E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | December 16, 2025 | | A Christmas Message from Bishop Pedro Suárez | | Attend the Fresh Expressions Conference in Ocala | | |
Fresh Expressions is a movement that seeks to help congregations connect with new people in their communities, in the places of everyday life. The ELCA has joined The United Methodist Church in planning their annual Fresh Expressions conference, which will take place February 26–28 in Ocala. The conference is meant for rostered and lay leaders. Free registration for the conference is available here.
We are using a Vision to Action grant to provide scholarships for Florida-Bahamas Synod leaders who need hotel accommodations for the event. Participants will register for the event and make their own hotel reservations. We will reimburse the first 50 participants for up to half of their hotel stay (no more than $200 per person). Email Yuliet Garcia (yulietg@fbsynod.org) with your name and mailing address to get added to the list of 50. We will follow up to confirm your spot with instructions for reimbursement.
| | |
Synod Seeks Admin Assistant for Transition & Candidacy
The Florida-Bahamas Synod is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant for Candidacy & Transition to support the Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy & Transition. This role anchors the synod’s call and candidacy processes across 164 congregations in Florida and the Bahamas. The position coordinates pastoral and rostered leader transitions, maintains synod and ELCA records, supports committee convening, and assists with synod-wide events. The work carries direct impact on how leaders are called, formed, and supported in ministry across a large and diverse territory.
Strong candidates show attention to detail, clear communication, and steady follow-through. The role requires a minimum of an associates degree, plus three years of administrative experience, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database systems, and the ability to manage multiple processes with accuracy. The synod seeks someone who values service excellence, collaboration, and respectful communication. This position works on-site in Tampa, reports to the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, and supports leadership work that shapes the future of the church. Interested candidates should send their resumes to ileanas@fbsynod.org.
| | | | |
Upcoming Installations
-
Saturday, January 10, 11:00 AM: Installation of Rev. Carol Yeager as Pastor of Emmaus in Orange City; Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven presiding.
-
Sunday, January 25, 3:00 PM: Installation of Rev. Caroline Harthun-Wooldridge at Living Faith in Port St. Lucie, 12777 SW Tradition Parkway.
-
Sunday, February 8, 2:00 PM: Installation of Kjell Bakken as Pastor of Salem in Orlando; Bishop Suarez presiding.
-
Sunday, February 15, 4:00 PM: Installation of Rev. Tony Setley as Pastor of Holy Trinity in Fort Walton Beach; Bishop Suarez presiding.
-
Saturday, February 21, 4:00 PM: Installation of Rev. Daniel Weichart as Associate Pastor of Emmanuel in Venice; Bishop Suarez presiding.
| | |
Sowing the Harvest! Advocacy Days, Jan. 14–15
The 2026 Florida Faith Advocacy Days are January 14–15 during the first week of the Florida Legislature. Make your plans to join us now. Registration information will be available in early September. The 2026 theme is Sowing the Harvest! which explores how the ministries we do in our communities translate into good public policy.
The general format is to arrive in Tallahassee by midday the first day, receive issue training in the afternoon, and participate in an evening interfaith vigil. The second day, advocates meet with their legislators and/or attend committee meetings. The nominal registration fee covers meals and materials. Communal housing is available for up to 30 people at a low rate or one can make their own hotel reservations.
Watch this page for future updates: floridachurches.org/2026AdvocacyDays.
Contact advocacy@floridachurches.org for more information.
| | |
Scholarship Deadline Extended!
The Fund for Leaders in Mission Scholarship offered by the Florida-Bahamas Synodical Women’s Organization has been extended until January 10, 2026. Applications are available at flwelca.com—simply type scholarship into the search bar to find the application and details.
| | Blue Christmas Service from The Center of Addiction & Faith | | |
December 21 • 8 p.m. Eastern Time
This service is for anyone who isn’t feeling merry or bright right now. For anyone carrying grief, exhaustion, disappointment, or a quiet ache you can’t quite name. While the world pushes cheer, we make space for what’s real. We gather to honor your pain, your questions, your empty places, and to gently ask—together—for comfort, for courage, and for a light that still rises even when we cannot see it.
| | Upcoming Programs at Luther Springs | | |
Respite in the Wilderness — January 20–22, 2026
Registration is now open for Respite in the Wilderness, a three-day retreat for rostered ministers and church professionals. Come rest, pray, and prepare for Lent with Bishop Suarez, Assistant to the Bishop Pr. Derek Hoven, and new NovusWay CEO Lauri Sojourner. Cost: $155.
Summer Camp Registration Now Open!
Summer 2026 camp registration is officially open, and families who register before December 31 will receive a $50 early-bird discount on one week of camp. A sibling discount is also available. Stay tuned for exciting summer programs for all ages—adventure weeks, water trips, leadership labs, and more!
| | Register today or contact the office at 828-209-6302 with questions. | | |
Bishop Curry Issues Statement on Brown University Shooting
As students prepared for finals at Brown University, they found themselves a part of the ever-increasing epidemic of gun violence in the U.S. and globally. We grieve the shooting that ended two lives, injuring many others and traumatizing a community dedicated to learning, inquiry and shared life.
| | -
January 16-18, 2026: EQUIP, Luther Springs
| | -
April 17-19, 2026: God Spa, Luther Springs
| | -
June 4-6, 2026: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee
| | -
October 5-7, 2026: Conference on Ministry, Mission Inn Resort, Howey-in-the-Hills
| | | | |
