E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | September 9, 2025 | | | | |
Installations & Ordinations
September 20 at 2 PM: Father Gerad Flynn will be installed at Reformation Lutheran Church in Orlando, with Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven officiating.
September 27 at 1 PM: Brett Hill will be ordained and installed at All Saints Lutheran Church in Lutz.
September 21 at 3 PM: Reverends Rachel and Gregg Hoffman will be installed at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Largo, with Bishop Suarez presiding.
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Step 6: Plan Implementation and Maintenance
Once step 5 is completed we have a final approved written plan to address the threats and hazards the church may face. Now we must implement the plan, train stakeholders, and set up a schedule to review our plan. Click the button below for more details.
| | Upcoming Events at Luther Springs – Something for Everyone! | | |
Luther Springs offers year-round opportunities to grow in faith, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Whether you're a youth, adult, church leader, or somewhere in between, there's an event just for you. Check out what’s coming up and click the links to learn more and register!
Fall 2025
Young Adult Retreat (18+) – October 10–12
A weekend of connection, reflection, and fun for young adults.
EQUIP for High School Youth – October 17–19
Leadership development and faith formation for teens.
Journey of Faith – Confirmation Retreat (Grades 6–8) – October 17–19
Topic: Reformation
Respite in the Wilderness (Rostered Leaders & Church Professionals) – November 4–6
A peaceful retreat to recharge and reconnect.
ADVENTure Retreat (Middle & High School Youth) – November 14–16
Celebrate Advent with faith-filled fun and fellowship.
Trailblazers (Grades 1–5) – November 14–16
Theme: Advent
Winter/Spring 2026
EQUIP for High School Youth – January 16–18
A second opportunity to join this impactful retreat.
Journey of Faith – Confirmation Retreat (Grades 6–8) – January 16–18
Topic: Ten Commandments
Master Builders Men's Retreat – February 27–March 1
A weekend of working with your hands and building community.
Quilting Retreat (Adults) – March 2–6
Bring your creativity and enjoy a relaxing week of quilting.
God Spa – Women’s Retreat – April 17–19
Rest, renew, and reconnect with God and others.
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ELCA Seminaries September Newsletter
The September edition of the ELCA Seminaries Newsletter is here. It includes upcoming events and resources for theological education. Whether you're a student, pastor, church leader, or simply curious about seminary life, this issue offers something meaningful for you.
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Updates from Portico
Prepare for Portico Annual Enrollment
Portico Benefits is offering more workshops to help plan members and sponsoring organizations prepare for annual enrollment in October.
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Annual enrollment for sponsoring organizations is October 1–14, 2025.
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Annual enrollment for plan members begins in waves on October 20, 2025.
- All members and sponsoring organizations will be sent emails about their enrollment windows at the address that Portico has on file for them.
Webinar for Plan Members: Monday, September 22 at 2 p.m. Eastern
If you are sponsored in the Portico Benefits plan, this webinar will review the options you have for benefits in 2026, explain Portico’s four new ELCA-Primary Health Plan options, and provide helpful information for enrollment.
Register here if you plan to attend: Zoom Registration
After you register, you will receive the ZOOM link.
Webinar for Sponsoring Organizations: Monday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
If you sponsor members in the Portico Benefits plan, this webinar is for you. We will discuss employer benefit selections, the health plan options for ELCA-Primary Health Plan members in 2026, and review the annual enrollment process. Register here: Zoom Registration
| | September Edition of the Church Worker Newsletter | | |
This month’s Church Worker Newsletter from Lutheran Counseling Services explores a timely theme: Passing on Faith to Others. Whether you're serving in a congregation, school, or ministry setting, this edition offers thoughtful insights, encouragement, and practical tools to help you nurture faith in those around you. Click here to read and be inspired!
| | Local Congregations Celebrate God's Work. Our Hands Sunday! | | |
Reformation Lutheran Church, Lakeland
Volunteers at Reformation made over 200 compact sewing kits, laundry kits, and other handy kits for low-income seniors, unsheltered neighbors, and others in need.
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St. John Lutheran Church, Winter Park
Members of St. John gathered and traveled to Tim’s Coin Laundry, located just down US 17-92 from the church, with the mission of covering laundry costs for patrons and offering a delicious pizza lunch. Throughout the day, a steady stream of community members came through, receiving both practical support and warm hospitality. Volunteers engaged in meaningful conversations and extended heartfelt invitations to join worship at St. John. Tim, the owner, welcomed the group back anytime to continue serving his customers.
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Prince of Peace, Fernandina Beach Needs a Talented Organist
Nestled in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood, Prince of Peace in Fernandina Beach is a welcoming and supportive community with a deep appreciation for the arts. The congregation is diverse, encompassing individuals and families from various backgrounds and music is a thread that weaves through every aspect of the church.
Prince of Peace is seeking a church organist to fulfill a variety of musical and liturgical responsibilities:
- Playing the organ at weekly Sunday services and on major holy days
- Providing music for weddings, funerals, and other special services as needed
- Collaborating with the choir director to prepare and accompany choral anthems, hymns, and responses
- Attending and participating in regular choir rehearsals
- Occasionally assisting with other musical ensembles or soloists as part of special programs
If you are passionate about sacred music and eager to share your talents in a community that values tradition, creativity, and faith, Prince of Peace would love to hear from you. Applications can be sent to the church office at poplc.office@gmail.com or call 904-0261-6306 for details.
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Handbell Director Position: Grace, Tampa
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 to moderate handbell arrangements in worship about once a month.
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.
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Principal Organist Position: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Venice
Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice seeks a skilled and dedicated Principal Organist to provide musical leadership for worship through organ and piano accompaniment. This part-time role supports our choir, congregation, and other musicians, enhancing worship with music that reflects the liturgical season. Responsibilities include accompanying the choir, collaborating with clergy and music staff, and playing for regular and special services throughout the church year. Knowledge of Lutheran liturgical traditions and strong accompanying skills are essential.
For more information and to apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to the Director of Operations, Jocelyn Angelone at jangelone@emmanuel-elca.org.
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Presiding Bishop-elect Curry to be Installed October 4
The installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as presiding bishop of the ELCA will be held Saturday, October 4, at 2 p.m. Central Time at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The service is open to the public, and tickets are not required. A live video stream will be available.
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September 20: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota
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