E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | May 23, 2023 | |
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Are You Ready for Synod Assembly?
The 2023 Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly is just a little over two weeks away! We're excited to see you on June 8-10 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. You can visit fbsassembly.org to get all the information you need for Assembly including:
Click here for more helpful tips and reminders for Synod Assembly.
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ELCA Hunger Grants
For ELCA congregations and ministries interested in receiving a domestic hunger grant: visit www.ELCA.org/domestichungergrants where you can find information on applying for a grant. First you need to fill out a letter of inquiry form and submit it as soon as possible. This is a new process replacing the previous Domestic Hunger Grant application process using GrantMaker. ELCA Hunger staff will assess the most promising inquiries for the formal application process. DEADLINE MAY 31.
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Save the Date: Transition Training
Are you a First Call Pastor, interested in Interim Ministry, or are serving a congregation that is in transition of some sort? If so, you might want to make note of the following:
Transition/Interim Ministry Training
Online, 9 a.m. to noon, July 24-28, 2023
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Weekly Prayer for Synod Assembly 2023
Synod Assembly is coming.
Synod Assembly is near.
In reflection and prayer,
let us together prepare.
Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Let us pray:
Lord, in you we place our confidence as we gather together for the assembly of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. As we gather help us to hold fast to the confession of our hope that comes through you. Allow the tools and process established be instruments that cause hope to shine bright during our synod gathering. Guide us to make decisions that let hope through Christ radiate out into the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. Amen.
Rev. Nicole Martin, Assembly Chaplain
Messiah Lutheran Church, Panama City Florida
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Giving; Post-Covid Stewardship Meeting this Friday
Join us for an engaging and informative webinar that explores the transformative power of stewardship during the post-COVID era. This webinar is designed to equip congregational leaders and pastors with strategies to cultivate a culture of stewardship, generosity, and financial responsibility in these challenging times.
Date: Friday, May 26
Time: 1 pm
Where: Zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 827 7695 9443
Passcode: 237101
GSB Consultant, Nathan Swenson-Reinhold, will be leading the session. As former Lead Pastor at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Longwood, FL, he brings over 17 years of experience in leadership development, organizational cultural change, coaching and group facilitation.
Click here to view the flyer.
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Taking Your Learning and Growing into a Great Summer and Fall
You’ve learned and grown a lot already this year: from daily work, reading, conferences, continuing education, friends, colleagues, successes, failures, family, pain and suffering, joy and happiness. You get the picture. A question: how are you now putting all that learning to work for you? What is all that growth and experience doing for you now and how can you apply it to what is before you? What if you had a trained and dedicated-to-you partner, skilled in helping you make the most of what you know and have experienced and using all that to move you forward into what you want to know and do? An ELCA Coach is just such a partner.
Coaching doesn’t focus on what’s wrong...it focuses on what’s next. Go to fbsynod.com/coaching and elcacoaching.org, or contact our Synod Coaching Coordinator Dr. Johan Bergh at johan@beinganddoingmatters.com for more information.
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Save the Date for the Just Love Juneteenth Observance
The Just Love Ministry of the Florida-Bahamas Synod presents a Juneteenth Freedom Day Observance, Saturday, June 17 at 3 p.m. The observance will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando (7900 S. Apopka Road) and will include music, poetry, refreshments and more. Additional details to come!
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ALOA Announces New Executive Director
Effective April 1, 2023, the Board of Directors of Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) is pleased to announce the employment of Daniel J. Reichard as its new Executive Director. Dan brings more than 40 years of diverse experience to ALOA from his years with non-profit, manufacturing, and service organizations. His nonprofit background includes more than 10 years serving entities of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Dan brings energy, enthusiasm, and strong leadership skills to the role. ALOA is excited to see him utilize his skills and experience to guide ALOA in its mission to empower those in the second half of life. He is eager to establish and build on existing relationships with congregations and other ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the LCMS.
Having started his career in accounting at a Tier 1 automotive supplier, Dan spent approximately 25 years with various manufacturing organizations. His experience with nonprofit organizations includes leadership roles with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), the Florida-Georgia District (LCMS), and World Mission. Dan also served as the Chief Financial Officer of a facility management company for more than 5 years.
Dan earned a BBA from Northwood University (Midland, Ml) with a major in accounting and an MBA (finance) from Western Michigan University. He is both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He has expanded his leadership knowledge through classes that include Emergent Leader training with the Florida-Georgia District and multiple Global Leadership Summits.
Dan and his wife Andrea reside in Orlando and he will continue to be based in Central Florida. The ALOA office will remain in Clearwater, Florida. Dan and Andrea are very proud of their sons, Benjamin and Zachary, daughters-in-law Shawna and Mandy, and grandchildren Theodore, Lily, JuneBug, and Calvin.
To find out more about ALOA's ministry by, with, and for older adults, visit the ALOA website at aloaserves.org or connect with ALOA on Facebook at Adult Lutherans/ALOA.
May God lead, guide, and bless Dan with strength, wisdom, and His comforting peace.
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ReconcilingWorks Pride Worship 2023
PRIDE is almost here! ReconcilingWorks is excited to be celebrating the diversity of our beloved LGBTQIA+ community with you all.
ReconcilingWorks PRIDE 2023 festivities will be officially beginning in June, but we wanted to make sure you all were able to get a head start on your pride planning! There is so much in store for you and the life of your faith community, so come join the fun by bookmarking the PRIDE 2023 webpage at ReconcilingWorks.org/PRIDE
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Photos of the Week: St. Andrews Lutheran, Lake Worth | |
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St. Andrews Lutheran in Lake Worth is a Finnish congregation in the Synod. They serve lunch every week, open to the neighborhood, and often host more than 100 people with traditional Finnish food. Visit their website to learn more about this congregation. (Photos submitted by Sami Ettanen)
To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.
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Christus Victor, North Naples Open Positions
Parish Administrator
Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples seeks a compassionate leader to guide the administration of resources and carefully nurture relationships as we grow our ministry within and beyond the doors of our church building. CVLC is an ELCA congregation known for its welcome and outreach ministries. Our campus is on Route 41, about a mile south of Bonita Beach Road. This new full-time position was created as part of our planning efforts to grow our ministry and expand our impact in the community. Previously, we had a part-time office administrator retiring after fourteen years. Read more...
Parish Support
Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples seeks a compassionate individual to assist the Parish Administrator and Pastor in various tasks and through positive interaction with the larger congregation and community. CVLC is an ELCA congregation known for its welcome and outreach ministries. This part-time position was created as part of our planning efforts to grow our ministry and expand our impact in the community. Read more...
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Lord of the Seas in Need of Pulpit Supply
Are you up for an adventure? Lord of the Seas in Big Pine Key is in need of pulpit supply. You will cover your own travel expenses, but they will compensate at pulpit supply rate of $175 and provide Saturday overnight accommodations. If you are interested, please contact Deacon Connie Schmucker at connies@fbsynod.org.
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ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship
The ELCA is excited to announce a new program for Young Adults! The ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship is an exciting program that offers young adults an amazing opportunity to discover their calling while gaining valuable professional experience. In partnership with new and existing year-long opportunities at ELCA affiliated ministries, participants are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to explore their faith and vocational aspirations, all while receiving support from a network of peers and experienced ELCA coaches. The program is designed to prepare communities and ministry organizations to welcome new, young, and diverse leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future. Additionally, fellows receive competitive compensation and benefits, including access to mental health resources, relocation assistance, coaching, and a small group cohort.
The program has partnered with several sites for the 2023-2024 year, including The Dwelling, All Places Together, National Lutheran Communities & Services, Together Lab, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, The Hunger Advocacy Fellow Program, Building Resilient Communities with the ELCA Churchwide Organization, Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, the Minneapolis Area Synod, and Capital University. This program truly embodies the ELCA's commitment to empowering young adults and building a brighter tomorrow. For more information about the program and these partner sites, please visit http://www.elca.org/Vocational-Fellowship.
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New ELCA Youth Gathering Website
The ELCA Youth Gathering website just got a refresh! Check out ELCA.org/Gathering to see the updated website, including new information, resources and content on the 2024 Gathering, MYLE, the tAble and the Young Adult Gathering.
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July 24-28: Transition/Interim Ministry Training
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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.
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October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Location TBD.
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November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
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