eNews
Week of December 13, 2020
Third Sunday of Advent
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.

Due to increasing COVID numbers in the area, the Executive Committee has extended the cancellation of all non-worship activities through December 15th. The Executive Committee will re-evaluate at that time.
In this week's eNews...
  • Pick up your giving envelopes in Fellowship Hall.
  • Monday, December 14th - Poinsettia Orders due
  • Thursday, December 17th - Drawn to the Word Advent with Pastor Hall
  • Thursday, December 17th - WELCA Virtual Christmas Tea
  • Individual Advent Bible Study - Watching and Waiting. The fourth Sunday of Advent study will be available as you exit the church.
  • Signup is now open for Altar Flower and Eternal Candle dedication for Jan-Mar of 2021 through the links below.
The 8:30am service is now live-streamed to our website and the 10am service is streamed to Facebook.

  • 6 feet social distancing requirements - do not crowd pews.  
  • Remember to wear a mask 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!!!
Christmas Eve Worship Schedule and Reservations
3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm
Worship for Christmas Eve will be held on the same basis as our other in-person services. The 5pm service will be posted to the website and the 6pm service will be live-streamed to FaceBook. Limited seating and safety protocols followed - masks are required.
Join Pastor Hall continuing Thursday, December 17th at 10am for Drawn to the Word Advent with Paul Oman. This series of Advent video messages coincide with the Revised Common Lectionary gospel readings for this year. Professional music and sound effects, along with a spoken message provided by Paul Oman. You will literally see the Bible stories come to life on canvas, and continuously transition from part of the story to the next as Paul quickly works in layers to “tell the story.”
Advent Gospel Study

Each week during Advent, a study guide will be available for you to pick-up as you read the gospel for the following week. Our thanks to Kathy Anderson for providing these study sheets. Previous week's studies are available on our website.
Poinsettias for Christmas Worship
The Altar Guild is now accepting orders for poinsettias to be used for the Christmas Eve services. To order, print the form by clicking the link below or completing the form available at the table in the Narthex and return to the office, with payment, no later than this Monday, December 14th. This year's cost is $12.00.

Poinsettias may be picked up after the last Christmas Eve Worship (7pm) or at the office the following week (M-Th, 8:30am-12noon)
Brew a "Cup of Tea" and Join Us!!
The Women of the ELCA (WELCA) are planning to have some fun, like we always do; we are just modifying our approach to fit with the times. With that in mind, we are hosting a Virtual ZOOM Christmas Tea on Thursday, December 17, from 2:00pm to 2:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. With social distancing in place it is still important for us to stay connected.

The most important part of a Christmas Tea is the tea of course! Make sure that you have tea, or another favorite beverage, ready a few minutes before the ZOOM Christmas Tea begins.
  • The Zoom link is below.
  • The Virtual Christmas Tea program will include: music, readings, and more
  • We don’t want to limit the number of guests who can attend; therefore, participants will be muted during the program.
  • In your home you can sit back, relax, sip your tea, enjoy the entertainment and not be concerned about noises such as a ringing phone or a dog barking.

We look forward to seeing you at the Virtual Christmas Tea Party.
Dr. Marlyce Holbach, WELCA President
Family Festive Fun @ Blalock Park
Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) has sponsored a Holiday Tree Lighting in Blalock Park for many years. This year the main event has been cancelled due to the pandemic BUT THE LIGHTS ARE STILL SHINING! Blalock Park trees are decorated and the public is invited to stroll (at a safe distance and masked) through or drive around the park to view the beautiful trees. This event will run through January 2, 2021. Blalock Park is located "behind" the library. Enjoy some Christmas spirit that is on display in Venice.
Giving Envelope Distribution
Giving envelopes for 2021 will be available for pick up in Fellowship Hall this weekend before and after worship services. After this weekend, they will be available in the church office. Please maintain social distancing while waiting, only a few members should enter the Fellowship Hall at a time.
If you indicated on your pledge card you did not want envelopes next year and have changed your mind, they will only be available at the office.
In Our Prayers...
Vickie Andres, Tim Huber (Becky Rothgery's brother), Julie Laisey (Pastor Darrington's niece), Karen MacDonald, Ethan McKee (grandson of Theresa & Tim McKee), Stan Robinson and Elaine Williams.

The family and friends of Meredith Johnson who mourn the passing of her brother, Rev. Harvey E. Feustal.
Also to the family and friends of Sharon Martensen as they mourn the passing of her husband, Douglas Martensen.
Membership News
Bob and Marlene Austen have moved to Illinois permanently and will no longer be travelling to Florida for the winter. Their new address is in the Mobile Directory.
Member stewardship in support of the budget continues. Income for November was $77,702. For the year our income is $4,195 over budget
Here are the attendance figures for November & December. The number attended includes both registered who are part of the worship such as ushers, musicians, etc. We continue to strongly encourage everyone to register for worship via the eNews, webpage, or text message. If you are unable to do so, please call the office.
Barb's tidbit...
Depression is more common in women, but men are more likely to suppress it. Men’s symptoms are being tired, irritable, loss of interest in everything, but not sadness. Men lose their appetite and weight, women overeat and gain weight. Men also lean toward using more drugs or alcohol than women, while women cry and tend to talk about their problem more than men.

Be aware and get professional help! Counselling services are available through Samaritan Counselling Services with a location at our church office.
Any Additional Food Pantry donations....
Any food donations to the South County Food Pantry should be taken directly to the South County Food Pantry located at 121 Warfield Avenue, Venice, 34285. The church is not collecting on a regular basis at this time. Their website states that their hours vary so call before you go! 941.408.2911.
December Outreach Emphasis
Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a leading, life-changing human services organization working to transform the lives of people regardless of age, background, or belief.

They generously serve children and families, youth and teens, adults and elderly, refugees and immigrants, and victims of natural disasters through various programs ranging from substance abuse and mental health to education.
Through our work, we help communities build healthier, happier, and hope-filled tomorrows.
Thank you goes out to Kelly Hurlburt for the creating of all the tags for the Christmas campaign and the toy delivery.
Also to Don Berg who headed up the Giving Tree campaign and helped coordinate all the activities during Covid restrictions. Debi and Becky in the front office were of tremendous help as was Jason our property manager for logistical advise keeping everyone safe and healthy during the pandemic atmosphere.
Thank you to everyone who supported these campaigns. You can feel confident that the resources went to needy causes and truly of help. Both agencies were very appreciative of the gifts.

I can’t think of a better way to end 2020 which has been an unusual year indeed.
Have a Blessed Christmas everyone.
Sue Fusselman. Outreach

What a wonderful Christmas Gift to the family who has moved into The Faith House. Thanks to Frank Rauch and the Emmanuel Team builders. 
Dedicate Altar Flowers and Eternal Candle - Jan-Mar 2021
Sign-up to dedicate Altar Flowers and the Eternal Candle for the First Quarter of 2021 (Jan-Mar) 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, contact the office.
Readings for Worship
December 13th
Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8,19-28
December 20th
Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-11,16
Psalm 89:1-4,19-26
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
For your information...
  • 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.

  • Check out Emmanuel's website to view upcoming events, Sunday's announcement PowerPoint, and pictures of activities as available.
Contact us at...
Emmanuel Contact Information

Cell Phone for Emergencies: 612.840.7798
Pastor Darrington: Visitation Pastor: 920.309.0879
Cell Phone for Emergencies: 941.586.8066
Kelley Hurlburt: khurlburt@emmanuel-elca.org
Becky Rothgery: info@emmanuel-elca.org
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
790 Tamiami Trail S
Venice, FL 34285
info@emmanuel-elca.org
941.488.4942
Office Hours: M-Th,
8:30am-12noon
Closed Friday