E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | August 13, 2024 | |
Don't Miss Out on the 2024 Conference on Ministry! | |
We are excited to invite you to the 2024 Conference on Ministry, held this year at the stunning Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL. Join us from September 16-18, 2024, for an inspiring and rejuvenating retreat featuring our guest speaker, Dr. Barbara Rossing, professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Our theme, "The Lamb's Alternative Power Story for the Healing of Creation," will guide us through the book of Revelation. Dr. Rossing will help us uncover its powerful message of hope and envision a renewed world where all are welcome and have enough. This is a unique opportunity to explore Revelation's theme of hope, not fear, as we journey to the beautiful city and river of life.
In addition to the enlightening sessions, the conference is a wonderful chance to connect with fellow rostered ministers, relax, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Mission Inn. We look forward to seeing you there for this enriching experience!
Check out the agenda here.
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Tee Off at Las Colinas!
Don’t miss your opportunity to play Las Colinas, opened in 1992 and voted one of top courses in Florida. With it’s unique inland links design, Las Colinas offers wide-open fairways and a gentle rolling landscape. You won’t be disappointed.
Didn’t sign up for golf when you registered? It’s not too late, come join your peers for a friendly tournament at this top ranked course. Sign up here.
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Ordinations & Installations
September 1, 9:30 AM – Installation of the Rev. Jeremy Freye as Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Winter Park; Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven will officiate.
September 1, 3 PM – Installation of the Rev. Callie Torres as Associate Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Miami; Bishop Suarez will officiate.
October 19, 2:30 PM - Installation of the Rev. Ben Mandrick as Pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fernandina Beach; Bishop Suarez will officiate.
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| MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Calling all Tampa-area College Students
Are you a current or incoming USF, HCC, or University of Tampa student? Or do you know someone who might be interested in what we're up to? Do you want to learn more about Lutheran Campus Ministry around USF and Temple Terrace?
Lutherans or non-Lutherans, church goers or never been, come with your questions and your hunger for something deeper.
There is a place for you at The Table, an ELCA Campus Ministry.
Fall Kickoff at Chili’s
August 25, 11 a.m.
Gather for a free lunch at Chili’s (2794 E Fowler Ave., Tampa)
Learn about upcoming events and share your dreams for a Lutheran (ELCA) student fellowship.
RSVP to tfriedrichs@corlutheran.org.
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Women's Bible Study Date Change
The final meeting of summer Bible study with women from FBS and the Lutheran churches of Guyana and Suriname has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 21 at 6 p.m. EST. Note that this is one week later than originally advertised. Leadership on August 21 will be from the women of ELKS--the Lutheran Church in Suriname. You are invited to join via Zoom for this one-hour time of conversation and prayer!
Connection information is as follows:
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83882799173
Meeting ID: 838 8279 9173
One tap mobile +13052241968,,83882799173# US +13126266799,,83882799173# US (Chicago)
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Just Love Civic Life and Faith Webinar
The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Social statements are the ELCA’s primary documents to address significant social issues. They are intended to aid reflection, shape conscience, and set forth the ELCA’s teaching and policy on the major social issues and questions of contemporary life. Social statements are developed by task forces, using an established process of study and widespread participation across the church, to guide theological and moral deliberation.
Join Just Love and people around the synod to explore this draft social statement on August 28 from 7 - 9 p.m. on Zoom. A panel will present various aspects of the draft. Presenters include Cheryl Stuart (attorney in public policy), Professor William Rodriguez (ethics and philosophy), and Pastor Rani Abdulmasih (Hope Lutheran Church, The Villages). Please read the social statement prior to the webinar found here.
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Making Disciples
A retreat for those who work with youth in faith formation
Join Luther Springs for the Making Disciples retreat, September 26-29.
This retreat is designed to support all those who work with children, youth and young adults in faith formation. Our event begins Thursday evening for a time of networking and hospitality.
On Friday, we will host two all-day intensive care tracks:
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First track: Andy Jung from Fuller Youth Institute will join us as we explore Growing Young and how to engage younger generations in a way that breathes life and energy into the whole church.
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Second Track: Young Adult/Campus Ministry Leader Summit for leaders currently leading or wishing to develop campus ministry or young adult ministry sites. Campus ministry leaders from across the ELCA will guide leaders interested in creating Campus Ministry opportunities or strengthening existing ministries.
Saturday and Sunday, we will offer workshops geared to equip you in your ministry to and with children, youth, and young adults.
Come for one night, two nights, or all three. There is also a one-day commuter option.
Dates:
September 26-29, 2024
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| Photos of the Week: King of Kings, Port Richey | | |
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On August 4, 2024, King of Kings in Port Richey hosted a 'Blessing of the Backpacks' service, providing many children with much-needed school supplies. Thanks to the amazing volunteers who helped put together the backpacks!
Share your photo in E-Spirit. Email comms@fbsynod.org.
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Paraments available from Joy, Ocala
Joy, Ocala has altar paraments that they wish to donate to any congregation in need. Photos of the paraments can be found here. For more information, please contact Bob Bonomo at 352-220-4307.
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Two job openings at Grace in Tallahassee
PT Keyboardist (Piano and Organ)
We are seeking a part-time Organ/Keyboard/Piano player. The keyboardist will serve as a member of the Music Ministry Team for Grace Lutheran Church, and will prepare and perform music for the weekly 9am and 11am Sunday services, as well as other special days in Lent and during Holy Week, and Advent and Christmas on organ and piano. This position is available immediately, and inquiries and resumes may be submitted to Dr. Leslie Heffner, Music Program Coordinator at heffnerl@gmail.com.
PT Guitarist/Song Leader for Contemporary Service
We are seeking a PT Guitarist/Song Leader. The position will serve as a member of the Music Ministry Team for Grace Lutheran Church, to prepare and provide music leadership for the Contemporary Worship Service (Sundays at 9 am) in coordination with the Music Program Coordinator and Keyboard Player. This position is available immediately, and inquiries and resumes may be submitted to Dr. Leslie Heffner, Music Program Coordinator at heffnerl@gmail.com.
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Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Palm Harbor seeks Interim Music Director
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Palm Harbor is in need of a Director of Music to plan and organize the music ministry for worship services at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Palm Harbor, FL. Our services are Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday morning. We are a small ELCA congregation currently in transition awaiting a full-time pastor. Click here for details.
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September 21: School of Lay Ministry Annual Retreat and Graduation Worship, Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville
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