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Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024

First Sunday in Lent

Worship Services at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Genesis 9:8-17

The rainbow sign of God's covenant

Psalm 25:1-10

Your paths, O Lord, are steadfast love and faithfulness (Ps. 25:10)

1 Peter 3:18-22

Saved through water

Mark 1:9-15

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days

Scan this QR Code to be directed to the Faith website, where you can make online contributions to the church's general fund and special ministries. Thank you!

Sincere thanks to all who already have submitted a pledge form for 2024. Your support enables Faith’s ministries to continue in the congregation and the community. Thank you!

We encourage everyone to submit a pledge form for 2024 by the end of February. Making a financial pledge is part of the commitment that we make to the Lord and to each other as members of our church. God has brought us together … let’s all do the best we can for the Lord! Need a pledge form? Click here or pick one up from the table in the narthex. 

Members of the Faith Finance Team invite you to attend a special budget workshop at 9 a.m. this Sunday, Feb. 18 in fellowship hall. It is a great time to bring questions regarding the budget, and to learn how your offerings are allocated and ministry is funded. 

You also can attend remotely via Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87348963216?pwd=nDabX8IzfPvJHz1bzsrjACIqfSRGpF.1

Meeting ID: 873 4896 3216

Passcode: 936405

Faith’s 2024 annual meeting is set for Sunday, Feb. 25. On that Sunday, there will be one worship service at 9 a.m., immediately followed by the meeting. After the meeting adjourns, plan to stay for lunch and fellowship. 

Click the buttons below to view the official meeting notice, meeting agenda, and minutes from the 2022 and 2023 annual meetings.

All voting members are encouraged to attend the meeting either in person, by video or by phone (call-in):

• Attend in person in the sanctuary. Voting will be anonymous.

OR

• Attend by video using the Zoom app on your computer, tablet or phone. During the meeting, a Zoom coordinator will seek an anonymous vote from each person separately. At 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, click the link below or copy and paste it into your internet browser:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82864372049?pwd=5tVuWbVkn2CQG7aaVAQpsqTYJm6aaG.1

Passcode: 883482, Meeting ID: 828 6437 2049

OR

• Attend by phone (voice only) at 10 a.m. by calling 646-931-3860. You will be prompted to enter the Meeting ID: 828 6437 2049. You will then be able to hear and participate in the live meeting. Please note, this option does not allow for anonymous voting. You will be able to vote if you wish, but it will not be anonymous.

NOTE: Those attending the meeting by video or phone should log in or call at 10 a.m. so we can run the virtual side of this meeting with ease and make sure everyone is linked up appropriately.

Following the Children’s Sermon during the 10:15 a.m. service, Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann and volunteers help young people learn about the gospel of the day through age-appropriate lessons and fun activities. The children rejoin the congregation for Holy Communion. Could you help with Sunday School? Contact Deborah, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com, to express interest and learn more.

Prayer, a beautiful outdoor walk, coffee fellowship and a closing prayer of thanks. That's what Faith Walk and Talk participants experienced together earlier this month. Who could ask for anything more?

Plan to join the group at 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

According to our Souper Bowl Commissioners, John and Judy Millard, the final score of the Faith Souper Bowl as calculated by the number of soup cans donated on behalf of each team, was:

Chiefs 161

49ers 94

Once again, the people of Faith predicted the winner. But the real winners are the friends and neighbors who seek assistance at the Faith Food Pantry. They will be fed thanks to your Souper generosity. 

And don't forget -- You, too, can "go into overtime" and continue combatting hunger by donating food and paper products to the food pantry any time.

161 Cans of Soup for the Kansas City Chiefs

94 Cans of Soup for the San Francisco 49ers

Faith is happy to congratulate and recognize Denise Kirkeeng as Bold Woman of 2024.

She is a woman who always graciously steps in to help wherever needed and has made countless contributions to our church over the course of her 39+ years of membership. 

Plan to join us at the March Mary Circle meeting on March 11 in fellowship hall to hear Denise speak of her personal faith journey.

Adult Forum meets between services, 9:10-9:50 a.m. in the conference room. This Sunday, the group will focus on Lesson 2, “Not by Bread Alone - Manna and Water from the Rock,” in Volume 9, “Fire on the Mountain/Displaying God to a Broken World,” in the “That the World May Know” series. 

Men of Faith meet for Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the chapel.

G.I.F.T.S. (Growing in Faith Through Scripture) Women’s Bible Study meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the second-floor library to focus on “Be Still and Know — A Study of Rest and Refuge.” 

The Prayer Group will not meet during Lent, and members are encouraged to attend Midweek Lenten Worship.

Faith's Here I Stand Comedy Academy focuses on what the gospel teaches – to live with joy, gratitude and faith.

Join the fun at 2 p.m. this coming Monday, Feb. 19, and on subsequent Mondays through March 18 in fellowship hall to laugh and learn new ways to express your faith through humor. You are invited!

On Wednesdays during Lent -- Feb. 21 and 28, and March 6, 13 and 20 -- turn your heart to God during Midweek Worship at noon in the sanctuary, followed by a soup, sandwich and salad lunch in fellowship hall.

During Lent, please prayerfully consider a special thank offering to help support the many ministries at Faith. Give as you are able. Any amount is appreciated.

During Lent, the Bereavement Group will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel so participants also can join in Midweek Lenten Worship and the community meal. If you or a friend is struggling with grief, this group is for you. There is strength and hope in community. 

Both of Faith’s Sunday services now are live-streamed and recorded, so we need more volunteers to operate the equipment. If you have used a computer, it’s easy! Questions or interest? Contact Pastor Marianne, pastorp2.0@gmail.com or (330) 464-0985.

Faith's current Worship to go volunteers call the experience "a privilege and a joy."

Join them for the next Worship to Go service at Angel Senior Living, 5750 Honore Ave., 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the facility’s second-floor theatre. Volunteers will meet at 12:45 p.m. in the Faith chapel and will carpool to the facility.

If you can help, contact Pastor Eric directly, 716-352-0055. No experience necessary!

During the recent Worship to Go service at Elance, residents and Faith volunteers sang praises, heard the Word of God and shared Holy Communion. What a privilege and a joy!

On Ash Wednesday, Pastor Eric was "on the go" with ashes and prayers for those unable to join worship in the sanctuary.

His caption for this photo:

"Ash Ash Baby."

Experts with Lutheran World Relief (LWR) say that personal-care kits make a profound difference for people struggling with poverty. LWR has challenged us to react to that fact with compassion, and the women of Mary Circle are leading the effort to take on the challenge!

During Lent, please donate bath-size towels, metal nail clippers, 4-5 oz. bars of soap, combs and adult-sized toothbrushes. Don’t have time to shop? Monetary contributions to Faith designated for “personal care kits” are welcome. During 2023, Mary Circle created 60 kits. Can we donate enough for 70 this year? Thanks for responding generously.

Readers Club meets at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, in the library to discuss The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts by Loren Grush. Questions? Contact Kathy Schilio, schilmo@hotmail.com. Please join!

Mark your calendars now and invite friends for Vacation Bible School Day Camp, July 22-26 at Faith. Taught by trained teachers from Camp Luther Springs, the five days of fun will include Bible study, worship, games, arts and crafts, nature studies and more.

Stay tuned for registration details. Questions? Contact Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com.

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 not, please choose an alternate date. The next open date is Sunday, March 17.

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 altar flowers option on the Faith website.



If you have specific requests about who or what facility should receive donated flowers, contact Judi Melander, judimelander629@gmail.com or 941-927-2502.

Coffee hour is an important fellowship ministry at Faith that needs additional volunteers. All you have to do is put out snacks and clean up afterward.

Please sign up on the sheet beside the coffee pot in fellowship hall. Questions? Contact Karen Naulty, knaulty@yahoo.com or 406-334-1063; or Denise Kirkeeng, kirkeengd@verizon.net or 941-468-6668.

Today, Friday, Feb. 16

Saturday, Feb. 17

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

9 a.m., Diakonia, conference room

Sunday, Feb. 18

8 a.m., In-Person and Live-Stream Worship, sanctuary

9:10 a.m., Adult Forum, conference room

9:30 a.m., Voices of Faith Choir Rehearsal, choir room

10:15 a.m., In-Person and Live-Stream Worship, sanctuary

10:25 a.m., Sunday School, classroom

Monday, Feb. 19

2 p.m., Here I Stand Comedy Academy, fellowship hall

Tuesday, Feb. 20

9:30 a.m., Men of Faith Bible Study, chapel

9:30 a.m., Women's Bible Study, conference room

10 a.m., Jazzercise, gym

12:45 p.m., Worship to Go Prep, chapel

1:30 p.m., Worship to Go, Angel Senior Living, 5750 Honore

6 p.m., Diversity Voices of Sarasota, sanctuary

Wednesday, Feb. 21

10:30 a.m., Bereavement Group, chapel

12 p.m., Midweek Lenten Worship, sanctuary

12:30 p.m., Community Meal, fellowship hall

6:30 p.m., Voices of Faith Choir Rehearsal, choir room

Thursday, Feb. 22

9 a.m., Receive Food Delivery and Prep for Distribution, food pantry

10 a.m., Jazzercize

1 p.m., Stitch 'n' Chatter, room 212

4:30 p.m., Food Pantry Prep, food pantry

5 p.m., Food Pantry Open

6:30 p.m. Confirmation, conference room

Find daily Prayer Ventures on the ELCA website. Here are prayers for today and the days ahead.

2/16 Pray that, during Lent, we will lean into God’s grace and mercy with humility, trusting the promise that the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ win us a place in the kingdom of God.

2/17 Pray that, as bold disciples of Christ, we will be unashamed of our faith, confident in God’s promises, comfortable telling our faith story, and quick to respect and serve those in need. 

2/18 “God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:12-13). Give thanks and praise to God for this promise of love and forgiveness.

2/19 Martin Luther, renewer of the church (1483-1546): Give thanks that we continue to learn from and be inspired by the sermons, hymns and writings of Martin Luther, who studied and wrestled with scripture and the church to better understand God’s saving grace and how it impacts every aspect of daily life.

2/20 Ask God to bless the work of the ELCA Organizing for Mission Network, a community of leaders and resource providers who use the principles of community organizing to develop, redevelop and renew gospel-centered communities that act for the sake of the world and the wellbeing of our neighbors.

2/21 The cross has become widespread in art, jewelry, clothing and popular culture around the world. Reflect on the symbol and the true meaning of the cross for those who find salvation and identity in Christ.

2/22 Remember in prayer those who helped you become the child of God you are today — siblings in Christ, parents and family, church leaders, teachers, friends, strangers, mentors and influential people who have gone before us.

2/23 Promise to learn God’s ways and truth and to integrate them into your daily life, that we might operate from a firm foundation of love, wisdom and justice when struggling to discern right from wrong and to relate to one another.

Please remember in your prayers this week:

Marsha Anderson, sister of Gail Murphy

Rev. Steve Anderson, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Tim Anderson, son-in-law of Dick and Jetty Zarfos

Anna Bancroft, 6-year-old friend of Alyene Weaver

Chuck Banta

Chloe Bennethum, friend of Gail Murphy

Sean and Rebekah Brett, son and daughter-in-law of Alyene Weaver

Charles Budreau

Family & Friends of David Bunce, friend of Kevin and Linda Fewell

Jason Byrne, friend of Anita Wooton

Elise Carmona

Evelyn Conlon

Jordan Demers, cousin of Hannah Boyd

Eloise Dettmer

Philomena Dimichelle, friend of Conrad Zabor

Ken Dixon

Ryan and Valerie Donahue

Elizabeth Farmer

Judy & Robert Ferguson

Carolyn & Marty Friedman, friends of Marlene Radesk

John Gallo, friend of April Shettler

Andrea Gamboa

Amanda Gerber, daughter of Sandy Gerber

Laurie Good, friend of Ann Greenwood

Paula Haas, friend of Eloise Dettmer

Jon Hale

Alyssa Hansen, cousin of Lisa Olsen

Jeff Hansen, nephew of Joan Searles

Patricia Head, mother of Wayne Head

Michael Helpin, friend of Marlene Radesk

Christiana Holmes

Kevin Hooks, son-in-law of Anita and Jon Wooton

Tesa Inkrott, granddaughter of Pete & Carole Inkrott

Jesus & Rita Jimenez

Alf Kirkeeng

Lillian Lapenckas

Jacqueline Laurent, friend of Margaret Borrows

Diane Lewis, sister-in-law of Karla Lewis & Michael Leonhardt

Lois Light

Shirley Manning, friend of Margaret Borrows

Paul & Debby Maresch

Vincenzo Mariani, friend of Conrad Zabor

Annabelle Martone

Kathleen McBride

Judi Melander

Jeremy & Yvonne Mullins

Beverly Novak, cousin of Patty McKee

Olaf Olsen, father of Pastor Eric Olsen

Judy Osborn, sister of Peggy Ragan

James & Virginia Pease

Fran Perkins

Wally Pina

Kristen Pizan

Marlene Radesk

Fritz Rappold

Gabriel Rockwell

Ted and Carol Rodi

Floyd Ryder

Phillip Schlueter

Rev. John Spittal

Dianne Stoll, friend of Dorothy Gustavson

Cathy Stubenvoll

Ron and Leigh Tarrantino

Werner Thomsen, brother of John Thomsen

Colette Thornbloom

David Turnbull

Alyene Weaver

Jon Wooton

Family & Friends of Angelo Yerace

2/13 Thomas & Sharon Soukup

2/3 Karen Ramme

2/5 Gail Brown

2/5 Molly Wlodarczyk

2/6 Rev. Larry Wright

2/8 Katie Bolon

2/8 Darren Thomsen

2/15 Jim Lauritsen

2/20 Karen Ballweg

2/20 Jonathan Capilla

2/21 Jayne Clark

2/21 Jerry Cooper

2/22 Kevin Fewell

2/24 Tricia Thomsen

2/27 Barbara Bolon

2/27 Olivia Bright-Cox

2/27 Stan Stelmahsenko

If a birthday or anniversary is missing or listed incorrectly, kindly notify communications@faithlutheransrq.com.

Pastor: Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen

pastor@faithlutheransrq.com

Assistant to the Pastor: Rev. Larry Wright

larannw@comcast.net

Retired Pastors in Residence: Rev John Hilficker, Rev. Marianne Powrie, Rev. John Spittal, Rev. David Wagner

Director of Family and Child Ministries: Deborah Dornemann

familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com

Director of Music/Organist: David V. Patrick

musicdirector@faithlutheransrq.com

Lead Cantor/Music Librarian: Tom Tryon

thomas.e.tryon@gmail.com

Operations Administrator: Jenniffer Shaffer

officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com

Communications Administrator: Linda Fewell

communications@faithlutheransrq.com

Congregation Council: Scott Rice, president; Ann Greenwood, vice president; Peggy Ragan, secretary; Anita Wooton, treasurer; Jane Sanks, assistant treasurer; Jerry Cooper; Gail Lidinsky; Mark Nelson; Joan Searles; Lauren Wardach

941-924-4664 | www.faithlutheransrq.com

Office hours: 9 a.m.-1 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