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Sunday, April 21, 2024

Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

Acts 4:5-12

Salvation in the name of Jesus.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want (Ps.23:1).

1 John 3:16-24

Love and truth in action.

John 10:11-18

Christ the shepherd.

The Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel, and the government of Israel’s subsequent declaration of war against Hamas - including the ongoing siege of Gaza, and involvement by other Middle Eastern countries and affiliated rebel groups - continues to create anxiety and division among people of faith in the United States and around the world.

Between services this Sunday, April 21, join Pastor Eric and Pastor Larry in the conference room as they lead us in efforts to develop a deeper understanding of the conflict’s context, the humanitarian crisis created by the current war, the ELCA’s work for a just peace in Palestine and Israel, and how we, as the people of Faith Lutheran, can approach the situation from a Christian perspective. 

Following the Children’s Sermon during the 10:15 a.m. service, Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann and volunteers help young people learn about the gospel through age-appropriate lessons and fun activities.

Are you interested in how Faith Lutheran can better serve families? Contact Deborah, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com or 941-914-7553, to find out how you can help. 

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).

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.

Men of Faith meet for breakfast and prayer at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 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 spring session of Adult Bible Study is focusing 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 24-May 15, in the second-floor classroom. Pastor Larry leads the study, which continues with: Biblical Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job); Psalms: The Bible's Songbook; Luke on the World Upside Down; and John on the Word Made Flesh. Light refreshments provided! Great discussion! Fun fellowship!

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.

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, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 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 Readers Club meets at 2 p.m., Monday, April 22, 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.

Prayer, a beautiful outdoor walk, coffee fellowship and a closing prayer of thanks once again brought people of Faith Together during this past Saturday's Faith Walk and Talk.

Plan to join the group at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, and the second Saturday of each month 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.

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, 941-914-7553 or 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, June 2.

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.

As I prepare to journey back north at the conclusion of “the season,” I want to thank the people of Faith Lutheran for their steadfast, prayerful support during my recent health struggles. Your kind encouragement has been and continues to be a true blessing in my life. 

God bless you all,

Olaf Olsen

Today, Friday, April 19

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

Saturday, April 20

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

9 a.m., Diakonia - conference room

Sunday, April 21

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

9:10 a.m., Special 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

Monday, April 22

2 p.m., Reader's Club - library

Tuesday, April 23

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

5 p.m., Congregation Council - conference room

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

Wednesday, April 24

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

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

1 p.m., Bereavement Group - chapel

6:30 p.m., Voices of Faith Choir Rehearsal - choir room

Thursday, April 25

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

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.

4/19 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.

4/20 Remember in prayer our ministry in Africa through ELCA Global Mission, which works alongside Lutheran churches and agencies in 24 African countries and supports the work of the Lutheran World Federation’s Department for World Service.

4/21 Jesus, our good and loving shepherd, laid down his life for us, his sheep. Give thanks and praise to God!

4/22 Remember in prayer our neighbors and siblings in Christ whose vocations pull them away from their families, friends, congregations and communities. Pray that the Holy Spirit will sustain their faith and spirits, and that we will express our connection with them as they come and go.

4/23 To whom do we turn when we are tired or unsure of our path in life? Praise God, who stays by our side through every twist and turn.

4/24 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assembly of the Rocky Mountain Synod, 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.

4/25 Give thanks for the numerous volunteers from across the country who are training to help youth and their adult leaders at the ELCA Youth Gathering this summer in New Orleans.

4/26 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assembly of the Alaska Synod, 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

Family & Friends of 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.