Bishop Suarez touches on important events that have gone on around the Synod. This edition includes a summary of the Conference on Ministry, Ordinations and Installations, Luther Springs beginning their camp season, and other stories from around the Synod.
You can watch the Synod Update on our Facebook page and our YouTube channel.
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Employment and Volunteer Opportunities | |
diakonia Executive Director - Volunteer | |
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Diakonia is a two-year cycle of theological studies for those who want to go deeper - to learn more about their faith, their God, their Lord and Savior.
The role of the diakonia Executive Director:
· Rostered ELCA Lutheran pastor
· Provides theological & practical leadership
· Liaison with Synod
· Represents the diakonia Program to the wider church
· Encouraged to be a member of the National Board
The diakonia Executive Director is appointed by the Bishop of the Synod and relates to the National diakonia organization. We are seeking an ordained pastor who feels called to represent and gently guide this program with enthusiasm, commitment and passion.
Click here to learn more about the Florida-Bahamas diakonia program
Click here to learn more about the national structure of diakonia.
Diakonia is so vitally important for our Synod. Through diakonia we can strengthening our congregations through lay leaders who are grounded in their faith. Diakonia is also the primary option for fulfilling the academic requirements to become a Synod Parish Deacon. (The alternative is for the pastor of the congregation to teach the required courses.) If you sense that God may be calling you to serve our Synod and God’s people as the diakonia Executive Director, please contact Deacon Connie Schmucker at connies@fbsynod.org.
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Office Manager - Rock of Ages Lutheran Church
Rock of Ages Lutheran church in Wildwood, Florida is looking for a new Office Manager.
The office manager position provides comprehensive administration support to the Pastor, Church Council, and Ministry Team Chairpersons as they serve the mission of the congregation to share God's love through Christ with all people.
Requirements for the position are:
- Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office 365
- Previous Experience in a small office
- Knowledge and use of QuickBook, Constant Contact, Servant Keeper, and Wordpress
- Ability to work with Minimal Supervision at times
- Verbal and Written communication skills
- Creative problem solving abilities
For the full job description, click here.
If interested, email Pastor Don Erickson at revdon47@att.net
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Parish Musician/Organist/Director - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Leesburg, Florida is seeking a part time musician. They are looking for someone to play the organ and piano, to direct the choir, and other musical offerings.
The position will play at the 9:30am service, lead one choir rehearsal a week (during the program year), and play at occasional Holy Day services.
For more information, and if interested in the position, contact Pastor Ed Barnett at egbarnett@hotmail.com
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Events, Webinars, and Workshops | |
Transition Ministry Training Online Webinar | |
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July 26-30, 2021
Transitions - There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, or has just received a newly called pastor, or is seeking new direction into God's future, it is a time of transition from something that was, to something that is yet to be.
The Transition Training Event will help attendees to focus on what it is that properly motivates ministry so that the "yet to be" is fully in the hands of God, and God's people are themselves renewed and ready for that ministry.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Interim Pastors, First Call and New Call Pastors, Pastors in congregations needing new direction.
COST:
Interim Pastors 5 days - $160
First Call and/or New Call Pastors & Others (M-W) - $130
The first three days of presentations focus on elements that are common to all transitional situations, lifting up the differences for new call situations and interim situations. The final two days are specific to interim ministry and will review the specifics of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Transition Manual and processes.
The Continuing Education Credit for the Rostered Leaders Annual Report to the Bishop is 9 hours for 3-day attendees, or 15 hours for 5-day attendees.
Click here to register.
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Care-Filled Worship in a Lingering Pandemic | |
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Since the early days of the pandemic, the ELCA has been a partner in the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments. The collaboration has published general and seasonal guidance for safe worship practice during the pandemic.
The Consultation has met again to approve an update to the guidance originally published in the summer of 2020. The new update "Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic" includes the latest combination of CDC and consultation guidance.
"Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic" can be found here.
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