Week of February 14th eNews -- Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Week of February 14, 2021

Transfiguration of Our Lord

In this week's eNews...

February 12th @2pm: Valentine Party
February 12th @9:30am: Centering Prayer Information Session w/Birdie Clark
February 13th @ 8:45am: Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop - see link below
February 16th @ 1pm: "Between the World & Me" book study
February 16th @10am: Torah Tuesdays w/Donna Batchelor
February 17th @5pm: Ash Wednesday Worship
February 18th @ 10am: Thursdays Together with Pastor Hall
February 18th @1pm: Revelation Bible Study
Signup is now open for Altar Flowers and Eternal Candle dedication for Feb-Mar of 2021 through the links below or contact the church office.

Please Note: There is still room to worship at 11am THIS weekend. If you have a change of plans about attending a worship service, you may Edit or Cancel a previously made registration using the confirmation email you received. Remember the office closes at noon Thursday and will not be open until Monday morning.

Ash Wednesday Worship Service

This year’s in-person Ash Wednesday service, will be held on Feb. 17 at 5:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed to Emmanuel’s Facebook page and available on-demand at www.emmanuel-elca.org.

In order to follow the in-person worship safety protocols, there will be no imposition of ashes this year. However, if you choose to attend the service virtually, you may wish to make your own ashes by burning last year’s palm branches and adding a few drops of olive oil. If attending the service in person, please apply your ashes at home to comply with our safety protocols.

A Note when Hosting a Zoom Meeting

If you are the host of a Zoom meeting, it is very important that after you "End the Meeting" you Log Out of Zoom. Click on the picture of the church in the upper right corner and click Log Out at the bottom of the drop down menu.

By failing to do this, you are creating problems for the next person wishing to login and host their meeting.

Thanks.

Because He first love us.

Be sure to pick up a Valentine rose from the Evangelism committee as you exit worship this weekend - one per family please.

Happy Valentine's Day

You are loved!

FINANCE NEWS

At the Annual Meeting we thanked Ed Crary for his four (4) years of service as our Church’s Treasurer. During his tenure Ed has dedicated himself to the Treasurer’s position; developing policies and procedures which will provide a solid framework for future Treasurers.

Our Congregation continues to fully support all of our ministries both financially and through Council’s leadership. As your incoming Treasurer, I look forward to working with leadership as we manage the Church’s finances.
Recently we set out the Annual Giving Statements. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Treasurer’s Office on Tuesdays.
In 2020, COVID required we significantly increase our online presence. This expanded ministry has been made possible by our dedicated Staff and our Congregation continued financial support. Thank You.

Blessings,

Charles Koons

Church Treasurer

a story to tell - DEVOTIONS FOR LENT 2021

This Lenten devotional highlights readings from the gospel of Matthew with 46 entries, one for each day from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Each reading is accompanied by a photo, a quote to ponder, a reflection, and a prayer. This format makes it easy to incorporate a simple Christian observance into your Lenten journey. A Story to Tell focuses on texts from the Gospel of Mark that show Jesus’ journey from baptism to the cross. The gospel writer has a story to tell, moving quickly from one scene to the next. The urgent tone of the story grabs us and pulls us in, but all the action comes to a halt when those who see the empty tomb tell no one about this. Is this the end of the story?

Lenten devotional booklets will be available in the Narthex this weekend and next week at the office Mon-Thurs 8:30am-12noon.

Thursdays Together with Pastor Hall

February 18th at 10am

Join our community of faith for conversation around the gospel for the week. This is a thirty-minute Zoom dialogue with Pastor Hall based on the gospel. There is a short litany followed by the reading and open discussion on the text for the following Sunday's worship. It is a time to see faces and an opportunity to connect-up with members of Emmanuel.

Topic: Thursday's Together

Time: Thursday, February 18th @10:00am

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/92351281523?pwd=Q0FMOGFxSUNnUFhpZzBQdHF6RW03Zz09

Meeting ID: 923 5128 1523

Passcode: 999623

February Events

Beginning February 12th; 9:30-10:15am via Zoom

Explore Centering Prayer to enrich your Lenten journey as well as your prayer life. Birdie Clark is forming a new group for those new to Centering Prayer as well as those who have perhaps practiced before. All are welcome! Please email or phone Birdie if you are interested or have questions at birdieclark48@aol.com or 941.488.4360. Be sure to include your email to receive the link and facilitate a group list for communicating and sharing information.

Here are a couple YouTube videos if you would like to have some preparation for the group. Just click on the titles below to view. (These are NOT a requirement to join the group)

What is Centering Prayer and How do We Do it and Thomas Keating Centering Prayer Guidelines

Centering Prayer Introductory Program

February 13, 2021 via Zoom

(sponsored by the Contemplative Outreach Sarasota/Bradenton branch)

During these challenging times Centering Prayer is a way to draw closer to God. It is a Christian form of meditation that serves as a method of movement into contemplative prayer, a way to open oneself to the Divine Presence and, through the healing of the Holy Spirit, to be of greater service to those around us.

The Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop familiarizes participants with the method of Centering Prayer and its conceptual background and offers two opportunities to experience the prayer. The program will be led by Contemplative Outreach trained presenters.

For information and to view the entire flyer on this event, click here.

Contact Susan Holm for more information and any questions you may have.

Click here to Join the Party on February 12th at 2pm

or use:

Meeting ID: 839 722 1615

Passcode: SingLoud

Torah Tuesdays at Ten

You are invited to revisit old friends like Moses, Noah and Abraham through a new lens - God's word with Donna Batchelor on Tuesdays beginning February 16th at 10am in-person! Yes that's right Donna will offer a series of discussions on these old yet familiar stories beginning with the first five books of the Old Testament or the Torah - offered in-person each week in the sanctuary. Limited attendance. Sign up below for February.

This series will also be posted on our website (under the Events tab) and on FaceBook.

See the invitation!

BEING THE FAMILY OF GOD

All who are baptized in Christ Jesus are baptized into the family of God. By water and word, each of us is welcomed into God’s worldwide embrace of love and salvation. In baptism we become members of the “whole Christian family on earth,” and now, here in this place, we enjoy God’s love and fellowship within our Emmanuel family, our community of faith.

Families reflect the way that God works in and among us. This year’s midweek Lenten series will consider “the family of God” as it comes to light and life in the stories of family relationships in the Bible. Each Wednesday evening we will hear stories about families — from scripture and from our own community of faith, as well as an opportunity to see a mural created by Pr. Paul Oman and constructed by Emmanuel’s “framing team.” The section of the mural painted after each midweek worship service will reflect the Bible story considered that evening. Please join “the family of God” in exploring these stories, ancient and new, through worship and art.

Click below to see the full schedule for our Wednesday Lenten Services.

The Lenten worship services will also be made available on our FaceBook page and our website.

“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Being the Family of God

Quilters have been busy!!

Dorcas had made 100 quilts when the church was shut down the middle of March. Beginning in April, Linnea Uccello found on Facebook a way to create quilts at home, quilts that we make for Lutheran World Relief. Chris Farrell continued to make quilts using the same procedure. Meeting every Monday in the parking lot at the back of the church, other Dorcas members would take those quilts home to sew around the sides then return the following Monday for others to take home and tie. This wonderful process continued until this past Monday. when we now can make quilts in our rooms. We feel very blessed that we live in sunny Venice and could continue making quilts outside. We made 544 quilts which were picked up on Tuesday (along with the layettes from Deborah Circle) to send on their journey to LWR.

We are thankful and very grateful for the support that the congregation gives us. We couldn't do what we do without the donations of fabric and sheets of any size, any color, flat or fitted. We are blessed with your support. Thank you.

More pictures are available on the Events page of our website

In Our Prayers...

Valerie Cooper, Bill Johnson, Shirley Kasko, and Richard Neilsen.

For family and friends of Dave Frederickson who passed away February 7th. Private services will be held at Sarasota National.

Also for the family and friends of Marge & Tom Farrell as they mourn the passing of their daughter, Sue Farrell Star.

February Stewardship Emphasis

This committee was formed 3 years ago with a mission to provide opportunities for members of the church and the community to gather together in fun, fellowship, sharing and learning. The committee meets monthly (currently on Zoom) on the 2nd Monday at 1:00. We are struggling to find ways to gather during the pandemic. If you have ideas to share and time to spare, come join us. Call Jadynne Berg at 612-723-3111 or Pat Crary at 941-882-3089.

In the following weeks we will explain the different opportunities for you to become a part of this committee.

We look forward to hearing from you!

February Outreach Emphasis

Our Habitat for Humanity building team is actively involved with South Sarasota County Habitat for Humanity program and Emmanuel’s Local Envelope Charity has dedicated February’s contributions to support this project. With the help of local churches, it is hoped to reach goals to build our next home.

“…Building a house gives people a concrete way to put their faith into action by offering a hand-up to a family in need of housing. A Faith Build project also has the potential to build community among churches that have never worked together before. Volunteers meet new people and develop friendships with individuals from their own churches as well as from the larger faith community.”

Habitat for Humanity is always looking for volunteers to assist with building as well as painting, and other construction needs. Looking for a great area to help others please contact Frank Rauch for further information. Due to the Covid-19 volunteers are still completing two homes as only 3-4 workers can be scheduled at a time. A new House That Faith Built is not schedule to start at this time.

Remember or Honor a Loved One

There are several dates open!! Sign-up to dedicate Altar Flowers and the Eternal Candle for Feb-Mar 2021 is now available online by clicking the links below. Once you have reserved your date, please submit your dedication with payment no later than 2 weeks prior to your reserved date. If you have any questions or are unable to sign-up online, contact the office.

Feb-Mar Eternal Candle

Feb-Mar Altar Flowers

Barb's Medical Minute

If you ever needed a reason to care for your teeth….here it is.

Gum disease and tooth loss were associated with a higher risk for cancers of the esophagus and stomach in a recent long-term study. The link may be gum disease bacteria that produce compounds that damage DNA, weaken immunity, and help cancer cells live longer.
People with moderate to severe gum disease had higher odds of having high blood pressure than people with healthy gums.
Gum disease bacteria may increase inflammation, which can reduce blood vessel flexibility, and can increase blood pressure.

Getting it treated can reduce your systolic (top) number by 3-12 points, and diastolic by up to 10. Yikes! Get out that toothbrush and floss!

Please DO NOT leave food outside the office or at church

Food donations for the South County Food Pantry should be taken directly to the South County Food Pantry located at 121 Warfield Avenue, Venice. The church is not collecting on a regular basis at this time. Their website states their hours vary so call before you go! 941.408.2911.

Readings for This Week

February 14th

Transfiguration of Our Lord

2 Kings: 2:1-12

Psalm 50:1-6

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Mark 9:2-9

February 17th

Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Psalm 51:1-17

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

February 21st

First Sunday of Lent

Genesis 9:8-17

Psalm 25:1-10

1 Peter 3:18-22

Mark 1:9-15

Registration Information

You may also register for this coming weekend as well as next weekend through our website www.emmanuel-elca.org.
When you register for worship and find your preferred service is full, please contact the office. Note: The 11am worship always has room for more!!
If you need to edit or cancel your registration, use the links provided in the email confirmation you receive when registering.

Remember these guidelines when coming to worship:

6 feet social distancing requirements - do not crowd pews.
Remember to wear a mask with nose and mouth covered and use the hand sanitizer available in the narthex or pews.
Please do not stop in the narthex or inside the sanctuary.
Wait for the ushers to dismiss your row. They start at the back of the sanctuary. For everyone’s safety and proper distancing, follow the ushers instructions.

Reminder: Please wear your Name Badges when attending worship so we know who you are while wearing your face masks!!! Also, please silence your cell phone out of consideration for all worshippers.

For your information...

As a gentle reminder to everyone, if you have been exposed to COVID in any way or are not feeling well, please follow self-management steps to ensure you are not exposing other members of our congregation. Your cooperation is very much appreciated by everyone. In addition, should you contract COVID, please notify the church office for contact tracing.

Emmanuel is currently in Stage 2 of our Reopening Roadmap. Stage 2 does allow limited activities on our Church campus; if you decide you would like to resume an allowed ministry, see Reopening Roadmap; you need to contact the Executive Committee to confirm the protocols you will be following; conforming to the Reopening Roadmap.

Want to know more about some of the items in eNews? When viewing the eNews online or on your mobile device and you see the pointing finger when running your mouse over a graphic or text, you will be able to link to more information such as a flyer, website, etc. Try it with the top picture of the church!!

Devotional/worship: Sunday Worship is posted after 8:30am to the website and the 10am service is live-streamed on FaceBook. Thursdays Together with Pastor Hall is accessible through the Zoom link above. All previous worship services are also available through our website by clicking on the Vimeo logo in the upper left corner of the posted video on the website.