June 30, 2020
34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Time and time again- especially in the Johannine writings, Jesus tells his disciples of every time and place, to love. Sometimes figuring out how to do that is easy; sometimes it is easy but hard to accept. This is such a time. With the cases of CoVid increasing exponentially across the United States and here in Duval County, your congregational council has decided that answering Jesus’ command to love one another requires postponing our worship reopening. Our new TENTATIVE start-up date is July 19. Stay tuned for updates. While we lament more weeks of not being able to gather, the injunction to care for one another requires this kind of caution. Be safe – maintain distancing – wear masks when you have to go out – love one another.
News from the Synod
| Vigil of Lament & Prayer July 9 at 7:00pm |
Join members and leaders from throughout the Florida-Bahamas Synod for a virtual prayer vigil and time of lament together. 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. Register at FBsynod.org
Special Message from Bishop Suárez to be shared this Thursday!
Bishop Pedro Suárez will release a special video update on Thursday, July 2 nd. Be sure to check your email and our Synod Facebook page to see it when it is released!
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| Calming Stressful Moments There’s an ancient prayer practice that is a vehicle for entering into God’s Shalom. Through it, a person is enabled to let go of stressors and empowered to step into the “peace that passes all understanding” with God’s abiding presence. It’s called “Centering/Contemplative Prayer”. Pr. Rob Carlson has recorded 7 short videos to introduce one to this incredible prayer style. You will find them on our website by clicking here. There are also other resources available that will provide even more information for this impactful prayer style. Visit our website to check them out. |
Watch our Racial Justice Conversation online!
If you missed our special Racial Justice Zoom Conversation on June 23 rd, you can watch it now on our synod Vimeo page. Go to synod website to connect.
We pray for the family and friends of Lorraine Ivey as they mourn her passing.