Hello and welcome to this Florida-Bahamas Synod Update for mid-August, 2020. These are some of the things happening in our synod this month of August that we would like to highlight:
We want to begin by celebrating a very special member of the Office of the Bishop. As most of you read recently in E-Spirit, our Assistant to the Bishop for Administration, Michele Hilton, is retiring at the end of this month. Michele will be sincerely missed around our synod office, and we ask you all to keep her in prayer as she transitions into retirement. On the other hand, Pastor Rob Rose has join us as our new Assistant to the Bishop for Administration. Pastor Rob has been training with Michele for the past couple of weeks and is off to a great start. We’re very happy to have him aboard!
We also want to take a moment to thank our Deans and our Lay Leadership and congregational staff. These folks work so hard for our congregations behind the scenes, especially during this time of pandemic. We are truly thankful to our Deans and leaders for all their work. Please, take a moment this week and thank your Deans and lay leaders for all they do.
There are two big Zoom events coming up soon! Our Rostered Leaders Gathering will be on August 20th at 10:00am. If you’re a Rostered Minister and have not registered yet, you can find registration links on our website, Facebook, and in E-Spirit. And our next Virtual Youth Gathering will happen on August 30th at 4:00pm. More information will be coming soon, but you can register now using the links on our website, Facebook, and in E-Spirit as well.
Our United As One COVID-19 Appeal continues to help our congregations respond to the pandemic. As of last Friday, 54 grants have been approved, for a total of a little over $133,000. One story of success from these grants comes from Holy Cross in Palm Springs. The grant they received helped continue their food pantry ministry alongside the Creole Tabernacle of Restoration. We’re very happy that these funds can help our congregations serve communities in need during this difficult time.Stay tuned to E-Spirit for updates and photos from congregations as we get them.
Lots of exciting things are in store for our synod. We’re planning new events, new worship services, and diverse opportunities for this fall. Please be sure to check E-Spirit and stay connected as we announce our upcoming events.
In spite of the Covid-19 pandemic we continue to grow. More churches are starting new worship ministries. Pastor Will Kittinger will explain what’s happening down in Naples with a new concept in outreach. (Video)
That was great Pastor Will, thank you!
Well, we’re coming to the end of this Florida-Bahamas Synod Update. We would be very happy to share some of the ministries happenings in your congregation. Please send us your stories by emails, photos and videos or questions. You can send them to our communications especialist Marina Ernst at MarinaE@fbsynod.org.
That’s it for now. Until next time, we wish you health and peace. God bless you! Have a great week!
