Mission Partners 100 Spring Appeal: Messiah Lutheran, Panama City

From Pastor Nicole Martin:

In 2018, Messiah Lutheran stepped relevantly into a more perfect story. A Perfect Storm. You might call it Michael, Hurricane Michael, but we call it Hope. It is hard to imagine a perfect storm as a period of transition, but it is our truth, and we have learned to embrace who we are because of it.

Our playground, as necessary evangelism tool, was damaged by Michael. Therefore, an important part of our congregation’s infrastructure of hospitality to young people and families was wounded. We are hoping that, with your help, the MP100 Grant can help us heal it, not just to replace what was there, but to make what seems to be “just a playground” become an even more significant space for community hospitality and spiritual renewal. What do we envision? “Play and Pray Adventures.” Click here to read more.

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.

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.

Save the Date: diakonia Retreat & Graduation

The Florida-Bahamas Synod’s School of Lay Ministry graduation and retreat is set for September 23, 2023 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota. View the schedule and download the save the date here.

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. 

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota recently held their Women's Spring Tea. More than 50 women attended wearing their colorful, spring-inspired hats! (Photo from St. Armands Key Lutheran Facebook page)

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/

ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants

We are excited to announce that the 2023 ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grant application cycle is now open! For more information, including the full request for proposals, and to apply, visit blogs.elca.org/worldhunger/edandnet.

• 2023 Summer Programs at Luther Springs

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

• May 11: What Every Nurse Needs to Know About Spiritual Care - Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association 

• 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