E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | July 18, 2023 | |
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Registration Now Open for Conference on Ministry
Early registration closes on Friday, September 15, 2023
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.
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Transition Ministry Training Online Webinar - July 24-28
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.
Training is scheduled for July 24-28, 2023, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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Installations & Ordinations
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Eric Locke will be ordained and installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pensacola on July 29 at 10 a.m.
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Alisha Ungs will be ordained and installed at Advent Lutheran Church in Melbourne on August 6 at 3 p.m.
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Kerri True will be ordained and installed as associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bradenton on August 12 at 11 a.m.
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Weekly Prayer
Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
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2023 Rostered Leaders Retreat: “Come to the Well Retreat” – Part Three
Rostered leaders are invited to a three-day retreat where you can experience healing, reconnect with others, and learn new spiritual practices that will renew your soul. This gift is made possible through a generous grant from the Lutheran Disaster Relief-US to the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
The retreat will take place September 11 – 13, 2023 in Clearwater Beach, Florida at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort and is presented by Living RED. The cost of all activities, meals, a single room, and optional healing modalities are covered. You only need to cover your transportation to the event. While most sessions and activities will be at the resort, there will be a special group dinner at the Columbia Restaurant and an evening of Taizé Worship and fellowship at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clearwater.
Learn more and register.
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What Is It That Is Making All of These Florida-Bahamas Synod Coaches Smile?
Could it be that they love partnering with leaders (Lay and Rostered) in our Synod and helping those leaders get to “what’s next” in what those leaders see God is calling them to be and do?
Yes, it just could be!
Are you looking to take those next steps, or maybe figure out just what those steps are? Our ELCA Coaches are trained and equipped to be a key partner with you. It’s your agenda, not theirs. They do not have a program for your to acquire. You are the focus. Why not contact our Synod Coaching Ministry and find out more. Go to fbsynod.com/coaching or elcacoaching.org or contact our Synod Coaching Coordinator Dr. Johan Bergh at johan@beinganddoingmatters.com.
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Global Mission News: Spotlight on Cuba
Our companion Lutheran Church in Santiago de Cuba is on fire for the gospel! The Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Cuba (IEU) held a three-day, churchwide retreat over the July 1 weekend. Clergy and laypeople, young and old, generations of Lutherans gathered for prayer, song, Bible study, workshops, and planning sessions. The church focused on renewal of their zeal to share the good news of Jesus Christ in their communities.
Of special note is the continuing commitment to the "Cristointervenxion" program launched in 2020. The initiative, which received initial financial support from our synod and the churchwide expression, brings psychologists and Christian counselors together to train and equip leaders on how to be present to their communities during times of hardship. The program was a blessing to people throughout the pandemic and now, during the continuing economic crises in Cuba.
IEU brings gospel hope outside the church walls and into the lives of many. May the passion of our sisters and brothers in IEU inspire us all!
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Photo of the Week: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Winter Park | |
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By Synod Parish Deacon Steve Beumer
At St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, hosting newly arrived people looking for a start in life is not new. St. John has been welcoming people from all over the world for over 20 years. Nearly six years ago, an opportunity came from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services to host several newly arrived individuals. One was to meet her family at the airport, one would meet up with his family in a week, but the third would be long term. While leaving Orlando International Airport, we quickly struck up a conversation with our new resident, Abduazark Kedir originally from Ethiopia. "So, tomorrow begins your first day of a new life, where should we start?" I questioned. "I want to be a lawyer," was Abdu's quick remark. So began his journey that ended with him graduating from law school at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and becoming a U.S. citizen this January. After much essential support given by Lutheran congregations in Columbus, he graduated, took the bar exam, and returned to a wonderful reception at St. John. Stories were shared by the many people that helped Abdu get through the many challenges that confronted him. What a joy it was to see his graduation picture from law school and celebrate with him at St. John. Did I mention that Abdu was also blind?
To feature your church in E-Spirit, email a photo and caption to comms@fbsynod.org.
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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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Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lakeland Job postings: Choir Director and Organist
Part-Time CHOIR DIRECTOR
The Choir Director participates in the music ministry of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lakeland Florida, by preparing, rehearsing, and directing liturgically appropriate music for worship services and other events. Read full job description.
Part-Time ORGANIST
The Organist participates in the music ministry of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lakeland Florida, by preparing, performing, and accompanying liturgically appropriate music for worship services and other events, using a 2-manual pipe organ, piano, and other instruments as needed. Read full job description.
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Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples Seeks Minister of Music
Christus Victor Lutheran Church in North Naples seeks a compassionate leader to guide our congregation’s music as we grow our ministry within and beyond the doors of our church building. CVLC is an ELCA congregation known for its welcome in worship. Our campus is on Route 41, about a mile south of Bonita Beach Road. Read full job description.
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"Who is a 'real' American?"
Read Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's thoughts on Christian Nationalism in her July-August column for "Living Lutheran." Read more...
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What's the future of rostered ministry?
In March 2022 the Candidacy Leadership Development Working Group (CLDWG) was appointed to examine and improve the candidacy process that equips rostered ministers for service. Read an executive summary of their findings. Read more...
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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.
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October 16-18: Conference on Ministry featuring keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, Fruitland Park
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November 10-12: Save the date! Florida-Bahamas Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
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