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Resources for Responding to 'Alligator Alcatraz'

We have received several requests for information regarding conditions at the migrant detention facility located within Big Cypress National Preserve, often referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz." Reports from individuals held there describe troubling circumstances, including lack of access to clean water, limited food, constant lighting, and restrictions on religious practice and medical care.

As people of faith committed to the dignity of all human beings, we share this resource: A Faithful Response: Speaking Up for Our Neighbors. It offers guidance on how we can respond with compassion, advocate for humane treatment, and stand in solidarity with those who are detained.

To learn more and take action, click the button below.

Register Now for the 2025 Conference on Ministry!

Rostered ministers are invited to join us September 29–October 1 at the beautiful Mission Resort and Club for a time of renewal, learning, and connection. Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Mark Allan Powell will lead a dynamic conversation on biblical images of gratitude, generosity, and stewardship in today’s church.

Your registration includes all meals, lodging, and resort fees—plus optional activities like a golf outing at the top-rated El Campeón course, spa access, and a free boundaries training on Wednesday afternoon.

Don’t miss this inspiring continuing education event in a stunning setting. Register by August 31 at the link below!

Boundaries Education 2025

New Date: Wednesday, October 1, 1– 5 p.m., Mission Resort

Rooted in God’s grace and steadfast love, we are called as followers of Jesus to live a life “of bold trust in God and joyful, generous service to everyone we know and meet in daily life.” Affirming God’s gracious covenant made with us in baptism, we commit to live in right relationship with God and our neighbors.

To protect and maintain a right relationship with God and our neighbors, the Florida-Bahamas Synod has an annual emphasis on Boundary Training. This training is intended for all rostered leaders actively serving in a call, interim appointment, or pulpit supply position. The training is welcome to all who serve on the roster in our Synod.

For 2025, the Florida-Bahamas Synod is moving our Boundaries Education to an emphasis on in-person relationship and education. The Boundaries Education will be an add-on at the end of the annual Conference on Ministry. To ensure the maximum participation, Bishop Suarez will be using his discretionary funds to make this available AT NO COST for all leaders in 2025 (you will need to purchase lunch before the training begins).

All attendees must pre-register to attend the Boundaries Education. There will be no on-site registration available. Be sure to add “Boundaries Training” during your registration for Conference on Ministry.

Installations & Ordinations

• July 20 at 2:00 PM: Steven Benko will be ordained at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. Steven has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Bethlehem and Spirit of Christ Lutheran Churches in Lake City.

Don’t Wait: Get Hurricane Ready

Last week, we shared a list of essential emergency supplies—but it’s just as important to prepare for the aftermath of a storm. One key step is making sure you have all necessary legal documents set aside and protected. While digital copies are helpful, power outages can make them inaccessible, so it’s vital to keep hard copies stored in waterproof containers. Click the button below for a list of important documents to gather and prepare.

Vision to Action Update

Thank you to the many congregations who submitted project ideas for 2025 Vision to Action Grants. Feedback is being offered to those who submitted the forms by June 30. Now it's time to turn your attention to writing your application and assembling your supporting documents. Your complete application packages are due by August 15. 

Be sure to consult the "How To" documents on the V2A website, giving you explanations for every section of the application. 

If you are applying for a Dinner Church or a Building Bridges Grant, consult: How-To Guide for Completing Your Pre-Packaged Grant Application

The APPLY page is the place to focus now. Questions? Contact Becca Bass, V2A Grants Manager at grants@fbsynod.org.

The May Family Educational Grant is Receiving Applications

The May Family Educational Grant is OPEN to receive applications. The grant is available to rostered ministers of word and sacrament of the Florida-Bahamas Synod for continued education. From their experience, Pr. Rusty and PJ know how life-changing a professional grant can be for a pastor. It is their wish that other pastors may grow in their professional lives through continued education. Click here for the application. Deadline for submissions is August 31, 2025.

For questions about the grant, please contact Rev. Ana L. Lugo at 904-219-2769 or by email at ana.lugo@elca.org.

Looking South: A Cultural Theological Latino Immersion

Latino culture is beautifully diverse, shaped by language, heritage, family traditions, and faith. The Looking South immersion program invites pastors from the Florida-Bahamas Synod to experience this rich cultural landscape firsthand—and to return home better equipped to engage with Latino communities.

This two-month immersion in Mexico City combines language learning, cultural exploration, theological reflection, and hands-on ministry insights. Participants will return with sharpened Spanish skills, a deeper understanding of Latin American Lutheran identity, and a contextual strategy for engaging Latino ministries in their home congregations. Click the button below to learn more!

Now Accepting Applications for Cohort 8 of the Spiritual Direction Certification Program

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary at Lenoir-Rhyne University invites applications for Cohort 8 (2026–2027) of its Spiritual Direction Certification Program. Rooted in the centuries-old Christian practice of spiritual direction, this program forms leaders in the art of listening for the movement of the Holy Spirit with reverence, discernment, and care.

Beginning with this cohort, all in-person intensives will be held at Lutheridge Camp and Conference Center, near Asheville, NC—a retreat-like setting with convenient access to a regional airport. Intensives take place twice a year (early February and early August), with the remainder of the program delivered online.

Lutheridge Birthday Celebration Weekend

Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17, 2025

Come for a weekend of fun for the whole Lutheridge family! Attendees will enjoy favorite camp activities like crafts, games, sing-alongs and a special Saturday night campfire and vespers service. Staff reunions and outings are also being planned. Stay onsite for the whole weekend or commute.

St. Stephen, Longwood Seeks PT Director of Music

St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Longwood seeks a salaried, part-time (25-29 hours per week) Director of Music to serve as the principal accompanist and leader of the music programs at the church, including the Sanctuary Choir, Worship Arts Team, and Children’s Worship Arts. Applications will be received through September 1. Click the button below for details.

Christ Church, Coral Springs Seeks Office Manager

Christ Church in Coral Springs is seeking a faithful, organized, and tech-savvy individual to join their team. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, be proficient in office software, and capable of working independently or collaboratively. Discretion and confidentiality are important, and while knowledge of church operations is preferred, training is available.

Key responsibilities include managing church records, overseeing office needs, scheduling events, and supporting staff and leadership to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Click the link for the full job description, salary details, and contact information.

FREE Items Available – First Come, First Served

Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Ocala is offering the following items at no cost (just cover transportation):

• A full set of altar paraments
• 35 cushioned chairs with hymnal racks and rear pockets (green/turquoise upholstery)

These resources are ideal for small congregations, new church plants, or ministry spaces in need of worship materials.

Please reach out if you’re interested—items available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Pastor Nate Gruel at pastornate1972@comcast.net or (352) 347-0567.

Support Flood Response and Recovery in Texas

The ELCA stands ready to walk with our neighbors in the Texas hill country as the floodwaters recede and rebuilding begins. Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwestern Texas Synod and will work with them and other partners to respond to urgent needs, provide emotional and spiritual care, and support cleanup and long-term recovery.

Bishop Eaton Statement on OBBBA's Passage

"The U.S. Congress passed a budget package that will have a monumental impact on many in the country and on our ministries and communities. The scope of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is generation-defining and life-altering for many, with provisions that will harm the well-being of local communities and the lives of many individuals for decades to come.

This church teaches that government has limits but fundamentally should seek the well-being of all. In at least three obvious ways, the bill undercuts that aspiration."

• July 28-August 2: Churchwide Assembly, Phoenix, AZ

• September 7: God's work. Our hands. Sunday

• 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