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Sunday, March 3, 2024

Third Sunday in Lent

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

Exodus 20:1-17

The commandments are given at Sinai

Psalm 19

The commandment of the Lord gives light to the eyes (Ps. 19:8)

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Christ crucified, the wisdom of God

John 2:13-22

The cleansing of the temple

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 pick you or others up to bring you to worship. Contact Pastor Eric to make arrangements, 716-352-0055.

During the Feb. 25 annual meeting, those present voted unanimously to accept changes to the Faith Lutheran Constitution and Bylaws, a budget designed to support 12 months of growth in ministry and much more.

Click the corresponding button below to read meeting details.

Sincere thanks to all who already have submitted a pledge form for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Your support enables Faith’s ministries to continue in the congregation and the community.

Faith has entered a new fiscal year -- March 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025. If you use any electronic option for your faithful giving to the church (Vanco ACH, Credit Card, or Auto Bank Transfers), you may need to update your information, dates, amounts and frequencies.  

• If you have an account set up directly with Vanco, you can update the information yourself. The information you provided on your pledge form will not automatically be updated in Vanco because those forms are statements of intent, not actual authorizations. 
• If you do not have an account set up with Vanco, you can create one at https://www.faithlutheransrq.com/online-giving.

If you haven’t already, please prayerfully consider making your offerings to Faith in the form of an automated recurring gift. Automated giving offers convenience and ease for your own personal finances, and helps the church plan, budget and dream responsibly about the ways our congregation can fulfill its mission to serve God and all others.

• If you are giving electronically through an account set up by the church office for you, you must provide Faith with a NEW, signed authorization form to update your electronic records. Click here to download a form. You also can pick one up from the narthex table or ask that one be sent to you via email. 
• If you are giving electronically through a Vanco account set up by the church office for you, and you choose to create your own Vanco account that you control, please let the church know so the finance team can stop the Vanco giving that was set up through the church. 
• Note that verbal authorizations are not in compliance with ACH rules. Faith needs signed authorization forms.

Members of the Faith finance team will reach out to those who have current Vanco accounts and who have indicated an intended increase on a pledge form. 

For assistance, contact Patty McKee, financial secretary, 941-228-1192 or 941-921-3709; financialsecretary@faithlutheransrq.com or pattymckee15@gmail.com.

Contentment has been defined as “accepting what God provides with a sense of peace and serenity.” Recognizing that all we have comes from God according to God’s wisdom, 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 at Faith Lutheran?

At the beginning of each service this Sunday, March 3, Faith will welcome Shady and Feda Hannona from Bethlehem, who will share information about the hardships that Christians and others currently experience in the Holy Land.

A variety of olivewood religious carvings -- including Nativity sets, crosses, Christmas ornaments and candleholders -- that were handmade by Christian families in Bethlehem will be available for purchase in the narthex. Proceeds from your purchases will help support Bethlehem families.

More than 70 percent of the Christian families in the Holy Land depend on tourism as their only source of income. But tourism in Bethlehem has plummeted, and access to other sources of income has been sharply curtailed due to war and other restrictions. As a result, many Christian families have fled the Holy Land and, today, Christians represent less than 1 percent of the population. Your support will help Christians remain in the land of Christ.

The Faith Youth Group will host a pancake breakfast between services, 9-10 a.m. this Sunday, March 3, to raise funds for upcoming activities.

During the breakfast, you will have the opportunity to participate in Bread for World’s Offering of Letters, through which you can write a brief letter or email to your members of Congress who have the power to enact policies and programs that can end hunger. Click here to see a sample letter. It’s an effort that can help make the future brighter for many families and children. Questions about Offering of Letters? Contact Judy Carlsen, jmcarlsen2014@gmail.com.

A dear member of Faith has discovered that her car is no longer safe to drive. If you or anyone you know has a car that is not being used and might want to donate it to her, please contact Pastor Eric, pastor@faithlutheransrq.com, or via his mobile phone, 716-352-0055. Thank you for your kind consideration.

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@faithlutheransrq.com, to express interest and learn more.

Adult Forum will not meet this Sunday so everyone can attend the pancake breakfast. On March 10, the group will focus on Lesson 3, “Their Blood Cried Out - Israel Becomes a Community,” in 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 breakfast and prayer at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 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 second-floor library to focus on “Be Still and Know — A Study of Rest and Refuge.” 

The Prayer Group will not meet during Lent, and members are encouraged to attend Midweek Lenten Worship.

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

Join the fun at 2 p.m. this coming Monday, March 4, and on subsequent Mondays through March 18 in the upstairs classroom to laugh and learn new ways to express your faith through humor. You are invited!

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 remaining Wednesdays during Lent -- March 6, 13 and 20 -- turn your heart to God during 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.

The Faith kitchen crew - (left to right) Linda Burton, Laurie Stramaglia, Joan Zabor, Doris Anne Prieur-Lucia, Karen Naulty, Kevin Fewell and Sandy Gerber -- continues to amaze with delicious menus. What's on tap for this coming Wednesday? Come and see!

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.

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. Saturday, March 9, outside of Panera Gulf Gate, 6589 S. Tamiami Trail. Questions? Contact Carolyn Francis, 941-400-0083.

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

Join them for the next services:

• 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, March 12, in the independent living facility’s Tiffany Room at Elancé, next door to Faith. Worship to Go volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. in the Faith chapel to review the service.
• 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 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.

The Suncoast Blood Center (SBC) Bloodmobile will be in the Faith parking lot 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday, March 17. The SBC serves YOU -- individuals, families, military servicepeople and others.

Click here to sign up to donate. You also can sign up on the narthex table.

Click here to learn if you are eligible to donate.

You can literally be a lifesaver!

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, 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.

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. Interested in getting involved? Contact Pastor Eric.

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 fun so those in need can receive assistance.

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

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 1

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym



Saturday, March 2

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

9 a.m., Diakonia, conference room

Sunday, March 3

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

9 a.m., Pancake Breakfast, fellowship hall

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 4

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

Tuesday, March 5

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

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

10 a.m., Jazzercise, gym

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

Wednesday, March 6

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 7

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

10 a.m., Jazzercize

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.

3/1 Women’s History Month: Give thanks for women throughout history and in our lives who have shared their gifts and leadership with the church and society, raised and cared for us, inspired us and nurtured our faith, and fought for justice, equity and inclusion. Pray for women everywhere who suffer injustice, demeaning stereotypes, violence and poverty, that they will not lose hope but will be delivered from their suffering and persecution to live freely and boldly.

3/2 Pray for our neighbors and siblings in Christ who have been driven from their homes and communities by conflict, persecution, disaster, political turmoil, economic crisis or the effects of climate change.

3/3 Bold Women’s Day (Women of the ELCA): Celebrate and give thanks for Lutheran women who act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ through prayer, service to neighbors in need, advocacy, leadership, hospitality and telling their stories of faith.

3/4 Promise that we will never use our faith, our service to neighbors or our identity as followers of Christ to benefit ourselves, enhance our reputations or earn a profit. Ask the Spirit to nurture in us humility, generosity and gratitude for the gifts of grace and salvation God has given us through the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

3/5 Remember in prayer individuals, families and communities as they continue to recover from natural disasters, and ask God to give them strength, resilience and hope. Promise that we will persist in our commitment to support and assist these individuals, families and communities through a process that can be long, difficult and lonely.

3/6 There are those who consider our beliefs and faith to be foolish and misguided. Pray for the Spirit to deepen our understanding of God’s wisdom and ways, strengthen our faith in Christ, and guide our imperfect words and actions to convey God’s merciful love for humankind, so that others will be moved to believe and to follow Jesus Christ.

3/7 Pray for the children and youth in our congregation, and for young adults involved in long-term volunteer service, careers, military service or study at colleges, universities, trade schools or seminaries.

3/8 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Praise God for being attentive to our thoughts, prayers and lamentations — spoken and unspoken.

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

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

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

3/12 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.