To Know Christ and Boldly Make Him Known


Dear Siblings in Christ,


This Sunday’s readings remind us what it means to live by faith. The prophet Habakkuk wrestles with injustice and cries out to God, “How long?” (Habakkuk 1:2). The psalmist calls us to “trust in the Lord and do good” (Psalm 37:3). Paul urges Timothy to “rekindle the gift of God” and not be ashamed of the gospel (2 Timothy 1:6, 8). And in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that even faith the size of a mustard seed has great power.


Together, these texts remind us that faith is not a matter of size or strength but of trust — trust that God’s promises are sure, even when the world feels shaky. Faith gives us eyes to see not just what is, but what God is making new.


That theme of trust and God’s promises ties beautifully into our Forum this Sunday, where we’ll explore the colors and seasons of the church year. The rhythm of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost is one of the ways the church helps us remember God’s faithfulness.


Like the changing seasons of nature, the colors and patterns of the liturgical year are signs that God’s story is still unfolding in our lives. Blue for anticipation, green for growth, purple for preparation, white for celebration, red for the Spirit — each color reminds us of God’s steadfast presence in every season.


And as we move through this fall, these rhythms prepare us for a special celebration of God’s faithfulness here at Emmanuel: our 65th Anniversary on November 2.


For 65 years, this congregation has gathered around Word and Sacrament, through all seasons of life, to hear the promise of Christ and to be sent out in faith. Just as our readings call us to live by trust, and our worship colors remind us of God’s story, our anniversary will be a chance to give thanks for how God has guided Emmanuel through the years and will continue to do so in the years ahead.


This weekend, may we take courage from the mustard seed faith Christ gives us, delight in the seasons and colors of the church’s worship, and look forward with joy to celebrating 65 years of God’s faithfulness among us.


Yours in Christ,

Pastor Will


Worship

Worship With Us

Saturday 5:00pm Sunday 9:30am

Missed Last Week's Sermon?

September 28, 2025, 16th Sunday after Pentecost

(Click below to watch)

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Preview This Weekend


This Sunday (17th after Pentecost), our readings from Habakkuk 1–2, Psalm 37, 2 Timothy 1, and Luke 17 remind us that the righteous live by faith. Habakkuk waits on God’s promises, the psalmist calls us to trust and delight in the Lord, Paul encourages us to guard the gift of faith handed down to us, and Jesus teaches that even mustard-seed faith has great power. Join us in worship as we remember that faith is not about quantity but about trusting the God who is always faithful.


Join us in worship as we are reminded that in Christ, we already have the greatest treasure of all — life with God.

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Did you know...

  • Regular singing helps your breath maintenance. 
  • Regular singing strengthens your voice. 
  • Regular singing engages your brain in a different way than other activities. 
  • Regular singing is athletic and counts as exercise!
  • Regular singing is a great gift you can give yourself!


Join Lori and Aina as they begin a new chapter of praising God through music at Emmanuel!!



This Week at Emmanuel

(Click The Calendar To View)

65th Anniversary

Save the Date...Tour Volunteers Needed


Calling all Thrivent Members!


A Thrivent Action Team is a group of community members led by a Thrivent client to complete a fundraiser, educational event, or service activity. Thrivent provides up to $250 in seed money for these one-time projects, which can be used for activities such as fundraisers, service projects, or educational events within a school, church, or community. The grant money is delivered via a $250 Visa check card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.


We're calling all Thrivent members to apply for their Action Team funds to go towards the following upcoming educational events that inform our congregation and the greater Venice community about Emmanuel and its mission to know Christ and boldly make him known:


Venice Chamber of Commerce Expo

Wednesday, October 15, 4:00-7:00pm

Venice Community Center

Emmanuel will have a booth at the Expo to educate how we've served the Venice community for the past 65 years.


Sanctuary Ribbon-Cutting

Wednesday, October 29, 4:00-6:00pm

Emmanuel's Sanctuary and Narthex

We're inviting local leaders to our rededicated Sanctuary to learn more about Emmanuel and our 65 years of service to the Venice community.


Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, November 2, 10:45am

Members, friends, and neighbors are invited to join us for a pancake breakfast following our 65th anniversary worship service to learn more about Emmanuel and how we serve the community.


Please Note: All Action Team grants made by Thrivent members of Emmanuel are collected and sent to the church in one check from Thrivent. Please contact the Church Office if you apply for a grant so that we can acknowledge your contribution to the congregation. Thank you!


Thrivent Members: Click Here to apply for an Action Team Grant!


Congregational Care


Pr. Joseph Livenson

Kelly Klare

Walt Teske

Marion Boehmer




The family and friends of Edna Froehlich. Services will be held in Pennsylvania.


The family and friends of Jackie Miller. Services pending.


For Gerhard Mueller, family and friends on the passing of his brother, Otto.

Hi All

Haven't been able to speak with Livenson for a few days but he had cell service the other day. I think I told you all that he was applying to a non-profit who helps Haitians who need medical care and to get papers so they don't have to worry about getting picked up by immigration. Not sure how long it might take to get approved but he hasn't received approval yet. He did get all his tests done. Had a plan to go to the private doctor again to get test results and course of treatment but immigration raided the doctor's facility and couldn't see patients for a bit but Livenson is hopeful he will be able to see him soon. We will pray for his safety and for him to get treatment ASAP. What an ordeal it has been for him.


I will keep you all posted as I know anything more. Livenson sends his love and thank you wishes to all of you. Hope you enjoy this current of him with his family.


Blessings, Lynne 


Medical Minute

Quick Fixes

 

  • Constipation. Eat one ripe kiwi after breakfast and one after dinner. Eat the skin too, triples the fiber and...


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Faith Formation

Daily Readings


Thursday, October 2

Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Kings 18:1-8, 28-36; Revelation 2:8-11


Friday, October 3

Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Kings 19:8-20, 35-37; Revelation 2:12-29


Saturday, October 4

Psalm 37:1-9; Isaiah 7:1-9; Matthew 20:29-34


17th Sunday after Pentecost, October 5

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:1-10


Monday, October 6

Psalm 3; Habakkuk 1:5-17; James 1:2-11


Tuesday, October 7

Psalm 3; Habakkuk 2:5-11; 1 John 5:1-5, 13-21


Wednesday, October 8

Psalm 3; Habakkuk 2:12-20; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24




The Word in Season


October - December Devotional


is now available in the Church Library.



Stewardship

Emmanuel is growing.

We have new ministries and outreach programs. New small groups being formed and a new approach to our music and arts.

 

The Stewardship Committee would love for you to help.



We can use people to help with events, branding, storytelling, and administration.

Please let the Chair, Scott Pinkerton or Jocelyn Angelone (admin) know if you have an interest and we will find a role that fits your desire and Emmanuel's needs. Simply reply to this email, jangelone@emmanuel-elca.org and we will be in touch.

WELCA

Outreach

Contact the Office

Click here to pay for Altar Flowers or Eternal Candle Online



2025 Altar Flowers

2025 Eternal Candle

New Website Coming Soon!

By Phone: 941.488.4942

By E-Mail: info@emmanuel-elca.org

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30am-2:00pm

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