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Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024

Transfiguration of Our Lord

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

2 Kings 2:1-12

Elijah taken up to heaven and succeeded by Elisha

Psalm 50:1-6

Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth in glory (Ps. 50:2)

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

God's light seen clearly in the face of Christ

Mark 9:2-9

Revelation of Christ as God's beloved son

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. Thank you!

We welcome new members into our fellowship this Sunday:

Al and Lorrie Ernst

Julianne and Michael Geyser

Ellen Marie LaSota

Steve and Carol Johnson

Deborah Masser

With them, we will make public affirmation of our faith during worship. Thanks be to God!

Faith’s 2024 annual meeting is set for Sunday, Feb. 25. On that Sunday, there will be one worship service at 9 a.m., immediately followed by the meeting. After the meeting adjourns, plan to stay for lunch and fellowship. 

Click the buttons below to view the official meeting notice, meeting agenda, and minutes from the 2022 and 2023 annual meetings.

All voting members are encouraged to attend the meeting either in person, by video or by phone (call-in):

• Attend in person at Faith Lutheran in the sanctuary. Voting will be anonymous.

OR

• Attend by video using the Zoom app on your computer, tablet or phone. During the meeting, a Zoom coordinator will seek an anonymous vote from each person separately. At 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, click the link below or copy and paste it into your internet browser:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84588986444?pwd=b8vfO0Bzs4VOMP0D9dLOipb62HVxDF.1

Meeting ID: 845 8898 6444

Passcode: 883482

OR

• Attend by phone (voice only) at 10 a.m. by calling 646-931-3860. You will be prompted to enter the Meeting ID: 858 6930 3611. You will then be able to hear and participate in the live meeting. Please note, this option does not allow for anonymous voting. You will be able to vote if you wish, but it will not be anonymous.

NOTE: Those attending the meeting by video or phone should log in or call at 10 a.m. so we can run the virtual side of this meeting with ease and make sure everyone is linked up appropriately.

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 of the day through age-appropriate lessons and fun activities. The children rejoin the congregation for Holy Communion. Could you help with Sunday School? Contact Deborah, familyandchild@faithlutherasrq.com, to express interest and learn more.

Let's combat hunger, fortify the Faith Food Pantry! On Super Bowl/Souper Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11, place donated cans or cases of soup on the fellowship hall table that represents your pick to be the Super Bowl champs! Let’s see if our souper generosity can predict the victor! A big thank you to Judy and John Millard, our Souper Bowl commissioners. 

Please remember that you can combat hunger at any time by donating to the Faith Food Pantry. 

This Sunday, Feb. 11, join coffee hour hosted by Mary Circle to celebrate Faith’s Bold Woman of 2024. You’ll have the opportunity to donate to the circle’s 2024 efforts to help others and support women’s ministries.

At noon, Tuesday, Feb. 13, all women are invited to Mary Circle’s regular meeting. Following January’s fun gathering with sisters from Emmanuel Lutheran Venice, the February meeting will feature Pastor Marianne Powrie, who will speak about opportunities for growth in women’s ministries. Please bring your lunch; dessert will be provided.

Adult Forum meets between services, 9:10-9:50 a.m. in the conference room. This Sunday, the group focuses on Lesson 1, “The Lord Who Heals You?” of Volume 9, “Fire on the Mountain/ Displaying God to a Broken World,” in the “That the World May Know” series. 

Men of Faith meet for Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, in the chapel.

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



The Prayer Group will not meet on Ash Wednesday nor subsequent Wednesdays during Lent, and members are encouraged to attend Midweek Lenten Worship.

Worship and fellowship opportunities for the Lenten season begin next week.

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14:

• 8 a.m., Drive-through Prayers and Imposition of Ashes, parking lot
• 12 p.m., Ash Wednesday Worship, sanctuary
• 7 p.m., Ash Wednesday Worship with choir and organ, sanctuary

Wednesday, Feb. 21 and 28, and March 6, 13 and 20:

• Noon, Midweek Lenten Worship followed by soup and sandwich lunch that’s open to the community, sanctuary/fellowship hall

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.

The Bereavement Group will meet at 12:30 p.m.. Tuesday, Feb. 13, for lunch at Beckham’s Bar & Grill, 8579 S. Tamiami Trail. The group will not meet on Ash Wednesday.

During subsequent Wednesdays during Lent, the Bereavement Group will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel so participants also can join in Midweek Lenten Worship and the community meal. If you or a friend is struggling with grief, this group is for you. There is strength and hope in community. 

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

Worship to Go has expanded to two facilities.

The next service at Elancé kicks off at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, in the independent living facility’s Tiffany Room next door to Faith. Worship to Go volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. in the Faith chapel to review the service.

The next service at Angel Senior Living, 5750 Honore Ave., is set for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, 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.

We need additional Worship to Go helpers. If you can help, contact Pastor Eric directly, 716-352-0055. No experience necessary!

Ladies and gents, grab your hooks and needles for Stitch 'n' Chatter 1-2:30 p.m. Thursdays in room 212.

Confirmation Class meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in the conference room.

Contact Pastor Eric with questions. 

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 to take on the challenge!

Beginning Feb. 14 and throughout Lent, 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. Can we donate enough for 70 this year? Thanks for responding generously.

Mark your calendars now and invite friends for Vacation Bible School Day Camp, July 22-26 at Faith. 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.

Stay tuned for registration details. Questions? Contact Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann, familyandchid@faithlutheransrq.com.

Esther was a young Jewish girl living in exile in what we know today as Iran. She was placed in a unique position to help the nation of Israel. Her story, recorded in the book of the Bible that bears her name, is a picture of God’s protection.

Esther personifies the principle of standing for what is right. Against all odds, and literally standing alone, she was reminded by her cousin that Almighty God had brought her to a strategic place in history. When the need arose, she was reminded of her role with this penetrating question: “…who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Each of us could ask ourselves that question as we consider our roles in the 21st century. Although we might not be called by God to intervene on behalf of a nation, each of us — in our own way — has been brought to God’s kingdom for such a time as this. Each of us has been placed in our surroundings and circumstances — including here at Faith Lutheran — by Almighty God.

We are here by divine appointment to make a difference for Christ. What we do and how we do it have potential to cause the light of the gospel to shine in others’ hearts. What would you do if you knew that you had only one year to live? Would you change how you are living, your priorities, those things in which you invest your time, talents and treasure? Or to ask another question, “. . . who knows but that you have come to where you are in life for such a time as this?”

We Should View Our Days as Though

Today Might Be Our Last 

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.

(Job 7:6)

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, March 17.

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 congregation or community members about aid they might require. The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund allows him to help financially, when necessary. If you are able, please consider a donation, either through the Discretionary Fund option on the Faith website or in the offering plate, so vulnerable people can receive help. 

Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity (S.U.R.E.), a faith-based community organizing entity of which Faith is a covenant member, is focused on affordable and accessible housing. While this problem might not affect every member of our parish, we are compelled by the gospel of Jesus Christ to care deeply about our neighbors’ needs.

Interested in getting involved? Contact Pastor Eric. Visit suresarasota.org to learn more.

Today, Friday, Feb. 9

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

Saturday, Feb. 10

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, Feb. 11

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

Monday, Feb. 12

Tuesday, Feb. 13

9:30 a.m., Men of Faith Bible Study, chapel

9:30 a.m., Women's Bible Study, conference room

10 a.m., Worship To Go Prep, office

10 a.m., Jazzercise, gym

10:45 a.m., Worship to Go, Tiffany Room at Elancé

11 a.m., Property Committee, conference room

12 p.m., Mary Circle, fellowship hall

12:30 p.m., Bereavement Group Lunch, Beckham's Bar and Grill, 8579 S. Tamiami Trail

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

Wednesday, Feb. 14

8 a.m., Drive-Through Imposition of Ashes and Prayers, parking lot

12 p.m., Ash Wednesday Worship, sanctuary

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

7 p.m., Ash Wednesday Worship, sanctuary

Thursday, Feb. 15

9 a.m., Finance Committee, conference room

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

10 a.m., Jazzercize

10:30 a.m., Executive Committee, conference room

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.

2/9 Promise to follow in the footsteps of Paul, who was mindful of the responsibility, entrusted to him by God, to share the gospel with people of various cultures, beliefs and life circumstances.

2/10 Pray that the Spirit will strengthen and sustain Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, stir her wisdom and renew her vison for our church and its mission. 

2/11 Like Jesus’ disciples, we are often confused, fearful and full of questions, longing to understand what God is doing through Jesus and what we must do as followers. Pray for God’s patience as our faith matures and we learn how to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

2/12 Give thanks for our global companions whose daily realities, faith traditions, culture and language may differ from ours yet complement and enrich our lives and faith.

2/13 Pray that everything we do and say as people of faith will light the world, direct attention to our Creator and reflect God’s love for humanity and all creation.

2/14 Ash Wednesday: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before others in order to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1). Reflect on who we are to God — fragile, imperfect beings and loved children who stand before God with humility and gratitude.

2/15 Joy and sorrow are both intrinsic to being human. Pray that we might feel each of them as deeply, both in the world and in our lives.

2/16 Pray that, during Lent, we will lean into God’s grace and mercy with humility, trusting the promise that the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ win us a place in the kingdom of God.

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 and Jetty Zarfos

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

Chuck Banta

Chloe Bennethum, friend of Gail Murphy

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

Charles Budreau

Family & Friends of David Bunce, friend of Kevin and Linda Fewell

Jason Byrne, friend of Anita Wooton

Elise Carmona

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

Lois Light

Shirley Manning, friend of Margaret Borrows

Paul & Debby Maresch

Vincenzo Mariani, friend of Conrad Zabor

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

Rev. John Spittal

Dianne Stoll, friend of Dorothy Gustavson

Cathy Stubenvoll

Ron and Leigh Tarrantino

Werner Thomsen, brother of John Thomsen

Colette Thornbloom

David Turnbull

Alyene Weaver

Jon Wooton

Family & Friends of Angelo Yerace

2/13 Thomas & Sharon Soukup

2/3 Karen Ramme

2/5 Gail Brown

2/5 Molly Wlodarczyk

2/6 Rev. Larry Wright

2/8 Katie Bolon

2/8 Darren Thomsen

2/15 Jim Lauritsen

2/20 Karen Ballweg

2/20 Jonathan Capilla

2/21 Jayne Clark

2/21 Jerry Cooper

2/22 Kevin Fewell

2/24 Tricia Thomsen

2/27 Barbara Bolon

2/27 Olivia Bright-Cox

2/27 Stan Stelmahsenko

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 Ministries: 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; Ann Greenwood, vice president; Peggy Ragan, secretary; Anita Wooton, treasurer; Jane Sanks, assistant treasurer; Jerry Cooper; Gail Lidinsky; Mark Nelson; Joan Searles; Lauren Wardach

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