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Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others. |
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Faith's Friday Update
October 28, 2022
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Sunday, October 30, 2022
21st Sunday after Pentecost
Reformation Sunday
Worship Services at 8AM & 10:15AM
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Readings and Psalm:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
I will write my law in their hearts, says the Lord
Psalm 46
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:7)
Romans 3:19-28
Justified by God’s grace as a gift
John 8:31-36
Jesus says, Continue in my word and you will know the truth
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Revised Minutes from the October 20, 2022 Congregation Council meeting are now available.
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Calling all Men and Women of Faith! |
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We are looking for some volunteers to help transport donations, move furniture, make beds, sort out kitchen and bathroom items, etc. We will be gathering at Faith Lutheran on Tuesday, November 1st at 10am and carpool to Bradenton to work in the house where the refugee family from Afghanistan will live.
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Volunteers Needed to Help in the Office |
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Cate will be out of the office on vacation from Thursday, November 3 until Monday, November 13. We need volunteers to answer phones and greet visitors during office hours 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday. If you have three hours (9am to noon or noon to 3pm) to spare, please help us out. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. You can also send an email to officeadmin@faithluthersrq.com with your availability. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. It's easy! Training provided. See below.
Phone: “Thank you for calling Faith Lutheran Church in Sarasota.
How can I help you?”
[SMILE – They can hear it in your voice.]
Visitor: “Welcome to Faith Lutheran Church. How can I help you?
[SMILE – They can see you.]
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Andrea Gamboa invites us all to a celebration for birthdays and anniversaries.
Please join us in the Fellowship Hall today, October 30 after both services.
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Adult Forum will meet this Sunday, Oct 30th with Lesson 7 “Misguided Faith” of “That the World May Know” video series. We will meet in the conference room between the two morning worship services from 9:10–9:50 a.m. 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.
If you are wondering what the title of this series is based on, it comes from John 17:23, “...May they be brought to complete unity. That the world may know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
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Choir rehearsals will take place on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room, as well as on Wednesday, November 2 & 30 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome! Whether you are seasonal or full time; experienced singer or novice; soloist or shower-singer; church member or visitor you are welcome to join the Voices of Faith Choir. We have a place for you!
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It is time to prepare a slate of people who will serve on the Council of Faith for the next three years. There are four seats that need to be filled at a time when there is excitement in the progress that the past year has brought to the renewal of our church. Under Pastor Eric’s leadership, Faith is again looking for ways to serve God as was our tradition in the past years. The third stanza of “God, When Human Bonds are Broken” that we sang on Sunday, October 23, encourages us to consider serving the church. Those words are “Send us, God of new beginnings, humbly hopeful into life. Use us as a means of blessing: make us stronger, give us faith.”
Please give prayerful consideration to help Faith to continue God’s work through Faith’s Congregational Council. It can be a blessing to many people, including yourself. If you feel called to serve, please let one of the below committee members know that. If asked by one of us, please say a little prayer before responding to us.
The nomination committee members (Eloise Dettmer, Sandy Brinker, Grace Kaarre) have served on Council for different lengths of time and have completed their terms. Pastor Eric asked them to become the nomination committee. We look forward to being able to present a slate of candidates to be voted on at the Annual Meeting in February.
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ALTAR FLOWERS are a beautiful and meaningful way to honor/remember someone or a special occasion, while decorating our altar for worship. The 2022 Altar Flowers signup poster is available in Fellowship Hall.
The next available sponsorship dates are November 6 and 20.
When you purchase altar flowers, your name and dedication will be published in the bulletin on your selected Sunday and the flowers are yours to keep after the service!
To make a dedication: At church, complete an 'Altar Flowers' envelope with your payment, and place it in the offering plate; By mail, send payment with a note indicating your desired date and dedication; or CLICK HERE to order online. The cost is $60, which is for 2 vases, or $30 for 1 vase. Please make checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church and indicate ‘altar flowers’ in the memo.
Thank you for making Faith Lutheran’s altar beautiful!
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Pastor's Discretionary Funds |
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Our pastor is in the unique position of being able to speak to members of the congregation or the community about specific needs and aid they might require. This fund provides him the means to help financially when necessary.
Thank you for the strong congregational response thus far!
If you are able, please consider a donation so vulnerable members of our community can continue to receive emergency assistance. Following Hurricane Ian, requests for assistance have grown substantially.
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Looking for a time to pray with members of our Faith family? Join on Wednesday at 11:00 am in the chapel for a time apart. We will pray for ourselves, our loved ones, those in need, our church community, the larger community that we serve, our nation and the world. We will conclude our time with Holy Communion. Come and bring your concerns and your desire to connect with our loving heavenly father!
If you cannot attend in person, we invite you cordially to join us via Zoom Meeting. Please click the red button below.
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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) will resume our study "Be Still and Know" by Deb Burma on Tuesday, November 1st at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room.
All are welcome. Books will be provided, just bring your Bible and a joy in your heart to be in God's Word.
If you have any questions, please call the office.
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Readers Club meets on the last Monday of the month at 2:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. Flyers are available on the table in the Narthex.
Our next meeting is November 28 and we will be discussing “Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy” by Anna Sebba. We will be skipping December due to Christmas. On January 30, we will be discussing “Haven Point” by Virginia Hume.
For more information, contact Kathy Schilio at schilmo@yahoo.com. Please join! All are welcome!
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Special Guest: Rev. Ana Lugo
from ELCA
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On Sunday, November 6 we will have a special guest speaker, Ana Lugo from ELCA Foundation and Florida-Bahamas and Southeastern Synods. She will preach at both services and will be available at both coffee hours for questions. After the 10:15 a.m. service, the Endowment Committee will host a light lunch. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
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Save the Date:
Bishop Pedro M. Suárez
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On Sunday, November 20 Bishop Pedro M. Suárez will preach at both services.
More information to come about his visit to Faith.
We look forward to having him here, and we hope that
you will join us. All are welcome!
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Faith’s Bereavement Group will meet every Wednesday,
at 1 p.m. (unless notified) in the prayer chapel. All are welcome. If you or a friend can use some help bearing the burden of grief this group is for you! There is strength in the community!
Help spread the word of hope!
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Adult Bible Study with Pastor Larry
Please Note Date Change
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“LIGHT OF THE WORLD”
A Beginners Guide to Advent
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences will once again provide us with a Participant’s Study Book* and four DVD mini lectures. Our first four sessions will delve into Matthew and Luke’s accounts of the beginning of Christian experience the story of the birth of Jesus. The last two sessions will include a study of hymnody, with special references to favorite hymns of the season, and the stories behind them.
Do the differing birth stories from Matthew and Luke contradict each other? What does one make of Herod’s slaughtering of innocent children? How is Advent-Christmastide more than just a children’s holiday? Are Matthew and Luke totally interested in historical accuracy? Or are they interested in telling us about the connection of the good news of Jesus both to the story of Israel and to the gentile world?
Pastor Larry will lead this Five-Week that began on Wednesday, October 19th and will conclude on the 16th of November. Each session is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
IMPORTANT: There are a very limited number of extra textbooks available for anyone who has not yet RSVPed or joined and is interested in participating. Let Pastor Larry or the office know.
We will meet in a second-floor classroom in the Community Center. Donuts and breakfast beverages will be available. ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!! (* Our Mission Endowment Fund makes these materials available free of cost. Blessed are we who receive.)
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of Deacon Sue Rice.
The community of Faith will gather to celebrate their lives and proclaim good news of resurrection hope as indicated below.
Service for Deacon Sue Rice will be on Friday, November 4th at 3:00 p.m.
Reception with lite appetizers to follow in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to bring something, choose items such as cheese & crackers, fruit, or a veggie platter. Please use disposable containers and serving utensils for easy cleanup. Let Peggy Ragan know what you are bringing. Volunteers to help setup and cleanup are also appreciated. Contact Peggy for more information: pragan12@aol.com or 941-302-7722.
All who are able are encouraged to attend.
Memorial donations can be made to Faith Lutheran Church.
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We are continuing to work in partnership with All Faiths Food Bank to begin food pantry operations. In the meantime, we are still collecting food for All Faiths. Bring in any nonperishables, that can be gifted to others who may need them. There is a great need in the community, now more than ever, due to Hurricane Ian. There is a large barrel, in the Narthex, just waiting for your items.
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The Property Committee has identified needs that are not currently in the regular budget but are needed to maintain and improve our church.
Current needs:
1. Upgrade Narthex Restrooms to ADA (cost TBD)
2. Electronic Sign Upgrade on Beneva (cost TBD)
3. Touch-Up/Repaint the Gym (cost TBD)
4. Reseal the Parking Lot
Please consider supporting the church building by making a special offering. Any amount, small or large, is appreciated! To contribute by check, please indicate “Improvement Fund” in the memo. To contribute electronically, please visit our website at www.faithlutheransrq.com/online-giving or using via the Vanco Mobile app (be sure to select “Improvement Fund”).
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EMPTY INK CARTRIDGES COLLECTION |
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Please consider donating your empty ink cartridges to help the church and environment! When we bring the cartridges to Staples, we receive store credit from Staples to help offset office supply costs.
The ink collection bin is on the counter in Fellowship Hall.
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30Reformation Sunday We receive God’s grace — undeserved love and forgiveness — through the gift of faith in the risen Christ, who restores our relationship with God. Give thanks for Martin Luther, for theologians and for siblings in Christ who inspire us to study Scripture, embrace God’s gift of grace and salvation, deepen our faith and love for God, connect our faith with daily life and spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
31Zacchaeus’ life changed forever when he came down from a tree and met Jesus face to face. Pray that our lives will be transformed and filled with joy because of our encounter with Jesus, who reveals God’s gracious love for humanity.
1 All Saints Day Give thanks and praise to God for saints who have helped enrich our faith in Christ, inspired us to lives of service, cared for us, demonstrated grace when we needed it most, taught us life skills, influenced our values and stirred our hope and joy.
2 Native American Heritage Month Praise God for Native American and Alaska Native neighbors and siblings in Christ, who represent a rich diversity of gifts, backgrounds, tribes, regions, communities and congregations, and whose history long predates the colonization of North America. Pray for the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations in seeking justice and reconciliation for all people, celebrating diversity within Christ’s unifying love and supporting Native congregations and ministries.
3 “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow” (Isaiah 1:17-18). Pray that we will respect the word and desires of God, seek the Spirit’s guidance in responding to our neighbors in need, and trust God to create and renew a spirit of compassion and generosity within us.
4 Pray for those affected by wildfires, flooding, droughts and hurricanes, especially people struggling through immediate and long-term recovery. Ask the Spirit to inspire our generosity toward and involvement in the work of Lutheran Disaster Response and its partners to bring relief, support, hope and resources to our neighbors in need.
5 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Pray that, in every challenge we face, the Spirit will increase our trust and confidence in God’s presence, care and help in our lives.
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10/01 Ahlquist, Connie & Richard
10/10 Zabor, Conrad & Joan
10/12 Powrie, Marianne & Max
10/15 Jimenez, Jesus & Rita
10/17 Hradek, Christine & Jeffrey
10/19 Lauritsen, Kay & Jim
10/20 Clark, Jayne & Robert
10/23 Rappold, Elsa & Fritz
10/29 Cusmano, Merle & John
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10/02 Keith Ballweg
10/04 Jeffrey Smith
10/05 Carrie DeZutter
10/07 William Riedel
10/08 Ashley Ahlquist 10/08 Mike Hosler
10/09 Carole Inkrott
10/10 Carolyn Winemiller
10/10 Sergio Gamboa
10/11 Alix Giannini
10/11 Mark Weisgerber 10/11 Troy Ashby
10/13 Bill Little
10/13 Jere Stiglitz
10/13 Richard Radey
10/14 Catherine Olsen 10/17 John Weisgerber, Jr.
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10/19 Kristy Knutson
10/20 Ken Knatz
10/20 LaVerne Ulreich 10/20 Sandra Dawson
10/21 Ed Wambold
10/21 Larry Liedel
10/21 Luke Olsen
10/22 Fritz Rappold
10/22 Jason Thornbloom 10/24 Alf Kirkeeng
10/24 Kelly Clark
10/25 Pat Liedel
10/26 Jennifer Verwey 10/27 Lori Moreland
10/28 Andrea Gamboa 10/29 Scott Rice
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Pastor: Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen
Church Office Administrator: Cate Teague
Weekly office hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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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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