Dear friends in Christ,

As we continue to mourn, lament, and try to make sense out of the massacre in Orlando this past Sunday, many individuals and churches have asked how they can help. Lutheran Services of Florida, in coordination with Lutheran Disaster Relief, is offering help, relief, and comfort to victims and their families.

Anyone can help with a financial donation to ELCA Disaster Response designating your gift to “Orlando.” Or you can send a check to the Florida-Bahamas Synod, 3838 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33607, with“Orlando” designated in the memo line. Or you can call the synod office with your credit card information, and we will process your donation.

I want you to know that in response to this tragedy, and as a sign of our being church together, I have changed my schedule to spend time with the people of Reformation Lutheran Church in Orlando this coming Sunday, June 19, where I will preach and preside at the 9:30 a.m. Liturgy of Holy Communion. Reformation is the closest ELCA congregation to the Pulse Night Club, only a mile away. I am thankful to Pastor Cosmas and the people of Reformation for this invitation to be with them at this important time.

Peace be yours,
+ Robert
The Rev. Robert G. Schaefer
Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod