Hello and welcome to this Florida-Bahamas Synod update for mid-September! I have a few updates for this month to share with you.
First, I want to share a brief update on our United As One COVID-19 Relief Grant. As of today, we have helped 65 congregations and ministries meet the challenges presented by COVID-19 and continue to expand their ministry work. I have an update for you today from one such ministry. Here’s a special message on Campus Ministry from Pastor Sarah Locke…
(Watch the video version of this Synod Update to see the message from Pr. Sarah Locke)
As you can see, your generous support and gifts continue to positively impact ministry here in the Florida-Bahamas Synod!
Speaking of this, there is a new Stewardship resource for those hoping to increase giving during COVID-19. The program is called Beginning a Culture of Generosity, and it will be hosted by Mike Ward, of Stewardship in All Seasons. Here’s a brief video message on this program from Tom O’Reilly…
(Watch the video version of this Synod Update to see the message from Tom O’Reilly)
For more information, please email Tom at tom.f.oreilly@gmail.com.
We have some exciting Zoom events coming up soon! Our next Let’s Talk Rostered Ministers Zoom Gathering will take place on September 17 at 10:00am. We will be discussing Holy Communion Practices During COVID-19 with our special guest, Dr. Tim Wengert. The registration link for this meeting can be found in E-Spirit and on our website.
And our next Let’s Talk Youth Event will be held on September 27th at 4:00pm. At this event, we’ll be discussing change, coping skills, and how God is with us even during stressful times. If you know a middle or high school-aged youth who would like to attend, you can find a registration link in E-Spirit this week and on our website.
Last Friday, we hosted a special Service of Remembrance on the 19th anniversary of the September 11thattacks. Here is a short clip from that service…
(Watch the video version of this Synod Update to see this clip)
If you would like to watch the entire September 11th service, you can find it on our synod Facebook page and linked in E-Spirit this week.
I also want to give you an update on our Racial Justice Think Tank. Here’s a special message from Pastor Reggie Hansome…
(Watch the video version of this Synod Update to see the message from Pr. Reggie Hansome)
I have good news from our Global Mission partners in Jamaica! Recently, we were able to bless the United Theological Seminary of the West Indies with a $10,000 gift to add modern technology to one of the classrooms. Because of this, the seminary can now offer some classes online during COVID-19. With more information on our Global Mission work, here’s Rev. Katie Carroll, Chair of the Global Mission Table.
(Watch the video version of this Synod Update to see the message from Rev. Katie Carroll)
Finally, I want to end this update with a word of prayer. With so much happening across our nation and our world, I ask you to take a moment and pray with me.
Gracious and merciful God, our hearts are heavy as we think about the suffering in our world. We pray for those in harm’s way today, especially the firefighters bravely battling the wildfires in California, Washington, and Oregon, as well as those who live in these states. We pray for protection for those in the paths of dangerous hurricanes and tropical storms this week. And as we face social unrest in our cities, we ask for peace and justice to prevail in our nation, and that we may learn to love our neighbor, as You commanded us. We trust in Your unfailing love and we pray in the most holy name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.
