Jan. 8, 2019
This story ran in the Ft. Myers News-Press on Dec. 31. The Oasis Youth Shelter is a program of Lutheran Services Florida, one of our ministry partners.
'Mr. E' brings joy to troubled teens at Oasis Youth...

CLOSE Erick Scott passed out Sharpies that held the promise of forgiveness. "We're going to write whatever it is that's holding onto us. We're going to write it on the balloon and let it go up. From this day forward, don't think on it. Don't...

Read more
www.news-press.com
End of Year Update from ELH (Haiti)
from Pr. Livenson Lauvanus, ELH, Haiti
Dear friends and colleagues, 
Once again 2018 is ended and a New Year is coming on our way. We can boldly say that God has been very good to us so far. Nevertheless, it is always good to reflect on the actions we were able to take so that we can make better plans for the coming year. This year because you have responded graciously respond to God’s calling to be his hand, this is what we were able to accomplish...


Please keep PJ May and the team that is traveling to Jamaica for a Global Mission Immersion Journey this week in your prayers.

To learn more about immersion journeys and our global mission partners, click HERE .
Transition Training
Jan. 28-30, 2019
Luther Springs

Transitions - There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, or has just received a newly called pastor, or is seeking new direction into God's future, it is a time of transition from something that was to something that is yet to be. 

The Transition Training Event will help attendees to focus on what it is that properly motivates ministry so that the "yet to be" is fully in the hands of God, and God's people are themselves renewed and ready for that ministry.

Mark your Calendar
Click on the calendar to go to the synod calendar to learn more about these events
Jan. 18 - Lunch and Learn for Church Administrators, Hope, The Villages (11:00 a.m.)
Jan. 20 -  Ordination of David Thoresen, Atonement in Sebring (3:00 p.m.)*
Jan. 20 - Paul Jacobs, concert organist, Prince of Peace, Largo (3:00 pm)
Jan. 23-24 -  ELCA Coaching Training, St. Philip, Mt. Dora
Jan. 24 -  Ordination of Sarah Locke, St. Mark’s, Jacksonville (6:00 p.m.)*
Jan. 25-28 - ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, Jacksonville
Jan. 27 - Installation of Pr. Maryanne Kehlenbach, Living Faith, Tradition (10:00 a.m.)
Jan. 28-30 - Transition Training, Luther Springs
Feb. 17 - Flute Ensemble, Prince of Peace, Largo (3:00)
Feb. 19-22 - Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando
Feb. 19-22 - Association of Parish Clergy Conference, Oviedo
Feb. 22-24 - Master Builders Retreat @ Luther Springs
Feb. 24 - music concert at Peace, Ft. Myers (3:00 pm)
March 3 - Choir Festival, Pines Shores Presbyterian Church, Sarasota

*rostered ministers invited to vest and process (color is red)


For Your Information
Deaconess Community of the ELCA Mission Support Grants

The Deaconess Community of the ELCA is accepting letters of intent for their mission support grants. Letters of intent need to be submitted by Jan. 15. More information about the Deaconess Community mission support grants is available at: https://deaconesscommunity.org/mission-grants/
Lunch and Learn for Church Administrators
Jan. 18, 2019
Hope, The Villages
Calling all church administrators, executive pastors, treasurers, bookkeepers—anyone (staff or volunteer) who deals with financial and tax topics in their congregation: Mike Batts, Managing Partner of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, will be presenting at Hope Lutheran Church in The Villages on Jan. 18, 2019. His presentation will cover "Current Financial and Tax Topics in the World of Churches." The event will be from 11:00-1:00 and will include a free lunch. Please RSVP to [email protected] by 1/13/2019. See attached flyer for more information.
Director of Youth Ministry Position

Living Lord Lutheran Church, located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is seeking an energetic, creative and enthusiastic full-time Director of Youth and Family Ministry, to develop and lead programs for children, youth and their families in one of the fastest growing communities in the country. The DYFM will envision, develop, coordinate, plan, administer and assess ministries consistent with the strategic direction of the congregation. This includes, but is not limited to, Youth Group, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and mission trips. This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary. Inquiries may be directed to the Education Team at [email protected].
Start the Year Off Strong--turn in reports!
Rostered Minister Reports and congregational Parochial Reports provide the synod office with valuable information that helps us support, respond to, and prioritize ministry effectively. Mission Support Forms are another important way to help synod staff prioritize and respond to ministry needs well.

Please submit reports and forms so that we can best support your ministries and contexts.

Bishop's Calendar
  • Synod Office
  • Holiday break
  • Vacation
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