E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | March 12, 2024 | |
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Vision to Action Introductory Workshops
Virtual V2A Introductory Workshops continue for the 2024 grant season--sign up today! Attendance at a workshop is required for ALL applicants. There are daytime and evening options, with the next one scheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m.. Sign up for a workshop here. Vision to Action: where innovation meets evangelism, to grow the church.
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Registration for Synod Assembly is Now Open
Synod Assembly is May 31- June 2, 2024
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, engage, and contribute to the collective mission of our synod. See you there!
Quick Links:
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Registration: Early bird deadline is May 8.
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Hotel: Group rate is $149/night. Reserve your room today!
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Agenda: Get an overview of Synod Assembly activities.
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Service Project: This year, we'll be serving the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.
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Nominations: We ask your help in identifying nominees to fill these important positions.
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Workshops: Find descriptions on this year's exciting workshops.
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Resolutions & Memorials: All Memorials & Resolutions must be submitted by May 1, 2024 to be reviewed and prepared to be brought to the assembly floor.
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Ordinations and Installations
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Rev. Lucas McSurley will be installed as Pastor of Lamb of God Lutheran Episcopal Adventure in Fort Myers on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., with Bishop Pedro Suárez and Bishop Doug Scharf officiating.
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Rev. David Lillejord will be installed as Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples on April 7, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.
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Rev. Rebecca Craig will be installed as Pastor of Crossroad Lutheran Church in Fleming Island on May 18, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.
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Weekly Prayer Focus: Lent | | O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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Task #5: Assessing the Vulnerabilities of the Congregation.
Is there anything special that our congregation is exposed to? Creating a preparedness plan prompts the congregation to look discerningly to the vulnerabilities inherent in congregational property. Is our church building subject to flooding, near industrial-use railroad tracks or highways? Do the walkways and parking lot need additional lighting? Do we have sufficient cybersecurity in place? What should our security concerns be during worship? Do we have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)? If we do, are we properly trained in its use? Discussions of vulnerabilities and liabilities can become overwhelming. How will we balance a reasoned approach to issues of liability and risk while being faithful to God’s call to ministry?
Some vulnerabilities can be mitigated with intentional upkeep and attention. What is the condition of the roof? Is playground equipment well maintained? Are there areas that need special non-slip material? Are there vehicles that need maintenance? Are fire extinguishers readily available and inspected? Who is responsible for making sure that regular maintenance and upkeep happens? What is the process for identifying needed maintenance, approving expenditures and executing repairs? When does the congregation’s process work best? When does the process break down? Identify insurance coverage levels for injuries and accidents, misconduct or abuse, fiscal mismanagement, or damage to property.
What inadequacies or vulnerabilities need to be addressed even if they cannot be addressed immediately? Can we use the congregational assets we reviewed last week to shore up vulnerabilities?
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Dear NovusWay Family,
Over the last several months, we, as the Board of Directors for NovusWay and our co-CEOs Mike and Mitzie, have shared multiple announcements outlining the current financial realities for the ministry and the steps taken to help mitigate them and place the ministry on a path of sustainability. Today, we share two additional milestone decisions made at this weekend’s board meeting. Both decisions were made to help position each of our sites and the overall ministry for years of forming faith, developing leaders, building community, and providing sabbath rest. Read more...
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A Global Mission Event for Women: Virtual Workshops
Women of the Florida-Bahamas Synod are joining together with the women of our companion Lutheran churches in Guyana and Suriname for a two-evening, virtual event entitled "Finding Hope in a Complex World." There will be presentations led by women from each country , breakout group discussions, and joint worship/devotionals featuring each country's unique way of praise! This will be a wonderful opportunity to accompany each other and explore how the hope we share in Christ is revealed in different contexts. The event is being held from 6 - 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 24.
Please see the attached informational flyer for more information, and sign up via the link. Check your calendar and register--spaces are limited!
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Steadfast/Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance and purification, as we journey deeper in our relationship with God. Christ’s love invites us to speak out against the violence of the world and our complicity towards it. This Lent, join the Just Love team as we confront the trauma and terror in Palestine and Israel and accompany our siblings calling for a lasting peace rooted in the justice and love of God. Learn more: https://youtu.be/YssbcGD1cU4?si=GRqpGFksPckS4dje
Click here to read the devotionals.
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YAGM February Newsletter
"February, although a short month, has been such an important month for me regarding my learning this year through YAGM. This newsletter details our time spent at the US-Mexico border, some thoughts on migration, and a walk-through of what it looks like to apply and wait for an appointment at the US southern border. If you have found yourself confused, wondering, and lost when pondering the subject of immigration, this newsletter is for you." - Mary Grace Winsor
Click here to read the newsletter.
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Harness the Power of Rest
Just as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.
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Music Position at Spirit of Grace in New Port Richey, Florida | |
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A vibrant and growing ELCA Lutheran Church with two separate campuses is seeking talented and energetic musicians to lead services. The prospective Music Directors should be able to provide musical accompaniments using a blended service model including traditional, contemporary and praise music for services. The potential candidate would be responsible for assisting in building choral and/or praise teams. Musicians and pastors work together in the ELCA to build a cohesive expression of faith for the congregation. Our churches are working to find a new musical model moving forward into a new spirituality. We have congregation members available to assist this ministry.
Morning services are at 9 a.m. at the Hudson Campus and 10:45 a.m. at the Trinity Campus. Candidates may apply for one or both positions. We would also be open to job sharing with a couple of musicians. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Spirit of Grace Lutheran Churches are located on Hudson Road in Hudson and on Old State Route 54 in Trinity. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity contact Jane L. Riggs, janelinnriggs26@gmail.com, with a short email about your qualifications and your contact details.
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Take the CRLC Survey Today!
At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, the body directed the Churchwide Council to form the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC). The CRLC was charged with reconsidering the statements of purpose for each of the three expressions of the ELCA (churchwide, synod and congregation) and the principles of its organizational structure, being particularly attentive to our shared commitment to dismantle racism. The CRLC is to bring recommendations to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. As part of this work, the CRLC is seeking input from across the church via an online survey. It is important that we hear from a wide range of people, especially laypersons. Please go to www.elca.org/CRLC and you will find the survey there. The deadline is March 15. If you have read this to this point, why don’t you click on it right now and give the Commission your thoughts? What is the Spirit stirring in you? Thank you in advance for your participation.
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ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for cease-fire in Gaza / stands in solidarity with migrants
The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) added its voice to concerns about international and domestic situations during its meeting Feb. 27-March 5 at Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, Ill. The conference is an advisory body of the ELCA that comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary. Read more...
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May 31 - June 2: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
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September 16-18: Conference on Ministry, Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
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September 21: School of Lay Ministry Annual Retreat and Graduation Worship, Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville
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