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Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others. |
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Faith's Friday Update
Nov. 25, 2022
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Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022
First Sunday of Advent
Worship Services at 8 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
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Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 2:1-5
Weapons of war are transformed into instruments of peace.
Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me: "Let us go to the house of the Lord." (Psalm 122:1)
Romans 13:11-14
Salvation is near; time to wake from sleep.
Matthew 24:36-44
The sudden coming of the Son of Man.
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Minutes from the
Nov. 17, 2022, Congregational Council meeting are available.
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Delve Deeper Into Word and Service By Becoming a Church Deacon |
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Please contact Pastor Eric if you are interested in delving deeper into your faith formation and becoming a church deacon.
We already have three members who will join in study through Diakonia Florida-Bahamas Synod's School of Lay Ministry. Participants most likely will meet Saturday mornings at Faith beginning in January.
For more information, visit diakoniafl.org or contact Deborah Dornemann, 941-914-7553.
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Adult Forum Resumes Dec. 4 |
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Adult Forum will not meet this Sunday, Nov. 27, but will resume Sunday, Dec. 4, with Lesson 2, "Piercing the Darkness" of the "That the World May Know" video series. Join the group 9:10-9:50 a.m. next week in the conference room between the two morning worship services.
Participants will embark on a journey with Ray Vander Laan, a Biblical scholar, in 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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School Committee Continues Research |
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As the School Committee takes time off from formal meetings until January, its various ad hoc committees continue researching marketing, budget, curriculum, general philosophy and all other areas needed to open a successful religious-based preschool. |
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Choir Rehearsals: All Are Welcome |
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Choir rehearsals take place Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. as well as Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room.
All are welcome! Whether you are seasonal or full time; an experienced singer or a novice; a soloist or a shower-singer; a church member or a visitor, you are welcome to join the Voices of Faith Choir. We have a place for you!
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Help Continue God's Work through Faith's Congregational Council |
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It is time to prepare a slate of people who will serve on the Congregational Council of Faith for the next three years.
We need to fill four seats 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 new ways to serve God. The third stanza of the hymn, "God, When Human Bonds are Broken," encourages us to consider serving the church: "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 continue God's work through the Congregational Council. It can be a blessing to many people, including you. If you feel called to serve, please inform one of the nomination committee members listed below. And if you are asked to serve, please say a little prayer before responding.
The members of the nomination committee have served on Council for different lengths of time, have completed their terms and now have responded to Pastor Eric's request to lead the nomination process. They look forward to presenting a slate of candidates to be voted on during the Annual Meeting in February.
Please feel free to contact any one of them:
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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 2022 Altar Flowers signup poster is available in the fellowship hall.
The next available sponsorship date is Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
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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Holiday Decorations Available in the Gym |
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Faith Lutheran's surplus Christmas decorations are available on table in the gym. Take what you want, and donate what you wish. Donations benefit Lutheran Disaster Response. Make checks payable to Faith Lutheran with Disaster Relief in the memo line. |
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G.I.F.T.S.
(Growing In Faith Through Scripture)
On Hiatus Until Jan. 17
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With the holidays fast approaching, the G.I.F.T.S. (Growing In Faith Through Scripture) Women's Bible Study will not meet until Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. The group will resume studying "Be Still and Know" by Deb Burma at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the conference room.
All women are welcome. We look forward to continuing our exploration of Psalm 46. May Christmas joy fill your hearts!
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Men of Faith Bible Study Explores Short Books of the Bible |
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Calling all Men of Faith! Please join us at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the chapel for another exciting study of one of the shortest books of the Bible.
Don't let their size fool you. These short books pack a serious spiritual punch! No prior Bible study experience necessary.
Consider inviting a friend or two, as well.
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Readers Club - Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy
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Readers Club meets on the last Monday of the month at 2 p.m. in the church library.
The next meeting is Nov. 28 when the group will discuss Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy by Anna Sebba. The readers will skip December due to Christmas. Jan. 30, the group 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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Advent Midweek Services Return |
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Join us at 11 a.m. Wednesdays in Advent — Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 — in the sanctuary for a meaningful and joy-filled worship service that centers on Mary's great song of praise, "The Magnificat." A light lunch will follow in fellowship hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. |
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During the 10:15 a.m. service, Sunday, Dec.11, David Patrick, our director of music, and Tom Tryon, our lead cantor and music librarian, will be officially installed. A reception will follow.
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Be at Faith Dec. 4 for Fun and to Benefit Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts |
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You don't want to miss the event of the year! Faith is hosting a Hurricane Ian Relief Fundraiser Dec. 4. Doors open at 3 p.m. The event starts at 4 p.m.
Entertainment by legendary singer/songwriter Karlus Trapp and Sarasota's king of comedy Al Ernst will highlight the evening.
An original songwriter, a diverse troubadour, and a musical educator, Karlus views music as a healing gift from God.
Al's calling from God is to make you laugh until you cry tears of joy! With more than 30 years of experience, including appearances on major television networks and cable channels, he will tickle your funny bone.
Some amazing donors are providing awesome items for raffle baskets.
All proceeds from a free-will offering will assist those affected by Hurricane Ian. Donations up to $15,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor.
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Bereavement Group Meets Wednesdays to Share Strength and Hope |
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Faith’s Bereavement Group meets at 1 p.m. every Wednesday
(unless notified) in the prayer chapel.
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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No Confirmation Class Next Tuesday, Meet at St. Paul's Instead |
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Confirmation class will NOT meet Tuesday, Nov. 29. Instead, all confirmation students are encouraged to join other Faith volunteers to help feed members of our community from 3 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, at St. Paul's Lutheran in downtown Sarasota. (See the related announcement about that ministry opportunity.) |
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Share the Bounty of Christmas with Someone in Need |
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Please consider adopting a Lutheran Services of Florida client for Christmas. Faith has the opportunity to help 60 people, each of whom has very modest needs and wants. Please take a name or two from the list in the narthex.
Wrap each gift, place the person's name on it, and leave it under the table in the narthex no later than Sunday, Dec. 11. Mary Circle thanks you for generously bringing Christmas cheer to others in our community.
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Faith's Food Pantry Soon to Come, Donations of Ready-to-Eat Items
Are Most Needed
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We continue to work in partnership with All Faiths Food Bank to begin food pantry operations at Faith.
In the meantime, we still are collecting food for All Faiths. Please consider donating ready-to-eat canned foods such as tuna and canned fruit. However, you are welcome to bring in any nonperishables that can be given to others who may need them. There is a large barrel in the narthex for your donations.
Following Hurricane Ian, many in our community are in need of food donations. Thank you!
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Help Feed the Hungry at
St. Paul's Lutheran
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The people of St. Paul’s Lutheran have invited the people of Faith to assist with the Tuesday feeding ministry at St. Paul’s in downtown Sarasota. The ministry, which feeds about 70 people each Tuesday, serves our food-insecure and homeless siblings in Christ.
We hope to attract a group of Faith Lutheran volunteers to cook and serve a meal at St. Paul’s on the fifth Tuesday of each month (when there is a fifth Tuesday).
From 3 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29, which is a fifth Tuesday, those who are interested are invited to join Pastor Olsen and his family to help a St. Paul’s cook-and-serve team and learn from that experienced group in the process.
Interested? Sign up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office.
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Consider Sharing Soup for Joan's Soup Freezer, and Take Soup When Needs Arise |
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As the weather begins to cool, who doesn’t appreciate a great bowl of hot soup? Joan’s Soup Freezer in the kitchen needs to be restocked.
Please consider making a little extra soup to share, put it in a freezer-safe container marked with the type of soup and the date it was prepared, then place it in the kitchen freezer that is labeled “Joan’s Soup.”
All are welcome to take soup from that freezer for yourself, friends or anyone who is struggling or not feeling well.
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Women of Faith Gather to Celebrate the Birth of Jesus |
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Mary Circle invites all women of Faith Lutheran to celebrate the birth of Jesus during a holiday lunch beginning at noon, Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Mamma Leone's Italian Restaurant, 2300 N. Tamiami Trail in Nokomis. You will order off the menu, and separate checks will be issued.
if you plan to be there, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office.
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Calling All Christmas Carolers! |
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Join our happy throng of singers as we visit our less-mobile members at their homes and sing carols to spread some Christmas cheer!
We will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21, in the fellowship hall at Faith and determine carpools. You will not want to miss this beautiful outreach opportunity!
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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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11/25 Native American Heritage Day. Give thanks for the cultures, values, accomplishments and spirituality of Native Americans that have shaped our nation and church. We commit to learning more about Indigenous people and tribal nations and to working together to correct inaccuracies of history.
11/26 Pray that we will be responsible in what we consume and how we spend our money, knowing that our neighbors suffer hunger and poverty amid abundance.
11/27 First Sunday of Advent. We will not be disappointed in our confidence in God’s love and forgiveness, our anticipation of Christ’s return or our welcome in the kingdom of God. Praise God!
11/28 Give thanks for the diverse work of the 28 ELCA missionaries accompanying 18 church bodies and 18 companion organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Ask God to bless and guide our ministry together so that we might respond to our neighbors in need who are most vulnerable and might spread the good news of Jesus Christ, far and wide.
11/29 Pray that the Spirit will deepen our generosity in sharing our resources and financial assets for the sake of our neighbors and the wellbeing of the world.
11/30 Pray that we will be generous and respectful in responding to and caring for those who cannot find secure shelter, pay for food or medical care, or support the children or older adults dependent on them.
12/1 World AIDS Day. Today we join our neighbors, siblings in Christ and companion churches around the world in remembering all who have been and continue to be affected by HIV and AIDS. Give thanks for the progress we have made in effective prevention, treatment and care and in discouraging discrimination against those who are HIV positive; pray that we will not grow complacent but continue to make progress; and give thanks for the ongoing work of the ELCA’s HIV and AIDS ministry.
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12/07 Dandino, Allan & Nancy
12/16 Owen, Mary & David
12/16 Schnell, Gwen & Michael
12/17 Dennis, Christine & Dean
12/26 Kempson, Jerry & Kaye
12/29 Radey, Abigail & Richard
12/31 Greenwood, Mark & Ann
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11/25 Cate Teague
11/26 Ashley Sboray
11/26 Erica Davis
11/27 Tabytha Siefke
11/28 Terry Weisgerber
11/30 Adrianne Rans
12/01 Scott Campbell
12/01 Tyler Ahlquist
12/02 Butch Millard
12/02 Laura Welp
12/03 Lauren Hradek
12/03 Aubrey Court
12/04 Jean Black
12/05 Jerry Kempson
12/08 Dorothy Gustavson
12/09 Carol Kovilaritch
12/11 Brooks Roessner
12/12 Michael Erne
12/12 Eileen Welsh
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12/12 Gordon Pethick
12/13 Erik Dombroski
12/13 Gwen Schell
12/17 Louraine Salvaggio
12/17 Frances Davis
12/18 Carol Preston
12/19 Jeffrey Hradek
12/22 Judith Ann McQueen
12/22 Joan Meisinger
12/23 Daniel Mark
12/23 Carrie Mulhall
12/25 Kathleen Meeks
12/25 Karen Brown
12/26 Sue Riccio
12/28 John Rogan
12/29 Kris Ordman
12/29 Janis Conlon
12/30 Ronald Falconer III
12/31 Jan Phillips
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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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