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Sunday, March 17, 2024

Fifth Sunday in Lent

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

Jeremiah 31:31-24

A new covenant written on the heart

Psalm 51:1-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God (Ps. 51:10)

Hebrews 5:5-10

Through suffering, Christ becomes the source of salvation

John 12:20-33

The grain of wheat dying in the earth

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!

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.

The Suncoast Blood Centers Bloodmobile will be in the Faith parking lot 8 a.m.-1 p.m. this Sunday, March 17.

The SBC serves YOU -- individuals, families, the military and others.

Click here to sign up to donate. You also can sign up on the narthex table. And walk-ins are welcome!

Click here to learn if you are eligible to donate.

When you donate, you will receive a blanket commemorating the 75th anniversary of the SBC. Better yet, you literally will be a lifesaver!

The Here I Stand Up class focuses on what the gospel teaches – to live with joy, gratitude and faith.

Join the fun during the final class at 2 p.m. this coming Monday, March 18, in the upstairs classroom to laugh and learn new ways to express your faith through humor.

Also, 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 experience how they "stand up!" All are invited to experience the fun of living in faith.

A Sarasota County Commissioner will attend a special March 18 action meeting --The Nehemiah Action -- to gauge support for affordable housing. Mark your calendars and plan to join Pastor Eric and other Faith friends to visibly show the county commissioner that, as Christians and as a member congregation of Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity (S.U.R.E.), we support efforts to create affordable housing in our area.

Monday, March 18

First Congregational United Church of Christ

1031 S. Euclid, Sarasota

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Assembly begins at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting marks a high point in S.U.R.E.'s ongoing work to secure funding for affordable housing.

As part of Faith's commitment to the community, neighbors will vote in the Presidential Primary 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the gym.

In September 2023, Michael and Julianne Geyser relocated to Sarasota from Virginia, where they were active members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesburg.

While building their new home in Palmer Ranch, they began looking for a church home with strong music programs, traditional worship services and a welcoming community. Faith's online worship services drew them in immediately, and it soon became clear that they didn't need to visit any other churches,

Mike is a retired Air Force Colonel now serving as vice president for a small defense contractor. Juli is a finance specialist for a large homeowners' association in northern Virginia, and they both enjoy working from home. An accomplished flutist, Juli accompanies hymns during Faith's Worship to Go services.

They have three grown children, are avid golfers and sports fans, and they look forward to sharing their gifts with the congregation.

Ellen LaSota's parents emigrated from Denmark and settled in the little "Danish" community of Dwight, Ill. After raising two boys and twin girls in Illinois, she became secretary to the head legal counsel for ServiceMaster. In 1978, Ellen and her husband moved to Miami, where she worked for Eastern Airlines.

Widowed in 1996 and knowing that her son and daughter-in-law, Faith members Terry and Gerri Copper, were moving to Florida, she built a home in Lake Mary, where she welcomed Terry and Gerri in 2000. In 2017, she moved to Sarasota Bay Club, again near Terry and Gerri.

Ellen loved to travel and has taken numerous trips overseas. She also loved to dance and usually was on the dance floor three or four times a week She enjoys painting and still picks up the brush now and then. Her faith always has been an important part of her life, and she is so happy to have found a loving congregation where she can attend worship with Terry and Gerri.

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?

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.

Could you help with Sunday School? Contact Deborah, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com, to express interest and learn more.

Adult Forum will meet between services this Sunday, March 17, to study Lesson 4, “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 Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 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.” 

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

On March 20, turn your heart to God during the final 2024 Midweek Worship at noon in the sanctuary, followed by lunch in 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.

Heartfelt thanks to the amazing Faith kitchen crew, who have created delicious meals for each midweek lunch. Be there next week to enjoy what they cook up!

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.

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.

Faith's current Worship to Go volunteers call the experience "a privilege and a joy."

Join them for the next service, 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, in the second-floor theatre at Angels Senior Living, 5750 Honore Ave. Volunteers will meet at 12:45 p.m. in the Faith chapel and will carpool to the facility. 

If you can help, contact Pastor Eric directly, 716-352-0055. No experience necessary!

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.

During 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.

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!

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 about 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.

To participate in the March 29 Good Friday Stations of the Cross downtown, 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.

Ministers of 14 denominations will take part, including Pastor Eric. Following the procession, all are invited to a brief morning prayer service at Redeemer.

Today, Friday, March 15

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym



Saturday, March 16

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

9 a.m., Diakonia - conference room

Sunday, March 17

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 18

9 a.m., Poll Workers Set Up - gym

10:30 a.m., Piano Tuning - sanctuary

2 p.m., Here I Stand Up - upstairs classroom

6 p.m., S.U.R.E. Nehemiah Action for Affordable Housing - First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid

Tuesday, March 19

7 a.m., Presidential Primary Election - gym

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

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

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, March 20

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

12 p.m., Midweek Lenten Worship - sanctuary

12:30 p.m., Community Meal - fellowship hall

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

Thursday, March 21

9 a.m., Finance Committee - conference room

9 a.m., Election Equipment Pickup - gym

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.

3/15 Sing for joy and give thanks to God for providing comfort in times of distress, healing us when we are broken and reassuring us that we are valued when we feel insignificant. 

3/16 Remember in prayer seminarians and international students preparing to serve as leaders in the church and society, including those supported through ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarships, the International Women Leaders program and the International Leaders Program.

3/17 Reflect on the people for whom you have concern. Pray for them, and commit yourself to expressing your love and care in a personal way — an in-person conversation, a phone call offering help, a note, text or email.

3/18 Pray for the work of the Creation Care Network, which connects the ELCA with ecumenical ministries and organizations that equip us to be faithful stewards of God’s creation.

3/19 First Day of Spring: Praise our Creator, and give thanks for the sun and the heavenly bodies of the universe, which impact every aspect of life and reflect the amazing creativity, mystery and power of God.

3/20 Let our Lenten prayer for today be: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2).

3/21 Remember in prayer youth, adults and congregations preparing for their faith-stirring experience at the ELCA Youth Gathering and related events in New Orleans this summer.

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

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

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

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 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; 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.