2023 Rostered Leaders Retreat

We have a gift for you! Through a generous grant from Lutheran Disaster Relief-US, the Florida-Bahamas Synod is offering a free healing and renewal retreat for rostered leaders. We recognize how difficult it has been these past two years to lead a congregation through the pandemic and hurricanes while trying to care for our own wellbeing. Many of us are tired and hurting. 

We are offering our second retreat on Monday, June 26 - Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The cost of all activities, meals, and housing (single room) and optional healing modalities are covered. The only thing you need to cover is your transportation to the event.

We will be housed at Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Events and sessions will take place at the hotel and surrounding areas.  

Our goal is to provide a safe and healing space for you to learn and experience spiritual practices and receive emotional and spiritual support both in individual and small group settings. All of this will be framed by the beauty of water, sun, and sand. 

There are different activities will be throughout the event such as dolphin tour and much more.

"Come to the Well” with an open heart, ready to receive the grace of God’s healing and unconditional love.

Spouses are welcome and the cost is $200 to cover meals and activities for the three days.

Please note that even though the event is free, a cancelation fee of $428.00 will be required if canceled after May 26, 2023 to cover the hotel room fee. Registration closes Thursday, May 25, 2023. Click here to register.

Register for Synod Assembly

This year's Synod Assembly will take place from June 8-10 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. Registration is now open and will close on May 15, 2023. Click here for more details and to register today!

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.

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.

Lutheran Church of the Palms in Palm Harbor held their sixth Giveaway Day for the community in February. The congregation donates gently used adult and children clothing, baby items, food, personal hygiene products, household goods, bikes and furniture and gift cards. Donations are arranged in the Fellowship Hall prior to the Saturday event. Each day, volunteers have fellowship and share stories and meals together.

The morning of the event, people in need line up, and each is given one bag to collect whatever they need, including large items. They can come back through with a second bag. At conclusion of the event, any items left over are donated to several organizations in the community. Special thanks to Thrivent, Publix, and to our volunteers and organizations who refer their clients in need to the event. (Photo by Becky Newell)

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

ELCA Farm Bill Advocacy

ELCA farm bill listening sessions are virtual gatherings where ministry leaders, members of congregations, and those with valuable lived experiences gather our opinions and experiences informed by faith values on stewardship, justice and serving our neighbor. The farm bill connects food on our tables and cafeterias, the farmers and ranchers who produce it, and the natural resources that make growing food possible, and is in the process of being reauthorized. Please join the conversation shaping our faithful action! Registration links and more information at https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-farm-bill-listening-sessions/

• 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