E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | April 23, 2024 | |
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Register Today for Synod Assembly!
Early bird deadline is May 8th
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, engage, and contribute to the collective mission of our synod. See you there!
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Hotel: Group rate is $149/night. Reserve your room today!
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Service Project: This year, we'll be serving the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.
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Nominations: We ask your help in identifying nominees to fill these important positions.
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Workshops: Find descriptions on this year's exciting workshops.
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Resolutions & Memorials: All Memorials & Resolutions must be submitted by May 1, 2024 to be reviewed and prepared to be brought to the assembly floor.
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Ordinations and Installations
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Rev. A.J. Striffler will be installed as Pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington on May 5, 3 p.m. with Rev. Nicole Eastwood officiating.
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Rev. Rebecca Craig will be installed as Pastor of Crossroad Lutheran Church in Fleming Island on May 18, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.
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Weekly Prayer Focus | | O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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Task #9: Planning for Continuity of Ministry
Planning for the continuity of ministry includes the steps that must be taken to ensure critical functions and ministries can continue if a disaster of any scale causes enough damage that results in normal day-to-day administrative and ministry functions being compromised. When a crisis or disaster threatens or occurs, the response team will meet to determine whether it is possible or wise to maintain all current ministries and activities. When possible, the leaders of the groups that will be affected should be included in these meetings. If a determination is made to restrict any ministries, the communication plan that was developed in step # 8 will be used to notify all of those that are involved. The team will need to meet periodically to review when affected ministries can be resumed.
Response for challenges to current ministries and new opportunities for service
When disaster threatens or occurs, opportunities for new ministries will emerge. The disaster response leadership team--in consultation with the congregation council, staff and other leaders of ministries--will consider new opportunities for temporary or long-term ministries. Such opportunities may surface as requests from outside agencies, obvious needs of neighbors, awareness of members of the congregation, etc.
Decision making for scaling back and ending disaster response
As people and the community recover from the disaster, decisions about how and when the congregation will cut back on disaster response will be made by the response team in consultation with other congregational leaders, shared with those most directly concerned and then communicated to the congregation.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Join in the Second Evening of the Global Mission Women's Event
"Finding Hope in a Complex World," a joint event with women from Guyana, Suriname and the FB Synod has its second and final session via zoom on Wednesday, April 24 from 6-8pm EST. The first session, led primarily by the Lutheran Church in Guyana, was rich and meaningful; the good news is that it's not too late to participate! In the second session on April 24, the Lutheran Church in Suriname will lead a presentation on ministries that bring hope to women in Suriname facing gender-based violence. There will also be worship, prayer, and discussions about hope in our respective contexts. Be part of this singular event! Email Pastor Katie Carroll at revkhc@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Join Zoom Meeting Information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84595246697?pwd=dU5wZTNVUDZpQ0ZibDNYdmJKM1BWQT09
Meeting ID: 845 9524 6697
Passcode: 479761
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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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Additional Vision to Action Introductory Workshops Being Offered
Missed the V2A Introductory Workshops offered in March and April? Good news: another is being offered via Zoom on Friday, May 10 at 2 p.m. Note it is a requirement that at least one person from your congregation or organization attend a one-hour, Introductory Workshop in order to apply for a V2A grant. There are no exceptions! You are urged to review the Vision to Action website, www.v2agrants.org, to learn about other eligibility requirements and the suggested timeline for applying.
A workshop about V2A is being held at the Synod Assembly; while attendance at this workshop can meet the attendance requirement, note that timing will be very tight for meeting the application deadline of July 15. You are strongly urged to participate in the May workshop. Questions? Email Rev. Katie Carroll at grants@fbsynod.org.
Register for the workshop here.
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Three Octave set of Malmark Handbells
A new set on the Malmark website is advertised at $15,595.00 to $17,595.00. There are several used set advertised for $10,000.00 and up. Price $6,000.00.
Please direct any questions to Bill Rosche billr@fbsynod.org
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37 note set of Malmak Choir Chimes
A new set on the Malmark website is advertised at $2960.00.
Price $1,000.00
Please direct any questions to Bill Rosche billr@fbsynod.org
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Open Positions at St. Mark Lutheran in Dunedin, FL
Church Manager
St. Mark is a vibrant and welcoming congregation who is boldly sharing God’s love and grace. We are an ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation and are committed to fostering a loving community for spiritual growth, and outreach. We are seeking a dedicated and organized individual to join our team as a Church Manager in support of our mission.
As the Church Manager, you will play a crucial role in supporting the smooth operation of our church administration. You will be responsible for managing administrative tasks, coordinating office activities, and ensuring effective communication within the congregation and with external partners. This role requires a detail-oriented and self-motivated individual with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Minister of Music
St. Mark is a vibrant and welcoming congregation who is boldly sharing God’s love and grace. We are an ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation and are committed to fostering a loving community for spiritual growth, and outreach. We are seeking an experienced and organized individual to join our team as our Minister of Music in support of our mission.
Music is an integral part of the life and worship services of St. Mark. As the Minister of Music you will play a critical role in leading worship on Sundays and at special services. You will be responsible for directing choirs and music ministry groups including adult, children, and bells. You will encourage the participation of the congregation and their talents in worship and work to grow the music program.
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If you are interested in learning more about either of these opportunities contact Pastor Katy Fast, at katy.fast@stmlc.com with a short email about your qualifications and your contact details.
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ELCA Church Council holds spring meeting
The ELCA Church Council gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, April 11-14. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization’s board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, carries out its work in support of the ELCA’s priority areas of being a welcoming church, a thriving church, and a connected and sustainable church. Read more...
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Our Kairos Moment: A Study Guide on Earth’s Climate Crisis
A new, four-session study guide is available for Earth Day. “Our Kairos Moment” is based on the ELCA’s 2023 social message, “Earth’s Climate Crisis” and invites participants to learn about the impacts of climate change and how to respond through videos, storytelling, bible studies and interactive activities. Read more...
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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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