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Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others |
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Faith's Friday Update
March 17, 2023
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Sunday, March 19, 2023
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Worship Services at 8 & 10:15 a.m.
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Readings and Psalm
1 Samuel 16:1-13
David is chosen and anointed
Psalm 23
You anoint my head with oil. (Ps. 23:5)
Ephesians 5:8-14
Awake from sleep, live as children of light
John 9:1-41
Baptismal image: the man born blind
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Click the button below to view Congregational Council minutes from the Feb. 16 meeting. |
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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.
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Consider Donating Altar Flowers |
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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 Sundays are May 14 and 21.
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. 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 to a person or place of your choice. Thank you for adding beauty to Faith Lutheran’s altar.
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Please leave the liner pots at church. The florist picks these up every week to reuse them. If you have any of these, please return them. We greatly appreciate it. |
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THE SEASON OF LENT & EASTER
Join us for Midweek & Holy Week Services
Wednesdays: March 22, and March 29
12 p.m. Lenten Prayer Service with Communion
6 p.m. Soup & Sandwich Supper
7 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer Service
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
April 2 – Palm Sunday:
8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Worship Services
April 6 – Maundy Thursday:
7 p.m. Eucharist Service
April 7 – Good Friday:
2 p.m. Stations of the Cross Service
7 p.m. Tenebrae Service
April 8 – Easter Vigil Part One:
7:30 p.m. Meet at the fire in the parking lot
April 9 – Easter:
7 a.m. Easter Vigil Part Two in Memorial Garden
10:15 a.m. Worship Service in the sanctuary
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Lenten Soup & Sandwich Suppers |
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Sign up to bring soup or sandwiches on one or more Wednesdays! The signup sheet is on the table in the narthex.
Lenten Soup & Sandwich Suppers are offered at 6 p.m. March 22 and 29 followed by Holden Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.
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Quilting Group Begins Stitching Soon |
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Faith’s new quilting group is for anyone who would either (1) like to learn to quilt or (2) use their sewing/quilting skills to make quilts. Participants will cut, sew, quilt and bind each quilt.
If you do not know how to quilt, someone will be available to teach the skills you need.
Questions? Contact Jane Sanks, (941) 923-4240 or (941) 726-2849.
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Tech Savvy? We need your gifts! |
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We are looking to train additional operators to join our team that runs the live stream for our 10:15 a.m. service.
If you are comfortable with technology, please consider this vital ministry.
Interested? Just curious? Contact Marianne Powrie, or the church office.
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Adult Forum Meets March 19 |
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Adult Forum will meet on Sunday, March
19th with Volume 5 “The Early Church”
Lesson 3: Where Satan Lives of “That the
World May Know” video series. We will meet in the conference room between the two morning worship services from 9:10 –
9:50am.
Pack your bags! We're going on a journey with Ray Vander Laan, a Biblical scholar. A quest to uncover Scripture and its meaning across history. Filmed on location in Israel and throughout the Middle East, the Faith Lessons Digital series is an adventure in biblical learning. You will discover why
Jesus turned the world upside down with his compelling call to follow Him. The insights you gain will transform your reading of the Gospels and inspire a deeper faith commitment.
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It's time for Faith to SOAP UP! Mary Circle is collecting necessary items to create 65 personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Please donate bath-sized soap, adult-sized toothbrushes, metal nail clippers, and combs.
Don't feel like going to the store? You can order supplies from Amazon or other online sources. Want someone to shop for you? Simply put a monetary donation in the collection plate labeled LWR - Personal Care Kits. Thank you!
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The Faith Food Pantry currently needs paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, paper napkins, paper plates) as well feminine hygiene products. Place donations in the barrel in the fellowship hall.
Help us spread the word that our Food Pantry distribution has officially begun! Faith volunteers serve clients 5-6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Thank you to all generous donors and volunteers who graciously give time, talents and treasures. We appreciate you so very much!
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Confirmation Students Gather on Lenten Wednesday Evenings |
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During Lent, confirmation students are encouraged to attend Wednesday evening Soup & Sandwich Suppers and Holden Evening Prayer.
Those fellowship and worship opportunities are part of the comprehensive confirmation program, which involves more than just class time. It seeks to provide experiences and opportunities in which the individual can grow in faith as a Christian (i.e., worship, relationships with peers and mentors, small group experiences, and ministry opportunities).
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Please join us on Tuesday, March 21 for another exciting Bible study!
Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel.
No prior bible study experience necessary! Consider inviting a friend or two as well!
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G.I.F.T.S.
(Growing In Faith Through Scripture)
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G.I.F.T.S. (Growing In Faith Through Scripture) women's Bible study of "Be Still and Know" by Deb Burma will resume at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, in the conference room.
We look forward to continuing our fellowship and exploration of Psalm 46. Please join us.
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Register Children
for First Communion Instruction
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If you have a child or grandchild who would like to receive First Communion on Palm Sunday, mark your calendars. The two-session First Communion Instruction led by Pastor Eric will take place after the 10:15 a.m. service Sunday, March 26, and during the 6 p.m. Lenten Soup & Sandwich Supper, March 29.
To register a child to attend both sessions, contact the church office with the child's name and date of birth.
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Bereavement Group Meets Wednesdays |
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Faith’s Bereavement Group meets at
1 p.m. Wednesdays in the conference room.
If you or a friend can use some help bearing the burden of grief, this group is for you. There is strength in community. Help spread the word of hope.
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Mary Circle Hosts Bold Woman of the Year |
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Mary Circle is happy to host Faith's 2023 Bold Woman of the Year, Amy Hubschman, during its March meeting at noon, Tuesday, March 21. Amy will talk about her 50 years plus in Sarasota and her personal faith journey. Please bring your lunch. Dessert will be provided.
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Readers Club Meets March 27 |
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Readers Club meets at 2 p.m. on the last Monday of the month, March 27, in the church library. The group will discuss The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See.
For more information, contact Kathy Schilio, [email protected]. Please join! All are welcome!
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Donations to Pastor's Discretionary Fund Enable Emergency Assistance |
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Pastor Eric often engages in conversation with members of the congregation or community about specific needs and aid they might require. The Pastor's Discretionary Fund provides him the means to help financially, when necessary.
If you are able, please consider a donation so vulnerable members of our community can continue to receive emergency assistance.
Thank you for the strong congregational response thus far!
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Donate Blood Sunday, March 26, at Faith |
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The Suncoast Blood Center bloodmobile will be in the parking lot at Faith 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sunday, March 26.
Sign up for a donation time slot on the sheet in the narthex, or by contacting Patty McKee, 941-921-3709 or [email protected]. Walk-ins also are welcome!
In addition to the knowledge that they have helped save lives, all blood donors will receive a "Faith in Blood" t-shirt and a Chick-Fil-A "Be Our Guest" coupon.
Platelet donors will receive a $40 Amazon gift card. And if you bring a friend who also donates platelets, you will receive another $50 Amazon gift card.
Thank you to all donors who made our past blood drives successful. Faith will host another drive in the coming months.
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Joan's Soup Freezer:
Consider Sharing Soup,
and Take Soup When Needs Arise
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The soup fridge is filling up! Please consider making a donation or taking one of the delicious soups found in the kitchen fridge labeled "Joan’s Soup." If you contribute soup, please label the container with the type of soup and when it was made. Thanks so much! |
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A Thank You From Pastor Larry |
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The Adult Bible Study class that explored six of the miracles of Jesus has ended, and we look forward, following Easter, to beginning a study of six of Jesus' parables.
My heart is truly grateful, not only for the opportunity to be one of the leaders of Bible study at Faith, but to learn along with a loving bunch of people, and to enjoy this way of being church together. Thank you for your many kind words and the gits you have shared with me. I'm so very blessed.
Beginning Wednesday, April 19, we intend to apply textbook, lecture and discussion as we delve into a few of the stories of Jesus. Will you consider joining us as we seek in this way to grow in our faith together? Hope to see you around the table.
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More than 30 women of Faith gathered March 11 to sing, hear scripture, and deepen relationships with Jesus and with long-time and new friends during a tea and luncheon.
Please click the link to learn more and view additional photos from the event.
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17 Thank God for the ELCA’s special relationship with the Moravian Church in America, a full communion partner since 1999. Pray for the church, its members and its leaders, that together we will find strength and resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.
18 Give thanks to God for those who harvest the abundance of lakes, rivers and oceans to feed themselves and others. Pray that they will be safe, that their fishing will be successful and that they will wisely and generously steward our food resources and environment for the sake of all generations.
19 Pray that, as our neighbors suffer misfortune, poverty, hunger, homelessness or physical or mental illness, we will not judge them, blame them or decide where they do and don’t belong but will instead respond as Jesus did, with boundless mercy, respect, care and hospitality.
20 Remember in prayer leaders meeting in Minneapolis for the Assistants and Associates to Bishops Gathering. Pray that their faith, lives and ministries will be enriched and supported by their time together.
21 Give thanks that God has brought us out of darkness and into the light of Christ, which reveals what is good, just and pleasing to God.
22 World Water Day Praise God for the gift of water in all its forms. Pray that we will not take water for granted or squander it. Ask the Spirit to guide and sustain our efforts to guarantee all people and communities access to clean, safe and abundant water, a life-nourishing resource and gift from God.
23 Pray for the leaders across our church who serve on the ELCA Church Council. Ask the Spirit to guide and inspire their deliberations and work, which support, shape and further the growth and mission of our church in the world.
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Please remember in your prayers this week:
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
Michael O. Cannon, father of Kay Cannon
Ray Collins, friend of Joan Zabor
Cheryl Cook
Joan Cotton
Eloise Dettmer
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
Kevin Hooks, son-in-law of Anita and Jon Wooton
Mary Janice Holt
Jesus & Rita Jimenez
Paul & Debby Maresch
Alexis Martincek, 13 years old, friend of Heather Stuebe
Kathryn McLaughlin
Judi Melander
Kristin Mohammed
Jeremy & Yvonne Mullin
Doris Anne Prieur-Lucia
Fritz Rappold
Gabriel Rockwell
Beverly & Floyd Ryder
Family & Friends of Dick Sanks
Ken Schell, brother of Mike (Gwen) Schell
Rev. John Spittal
Family and Friends of Dieter Smirnow
Cathy Stubenvoll
Michelle Terrell, niece of Kay Cannon
Colette Thornbloom
Marlene Wiest
Jon Wooton
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03/01 Carol and Al Campbell
03/04 Sandra and Kenneth Brinker
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03/03 John White
03/04 Eloise Dettmer
03/05 Virginia Chauncey
03/05 Lars Olsen
03/07 Sharry Morrison
03/08 Nancy Dandino
03/08 Andreas Porwol
03/10 Linda Burton
03/10 Ann Wright
03/11 Elaine Donham
03/13 Patty McKee
03/13 Joan Zabor
03/14 Ronald Kovilaritch
03/15 Rita Jimenez
03/16 Denise Kirkeeng
03/16 Aaron Puebla
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03/16 Jeffrey Ragan
03/16 Nancy Wilborn
03/17 Jerry Kolschowsky
03/18 Kathy Schilio
03/20 Kay Bruning
03/20 Jocelyn Rans
03/22 Janet Petersen
03/23 Christine Dennis
03/24 Mary Schuh
03/26 Donna Pappalardo
03/26 Marlene Radesk
03/27 David Dawson
03/27 Wendy Hallmann
03/31 Ray Giannini
03/31 Alfred hirsch
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Pastor: Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen
Assistant to the Pastor: Rev. Larry Wright
Director of Music/Organist: David V. Patrick
Lead Cantor/Music Librarian: Tom Tryon
Artist in Residence: Dr. Joseph Holt
Church Office Administrator: Cate Teague
Weekly office hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
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Mission – Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others.
Values – Mutual Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Service, Forgiveness, Commitment, Perseverance, Faithfulness, Compassion, Flexibility
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CLICK HERE to view the current Constitution of Faith Lutheran Church.
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