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Recharge, Reconnect, and Be Inspired – Register Now!

Rostered ministers are invited to a transformative retreat from September 29–October 1 at the beautiful Mission Resort and Club. This event offers a unique blend of rest, renewal, and professional growth in a serene setting.



Rev. Dr. Mark Allan Powell, our keynote speaker, will lead engaging sessions on biblical themes of gratitude, generosity, and stewardship. Curious about what he’ll be sharing? Watch his preview video to get a glimpse of the inspiration and insight he’ll bring to the conference.

What’s Included:

• All meals, lodging, and resort fees
• Spa access for relaxation
• Free boundaries training on Wednesday afternoon
• Optional golf at the award-winning El Campeón course

Important Dates:

• Early bird pricing ends August 31 – register now to save $50
• Registration officially closes September 4.

Don’t miss this opportunity to recharge and reconnect—secure your spot today!

Calling All Published Pastors & Deacons! Again!

There was a great response at Synod Assembly to the book displays of our published pastors and deacons. We would like to continue to lift up your works at the Conference on Ministry this year as well. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Bill Rosche at billr@fbsynod.org for more information. Deadline to respond is August 29.

Upcoming Installations

August 30 at 10:30 AM: Noah Dodd will be installed as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pensacola. Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven will preside.

September 21 at 3 PM: Reverends Rachel and Gregg Hoffman will be installed at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Largo with Bishop Suarez presiding.

May Family Educational Grant Deadline This Sunday

Applications are now being accepted for the May Family Educational Grant, available to rostered ministers of Word and Sacrament in the Florida-Bahamas Synod for continued education. This grant was established through the generosity of Pr. Rusty and PJ, who understand firsthand the transformative impact professional development can have on a pastor’s ministry. Their hope is that others may grow in their professional lives through continued learning. The deadline to apply is this Sunday, August 31. Click here to apply. For questions, please contact Rev. Ana L. Lugo at 904-219-2769 or by email at ana.lugo@elca.org.

Plan Content

Step 5 of the planning process introduced a format with three sections for the church to follow in developing an EOP. This section provides greater detail about what each of the three sections should include and provides some key considerations in developing the content. Click the button below for an outline of your Emergency Operations Plan. 

Sowing the Harvest! Advocacy Days, Jan. 14–15

The 2026 Florida Faith Advocacy Days are January 14–15 during the first week of the Florida Legislature. Make your plans to join us now. Registration information will be available in early September. The 2026 theme is Sowing the Harvest! which explores how the ministries we do in our communities translate into good public policy.

The general format is to arrive in Tallahassee by midday the first day, receive issue training in the afternoon, and participate in an evening interfaith vigil. The second day, advocates meet with their legislators and/or attend committee meetings. The nominal registration fee covers meals and materials. Communal housing is available for up to 30 people at a low rate or one can make their own hotel reservations.

Watch this page for future updates: floridachurches.org/2026AdvocacyDays.

Contact advocacy@floridachurches.org for more information.

Free Community BBQ & Educational Series

Lutheran Church of the Palms in Palm Harbor is hosting a free BBQ dinner followed by a series of informative programs designed to support older adults and their families. Each session begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and covers essential topics:

• August 20 – Elder Housing Options and Planning
• August 27 – Medicare, Medicaid, and Drug Coverage
• September 9 – Financial Planning and Charitable Giving
• September 16 – Elder Care, Wills, and Medical Directives

Location: 2250 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor

Parking available at the rear of the church

These events are open to the community and offer valuable insights for anyone planning for the future.

Prince of Peace, Fernandina Beach Needs a Talented Organist 

Nestled in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood, Prince of Peace in Fernandina Beach is a welcoming and supportive community with a deep appreciation for the arts. The congregation is diverse, encompassing individuals and families from various backgrounds and music is a thread that weaves through every aspect of the church.

Prince of Peace is seeking a church organist to fulfill a variety of musical and liturgical responsibilities:

• Playing the organ at weekly Sunday services and on major holy days
• Providing music for weddings, funerals, and other special services as needed
• Collaborating with the choir director to prepare and accompany choral anthems, hymns, and responses
• Attending and participating in regular choir rehearsals
• Occasionally assisting with other musical ensembles or soloists as part of special programs

If you are passionate about sacred music and eager to share your talents in a community that values tradition, creativity, and faith, Prince of Peace would love to hear from you. Applications can be sent to the church office at poplc.office@gmail.com or call 904-0261-6306 for details.

Support the Luther Springs Cabin Endowment

At the start of this year, Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Gainesville took a bold step in supporting the future of Luther Springs by contributing to the newly established Luther Springs Cabin Endowment through Novus Way. This endowment will help fund the construction of much-needed cabins, expanding the capacity and impact of this beloved ministry.

Gethsemane, Gainesville invites all conferences and congregations across the Florida-Bahamas Synod to join this effort. Your gifts will help ensure that Luther Springs continues to be a place of growth, faith, and community for generations to come.

To contribute:

• Mail to: NovusWay, P.O. Box 208,Arden, NC 28704
• Indicate the payment is for the Luther Springs Cabin Endowment in the memo line.

Handbell Director Position: Grace, Tampa

Grace Lutheran Church at Carrollwood in Tampa seeks a part-time Handbell Choir Director. The 12-member all-volunteer bell choir rehearses weekly and plays easy to moderate handbell arrangements in worship about once a month. 

This position requires a person with proven musical skills with experience in conducting and leadership, effective teaching skills, creative ideas, and constructive interpersonal skills. A bachelor’s degree in music is preferred but not required. Please contact Grace Lutheran Church’s personnel chairperson Ruth Anderson at rande8@ymail.com to inquire about the Handbell Choir Director position.

Principal Organist Position: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Venice

Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice seeks a skilled and dedicated Principal Organist to provide musical leadership for worship through organ and piano accompaniment. This part-time role supports our choir, congregation, and other musicians, enhancing worship with music that reflects the liturgical season. Responsibilities include accompanying the choir, collaborating with clergy and music staff, and playing for regular and special services throughout the church year. Knowledge of Lutheran liturgical traditions and strong accompanying skills are essential.

For more information and to apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to the Director of Operations, Jocelyn Angelone at jangelone@emmanuel-elca.org.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Day of Service

On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Looking for inspiration? Living Lutheran shares how congregations served together for “God’s work. Our hands.” 2024. As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, resources available include a tool kit, worship materials, videos, posters, social media graphics and a special hymn.

Churchwide Assembly 2025 Resources



Churchwide Assembly Videos

From plenary sessions to worship services to ministry highlights, catch up on all the assembly highlights with this YouTube playlist.

Churchwide Assembly Articles

Check out Living Lutheran’s daily recaps, articles and more from the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

Photos from the Churchwide Assembly

Browse hundreds of photos from each day of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Ariz.

• August 31: May Grant Applications are Due

• 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

• November 7-9: WELCA Fall Gathering