Call Today 813-876-7660

A Word of Thanks for Abundant Generosity

A note from Bishop Suarez and Michele Hilton (10/2019)

Whew! We don’t think we have written our names as many times as we did recently in personally signing over 200 – that’s right! – over 200 thank yous to people who sent donations for the Hurricane Dorian Disaster in the month of September! And donations are still coming in!

Not only do we have almost 100 % participation from the congregations of the synod, but many people in Florida who aren’t connected to any congregation also sent in donations. We also received financial gifts from Arizona, California, Connecticut, DC, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, New jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming!

Many congregations sent specific supplies to Holy Spirit, Juno Beach or to the Synod House–like the handmade quilts from Apostles in Brandon and the health kits that Luther Springs will be collecting.

We thank God for all of the resources shared to assist in the recovery in the Bahamas.

Most recoveries take 3–5 years (no, that’s not a typo), and we know it will be a longer road in Freeport. Please know your gifts will continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the congregation of Our Savior Lutheran and the community it serves.

The Recovery Team will be planning our long term strategy in the days and weeks ahead. Look for more stories. And please–keep the Recovery Teams and the people of the Bahamas in your prayers.

Hurricane Dorian FAQs (includes most updated info)
Donate to ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response
Donate to Florida-Bahamas Disaster Response

As people of God, we seek to boldly share Christ, passionately make disciples, and faithfully do justice in our communities.

Candidacy and Leadership
Congregational Life and Resources
Global Mission and World Hunger
Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Get Involved

Get Connected

Discover who we are

Conference on Ministry

  • Oct. 13-16, 2019
  • Oct. 19-21, 2020

Participate in what’s happening

Synod Assembly

  • 2020 – Caribe Royal – Kissimmee – June 5-7
  • 2021 – Embassy Suites – Kissimmee – June 3-5
  • 2022 – Caribe Royal – Kissimmee – June 3-5
  • 2023 – Caribe Royal – Kissimmee – June 8-10

 

 

Find a congregation

Lenten Visits 2020

  • Dates TBD

 

 

Heard About Vitality?

The Vitality Kick-off is an invitation to congregational leaders to gather for a day of learning, fellowship and renewal as we center ourselves on God’s dreams. Acting on God’s dreams, leaders will gather tools and resources that will create a pathway to a deeper sense of vitality and mission. Surrounded and supported by others, congregations invested in the vitality process journey together into a deeper awareness of God’s presence and action, a deeper commitment to their own discipleship and faith formation, and a deeper understanding of the communities they serve.
learn more about Vitality HERE.

Upcoming Vitality Training Retreats

South Region
10/12 – Mid-Gulf Conference (Emmanuel, Venice) **this retreat is from 9:00-3:00
10/26 – Caloosa Conference (Emmanuel, Naples)
11/2 – Tampa Conference (Good Shepherd, Tampa)
11/16 – Miami-Dade and Broward-Bahamas Conferences (St. John, Hollywood)
1/4/2020 – Lake Conference (Lamb of God, Haines City)
1/18/2020 – Tradewinds Conference (location TBD)
North Region
10/12 – Sun Coast (Trinity, St. Petersburg)
10/19 – Panhandle (St. Paul’s, Niceville)
11/2 – Gulf Coast (Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Palm Harbor)
11/9 – First Coast (St. Mark’s, Jacksonville)

Read our Blog

We are the Florida-Bahamas Synod

184
Active Pastors
16
Active Rostered Deacons
246
Retired Pastors
12
Retired Rostered Deacons
49016
baptized members
8
Developing Ministries
169
Organized congregations
5
Global Church Companions