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Respite in the Wilderness for Rostered Ministers and Church Professionals

January 16 -18, 2025 (Thursday morning through Saturday morning)

A gift from NovusWay to rostered ministers and church professionals. Enjoy a retreat of rest and renewal through prayer and study as we prepare for the busy season of Lent. Join Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven in a journey through the texts for Lent. With room for introverts and extroverts, we will dwell in the Lenten lectionary and work on themes, frameworks, and creative possibilities for Sunday and mid-week worship opportunities. To register, click here or call 828-209-6301. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Sue Mendenhall at 727-415-9887.

Queerfully Made Retreat - A Message from Bishop Strickland

Join Bishop Kevin Strickland (he/him) of the Southeastern Synod for a three-day respite and renewal retreat in the mountains of Arden, NC. This will be an opportunity to gather with other LGBTQIA+ rostered ministers and candidates within Region 9 of the ELCA. The bishops of Region 9 want to help offer space for you to come away to rest, renew, and recharge. I know what it is like to be queer and serve in this church and in such a time as this. We need each other! And you need a reminder that your work in the Lord is not in vain. The bishops of Region 9 see the value and importance of this time away and are helping to support this opportunity for you. With their support and grants, I am offering this retreat for you at $50.00 per person. If you are interested in attending this first-ever retreat, please complete the registration form no later than February 14.

+ Bishop Kevin L. Strickland

Luther Springs 2025 Summer Camp Registration NOW OPEN

Register between December 1, 2024 and February 15, 2025 to receive $30 off. 

Luther Springs offers a place set apart where children in grades 1-12 can unplug from technology for a week, experience exciting adventures, get inspired by nature, and grow in faith!

Our on-site programs are a great experience for that first-time camper or the camper that isn’t quite as adventurous as others. For those thrill seeking children in grades 6-12 we offer special “Outdoor Adventure Programs” where kids can challenge themselves with new adventures like zip lining, horseback riding and more. A week of camp is an investment that will impact the life of your child for years to come! Details and registration here.

Nominate Young Musicians for Lutheran Summer Music

Enrollment is filling fast for the LSM 2025! Students come together in an immersive musical community that connects the pursuit of musical growth with the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. LSM welcomes musicians of all kinds: brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more. Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from this life-giving and joyful musical community? Nominate them for LSM today at LSMacademy.org/nominate. LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University from June 22-July 20 (Half Session through July 6). Standard Enrollment is open now through March 1. 

Seeking Replacement LBW Minister’s Edition

Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church in Orlando is searching for a replacement for their large-size Minister's Edition of the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). Their current copy, used on the altar, is worn and in need of replacement. If any congregation has an unused copy they would be willing to donate, it would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Information: Linda Greer - 407-425-7771

Opportunity for organist/director of music

St. Peter, Ft. Myers Beach has an immediate opening for an organist/director of music. This is a part-time position. The organist/director of music will play the organ and lead the choir on Sundays for one service. This also includes one day a week choir practice. This is a total of 4-5 hours per week.

Hourly pay starting at $20 per hour, depending on experience.

Please contact St. Peter ELCA, Fort Myers Beach at 239-463-4251 or email at stpeterfmb@gmail.com for more information.

National Day of Racial Healing

The 2025 National Day of Racial Healing is an annual observance that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the ELCA will join the movement of racial healing for our church and the nation. On Jan. 21, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time, join a free online educational event that centers the voices of ELCA leaders of color. This event is open to all ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders and members, as well as the church’s affiliate organizations and ecumenical and interreligious partners. Learn more, browse speaker bios and register today.

Living Lutheran is Back in Print

We heard you—and listened. We have found a way to bring Living Lutheran back to print in a quarterly fashion. Each issue (spring, summer, winter and fall) will feature the stories you know and love, along with updates on the church and your ELCA community.

The cost for one year will be $19.95 for an individual subscription and $17 per year/per subscriber for a congregation group subscription (minimum 10 copies).

To start receiving the print magazine, individuals and congregations can sign up at livinglutheran.org/subscribe. For congregation plans, enter the name of your church at this site, along with the email of the person who will be overseeing the subscription plan.

Thank you for your support in the past—and in the future. We look forward to again sharing in print our church’s stories of God’s people living their faith.

• January 7-28: January Book Study: Caroline Beidler’s You Are Not Your Trauma, The Center of Addiction & Faith

• January 8: Webinar: "A Season of Renewal: Embracing Dry January," The Center of Addiction & Faith

• January 16-18: Respite in the Wilderness for Rostered Ministers and Church Professionals (Program), Luther Springs

• January 18-25: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

• January 23: The Faith Community’s Call To Caregiving, Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association

• January 31: Human Sexuality Social Statement Reconsiderations Feedback Due, ELCA

• January 31-February 2: Journey of Faith - Confirmation, Luther Springs

• January 31-February 2: EQUIP – High School Leadership Retreat, Luther Springs

• February 23-26: Making Disciples, Luther Springs

• February 28-March 2: Master Builders Men’s Retreat, Luther Springs

• March 3-7: Quilting Retreat, Luther Springs

• April 4-6: God Spa Women’s Retreat, Luther Springs

• June 12-14: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee

• September 20: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota

• September 29-October 1: Conference on Ministry, Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills