The first  annual diakonia retreat was held June 1 and 2, 2007 at St. John Lutheran Church, Winter Park.

The annual retreat is an important part of the diakonia formation process.  The Rev. Dr. Eric W. Gritsch, one of the pre-eminent elder theologians of our church was the keynote speaker. Dr. Gritch is emeritus professor of Church history at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.  Dr. Gritsch challenged, stimulated, and engaged about 35 participants in a lively, thoughtful and provocative look at our vocation of discipleship in the 21st century. A complete report of the retreat with pictures will be found in the next print edition of Cross+Currents. 

More about this program.     

Tuesday, June 26 is designated by the United Nations as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Let us remember in prayer all those who suffer torture across the world and pray too that, in the name of the Blessed Trinity, all torture shall cease.  
Almighty and everlasting God, comfort of the sad and strength to those who suffer: Let the prayers of your children who are in any trouble rise to you. To everyone in distress grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Occasional Services, pp.62)

United Nations official web site     Ways you can make a difference

World Refugee Day Celebration

Wednesday, June 20th, 2007, has been designated by The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as “World Refugee Day.” Congregations of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, are encouraged to celebrate this day by praying for refugees throughout the world.

Read the Media Release     Go to the Lutheran Social Services Web Site

Youth Voting Delegate Resolution Passes as 2007 Synod Assembly
The Twentieth Annual Assembly of the Florida-Bahamas Synod approved a resolution that provides one (1) voting youth delegate position from each voting congregation of the synod. Congregations now have the opportunity to encourage youth and young adults to attend as voting members to the assembly.
Read the Resolution     Go to the Assembly Website

SYNOD ACTION ALERT: May 22nd Call in Day to promote fair legislation for world hunger.

Join Florida Impact and other organizations around the nation for an Anti-Hunger Call-in Day on May 22nd. Help support the McGovern/Emerson "Feeding America's Families Act" (H.R. 2129) and build momentum for 2007 Farm Bill investments that strengthen the Food Stamp and emergency feeding programs.

Find Out How to Help

ELCA Bishops Advocate for Fair Immigration Laws in D.C.

A group of ELCA bishops, including The Reverend Edward R. Benoway of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, meet with key members of the U.S. Congress in Washington last week. The bishops spoke with both Republican and Democratic leaders from their respective synods regarding issues stemming from comprehensive immigration reform that is "humane and for the common good.". <More Information>  < ELCA Advocacy Website> <LIRS Website>

Lutheran Counseling Services Presents

This program is designed to utilize the wisdom and encouragement of a peer group to assist participants in focusing on personal goals for self-improvement and enhanced health and wholeness (mind-body-spirit).

. <More Information> <Visit LCS Website>

Church Gets New Cross

On March 16, 2007, members of St. Peter Lutheran Church erected a 10 foot stainless steel cross on the roof of Lau Fellowship Hall. This cross replaces the steeple which was blown down in tropical storm Gabriel several years ago. Funds for the cross were contributed by one member, but placement, installation and all the rest of the work was handled by the members of the church. The cross will also be lighted at night and because of the location of St. Peter it can been seen from the Gulf of Mexico. <View a Larger Image>

Students Spend Spring Break Serving Others

Instead of spending spring break in the usual college fashion, a group of twenty-three leaders and students, led by Pastor Michael Collins, from University Lutheran Church’s Campus Ministry in Gainesville, Florida traveled to Costa Rica on their Third Annual Spring Break Mission Trip in March.

<Read Full Story> <Go to the Campus Ministry Website> <See More Pictures>

The South Carolina Lutherhostel, sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA), will be held 10/21-22, 2007, at the Lutheran Coastal Retreat Center at the Isle of Palms, (Charleston) SC. The five day even is planned to provide edification, inspiriation and Christian fellowship to all. Presenters include: Rev. Robert Zimmer, Dr. Bart Saylor, and Mr. Randy Burbage. For more information contact LaVone Maroney, 1-800-930-ALOA.

<Email LaVone Maroney> <Go to the Older Adult Website> <Go to ALOA>

Reverend Bishop Margarita Martinez of the Caribbean Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, died on Sunday, March 11, 2007. She is survived by her son, Javier, her mother, Margo, and brother, Raphael. Bishop Martinez was a "faithful servant of Christ and of His Church" and has served as Bishop of the Caribbean Synod since her election in 2001. She was the first Latin American female bishop in the ELCA.

<Read the Pastoral Letter from Bishop Benoway> 

<Media Release (English) (Spanish)>

Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church

800 East Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806

407.425.7771, relca@reformationelca.com

Region

Archives

The ELCA Region 9 James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives Newsletter Available. Take time to learn about how the archives can help you and your church in ministry. <Download Newsletter> <Go to the website>

Lutheridge + Lutherock Ministries Encouraging Emphasis by Churches in February - To help you promote summer camp, February is designated as Lutheridge + Lutherock Ministries emphasis month.  LLMI will be mailing a packet of information to all congregations in mid-January.All materials will also be available for download from www.LLMI.net.  Contact cwilliams@LLMI.org to have a copy of the materials emailed to you right away.

Evangelical Lutheran Worship Workshops - Join the over 500 others who have already been to the workshops - It's not too late!

<Read about it here> <Register and get online tools here>

$5,000 Grants Available to Churches "to develop vital support services needed by deserving immigrants and refugees "

"I encourage you to apply!" says Bishop Benoway

<Read about it here>

Next Phase of Sexuality Study Now Available

The next piece of material for congregational study from the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality is available online at the ELCA website .  <Go to the website>

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Florida Receives a 4-wheel donation. <Read about it here>