Florida-Bahamas Synod

ALOA Sponsored Trip - 11-Day “3 Continents” Tour of Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey (including 7-night cruise)
2021-11-18 - 2021-11-28
Click here to view the brochure!
VIDEO OF TOURING GREECE: https://youtu.be/ul-o6E47MMw
VIDEO OF TOURING ISRAEL: https://youtu.be/TQgvSMYNFnA
VIDEO OF TOURING JERUSALEM: https://youtu.be/ao04682PQv

Tour Title: 11-Day “3 Continents” Tour of Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey (including 7-night cruise)
Departure Date: Thursday, November 18th, 2021
Departure City: Tampa, FL (TPA)
Base Cost: $3990
Taxes: $378
Land Tips: $70
Cruise Tips: $70
Port charges: $289
Per Person: $4872 TOTAL

7-Night Greek Isles cruise based on cabin category XB outside cabin
For additional information about the cruise line, please visit: https://www.celestyalcruises.com/en/cruise-ship-celesty

ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Thursday, November 18: Depart for Athens
Embark upon your journey with an overnight flight to Athens. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience and get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostle Paul walked!

Day 2 – Friday, November 19: Arrive in Athens
We arrive in Athens and are met by our representative and tour guide. We enjoy our panoramic bus tour of Athens on the way to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – Saturday, November 20: Athens, Mars Hill, Acropolis, Plaka, Board 7-Night Cruise
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing as we admire the architectural wonders of ancient Athens. We follow our guide to the world-renowned Acropolis to see the Propylea, the Erechtheum, and the Parthenon. We visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the “Unknown God.” Then, we see the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium, and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to explore the famous Plaka, known for its many welcoming sidewalk cafes and unique shops. We will make our way to the port of Piraeus and our 7-night floating hotel, as we begin our 3-Continent cruise to visit Egypt, Israel & Turkey.

Day 4 – Sunday, November 21: Day at Sea
Today, we enjoy free time onboard our cruise. We will have an opportunity to rest, explore the ship, have time for fellowship and will gather as a group to discuss the upcoming excursions for the week.

Day 5 – Monday, November 22: Egypt – Cairo
We have a morning arrival into Egypt. We disembark and start our included shore excursion to Cairo. We depart from Alexandria in our luxury motor coach and drive to Africa’s largest city, the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Our first stop is at Giza Plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World still stands, the Pyramids of Giza. We will park at the base of Chephren’s pyramid and time will be allocated to explore the site on our own. We continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx, lies. We take time out to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet at a leading 5-star deluxe hotel (included). After lunch we drive to Tahrir (Liberty) Square, the heart of downtown Cairo. We visit the National Archaeological Museum and acquaint ourselves with Egypt’s ancient history, spanning a period of over 50 centuries. The Museum is the repository of the world’s largest and richest collection of Egyptian Antiquities, amongst them the priceless collection of King Tutankhamen. We then have an opportunity to visit a Papyrus Institute, where the art of paper making from reeds discovered by the Ancient Egyptians is demonstrated. Limited time for souvenir shopping will also be allocated before we drive back to Port Said, where we board our ship.

Day 6 – Tuesday, November 23: Israel – Jerusalem: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Old City, Via Dolorosa, Western Wall, Bethlehem
This morning, we arrive in Israel (Ashdod port). We disembark and start our included shore excursion to Jerusalem. We visit the beautiful Mount of Olives and view this incredible panorama of Jerusalem and the walls of the Old City. From here we walk down the Old Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove, and see the Church of Agony, where tradition holds that Jesus prayed. We then visit the Church of Gethsemane (Church of All Nations) where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, captured by the Romans, and later sentenced by Pontius Pilate. We continue to the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting the colorful market where three religions coincide. We walk along the Via Dolorosa including St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Pavement (where Jesus stood while being tried by Pilate), Ecce Homo Arch, and a short visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the ancient Cardo. We then proceed to the holiest site in the Jewish world, the Western Wall of Herod’s temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24: 18-25). On this site now stand El- Aksa Mosque and the magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third holiest shrine in Islam). We stop for a late lunch break in Bethlehem (included). We will visit the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. Our last stop will be at the Garden Tomb, for a time of worship and communion. Afterwards, we return to Ashdod to board our cruise ship. Late evening departure for Limassol.

Day 7 – Wednesday, November 24: Cyprus
Morning arrival in Limassol (Cyprus). Archaeological remains on the island include the well-preserved Neolithic village of Khirokitia, and Cyprus is home to some of the oldest water wells in the world. Cyprus was settled by Mycenaean Greeks in the 2nd millennium BC. As a strategic location in the Middle East, it was subsequently occupied by several major powers, including the empires of the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians, and Alexander the Great. There are no shore excursions included today, as we will visit the island at our leisure. We return to our ship and sail for Rhodes in the early evening.

Day 8 – Thursday, November 25: Rhodes & Lindos
Late morning arrival in Rhodes (Greece). We disembark and start our included shore excursion to Lindos. Lindos is situated 40 miles from the city of Rhodes and bears above it the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena built in 300 B.C. We will come across the captain’s mansions, built between the 16th and 18th century. In the center of the village is the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) of Lindos, with frescoes from the 15th century. We ascend to the Acropolis of Lindos. Here lies the Temple of Athena of Doric order, which was erected on the location of an older monument. The ancient city-state of Lindos was the most important on the island for many centuries. It reached its heyday in the 6th century B.C. At the old city of Rhodes, we go through the D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights. Along this street we find the residences of the Knights, separated according to Order, which still today bear their corresponding crests. We will enjoy some free time on the island before our evening departure.

Day 9 – Friday, November 26: Turkey – Ephesus
Morning arrival in Kusadasi (Turkey). We disembark and enjoy our included shore excursion to Ancient Ephesus. At Ancient Ephesus we find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era. At the archaeological site we have a guided tour among the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous even today for its acoustics. The finds from these excavations, which have only brought to light 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in the city of Selcuk. During the excursion, we have a chance to do some shopping and see the carpet weaving demonstration. We enjoy free time in the afternoon and depart in the evening to sail back to Piraeus, Greece.

Day 10 – Saturday, November 27: Disembark Cruise, Greece – Corinth, Athens
This morning, we disembark from the cruise ship in Piraeus. We continue our sightseeing with a visit to Ancient Corinth. This is the once-glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples, and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. Then we drive to Cenchreae, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. We then make our way to our hotel in Athens, where we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and overnight.

Day 11 – Sunday, November 28: Athens Airport Return Flight Back Home
This morning, we transfer to Athens Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. We arrive home the same day.

Let's Talk: What's Your Story? Youth Check-In
2020-12-06 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Calling all youth members and friends! You are invited to join Bishop Suárez for our next Youth Check-In on December 6th at 4:00pm.
This check-in will be centered around sharing our stories, exploring our faith, and seeing God working in our lives! In addition to hearing a message from Bishop Suárez, we’ll have time for youth to share their stories, musical gifts, and lead us in prayer. Would you like to share your story or offer a musical/artistic gift? Let us know when you register. PLUS, when you register, you will be automatically entered into our drawing to win a surprise gift!
Join us and invite a friend! Click here to register!
Rostered Ministers and Youth Leaders: Please use the above article and link to invite your young people! If you are holding a confirmation class, Bible study, or other youth event at the same time, consider trying something new and inviting your youth to join this event instead!

Synodwide Thanksgiving Worship
2020-11-17 19:00 - 20:00 | https://fbsynod.com/synodwide-thanksgiving-worship/
Join the Synodwide Thanksgiving Worship by clicking here!

Best Practices for Our Congregational Schools
2020-10-08 11:00 - 12:00
Calling all pastors, teachers, principals, administrators, and staff of our congregational schools!
The start of the 2020-2021 school year has brought lots of anxiety to our nation. Many are wondering how to safely reopen our schools while protecting the health and safety of our students.
Join Cory Newman, Executive Director of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), and Bishop Pedro Suárez for a discussion on best practices for reopening schools during COVID-19.
This event is open for everyone! Education professionals and Rostered Ministers serving a congregation with a school are especially encouraged to attend.

Click here to register!

Let’s Talk! Rostered Ministers Gathering: Holy Communion During COVID-19
2020-09-17 10:00 - 11:00
Let’s Talk! Rostered Ministers Gathering on Holy Communion
Join Bishop Suárez and Dr. Timothy Wengert for our next Rostered Ministers Virtual Gathering! Together, we will explore Holy Communion during COVID-19.
Click here to register!
Our special guest, Timothy J. Wengert, is the Ministerium of Pennsylvania emeritus professor of Reformation History and the Lutheran Confessions at the United Lutheran Seminary (Philadelphia). A parish pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Minnesota and Wisconsin, he received his doctorate from Duke University in 1984. Besides his published dissertation on Philip Melanchthon’s interpretation of John’s Gospel, Wengert co-edited with Robert Kolb the 2000 English edition of The Book of Concord. His translation into English of Luther’s Small Catechism is widely used throughout the ELCA. He has received honorary doctorates from Carthage College and Wartburg Theological Seminary, and in 2011 he was visiting guest professor at the University of Aarhus, Denmark. In 2019 he published Word of Life: Introducing Lutheran Hermeneutics, and in 2020 he edited a new edition of Doberstein’s Minister’s Prayer Book and The Augsburg Confession: Renewing Lutheran Faith and Practice.

September 11th Service of Remembrance
2020-09-11 10:00 - 11:00
September 11th Service of Remembrance
September 11, 2020 at 10:00am on Zoom

Join Bishop Pedro Suárez, Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Khader El-Yateem, and Pastor Joe Conner for a service of remembrance and prayer on the 19th anniversary of September 11th, 2001.
This brief service will include prayers of lamentation and special live music. Reflections will be shared by Pr. Joe Conner, who served as Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church on Staten Island during 9/11/01, and now serves as Pastor of Lamb of God in Haines City.
No registration is necessary. Simply click here to access the meeting.

Let's Talk! Youth Gathering
2020-08-30
More information coming soon!

Let’s Talk! Virtual Rostered Ministers Gathering
2020-08-20 10:00 - 11:30
Join Bishop Suárez and Dr. Brad Binau, along with special guests and coaches, for a virtual Rostered Ministers gathering on August 20th! All Rostered Ministers are encouraged to participate.

Our special guest speaker, Dr. Brad Binau, is a professor of Pastoral Theology at Trinity Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. He will be giving a special presentation titled, “Problem or Dilemma? What We Can’t Fix We Can Often Manage”. This talk will address Rostered Ministers engaging the challenges of leading in ministry and mission in these days.

After opening prayer and devotions from Bishop Suárez, we will hear from Dr. Johan Bergh, ACC, Pastor at St. Philip Lutheran in Mt. Dora, and from our guest speaker, Dr. Brad Binau. Later, we’ll break into small groups for discussion together. Coaches from throughout our synod and others will join to help facilitate conversation.

Click here to register!

Let's Talk! Youth Check-In with Bishop Suárez
2020-07-26 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Calling all youth! Join Bishop Suárez and your youth leaders for a special Zoom gathering on July 26th!
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEucemtqj4rHNTmtyNE3POeoZqyE7AcV90
We’ll spend time connecting, talking about what’s happening in our world today, and worshipping together. Bishop Pedro Suárez will lead the special time of prayer and worship.
Our youth check-in will include special guest speakers, music, and an opportunity to break into smaller groups for deeper discussion.
This gathering is intended for middle and high school students. All attendees will need to register in advance.

Vigil of Lament and Prayer
2020-07-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Register on Zoom by clicking here
Join members and leaders from throughout the Florida-Bahamas Synod for a virtual prayer vigil and time of lament together.
Our Florida-Bahamas Synod community is invited to gather in solidarity, to witness to one another’s pain and to lift up our prayers for peace and justice. We will hear from Bishop Pedro Suárez and other Synod leaders, and will individually have time to express our grief, hope, and faith.
Why Lament Matters: As a society, we have been rushing to fix the problems that plague our communities. We have urgently sought a vaccine for COVID-19. We have championed justice and reform in response to police brutality. We have tried to find modern solutions to our problems and viable alternatives to traditional meetings and events.
But through these struggles, we have seldom taken the time to mourn the loss we collectively feel. Our pain is universal, and it is time to gather as a community and lament as God’s people during this trying time.
Let us stop, for a brief moment, and share in each other’s grief and suffering. Let us support and hear one another. Let us take a break from our efforts to fix our society’s issues and spend precious time mourning together and affirming our shared mission.

Grands and Family Camp
2020-06-28 - 2020-07-01 | Luther Springs Camp and Conference Center, 264 Vause Lake Road, Hawthorne, FL, 32640, United States
Grands and Family Camp is a wonderful opportunity for families of all shapes and sizes, including yours, to unplug and to reconnect in God’s good creation, strengthen your faith and deepen your relationships. Experience all that camp has to offer with your family, from crafts to canoeing, to songs, campfires, faith sharing and so much more! Register today and begin creating faith-forming and life time memories at Luther Springs. For more information visit luthersprings.org or call 828.209.6301.

Vitality Training Retreat, Lake Conference
2020-03-07 | Lamb of God, 901 Scenic Highway, Haines City, FL, 33844, United States

Food Pantry Benefit, Peace Lutheran, Ft. Myers
2020-03-06 17:00 - 21:00

AFFS Concert Series - Prince of Peace, Largo
2020-03-05 19:00 - 21:00
Art for Faith’s Sake (AFFS) Concert Series
All concerts held in the Sanctuary of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave.
Largo, FL 33770
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are presented free-of-charge. Seating is first come, first serve.
Thursday, March 5
7:00pm
The Concordia Choir
Conductor René Clausen conducts the 72-voice a cappella choir from Moorhead, Minnesota in a varied concert in his final tour before retirement.
Free tickets are required for this event, phone the church for more information.

Region 9 Rostered Deacon Retreat
2020-03-02 - 2020-03-04 | Luther Ranch, GA, United States

Mid-day Ash Wednesday service at the Synod office
2020-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Florida-Bahamas Synod Office, 3838 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, 33607, United States

Women's Mini-Retreat, Emmanuel, Venice
2020-02-21 | Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 790 Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34285, United States

AFFS Concert Series - Prince of Peace, Largo
2020-02-16 15:00 - 17:00
Art for Faith’s Sake (AFFS) Concert Series
All concerts held in the Sanctuary of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave.
Largo, FL 33770
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are presented free-of-charge. Seating is first come, first serve.
Sunday, February 16
3:00pm
Three-Organ Spectacular!
Festival choir performing Louis Vierne’s Messe Solennelle for choir and two organs, along with other music for three organs.

AFFS Concert Series - Prince of Peace, Largo
2020-02-15 18:00 - 20:00
Art for Faith’s Sake (AFFS) Concert Series
All concerts held in the Sanctuary of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave.
Largo, FL 33770
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are presented free-of-charge. Seating is first come, first serve.
Saturday, February 15
6:00PM
Three-Organ Spectacular Weekend
A Spaghetti Dinner is served in the Parish hall, followed by an Old-Fashioned hymn sing with dueling pianos.
Tickets ($15) are required for this event, phone the church for more information.

Deans' Retreat, Luther Springs
2020-02-11 - 2020-02-13
Contact Connie Schmucker (connies@fbsynod.org) for more info.

Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando
2020-02-11 - 2020-02-13
Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando

More information: https://www.ignitethechurch.net/

Transition Ministry/Interim Ministry Training @ Luther Springs
2020-01-27 - 2020-01-29
Find out more HERE.

AFFS Concert Series - Prince of Peace, Largo
2020-01-26 15:00 - 17:00
Art for Faith’s Sake (AFFS) Concert Series
All concerts held in the Sanctuary of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave.
Largo, FL 33770
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are presented free-of-charge. Seating is first come, first serve.
Sunday, January 26
3:00pm
Fandango!
Grammy-nominated quartet (guitar, cello, flute, violin) playing a mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan, and classical sounds.

Lutheran Hymn Festival, Peace Lutheran, Ft. Myers
2020-01-24 19:00 - 21:00
Lutheran Hymn Festival
Friday, January 24, 7:00pm

The choirs of Messiah Lutheran Church, Deacon John Renfroe, director, and the Peace Lutheran Choir, Ric Jaeggi, director, will join in a traditional, Lutheran grown Hymn Festival.
It is our great pleasure to announce that Mark Mummert, of Trinity Lutheran in Massachusetts will be the guest musician.

Peace Lutheran Church
15840 McGregor Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33908
(239) 437-2599
www.peaceftmyers.com

Synod Parish Deacon Retreat
2020-01-10 - 2020-01-11
This year’s Synod Parish Deacon Retreat (January 10-11, 2020, Epiphany Lutheran, Oviedo)

More information: https://fbsynod.com/resources/synod-deacon/

AFFS Series Concert - Prince of Peace, Largo
2020-01-05 17:00 - 19:00
All concerts held in the Sanctuary of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave.
Largo, FL 33770
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are presented free-of-charge. Seating is first come, first serve.
Sunday, January 5
5:00pm
Epiphany Feast of Lights
Commemorating the visit of the wisemen including readings, tableau, Festival choir, and instruments. Wassail Party to follow

AFFS Series Concert - Prince of Peace, Largo
2019-12-15 18:00 - 20:00
AFFS Series Performances
All concerts held in the Sanctuary of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave.
Largo, FL 33770
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are presented free-of-charge. Seating is first come, first serve.
Sunday, December 15
6:00pm
Santa Lucia Festival of Lessons and Carols
A service for choirs and congregation followed by the telling of the story of Santa Lucia and cookie reception. Festival Choir, organ, handbells, and instruments.
Free tickets are required for this event, phone the church for more information.

New Orleans Style Jazz Concert - LCOS Tampa
2019-12-07 16:00
Christmas COncert LCOS

Candidacy Committee mtg
2019-11-15 - 2019-11-16
Candidacy committee meeting, synod office in Tampa

Vitality Training Event--First Coast Conference
2019-11-09 09:00 - 14:00
In the South Region, each retreat will be from 10:00-4:00 (unless otherwise specified) and include worship, brief conference business, and lunch. Details from conference deans coming soon. RSVP to conference deans to assist with planning.

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)

In the North Region, retreats will run from 9:00-2:00 (unless otherwise specified).
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)
