E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | June 13, 2023 | |
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Rev. Pedro M. Suárez Re-Elected as Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod
Rev. Pedro M. Suárez was re-elected as bishop on June 8 on the first ballot during the Synod Assembly. Suárez has been serving as bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod since 2017. Throughout his tenure, he has been dedicated to initiatives to increase discipleship, inclusivity, and justice within the synod’s 160 congregations.
Prior to becoming bishop, Suárez served as lead pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Pompano Beach, Florida, and as interim Director for Evangelical Mission for the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Previously, Suárez served in Texas, Illinois and in Wisconsin.
Speaking about his re-election, Suárez expressed his deep gratitude to the synod for their trust and support. "It is an honor to continue serving as bishop of this vibrant and diverse synod. I am committed to guiding our faith community with integrity, love, and a steadfast focus on God's mission,” he said. “Together, we will strive to boldly share Christ, passionately make disciples, and faithfully do justice in our communities.”
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All About Synod Parish Deacons
Ever wonder what a Synod Parish Deacon does?
Have you ever thought,... is this for me? What is required? Process, classes, training? What's a pastor's responsibilities? We will have an informational session via zoom. For lay leaders and Pastors. Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m. Please email Deaconchair@yahoo.com for the link and more information.
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Save the Date: Transition Training
Are you a First Call Pastor, interested in Interim Ministry, or are serving a congregation that is in transition of some sort? If so, you might want to make note of the following:
Transition/Interim Ministry Training
Online, 9 a.m. to noon, July 24-28, 2023
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Weekly Prayer Focus
O God, you are the source of life and the ground of our being. By the power of your Spirit bring healing to this wounded world, and raise us to the new life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
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Vision To Action: The 2023 Grant Season Has Begun!
At last week's Synod Assembly, the first grant season for Vision to Action (V2A) was introduced, and a kick-off grant to Luther Springs/NovusWay was awarded. Let the creativity and innovation begin! The Synod Council approved a total of up to $600,000 to be available for granting in 2023. The information surrounding this grant season--who can apply; criteria; eligibility and timeline; how to develop a project and how to apply--is all found on the newly-launched V2A website: www.v2agrants.org. You can also access the site under the "Resources" tab of the Florida-Bahamas Synod website.
The website contains a series of videos to walk you through the grant process, along with a wealth of written material and resources. Start with watching the Intro Video on the V2A landing page, and go from there! Should you still have questions after viewing the site, there's a place on each page to email the Project Manager.
Weren't at the assembly and want to hear more? Or perhaps you heard the presentation, but need to review the basics again? Be on the lookout for virtual meetings that re-introduce V2A. Connection information will be available next week in the E-Spirit. Meanwhile, check out www.v2agrants.org!
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Just Love Juneteenth Observance
The Just Love Ministry of the Florida-Bahamas Synod presents a Juneteenth Freedom Day Observance, Saturday, June 17 at 3 p.m. The observance will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando (7900 S. Apopka Road) and will be livestreamed on the synod Facebook page. Additional details in the flyer below.
To find Juneteenth liturgy and worship resources from the ELCA, click here.
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So Close, Yet So Far…
You have an idea, and in your heart you know it’s a good one…a necessary one. For your life. Or for your congregation. In other words, you know where you are, and you know where you want to be. That, in itself, is an achievement. Yet the question remains, how do you get there?
That’s where Florida-Bahamas Synod Coaching comes in. By asking powerful questions, a trained coach can help you develop the actionable steps needed for you to reach your goals. A coach helps you to focus on the next brave steps to take. A coach helps you to move forward.
You’re close—you have the idea. With a synod coach, you can make it happen.
Go to fbsynod.com/coaching and elcacoaching.org, or contact the Synod Coaching Coordinator Dr. Johan Bergh at johan@beinganddoingmatters.com for more information.
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Photos of the Week: Christ the King, Pinecrest | |
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Christ the King Lutheran Church, located in Pinecrest, chose Project Upstart as their recipient for Lenten Denial donations this year during the season of Easter. Each year, Christ the King supports a community entity that focuses on children, women, and families. The average donation is about $3,500. This year, however, we were able to collect $14,900 to present to Project Upstart due to the generosity of the church congregation and the overwhelming need of families and students. Project Upstart is designed for students enrolled in Miami-Dade public schools whose families are identified as experiencing home and food insecurity.
To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.
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Free Choir Music from St. John, Winter Park
St. John Lutheran, Winter Park, has 15 bankers boxes full of unneeded choir music we would like to donate to any congregations that would like them. For more information, contact Dorian Coppenhaver at sjcpresident@mysj.org.
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The ELCA is excited to announce a new program for Young Adults! The ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship is an exciting program that offers young adults an amazing opportunity to discover their calling while gaining valuable professional experience. In partnership with new and existing year-long opportunities at ELCA affiliated ministries, participants are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to explore their faith and vocational aspirations, all while receiving support from a network of peers and experienced ELCA coaches. The program is designed to prepare communities and ministry organizations to welcome new, young, and diverse leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future. Additionally, fellows receive competitive compensation and benefits, including access to mental health resources, relocation assistance, coaching, and a small group cohort.
The program has partnered with several sites for the 2023-2024 year, including The Dwelling, All Places Together, National Lutheran Communities & Services, Together Lab, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, The Hunger Advocacy Fellow Program, Building Resilient Communities with the ELCA Churchwide Organization, Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, the Minneapolis Area Synod, and Capital University. This program truly embodies the ELCA's commitment to empowering young adults and building a brighter tomorrow. For more information about the program and these partner sites, please visit http://www.elca.org/Vocational-Fellowship.
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July 24-28: Transition/Interim Ministry Training
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September 23: - diakonia graduation/retreat and conversation with the Bishop, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church - Retreat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Graduation & Worship 5 p.m.
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October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Location TBD.
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November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
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