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Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Services at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

The Lord’s spirit comes upon seventy elders

Psalm 19:7-14

The commandment of the Lord gives light to the eyes. (Ps. 19:8)

James 5:13-20

Prayer and anointing in the community



Mark 9:38-50

Warnings to those who obstruct faith

FALL GATHERING

Mid-Gulf Conference

Saturday, October 26, 2024



Guest Presenters: Pastor Eric Olsen and Al Ernst

Topic: Vision to Action Grant - Comedy Classes

Vote for Lay Chair and Secretary of the Conference (Every congregation is urged to designate 2 Lay Members (one male, one female), along with your

Rostered Minister to participate in this election. A Special Offering Plate will be available.

Attendees not participating in the Business Meeting will be involved in an interesting Outreach Program.

Learn what is going on from Synod Leader Pastor Carlos Ham, Director of Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop for the South.

ALL ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER BY OCTOBER 1

_____________________________________________

All members of Faith , male or female are invited to a very exciting meeting of Mary Circle on Tuesday , October 8. To be informed about a new mission opportunity for the church. Lunch will be provided, afterwards we will begin to participate in this important work.

So, what is it ? Our opportunity is to be able to participate in bagging seeds for Hope Seeds International, a group started by Hope Lutheran Church , Bradenton in 1999. This organization is dedicated to providing those who are food needy with seeds to grow their own food. Currently the group has over 1,000 volunteers in many churches and organizations. Last year 816,961 packets were created and sent to over 25 countries. Each packet also contains the Gospel Message of Hope in language of the recipients.

Want to know more ? Check out their website at hopeseeds.org

So what can you do? Attend the meeting on October 8. We will start at 11:30, a half hour earlier than usual to fit everything in our schedule. First, enjoy a delicious lunch provided through a Thrivent Action Grant.  Then, listen to Maxine Balsbaugh, executive assistant at Hope Seeds explain the group’s mission.



Lastly, help to bag the seeds! We are hoping people here at Faith will embrace this mission and bag once a month.

Please sign upon the sheet provided in the narthex or email Janet Petersen at luvstitches55@gmail.com. or DonnaPappalardo at donna326@aol.com.  

Beginning the second week of October, a six-week session will be offered to read and reflect upon the entire letter of Paul to the church in Colossae.

·     Is Paul the author of this letter?

·     Was Paul the “founder” of this community?

·     Is Jesus to be regarded as God, or an image?

·     Is astrology compatible with Christianity?

·     Are wives to be submissive to their husbands?

·     Does Paul believe in human slavery?

Pastor Larry will convene this study beginning Wednesday, October 9^th and continuing each Wednesday through November 13^th. Each one-hour session begins at 9:30 a.m. and meets in the second-floor classroom across from the elevator. Refreshments will be available. Copies of the NRSV version of the Bible are available, although you are encouraged to bring your own. Perfect attendance NOT required!!!

While it is not necessary, an indication of your intent to attend would be helpful. Sign up in the narthex or call the church office (941-924-4664).

Please let us know if you want a change in your method of giving by: CHANGING to Electronic Online Giving through VANCO (PREFERRED). ONLY want Special Giving Packets if you use Electronic or lump sum giving for your regular giving. INDICATE YOUR PREFERENCE on the 2025 Giving Envelopes

Sign Up form on the Narthex table.

Please update any changes in your contact information to

Patty McKee (941-921-3709) or financialsecretary@faithlutheransrq.com

We will soon be updating our records and taking pictures of our members to offer a secure and private digital directory. Paper directories will be available by request. Digital directories are the way of the future. We will be able to see our friends and contact each other uniting us together as a church community with current information available as it happens. This is unlike paper directories that quickly become obsolete.

In October we will begin the process by offering workshops followed by picture taking. The Evangelism Ministry Team has been looking at various ways to produce a directory efficiently, safely and accurately. We are now ready to begin the process. The workshops will also explain how our giving records are maintained on our church software and how we will be able to access our own personal records.

The first step is to attend a workshop so that you will understand how to use and manage your own personal information. There are options to choose what information you would like to share and what you would not prefer to share. Dates and times of the workshops will be posted. To our members and friends who are seasonal, we will hold additional workshops in the winter.

Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. NIV

Receive with Thanksgiving

Scripture: “For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…” (James 1:17). Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your promise to be with me and protect me. Help me to depend on you. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.

And Be Thankful

Scripture: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Too often, when we pray, we put an agenda before God. We tell him what we want him to take care of: find that person a job, heal that other person, solve our money problems, and keep our kids safe. We add our thanks as an afterthought. Try spending your whole prayer time offering thanks. The Bible tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As his stewards, we humbly and joyfully give him thanks. Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to express my gratitude to you by what I say and do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The Prayer Support Group meets at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel to pray for all in need, our community, our nation, our world, and to share Holy Communion. Can't attend in person? You also can join via Zoom: Meeting ID 871 4720 3661. Passcode 041291.

The Bereavement Group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. If you or a friend is struggling with grief, this group is for you.

There is strength and hope in community. 

Opportunities to study God's word among an ever-widening circle of women friends return as G.I.F.T.S. (Growing in Faith Through Scripture) women's Bible study every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

All women are invited to meet in the upstairs library for a relatable, encouraging and easy-to-follow study by Deb Burma, "Leaning on Jesus: A Study of God's Strength." 

Let's make new friends and grow in faith together! Please come! Questions? Contact Peggy Ragan, 941-302-7722 or pragan12@aol.com.

Adult Forum classes between worship services - 9:10-9:50 a.m. in the conference room -- with an exciting new study series,



"Path to the this Sunday Cross."

All young people who have completed confirmation study and all adults are welcome to join in every Sunday to explore what it means to travel that path.

Here's a preview:

• Sept. 29, The Way of John the Baptist. John the Baptist focused his life entirely on preparing the Jewish people for the coming of Jesus. His ministry still holds enormous meaning for us today, and there is much we can learn from his understanding of how to prepare for the arrival of Messiah. In this lesson, you will consider what it means to live a life of wholehearted commitment to God, His word and His kingdom.
• Oct. 6, Into the Desert to be Tested. During their 40 years of testing in the desert, God continued to teach and shape the Israelite nation. By the time the Israelites entered the Promised Land, a new generation had formed, a people who obeyed and trusted God with all their heart, soul and strength. Follow along as this lesson invites God to reveal what you are lacking, so you can learn to walk in His ways with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength.
• Oct. 13, The Passover. In the story of God making Himself known to His people, Passover is a foundational element. As the continuation of this redemptive process, the Lord's Supper finds its most profound meaning when taken in the context of Passover imagery. In this lesson, you will unpack the full meaning of the Last Supper, and learn how to engage it in deep celebration, commemorating Jesus' redemptive work on our behalf.
• Oct. 20, The Fifth Cup. The Passover Sedar employs four symbolic cups to help the Jews remember the miraculous ways that God delivered His people from the hand of Pharaoh. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked the Father to take away the cup placed before Him, a "fifth cup" in a sense, which signifies the complete deliverance of God's people from the wages of our own sin. In this lesson, you will consider the implications of Jesus accepting this cup of God's wrath so that we could be spared from it, once and for all.

Mark your calendars now, and plan to participate!

Please consider donating altar flowers in honor of a special occasion, in memory of a loved one or to glorify God.

The cost is $30 for one vase or $60 for two vases. For each week, we can have either one donor for both vases, or two donors for one vase each. Make checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church, and indicate "altar flowers" in the memo line.

Check the altar flowers donation board in fellowship hall to see if your desired date is available. If not, please choose an alternate date. 

The next open date is Sunday, October 6.

When you purchase altar flowers, your name and dedication will be published in the bulletin on your selected Sunday. To make a dedication:

• At church, complete an Altar Flowers envelope with your payment, and place it in the offering plate. Indicate your wish to keep or donate the flowers on the donation board in fellowship hall. You also can include a note in the envelope with your donation or call the church office.
• By mail, send payment with a note indicating your desired date and dedication, and if you want to keep the flowers or donate them.
• By email or phone, contact the church office with your desired date and dedication, and whether you want to keep or donate the flowers. Pay through the altar flowers option on the Faith website.

If you have questions or specific requests about who or what organization should receive flowers that you purchased and choose to donate, contact Joan Hirsch, 941-726-7885.

Coffee hour is an important fellowship ministry at Faith that needs additional volunteers. All you have to do is provide and put out snacks, and clean up afterward.

Faith can cover the cost of the snacks If you would like to volunteer but don't have resources to purchase them.

Please sign up on the sheet beside the coffee pot in fellowship hall. Questions? Contact Karen Naulty, knaulty@yahoo.com or 406-334-1063; or Denise Kirkeeng, kirkeengd@verizon.net or 941-468-6668.

Pastor Eric often speaks with people about aid they require, including desperately needed assistance following Hurricane Debby. The Pastor's Discretionary Fund allows him to assist financially, when appropriate.

The need currently is great so, if you can, please consider a donation to the fund so those in need can receive assistance. To give online, click here, or designate a cash or check donation.

Readers Club will meet tomorrow at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 30, in the upstairs library to discuss The Last Flight by Julie Clark.

Join in for lively discussion and fellowship. All are welcome!

Today, Friday, Sept. 27

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

Saturday, Sept. 28

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

9 a.m., Diakonia - conference room

12 p.m., Diversity Rehearsal - choir room

Sunday, Sept. 29

8 a.m., In-Person and Live-Stream Worship - sanctuary

9 a.m., Adult Forum - conference room

10:15 a.m., In-Person and Live-Stream Worship - sanctuary

Monday, Sept. 30

2 p.m., Readers Club - library



Tuesday, Oct. 1

8:30 a.m., Men of Faith Breakfast - Skillets

9:30 a.m., G.I.F.T.S. Women's Bible Study - library

6 p.m., Diversity Voices of Sarasota - sanctuary and choir room

Wednesday, Oct. 2

10:30 a.m., Prayer Support Group - chapel

1 p.m., Bereavement Group - chapel

Thursday, Oct. 3

9 a.m., Receive and Prep Food Delivery - food pantry

1 p.m., Stitch 'n' Chatter - Room 212

4:30 p.m., Food Pantry Prep

5 p.m., Food Pantry Open

Find daily Prayer Ventures on the ELCA website. Here are prayers for today and the days ahead.

9/27 Give thanks that God is our help and strength in every situation, and that our faith will be sustained through the work of the Spirit and the care we receive from our siblings in Christ.

9/28 “Could it be that we are called for such a time as this?” (All Creation Sings 1003). In this time of unrest and uncertainty we may feel that we have nothing of significance to offer. Pray that we will hear and respond to God’s call to use our unique gifts, experiences and wisdom to be an active, compassionate and faithful presence in the world.

9/29 Rejoice and give thanks to God for empowering us to gather our strength and resources as communities of faith, serving our neighbors in need in ways we could never imagine on our own.

9/30 Pray for the new members of your congregation, that they will feel included in a faith community that responds to their need for spiritual growth, shares in their joys and sorrows, and welcomes their diverse gifts for doing God’s work in the world.

10/1 International Day of Older Persons  Remember in prayer older adults, who bring vitality and diverse gifts to communities and congregations; give thanks for their faith, wisdom, generosity and life experiences. Pray for those who live in nursing homes, facilities for memory care and assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities, that they will be valued and respected and will receive skilled care.

10/2 “Yours the soil that holds the seed, you give warmth and moisture, too. Sprouting blossoms, crops and buds, trees and plants: the season’s signs that you make all things new” (With One Voice 727). Greet this new day with gratitude to God for the blessings of autumn — fall harvests, the beauty of changing seasons and other signs of God’s ceaseless creativity.

10/3 Give thanks for the 13 new ELCA missionaries who have begun their work alongside global partners in eight countries, serving as teachers, pastors, pastoral interns, program coordinators and more. 

Alan

Dick Allender, cousin of Gerri Cooper

Alex

Pastor Steve Anderson, friend of Jan Phillips

Chuck & Tani Banta

Barbara Brannan, mother of Kim McDonald

Arthur Brucato, friend of Karla Lewis & Michael Leonhardt

Dee Burlingame

Judy Carlsen

Friends & Family of Joel Concepcion, friend

of Kelly Ashlock

Evelyn Conlon

Jeanine Davis (nee Molella), granddaughter of Karen & John White

Eloise Dettmer

Ryan Donahue, friend of Doris Anne Prieur-Lucia

Andrea Gamboa

Jeff Hansen, nephew of Joan Searles

Patricia Head, mother of Wayne Head

Sonja Hickling, mother of Kelly Ashlock

Becky Hilton Heeps, friend of Lisa Olsen

Kevin Hooks, son-in-law of Anita & Jon Wooton

Jesus & Rita Jimenez

Alf Kirkeeng

Leonard Kotwitz, brother of Janet Falk

Lillian Lapenckas

Kevin Lasko

Chick Lehmann, husband of Suzie Lehmann

Ruth Levy, sister of Joan Hirsch

Diane Lewis, sister-in-law of Karla Lewis & Michael Leonhardt

Pat Longo & Ronnie Mojo, friends of Susan Wakefield

Julie & Eli Maresch, niece & grandnephew of Patty McKee

Paul & Debbie Maresch, brother & sister-in-law of Patty McKee

Dennis McCaughey, friend of Lois Weaverling

Kim McDonald

Judi Melander

Alison Nommay, friend of Karla Lewis & Michael Leonhardt

Terry O’Connell, friend of Marlene Radesk

Meghan Ortega, niece of Lisa & Pastor Eric Olsen

Judy Osborn, sister of Peggy Ragan

Pastor Terry Parker, friend of Max & Pastor Marianne Powrie

Family & Friends of Wally Pina

Cindy Press, friend of Kevin & Linda Fewell

Richard Keith Radcliffe, brother of Gail Radcliffe Brown

Annabel Ryan

Robin Ryder, daughter of Floyd Ryder & sister of Gail Murphy

Lorna Sawyers-Sucra, friend of Jeremy & Yvonne Mullins

Kathy Schilio

Becky Sciranko, niece of Alice Rush

Joan Searles

Stephanie Sebastyn, friend of Carolyn Winemiller

Pastor John Spittal

Mark Stengel

David Turnbull, husband of Patricia White

Brittany Wanko & her premature infants, Olivia Mae & Emmet Walter

Jon Wooton 

If you have an addition to or would like to remove a name from the prayer list, email the person's name to officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com.

9/7 Jeffrey & Kirsten Ragan

9/9 Michael & Amanda Kulaw

9/25 David & Cheryl Cook

9/2 Mike Schell

9/3 Christian Ruiz

9/4 Steve Ashby

9/6 Jerry Clancy

9/12 Beverly Anderson

9/12 Rebecca Winemiller

9/15 John Cusmano

9/15 Peter Marer

9/16 Peggy Ragan

9/16 Chloe Sweeney

9/18 Quyen Dang

9/25 Steve Ragan

9/26 Joan Hirsch

9/29 Gavin Degroote

If a birthday or anniversary is missing or listed incorrectly, kindly notify officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com.

Pastor: Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen

pastor@faithlutheransrq.com

Assistant to the Pastor: Rev. Larry Wright

larannw@comcast.net

Retired Pastors in Residence: Rev. John Hilficker, Rev. Marianne Powrie, Rev. John Spittal

Director of Music/Organist: David V. Patrick

musicdirector@faithlutheransrq.com

Lead Cantor/Music Librarian: Tom Tryon

thomas.e.tryon@gmail.com

Church Administrator/Executive Assistant to the Pastor: Heidi Floyd

officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com

Congregation Council: Scott Rice, president; Lauren Wardach, vice president; Mark Nelson, secretary; Anita Wooton, treasurer; Jane Sanks, assistant treasurer; Jerry Cooper; Quyen Dang; Ann Greenwood; Peggy Ragan; Joan Searles

941-924-4664 | www.faithlutheransrq.com

Office hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday

Mission – Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others

Values – Mutual Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Service, Forgiveness, Commitment, Perseverance, Faithfulness, Compassion, Flexibility

CLICK HERE to view the current Constitution of Faith Lutheran Church.