E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | March 19, 2024 | | |
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Requests for the May Education Grant Now Open
Deadline for submission is April 15, 2024.
Established by a generous gift from Pastor Rusty and PJ May, the purpose of the May Educational Grant is to make funds available to provide grants to ministers of Word and Sacrament rostered in the Florida-Bahamas Synod who desire and seek aid for advanced studies and/or continued education in the United States or in other countries in order that they might increase their knowledge and skills in ministry. The Mays know how life-changing a professional grant can be for a pastor early in their ministry. They are also aware that often the funds designated by congregations for their pastors for this purpose may not be enough. Therefore, the May Grant seeks to supplement congregational continued education funds. Grants will be “one-time” grants.
To apply, please go to the following link: https://fbsynod.com/resources-and-forms/the-may-education-grant/
Deadline for application is April 15, 2024. For questions, please contact Pr. Ana L. Lugo at Ana.Lugo@elca.org or (904) 219- 2769.
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Registration for Synod Assembly is Now Open
Synod Assembly is May 31- June 2, 2024
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, engage, and contribute to the collective mission of our synod. See you there!
Quick Links:
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Registration: Early bird deadline is May 8.
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Hotel: Group rate is $149/night. Reserve your room today!
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Agenda: Get an overview of Synod Assembly activities.
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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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V2A Workshops
Virtual V2A Introductory Workshops for the 2024 grant season continue again this week. Note that attendance at a workshop is required for ALL applicants. There are daytime and evening options this week--Wednesday, March 20 at 1pm and Thursday, March 14 at 7pm.
Register for a workshop here to receive connection instructions. Vision to Action: where innovation meets evangelism, to grow the church.
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Ordinations and Installations
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Rev. David Lillejord will be installed as Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples on April 7, 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Pedro Suárez presiding.
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Rev. Larry Grunden will be installed as Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church in Orange Park on April 14, 3 p.m. with Rev. Nicole Eastwood officiating.
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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: Lent | | O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Task #6: Identify Partners, Agreements and Resources
When disaster threatens or strikes there is an immediate need for action. The more relationships that are forged and information that is gathered ahead of time, the more efficiently a community can prevent or minimize damage and suffering and bring order
out of chaos. The lists of partners, agreements, resources and steps to be taken in times of need that are put together for the preparedness plan help create the building blocks necessary for leadership. When relationships are established, the pathways of working together are clearer and community organizations, families and government can more easily lend each other a hand. This relationship building may be in the form of participating in a local ministerium or services consortium, of knocking on the door and giving a handshake, inviting the emergency manager to a council meeting, organizing a community festival with others, or any other activity whereby your congregational leadership gets to know others in the community.
Government
Find out what programs the local, state and national governments can offer. Make a list of services and programs you might benefit from and whom to contact. Get to know key local contacts in the police department, fire department, emergency management office, etc.
Local Partners
Identify other communities of faith and organizations with whom you might partner in times of crisis and disaster. Get to know their leaders and resources and brainstorm ways you can be of help to one another and the community. Consider drawing up at least simple statements of understanding about specific ways you could assist one another.
In a disaster, communities are often surprised at the network of willing partners that arises to help in recovery. This network is strengthened by developing relationships before disaster strikes.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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A Global Mission Event for Women: Virtual Workshops
Women of the Florida-Bahamas Synod are joining together with the women of our companion Lutheran churches in Guyana and Suriname for a two-evening, virtual event entitled "Finding Hope in a Complex World." There will be presentations led by women from each country , breakout group discussions, and joint worship/devotionals featuring each country's unique way of praise! This will be a wonderful opportunity to accompany each other and explore how the hope we share in Christ is revealed in different contexts. The event is being held from 6pm-8pm EST on Wednesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 24.
Please see the attached informational flyer for more information, and sign up via the link. Check your calendar and register--spaces are limited!
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Steadfast/Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance and purification, as we journey deeper in our relationship with God. Christ’s love invites us to speak out against the violence of the world and our complicity towards it. This Lent, join the Just Love team as we confront the trauma and terror in Palestine and Israel and accompany our siblings calling for a lasting peace rooted in the justice and love of God. Learn more: https://youtu.be/YssbcGD1cU4?si=GRqpGFksPckS4dje
Click here to read the devotionals.
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The beginning of the year is traditionally a time of anticipation, of looking forward to all that is to come over the next several months. At the ELCA Foundation we’re looking forward to a year of vitality across the church and its ministries — vitality fueled, in part, by your support. Thank you for your continued partnership in the work we are called to do as one body in Christ.
This issue of “Insights” includes exciting news about charitable gift annuities, a reminder about the ELCA Foundation’s newest estate-planning tool, and a story from an ELCA member who worked with the Foundation to carry on her late husband’s legacy. I hope you find this information both useful and inspiring.
I also want to make a note about the required minimum distribution (RMD) for 2024. Many of our donors and supporters have received notices about their RMDs for the year. There are some unique opportunities available to you for utilizing RMDs for gifts that are both tax-advantaged and beneficial to the ELCA ministries you care about the most. I would be happy to connect with you, at no cost, to explore your options. Click here to read the newsletter.
The Rev. Ana L. Lugo
ana.lugo@elca.org
(904) 219-2769
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In Search of Part-time Parish Bookkeeper
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Largo is looking for a Part-time Parish bookkeeper. The preferred start date is early April to allow for training.
Starting salary is $17-$20/hour depending on experience. This position has a flexible work schedule (16 hrs./week) with variation for holidays and vacations. Extra hours are occasionally required, such as at year-end.
This position maintains records and processes payroll for the church and the preschool. This position reports to the Senior Pastor and works closely with the Congregation Treasurer. For more information, please contact the church office at 727-585-9969 or email us at employment@poplargo.org.
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Music Position at Spirit of Grace in New Port Richey, Florida | |
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A vibrant and growing ELCA Lutheran Church with two separate campuses is seeking talented and energetic musicians to lead services. The prospective Music Directors should be able to provide musical accompaniments using a blended service model including traditional, contemporary and praise music for services. The potential candidate would be responsible for assisting in building choral and/or praise teams. Musicians and pastors work together in the ELCA to build a cohesive expression of faith for the congregation. Our churches are working to find a new musical model moving forward into a new spirituality. We have congregation members available to assist this ministry.
Morning services are at 9 a.m. at the Hudson Campus and 10:45 a.m. at the Trinity Campus. Candidates may apply for one or both positions. We would also be open to job sharing with a couple of musicians. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Spirit of Grace Lutheran Churches are located on Hudson Road in Hudson and on Old State Route 54 in Trinity. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity contact Jane L. Riggs, janelinnriggs26@gmail.com, with a short email about your qualifications and your contact details.
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Save the date for “God’s work. Our hands."
Mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 8, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.”
Participating in service projects is one way to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
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.
If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 8, you are encouraged to pick another date that fits your schedule. ELCA congregations participate in acts of service every day. This day of service is an extension of the work you already do to make your community a better place.
Be sure to save the date and check ELCA.org/DayOfService for updated resources soon.
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Join us on Sept. 8!
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March 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo
This month our ELCA Mission Support Memo for March 2024 explores how the Central States Synod is equipping leaders through their Ministry Lab ~ an active place to ask questions, learn new ideas, work with different “tools” or resources, and experiment to see what works. They welcome anyone from anywhere to engage in the lab. Also learn about how congregations can join in a Cultivating Generous Congregations Cohort starting in April. We also share our gratitude for congregations submitting Annual Congregational Reports. Read the memo here!
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May 31 - June 2: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
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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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