Weekly News from Zion and our Ministries Under the Cross: Evergreen Academy & Nina's Place

June 14, 2023

A Recap of Synod Assembly 2023

"So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Hebrews 13:6-8

Last week, Gail and Kurt Schmidt and Pastor Cathy Lauterhahn attended the annual Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly in Orlando. This gathering is the opportunity for all of the congregations and rostered leaders (pastors and deacons) in Florida and the Bahamas to do the business of the church,

Most importantly, the assembly re-elected our current Bishop Pedro M. Suarez to a second six-year term. He was re-elected with over 75% of the vote on the first ballot, an incredible endorsement of his faithful leadership in our synod. The assembly also elected members to the Synod Council (think Congregation Council, but for the synod) and the various standing committees. They approved spending plans for the next two fiscal years and approved a resolution to investigate the relationship between gun violence and racial minorities.

The best part of attending the Synod Assembly is reconnecting with the pastors and leaders who have been a part of Zion's story over the years. We were especially excited to visit with Pastor Melinda Plumley, who now serves as the Spiritual Health Director at Orlando Health, and Pastor Jeff Gross, who serves New Life Lutheran Church in Sarasota. We are truly the Church together!

For pictures of familiar faces from this year's Synod Assembly, visit our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Save the Date for Our Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of our congregation will be held on Sunday, June 25th immediately following worship. This is the meeting where we accept the annual report and approve the budget for the upcoming year. It is important that all voting (attending and contributing) members of Zion plan to attend; without a quorum, we cannot legally conduct business. (To be counted, you can participate on Zoom, but must be actively present and able to respond there.)

Order Your Anniversary T-Shirt

(Just a graphic. Not the final design.)

We are in the process of designing a 65th Anniversary T-Shirt that we will wear to all of our community events, anniversary events, and "just because" for the next twelve months (and beyond).

If you would like one, please complete the order form by clicking below so that we order enough of each size. We expect that shirts will cost around $10 each, but if cost is a barrier, please let us know!

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

Opportunities to "Just Show Up"

This Sunday: Third Sunday after Pentecost

Moses tells the Israelites that they are called to be a priestly kingdom and a holy people. Jesus sends out the disciples as laborers into the harvest. In baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God’s compassion with our needy world. From the Lord’s table we go forth to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, and to share our bread with the hungry. 

The Rev's Thoughts & Recs

On Sunday, we talked about Jesus not only seeing people, but perceiving and acting on their needs. We also probed our perception of God's love for us through the presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to overcome our misperceptions often filled with fear. This song reminds us we are always perfectly loved and safe within our Lord's gracious heart.

Zion is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community, and extends God's radical welcome to all people, because we're all created in God's image.