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Time is Ticking—Register for Synod Assembly Today!

Get ready for an inspiring and unforgettable 2025 Synod Assembly, happening June 12–14 at the Embassy Suites in Kissimmee, FL! This year’s theme, “There is a Time for Everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), invites us to reflect on God’s timing as we come together for dynamic worship, powerful speakers, interactive workshops, and meaningful fellowship.

We’ll also be nominating and electing new synod leaders, so your presence matters more than ever.

Registration closes in JUST 3 WEEKS—don’t wait! Visit fbsassembly.org for full details and to secure your spot today.

Don't miss out on early bird rates! Register by May 10, 2025, to secure

the best price. After this date, the registration fee will increase by $50.

Late registration will be open from May 11-20, 2025.

Save the Date! Webinar: Theology and Practicality of Space Usage

May 12, 7 p.m.

How can we better use our spaces to be a blessing for our communities, our neighborhoods, and our world? How is God calling us to expand our footprint beyond our normal activities to invite and encourage other engagement? Led by Pastor Tim Brown, ELCA’s Director of Congregational Stewardship, this webinar will explore both the theology and the practicality of utilizing space differently. Using the best practices out there and innovative examples, you’ll see some of the ways space is being used for mission as well as hear an invitation to follow that lead. The webinar can be accessed through this link.

Installations & Ordinations

May 10 at 12 PM: Rev. Nathan Strong will be installed as Pastor at Calvary Lutheran in Ruskin; Acting Bishop Rob Rose will preside.

May 17 at 3 PM: Olga-Maria Cruz will be ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Grace Lutheran Church in Rock Hill, SC. Bishop Virginia Aebischer of the South Carolina Synod will preside. The service will be livestreamed at www.gracerockhill.com. Olga-Maria has been called to serve as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Lakeland where she will be installed on June 8. Bishop Suarez will preside.

June 1 at 2 PM: Rev. Carl Taylor will be installed as Senior Pastor at Advent in Melbourne; Bishop Suarez will preside. 

Listen, Imagine, Act: Your Next V2A Project Starts Here

'Tis the season to be imagining possibilities for the 2025 Vision to Action Grant cycle. As mandatory introductory workshops have been underway, participants have been sharing their ideas, experiences and accumulated wisdom from the first two years of grants with one another.

One highly successful V2A grant (now in its second year) came about when the congregation listened for two things: 1.) What does this congregation most value? and 2.) What does the surrounding community most need? Their planning then led them to develop a project where the intersection of these two things came into focus.

This has led to enthusiasm in the congregation and a hearty response from the greater community. Ask your congregation these two questions and see what emerges then. You can even meet virtually with a V2A coach to explore particular ideas after you attend the initial workshop. Project ideas are due by June 30; Applications due on August 15. Questions? Visit v2agrants.org or email grants@fbsynod.org. 

DEM-South Visits Southeastern Florida Churches During Holy Week

Pastor Carlos Ham, Director for Evangelical Mission–South, spent the end of Holy Week visiting congregations across the southeastern region of our Synod.

On Friday, April 18, he met with Pastor Jonathan Gantt at Living Faith, Pembroke Pines, a congregation developing ministry with the neurodiverse community and their loved ones. That evening, he joined the Latino ministry of St. Stephen, Pompano Beach, for a Good Friday house service led by Pastor Oscar Restrepo. They shared Communion and traditional foods from their home countries.

On Saturday, April 19, he met with Pastor Bill Knott at Grace Alone, Fort Lauderdale, who highlighted their growing ministries—ranging from children’s programs and audiovisual outreach to community service and discipleship. That evening, Pastor Ham worshiped at Misión Luterana Guadalupe, which meets at Christ Lutheran, Oakland Park. Seven youth were confirmed during a joyful Easter Vigil that concluded with Communion and a shared meal.

Easter Sunday began with an outdoor service at St. John, Miami Shores, where Mr. Boris Camille leads the only Haitian ELCA congregation. Pastor Ham also visited both the English and Spanish-speaking congregations at Lord of Life, where Pastors Daniel Coy and Oscar Restrepo serve. Each celebration included Communion and fellowship over a meal. He ended the day with dinner and conversation with Pastor Victor Jortack, discussing Latino ministries and future projects.

The visit concluded on Monday, April 21, with a stop at St. Michael, Wellington, where Pastor AJ Striffler shared about their vibrant ministries, including programs for Alzheimer’s patients, children with autism, and support groups like AA and NA.

Pastoral Message on the Death of Pope Francis

We join with people around the world in heartfelt grief at the death of Pope Francis, and we celebrate his eternal life in Christ Jesus. Read more...

ELCA Advocacy launches podcast

Check out “Here I Pod,” the new podcast from ELCA Advocacy. Hosted by Regina Q. Banks, the podcast connects faith-based advocacy with current events that impact our neighborhoods, worship communities, social service organizations and lives. Each episode brings insights from faith-based advocates caring for all people and creation, and teaches listeners how to get involved. Tune in to learn, act and be inspired! “Here I Pod” is available across all popular podcast platforms.

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

• 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