E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | February 20, 2024 | |
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Vision to Action 2024!
Yes, the 2024 season of Vision to Action (V2A) is coming soon! V2A is the granting entity of the Florida-Bahamas Synod--a funding source for innovative, out-of-the-box new ministries that focus on forming new faith communities and inviting people into a relationship with God.
Catch the excitement!
Questions? Email grants@fbsynod.org.
Vision to Action...where innovation meets evangelism, to grow the church.
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It's Time to Submit Your Annual Reports
These reports are another point of connection between your congregation and the Bishop's Office. They help us track categories like attendance, baptisms, expenses, mission support, and more. They also help us plan programs and events to best support the ministries of the congregations throughout our synod.
Annual Parochial Reports (January-December 2023)
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Deadline to file online with the ELCA’s Office of the Secretary by March 1, 2024.
Annual Rostered Leader’s Report to the Bishop
- To be submitted by March 1, 2024. All ordained ministers rostered in the Florida-Bahamas Synod under call, on leave from call, on disability, or retired, must file a report.
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Go to https://fbsynod.com/forms-2/ and click on the “Annual Rostered Leader Report” link. Select and download the report that corresponds to your roster status and save it to your computer. Upon completion of report, save again, and attach to an email message to ileanas@fbsynod.org.
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Open House for Rev. Khader El-Yateem at Synod House on March 6
Join us for an open house at the Synod House on Wednesday, March 6, from 3-5 PM, as we bid farewell and wish Godspeed to Rev. Khader El-Yateem. All are welcome to stop by, sign his guestbook, and extend their best wishes. Light refreshments will be served. Don't miss this opportunity to show your appreciation and support!
RSVP with your name here if you are planning to attend.
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DEM Positions Now Open
The Florida-Bahamas Synod is actively seeking two dynamic individuals to fill the role of Director for Evangelical Mission. This is a unique opportunity to lead and inspire congregations in their mission outreach efforts, fostering growth and connection within our diverse communities. Click the links below to apply:
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Ordinations and Installations
Rev. Lucas McSurley will be installed as Pastor of Lamb of God Lutheran Episcopal Adventure in Fort Myers on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., with Bishop Pedro Suárez and Bishop Doug Scharf officiating.
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Step #3 - Start building a response team
We have already discussed our first two steps in developing our CHURCH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN which answers the questions of who, what, where, when, and how to get your ministry back up and running as quickly as possible.
Step #1 - Creating a planning team.
Step #2 - Having the planning team decide the parameters of what the response will be.
So what is next?
Step #3 - Start building a response team. The planning team is responsible for the vision but the response team will answer the call when disaster strikes. There may be a need for more than one response team. You may need a team to respond to an emergency during worship and a separate one for natural disasters. Conduct a risk assessment to help determine what the needs of the congregation are. The county disaster preparedness website may help determine what emergencies are likely to occur in your area. The most important member of the response team is the decision maker. Clear leadership is critical during times of emergency. Planning and practice will go a long way in providing an effective response but there will always be unexpected issues that will need immediate action.
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Weekly Prayer Focus: Lent | | Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood You saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation You protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May Your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Steadfast/Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance and purification, as we journey deeper in our relationship with God. Christ’s love invites us to speak out against the violence of the world and our complicity towards it. This Lent, join the Just Love team as we confront the trauma and terror in Palestine and Israel and accompany our siblings calling for a lasting peace rooted in the justice and love of God. Learn more: https://youtu.be/YssbcGD1cU4?si=GRqpGFksPckS4dje
Click here to sign up to receive these devotions via email.
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Master Builders Men’s Retreat February 23-25, 2024
Like working with your hands? Join us while we do big and small projects to improve Luther Springs. It won’t be all work and no play....you can enjoy kayaking and fishing on the lake, testing your skills at archery, telling stories around the campfire, devotions, rocking on the back porch, or exploring the property. This is a great opportunity for individuals, the men’s group from your church or a group of friends to come and enjoy working with their hands and building community. Projects will include creating a campfire worship space at the lake and clearing fire breaks for future controlled burns. Bring any tools you are able to: chainsaws, pole saws, hammers, drills, etc. Need a less physical work project? Not a problem; we have plenty of that, too! Lon Buss, FL Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) Ambassador, will join us to share LMM Resources and events to help build congregations’ ministry with men. Leader: Rev. Jonathan Gantt.
The event begins with dinner at 6 p.m., but you are welcome to arrive anytime during the day if you would like. Cost $135/person – Scholarships available. To register: www.LutherSprings.org/Master-Builders or 828-209-6301. If you have questions about the program itself, you can contact Deacon Sue Mendenhall at 828-209-6312 or smendenhall@novusway.org.
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Black History Month Resource
To honor Black History Month in the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod, the Just Love Team presents “Harmonies of Heritage: Music’s Journey Through Black Church History.” We present four genres of music that impacted the heart and soul of America. We ask each congregation to present the Harmonies of Heritage: Music’s Journey Through Black Church History summary each week in February. It can be done during announcements, a bulletin insert, or wherever fits best into the service. Each week we offer songs and prayers for use during the service.
Click here to download Week 4: Contemporary
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Photos of the Week: Reformation, Orlando | |
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Reformation, Orlando began the Lenten season with ashes to go, drive-thru style!
To share photos of your church in E-spirit, email comms@fbsynod.org.
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May 31 - June 2: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
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September 16-18: Conference on Ministry, Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
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September 21: School of Lay Ministry Annual Retreat and Graduation Worship, Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville
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