Weekly Newsletter of the Florida-Georgia District

Equip, Empower, Engage - Connecting People to Jesus

January 19, 2024

Prayers


Please pray for the family of Cindy Hammerstrom (FLGA District Office Staff) as they mourn the loss of their father and grandfather, Rodney List.


Kay Jacobson (Emeritus Teacher) is undergoing knee revision surgery. Please pray for those caring for Kay, for successful surgery, and a full recovery.


Michael Rottman (Principal, Grace, Winter Haven, FL) is preparing to begin radiation treatment for vocal cord cancer. Please pray for healing.


Rev. Don Stier (Immanuel, Tavernier, FL) had successful surgery to remove a blood clot in his lung and is recovering at home.


Please pray for Rev. Chris Patterson as he waits for a liver transplant and adjusts to a new medication.


Rev. Andy Ritchie (St. Paul, Lakeland, FL) continues testing and procedures to seek answers for health issues with his pancreas. Please pray for peace and guidance for Andy and his healthcare team.


Rev. Dr. Robert Maltzahn (Emeritus) is in a rehab facility in Gainesville, GA. Please pray for him as he recovers from surgery.


Rev. James Drummond (Emeritus) is battling cancer. Please pray for him and his medical team as they determine the next steps in his care. 


Please pray for the men and women who are deployed. Pray for their safety, their health, and their spiritual care. Pray also for their families who live their lives without their loved ones with them.


Rev. Dr. Milan Weerts (Emeritus) is recovering at home from successful heart valve replacement surgery. Please pray for healing and strength as he recovers.


Roy Heflin (DCE Emeritus) is undergoing numerous tests and doctor appointments and is being assessed for a kidney transplant. Please pray for the Lord's continued strength, provision, and peace. Please also consider becoming an organ transplant donor.

How can we pray for you?


Submit a prayer request so our office and others in the District, if you choose, can lift your need or thanksgiving to our loving Father.


CLICK HERE

to submit.

District News & Events

National Lutheran Schools Week is a time for connections. Students and classes connect in creative activities. Teachers and administrators intentionally connect with families. Schools and congregations connect in celebrating ministry partnerships. The Lutheran school connects with the local and broader community.


The most important connection is with Christ. National Lutheran Schools Week celebrates Christ as the focus of the Lutheran school for a special week and every day in every activity. This week’s textual focus, John 15:1–5, declares that He is “the vine” and only by connecting to Him is there life and fruit.


Connect with the FLGA District each morning, Monday-Friday, for a prayer to start your day! Jennifer Tanner, Executive Director of Schools & Youth Ministry, will be live on the FLGA District social media.

Transformation Tuesday

January 23: The Along-Sider Adventure



Join FLGA Executive Director of Missions and Outreach, Rev. Dr. Peter Meier, for Transformation Tuesdays, a one-hour Zoom call for some great discussion! The Transformation Tuesday discussions are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 11 am.


January 23  The Along-Sider Adventure: For the past six months, we have adopted this theme for our Monday Prayer at 10:02. Let’s recap and look ahead at all 10 key components of the Along-Sider way of life. How might these be helpful in your efforts to come alongside others in your home, workplace, church, and community? Let this Adventure be your disciple-making guide in 2024!


Anyone who wishes to join in the discussion or listen in is invited. Please click here to get your Zoom link.

Missionary Pathway Cohorts Launch January 24


What is the Missionary Pathway? This is a simple and repeatable disciple-making process designed to help you equip everyday Christians to share the gospel and make disciples in the places you live, work, learn, and play. Many Christians feel passionate about their faith but insecure about sharing it with friends and neighbors.


This training will equip you to navigate challenges and equip people in your ministry areas with the confidence needed to share faith in the places you are already going. Click here to learn more and sign up today. 

FLGA District Treasurer Workshop


The Florida Georgia District will host a FREE Treasurer's Workshop via ZOOM on February 24 from 10 am to 1:30 pm.


Individuals within the church who have financial responsibilities should participate. This session will be a high-level general overview, and you will have an opportunity to get your questions answered.


Discussion topics include employment issues, administrating the organization, taxes, accounting processes, and more! You can learn more and register here.

Give Hope—Help Families in Ukraine


For over 30 years, early childhood centers and K-12 schools in the Florida-Georgia District

have partnered to support a special project called Hearts for Jesus. Simply stated, the 60+ Lutheran school ministries in Florida and Georgia designate the chapel offerings for the month of February (or whatever month you choose) to support a ministry somewhere beyond our borders.


Helping Hands Eastern European Ministries is the 2023-2024 Hearts for Jesus project. Schools can participate by collecting money through offerings and creating prayer cards. For $16, a family receives a food package to make 6-7 meals. Helping Hands works directly with Lutheran pastors in Eastern Europe.


Learn more about Helping Hands Eastern European Ministries and find all the 2024 Hearts for Jesus resources on the webpage.

Upcoming

District Events


75th Anniversary Capital Campaign


2024 FLGA District Lutheran School Music Festival


2024 Veterans of the Cross Gathering


2024 Ministry Wives Retreat


Events Around the District

District Resources

January/ February 2024

Read it here

Update your address & subscribe to

Lutheran LIFE here!

President's

Monthly Message

Connect with

Campus Ministries

Along-Sider Resources

Learn more

about the

LCMS Foundation

Connect With Us

Click and image to get started!

Other News

Join the 2024-2025 Educator Leadership Academy


Concordia University’s Servant Leadership Institute sponsors five days of professional development for educators nationwide to acquire insights on becoming exemplary servant leaders of character with specific skills to create positive school cultures where students thrive.


K-12 public and private school education professionals are invited and encouraged to register for the 2024-2025 Educator Leadership Academy at Concordia Irvine.


Watch the video above and click here for more information and registration.

Neighborhood Grocery Store Needs Volunteers


Goods and Grace is a non-profit grocery store offering affordable, nutritious food. They serve families in need by nurturing their bodies and souls with dignity and grace.


Volunteers are needed! Goods and Grace would not be possible without its volunteers and generous donations. All volunteers work hard to demonstrate God’s grace in service to the community, replicating His love, serving shoppers, reflecting each customer’s value as a person and making them feel good about themselves, no matter their situation, and upholding a culture of well-being, acting as the hands and feet of Jesus.


For more information, visit their website or email Kyle to RSVP to the Volunteer Open House on January 27, 4 pm - 6 pm.

Lutheran Counseling Services 5k


Join Lutheran Counseling Services for their annual We Care 5k and raise funds and awareness for mental health. The event begins at 8:30 am at St. Stephen’s in Longwood. The We Care 5k will take you down parts of the Seminole Trail and loop back to the church.


This event is perfect for participants of all ages and ability levels. Runners and walkers are welcome, and groups of family and friends are encouraged.


Learn more and register here.

James' List
A place to give away or sell items no longer used by your church or school, find items you need/want, or feature employment opportunities.

Account Manager Needed in Central Florida


Concordia Plans is seeking an Account Manager to serve in the Orlando-Tampa area. The Account Manager is the primary employer contact responsible for building and maintaining relationships at assigned ministries. They will seek account development and partner with internal teams to promote new ministry participation and existing ministry adoption of additional services.


View the Position Description here. Please email Kim Hoover or call 314.885.6722 if you are interested.

Find us on Social Media
Facebook  Instagram