E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | March 11, 2025 | |
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Registration Now Open for Synod Assembly
Registration is now open for this year's Synod Assembly—a vital gathering where we will elect our next synod vice president, Synod Council members, and other key leaders who will shape our shared ministry.
This is your opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with the inspiring work of our synod’s ministry areas and agencies. A variety of workshops will be offered, equipping you with valuable resources for your congregation and community.
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Nominations: The Nominating Committee is preparing the slate for the 2025 Synod Assembly and seeks nominees for synod vice president, secretary, Synod Council, and the Consultation Committee. Submit nominations online by May 1 to ensure inclusion in the Nomination Packet and a smooth voting process. Learn more.
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Service Project: As part of our commitment to service, we will be collecting toiletry items as well as offering a hands-on volunteer opportunity for Hope Partnership in Kissimmee—a meaningful way to support those in need. Learn more.
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Register Today for a V2A Workshop
Make plans now to attend an Introductory Workshop—virtual gatherings designed to explain the V2A grant process and to answer your questions. Attending a workshop is required of all applicants.
You can register now for any of the following workshop dates by clicking here:
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Installations & Ordinations
March 16, 2 p.m.: Rev. Dr. Joann Heaney-Hunter will be installed at Shepherd of the Hills in Clermont; Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven will preside.
April 5 & 6: Rev. Chelsey Weech will be installed as Pastor at Our Savior, Vero Beach during all worship services, Saturday, April 5, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, at 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Rev. Nicole Eastwood will preside.
June 1: Rev. Carl Taylor will be installed as Senior Pastor at Advent in Melbourne; Bishop Suarez will preside.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Just Love Grace in Action
The Just Love mission is to see love established in public, which creates justice for all. With so many policy changes at every level and many of our neighbors, and ourselves, experiencing fear, anxiety, job loss, and/or insecurity around food, housing, and healthcare, where does one start to establish love in public that creates justice for all? Join the Just Love team for a Zoom gathering to lament, encourage one another, and dream together of a future where God’s kingdom comes and God’s will is done, where we can experience and participate in God’s grace in action. Thursday, March 13, 6 to 7:15 p.m.
We will also share some of the work of Just Love in the coming months, including some justice and advocacy trainings around the synod.
Zoom details:
Click here to join via Zoom.
Passcode: 643842
Meeting id: 827 5503 3514
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New Lenten Devotional: Promised Land and Land of Promise
This Lent, journey through Promised Land and Land of Promise: Belonging, Exile, and Community, a new devotional from the Just Love Team. Through scripture reflections and real-world insights, this devotional explores themes of exile, belonging, justice, and radical welcome. From the struggles of biblical exiles to today’s challenges of displacement and division, these devotions call us to embrace God’s vision of reconciliation, healing, and hope.
Join us in reflecting on what it means to surrender to God’s will, break down barriers, and co-create a world where all are welcomed and valued. Read along this season and deepen your understanding of God’s call to justice and love.
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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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| Photo of the Week: Good Shepherd, Hernando | | |
Name Tags, Big Smiles: A Simple Way to Welcome Children | |
"Pastor Nicole Eastwood recently visited Good Shepherd in Hernando and shared a wonderful idea to help the children feel more involved. Autumn was the crucifer and Kavarie was an usher that day. She suggested giving each child a name tag, making them feel seen and welcomed. Lainey was the first to receive a name tag as she was the Crucifer the following week and the smile on her face was absolutely priceless. The cost for each tag was just $5.00, a small price for such a meaningful gesture. Seeing Lainey's excitement and sense of belonging made the effort well worth it. Lainey told everyone that she was important, and had an important job to do, and that is why she had to wear the name tag. Pastor Nicole’s visit brought warmth and a renewed sense of community to Good Shepherd."
Submitted by Good Shepherd, Hernando
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Do you have a story to share about ways your congregation shows hospitality and service? Send it to comms@fbsynod.org! | |
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Upcoming events hosted by Prince of Peace, Largo
Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave, Largo FL 33770
The Art for Faith’s Sake Concert Series presents Ring Sarasota! Florida’s premier handbell choir. Featuring 17 musicians ringing 111 handbells and 73 chimes, Ring Sarasota! Is ready to entertain audiences with some of their favorite music from the stage & screen. This concert, titled Celebrate! Join the Party! features a vibrant selection of handbell arrangements, each piece capturing the essence of a different month. From the sunny optimism of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” to the winter magic of “Sleigh Ride,” Ring Sarasota promises a delightful and entertaining concert experience. Free and open to the public. A free will offering will be received and a reception will follow.
Monday, March 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
Beer and Hymns at Commerce Brewing
521 S Commerce Dr, Largo 33770
Join Dr. Shawn Thomas from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on the keyboard for an evening of Beer and Hymns at Commerce Brewing, located next-door to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Largo. This is a community sing-a-long event that will feature a variety of hymns and other familiar songs. Beer is optional, singing is mandatory! Food Truck onsite. Commerce Brewing is located in an adjacent building to the north of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Ample parking is available at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. See our Facebook event for more information.
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Interfaith Solidarity Statement on Refugees and Immigrants
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has convened a coalition of interfaith leaders in support of refugees and immigrants who are forced to flee their homes.
In the statement, the leaders emphasize their collective commitment to “welcome the stranger and care for the most vulnerable.”
“In these overlapping holy days of Purim, Lent, and Ramadan, we join our voices together to express our grave concern for the individuals and families seeking refuge in this country,” the statement says.
“We urge all people of faith and goodwill to join us in advocating with our elected leaders for our partnerships with the government to be restored so that we can fully work with those we are called to serve.” Read more...
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Three years into the Russia-Ukraine war, Lutheran Disaster Response continues to accompany refugees
The end of February marked the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Lutheran Disaster Response has continued to accompany people impacted by the war, both in Ukraine and in neighboring countries. This support ranges from assisting with housing and employment to teaching Roma children in Ukraine the skills they will need to break the cycle of poverty. Read more...
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ELCA Advocacy: Get Involved!
Through the ELCA Advocacy Action Center, you can encourage your congressional representatives to end the pause in U.S. foreign assistance, reinstate funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) for Palestinian refugees, and implement our Lutheran values on other issues.
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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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