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Sunday, April 14, 2024

Third Sunday of Easter

Worship Services at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Acts 3:12-19

Health and forgiveness through the risen Jesus.

Psalm 4

The Lord does wonders for the faithful (Ps.4:3).

1 John 3:1-7

The revealing of the children of God.

Luke 24:36b-48

Eating with the risen Christ.

Prayer, a beautiful outdoor walk, coffee fellowship and a closing prayer of thanks. That's what Faith Walk and Talk participants experience together. Who could ask for anything more?

Plan to join the group at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, April 13, outside of Panera Gulf Gate, 6589 S. Tamiami Trail. If you would enjoy the talk but not the walk, arrive at 10:30 a.m.

Questions? Contact Carolyn Francis, 941-400-0083.

If you are interested in Family and Child Ministry at Faith, please plan to meet Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann at 11:45 a.m. this Sunday in fellowship hall to discuss how Faith can better attract and serve families! We are growing and learning in Faith! Children need Jesus. They need to hear Bible stories, have relationships with church members and be nurtured in a community of faith. Like all of us, they need to grow in spiritual understanding, and learn about God’s will and the sacrificial love of Christ. Questions? Contact Deborah, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com or 941-914-7553. 

April Stewardship Message

The most important aspect of serving the Lord

is simply making ourselves available. 

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”

(1 Corinthians 4:2).

Dear Friends in Christ,

The College of the Ozarks at Point Lookout, Missouri, is known as “Hard Work U.” Students literally work their way through school as they perform the tasks necessary for this top-rated liberal arts college to function. They mow grass, prepare food, operate the campus fire department and even build buildings — all to help pay for a college education.

Dr. Jerry Davis, college president, was visited in 1989 by Joe T. McKibben, a retired physician from southern California. In his notes of that meeting, Dr. Davis described McKibben as “vaguely unkempt and almost sheepish looking.” To his amazement and that of the 1,500 students, Joe McKibben later left $12 million to the college.

You and I will probably not be able to duplicate that level of generosity, but we are doing something even more important than leaving millions when we pass on. You see, the pundit was correct who observed, “Do your giving while you’re living so you’ll be knowing where it’s going.” You and others are supporting the Lord’s work, week after week, month after month, year in and year out, here at Faith Lutheran. Only eternity will reveal all that’s been accomplished for the kingdom of God through your faithfulness.

Thanks for being part of this ministry. We truly thank our God every time we remember you and praise God for your fellowship in the gospel.

In my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:4,5,6)

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Your Stewardship Ministry Team

Ann Greenwood

Anita Wooton

Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen

Janet Petersen

Scott Rice

Steven Ragan

Your Support is Important

Scan this QR Code to be directed to the Faith website, where you can make online contributions to the church's general fund and special ministries.

Faith will pay for Uber or Lyft to bring you or others to worship or other events. Contact Pastor Eric to make arrangements, 716-352-0055.

Adult Forum meets between services in the conference room. This coming Sunday, participants will study Lesson 6, “The Whisper of God - Moses and Elijah on the Mountain of God,” in Volume 9, “Fire on the Mountain/Displaying God to a Broken World,” in the “That the World May Know” video series. 

Men of Faith meet for breakfast and prayer at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, at Skillets, 8635 S. Tamiami Trail.

G.I.F.T.S. (Growing in Faith Through Scripture) Women’s Bible Study meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the library to focus on “Be Still and Know — A Study of Rest and Refuge.” 

The Prayer Group meets at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel to pray for all in need, our community, our nation, our world, and to share Holy Communion. Can't attend in person? Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 871 4720 3661. Passcode 041291.

The next Worship to Go service at Angels Senior Living, 5750 Honore Ave., is set for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, in the facility's second-floor theatre. Volunteers will meet at 12:45 p.m. in the Faith chapel and will carpool to the facility.

Worship to Go needs additional helpers. Contact Pastor Eric directly, 716-352-0055. No experience necessary!

You are invited to view episodes of “The Chosen,” a multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of those who knew him.

All people of Faith are invited at 10:30 a.m. on two consecutive Tuesdays – April 16 and 23 - in the conference room. Faith’s pastors will add commentary. The presentations are hosted by the Men of Faith, but you are welcome regardless of gender!

The Bereavement Group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. If you or a friend is struggling with grief, this group is for you. There is strength and hope in community. 

The spring session of Adult Bible Study will focus on chapters from a favorite resource: “Reading Biblical Literature,” with Dr. Craig R. Koester, professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. One-hour sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, April 17-May 15, in the second-floor classroom.

Pastor Larry will lead the study, which continues with:

• Elijah, The Troubler of Israel.
• Biblical Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job).
• Psalms: The Bible’s Songbook.
• Luke on the World Upside Down.
• John on the Word Made Flesh.

Light refreshments provided! Great discussion! Fun fellowship! You are invited!

The Readers Club meets at 2 p.m., Monday, April 29, in the library to discuss The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok.

Please join!

From 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, be part of the crew that will cook and serve for about 70 food-insecure and homeless siblings in Christ at St. Paul’s Lutheran in downtown Sarasota. To volunteer, sign up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office.

The Faith Mission Endowment Fund Committee has welcomed new and returning members: Ann Greenwood, chairperson; Patty McKee, vice chairperson; Denise Kirkeeng, secretary; Terry Copper, treasurer; Rev. John Spittal, finance assistant; Marlene Radesk, marketing; and Karen Kolschowsky, grant coordinator.

They are committed and passionate about helping to fund new ministries that are not within the current church budget. If you have a need, idea or question, please see any committee member. They are here for you and want to hear from you!

Mark your calendars, invite friends and register now for Vacation Bible School Day Camp, July 22-26 at Faith. It will run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday of that week, and will conclude at noon Friday with a special program for families and friends. There is no cost to attend, and lunch and snacks are included!

Taught by trained teachers from Camp Luther Springs, the five days of fun will include Bible study, worship, games, arts and crafts, nature studies and more.

Click the corresponding button below to get additional info, or to view/print a registration form and a health form. Questions? Contact Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com.

Please consider donating altar flowers in honor of a special occasion, in memory of a loved one or to glorify God.

The cost is $30 for one vase or $60 for two vases. For each week, we can have either one donor for both vases, or two donors for one vase each. Make checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church, and indicate "altar flowers" in the memo line.

Check the altar flowers donation board in fellowship hall to see if your desired date is available. If not, please choose an alternate date. The next open date is Sunday, May 12.

When you purchase altar flowers, your name and dedication will be published in the bulletin on your selected Sunday. To make a dedication:

• At church, complete an Altar Flowers envelope with your payment, and place it in the offering plate. Indicate your wish to keep or donate the flowers on the donation board in fellowship hall. You also can include a note in the envelope with your donation or call the church office.
• By mail, send payment with a note indicating your desired date and dedication, and if you want to keep the flowers or donate them.
• By email or phone, contact the church office with your desired date and dedication, and whether you want to keep or donate the flowers. Pay through the altar flowers option on the Faith website.



If you have specific requests about who or what facility should receive donated flowers, contact Judi Melander, judimelander629@gmail.com or 941-927-2502.

Coffee hour is an important fellowship ministry at Faith that needs additional volunteers. All you have to do is put out snacks and clean up afterward.

Please sign up on the sheet beside the coffee pot in fellowship hall. Questions? Contact Karen Naulty, knaulty@yahoo.com or 406-334-1063; or Denise Kirkeeng, kirkeengd@verizon.net or 941-468-6668.

Pastor Eric often speaks with people about aid they require. The Pastor's Discretionary Fund allows him to assist financially, when appropriate. If you can, please consider a donation to the fund so those in need can receive assistance.

The Faith Food Pantry now consistently provides food for almost 200 people each week! Please place donations of food and paper products in the white food pantry barrel. They will provide for many families in need.

Today, Friday, April 12

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

Saturday, April 13

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

9 a.m., Diakonia - conference room

9:30 a.m., Faith Walk and Talk, Panera - 6589 S. Tamiami Trail

Sunday, April 14

8 a.m., In-person and Live-Stream Worship - sanctuary

9:10 a.m., Adult Forum - conference room

9:30 a.m., Voices of Faith Choir Rehearsal - choir room

10:15 a.m., In-Person and Live-Stream Worship - sanctuary

10:25 a.m., Sunday School - classroom

2 p.m., German Congregation Worship and Fellowship

Monday, April 15

Tuesday, April 16

8:30 a.m., Men of Faith Prayer Breakfast - Skillets, 8635 S. Tamiami Trail

9:30 a.m., Women's Bible Study - library

10 a.m., Jazzercise - gym

10:30 a.m., View "The Chosen" - conference room

12:45 p.m., Worship to Go Prep, chapel

1:30 p.m., Worship to Go - Angels Senior Living, 5750 Honore

5 p.m., Executive Committee - conference room

6 p.m., Diversity Voices of Sarasota - sanctuary

Wednesday, April 17

9:30 a.m., Adult Bible Study - upstairs classroom

10:30 a.m., Prayer Group - chapel

1 p.m., Bereavement Group - chapel

Thursday, April 18

9 a.m., Finance Committee - conference room

9 a.m., Receive Food Delivery and Prep for Distribution - food pantry

10 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

1 p.m., Stitch 'n' Chatter - room 212

1:30 p.m., Stewardship Committee - conference room

4:30 p.m., Food Pantry Prep - food pantry

5 p.m., Food Pantry Open

6:30 p.m., Confirmation - conference room

Find daily Prayer Ventures on the ELCA website. Here are prayers for today and the days ahead.

4/12 Pray for ELCA Global Mission personnel, including volunteers, longtime staff, Young Adults in Global Mission and seminary students serving as Horizon International interns. Give thanks for their faithful service and the gifts and talents they bring to their work alongside our global companions.

4/13 We live in a world that pits different groups of people against each other, causing inequity and anguish. Ask the Spirit to transform our fear and prejudice into compassion, kindness, empathy and respect — qualities that strengthen our relationships with each other and affirm the goodness of God’s creation. “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

4/14 Thank God for the scripture, sacraments, hymns and liturgical art that reveal our redemption and freedom through Jesus Christ.

4/15 “Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). Praise God for  ELCA World Hunger’s 50 years of action to end hunger, bring relief to those who suffer, develop sustainable solutions to hunger and raise awareness of the needs of our neighbors — here and around the world. Pray that we might exercise generosity, wisdom and perseverance to meet the challenges of ending hunger.

4/16 Ask God for the openness to reflect on our nation’s history of injustice and inequality, and for the courage and humility to overcome racial, religious and gender bias.

4/17 Give thanks that we can live in the joy of being God’s children and that, though we may not understand completely what that means, it will be fully revealed to us some day.

4/18 Praise God for the lengthening daylight of spring, which stirs new life and reminds us of the light God brings into the world through the gift of Jesus Christ.

4/19 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana and Western Iowa synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders, and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.

Please remember in your prayers this week:

Marsha Anderson, sister of Gail Murphy

Rev. Steve Anderson, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Tim Anderson, son-in-law of Dick & Jetty Zarfos

Kara Ashby, granddaughter of Pete and Carole Inkrott

George and James Ball, brothers of Alix Giannini

Anna Bancroft, 6-year-old friend of Alyene Weaver

Chuck Banta

Chloe Bennethum, friend of Gail Murphy

Allan Boardman, friend of Kevin & Linda Fewell

Sean and Rebekah Brett, son & daughter-in-law of Alyene Weaver

Charles Budreau

Jason Byrne, friend of Anita Wooton

Elise Carmona

Evelyn Conlon

John Conlon, son of Evelyn Conlon

Jordan Demers, cousin of Hannah Boyd

Eloise Dettmer

Philomena Dimichelle, friend of Conrad Zabor

Ken Dixon

Ryan and Valerie Donahue

Elizabeth Farmer

Judy & Robert Ferguson

Carolyn & Marty Friedman, friends of Marlene Radesk

John Gallo, friend of April Shettler

Andrea Gamboa

Amanda Gerber, daughter of Sandy Gerber

Laurie Good, friend of Ann Greenwood

Paula Haas, friend of Eloise Dettmer

Jon Hale

Alyssa Hansen, cousin of Lisa Olsen

Jeff Hansen, nephew of Joan Searles

Patricia Head, mother of Wayne Head

Michael Helpin, friend of Marlene Radesk

Christiana Holmes

Kevin Hooks, son-in-law of Anita and Jon Wooton

Tesa Inkrott, granddaughter of Pete & Carole Inkrott

Jesus & Rita Jimenez

Alf Kirkeeng

Lillian Lapenckas

Jacqueline Laurent, friend of Margaret Borrows

Diane Lewis, sister-in-law of Karla Lewis & Michael Leonhardt

Lois Light

Shirley Manning, friend of Margaret Borrows

Paul & Debby Maresch

Vincenzo Mariani, friend of Conrad Zabor

Annabelle Martone

Kathleen McBride

Judi Melander

Jeremy & Yvonne Mullins

Beverly Novak, cousin of Patty McKee

Olaf Olsen, father of Pastor Eric Olsen

Judy Osborn, sister of Peggy Ragan

James & Virginia Pease

Fran Perkins

Wally Pina

Kristen Pizan

Marlene Radesk

Fritz Rappold

Gabriel Rockwell

Ted and Carol Rodi

Floyd Ryder

Mike Schell

Phillip Schlueter

Family of Jenniffer Shaffer

Family & Friends of Fire Lieutenant James Joel Slack

Donna Souders, mother of Lois Weaverling's dearest friend

Rev. John Spittal

Ron and Leigh Tarrantino

Werner Thomsen, brother of John Thomsen

Colette Thornbloom

David Turnbull

Alyene Weaver

Jon Wooton

4/11 Mark & Amy Nelson

4/22 Bill & Kristine Ordman

4/23 Chu Lee & Quyen Dang

4/25 Dave & Nancy Windish

4/30 Larry & Pat Liedel

4/1 William Greenaway

4/2 Dee Burlingame

4/2 Pete Inkrott

4/2 Amanda Kulaw

4/3 Jerry Clancy

4/3 April Shettler

4/6 Karen Kolschowsky

4/9 Matthew Giannini

4/11 Sharon Soukup

4/12 Sandra Jimenez

4/13 Richard Capilla

4/13 Jenniffer Shaffer

4/14 Robert Clark

4/14 Arnie Masters

4/16 Keri Degroote

4/17 Richard Venator

4/19 Karen Berwick

4/19 Chu Lee

4/22 Evelyn Hansen

4/22 James Shoup

4/24 Darryll White

4/26 Cecilia Thornbloom

4/30 John Thomsen

If a birthday or anniversary is missing or listed incorrectly, kindly notify communications@faithlutheransrq.com.

Pastor: Rev. Eric Olaf Olsen

pastor@faithlutheransrq.com

Assistant to the Pastor: Rev. Larry Wright

larannw@comcast.net

Retired Pastors in Residence: Rev. John Hilficker, Rev. Marianne Powrie, Rev. John Spittal, Rev. David Wagner

Director of Family and Child Ministry: Deborah Dornemann

familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com

Director of Music/Organist: David V. Patrick

musicdirector@faithlutheransrq.com

Lead Cantor/Music Librarian: Tom Tryon

thomas.e.tryon@gmail.com

Operations Administrator: Jenniffer Shaffer

officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com

Communications Administrator: Linda Fewell

communications@faithlutheransrq.com

Congregation Council: Scott Rice, president; Lauren Wardach, vice president; Mark Nelson, secretary; Anita Wooton, treasurer; Jane Sanks, assistant treasurer; Jerry Cooper; Quyen Dang; Ann Greenwood; Peggy Ragan; Joan Searles

941-924-4664 | www.faithlutheransrq.com

Office hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday

Mission – Gathered faithfully to love and serve God and all others

Values – Mutual Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Service, Forgiveness, Commitment, Perseverance, Faithfulness, Compassion, Flexibility

CLICK HERE to view the current Constitution of Faith Lutheran Church.