E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | September 10, 2024 | |
Holy Cross, Spring Hill launches Elemental Ministry | Holy Cross in Spring Hill has found that many young families are not congregating in church buildings on Sunday mornings. It has launched “Elemental Ministry,” an initiative in which the gospel is being proclaimed in locations families have expressed a desire to visit. Through weekly musical, dramatic, and visual arts activities for children along with a monthly outdoor Elemental Campfire Chapel Service, Holy Cross has crafted a child-focused ministry that captivates both the young and the old. Chapel campfires are cultivated around the elements of fire, water, wind, and earth; following the chapel service, a dinner is shared around campfires, water activities, and wind and earth encounters. Holy Cross is piloting this opportunity in partnership with the Nourishing Vocation Project at St. Olaf College, MN. This collaboration has engaged numerous creative minds in the active development of this initiative. Read more... | | |
|
|
Boundaries and Inclusion Education 2024
Region 9 Boundaries and Inclusion Education (R9BIE) plans annual, and three-year rotational, boundaries educational opportunities and learning events. Therefore, the Florida-Bahamas Synod encourages our rostered ministers, seminarians, and interns to participate in the Region 9 boundaries educations. The cost to attend annual Boundaries Education is covered by the Synods of Region 9. The 2024 Focus is Cultural Competencies:
Plan to attend one of the following events:
-
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, 9am - 1pm ET
-
Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, 9am - 1pm ET
-
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 9am - 1pm ET
-
Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, 9am - 1pm ET
Register here. Registration for each session will close one week prior to each session.
| | |
|
Ordinations & Installations
September 14, 3 PM – Installation of the Rev. Jennifer Michael as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Tampa; Bishop Suarez will officiate.
September 21, 1 PM – Installation of the Rev. Lindsey Beukelman as pastor of University Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry in Gainesville; Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven will officiate.
October 19, 2:30 PM - Installation of the Rev. Ben Mandrick as pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fernandina Beach; Bishop Suarez will officiate.
| |
| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
| | |
Join the ELCA Vital Congregations Cohort
Is your congregation ready to thrive? ELCA Vital Congregations, ELCA Evangelism, and ELCA Coaching in partnership with Kindling Faith invite congregations into the joyful journey of thriving in spirit, community, and action, both within the congregation and through neighborhood connection.
Congregational teams of up to five people are invited to join this special cohort program filled with inspiring stories, experienced and dynamic speakers, useful information, and practical support. Read more...
| |
|
School of Lay Ministry Graduation
The graduation service for the School of Lay Ministry (diakonia) will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 at Mandarin Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. Bishop Suárez will preside. If you can't join in person, you can stream it live from Mandarin's Facebook page.
| | |
|
Interim Pastors' Training: October 7-8, 2024
Join Rev. Nicole Eastwood and the Synod Interim Ministry Team for a time of training and information at the Synod office. Together, we will pray and learn together, learning best practices to lead our congregations in transition. This training is being held at the Synod Office in Tampa, with lodging at a local hotel (less than ¼ mile away!).
We hope to see you there!
Click here to register!
|
|
|
Making Disciples
A retreat for those who work with youth in faith formation
Join Luther Springs for the Making Disciples retreat, September 26-29.
This retreat is designed to support all those who work with children, youth and young adults in faith formation. Our event begins Thursday evening for a time of networking and hospitality.
On Friday, we will host two all-day intensive care tracks:
-
First track: Andy Jung from Fuller Youth Institute will join us as we explore Growing Young and how to engage younger generations in a way that breathes life and energy into the whole church.
-
Second Track: Young Adult/Campus Ministry Leader Summit for leaders currently leading or wishing to develop campus ministry or young adult ministry sites. Campus ministry leaders from across the ELCA will guide leaders interested in creating Campus Ministry opportunities or strengthening existing ministries.
Saturday and Sunday, we will offer workshops geared to equip you in your ministry to and with children, youth, and young adults.
Come for one night, two nights, or all three. There is also a one-day commuter option.
Dates:
September 26-29, 2024
| |
|
Parish Musician Wanted, Gloria Dei Church, Leesburg
We seek a talented and dedicated Parish Musician to join our church community. The ideal candidate will:
- Be skilled in piano and/or organ
- Commit approximately 10 hours weekly
- Lead Sunday liturgy (9:30 a.m.)
- Prepare and perform hymns, liturgical accompaniments, preludes, and postludes
- Conduct Choir/Vocal Ensemble (September - May)
- Engage creatively with Lutheran musical tradition
- Work actively to involve people in music ministry
Requirements:
- Strong musical skills and experience in church music
- Ability to prepare and lead choir rehearsals
- Flexibility to be present at church during the week as needed
Compensation commensurate with experience. To apply, please contact: Vaike O'Grady - 512-827-6344 or ogradyvaike@gmail.com.
| |
|
Peace, Fort Myers seeks a Music Ministry Director
The position is full-time with benefits. Primary responsibilities include playing the organ and/or piano at a 9:30 a.m. Sunday service, directing the choir and the handbell choir, and planning and participating in a 5 p.m. Saturday night service. For a more detailed job description, please visit Peace’s website: peaceftmyers.com.
Applications can be submitted to: jcarter13@comcast.net by October 25.
| |
|
Atonement, Wesley Chapel seeks Church Office Administrator
This position requires interaction with the public, a friendly demeanor, and good communication skills. This individual should be a self-starter who can initiate and complete tasks independently, be well-organized, and can multi-task. This individual provides administrative support to various ministry teams and is a key liaison with the congregation. This individual must be proficient in Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint, Word and Excel. They will manage the church website using Wix, and the church calendar on Google. 25 Hours Weekly: M-F 10am-3pm. Compensation commensurate with related work experience. Resumes can be sent to discoveralcwc@gmail.com.
|
|
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Palm Harbor seeks Interim Music Director
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Palm Harbor is in need of a Director of Music to plan and organize the music ministry for worship services at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Palm Harbor, FL. Our services are Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday morning. We are a small ELCA congregation currently in transition awaiting a full-time pastor. Click here for details.
| |
|
Civility in Politics
Two state senators from Washington — ELCA members who sit on opposite sides of the aisle — talk about the importance of civility in politics. They agree that “part of championing civility is refusing to tolerate incivility." Read more...
| |
-
September 21: School of Lay Ministry Annual Retreat and Graduation Worship, Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville
| | | | |
