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E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | September 16, 2025

Conference on Ministry Updates

COM Offerings

During the second day of our upcoming Conference of Ministry (September 30), prayers will be led by pastors from two of our Synod programs: Campus Ministry and Latino Ministries. Offerings received at the Opening Eucharist and the Closing Worship will support both initiatives. Campus Ministry partners with local congregations to serve students at UF, JU/UNF, UCF, and USF, and continues to develop sustainable models through strategic planning. As we continue building the capacity of Latino Ministries within our Synod, your generous support through this offering will be deeply valued.

Seeking Musicians

We are seeking volunteers to provide music at the upcoming Conference on Ministry. If you play a musical instrument and are available to help, please contact Pastor Victor Jortack at victorjortack@hotmail.com, who is coordinating this effort. A meeting is scheduled for September 29 at 12 p.m. (location to be announced). Thank you for sharing your gifts in support of this ministry!

Installations & Ordinations

September 20 at 2 PM: Father Gerad Flynn will be installed at Reformation Lutheran Church in Orlando, with Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven officiating.

September 27 at 1 PM: Brett Hill will be ordained and installed at All Saints Lutheran Church in Lutz.

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.

Training and Fellowship for Interim Pastors

Join your colleagues and the Synod Interim Ministry Team for a meaningful time of prayer, learning, and connection at the Synod Office in Tampa. Together, we’ll explore best practices for guiding congregations through times of transition.

Training will take place at the Synod Office, with accommodations provided at a nearby hotel.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is here! From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich traditions, cultures, and faith of Hispanic and Latine communities. This month is a time to honor the vibrant contributions that shape our shared story and deepen our understanding of God’s diverse family.

To support your reflection and celebration, we’re offering several resources:

A Devotional Celebrating Faith, Cultures & Community: Available in both English and Spanish, this devotional invites you to explore the intersection of faith and heritage.
Worship Service & Booklet from Salem Lutheran Church, Orlando: Experience a beautiful Hispanic Heritage Month worship service and access the accompanying worship booklet here.

We hope these resources inspire meaningful moments of connection and celebration. ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

With love,

The Just Love Team

Young Adults in Global Mission

The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Program is an exciting ministry of the ELCA. As stated on the ELCA website, young adults ages 21-35 engage in a "transformative, year-long journey in international service," becoming "the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, providing critical support to ministries and projects in communities of need."

The Florida-Bahamas Synod is excited to have two young adults serving this year. Geo Peterson from Jacksonville Campus Ministry is serving in Hungary, and Sarah Santiago from the Tampa Bay area is serving in Argentina. Both individuals have fundraising goals and all are invited to support these young leaders in the church. You can find Geo's website here and Sarah's here. Thanks be to God for these faithful, passionate YAGMs!

VISIT GEO'S WEBSITE

VISIT SARAH'S WEBSITE

Supporting Students, One Shelf at a Time

Food insecurity affects nearly 40% of college students nationwide, many of whom struggle to afford nutritious meals despite receiving scholarships like Bright Futures. Expenses such as rent, utilities, books, and lab fees—often not covered by financial aid—add to the burden. While many churches support community food banks, college campus pantries are often overlooked and deeply in need.

At University Lutheran Church in Gainesville, all food donations are directed to the UF Field and Fork Pantry, which serves over 1,000 students each week. During deliveries, volunteers noticed consistently empty shelves and learned they were the only group making regular contributions.

This year, the church applied for a Florida-Bahamas Synod Hunger Grant and partnered with the pantry coordinator to identify high-need items. Protein was a top priority, especially for vegetarian students who previously had access only to peanut butter and beans. The church experimented with tofu—purchasing four cases—which were gone the same day they were stocked. Plans are now in place for two deliveries per semester, with ongoing collaboration to meet evolving needs.

Thanks to the Florida-Bahamas Synod for making this impactful ministry possible.

"God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday at Salem, Orlando

On "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday, September 7, members of Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando came together in service and care. They crafted beautiful bookmarks for the hymnals and wrote thoughtful letters to their homebound members—sharing love, encouragement, and a reminder that they are never forgotten.

King of Kings, Port Richey Seeks Music Director Position

King of Kings, a vibrant and growing ELCA Lutheran church in Port Richey, is seeking a talented and energetic musical director. Candidates should be able to play a variety of worship music for a blended service and direct volunteer choir members in producing pleasing choral performances for Sunday service. Candidates with strong ties to the local musical community are a plus, but not required. This is a part-time position with flexible hours that will include Sunday morning 10 a.m. Worship Services. The music director must be able to work in concert with the pastor, assist in developing new talent, and help grow the choir and music program through an energetic and professional demeanor. Interested candidates can email resumes to king2s@live.com.

Advent, Melbourne Seeks Contemporary Music Director

Advent Lutheran Church in Melbourne is seeking a collaborative and compassionate professional to fill the role of Contemporary Music Director (CMD). This position combines musical and spiritual leadership, fostering meaningful worship experiences that reflect the grace-filled, inclusive mission of Advent. Under the guidance of the clergy, the CMD will play a vital role in ministering to the staff, praise band members, congregation, and the wider community. Click the button below for the full job description and details on how to apply.

VIEW JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

A Message from Bishop Eaton on Political Violence

In a letter following the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton urges the church to take a clear stand against political violence. She reminds us that such violence has no place in a democracy and calls on all members of the church to recommit to Christ’s teachings of forgiveness, healing, and peace.

READ BISHOP EATON'S LETTER

This fall, Gathering Expedition hits the road, stopping at three beloved camps in a weekend retreat for youth from the 8th to 12th grades and the adults who walk with them. Created by ELCA Youth Ministry and the Gathering, this experience will spark faith, connection and a sense of calling in the sacred space between life’s biggest events. We’re not waiting for 2027. We’re moving now. Join us at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center, Lutherhill or Lutherdale — and put faith in motion. Learn more at ELCA.org/Expedition.

GATHERING EXPEDITION INFO