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To honor Black History Month in the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod, the Just Love Team presents "Voices of Justice: Faith and Resilience in Florida’s Black History.” We present four periods in Florida’s history:

• Fort Mose (1738)
• Rosewood: Remembering Injustice (1923)
• The Civil Rights Movement in Florida (1964)
• Modern Justice Movements (2012-Present)

Don't miss the annual Black History Month service on February 9 at 9:57 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando. This year's event features a talk and Q&A session with Ms. Lizzie Jenkins, a direct descendent of a survivor of the Rosewood Massacre. You can also view the service via live stream on the Synod's Facebook page.

Annual Reports and Mission Support Deadlines

Annual Parochial Reports (January-December 2024):

• File online with the ELCA’s Office of the Secretary by March 1, 2025
• If filing by paper, send to the Synod House by February 15, 2025.

Rostered Leader’s Reports:

• Due March 1, 2025, for all rostered ministers in the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
• Download, complete, and email the appropriate form to yulietg@fbsynod.org.

Mission Support (2024):

• Send outstanding balances to the Synod House by January 31, 2025. Contributions received after this date will apply to 2025.

Mission Support Covenants (2025):

• File online or return the PDF by mail after your annual congregation meeting, or by January 31, 2025. Please consider increasing your support to grow our shared ministry.

Questions? Contact the Synod Office.

Rescission of Sensitive Locations Policy



On behalf of AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), we are sharing the following resource from the National Immigration Law Center.

The Factsheet: Trump Rescission of Sensitive Locations Policy outlines the impacts of this administration’s removal of “Protected Areas” from immigration enforcement (i.e. churches, schools, hospitals, etc.).

The document also outlines next steps and action items a congregation or organization can take to continue to support and protect immigrants in these formerly protected areas.

To stay up-to-date on resources available to support immigrant communities, we encourage monitoring the AMMPARO resource page for downloadable tools and information, and following and signing up for the ELCA’s advocacy alerts.

Considering Your Call Weekend: March 28-30, 2025

CYC offers you the opportunity to:

• Explore vocation and discernment with others
• Learn about Wartburg’s degree programs and the various pathways to earn your degree
• Worship with the Wartburg Seminary community
• Meet current faculty, staff, and students, hearing their stories and experience
• Share in meals and fellowship, including social events with the community
• Experience Wartburg Seminary through the convenience of a weekend visit!

Need overnight accommodations on Friday and Saturday? Wartburg is happy to provide housing for you and your spouse, friend, partner, pastor or supporter while you’re there. They will also provide meals and snacks while you are on campus. Need financial assistance with travel costs? They can help! Get more details and register here.

Luther Springs 2025 Summer Camp Registration NOW OPEN

Register between December 1, 2024 and February 15, 2025 to receive $30 off. 

Luther Springs offers a place set apart where children in grades 1-12 can unplug from technology for a week, experience exciting adventures, get inspired by nature, and grow in faith!

Our on-site programs are a great experience for that first-time camper or the camper that isn’t quite as adventurous as others. For those thrill seeking children in grades 6-12 we offer special “Outdoor Adventure Programs” where kids can challenge themselves with new adventures like zip lining, horseback riding and more. A week of camp is an investment that will impact the life of your child for years to come! Details and registration here.

Dori Dunham, candidate for rostered ministry and current intern and Synodically Authorized Minister at St. Paul, Pensacola, enjoys the Florida snow!

Share your photo in E-spirit! Email comms@fbsynod.org.

Spirit of Grace Donates Instruments to Churches in Need

Spirit of Grace is generously donating two musical instruments to churches in need:

1. Lowrey Director Organ – A quality instrument with easy-play features and a powerful sound system delivering "Live Performance" quality sound. While the organ does not include a bench and has some imperfections in the wood finish, it appears to be in working condition.
2. Yamaha Digital Piano – This versatile piano offers 14 voices, including grand and electric pianos, organ, strings, choir, harpsichord, and acoustic guitar, along with effects like digital reverb, chorus, and delay. The tone can be customized using the "brilliance" slider. Despite minor chips in the finish, it is also believed to be in working condition.

Please note: Recipients must load and haul the instruments themselves. Both are located at Spirit of Grace in Hudson, FL. If interested, contact the church office at 727-758-5800 or churchoffice@soglutheran.org.

Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Message on Executive Orders

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton released a pastoral message on recent executive orders which says, in part, “As a church, we are called to speak up when the government distorts or denies the image of God in each person by endangering access to protection, peace, and daily bread. Where harm or inequity occur, we are called by God to respond with love and advocacy.” Read more...

In the January 2025 Mission Support Memo you will meet Rev. Leticia Alanis, pastor of Unidad y Fe Lutheran Mission in New York City. Have you ever met a person of faith who shines with the light of Christ even in the hardest of times and places? After meeting Pastor Leticia, you’ll be inspired by her remarkable journey, her resilience, her deep love for others, and her commitment to building community and advocating for immigration justice. The memo also invites you to a special reunion: "The Generosity of The Generosity Project" on Monday, Feb. 3. Come reminisce, learn, and have fun as we celebrate together! Read more...

Fireside Chat: Exploring Pathways for Chaplaincy in the ELCA

The Seminaries of the ELCA and the ELCA Chaplain Corps will host a virtual fireside chat on Thursday, February 13, at 8 p.m. Eastern time, to explore the pathways to serve as a Chaplain in the ELCA. This engaging session will provide insights into the chaplaincy journey and answer common questions about this vital ministry. Register here.

ELCA World Hunger Lent Resources

New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation during Lent. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources in the Easter season.

During your Lenten journey, ELCA World Hunger invites you to reflect on the work of ELCA World Hunger partners who are dedicated to ending hunger at its roots. We hope that these stories of ELCA World Hunger’s partner organizations working to strengthen community will help you to celebrate your place in your own community.

You can order or download free versions at ELCA.org/hunger/resources.

• January 31: Human Sexuality Social Statement Reconsiderations Feedback Due, ELCA

• January 31-February 2: Journey of Faith - Confirmation, Luther Springs

• January 31-February 2: EQUIP – High School Leadership Retreat, Luther Springs

• February 23-26: Making Disciples, Luther Springs

• February 28-March 2: Master Builders Men’s Retreat, Luther Springs

• March 3-7: Quilting Retreat, Luther Springs

• March 8: Luther Springs Open House, Contact Deacon Macy at mbakken@novusway.org for details.

• April 4-6: God Spa Women’s Retreat, Luther Springs

• April 25-26: Synod Parish Deacon Retreat, St. Stephen, Longwood

• June 12-14: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee

• September 20: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota

• September 29-October 1: Conference on Ministry, Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills