E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | October 28, 2025 | | |
A New Chapter in Lay Ministry:
From Synod Parish Deacon to Parish Lay Minister
| | |
After a year of prayer, discernment, and careful work by the SPD Oversight Committee in consultation with the Office of the Bishop, we are ready to take the next step in supporting and strengthening lay leadership in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The Synod Parish Deacon (SPD) program has now transitioned into the new Parish Lay Minister (PLM) program. This change was motivated by the realization that there is much confusion between the role of the ELCA Deacon and the Synod Parish Deacon. The SPD is a program that a small number of the synod opt into participating in. The ELCA Deacon is an ELCA-wide path to ordained ministry that now requires a seminary degree, going through the candidacy committee process, and other steps. The other motivator is realizing that the need for lay ministry is growing and changing in a post-COVID church and needs to be addressed.
This change honors the faithful service of those who completed the SPD program while opening doors for future ministry with broader flexibility and recognition. Current SPDs may choose to remain in their existing designation or transfer into the new PLM program, where they will find the same heart for ministry but an updated structure that better fits the church’s mission today.
So, what’s new?
- Parish Lay Ministers do the same types of ministries within the congregations as an SPD – there is no change in responsibilities that a congregation and PLM agree need to be done.
- A PLM can continue to serve a congregation after the pastor leaves as a PLM, with the pastor’s permission.
- A PLM can serve on the congregation council if elected with the pastor’s approval.
- A PLM may wear the vestments of the white alb, red cincture, and PLM Cross in any setting, not just in their home congregation, within the synod that is appropriate.
-
A PLM may also use the title Lay Minister when appropriate and, with pastoral permission, participate more fully in congregational leadership.
-
PLMs are now eligible, if called on by the Office of the Bishop, to become Synod Authorized Ministers, expanding the pathways for those who serve.
These changes reflect our Lutheran conviction that ministry belongs to all the baptized. As Martin Luther taught, the Holy Spirit distributes gifts across the body of Christ so that the gospel might reach every corner of the world. Parish Lay Ministers live out this calling through worship, care, and community service, showing that God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Together, this renewed program celebrates our past, honors our present servants, and strengthens the church for the future. For more information, visit the synod website at https://fbsynod.com/resources/PLM/.
| |
|
Compensation Update for 2026
At the time of this writing, the federal government shutdown has delayed the release of the most recent inflation numbers. Even with that uncertainty, the Compensation Committee—made up of two lay leaders, two ELCA Deacons, and two pastors—met earlier to review cost-of-living trends and the growing stress that many rostered ministers are carrying in their call to serve.
After prayerful discussion and careful review, the committee recommended a 3.5% increase in baseline compensation for 2026. Bishop Suarez has reviewed and approved this recommendation. The increase aims to reflect both inflation and the real cost of sustaining healthy ministry today.
The committee also encourages every congregation to talk with their pastor or deacon about planning for a sabbatical, following the guidance outlined in the current Rostered Minister Compensation Guidelines. Sabbaticals provide essential time for renewal, reflection, and rest—so that our leaders can return to their ministries with fresh energy and vision.
Thank you to all our congregations for the ways you care for your leaders and support their well-being. Healthy pastors and deacons help build healthy congregations.
| | | | |
Ordinations & Installations
November 1 at 1 PM: Rev. Neil Brady will be installed as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Palms in Palm Harbor; Bishop Suarez will preside. The color of the day is white.
| | |
Praying for our Synod Companions
While Florida is not forecast to have a direct hit from Hurricane Melissa, our companions in Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti are all facing extremely perilous circumstances. We urge you to hold them in prayer throughout the storm and its aftermath. The Global Mission Table is in touch with our partners and will provide updates as they are available. May we walk alongside our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean as they face this devastating storm.
| | |
Global Refuge: Spread Hope for the Holidays
We know, we know—it's not even Halloween yet. But the work of welcome just can't wait!
We are thrilled and grateful to announce the launch of our annual Hope for the Holidays™ program, a campaign to spread hope to our newest neighbors.
By participating and writing messages of welcome, you can extend a moment of hope and humanity to those threatened by rhetoric and harmful policies. During a time of uncertainty, your kindness assures refugees and other immigrants in your community that they are still welcome.
As we enter a season of friends, family, and celebration, please extend that gift of connection with those who may be feeling insecure or alone. Join us in sharing warmth, welcome, and hope for the holidays!
| | |
Service of Holy Closure: St. Matthews, Jacksonville
After 70 years of faithful ministry in the Arlington community of Jacksonville, the congregation of St. Matthews has prayerfully chosen to enter a season of Holy Closure. This sacred service will honor the church’s legacy with reverence, gratitude, and hope for what lies ahead. All are welcome to join in this time of remembrance and celebration.
Service of Holy Closure
Sunday, November 9, at 2 PM
1400 N University Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32211
Rev. Nicole Eastwood, presiding
For more information, visit: https://www.stmatthewsjax.org/holy-closure.
| |
|
St. John and St. Stephen Join Together for Pride
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Stephen Lutheran Church joined together at the Orlando Pride Marketplace for a joint table to present a positive faith-based expression. The event, commonly called the second-largest Pride event in the country, had over 260,000 participants. Water and snacks were given out by the members of the two churches. Even dog biscuits were distributed! A warm reception was received by the crowd as several churches from a number of denominations were represented. A number of lively discussions were held with the participants.
| | |
Beer and Hymns at Commerce Brewing
Monday, November 10 / 6 to 8 p.m.
521 S Commerce Dr, Largo
Join Dr. Shawn Thomas 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-along event featuring a variety of hymns and other familiar songs. Beer is optional, singing is mandatory! A food truck will be on-site to purchase food, or feel free to bring your own food. Ample parking is available at Prince of Peace.
| | |
Join the Luther Springs Cabin Challenge
At the start of this year, Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Gainesville took a bold step in supporting the future of Luther Springs by contributing to the newly established Luther Springs Cabin Endowment through Novus Way. This endowment will help fund the construction of much-needed cabins, expanding the capacity and impact of this beloved ministry.
Gethsemane, Gainesville invites all conferences and congregations across the Florida-Bahamas Synod to join this effort. Your gifts will help ensure that Luther Springs continues to be a place of growth, faith, and community for generations to come.
To contribute:
- Mail to: NovusWay, P.O. Box 208, Arden, NC 28704
- Indicate the payment is for the Luther Springs Cabin Endowment in the memo line.
| |
|
Grace Lutheran Church at Carrollwood is seeking a Handbell Director
Grace Lutheran Church at Carrollwood in Tampa seeks a part-time Handbell Choir Director. The 12-member all-volunteer bell choir rehearses weekly and plays easy-moderate handbell arrangements in worship about once a month. Grace Lutheran owns 4 octaves of Schulmerich Handbells and 5 octaves of Malmark Handchimes that are well-cared for, regularly maintained, and refurbished.
This position requires a person with proven musical skills with experience in conducting and leadership, effective teaching skills, creative ideas, and constructive interpersonal skills. A bachelor’s degree in music is preferred but not required. Please contact Grace Lutheran Church’s personnel chairperson, Ruth Anderson, at rande8@ymail.com to inquire about the Handbell Choir Director position and a job description.
| | |
ELCA Conference of Bishops Gathers in Minneapolis
The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met Oct. 5-7 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The conference — an advisory body of the ELCA that comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary — met following the installation of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
In his report to the conference, Curry laid out his focus as he begins his term as presiding bishop. Reflecting on one of the ELCA priority areas — a connected, sustainable church — Curry said that, for the next year, he will emphasize a connected church.
| | -
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
| | | | |
