When You Were Young, What Did The Other Kids Call You?

To Know Christ and Boldly Make Him Known

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of August 23, 2026

Make a Next Step in Faith

When people hear the word “commitment,” they sometimes imagine an endless responsibility, a crowded calendar, or being asked to take on more than they can manage.

That is not the purpose of Kick-Off Weekend.

Commitment begins by asking a more personal question:

What is one faithful next step I can take?

For one person, that step may be joining a small group. For another, it may be helping with a short-term ministry project, welcoming people to worship, assisting with an event, supporting children or youth, helping behind the scenes, or exploring congregational leadership.

No one is expected to do everything. But everyone is expected to do something. You have experiences, interests, relationships, and gifts that can contribute to the mission of God through the ministry of Emmanuel.

During Kick-Off Weekend, September 12–13, committee ambassadors, ministry teams, small group leaders, and Church Council members will in Fellowship Hall ready to have a conversation to help you discern the next step in your call from God.

Come without pressure. Come with curiosity. Come ready to ask where God might be inviting you to participate.

Your next step does not need to be enormous to be meaningful.

Worship Schedule

Saturday 5:00pm

Sunday 8:30am

Sunday 10:45am

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Calendar

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Bible Bytes

Previewing this week's scripture readings:

Click below to watch

Call or E-mail Pastor Dan

941-488-4942

dweichart@emmanuel-elca.org

Choir Rehearsal Resumes

Thursday, September 10th, 6:15 pm

Choir Room

Congratulations to Scott Pinkerton, who along with Pat Cornwell and the Rev. Sara Cutter were appointed to the board of NovusWay Camp Ministries (representing Lutheridge and Lutherock in North Carolina and Luther Springs here in Florida).

Deacon Scott was in North Carolina a couple weeks ago for an uplifting few days, full of stories from a strong summer and the board dreaming together about what lies ahead for our camping ministries. Thank you for your service, Scott!

Click the video above to watch the presentation

Leadership Opportunities:

Where Might God Be Calling You?

Emmanuel’s Nominating and Leadership Committee invites you to prayerfully consider where God may be calling you to serve in a leadership role in the coming year.

We are currently seeking people to explore several opportunities:

Congregation Council President
Congregation Council Vice President
Congregation Council Member-at-Large
Nominating Committee Chair
Worship & Music Committee Chair
Christian Education Committee Chair
Children, Youth & Family Committee Chair
Small Group Leaders

These are not simply positions to be filled. Christian leadership begins with calling—with paying attention to the gifts, experiences, passions, and abilities God has already given you and asking:

Where might my gifts make a difference at Emmanuel right now?

You do not need to have all the answers or consider yourself an “expert.” We are looking for people who love God, care about Emmanuel’s mission, and are willing to listen, learn, serve, and lead alongside others.

Having a conversation is not a commitment. It is simply a next step in listening for where God may be leading.

Whether you feel drawn toward a Church Council position, serving as a Committee Chair, or as a Small Group Leader, please contact the church office by e-mail at info@emmanuel-elca.org or give us a call during office hours at 941-488-4942 to begin the conversation.

Perhaps God has already been stirring something in you.

Come and see where it might lead.