E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter | August 19, 2025 | | |
Get Ready to Recharge, Reconnect, and Be Inspired!
Rostered ministers—mark your calendars for September 29–October 1 and join us at the stunning Mission Resort and Club for a retreat that blends renewal, learning, and meaningful connection.
Our keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Mark Allan Powell, will spark dynamic conversations around biblical themes of gratitude, generosity, and stewardship—offering fresh insights for today’s church.
What’s Included?
- All meals, lodging, and resort fees
- Spa access for some well-deserved relaxation
- FREE boundaries training on Wednesday afternoon
There's also an optional opportunity to golf at the award-winning El Campeón course
This isn’t just continuing education—it’s a soul-refreshing experience in a breathtaking setting. Register by August 31 and don’t miss out!
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Calling All Published Pastors & Deacons! Again!
There was a great response at Synod Assembly to the book displays of our published pastors and deacons. We would like to continue to lift up your works at the Conference on Ministry this year as well. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Bill Rosche at billr@fbsynod.org for more information. Deadline to respond is August 29.
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Upcoming Installations
August 23 at 2 PM: Rev. Steven Benko will be installed as Pastor of Spirit of Christ and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches in Lake City, Florida. The installation will take place at Spirit of Christ.
August 30 at 10:30 AM: Noah Dodd will be installed as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pensacola. Rev. Dr. Derek Hoven will preside.
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 5: Plan Preparation, Review, and Approval (continued)
Write the Plan
As the planning team works through successive drafts of the plan, the members add necessary tables, charts, and other supporting graphics. The planning team prepares and circulates a draft plan to obtain the comments of stakeholders that have responsibilities for implementing the plan. Successful plans are written following these simple rules:
- Use clear and simple writing in plain language. Summarize important information with checklists and visual aids, such as maps and flowcharts.
- Avoid using jargon and minimize the use of abbreviations.
- Use short sentences and the active voice. Qualifiers and vague wording only add to confusion.
- Use a logical, consistent structure that makes it easy for readers to understand the rationale for the sequence of information and to find the information they need.
- Provide enough detail to convey an easily understood plan that is actionable. Organize the contents in a way that helps users quickly identify solutions and options. Plans should provide guidance for carrying out common courses of action, through the functional- and threat and hazard-specific annexes, but “stay out of the weeds.”
- Develop accessible tools and documents. Use appropriate auxiliary aids and services necessary for effective communication, such as accessible websites; digital text that can be converted to audio or Braille; the use of text equivalents for images; and captioning of any audio and audio description of any video content.
Review the Plan
Planners should check the written plan for compliance with applicable laws and for its usefulness in practice. Commonly used criteria can help determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the plan. The following measures can help determine if a plan is high quality.
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A plan is adequate if the plan identifies and addresses critical courses of action effectively; the plan can accomplish the assigned function; and the plan’s assumptions are valid and reasonable.
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A plan is feasible if the house of worship can accomplish the assigned critical courses of action by using available resources within the time contemplated by the plan.
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A plan is acceptable if it meets the requirements driven by a threat or hazard, meets cost and time limitations, and is consistent with the law.
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A plan is complete if it: Incorporates all courses of action to be accomplished for all selected threats and hazards and identified functions; Integrates the needs of the whole house of worship population; Provides a complete picture of what should happen, when, and at whose direction; Makes time estimates for achieving objectives, with safety remaining as the utmost priority; Identifies success criteria and a desired end-state; Is developed with the planning principles described in this guide.
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The plan should comply with applicable local and state requirements because these provide a baseline that facilitates both planning and execution.
Additionally, when reviewing the plan, the planning team does not have to provide all the resources needed to execute a course of action or meet a requirement established during the planning effort. However, the plan should explain where or how the house of worship would obtain the resources to support those requirements.
Approve and Share the Plan
After finalizing the plan, the planning team should present the plan to the appropriate leadership and obtain official approval of the plan. Once approval is granted, the planning team should share the plan with local emergency management officials, community partners that have a role in the plan, and organizations that may use the building(s). The planning team should maintain a record of the people and organizations that receive a copy of the plan.
| | | MINISTRY & PARTNER UPDATES |
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Sowing the Harvest! Advocacy Days, Jan. 14-15
The 2026 Florida Faith Advocacy Days are January 14–25 during the first week of the Florida Legislature. Make your plans to join us now. Registration information will be available in early September. The 2026 theme is Sowing the Harvest! which explores how the ministries we do in our communities translate into good public policy.
The general format is to arrive in Tallahassee by midday the first day, receive issue training in the afternoon, and participate in an evening interfaith vigil. The second day, advocates meet with their legislators and/or attend committee meetings. The nominal registration fee covers meals and materials. Communal housing is available for up to 30 people at a low rate or one can make their own hotel reservations.
Watch this page for future updates: floridachurches.org/2026AdvocacyDays.
Contact advocacy@floridachurches.org for more information.
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Did You Miss LSM 2025?
No problem—LSM On Demand has you covered! You’re invited to revisit over 30 concerts, recitals, and worship services from Lutheran Summer Music 2025, all available to watch in our Livestream Archive at LSMacademy.org/on-demand. From breathtaking performances to inspiring worship, there’s something for everyone—don’t miss the chance to experience it all!
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The May Family Educational Grant is OPEN to receive applications. The grant is available to rostered ministers of word and sacrament of the Florida-Bahamas Synod for continued education. From their experience, Pr. Rusty and PJ know how life-changing a professional grant can be for a pastor. It is their wish that other pastors may grow in their professional lives through continued education. Click here for the application. Deadline for submissions is August 31, 2025.
For questions about the grant, please contact Rev. Ana L. Lugo at 904-219-2769 or by email at ana.lugo@elca.org.
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Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
November 7–9, 2025
Warren Willis United Methodist Camp & Retreat Center, Fruitland Park, FL
Women from across the synod are invited to gather for a weekend of fellowship, worship, workshops, and Bible study in the beautiful setting of Warren Willis Camp & Retreat Center. Enjoy time with sisters in Christ, renew your spirit, and be refreshed for the season ahead.
| | A Joyful Installation at St. Stephen, Pompano Beach | | |
After a long and faithful Call Process, St. Stephen in Pompano Beach joyfully celebrated the installation of Pastor Victor Jortack. The occasion was made even more meaningful by the presence of Bishop Pedro Suárez, who previously served as pastor of the congregation. His return added a heartfelt layer of connection and celebration to this special day. The congregation gives thanks for this new chapter in ministry and the Spirit-filled joy that marked the event.
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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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Full Malmark Handbell Choir Set Available
Looking to start or expand a handbell choir in your congregation? St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Jacksonville is offering a 5-octave set of Malmark handbells for sale at a significantly reduced price. This well-maintained set (C3–C8, 61 bells in 11 cases) includes tables, pads, covers, music stands, lighting, gloves, and a full cabinet of 4–5 octave music. Asking price: $15,000 (new value nearly $50,000). For more information, contact St. Matthew’s at (904) 744-5333.
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Presiding Bishop-Elect Curry Interviewed on Chicago Tonight
Presiding Bishop-elect Yehiel Curry joined WTTW's Chicago Tonight to discuss his journey into ministry and his vision for the ELCA's future.
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Bishop Eaton Sends Letter to President Trump Addressing Situation in Gaza
Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support of “our Jewish-American and Israeli siblings who have suffered because of the Oct. 7 attacks,” yet voicing “profound horror regarding the catastrophe in Gaza and the wider crisis in the Holy Land.”
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Sign Up for ELCA Advocacy Alerts!
Want to make a meaningful impact on issues that matter to your faith and community? ELCA Advocacy Alerts connect you with timely opportunities to speak out on policies that promote compassion, justice, and care for creation. Whether it's hunger, housing, climate, or peace, your voice can help shape a more just world.
Sign up today and be part of a faithful movement for change: ELCA.org/advocacy/signup
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September 20: School of Lay Ministry Graduation Retreat & Worship, New Life Lutheran Church, Sarasota
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