Like everyone, we were pleasantly surprised when the CDC changed their guidance last week to loosen the restrictions surrounding mask-wearing. We on the Executive Committee are very aware of our many church members who are eagerly awaiting the ability to attend church without wearing a mask or being socially-distanced. At the same time, there are other members who, for a variety of reasons, do not yet feel comfortable sitting closely together or discontinuing the use of a face mask.

Taking both positions into consideration, we feel that the next natural phase in our reopening is to allow places within the sanctuary for both groups to feel comfortable and welcome. Therefore, beginning with services on May 22/23, these adjustments to seating in our sanctuary will take place:

We realize that any change takes some getting used to, and there will be signage and guidance from the ushers to help everyone with this new system. Note that we intend for this seating arrangement to be temporary, with Emmanuel eventually returning to seating in every pew (mask wearing will always be optional).

We ask all members for patience as we work through these last phases of the coronavirus pandemic. We understand that some members may not be able to sit in their favorite spot, and we appreciate the sacrifices that everyone is willing to make in order for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ to feel welcome and safe.

All meetings, whether in-person or via zoom, need to be scheduled through the office. It's a good idea to check on availability before you tell your members. This goes for both the office area, church building, Rowe Hall, Narthex collections, etc. Thanks.

Also, we are trying to post pictures of Emmanuel activities on the Events Page of our Website, https://www.emmanuel-elca.org/events. So take pictures and send to the office so we can see our "members in action".

This weekend, we observe Pentecost, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. Worshipers may wish to wear red at services this weekend, a color that symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

As mentioned in recent messages from the Executive Committee, Emmanuel is moving to Stage 3 of the Reopening Roadmap, which provides for the reopening of all campus facilities with a 50% capacity limit and appropriate social distancing. In the coming weeks, our Worship & Music Committee will announce additional changes for summer Sanctuary worship services.

Women of the ELCA (WELCA) take our role at Emmanuel seriously. Our Purpose Statement guides us as a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit:

WELCA Women's Groups are meeting!

We are pleased to let you know that these Circles are continuing or resuming meetings:

You are welcome at any and all of these groups. We are happy to be together!

Dr. Marlyce Holbach, WELCA President

A big thank you to Vonnie Heckler and Bob and Janine Jung for volunteering to take over the delivery of food collections to the South County Food Pantry.

Donations for the food pantry may be dropped off at the office or placed in the cart in the Narthex.

The South County Food Pantry cart will be in the Narthex this month to accept donations. Please only bring items when you come to worship. Donations during the week may be dropped off at the Pantry located at 121 Warfield Ave, Venice, 9am to 12noon weekdays.

As we plan for more activities at Emmanuel, we are in need of Blood Pressure Volunteers. Contact Barb at parishnurse@emmanuel-elca.org.

Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night for optimal health. When we don’t hit that goal, then our metabolism and eating habits are influenced. Getting only 5 hours of sleep can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which leads to excess calories (weight gain), and an almost 20% drop in insulin sensitivity. Not enough sleep prompts evening eating which is a big contributor to weight gain.

So, stop caffeine 5 hours prior to bedtime (coffee, coke, etc.) because it can delay the onset of melatonin and avoid spicy foods or any foods that give you indigestion. Also, sugars and processed grains may trigger insomnia., where fruits and vegetables may help prevent it. Z-Z-Z-Z

Stay after the 8:30 worship or come early to the 10:00 worship as Coffee Fellowship returns this Sunday at the round tables outside the Fellowship Hall.

Embark on an epic quest through hidden ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungles. At Treasured VBS, kids dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures. They’ll discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold–it's them! Click the button below to view an introduction video and for online registration for both kids and volunteers.

Explore Centering Prayer to enrich your prayer life. Birdie Clark leads this group for those new to Centering Prayer as well as those who have perhaps practiced before on Fridays at 9:30am. All are welcome!

Please email or phone Birdie if you are interested or have questions at birdieclark48@aol.com or 941.488.4360.

The best source for up-to-date information about our members is by using the mobile directory. To receive the link and password for this, email info@emmanuel-elca.org.

If you do not have access to this directory, a new printed copy of our membership information is available at the table in the Narthex.

July sign-ups are now available. Click the links below to reserve your date to remember or honor a loved one or a special event by sponsoring the Altar Flowers or Eternal Candle for April-June. 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.

Pastor Hall: rhall@emmanuel-elca.org

Visitation Pastor: Pastor Dave Hess

Jason Kozee: facilitiesmanager@emmanuel-elca.org

Kris Bowker: kbowker@emmanuel-elca.org

Debi Hammett: dhammett@emmanuel-elca.org

Kelley Hurlburt: khurlburt@emmanuel-elca.org

Becky Rothgery: info@emmanuel-elca.org

Barb Spenks: parishnurse@emmanuel-elca.org

Nick Sperry: youthdirector@emmanuel-elca.org