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Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024

Third Sunday After Epiphany

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

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Repentance at Nineveh

Psalm 62:5-12

God alone is my rock and my salvation (62:6)

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Living in the end times

Mark 1:15-20

The calling of the disciples at the sea

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

With youth from other congregations, Faith's Confirmation students enjoyed a full weekend of worship, prayer, learning and fun at Luther Springs Confirmation Camp.

We pray that the experience deepened their faith and strengthened their commitment to Christian life.

A little exercise and deepened relationships were the outcome when a small but energetic group of Faith friends enjoyed the inaugural Faith Walk and Talk this past Saturday.

Mark your calendar for the next walk, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10. Stay tuned for location details.

This Sunday, Jan. 21, marks the second week in Faith's stewardship emphasis, Experiencing the Joy of Generosity, with a focus on "The Joy in Managing God's Blessings."

As God's stewards, we are to manage faithfully the time, talents and money that God has entrusted to us. Through faith, we understand that all we are and have are gifts by God's grace in Jesus. To express our gratitude, we manage our blessings in ways that give our Lord praise and honor.

The hope and prayer is that worship and Bible study will help you draw closer to God and will help you understand the importance of following God's plan for managing your blessings.

Giving statements for tax year 2023 either were emailed or mailed to those with contributions of record. If you did not receive yours, or if you need a paper copy and haven’t received it, contact the church office, 941-924-4664 or officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com; or Patty McKee, 941-921-3709 or financialsecretary@faithlutheransrq.com.

If you ordered 2024 giving envelopes, they are available in the narthex. If you did not order envelopes but would like to have them, use the sign-up form to request either Full Packets or Special Offering Packets.

“You have as much laughter as you have faith.” - Martin Luther

In a world of factions, there is one thing we all have in common. We can laugh! Join Al Ernst, your Faith-based humorist in residence, for “Laughter Saves Lives,” 2-3:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 22, in the conference room.

The gospel teaches us to live with joy, gratitude and faith. Through this fun presentation -- using lessons and a little help from Jesus, Martin Luther, Ted Lasso and more -- you’ll laugh, then take home some new ways to enjoy your daily faith. The presentation is not designed to teach you how to tell jokes, be a comedian or “make lemonade out of lemons.” Rather, it will help you make your Christian walk more fun, joyful and optimistic. You are invited!

Opportunities to meet together for prayer and study abound at Faith. Here's a look at what's coming up during the week ahead:

• Adult Forum meets between worship services, 9:10-9:50 a.m. Sunday in the conference room. The group will focus on Lesson 3, "Finger of God - The Plagues" of Volume 8, "Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life's Trials" in the "That the World May Know" video series.
• Sunday School begins following the Children's Sermon in the 10:15 a.m. service each Sunday. Children learn about the gospel of the day through age-appropriate lessons and fun activities, then rejoin the congregation for Holy Communion. Questions? Contact Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com.
• Men of Faith meet for Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, in the chapel. All are welcome!
• G.I.F.T.S. (Growing in Faith Through Scripture) Women's Bible Study meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the conference room to focus on "Be Still and Know - a Study of Rest and Refuge" by Deb Burma. Questions? Contact Peggy Ragan, pragan12@aol.com or 941-302-7722. All women are welcome!
• Adult Bible Study delves into Mark's gospel at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 7 in the upstairs classroom across from the elevator. All welcome! Light refreshments! Great discussion! Fun fellowship!
• The Prayer Group meets at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel to pray for all in need, our community, our nation and our world. The gathering concludes with Holy Communion. Can't attend in person? Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 871 4720 3661. Passcode 041291.



Tuesday's “Worship to Go” service at Angel Senior Living brought God’s word, and the joy and peace of the Lord to residents who hadn’t had worship opportunities for years.

Now, the people of Faith have been asked to bring worship to that facility’s memory care residents. Can you be a welcoming helper?

Meet at 10:30 a.m. this Tuesday, Jan. 23, in the Faith chapel for a quick worship-service review before carpooling to an 11 a.m. “Worship to Go” service at the Angel Senior Living Memory Care unit, 5750 Honore Ave. If you can help, contact Pastor Eric directly, 716-352-0055. No experience necessary!

The Bereavement Group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. If you or a friend can use help bearing the burden of grief, this group is for you. There is strength and hope in community.

Ladies and gents, grab your hooks and needles for Stitch 'n' Chatter 1-2:30 p.m. Thursdays in room 212.

The Faith Food Pantry needs your help on Thursdays. To sign up:

• Click here, or
• Sign the sheet on the narthex table, or
• Contact Karen Naulty, knaulty@yahoo.com or 406-334-1063.

Remember BOGO – Buy One Give One – for food and paper products (toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, etc.), then leave them in the car so you don’t forget to bring them to church. Place donations in the barrel in fellowship hall. Thanks!

Confirmation Class meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays via Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83054124705?pwd=jkQYOIazk519ubngIAeJxxa6USxWOA.1, Meeting ID 830 5412 4705, Passcode 688400.

Contact Pastor Eric with questions. 

Let's get to know some of Faith's newest members. Look for more new-member introductions in future editions of the Friday Update.

Kelly Ashlock says her story at Faith begins when she came to the Faith Food Pantry for assistance on a day when life seemed bleak and she was in tears. She met Pastor Eric and other Faith friends, and she joined the congregation soon after. She has an amazing 17-year-old son, a soon-to-be high-school graduate who she raised on her own. She has a bachelor's degree in criminology and associate's degree in business. Kelly currently specializes in computers and technology-related issues, and has A+, Network+ and Microsoft Certified Professional certifications. She is part of Faith's videography team, creates slides that appear on the sanctuary screens during worship and volunteers regularly at the Faith Food Pantry. She gives thanks to God and sends God's blessings to all of you.

Dorcas "Dee" Burlingame was raised as a Southern Baptist, went to a Catholic nursing school and, for a short time, considered being a nun. Later, she became a member of a large Presbyterian Church where she was a deacon. She and her husband settled on joining the ELCA because it is accepting of all people. She volunteers in the Faith Food Pantry and says she enjoys being at Faith very much.

Ashley Garlitz is a graduate speech pathology student who was seeking involvement in a Lutheran congregation, and the Holy Spirit led her to Faith. She is among our Sunday greeters, is a Sunday School volunteer, and also has helped at the Faith Food Pantry and during Sunday coffee hours. Next month, she will travel to Grenada with other speech pathology students to provide free speech therapy to those in need.

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.

Pastor Eric often speaks with congregation or community members about 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, either through the Discretionary Fund option on the Faith website or in the offering plate, so vulnerable people can continue to receive help. 

Members of the safety committee review Faith’s building and grounds for possible hazards that could cause tripping or slipping -- raised sidewalks, rugs that don’t lay flat, water on the floor, parking-lot bumpers with rebar that should be pounded back to ground level, etc. They report concerns to the property committee. Interested in joining the committee? Please contact the church office.

Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity (S.U.R.E.), a faith-based community organizing entity of which Faith is a covenant member, is focused on affordable and accessible housing, an issue with which neighbors who visit the Faith Food Pantry regularly struggle. While this problem might not affect every member of our parish, we are compelled by the gospel of Jesus Christ to care deeply about our neighbors’ needs.

Interested in getting involved? Contact Pastor Eric. Visit suresarasota.org to learn more.

Readers Club will meet at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 in the library to discuss Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

To learn more, contact Kathy Schilio, schilmo@yahoo.com. Please join!

Today, Friday, Jan. 12

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

Saturday, Jan. 13

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

9 a.m., Diakonia, conference room

Sunday, Jan. 14

8 a.m., In-Person 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 Livestream Worship, sanctuary

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

2 p.m., German Congregation Worship and Fellowship

Monday, Jan. 15

2 p.m., Laughter Saves Lives, upstairs classroom

Tuesday, Jan. 16

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

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

10:30 a.m., Worship to Go Prep, chapel

11 p.m., Worship to Go, Angel Senior Living Memory Care, 5750 Honore Ave.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 17

9:30 a.m., Adult Bible Study, upstairs classroom

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

1 p.m., Bereavement Group, chapel

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

Thursday, Jan. 18

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

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

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

5 p.m., Food Pantry Open

6 p.m., Jazzercise, gym

7 p.m. Confirmation, Zoom

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

1/19 When we are united with Christ, every aspect of our life and being — spiritual, physical and social — experiences the impact. Pray for the Spirit to help us stay faithful to the ways of God and the example of Christ, and to reclaim us when we give undue value and attention to things that distract us.

1/20 Remember in prayer individuals and families who are homeless. Pray for congregations, community ministries, social service organizations such as S.U.R.E., and local and state governments that are working to develop effective, creative and sustainable housing, shelter and care for our neighbors.

1/21 Jesus Christ is the good news of God’s grace and mercy at the heart of our baptism and faith. Give thanks and praise God for this amazing promise and gift!

1/22 Pray for Lutheran outdoor ministry leaders as they recruit young adult staff for summer ministries. Pray that young adults will respond to these leaders’ invitation to share their faith, gifts and leadership abilities with campers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

1/23 There’s a bit of Jonah in all of us when we question God’s wisdom and mercy, and balk at doing what God asks of us. Promise to be attentive and responsive to God’s work, and to trust that God’s boundless love and forgiveness are for all people, including ourselves.

1/24 Give thanks for the ELCA Foundation, which helps us fund God’s work in the world, now and well into the future.

1/25 Conversion of Paul:  Give thanks for God’s presence in our lives and for the work of the Holy Spirit, which changes our lives and the world.

1/26 Pray for the Deaconess Community of the ELCA, a diverse group of sisters in Christ who courageously proclaim the gospel, work for justice and healing, and serve all people.

Please remember in your prayers this week:

Marsha Anderson, sister of Gail Murphy

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

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

Chuck Banta

Sean Brett, son of Alyene Weaver

Sandra Brinker

Charles Budreau

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 Donahue

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

Elaine Graham

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

Jesus & Rita Jimenez

Alf Kirkeeng

Lillian Lapenckas

Jacqueline Laurent, friend of Margaret Borrows

Lois Light

Shirley Manning, friend of Margaret Borrows

Paul & Debby Maresch

Vincenzo Mariani, friend of Conrad Zabor

Kathleen McBride

Judi Melander

Family & Friends of Rev. Van C. Miller

Jeremy & Yvonne Mullins

Beverly Novak, cousin of Patty McKee

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

Nancy Wilborn

Jon Wooton

Family & Friends of Angelo Yerace

1/19 Dick and Jetty Zarfos

1/20 Ron and Marty Iverson

If your anniversary or a friend's or family member's anniversary is missing or listed incorrectly, kindly notify communications@faithlutheransrq.com.

1/1 Greg Cooper

1/1 Mike Hansen

1/2 Amy Hubschman

1/2 Tony Moreland

1/2 Carol Wambold

1/4 John Spittal

1/5 Brandon Ragan

1/8 Conrad Zabor

1/9 Barbara Little

1/9 Jay Millard

1/9 Doug Weaver

1/12 Ileana Capilla

1/19 Annabel Ryan

1/23 Mark A. Nelson

1/24 Karen Vogel

1/25 Kaitlyn Clark

1/25 Laurie Stramaglia

1/26 Dick Bruning

1/29 Marianne Powrie

1/30 Nell Rude

If your birthday or a friend's or family member's birthday 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