July 20, 2021

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E-Spirit Weekly

Newsletter

News, Stories, and More

from the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA

Register for Synod Assembly

Nominations for Synod Assembly

News & Stories

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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.

Synod Assembly 2021

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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 welcomes Dr. Luis R. Torres as the keynote speaker. Click here for more information on Dr. Torres.


The Synod Assembly will be in person with guidelines to keep us safe, but also unrestricted in our meeting and conducting of business.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


The deadline for registration is Friday, August 27, 2021.


Upcoming Installations

  • August 1 – The Rev. Nicole Martin as Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Panama City. Bishop Pedro Suarez will preside. 



  • August 8 – The Rev. Jonathan Gantt as Pastor of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Pembroke Pines. The Rev. Khader El-Yateem will officiate. 



  • August 29 – The Rev. Nate Bendorf as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Ormond Beach. The Rev. Rob Carlson will officiate.


  • September 11 – The Rev. Harry Schenkel as Pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Longwood. Bishop Pedro Suarez will preside.


  • September 25 – The Rev. Kari Niedermaier as Pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in Port Orange. The Rev. Rob Carlson will officiate. 

Events, Webinars, and Workshops

Pride Retreat 2021

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Trinity Lutheran Church is inviting members of the LGBTQIA+ community to join them for Pride Day 2021. Intern Pastor, Anne Harman will lead a day of prayer and reflection for the LGBTQIA+ community. The theme of the day is "Spiritual Gifts." The day will be spent exploring spiritual gifts and how God might be inviting you to bring your unique gifts to the faith communities and the world in ways you've never imagined.


When: Saturday, August 14, 2021, 10am to 5pm

Where:Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Florida.

Cost: Suggested $20 donation per person to cover refreshments and lunch during the day.

Just Love Book Discussion

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The synod's Just Love Team invites you to join an end of summer six-week book discussion on BLACK FATIGUE: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Mary-Frances Winters. Winters has a distinguished history of helping organizations of all kinds address diversity, equity, and inclusion. Black fatigue is about how history, policy, practices, and unaddressed disparities generate cycles of weariness and stress that take a heavy toll on people. Our book discussion will deepen our understanding of the suffering racism causes and our call in the Gospel to experience wholeness.


The online sessions will run from August 4 through September 8 on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm – 8:30 pm EDT via Zoom. A special Facebook group will also be created on the synod page for ongoing discussion. The Zoom format will include a brief presentation on the weekly reading, breakout groups in chat rooms, and a plenary sharing session.


Registration is required by August 3.


You can find the book on Amazon and through other booksellers.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Minister - Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church

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Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lehigh Acres, FL is seeking a part-time Youth Minister.


The candidate must be a committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The youth minister will plan, develop and coordinate a youth ministry program for Middle & High School aged youth.

The candidate must have vision, be age 21 or older, have a High School diploma, able to use social media platforms, and pass a background check.

Must be willing to work 2 hours on Sundays and 2 hours one weekday evening.


Email resume to: admin.office@faithlutheranla.org or fax 239-369-3411.

Contact Nicole Ruiz, Office Administrator at 239-369-6177 for more information.

Part Time Book Keeper/Accountant

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Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Haines City, FL is currently seeking a Part-Time Bookkeeper to join our team! You will be responsible for preparing and examining financial records for our church.


Responsibilities:

  • Manage all aspects of day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting processes including by not limited to A/P, A/R, payroll, journal entries, and bank reconciliation in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAPP).
  • Execute monthly payroll activities using 3rd. party payroll service provider.
  • Perform annual 1099 reporting process for vendors.
  • Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports, including standard financial reports, budgets vs. actual reports.
  • Work closely with Treasurer and Financial Secretary to develop and analyze our annual organization budget.


For the full job description and qualifications, click here.

For more information, and if interested, contact Evelyn Brewer at officemanager@lambofgodhainescity.com

National ELCA News

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.