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2025 Synod Assembly Highlights

The 2025 Synod Assembly gathered rostered ministers, lay leaders, and ministry partners for three days of worship, reflection, learning, and decision-making. Centered on the theme from "There is a Time for Everything," from Ecclesiastes 3, the Assembly invited reflection on the seasons of ministry and faithful leadership in changing times.

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Emily Harkins, pastor of The Dwelling in Winston-Salem, NC, delivered stirring keynote messages throughout the assembly. Her sermons and presentations are available to read or download here.

Elections: New leaders were elected to serve in synodical roles:

• Synod Vice President: Linda Rosche
• Synod Secretary: Rev. Ken Blyth
• Synod Council Members:
• Timothy Kowalski (North Mission District, Layperson Male)
• Pia Heiser (Southeast Mission District, PCLE)
• Harrison Randolph (Youth)
• Ryan Sinclair (North Mission District, PCLE)
• Rev. Anne Harman (Southwest Mission District, Rostered Minister)
• Consultation Committee Members:
• Louise Hauser (Layperson Female)
• Rev. Lisa Burbank (Rostered Minister Female)
• Mark Nelson (Layperson Male)
• Rev. Andreas Stein (Rostered Minister Male)

Memorial Adopted: The assembly adopted a memorial in support of addressing the legacy of Indian Boarding Schools. You can read the full text here.

Ministry Moments: Video reports highlighted the breadth of ministry happening across the synod and with partners. Watch them all here.

Celebrations: We celebrated the ordination anniversaries of many faithful leaders and congregation milestone anniversaries. View the full list here.

Service Project: Thirty volunteers participated in a hands-on service project and donation collection at Hope Partnership. See photos from the event here.

Financial Update: Synod Treasurer Tracy Moffat reported a clean audit. The assembly approved:

• 2026 Ministry Spending Plan: $2,653,176
• 2027 Proposed Ministry Spending Plan: $2,653,176

Worship Resources: A digital version of the Synod Assembly Worship Book is now available for use in congregational settings. Access it here.

Special thanks to Rev. Keith Spencer, our Synod Assembly photographer. View more photos on the Synod's Facebook page.

Partnering with The Dwelling to Embody Jesus on the Margins

The Florida-Bahamas Synod Council is thrilled to announce a bold and Spirit-led partnership with the national ELCA and The Dwelling in Winston-Salem, NC. Together, we will launch a new congregation modeled after The Dwelling—a church without walls that centers its ministry on radical welcome, deep compassion, and kinship with people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to reimagining church in ways that embody the heart of Jesus, especially among those often left out or left behind.

We are especially excited to share that Pastor Emily, whose powerful message during our Synod Assembly called us to be the Church on the edges, will be working closely with us as we bring this vision to life. Her prophetic voice and deep pastoral presence will help shape this new ministry from the ground up. The Dwelling has become a national model for embodying dignity, justice, and beloved community. By partnering with them, and with Pastor Emily’s leadership, our synod is answering the Spirit’s call to go where Jesus is already at work—among the vulnerable, the forgotten, and the faithful.

Scripture reminds us, “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us” (John 1:14). In this new beginning, we are not just starting another congregation—we are stepping into a new way of being Church: incarnational, relational, and rooted in the Gospel. Plans are underway, and more details will follow, including how you can join through prayer, partnership, and participation. Let us walk together in hope, ready to dwell with Christ and with our neighbors.

Juneteenth and Emmanuel Nine Resources

As we honor Juneteenth—a day of liberation, remembrance, and resilience—we invite you to explore a collection of devotional reflections, educational links, and engaging activity sheets for children that can support your personal or congregational observance.

We also remember the Emmanuel Nine, marking ten years since the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Resources are available to help commemorate this anniversary with prayer and a renewed commitment to racial justice and healing.

Let us continue to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly as we reflect on these powerful moments in our shared history.

With hope and solidarity,

The Just Love Team

Vision to Action Update

If your congregation still plans to submit a 2025 grant and you have not yet sent a representative to a required introductory workshop, time is running out. There are just two remaining workshops, both to be held via Zoom on Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. and on Tuesday, June 24 at noon (pre-register using the links for each Zoom date).

A few reminders:

• 2024 grant recipients are reminded that mid-year reports are due now. A link to the report can be found on the V2A website. 

• For those who plan to submit a grant for 2025, be sure to submit your project idea by June 30 using this project idea form.

So many creative ideas are surfacing across our Synod. Consider your strengths and values, study your community, brainstorm ideas then bring your vision to action through a V2A Grant. Questions? Email grants@fbysnod.org.

The ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Season is open!

Each year, the ELCA awards grants to qualifying congregations and organizations engaged in a ministry addressing hunger and its root causes. Letters of Inquiry are due no later than July 2, 2025. Grants of up to $10,000 per year for three years are considered. Learn all about the opportunity and how to apply through the link to the ELCA website found here. You will find information about ELCA's priorities for the grant program; a timeline of the entire grant process; and a list of past recipients--some of whom are from the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The application process is all done online.  ELCA World Hunger: fifty years of serving...until all are fed.

Global Mission Newsletter

The Global Mission Table guides the Florida-Bahamas Synod companion relationships with Lutheran churches in Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, and Suriname, and a seminary in Jamaica. You can catch up on the news by reading the newly completed Spring Newsletter found here: Global Mission Newsletter-Spring 2025

There are opportunities to learn more about Global Mission at the upcoming Synod Assembly. Look for a table in the Connection Cafe; attend a workshop to learn about the Companion Synod Program; and stop by the Hospitality Room on Friday night for food, fun, music, and an opportunity to meet people involved in Global Mission. The suite is hosted by other vital synod committees: World Hunger, Just Love, Reconciling Works, and White Lutherans for Racial Justice. Don't miss it!

Lutheran Men in Mission Spring Ambassador-Gram

The latest Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram is now available. Click here to see current news from LMM including upcoming events and virtual opportunities for study and worship.

Emanuel Nine 10th Anniversary Remembrance

In observance of the 10th anniversary of the tragic shooting of nine martyrs at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Bishop Eaton calls on us to “lament the wounds of the sin of racism that sow seeds of fear, division, and hatred. Remembering the nine murders in Charleston is a commitment that our church must never forget. As the ELCA, our story is forever bound to the story, people, and community of Mother Emanuel AME. They are us, and we are them.”

• 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