V2A Learning Sessions

Vision to Action (V2A), the granting entity of The Florida-Bahamas Synod, launched its 2023 season during the Synod Assembly. A total of up to $600,000 is available to grant this year to eligible congregations and ministry partners.

Maybe you heard the presentation yet still have some questions; others may not have been in attendance and want to learn about V2A. The Office of the Bishop is offering two virtual learning sessions this month--opportunities to review the grant process, learn about the V2A website www.v2agrants.org, and ask general questions. All are welcome! Click one of the available dates below to register:

• Friday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
• Thursday, June 29 at 7 p.m.

Listen, learn, and catch the excitement!

REGISTER TODAY! Transition Ministry Training Online Webinar

There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, or has just received a newly called pastor, or is seeking new direction into God's future, it is a time of transition from something that was to something that is yet to be. The Transition Training Event will help attendees to focus on what it is that properly motivates ministry so that the "yet to be" is fully in the hands of God, and God's people are themselves renewed and ready for that ministry.

July 24-28, 2023, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

All About Synod Parish Deacons

Ever wonder what a Synod Parish Deacon does?

Have you ever thought,... is this for me? What is required? Process, classes, training? What's a pastor's responsibilities? We will have an informational session via zoom. For lay leaders and Pastors. Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m. Please email Deaconchair@yahoo.com for the link and more information.

In Search of Just Love Team Members

We are looking for Just Love Team Members. If you are are interested or know someone else who is, please share this job description and then email us so we know you are interested at justloveflorida@gmail.com.

Just Love Team Member Responsibilities & Invitation

Team Responsibilities

• Participate in Just Love Monthly Gatherings (first Thursday of the month at 6 pm on Zoom)
• Help plan and lead events & projects (examples include Conference on Ministry workshop, facilitate an ambassador training, Synod assembly, develop devotions or liturgy, help plan/host a special event, develop or curate liturgies for feasts outside of the Anglo tradition (Juneteenth, posadas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, etc.) 

Personal Responsibilities

• Continue to grow in your own Just Love practices
• Attend at least two Just Love Ambassador workshops or one retreat annually 
• At least twice a year read, listen, and/or participate with materials on the Just Love website or a similar resource

Additionally, we dream of one day having several Just Love Ambassadors in every corner of the synod who lead conversations and learning opportunities, work with pastors and leadership teams, and help develop Just Love resources and facilitate Just Love events. If you are interested in serving in that capacity, sign up here.

Portico Update: EmployerLink Security Enhancements Coming Soon

Portico’s EmployerLink sign-in process will be changing as part of our ongoing commitment to data security and privacy protection. If you’re a registered EmployerLink user, later this summer we’ll walk you through setting up a new way to access your account that includes two-step phone verification every time you sign in. Remember: it’s important for each EmployerLink user to create their own sign-in credentials to protect your organization from people signing in who should no longer have access — for example, when someone completes their term as treasurer or leaves the organization.

After an hiatus of four years due to road construction then the pandemic, Paradise Lutheran Church, Treasure Island, resumed its Adopt-a-Highway program. Eight volunteers cleaned up gutters and sidewalks from the southern part of Treasure Island into St. Pete Beach on Saturday, May 20, picking up 40 pounds of trash. (Submitted by Sharon Koelsch)

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

Download the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Getting Ready Materials

We’re so excited to share that the Getting Ready Materials are ready to be downloaded on the Gathering’s website. This curriculum was created for you to use with your group as you prepare for the 2024 Gathering. Filled with scripture, activities, and New Orleans connections, you’ll be able to start bonding together and tackling hard conversations. Feel free to adapt this resource to your setting. Download here.

A Study Curriculum on Civil Life and Faith

The ELCA Task Force on Studies for Civic Life and Faith has published a six-session study about government, democracy and how Christians are called to participate in civic life. Participants are asked to give feedback on the content after each session to help the task force draft a social statement. The study response period is open through Oct. 15. Your input is key — thank you for your participation! Learn more.

Lutheran voices and advocacy for Pride Month

This Pride Month, we give thanks for the blessings of our LGBTQIA+ siblings in this church and in our world. On the Living Lutheran site find articles authored by LGBTQIA+ church leaders and stories about ministries affirming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Resources for the LGBTQIA+ community can be found at ELCA.org/lgbtq. The ELCA Advocacy blog explains how ELCA bishops, rostered ministers, members and affiliated state public policy offices have shown up to support our transgender siblings and to speak out against harmful anti-LGBTQ legislation. Learn more.

• 2023 Summer Programs at Luther Springs

• June 26-28: Rostered Leaders Retreat 

• July 24-28: Transition/Interim Ministry Training

• 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, Hope Lutheran Church, the Villages - 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