E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | July 25, 2023 | |
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V2A: Ideas Are Percolating!
Congregations and ministry groups are thinking, planning, asking questions, and seeking feedback regarding their ideas for a Vision to Action grant. It is the first step toward making new ministries a reality!
As a synod, you set the vision and the goals for V2A. Some key things to bear in mind as your dream team meets together:
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V2A is about launching innovative ministries. What can you do in your context that envisions “church” in a new way?
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V2A emphasizes growing new communities of faith and launching ministries that best fit a congregation or ministry partner’s context. In what ways will your idea proclaim Christ and be a blessing to the community?
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V2A is about expanding the Lutheran witness in Florida. How can your idea be a launchpad for bringing our Lutheran voice to new groups of people?
You are encouraged to ask questions and submit project ideas through the website www.v2agrants.org. This is an Important step in the process, as there are many excellent ideas for congregations and ministry groups to pursue (installing solar panels; starting a food pantry), that may not fit into V2A’s parameters. The target date for submitting a project idea is August 15: based on this summary, V2A will advise you if your proposal is one the Grant Team would consider. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2023.
Vision to Action: Giving life to innovative ideas
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Installations & Ordinations
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Eric Locke will be ordained and installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pensacola on July 29 at 10 a.m.
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Alisha Ungs will be ordained and installed at Advent Lutheran Church in Melbourne on August 6 at 3 p.m.
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Kerri True will be ordained and installed as associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bradenton on August 12 at 11 a.m.
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Weekly Prayer
Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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Registration Now Open for Conference on Ministry
Early registration closes on Friday, September 15, 2023
Calling all rostered ministers of the Florida-Bahamas Synod! Join us at the 2023 Conference on Ministry, where we are thrilled to welcome an exceptional speaker: the Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger. As the founder of AE Sloan Leadership and the Senior Fellow and Congregational Strategist at Fuller Seminary's De Pree Center for Leadership, Dr. Bolsinger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Renowned for his expertise in leading change, Dr. Bolsinger has taught doctoral students on this very topic. His insights have been captured in his award-winning and best-selling leadership books, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory and Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change.
At our conference, Dr. Bolsinger will guide us in exploring a different form of leadership required when venturing "off the map" into a disrupted world. As old best practices no longer suffice, we must equip ourselves with the tools and mindset to navigate uncharted territory.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from a distinguished leader in ministry. Together, let's embrace the challenges of a changing world and discover new paths to effective leadership.
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2023 Rostered Leaders Retreat: “Come to the Well Retreat” – Part Three
Rostered leaders are invited to a three-day retreat where you can experience healing, reconnect with others, and learn new spiritual practices that will renew your soul. This gift is made possible through a generous grant from the Lutheran Disaster Relief-US to the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
The retreat will take place September 11 – 13, 2023 in Clearwater Beach, Florida at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort and is presented by Living RED. The cost of all activities, meals, a single room, and optional healing modalities are covered. You only need to cover your transportation to the event. While most sessions and activities will be at the resort, there will be a special group dinner at the Columbia Restaurant and an evening of Taizé Worship and fellowship at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clearwater.
Learn more and register.
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Photo of the Week: St. Paul, Tampa | |
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This youth group from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oklahoma has been very busy! They recently came to Florida to work in Sarasota on disaster recovery efforts and also worked hard in Tampa. Stopping by St. Paul, Tampa on their first night, the group slept in the sanctuary and then worked spreading mulch in the playground. The group is pictured with Rev. Dr. Gabriel Morgan, pastor of St. Paul.
To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.
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Joy in Ocala has an immediate opening for a Choir Director
The Choir Director will work with the pastor and the organist, preparing and rehearsing the choir for all worship services of this congregation, which include Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, and any other special services, programs, and cantatas.
The Choir Director must become familiar with all liturgical settings in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW), With One Voice (WOV), and All Creation Sings (ACS).
The choir is in recess from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Compensation depends on the candidate's experience and roster status.
Interested individuals may inquire with:
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Lord of the Seas in Need of Pulpit Supply
Are you up for an adventure? Lord of the Seas in Big Pine Key is in need of pulpit supply. You will cover your own travel expenses, but they will compensate at pulpit supply rate of $175 and provide Saturday overnight accommodations. If you are interested, please contact Deacon Connie Schmucker at connies@fbsynod.org.
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Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lakeland Job postings: Choir Director and Organist
Part-Time CHOIR DIRECTOR
The Choir Director participates in the music ministry of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lakeland Florida, by preparing, rehearsing, and directing liturgically appropriate music for worship services and other events. Read full job description.
Part-Time ORGANIST
The Organist participates in the music ministry of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lakeland Florida, by preparing, performing, and accompanying liturgically appropriate music for worship services and other events, using a 2-manual pipe organ, piano, and other instruments as needed. Read full job description.
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Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples Seeks Minister of Music
Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples seeks a compassionate leader to guide our congregation’s music as we grow our ministry within and beyond the doors of our church building. CVLC is an ELCA congregation known for its welcome in worship. Our campus is on Route 41, about a mile south of Bonita Beach Road. Read full job description.
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ELCA Truth & Healing Class
Join us on July 26 at 7 p.m. CST for the "Indian 101" class as part of the ELCA's Truth and Healing Movement. No registration is required. Just go to ELCA.org/TruthAndHealing and click "join the class" to attend.
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September 23: - diakonia graduation/retreat and conversation with the Bishop, Hope Lutheran Church, the Villages - Retreat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Graduation & Worship 4 p.m.
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October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, Fruitland Park
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November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
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