E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | November 7, 2023 | |
Let's Help Pave the Way to the ELCA Youth Gathering! | |
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Our vibrant youth and young adults are already gearing up for an electrifying summer of events, and we're expecting an impressive turnout of 500-600 enthusiastic individuals from the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Brace yourselves, because "Created To Be" is set to deliver an absolutely thrilling experience!
But here's the thing -- we want to ensure that everyone who desires to attend can make it a reality. That's where you, your congregation, and your conference come in. Together, we can provide financial support to those who might otherwise miss out, just as countless generous hearts have done in previous years. Even if your own congregation doesn't have young attendees, you can still be a sponsor for someone from another congregation.
The cost for each person to partake in this life-changing adventure is estimated at $1,000-$1,200. Your contribution can make all the difference, and it's as simple as visiting the synod's website. In past years, your incredible generosity has surpassed $10,000 for this noble cause, and for that, we are grateful.
Don't wait, be a part of this incredible journey by following this direct link for your contribution.
And if you happen to know someone in need of financial assistance, here's a link to the application that can be their ticket to an unforgettable summer. Let's come together and make "Created To Be" an unforgettable experience for all!
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Installations & Ordinations
The ordination of Donna C. Batchelor will be held on November 12 at 3 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice. She will be ordained to Word & Sacrament ministry and has accepted the call to serve as Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Nokomis.
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Weekly Prayer Focus | | O God, generous and supreme, your loving Son lived among us, instructing us in the ways of humility and justice. Continue to ease our burdens, and lead us to serve alongside of him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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A Prayer for Lament and Peace hosted by ALAMEH
The Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH)
invites you to join them in "A Prayer for Lament and Peace."
Friday, November 10, 1:30 p.m. Eastern time via Zoom Webinar
Keynote Worship Leaders:
- The Rev. Khader El-Yateem, ALAMEH President
- The Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church Bethlehem (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land)
- The Rev. Gabi Aelabouni, Director for the Middle East and North Africa Desk
- The Rev. Dr. Meghan Aelabouni, Theologian-in-Residence, ELCJHL
- The Rev. Khader Khalilia, Program Director, Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries
Join us at this critical time for a gathering of lament and prayer. Recent events since October 7 have resulted in the loss of countless innocent lives, widespread destruction, fear, and displacement. We come together to pray for an end to the largely indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, for an immediate ceasefire, and for the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Let us unite in prayer, seeking the support of nations worldwide to bring an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and work toward the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. Our collective prayer is for justice and lasting peace.
Please register to participate by clicking here.
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Global Mission Companion Visit
Last week, the Florida-Bahamas Synod participated in the ELCA International Consultation held in Houston. Companion churches from Latin America and the Caribbean gathered with leaders from various synods for worship, building relationships and making plans to work together for the sake of the gospel. It was a joy to spend time with our sisters and brothers from Guyana and Suriname. The Holy Spirit is stirring us with exciting new ideas for joint ministry!
As the representatives from Suriname had a transit stop through Miami upon their return home, they also met with a group from the Dade-Monroe Conference. There was time to worship together, have fellowship over a meal, and share stories from our various ministry contexts.
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Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram
The latest Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram is now available for view. Click here to see current news from LMIM including upcoming events and virtual opportunities for study and worship.
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Upcoming Events at Luther Springs!
November 10-12: Trailblazers - 1st - 5th Grade
Theme: Bible Exploration
How do we read the Bible? How do we look up a Bible verse? Why is there an Old Testament and a New Testament? During this fun, faith-filled weekend we will explore our Bibles, play games, canoe, do archery, swim (weather permitting), make crafts and enjoy campfires! $180 per youth | $105 per adult
November 10-12: Advent-ure Retreat
Middle and high school youth will enjoy a weekend of camp fun, adventure, activities, and exploring the season of Advent. Each year features a different adventure activity off-site. Our 2023 activity: kayaking off-site on a spring-fed lake. $254 per youth | $105 per adult
Learn more at luthersprings.org.
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The JUST Love Ministry Presents: An Advent Journey with Mary
The Just Love team is preparing “An Advent Journey with Mary,” four resources that congregations can use for worship or Bible study during the season of Advent. Each week’s resources will focus on the experiences of Latin Americans in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, and will include recorded conversations, scripture readings, music suggestions from Lutheran hymnals and other resources, a few paragraphs of instructional material, and discussion questions. Click Here to receive these resources.
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12 Day Pilgrimage to Greece & Greek Islands
Join Bishop Pedro Suárez and Bishop Yehiel Curry in a 12-day joint synod pilgrimage to Greece and the Greek Islands, June 18-29, 2024. Explore New Testament lands and walk in the footsteps of Paul.
Pilgrimage highlights include:
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Athens city tour (the world-famous Acropolis, Pan-Athenian Stadium & more!)
- 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey
- The ruins of Ephesus where Paul spent three years during his ministry
- the island of Patmos
- Santorini, Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth
- And much more!
Click here for more details and to register.
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| Photos of the Week: St. Peter, Ft. Myers Beach | | |
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On All Saints Sunday, St. Peter, Ft. Myers Beach held their first worship service on their property since Hurricane Ian devastated parts of southwest Florida last year. They joined together with Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church and Beach United Methodist Church with 73 people in attendance for worship.
To share a photo of your ministry in action, email comms@fbsynod.org.
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November 19 Concert for a Cause (Cello & Harpsichord) at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Largo - 3pm
Scott Kluksdahl and Hedi Salanki present a concert celebrating the release of their newest album featuring the music of Neapolitan master Giulio de Ruvo. Scott Kluksdahl serves as Professor of Cello at the University of South Florida, where he has been on the faculty since 1991. Dr. Hedi Salanki-Rubardt is Distinguished University Professor and director of piano and chamber music at the University of West Florida. Collecting donations for Resurrection House Mission in Dade City, which serves over 200 migrant farm workers and their families. Bring donations of rice, dry beans, cooking oil, flour, or masa.
For more information, contact shawn@poplargo.org.
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Holy Land prayers and a message of solidarity
Bishop Eaton addresses the hatred and violence toward Arab, Muslim, and Jewish people in the U.S., acknowledges the grief and trauma of Jews and Palestinians, and offers ways that we can support our Palestinian members and our neighbors. Watch the video here.
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Draft social message on gun violence and trauma
How is the ELCA called to respond to gun-related violence? A new draft social message on this urgent and polarizing problem is now available. This message seeks to move past the impasse of gun rights vs. gun control by offering a more constructive proposal. Share your feedback by Jan. 31, 2024. Read more...
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Future Church: God’s Love Made Real
Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world.
Click the image above to watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more and visit the website – https://lovemadereal.elca.org – to complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.
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November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
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