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Sunday, March 24, 2024

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

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

Isaiah 50:4-9a

The servant of the Lord submits to suffering.

Psalm 24:7-10

Lift up your heads, O gates, that the King of glory may come in (Ps. 24:7).

Philippians 2:5-11

Humbled to the point of death on a cross.

Mark 11:1-11

Baptized with the Holy Spirit.

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.

During Lent, please prayerfully consider a special thank offering to help support the many ministries at Faith. Give as you are able. Any amount is appreciated. Thank you!

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.

Contentment has been defined as “accepting what God provides with a sense of peace and serenity.” Recognizing that all we have comes from God, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his young son in the faith, that “there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment.” That’s why he went on to write that we should be content if we have food and clothing.

Christians who daily demonstrate contentment and satisfaction with God’s provisions are able to do two things. First, they can “make the most of the time.” Unencumbered with what scripture calls “the cares of this world,” they can concentrate on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. Second, although they may try to improve their lots in life, their basic contentment lets them enjoy the journey.

When the “memory book of life” closes for you, will you be able to look back with satisfaction on the journey that God has enabled you to take, or will you regret that you spent too much time and energy “fussing” about things that really didn’t matter? And will you regret that your discontent prevented you from serving the Lord in a greater way here at Faith Lutheran?

Palm Sunday, March 24

8 a.m., Celebration Worship with Holy Communion - sanctuary

10:15 a.m., Celebration Worship with Holy Communion, choir and organ - sanctuary

Maundy Thursday, March 28

7 p.m., Worship with Holy Communion - sanctuary

Good Friday, March 29

7:20 a.m., Multi-Denominational Stations of the Cross: park at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., between 6 and 7 a.m., and take a free trolley to the starting location

2 p.m., Stations of the Cross - sanctuary

7 p.m., Tenebrae Worship - sanctuary

Holy Saturday, March 30

7:30 p.m., Easter Vigil Part One - parking lot

Easter Sunday, March 31

7 a.m., Easter Vigil Part Two - Memorial Garden

8:30 a.m., Easter Potluck Breakfast - fellowship hall

9:30 a.m., Easter Egg Hunt - outside (meet in narthex)

10:15 a.m., Easter Celebration Worship with Holy Communion, choir and organ - sanctuary

Faith’s annual Easter Egg Hunt begins at 9:30 a.m. Easter morning. Children of all ages are welcome! Meet in the narthex before heading outside. Egg hunts are playful, symbolic ways to reenact the search for and discovery of the resurrected Christ. And because the egg represents new life, it reminds us that the joy, love and peace we find in Jesus brings us new and everlasting life. 

NOTE: Sunday School class will take a break on Easter Sunday.

Would you like to be part of a team that welcomes more families to Faith? Please join the new Family and Child Ministry team! 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. You can help! Contact Deborah Dornemann, director of Family and Child Ministry, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com or 941-914-7553, to learn how you can help grow the Family and Child Ministry at Faith. 

Adult Forum meets between Sunday worship services in the conference room. This Sunday, March 24, participants will focus on The True Easter Story. They will not meet Easter Day.

Men of Faith meet for breakfast and prayer at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 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 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. 

Readers Club meets at 2 p.m. Monday, March 25, in the library to discuss West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

Questions? Contact Kathy Schilio, schilmo@hotmail.com. Please join!

You are invited to view the epic, American-made, Biblical film, "The Passion of the Christ," at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, in the conference room. The presentation is hosted by the Men of Faith group.

More than 1,000 people are expected to march for Jesus down the center of Main Street during the March 29 Good Friday Stations of the Cross worship downtown.

To participate, park at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., between 6 and 7 a.m., and take a free trolley to Regal Hollywood Theatre, 301 Main, which is the starting location.

About 26 pastors and priests from 14 denominations will take part, including Pastor Eric. Following the procession, all are invited to a brief morning prayer service at Redeemer.

You are invited to contribute a treat to an Easter potluck breakfast, which will be served 8:30-9:30 a.m. Easter morning in fellowship hall. Breakfast casseroles, fruit, veggie trays, and coffee cakes or other sweets are welcome. Sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board in fellowship hall to indicate what you will bring. Questions? Contact Joan Zabor, 586-243-9985.

Experts with Lutheran World Relief (LWR) say that personal-care kits make a profound difference for people struggling with poverty. LWR has challenged us to react to that fact with compassion, and the women of Mary Circle are leading the effort.

Please donate bath-size towels, metal nail clippers, 4-5 oz. bars of soap, combs and adult-sized toothbrushes. Don’t have time to shop? Monetary contributions to Faith designated for “personal care kits” are welcome. During 2023, Mary Circle created 60 kits. Only a week remains in the donation period -- can we donate enough for 70 this year? Thanks for responding generously.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be entertained during the Here I Stand Up Graduation, 2 p.m., April 7, in the gym. Congratulate the graduates, and see how they "stand up!" Be there to experience the fun of living in faith.

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. Each one-hour session begins at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, April 10-May 15, in the second-floor classroom.

Pastor Larry will lead the six-part study, which will cover:

• Violence and Kindness in the Promised Land (Joshua, Judges and Ruth).
• 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.

You don’t have to register, but please indicate your intent to attend by signing the sheet on the narthex table or contacting the church office, 941-924-4664 or officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com.

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

The Faith Mission Endowment Fund Committee met March 10 and 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!

The March 18 Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity (S.U.R.E.) meeting --The Nehemiah Action -- to gauge support for affordable housing in Sarasota County was a rousing success.

In front of more than 500 people of faith -- including almost 40 representatives from Faith Lutheran -- Pastor Eric questioned Mark Smith, representing District 2 on the Sarasota County Commission, who then agreed that there is an affordable housing crisis in Sarasota County, committed to developing a plan to address the crisis by June 30 of this year, and agreed to incorporate the S.U.R.E. Affordable Housing Advisory Committee's recommendations into his plan.

As speakers from local congregations, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and S.U.R.E. pointed out during the meeting, the workforce in Sarasota County -- including teachers, bartenders and waitstaff, caddies, firefighters, police offices and municipal government employees -- can't afford to live in the county that they have dedicated themselves to serving. But now, thanks to the successful Nehemiah Action, a plan to fix the crisis is on the horizon.

Commissioner Smith and Heather Kasten, president/CEO of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, both pointed out that the plan will be a beginning, with much more work ahead. Commissioner Smith also encouraged the hundreds of faithful people in attendance to vote for County Commission candidates who support addressing the issue.

You can support S.U.R.E.'s work on affordable housing and help celebrate its many other accomplishments by making a donation during the 2024 Giving Challenge. Individual donations of $100 or less made from noon April 9 through noon April 10 will be matched. Members of the same household each can give $100 in separate donations, and both will be matched! Mark your calendar, and plan to donate here. To learn about other S.U.R.E accomplishments, click here.

(Top) Pastor Eric secured agreements and commitments from Commissioner Smith, who pledged to create an affordable housing plan.

(Above) About 40 enthusiastic people from Faith Lutheran were among more than 500 people of faith who expressed support and cheered the outcome.

On five Lenten Wednesdays, Faith friends and neighbors turned their hearts to God during Midweek Worship at noon in the sanctuary.

Worshippers were blessed to hear the word of God from Pastor Eric; Rev. Ryan McBride, lead pastor of 12 Springs Church and interim director of Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity (S.U.R.E.); Vicar Roger Raddatz, a candidate for Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Rev. Dr. John Walker, chaplain for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department.

Following worship, the amazing Faith kitchen crew prepared delicious meals and then sent people home with equally delicious leftovers.

We pray for God's blessing on all who participated and especially on all who worked to feed both body and spirit.

The talented, hardworking Faith kitchen crew includes (left to right) Doris Anne Prieur-Lucia; Karen Naulty, head chef; Linda Burton, Laurie Stramaglia, Joan Zabor; and (not pictured) Merle Cusmano; Sandy Gerber; and Kevin and Linda Fewell.

Worshippers enjoyed five Wednesdays of great fellowship and great food.

Both of Faith’s Sunday services now are live-streamed and recorded, so we need more volunteers to operate the equipment. Questions or interest? Contact Pastor Marianne, pastorp2.0@gmail.com or (330) 464-0985.

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. 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, April 7.

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.

NOTE: The Faith Food Pantry usually is open 5-6:30 p.m. Thursdays, but on Thursday, March 28 only, it will be open 4-5:30 p.m. so all can attend 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday worship.

Today, Friday, March 22

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym



Saturday, March 23

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

9 a.m., Diakonia - conference room

Palm Sunday, March 24

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

9 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

Monday, March 25

2 p.m., Readers Club - library

Tuesday, March 26

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., Movie Showing, "The Passion of the Christ," conference room

10 a.m., Jazzercise - gym

5 p.m., Congregation Council - conference room

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

Wednesday, March 27

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

1 p.m., Bereavement Group - chapel

Maundy Thursday, March 28

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

10 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

3:30 p.m., Food Pantry Prep - food pantry

4 p.m., Food Pantry Open

6:15 p.m., Voices of Faith Choir Rehearsal, choir room

7 p.m., Maundy Thursday Worship, sanctuary

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

3/22 Rejoice and give thanks for the wonderful variety of songs and musical styles that calm, energize, unite and inspire us.

3/23 Pray for God to open our hearts and minds to the needs of our neighbors, and to guide our responses of love, support and advocacy. Give thanks for the ways our church encourages and provides opportunities for service and volunteerism, including Young Adults in Global Mission, ELCA World Hunger, Young Adult Ministry, Lutheran Disaster Response and “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

3/24 Palm Sunday:  With shouts of “Hosanna!” and the waving of palm branches, we plead for Jesus to save us, and we welcome him into our lives and the world as our true hope and salvation — the risen Messiah and Savior, who endured betrayal, suffering, public ridicule and death for the sake of all people.

3/25 Ask the Spirit to help us when we feel ill-prepared to talk about our faith, that we might tell the story of God’s love and mercy revealed in Jesus and how our faith in Christ shapes our daily lives.

3/26 Lift up prayers of confession for the things we have done or failed to do that cause harm to others and grieve God. Plead for forgiveness and redemption, trusting that God is our ever-present hope and merciful Redeemer.

3/27 Give thanks for the great cloud of witnesses — our community of faith and our siblings in Christ — who help us persevere when we are tired and discouraged.

3/28 Maundy Thursday: On this last day of Lent, pray that we will be mindful of the needs and struggles of our neighbors and siblings in Christ, and that we will respond as followers of Jesus, reminded by our baptism to serve others with a respect and sincerity that reflect the abundant love and mercy God has shown us.

3/29 Good Friday: Pray that, when we gather, worship and study as siblings in Christ, we will encourage one another to grow in faith, understanding and gratitude for God’s sacrificial, life-giving love, witnessed in Christ’s suffering and death on the cross.

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

Phillip Schlueter

Family of Jenniffer Shaffer

Rev. John Spittal

Cathy Stubenvoll

Ron and Leigh Tarrantino

Werner Thomsen, brother of John Thomsen

Colette Thornbloom

David Turnbull

Alyene Weaver

Jon Wooton

3/4 Kenneth & Sandra Brinker

3/18 Steve & Susan Ashby

3/3 John White

3/4 Eloise Dettmer

3/5 Virginia Chauncey

3/7 Sharry Morrison

3/8 Nancy Dandino

3/10 Linda Burton

3/10 Ann Wright

3/11 Pastor David Wagner

3/12 Steve Stramaglia

3/13 Patty McKee

3/13 Joan Zabor

3/15 Rita Jimenez

3/16 Denise Kirkeeng

3/16 Aaron Puebla

3/16 Jeffrey Ragan

3/17 Jerry Kolschowsky

3/18 Kathy Schilio

3/20 Kay Bruning

3/22 Janet Petersen

3/25 Sandy Gerber

3/26 Donna Pappalardo

3/26 Marlene Radesk

3/27 David Dawson

3/27 Chase Graziade

3/31 Ray Giannini

3/31 Al Hirsch

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.