E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | September 5, 2023

Hurricane Idalia Recovery

On Wednesday morning, August 30, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds. Idalia's storm surge was at historic levels as thousands of homes were damaged by rising flood waters. The hurricane comes a little less than a year after Hurricane Ian struck Florida's southwest coast, leaving a path of destruction across the state.

As the Florida-Bahamas Synod responds to the congregations and communities that are in recovery, you can help us share God's hope, healing and renewal.

When the water recedes and the headlines change, your generous donation will help provide ongoing assistance to those in need.

Registration Now Open for Conference on Ministry

Don't miss the COM Special Activities!

Calling all rostered ministers of the Florida-Bahamas Synod! Join us at the 2023 Conference on Ministry, where we are thrilled to welcome an exceptional speaker: the Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger. As the founder of AE Sloan Leadership and the Senior Fellow and Congregational Strategist at Fuller Seminary's De Pree Center for Leadership, Dr. Bolsinger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

Renowned for his expertise in leading change, Dr. Bolsinger has taught doctoral students on this very topic. His insights have been captured in his award-winning and best-selling leadership books, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory and Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change.

At our conference, Dr. Bolsinger will guide us in exploring a different form of leadership required when venturing "off the map" into a disrupted world. As old best practices no longer suffice, we must equip ourselves with the tools and mindset to navigate uncharted territory.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from a distinguished leader in ministry. Together, let's embrace the challenges of a changing world and discover new paths to effective leadership.

Elevate your conference experience beyond the sessions and workshops – sign up now for the Golf Outing and Luther Springs field trip, where you'll strike the perfect balance between professional growth and personal rejuvenation!

Installations & Ordinations

Macy Kennedy will be ordained as a Minister of Word & Service at Messiah, Cape Coral on September 24 at 3 p.m. Bishop Suarez will preside.

Rev. William Kittinger will be installed as Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice on October 1 at 3 p.m.

The F3llowship Podcast

Join an enriching and insightful journey through life and faith with "The F3llowship" podcast. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Kathryn and her fellow teachers, Robert and Stephen, this podcast evolved from their passionate conversations into a captivating exploration of the the epic story called life, and our place and call within it. The F3llowship offers a unique and inspiring glimpse into the lives of bright young individuals navigating the complexities of the world while remaining rooted in their faith in Jesus. Tune in to discover the profound connections that bind us all and experience the power of shared faith in our daily lives. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey – listen to The F3llowship today!

Gun Violence Task Force Meeting

We are planning on convening a meeting of the Gun Violence Task Force to discuss how we can move forward. We have already received several people that have stepped forward to volunteer to serve. If you feel that God is moving you to action on this issue please respond back (ileanas@fbsynod.com) to indicate your interest. Please include your name, phone number and email information. If you would like to include any other information about yourself, feel free. We will have our first gathering by ZOOM on Tuesday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82967191512?pwd=THVWKzBmQS9sYWphSHlzZGg4WW9uUT09

Meeting ID: 829 6719 1512

Passcode: 065218 

Attention Congregation Treasurers

In the first of a series of traveling meetings, we invite Congregation Treasurers to gather on Sunday, October 15, from 1:00-4:00 PM, at the Warren Willis Conference Center in Fruitland Park.

This will be an opportunity to learn, share, and discuss how the duties of congregation treasurer impacts their roles and the church. Some of the topics to be discussed will be:

• The burden of debt and mortgages
• The high cost of maintenance: electricity, HVAC, irrigation
• Insurance
• First Fruits Giving (What is it and how does it affect the budget/spending plan?)
• Best Practices (Learn to protect yourself from potential financial misconduct.)
• Threats to tax exemption status

There is no charge for this event. Please click here to register. Deadline is September 22.

King of Kings, Port Richey Office Manager Position Available

King of Kings Lutheran Church in Port Richey, FL, is in need of a part-time office manager now. The Office Manager may work up 20 hrs. per week on a flexible schedule. The Office Manager is responsible for the following:

• Interacting with Church members, with utmost discretion, in coordination with the Pastor
• Updating Church Membership lists
• Assisting in the coordination for building maintenance with Church Council and maintenance staff
• Preparing the weekly church insert, and maintain birthday and anniversary list in the King of Kings, Pastor, and Larry "Drop Box"
• Coordinating Ushers and Readers for the Sunday Service
• Answer the phone and respond to calls or letters
• Order custodial, memorial garden plaques and worship supplies
• Maintaining the offering and new envelops for members
• Emailing completed PDF's of the bulletin and insert to congregational email list each week.
• Volunteer Coordination

Requires computer skills on Outlook, Excel, Publisher, Word and PowerPoint 

Please respond by email to: king2s@live.com

Grace, Lakeland open positions

Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) is a caring, welcoming, and dynamic congregation with a mission to share God’s love with each other, our community, and the world.

Part-Time CHOIR DIRECTOR

We are seeking a part-time Choir Director to participate in our music ministry.

The Choir Director plans and prepares anthems appropriate to the liturgical season, oversees choral interns, and coordinates small groups, such as the handbell choir, and solos for summer worship.

Ideally, we seek an innovative person with a bachelor’s degree and choral leadership experience with the ability to recruit, motivate musicians, and play parts for rehearsals. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and supply a link to a video performance demonstrating your choral conducting skills to: ChurchGraceLakeland@gmail.com by September 30th.

Part-Time ORGANIST

We are seeking a part-time organist to participate in our music ministry.

In collaboration with the pastor, the organist prepares and accompanies music for worship services including special services such as Christmas and Holy Week. The organist also accompanies the choir, worship band, guest instrumentalists and/or vocalists.

Ideally, we seek an innovative person with a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in playing a 2 manual pipe organ with foot pedals. Familiarity with the liturgy and the liturgical year is a plus. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and supply a link to a video performance demonstrating your organ and piano skills to: ChurchGraceLakeland@gmail.com by September 30th.

Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Myers Seeks Music Director

The Director of Music works with pastoral staff, volunteer musicians, and ensembles to develop high quality music for worship at Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church (GTLC). The Director of Music must possess interpersonal skills that facilitate rehearsals and worship for each of the music programs in association with staff and other music facilitators and volunteers. Read full description here.

WATCH: Why I am Against Christian Nationalism

Addressing Christian Nationalism, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton says this ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.” Watch it here.

Worship Resources for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday

If you are still planning for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday (Sept. 10), resources are available. Newly crafted liturgical texts and considerations for preaching help make connections between the lectionary texts and the theme "God's work. Our hands." Click here for more.

Truth & Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies

Join ELCA Advocacy in urging the House to move forward the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act toward passage. Use this action alert to raise your voice.

• September 10: "God's work. Our hands." Sunday: 10th Anniversary!

• September 11, 18, 25: This is How We Die series, Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association

• 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 4 p.m.

• September 28 – October 1: Making Disciples Retreat - Luther Springs

• October 13-15: Young Adult Retreat - Luther Springs

• October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, Fruitland Park

• November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering