We were blessed to be participants in the recent Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly. Many of the blessing came from the inspirational worship services, the celebrations of communion, and wonderful music. The meeting room was cold, but we were warmed by the message to carry the Gospel in our hearts. We were led in singing by a small praise band, and we sang hymns both new and old. Our seats happened to be in the front row, and hearing 500 Christians joyously singing out was deeply moving.

Surprisingly, additional blessing came from the plenary sessions of the Assembly, which were primarily concerned with electing a new bishop. Although they were charged with a task, they continued the spirit of the worship services by including hymns and prayers. At first glance the balloting procedure seemed complicated, to the extent it brought to mind the butterfly ballots of Palm Beach County. In practice, however, the procedure helped form our perceptions and understanding. Before voting on each ballot, the Assembly joined together in prayer asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the preplanned succession of ballots led to reflection and prayerful discernment. The Rev. Pedro Suarez was elected on the sixth ballot receiving a sound endorsement from the Assembly. He is a graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology of Chicago, has pastored several churches, and served on the staffs of several Synods. Let us all join together and pray for his ministry.

Jesus chose His disciples, but the Church has had to choose elders since its first days. We read in Acts 6:3 that they were to choose those who were “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” We pray for continued divine guidance in all our assignments of Church responsibilities. Please read Acts 6: 1-6, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Paulette and Jim