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Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others.
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Faith's Friday Update
January 6, 2023
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Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023
Epiphany of Our Lord, Year A
Worship Services at 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.
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Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 60:1-6
Nations come to the light
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
All kings shall bow down before him. (Ps. 72:11)
Ephesians 3:1-12
The gospel’s promise extends to all
Matthew 2:1-12
Revelation of Christ to the nations of the earth
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Congregational Council
meeting minutes can be viewed at the link.
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Faith's financial news can be viewed at the link below.
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We will resume meeting Sunday, January 8th. We will also start this study with an 8–10-minute segment about the Stewardship Theme for the week "Building Relationships". Adult Forum will meet this coming Sunday, January 8th with Volume 4 Lesson 5 “City of the Great King-Jerusalem” of “That the World May Know” video series. We will meet in the conference room between the two morning worship services from 9:10 – 9:50am. 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.
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Stewardship - a Living Faith
Fulfilling God’s Purpose!
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The theme for the first week of Fulfilling God’s Purpose! is “Building
Relationships.” God’s Word tells us, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). All meaningful relationships are based on love. Jesus’ relationship with his
heavenly Father, his relationship with the disciples, our relationships with him, and our relationships with others are made possible through love. God’s love for us compels us to show that love through what we do and say to others (2 Corinthians 5:14). Please join us this Sunday in worship and Bible study as we focus on “Building Relationships.”
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Please help us put away
Christmas Decorations
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We are taking down the Christmas decorations and putting them away Sunday, 1/8 after the 10:15 a.m. service. We welcome your assistance.
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Confirmation class is 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
Our next class is January 10th.
This comprehensive confirmation program is more than just a class. It seeks to provide experiences and opportunities in which the individual can grow in faith as a Christian (i.e., worship, relationships with peers and mentors, small group experiences, and ministry opportunities).
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Please join us on Tuesday 1/10 for another exciting study of the book of Judges! Don’t let their size fool you, these short books pack a serious spiritual punch! Join us at 10 am in the Chapel. No prior bible study experience necessary! Consider inviting a friend or two as well!
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On Saturday, January 14th Faith Lutheran in Partnership with Lutheran Services Florida will sponsor a Refugee Day that will provide medical screening, immigration assistance, networking, and other resources. If you are interested in serving as a Faith Ambassador of Hospitality at the event, please call the church office.
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Please consider joining us at our January Mary Circle meeting. We will meet on Tuesday, January 17 at 12 pm. Please bring your own lunch: dessert will be provided. This month we are very pleased to offer a presentation by Joan Zabor. Joan is a very talented artist who uses shells as her medium of expression. Joan graciously gifted the church with the shell cross in the office entryway. Come out and hear Joan talk about where she gets her inspiration and how she actually creates her stunning pieces. For questions, contact Janet Petersen at luvstitches55@gmail.com
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G.I.F.T.S. (Growing In Faith Through Scripture) will resume studying "Be Still and Know" by Deb Burma at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the conference room. We look forward to continuing our exploration of Psalm 46.
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Finally, all of our renovations and preparations are complete! We are ready to commence training and to begin our service as a partner with All Faith’s Food Bank. If you are interested in volunteering in our Food Pantry, please join us on Tuesday, January 17th at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Hannah Mazkour from All Faith’s Food Bank will be our instructor. Please contact the office with questions.
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Bereavement Group
Lunch at Olive Garden
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Join our Bereavement Group for lunch at Olive Garden. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, then you are invited to join us as we break bread and share meaningful conversation. Please RSVP by calling the church office. We will meet at Olive Garden at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18th.
You are also welcomed to join Faith’s Bereavement Group during the regular weekly meetings at 1 p.m. Wednesdays (except 1/18) in the chapel. If you or a friend can use some help bearing the burden of grief, this group is for you. There is strength in community. Help spread the word of hope.
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Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 1 p. m. Watch for the schedule and sign up
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Readers Club meets at 2 p.m. on the last Monday of the month in the church library. Jan. 30, they will discuss Haven Point by Virginia Hume.
For more information, contact Kathy Schilio, schilmo@yahoo.com. Please join! All are welcome!
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Choir Rehearsals: All Are Welcome
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The Voices of Faith Choir has scheduled the following Wednesday evening rehearsals:
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Wednesday, March 1, 2033
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
All rehearsals are held in the Choir Room from 6:30P to 8:00P. We also rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9:15A.
We have room for you!
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Altar Flowers are a Beautiful Remembrance
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Altar flowers are a beautiful and meaningful way to honor or remember a special someone or a special occasion while decorating Faith's altar for worship. The 2023 Altar Flowers signup poster is available in the fellowship hall.
The next available sponsorship date is January 22.
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 or share after the 10:15 a.m. 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.
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Or CLICK HERE to order online.
The cost is $60 for two vases or $30 for one vase. Please make checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church and indicate ‘altar flowers’ in the memo line.
Thank you for adding beauty to Faith Lutheran’s altar!
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Donations to Pastor's Discretionary Fund Enable Emergency Assistance
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Pastor Eric often engages in conversation with members of the congregation or community about specific needs and 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 so vulnerable members of our community can continue to receive emergency assistance. Following Hurricane Ian, requests for assistance have grown substantially.
Thank you for the strong congregational response thus far!
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Looking for a time to pray with members of our Faith family? Join us at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. 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 with Holy Communion.
Bring your concerns and your desire to connect with our loving heavenly Father! Can’t attend in person? Please join us via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 871 4720 3661, Passcode: 041291
NOTE: If you need the sacrament brought to your house, please let us know or take consecrated elements home with you on Sunday if you are in town.
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Joan's Soup Freezer
Consider Sharing Soup,
and Take Soup When Needs Arise
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The soup fridge is filling up! Please consider making a donation or simply taking one of the delicious soups found in the fridge labeled Joan’s Soup in the kitchen. Please help us keep this Ministry, founded by Joan March, going. If making a contribution, please label with the type of soup and when it was made. Thanks so much!
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Adult Bible Study
to Resume Its Winter Session
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“Signs and Wonders”
A study of Jesus’ Miracles
Ever wonder about the stories of Jesus’ miracles? Believers are very familiar with Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000, and the stilling of the storm. What do we make of these accounts? Actual happenings? Metaphorical stories? Let’s explore these questions together. Perhaps the big question is not “did this happen?” but “what does it mean?” Both questions deserve our faithful deliberation and interpretation!
Our theologian in residence, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, will by DVD lecture and student book provide grist for our mill, featuring 6 selected miracle stories. Our Faith Endowment Fund will provide a student book for each who registers for the class.
Pastor Larry will lead this Six-Week study beginning Wednesday, January 11th, and continuing each Wednesday through February 15th. Each one-hour session begins at 9:30 a.m. and meets in the second-floor classroom in the Community Center across from the elevator.
BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX THIS MORNING. THOSE BOOKS STILL REMAINING WILL BE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE FOR PICK-UP.
It’s not too late to register for this class. Welcome all! Refreshments! Great discussion! Fellowship!
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Collecting Empty Ink Cartridges Offsets Church Office Expenses
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Please consider donating your empty ink cartridges to help the church and the environment! When we bring the cartridges to Staples, we receive store credit to help offset office supply costs.
The ink cartridge collection bin is on the counter in fellowship hall.
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6 Epiphany Give thanks that, through Jesus Christ’s ministry, teaching and sacrifice, God reveals the vision, wisdom and values that help us live together as neighbors and children of God.
7 Pray for ELCA missionaries serving with our global companions in Asia and the Pacificthe Rev. Chandran Paul Martin (India); Hailey Brenden (Nepal); the Rev. Suk Yeon Lee (South Korea); Samuel and McCall Dubbelman (Hong Kong); and the Rev. Jessica Derise (Thailand).
8 Ask the Spirit to give us the courage and determination to end gun violence in our nation, care for those who suffer its trauma and grief, and comfort and protect the children and youth who live with it in fear and anxiety.
9 Pray for ELCA outdoor ministries as they recruit young adults to serve in outdoor and urban summer camp ministries across the country. Ask the Spirit to stir these young adults to share their faith, energy and diverse gifts with children, youth and adults.
10 Give thanks that God calls us to light the world and bear the good news of Christ’s justice and compassion to our neighbors in need.
11 Pray that pastors, deacons, leaders of youth and family ministries, and others who serve the church and our communities will be restored and find new inspiration through sabbath and the care and encouragement of their congregations.
12 Pray for the wisdom to understand that all living things echo the voice of God, a voice of glory, power and love that blesses humankind.
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Let us know if your wedding anniversary is in January!
There are none showing in our membership directory.
Please inform us if we need to update our records.
Thank you!
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01/02 Nancy Arntsen
01/02 Amelia Hubschman
01/02 Tony Moreland
01/02 Carol Wambold
01/03 Mary Foxwell
01/04 John Spittal
01/05 Brandon Ragan
01/08 Kay Deming
01/08 Carol Hanson
01/08 Conrad Zabor
01/09 Barbara Little
01/09 Jay Millard Jr.
01/09 Doug Weaver
01/10 Ryan Verwey
01/12 Ileana Capilla
01/13 Alida Martin
01/13 Steve Rice
01/15 Michael Deming
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01/15 Zach Rans
01/16 Paula Harris
01/17 Sally Ann Keller 01/17 Valerie Meister 01/17 Wayne Smith
01/19 Grethe Oiulfstad 01/19 Annabel Ryan
01/20 Donald Wilborn Jr. 01/23 Mark A. Nelson
01/24 Jeff Arntsen
01/24 DeLaine Roessner
01/24 Karen Vogel
01/25 Kaitlyn Clark
01/26 Dick Bruning
01/29 Destiny Duke
01/29 Marianne Powrie
01/30 Tyler Moreland
01/30 Nell Rude
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Pastor: Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen
Assistant Pastor: Rev. Larry Wright
Director of Music/Organist: David V. Patrick
Lead Cantor/Music Librarian: Tom Tryon
Artist in Residence: Dr. Joseph Holt
Church Office Administrator: Cate Teague
Weekly office hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
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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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