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Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others

Faith Friday Update May 19, 2023

Sunday, May 21, 2023 Seventh Sunday of Easter Worship Services at 8 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.

Bulletin for 8 a.m. Bulletin for 10:15 a.m.

Readings and Psalm Acts 1:6-14 Jesus' companions at prayer after his departure Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds (Ps. 68:4) 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 God will sustain and restore those who suffer John 17:1-11 Christ's prayer for his disciples

May Stewardship Message All that we have belongs to God.  "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)

Tomorrow's Concert at Faith Benefits Ukrainian Relief

“War, Culture and Music,” a concert to raise money for Ukrainian relief, is set for 4-7 p.m., tomorrow, May 20, in the sanctuary. Please consider attending to support a worthy cause. Arrive a little early if you can bring finger foods to share during the intermission reception. During the concert, we will enjoy the talents of two performers who have been honored for their efforts to raise money for the Ukrainian cause: Dr. Taras Filenko, a noted Ukrainian scholar and pianist, will perform a range of music by Ukrainian composers, and will speak about Ukrainian music, culture, history and the war. Nataliya Bratash, a Ukrainian vocalist and graduate of the International University of Art and Culture in Kiev, will sing Ukrainian folk songs.

Since Russia attacked Ukraine, thousands of people have been killed, and millions have fled the war zone. Hundreds of cities, towns and villages have been wiped out. The courage of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and support from the USA and other allies have allowed Ukraine to resist the aggression. But the people of Ukraine need ongoing assistance. There is no admission fee to the concert. Free-will donations will benefit not-for-profit organizations that focus on Ukrainian relief: United National Women’s League of America (https://www.unwla.org/), Brother’s Brother Foundation (https://brothersbrother.org/), and the Ukrainian Project (https://www.facebook.com/Ukrainian-Project-108208221807181).

Readers Club Meets May 22

Readers Club meets at 2 p.m. Monday, May 22, in the church library to discuss Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan. For more information, contact Kathy Schilio, schilmo@yahoo.com. Please join! All are welcome!

Sign up to Answer the Phone in the Church Office

Faith's office administrator will be out of town May 23-June 6. If you could answer the phone in the church office at any time during that span, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex. Thanks for your help!

Men of Faith Meet May 23

Men of Faith will meet at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 23, in the chapel for fellowship, prayer and to study the book of James. All men are welcome.

Bereavement Group Meets Wednesdays

Faith’s Bereavement Group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the chapel.  If you or a friend can use help bearing the burden of grief, this group is for you. There is strength in community. Help spread the word of hope.

Adult Bible Study Concludes Next Week

To understand Jesus' stories, or parables, Pastor Larry is convening a study that will conclude this coming Wednesday, May 24. The group meets 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the second-floor classroom across from the elevator. Study leader Dr. Amy-Jill Levin, professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University, explains how original audiences understood six of our Lord's parables, and how new interpretations challenge us today. Even if you didn't attend the prior sessions, please come to join in the discussion, or observe and enjoy the experience.

Let's Pray Together

Looking for a time to pray with members of our Faith family? Join us at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. We begin with brief conversation and sharing, and prayer begins at 10:45 a.m. We pray for ourselves, loved ones, those in need, our church community, the larger community that we serve, our nation and the world. We conclude with Holy Communion.   If you can’t attend in person, please join via Zoom: Meeting ID 871 4720 3661, Passcode 041291   NOTE: If you need the sacrament brought to your house, please let us know or take consecrated elements home with you on Sunday if you are in town.

Food Pantry Still Needs Paper Goods and Your Help

Food pantry attendance remains strong, so please consider: Donating paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, napkins). Those items remain in high demand. Volunteering to help on Thursdays. We need helpers to unload the food delivery at 9 a.m., to pack food bags at 2 p.m. and to check people in as they arrive 5-6:30 p.m. Current volunteers can show you how it's done. Thank you!

Help Feed the Hungry at St. Paul's Lutheran

The people of Faith prepare and serve the evening meal at St. Paul’s Lutheran in downtown Sarasota on the fifth Tuesday in a month.   From 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 (the fifth Tuesday in May), be part of the crew that will cook and serve for about 70 of our food-insecure and homeless siblings in Christ. To let us know you’ll be there, sign up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office.

View April Congregation Council Minutes

Click the button below to read minutes from the April 26 meeting of the Congregation Council.  Council Meeting Minutes

Faith Annual Meetings: View Minutes and More

Click the buttons below to view: Minutes and related documents from the 2023 Faith Lutheran Annual Meeting, which took place Feb. 12 in person and via Zoom. Minutes and related documents from the 2022 Annual Meeting, which had not been published previously.

2023 Annual Meeting

2022 Annual Meeting

Congregational Meeting is Postponed

The Congregational Meeting that had been set for Sunday, June 4, has been postponed while the Florida-Bahamas Synod reviews Faith Lutheran's updated constitution. Stay tuned for news about a new date for the meeting. NOTE: The postponement occurred after the May 21 bulletins were printed, so an invitation to the June 4 meeting appears in that bulletin. The meeting will not take place June 4.

Confirmation Study Resumes in August

Confirmation study will resume in August. Stay tuned for details.

Endowment Committee Plans Donor Celebration

Watch for news about the first-ever fall celebration luncheon honoring donors who have contributed to the Faith Endowment Fund. That fund is the perpetual fund for ministry growth at Faith Lutheran Church. Through it, Faith awards grants to support new and developing ministries. We want to appreciate and include all past donors in the celebration luncheon, and we do have a list of generous donations ... but some seem to be missing. If you have donated to the Endowment Fund or would like to, please check with or contact Ann Greenwood, agreenwood3@comcast.net or 262-490-9917; or Scott Rice, scottwrice@live.com or 412-551-4549, so we can ensure that you are invited to the fall event. Please remember that no donation is too small. Everyone can be part of funding ministry growth through grant awards.

Consider Donating Altar Flowers

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 both vases for a date already are sponsored, please choose an alternate date. The next available Sunday is July 16.   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 Faith website, www.faithlutheransrq.com.   After the 10:15 a.m. service, the flowers are yours to keep or donate. Thank you for adding beauty to Faith Lutheran’s altar.

Please leave the liner pots at church. The florist picks these up every week to reuse them.

You Can Help Enhance Our Worship Experience

Gathering on Sunday mornings to worship God and join in fellowship with other believers is important in the life of a Christian. There are many ways in which you can help enhance the worship experience for yourself and others.   If you enjoy singing, consider joining the Voices of Faith choir. David Patrick, director of music and organist, or any current member of the choir will be happy to tell you more.   Here are other opportunities to honor God in service at Faith. Please consider volunteering in one or more of these ways: Greeter – Welcome worshippers with a friendly smile and a bulletin. Usher – Assist with seating guests, collecting offerings, and directing worshippers to communion. Crucifer – Carry the cross to the altar as worship begins and to the back of the sanctuary as worship concludes.  Acolyte – Light the altar candles before worship begins and extinguish them after worship concludes. Lector – Read the scripture lessons and the prayers of the day. Communion Assistant – Assist the pastor(s) in serving communion. Altar Guild – Set up the altar prior to the 8 a.m. service or clean up following the 10:15 a.m. service. Also change the altar paraments in concert with the church seasons. Flower Helper – Assist with removing the flowers from the altar and distributing them after the 10:15 a.m. service. Tech Assistant – Operate the lighting, sound and live-stream recording equipment.   If any of these opportunities pique your interest, please let us know, speak with one of the pastors, or contact the church office. We will make sure you are trained and comfortable in your volunteer role.   Sharing Joy in Worship, Joan Searles, 941-587-5528 Peggy Ragan, 941-302-7722 Worship & Music Ministry Support/Congregation Council Members

Donations to Pastor's Discretionary Fund Enable Emergency Assistance

Pastor Eric often engages in conversation with members of the congregation or community about aid they might require. The Pastor's Discretionary Fund allows him to help financially, when necessary. If you are able, please consider a donation so vulnerable people can continue to receive emergency assistance.

Cornhole Tourney Supports Lutheran Services Florida

June 10 is the date for Cornhole for a Cause in support of Lutheran Services Florida (LSF). Check-in begins at 11 a.m., and tournament play begins at noon at Hot Sands Tiki Bar and Grill, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL, 34232. The event is for people 21 or older and is dog friendly. No cornhole experience required!   A registration fee of $35 per team includes two drink tickets, $20 per individual includes one drink ticket, or $10 per team-sub or spectator includes one drink ticket. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and there will be a 50/50 raffle, music, and prize drawings.   The work of LSF supports thousands of needy people, including at-risk children, refugee families, indigent adults, and unaccompanied migrant children.

Be There For the Week Ahead at Faith

Today, Friday, May 19 8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym 9:30 a.m., Piano Tuning, sanctuary 1 p.m., Concert for Ukraine Performers Walk-Through, sanctuary Saturday, May 20 8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym 9 a.m., Diakonia, conference room 1 p.m., Concert Preparation, sanctuary and fellowship hall 4 p.m., Concert for Ukraine, sanctuary Sunday, May 21 8 a.m., Worship, sanctuary 9:15 a.m., Choir Rehearsal, choir room 10:15 a.m., Worship, sanctuary Monday, May 22 2 p.m., Readers Club, library Tuesday, May 23 9:30 a.m., Men of Faith, chapel Wednesday, May 24 9:30 a.m., Bible Study, second-floor classroom 10:30 a.m., Prayer Group, chapel 1 p.m., Bereavement Group, chapel 5 p.m., Congregation Council, conference room Thursday, May 25 9 a.m., Food Pantry delivery 1 p.m., Stitch 'n' Chatter, upstairs classroom 2 p.m., Food Pantry pre-packing, fellowship hall 4:30 p.m., Food Pantry distribution prep, pantry 5 p.m., Food Pantry open, pantry 6 p.m., Jazzercise, gym 6:30 p.m., Food Pantry closing operations, pantry

ELCA Offers Prayers for the Upcoming Week

Find daily ELCA Prayer Ventures at https://www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures. Here are prayers for the upcoming week. 5/19 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assembly of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need. 5/20 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Southeastern Iowa (in-person), Oregon, East-Central Wisconsin, South-Central Wisconsin and West Virginia-Western Maryland synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.      5/21 Our faith is centered in the good news of Jesus Christ and inspires gratitude, joy and a spirit of love and mercy. “Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 68:32). 5/22 Pray for those recently diagnosed with cancer, who experience fear, hope, disbelief and difficult decisions; give thanks for health care professionals, chaplains, congregational ministries and cancer support groups that surround them and their families with care, encouragement and prayer. 5/23 What a life we live as disciples of Christ! We encounter temptations, humbling situations and conflict, yet we are emboldened by our faith and prodded forward by the Spirt in our baptismal journey. Give praise and thanks to God! 5/24 Pray for young people celebrating their graduations from high school and for parents and teachers who have equipped and encouraged them along the way; remember students who struggle with school, that they might have people in their lives who encourage and support them. 5/25 Remember in prayer candidates who serve in congregations and are involved in the ELCA Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program; give thanks for the scholarship assistance provided by ELCA Fund for Leaders. 5/26 Give thanks and praise to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which enriches our faith and gives us the ability to witness to God’s love and mercy and serve our neighbors everywhere.

There is Power in Prayer

Please remember in your prayers this week: Judith Adams, sister of Rev. Larry Wright Rev. Steve Anderson, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Jeff & Nancy Arntsen Anna Bancroft, 6 years old, friend of Alyene Weave Chuck Banta Family & Friends of Kevin Beard Sean Brett, son of Alyene Weaver Tommy Bright Sandra Brinker Charles Budreau Dee Burlingame Ray Collins, friend of Joan Zabor Evelyn Conlon Joan Cotton Eloise Dettmer Ryan Donahue Elizabeth Farmer John Gallo, friend of April Shettler Andrea Gamboa Paula Haas, friend of Eloise Dettmer Elaine Graham Alyssa Hansen, cousin of Lisa Olsen Jeff Hansen, nephew of Joan Searles Christiana Holmes Mary Janice Holt Kevin Hooks, son-in-law of Anita and Jon Wooton Jesus & Rita Jimenez Katie Kjellberg, niece of Scott Rice Karen Kolschowsky Paul & Debby Maresch Alexis Martincek, 13 years old, friend of Heather Stuebe Bill Masser Judi Melander Kristin Mohammed Jeremy & Yvonne Mullins Wally Pina Doris Anne Prieur-Lucia Fritz Rappold Gabriel Rockwell Floyd Ryder Kathy Schilio Rev. John Spittal Isolde "Issy" Smirnow Dianne Stoll, friend of Dorothy Gustavson Cathy Stubenvoll Colette Thornbloom David Turnbull Scotty Walters, cousin of Jerry Cooper Jon Wooton Joan Zabor

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

Links Provide Helpful Info

Faith continues updating its records. If your anniversary or the anniversary of a friend or family member is missing from this list or is listed incorrectly, kindly notify the church office.

05/02 Christine & Richard Sullivan 05/07 Elmer Leroy "Lee" and Helen Kohlhafer 05/16 Jason and Cecilia Thornbloom 05/20 Josephine and Gregory Larson 05/27 Kevin and Linda Fewell 05/27 John and Tricia Thomsen

If your birthday or a friend's or family member's birthday is missing from this list or is listed incorrectly, kindly notify the church office.

05/01 Kirsten Ragan 05/02 Chloe Millard 05/03 Shirley Dabringhaus 05/03 Claire Roessner 05/07 Doris Prieur-Lucia 05/11 Jesus Jimenez 05/11 Darrell Huggins 05/11 Mark Greenwood 05/12 Todd Brown 05/13 Lynn Clancy 05/13 Lyna Jimenez-Ruiz 05/14 Lillian Moore

05/18 Cheryl Damron 05/19 Dave Windish 05/19 Elmer Leroy "Lee" Kohlhafer 05/25 Patricia Faubel 05/25 Susan Swank 05/25 Linda Urgo 05/26 Karen Knatz 05/27 Ron Walter 05/29 Elliott Hamby 05/30 Kris Sullivan 05/31 Ingrid Velkme

Pastor: Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen pastor@faithlutheransrq.com Assistant to the Pastor: Rev. Larry Wright larannw@comcast.net Director of Music/Organist: David V. Patrick musicdirector@faithlutheransrq.com Lead Cantor/Music Librarian: Tom Tryon Artist in Residence: Dr. Joseph Holt Interim Church Office Administrator: Linda Fewell 941-924-4664 | officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com www.faithlutheransrq.com Weekly office hours: 9 a.m.-3 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.

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