Seeking Nominations for Synod Leadership

At the 2023 Synod Assembly in Orlando (June 8-10), voting members will elect a bishop. Voting members will also elect people to serve on the Synod Council and the Consultation Committee. Additional information will be provided by the Synod Council relating to the election of the bishop as we move closer to the period leading up to the assembly.   

We strongly encourage nominations for Synod Council and Consultation Committee to be submitted prior to the Synod Assembly so they may be included in the Nomination Packet for Voting Members. This will also facilitate a smoother and more efficient voting process for the open positions.

Click here to view a list of open positions and descriptions. Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2023. You can complete the nominations form here.

Synod Parish Deacons Participating in Synod Assembly Worship

Bishop Suárez is inviting all active and inactive Synod Parish Deacons to participate in this year’s Synod Assembly Opening Worship procession on Thursday, June 8, at 4:00 p.m. All who wish to process will vest in the following: white alb, deacon cross necklace, red cincture (with a knot on each end) and a white hand towel looped over the cincture. Please be in the robing room by 3:30 p.m.

You may come to participate in the opening worship service, only, at no cost. If you wish to remain on the assembly floor, you will need to register as a visitor.

Questions? Please contact Darlene Kaiser, Bishop’s Synod Parish Deacon Oversight Committee Chair at deaconchair@yahoo.com or Deacon Connie Schmucker, Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership at connies@fbsynod.org.

Boundaries Workshop - May 11

Are you due for your triennial Boundaries workshop required for all rostered ministers? Join Rev. Ken Blythe and Rev. Kari Niedermaier for a fun day exploring the gift of boundaries, a gift that offers blessings to rostered ministers, their families, their congregations and the church. Substantial time will be given for group discussion, and open and honest conversation. The registration fee covers lunch, and all the resources that will be shared with participants. Click here for details and registration.

Reconciling in Christ Partner Update

As ReconcilingWorks continues to accompany Reconciling in Christ (RIC) partners in updating their Public Partner Commitments, we are looking forward to providing another opportunity of support. Join ReconcilingWorks staff, Aubrey Thonvold and Ashlei Buhrow, as they host regional RIC partner zoom calls to share information on the RIC program, walk through critical resources and where to find them on the website, and answer any additional questions you may have.

All Zoom calls are listed in Central Time. Make sure you mark your calendar accordingly.

May 1, 2023

Region 9: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT

Region 5: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM CT

Region 1: 3:00 – 4:00 PM CT

May 2, 2023

Region 8: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT

Region 6: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT

Region 2: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT

May 3, 2023

Region 7: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT

Region 3: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT

Region 4: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT

ELCIC: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CT

Sign up TODAY so we can continue to partner and accompany you in your journey.

Global Mission News: Guyana

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana (ELCG) and the Florida-Bahamas Synod had a chance to renew and strengthen their longstanding ties through the recent visit to Guyana. Bishop Suárez and President Nicholson of ELCG signed a memo of understanding, signaling our continued partnership in the gospel. Further, ELCG was presented with a banner made by Karen O'Brien of Hope Lutheran of The Villages, featuring the logos of our two churches. It is an expression of our walking together in Christ's name.  

Through worship, conversation, and sharing stories, we were reminded of the unity we share in the gospel as well as the challenges unique to our contexts. The Global Mission Table looks forward to following up on the many ideas that came to light for joint ministry, from youth exchanges, to leadership training and development, to joint women's group meetings, and more. If you or your congregation is interested in being part of these exciting possibilities, please contact Pastor Katie Carroll, Global Mission Chair, at revkhc@gmail.com.

Just Love survey and newsletter sign up

The Just Love Ministry Team has released a new survey as a follow-up to the initial survey sent to the synod last year. Please complete the survey by April 14th at the following link: https://forms.gle/pg5fqPsBtah3pp9KA

To receive Just Love updates, such as the daily Lenten devotionals, upcoming event information and resources directly to your inbox, click here to subscribe to the mailing list.

ZOOM for Rostered Ministers, "How to Work with Sex Offenders in Your Congregation"

Barbara Keller is leading a one hour Zoom seminar on “How to Work with Sex Offenders in Your Congregation” for rostered ministers Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. CST/12 noon EST. Participants who have additional questions can remain on Zoom to ask questions. Register by emailing kate.schnaath@elca.org. Participants will receive handouts and Zoom information and the call will be recorded for future use. 

Clergy Vestments Available

Clergy in need of vestments (some new and some gently used) can contact Rev. Dr. Sandra Jewell at sandrajewellministriesinc@gmail.com. There are several types and colors available.

Gloria Dei Lutheran, Holmes Beach, held its annual drive in March to collect sleepwear for children in foster care in Manatee County. Social Ministry chair Beth Hauck (left) and co-chair Barbara Bohner display some of the 92 pairs of pajamas collected for boys and girls ranging from infants to teens that were blessed at worship on March 26. (Photo submitted by Jean Etsinger).

To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.

ELCA Youth Gathering update regarding MYLE and the tAble

The ELCA Youth Gathering has announced that, during its 2024 cycle, it will waive registration fees for the first 1,000 people who register for the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the first 200 people who register for the tAble. Registration for the Gathering opens Sept. 15. Participants in MYLE or the tAble must attend the Gathering as well. Check ELCA.org/Gathering for updates in the coming months.

Lutherans Restoring Creation

One way in which ELCA congregations demonstrate love for our world is by caring for God’s creation. Our actions impact our neighbors and the environment, locally and globally, in the present and in the future. Join the Actions Speak Loudly! initiative to share how your congregation is caring for creation and to learn how others are participating in this movement. Visit www.LutheransRestoringCreation.org for resources or join the effort by completing this form: bit.ly/LRCActionPlan.

• 2023 Summer Programs at Luther Springs

• April 10-20: Joint Synod Holy Land Pilgrimage

• April 22: Space Coast Conference Women of the ELCA 2023 Spring Gathering

• June 8-10: Synod Assembly - Caribe Royale Resort

• June 26-28: Rostered Leaders Retreat 

• September 10: "God's work. Our hands." Sunday: 10th Anniversary!

• September 18-27: ALOA 10-Day Tour of Greece: Walk in the footsteps of Paul 

• September 23: - diakonia graduation/retreat and conversation with the Bishop, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church - Retreat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Graduation & Worship 5 p.m.

• October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Location TBD.

• November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering