E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | February 18, 2025 | |
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Save the Date: 2025 Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly
Join us for the 2025 Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly, taking place June 12-14, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee, Florida. This annual gathering is an opportunity to worship, connect, and engage in the vital work of the synod together.
All congregations are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan to attend this important event. Whether it’s through inspiring worship, meaningful fellowship, or engaging discussions, this assembly is a time to come together in faith and mission.
Stay tuned for more details and registration information. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Immigration Enforcement in Places of Worship: Your Rights and Obligations as Clergy
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Join us for an important webinar designed for all faith leaders and clergy in Florida led by Efrén Olivares director of strategic litigation and advocacy with The Southern Poverty Law Center. The webinar will focus on the legal rights and responsibilities of houses of worship regarding immigration enforcement.
Places of worship have long been recognized as sanctuaries, but recent immigration policies have raised concerns about enforcement actions in these spaces. This session will equip clergy with critical knowledge on how to respond to potential enforcement actions and advocate effectively. Click here to register.
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In Memoriam
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Ileana Sardinas' recent loss of her husband of 41 years, Manny Sardinas. Our prayers and deepest condolences are with Ileana and her family during this difficult time. If you would like to send condolences, please mail to the Synod office.
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Annual Reports and Mission Support Deadlines
Annual Parochial Reports (January-December 2024):
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File online with the ELCA’s Office of the Secretary by March 1, 2025
Rostered Leader’s Reports:
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Due March 1, 2025, for all rostered ministers in the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
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Download, complete, and email the appropriate form to yulietg@fbsynod.org.
Questions? Contact the Synod Office.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Synod Parish Deacon Retreat
All Florida-Bahamas Synod Parish Deacons and those in the candidacy process are invited to the "Empowered by the Holy Spirit" Annual Retreat on April 25-26 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Longwood, FL (north of Orlando). This inspiring gathering will feature Rev. Johan Bergh as our guest speaker and coach. For registration, hotel details, and more information, click here.
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Applications for the May Education Grant Now Open
Established by a generous gift from Pastor Rusty and PJ May, the purpose of the May Educational Grant is to make funds available to provide grants to ministers of Word and Sacrament rostered in the Florida-Bahamas Synod who desire and seek aid for advanced studies and/or continued education in the United States or in other countries in order that they might increase their knowledge and skills in ministry. The Mays know how life-changing a professional grant can be for a pastor early in their ministry. They are also aware that often the funds designated by congregations for their pastors for this purpose may not be enough. Therefore, the May Grant seeks to supplement congregational continued education funds. Grants will be “one-time” grants.
To apply, please go to the following link: https://fbsynod.com/resources-and-forms/the-may-education-grant/
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025. For questions, please contact Pr. Ana L. Lugo at Ana.Lugo@elca.org or (904) 219- 2769.
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Announcing the O’Reilly Stewardship Fund
The Florida-Bahamas Synod Endowments team is pleased to announce that we are receiving applications for the O’Reilly Stewardship Fund.
The purpose of the Fund is to make grants available to congregations in the Florida-Bahamas Synod participating in financial stewardship programs such as Stewardship For All Seasons, Building A Culture of Generosity, etc. Except for special circumstances, the grant will apply to synod-wide programs rather than individuals.
The Fund was established by a generous gift from Tom O’Reilly, former synod treasurer and council member. Tom has a passion for making sure our congregations remain financially stable. As such, he established this fund to assist congregations that may have difficulty paying the fees for financial stewardship programs that will benefit them.
The grant amount will depend on the number of applicants and funds available for disbursement. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025. Apply today via this link.
For questions, please reach out to Rev. Ana L. Lugo, Regional Gift Planner:
Ana.Lugo@elca.org
(904) 219-2769 or (773)380-2997
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To honor Black History Month in the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod, the Just Love Team presents "Voices of Justice: Faith and Resilience in Florida’s Black History.” We present four periods in Florida’s history:
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Job Opportunity: Part-Time Church Administrator at All Saints, Lutz
All Saints Lutheran Church in Lutz, FL, is seeking a part-time Church Administrator to support the ministry and operations of the congregation. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Beth Conley at 813-963-0969 or email office@allsaintstampa.org for more information.
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Answering the Call: Linda S. Murphy’s Journey to Ministry
Linda S. Murphy is embracing her theological education with passion and purpose. This semester, she is studying Lutheran Confessions and Stewardship through LTSS while completing Christian Ethics at Emmanuel Academies. In her home congregation, Linda is delving into enriching courses like Bonhoeffer, Parables with a Twist, and The Christian Life in ELW: Baptism.
Her journey as a candidate for ministry took a significant step in July with entrance approval, and she finds inspiration through conversations and regular meetings with her mentor team. Guided by the wholeness wheel, she has prioritized self-care by incorporating daily walks into her routine. While she enjoys social gatherings, Linda treasures moments of solitude spent with books and movies that deepen her faith.
This year holds exciting milestones, including joining the preaching rotation across her congregation’s three campuses and beginning her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) this summer.
If you’re considering the candidacy process and feeling called to ministry, click here to learn more about becoming a pastor or deacon.
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ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Executive Orders on Immigration
In this video message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton responds to the executive order on immigration that rolled back guidance to immigration authorities in protected areas such as places of worship, school and hospitals. Watch the video here.
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Crisis Communications Resource for Congregations
The ELCA has provided a Crisis Communications Best Practices document to help congregations and ministries navigate difficult situations with clarity and care. Click here to download the document and ensure your congregation is prepared to respond with wisdom and grace.
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Our February 2025 Mission Support Memo takes us to a place in the ELCA where you can build community, deepen faith, expand minds, and inspire service with over 11,000 young adults. Learn about our amazing 176 local campus ministry agencies and cooperating congregations, where the lives of college students and campus communities are transformed through God's abundant grace. Our memo also encourages congregations to begin planning for a Narrative Spending plan in 2025. All the tips and tricks are found in this video you can use anytime, anywhere, with anyone. As well we ask for your feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together. | |
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June 12-14: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee
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September 20: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota
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September 29-October 1: Conference on Ministry, Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills
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