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Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others. |
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Faith's Friday Update
December 16, 2022
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Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Worship Services at 8 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
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Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 7:10-16
The sign of Immanuel
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. (Ps. 80:7)
Romans 1:1-7
Paul’s greeting to the church at Rome
Matthew 1:18-25
A God near at hand
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Minutes from the
Nov. 17, 2022, Congregational Council meeting are available.
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Faith's financial news can be viewed at the link below. |
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Help decorate our Sanctuary for Christmas while honoring or remembering a loved one or special
occasion by dedicating one or more Christmas Poinsettias for $14 each. Last day: Monday, 12/19
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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 will meet TODAY, Sunday Dec 18th with Lesson 4 “City of the Great King-The Temple” 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. We will not meet on Sunday Dec 25th and Jan 1st. We will begin meeting again on Sunday Jan 8th. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
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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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. 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 January 8.
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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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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Men, please join us at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the chapel for another exciting study of the book of Judges. Consider inviting a friend or two, as well.
No prior Bible study experience necessary, and each study is its own unit, so join us any time!
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Readers Club meets on the last Monday of the month at 2 p.m. in the church library.
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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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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Confirmation class is 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
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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Looking for a time to pray with members of our Faith family? Join us at 11:00 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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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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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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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.
Please call the Church Office [941-924-4664] and have Cate sign you up for the course. The deadline for registration is January 3rd.
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.
Welcome All. Refreshments! Great discussion! Fellowship!
W H A T ‘ S N O T T O L O V E ?
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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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16 Las Posadas This tradition, popular in Mexico and observed by some ELCA congregations, uses lighted paths and processions from house to house to follow Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem in search of lodging. Pray that our recollection of Mary and Joseph’s experience will prompt us to welcome strangers, immigrants, refugees and neighbors in need.
17 Pray for those who suffer depression, loneliness and anxiety, especially during the holidays. Ask God to help us be attentive to people around us who are struggling, that they might find understanding, hope, support, inclusion and caring companions in our communities of faith.
18 International Migrants Day Pray that we will support and accompany migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in their difficult pursuit of safety, justice, self-sufficiency and family stability.
19 Remember in prayer ELCA Global Mission personnel and missionaries who are celebrating Advent and the birth of Christ in the communities and congregations of our global companions around the world.
20 Remember those who are alone during this time of community celebrations, meals and worship, including refugees, immigrants, and those who are imprisoned, confined to home or an institution, without family, or separated from family and community by work or deployment.
21 Winter solstice Reflect on the intricacies of the universe that govern the movement of our solar system, the changing seasons and how people experience seasons in different hemispheres of the world. Praise God for a life-sustaining creation that inspires awe, curiosity and humility!
22 “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:3). Give thanks for God’s mercy and favor, which grant us new life and hope — not because we deserve it or have lived good lives but because God is gracious and generous beyond human comprehension.
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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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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
12/12 Gordon Pethick
12/13 Erik Dombroski
12/13 Gwen Schell
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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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