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Sunday, April 7, 2024

Second Sunday of Easter

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

Acts 4:32-35

The believers' common life.

Psalm 133

How good and pleasant it is to live together in unity (Ps.133:1).

1 John 1:1--2:2

Walking in the light.

John 20:19-31

Beholding the wounds of the risen Christ.

(Above and below) Kids made a mad dash to fill their baskets with toy-filled eggs during the Easter Egg Hunt, organized by Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann.

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. 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. 

Dear Friends in Christ,

The College of the Ozarks at Point Lookout, Missouri, is known as “Hard Work U.” Students literally work their way through school as they perform the tasks necessary for this top-rated liberal arts college to function. They mow grass, prepare food, operate the campus fire department and even build buildings — all to help pay for a college education.

Dr. Jerry Davis, college president, was visited in 1989 by Joe T. McKibben, a retired physician from southern California. In his notes of that meeting, Dr. Davis described McKibben as “vaguely unkempt and almost sheepish looking.” To his amazement and that of the 1,500 students, Joe McKibben later left $12 million to the college.

You and I will probably not be able to duplicate that level of generosity, but we are doing something even more important than leaving millions when we pass on. You see, the pundit was correct who observed, “Do your giving while you’re living so you’ll be knowing where it’s going.” You and others are supporting the Lord’s work, week after week, month after month, year in and year out, here at Faith Lutheran. Only eternity will reveal all that’s been accomplished for the kingdom of God through your faithfulness.

Thanks for being part of this ministry. We truly thank our God every time we remember you and praise God for your fellowship in the gospel.

In my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:4,5,6)

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Your Stewardship Ministry Team

Ann Greenwood

Anita Wooton

Rev. Eric Olsen

Janet Petersen

Scott Rice

Steven Ragan

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.

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.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be entertained during the Here I Stand Up Class Comedy Show Graduation, Sunday, April 7, in the gym. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the fun begins at 2 p.m.

For a free-will donation, you can smile and laugh through the event while enjoying light refreshments ($20 value). All proceeds will benefit the Here I Stand Up Comedy Ministry.

Along with comedy "professor" Al Ernst, featured performers include Faith's own Gail Lidinsky, Scott Rice and Pastor Eric Olsen. Be there to experience the fun of living in faith.

Adult Forum meets between services in the conference room. This coming Sunday, participants will study Lesson 5, “I Led You Like a Bride – A Wedding at Sinai,” 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 breakfast and prayer at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 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 next Worship to Go service at:

• Elancé begins at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, in the independent living facility’s Tiffany Room next door to Faith. Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. in the Faith chapel to review the service.
• Angels Senior Living, 5750 Honore Ave., is set for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, 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.

Worship to Go needs additional helpers. Contact Pastor Eric directly, 716-352-0055. No experience necessary!

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.

All people of Faith are invited at 10:30 a.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays – April 9, 16 and 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!

All women are invited to join Mary Circle’s monthly meeting at noon, Tuesday, April 9, in fellowship hall to plan new programs and membership strategies. Bring your lunch. Dessert will be provided.

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 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!

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, April 13, 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 Readers Club meets at 2 p.m., Monday, April 22, in the library to discuss The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok.

Please join!

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. Questions? Contact Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com.

Generous people of Faith, you did it! Mary Circle was hoping to make 70 personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief (LWR), but you donated enough items for about 110 kits! Special thanks to Denise Kirkeeng, who secured a grant from Thrivent to help offset the cost of towels. Members of Mary Circle will assemble the kits during their May meeting.

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, May 12.

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.

Today, Friday, April 5

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

Saturday, April 6

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

9 a.m., Diakonia - conference room

10 a.m., Diversity Voices of Sarasota - sanctuary

Sunday, April 7

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

2 p.m., Here I Stand Comedy Class Show Graduation - gym

Monday, April 8

Tuesday, April 9

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 a.m., Worship to Go Prep, chapel

10:30 a.m., View "The Chosen" - conference room

10:45 a.m., Worship to Go - Elancé

11 a.m., Property Committee

12 p.m., Mary Circle - fellowship hall

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

Wednesday, April 10

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 11

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.

4/5 Lift up praise and thanksgiving to God, celebrating God’s promise of love, forgiveness and eternal life. “This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9).

4/6 Pray for the ministry of Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service), and give thanks for its 80 years of work supporting and empowering immigrants, asylum-seekers and refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States.

4/7 Thomas wasn’t sure what to believe when the risen Jesus mysteriously appeared to him and the other disciples, but Jesus met his skepticism with love and understanding. Give thanks for God’s patience with us when we grapple with the mysteries of our faith, and for the Spirit having revealed truth to us through scripture, prayer, reflection and our siblings in Christ.

4/8 Pray that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and of Israel and Palestine will commit to their respective cease-fires and meet face-to-face to resolve their conflicts and create peaceful ways forward, ending the widespread human suffering and destruction.

4/9 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian (1906-1945): Remember and give thanks to God for people throughout history, such as Bonhoeffer, who are driven by their faith and convictions to stand against injustice, evil and violence toward others, even in the face of personal threats and death. Ask God for the courage and boldness to act when our neighbors are threatened or treated unjustly.

4/10 “Everything they owned was held in common ... and it was distributed to each as any had need” (Acts 4:32-35). Ask the Spirit to stir our generosity and nurture our unwavering concern for the wellbeing of our neighbor so that we might share our assets with those in need and foster concerned communities.

4/11 Ask the Spirit to guide and inspire the leaders of our church gathered for the ELCA Church Council in Chicago, that they will work together to guide, strengthen and grow the church; respond to new challenges; affirm God’s call for us to serve our neighbors; and encourage people of all ages to bear the gospel into the world.

4/12 Pray for ELCA Global Mission personnel, including volunteers, longtime staff, Young Adults in Global Mission and seminary students serving as Horizon International interns. Give thanks for their faithful service, and the gifts and talents they bring to their work alongside our global companions.

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

Rev. John Spittal

Family & Friends of Cathy Stubenvoll

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.