E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | June 4, 2024 | |
Let us know what you think! | We can't thank you enough for attending our 2024 Synod Assembly. So, what did you think? Below is a quick survey so you can tell us what you loved, and what we can do better next year. Thanks again for your participation! |
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Ordinations and Installations
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Margarita Romo will be ordained on Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, with Bishop Suárez presiding. Margarita has been called as Pastor of Resurrection House Mission in Dade City.
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V2A Grant Application Deadline
The firm deadline for submitting a grant proposal (including all financial statements and other required documentation) is July 15. Click here to apply today!
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Weekly Prayer | Almighty and ever-living God, throughout time you free the oppressed, heal the sick, and make whole all that you have made. Look with compassion on the world wounded by sin, and by your power restore us to wholeness of life, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
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MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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A Summer Opportunity for Women
Join with ladies from the Lutheran churches of Guyana and Suriname this summer for "Women-to-Women!" We will meet for an hour on June 12, July 10 and August 14 (the second Wednesday) at 6pm EST for conversation, discussion surrounding a biblical theme, and prayer. It's a beautiful way to draw closer to sisters in faith in our companion churches. Join via zoom to be part of this rich experience. Come to one evening, or come to all three...and be blessed by the experience. For more information, email Pastor Katie Carroll, Global Mission Chair at revkhc@gmail.com.
See below for connection information:
Women to Women
June 12, July 10, August 14
6:00pm EST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83882799173
Meeting ID: 838 8279 9173
One tap mobile +19292056099,,83882799173# US (New York) +16469313860,,83882799173# US
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Just Love Juneteenth Observance
To find Juneteenth liturgy and worship resources from the ELCA, click here.
The Just Love Ministry of the Florida-Bahamas Synod presents a Juneteenth Freedom Day Observance, Saturday, June 15 at 3 p.m. The observance will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Orlando (7900 S. Apopka Road) and will be livestreamed on the synod Facebook page. Additional details in the flyer here.
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Just Love Summer Ambassador Retreat - June 28-30, 2024
Join the Just Love team at Luther Springs June 28-30, 2024, for an ambassador retreat where we will support one another and learn the skills to do justice in our congregations, conferences and communities.
Participants will arrive late Friday afternoon/early evening for dinner and will finish with worship late Sunday morning. All participants will receive a journal and a PDF of the Just Love Biblical Justice workbook.
Registration includes lodging and meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast), as well as two follow-up sessions on Zoom. If you prefer a printed version of the Just Love Biblical Justice workbook, it will be an additional $10. Registration is capped at 40.
Please contact Pr. Kari Niedermaier at doulakari@gmail.com or Paula Edwards at Pedwards1013@icloud.com for additional information about the retreat.
Justice work is integral to our life in Christ and should not depend on our financial resources. If attending the Ambassador Retreat will cause financial stress, please reach out to Paula or Rev. Kari as scholarships are available.
Click here to register.
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Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice, FL is seeking a Church Finance Administrator
As the Finance Administrator at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice, FL, you'll find yourself at the heart of financial stewardship within the congregation. Under the supervision of the Lead Pastor and working with the Congregational Treasurer, your responsibilities span the spectrum of financial management. From meticulously handling bookkeeping tasks to ensuring timely payments of bills and invoices, your role is pivotal in maintaining the congregation's fiscal health. You'll assist in crafting the annual budget, preparing financial reports for council meetings, and overseeing payroll processes for the church staff. With a keen eye for detail, you'll monitor cash flow, address account discrepancies, and manage tax filings while upholding strict confidentiality standards. Your expertise in finance or accounting, coupled with effective communication and teamwork skills, will contribute to the smooth operation of the church's financial affairs.
Ideal candidates for this full-time position will possess a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics, or demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience. Proficiency in church database software and MS Excel is preferred, alongside a solid grasp of bookkeeping procedures and fund accounting principles. Above all, your commitment to the church's mission and values, coupled with your organizational prowess and ability to collaborate with colleagues, will make you an invaluable asset to Emmanuel Lutheran Church. If you're ready to embark on a fulfilling journey in church finance administration, we invite you to submit your resume to info@emmanuel-elca.org and join our dedicated team.
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Church Administrator for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Leesburg, FL
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is seeking a Church Administrator to manage office and communication tasks as well as moderate bookkeeping. This job reports directly to the pastor, providing administrative support, performing church operational duties, and acting as a key liaison with the congregation. Requirements include strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills. Must be comfortable with Microsoft Office, email, and database management. The work expectation is 20-25 hours +weekly in the church office in Leesburg, with some flexibility. Hourly compensation is commensurate with related work experience and operational, management and interpersonal/communication skills. Please email resume to: gloriadeilutheranleesburg@gmail.com.
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Support storm and tornado survivors
Severe storms across the Midwestern and Southern United States have brought deadly tornadoes and flash flooding to millions of people. Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response ensure that survivors don't have to face the road to recovery alone. Read more.
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Domestic Hunger Grants
Domestic Hunger Grants by ELCA World Hunger accompany congregations and their partners to address issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job access, human rights and policy change. The letter of inquiry is open to interested applicants until June 16. Read more.
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NEW RESOURCES: “God’s work. Our hands.”
On Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA 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.
As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore these resources to plan and promote your day:
- Planning toolkit.
- Worship resources.
- Slides for projection screens or online worship.
- Posters and social media graphics.
- Spanish-language resources.
- Promotional banners.
- Special hymn text, sheet music and recording.
This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16.
Old Lutheran has T-shirts and other items available for purchase. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts is Aug. 16.
Don’t forget to share your congregation’s participation with us! Send stories and photos to LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you.
Participate on social media using #GodsWorkOurHands.
If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 8, you’re encouraged to consider another day for your service activities.
“God’s work. Our hands.” is an extension of the work you do every day to make your community a better place. We look forward to working together on Sept. 8!
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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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