E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | January 14, 2025 | |
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Dear Siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing today to share some personal news with you. Beginning on February 10, 2025, I will be going on a sabbatical leave for a time of rest, renewal, and reflection. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to pause, reflect on the journey thus far, and seek God’s guidance for the road ahead.
During my absence, I have every confidence that the work of the Florida-Bahamas Synod will continue faithfully and fruitfully. Pastor Rob Rose, who serves as Assistant to the Bishop for Administration, will assume the role of Acting Bishop during this time. Pastor Rose brings a steady hand and a compassionate heart to this work, and I know you will be well served by his leadership.
Additionally, Pastor Edward Benoway, who previously served as bishop of this synod and has since retired, will provide invaluable support and backup to Pastor Rose. Pastor Benoway’s wisdom, experience, and pastoral care will be a blessing to our synod in these months. The life of the Church continues, and I trust that all of you will remain steadfast in your ministries and mission. I ask for your prayers as I step into this season of rest. Pray that I may find renewal in mind, body, and spirit, and that the time away will bring fresh vision and energy for the work we do together in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please also keep Pastor Rose and Pastor Benoway in your prayers. They will be watching over the synod’s ministry with great care and diligence. I know you will be in good hands with these faithful servants of God tending to the “shop” while I am away.
I look forward to returning in May, refreshed and ready to continue serving alongside you in the mission we share. Until then, may God’s grace abound in every aspect of your lives and ministry.
With gratitude and hope,
Bishop Pedro Suárez
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Respite in the Wilderness for Rostered Ministers and Church Professionals
January 16-18, 2025 (Thursday morning through Saturday morning)
A gift from NovusWay to rostered ministers and church professionals. Enjoy a retreat of rest and renewal through prayer and study as we prepare for the busy season of Lent. Join Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven in a journey through the texts for Lent. With room for introverts and extroverts, we will dwell in the Lenten lectionary and work on themes, frameworks, and creative possibilities for Sunday and mid-week worship opportunities. To register, click here or call 828-209-6301. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Sue Mendenhall at 727-415-9887.
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It's Time to Submit Your Annual Reports
These reports are another point of connection between your congregation and the Bishop's Office. They help us track categories like attendance, baptisms, expenses, mission support, and more. They also help us plan programs and events to best support the ministries of the congregations throughout our synod.
Annual Parochial Reports (January-December 2024)
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The deadline to file online with the ELCA’s Office of the Secretary is March 1, 2025.
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If you cannot file online, a paper copy can be completed and mailed to the Synod House by February 15, 2023.
- The online system will open mid-January.
Annual Rostered Leader’s Report to the Bishop
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To be submitted by March 1, 2025. All ordained ministers rostered in the Florida-Bahamas Synod under call, on leave from call, on disability, or retired, must file a report.
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Visit the ELCA's Rostered Ministers reports link. Select and download the report that corresponds to your roster status and save it to your computer. Upon completion of the report, save it again, and attach it to an email message to yulietg@fbsynod.org.
Mission Support (current year)
- The synod’s fiscal year extends through January 31, 2024.
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Please ask your congregational treasurer to forward any outstanding 2024 mission support balances to the Synod House by January 31, 2024. Mission support received after January 31, per auditor requirements, is applied to the congregation’s covenant for 2025.
Mission Support Covenants 2025
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Covenants may be filed after the annual congregation meeting, or by January 31, 2025.
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You may file your covenant online here, or by returning the PDF via U.S. mail. Please prayerfully consider an increase in your mission support to grow the work that we do together as synod and churchwide expressions.
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Save the Dates
Synod Assembly: June 12-14, 2025 | Embassy Suites, Kissimmee
Conference on Ministry: September 29-October 1, 2025 | Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills
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Ordinations & Installations
January 26, 3 PM - Rev. Bob Vogl will be installed as Pastor at Trinity in New Smyrna; Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven will preside.
February 1, 11 AM - Rev. Courtney Noya will be installed as Associate Pastor at Christus Victor in Naples on Saturday; Bishop Suarez will preside.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Queerfully Made Retreat - A Message from Bishop Strickland
Join Bishop Kevin Strickland (he/him) of the Southeastern Synod for a three-day respite and renewal retreat in the mountains of Arden, NC. This will be an opportunity to gather with other LGBTQIA+ rostered ministers and candidates within Region 9 of the ELCA. The bishops of Region 9 want to help offer space for you to come away to rest, renew, and recharge. I know what it is like to be queer and serve in this church and in such a time as this. We need each other! And you need a reminder that your work in the Lord is not in vain. The bishops of Region 9 see the value and importance of this time away and are helping to support this opportunity for you. With their support and grants, I am offering this retreat for you at $50.00 per person. If you are interested in attending this first-ever retreat, please complete the registration form no later than February 14.
+ Bishop Kevin L. Strickland
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Luther Springs 2025 Summer Camp Registration NOW OPEN
Register between December 1, 2024 and February 15, 2025 to receive $30 off.
Luther Springs offers a place set apart where children in grades 1-12 can unplug from technology for a week, experience exciting adventures, get inspired by nature, and grow in faith!
Our on-site programs are a great experience for that first-time camper or the camper that isn’t quite as adventurous as others. For those thrill seeking children in grades 6-12 we offer special “Outdoor Adventure Programs” where kids can challenge themselves with new adventures like zip lining, horseback riding and more. A week of camp is an investment that will impact the life of your child for years to come! Details and registration here.
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Upcoming Events at Prince of Peace, Largo
Sunday, January 19, 3 p.m.
Hymn Festival with Organist-Composer Dr. Michael Burkhardt
On January 19, the American Guild of Organists, Clearwater Chapter, in conjunction with the Art for Faith’s Sake concert series at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church hosts Dr. Michael Burkhardt in a Hymn Festival titled “Beloved, God’s Chosen.” The festival highlights important days of the church year in the time after Epiphany: the coming of the wise men, the baptism of Jesus, and the Transfiguration. We will sing a variety of congregational hymns and an ecumenical choir will present anthems accompanied by organ, handbells, and other instruments. Free and open to the public. A reception to follow.
Monday, January 27 / 6-8pm
Beer and Hymns at Commerce Brewing
Join Dr. Shawn Thomas from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 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-a-long event that will feature a variety of hymns and other familiar songs. Beer is optional, singing is mandatory! Food Truck onsite. Commerce Brewing is located in an adjacent building to the north of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Ample parking is available at Prince of Peace. Find more details here.
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Seeking Replacement LBW Minister’s Edition
Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church in Orlando is searching for a replacement for their large-size Minister's Edition of the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). Their current copy, used on the altar, is worn and in need of replacement. If any congregation has an unused copy they would be willing to donate, it would be greatly appreciated.
Contact Information: Linda Greer - 407-425-7771
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Opportunity for organist/director of music
St. Peter, Ft. Myers Beach has an immediate opening for an organist/director of music. This is a part-time position. The organist/director of music will play the organ and lead the choir on Sundays for one service. This also includes one day a week choir practice. This is a total of 4-5 hours per week.
Hourly pay starting at $20 per hour, depending on experience.
Please contact St. Peter ELCA, Fort Myers Beach at 239-463-4251 or email at stpeterfmb@gmail.com for more information.
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Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust Reconsideration
ELCA social statements are documents that help people think through social issues and that guide the church’s teaching and policies on those issues. However, their language can become outdated over time as laws and language change.
The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to have our church reconsider certain passages from the ELCA social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust in light of changes in U.S. laws regarding marriage since 2009 and in acknowledgment of the church’s understanding of the diversity of family configurations.
A task force, with people of diverse perspectives from across the ELCA, has been appointed by the ELCA Church Council to shepherd this process.
In early November, the task force released a set of draft edits for public comment. These are potential editorial changes only — small word changes that update the text without changing its meaning.
The task force invites you to review these and to share your feedback. This feedback is critical for our discernment as church together, and the task force will prayerfully consider all comments before proposing changes to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly for their action. The deadline for your response is Jan. 31, 2025.
You can share your feedback by taking an online survey or by emailing the task force directly at Reconsiderations@elca.org.
To help your discernment, several resources are posted at www.elca.org/reconsiderations, including an explanation of each draft edit, a discussion guide and an FAQ. Each resource is available in English, Spanish and large print.
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National Day of Racial Healing
The 2025 National Day of Racial Healing is an annual observance that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the ELCA will join the movement of racial healing for our church and the nation. On Jan. 21, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time, join a free online educational event that centers the voices of ELCA leaders of color. This event is open to all ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders and members, as well as the church’s affiliate organizations and ecumenical and interreligious partners. Learn more, browse speaker bios and register today.
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April 25-26: Synod Parish Deacon Retreat, St. Stephen, Longwood
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June 12-14: Synod Assembly, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee
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September 20: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota
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September 29-October 1: Conference on Ministry, Mission Resort & Club, Howey-In-The-Hills
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