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Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024

Second Sunday After Epiphany

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

1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]

The calling of Samuel

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

You have searched me out and known me (139:1)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Glorify God in your body

John 1:43-51

The calling of the first disciples

Scan this QR Code to be directed to the Faith website, where you can make online contributions to the church's general fund and other special ministries. Thank you!

Faith's Confirmation students will meet at 5 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 12, in the Faith parking lot to carpool to Luther Springs for a weekend Confirmation Camp at Luther Springs. We pray that the Spirit will bless and awaken them and their leaders as they pray, learn and have fun together.

This Sunday, Jan. 14, is the start of our stewardship emphasis, Experiencing the Joy of Generosity. Our theme for this week is “The Joy in Receiving God’s Blessings.”

In the words of Billy Graham, “God has given us two hands, one to give with and the other to receive with.” Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are able to appreciate how generously God gives to us. He provides for us physically and spiritually.

God demonstrated his love for us by giving “His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). First God loved, then he gave, and he keeps on giving. Forgiveness, salvation and, in fact, all we are and everything we have or ever will have are gifts from God. May God help you experience the joy of receiving God’s blessings?

We hope you will read and be blessed by Sunday's bulletin insert, “The Joy of Receiving God’s Blessings.” On Jan. 21, we will focus on the joy of managing God’s blessings and, on Jan. 28, we will discuss the joy of sharing God’s blessings.

We hope you will join us in worship and Bible study.

The Suncoast Bloodmobile will visit Faith 8 a.m.-1 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 14. There is a critical shortage of blood in the Sarasota area, and one pint of donated blood can save three lives, so sign up to donate on the sheets on the narthex table or by contacting the Suncoast Blood Center, 1-866-97-BLOOD or suncoastblood.org.

Giving statements for tax year 2023 either were emailed or mailed to those with contributions of record. If you did not receive yours, or if you need a paper copy and haven’t received it, contact the church office, 941-924-4664 or officeadmin@faithlutheransrq.com; or Patty McKee, 941-921-3709 or financialsecretary@faithlutheransrq.com.

If you ordered 2024 giving envelopes, they are available in the narthex. If you did not order envelopes but would like to have them, use the sign-up form to request either Full Packets or Special Offering Packets.

Adult Forum meets between Sunday worship services, 9:10-9:50 a.m. in the conference room. This Sunday, the group will focus on Lesson 2, “Israel in Bondage - God Heard Their Cry,” of Volume 8, “Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life’s Trials,” in the “That the World May Know” video series.  

Enikő Pivarcsi, daughter of Enikő Raffai Pivarcsine and György Pivarcsi, was baptized during the 10:15 a.m. service Sunday, Jan. 7. Her sponsors are Csaba Soos and Szilvia Pivarcsi. We rejoice with Enikő and her family!

The Faith office will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Men of Faith are invited to meet for Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the chapel.

All are welcome!

G.I.F.T.S (Growing in Faith Through Scripture) Women's Bible Study meets 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the conference room. The group is focusing on "Be Still and Know — A Study of Rest and Refuge” by Deb Burma. Questions? Contact Peggy Ragan, pragan12@aol.com or 941-302-7722. All women are welcome!

Mary Circle begins 2024 with a joint meeting with the ladies of Emmanuel Lutheran Church Venice at noon, Tuesday, Jan. 16, in fellowship hall. Pastor Marianne Powrie will be the featured speaker. Faith ladies will provide a lunch buffet, and Emmanuel ladies will share dessert.

Please note that Jan. 16 is the third Tuesday of the month. We are moving the meeting one week later than usual to accommodate our guests.

All ladies of Faith are welcome! Please sign up in the narthex so we can better plan food quantities.

“Worship to Go” is expanding to two facilities this year!

The inaugural service at Angel Senior Living, 5750 Honore Ave., is set for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the facility’s second-floor theatre. The worship team will meet at 12:45 p.m. in the Faith chapel and will carpool to the facility.

We need additional volunteers to serve as worship leaders. If you can help, contact Pastor Eric directly, 716-352-0055. No experience necessary!

Join in prayer with Faith friends at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. We pray for ourselves, loved ones, those in need, our community, our nation and our world. We conclude with Holy Communion. Can’t attend in person? Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 871 4720 3661, Passcode 041291.

Faith again invites a favorite theologian, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt,

to lead an in-depth study of Mark’s gospel, the earliest and shortest of the good-news stories of Jesus.

Pastor Larry will convene the six-part study on Wednesdays through Feb. 7. (So the study doesn’t conclude on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, we will double-up two sessions somewhere along the way.) Each one-hour session will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the second-floor classroom across from the elevator.

If you registered, pick up your participant book today in the narthex. Prior to each session, “homework” will be to read the short chapter assigned for each session.

Even if you did not register, you are welcome and encouraged to sit in on the DVD lectures and discussions to follow. Light refreshments provided! Great discussion! Fun fellowship!

The Bereavement Group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. If you or a friend can use help bearing the burden of grief, this group is for you. There is strength and hope in community.

Ladies and gents, grab your hooks and needles for Stitch 'n' Chatter 1-2:30 p.m. Thursdays in room 212. For info, contact Doris Anne Prieur-Lucia, 941-266-8101.

The Faith Food Pantry needs your help on Thursdays. To sign up:

• Click here, or
• Sign the sheet on the narthex table, or
• Contact Karen Naulty, knaulty@yahoo.com or 406-334-1063.

Remember BOGO – Buy One Give One – for food and paper products (toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, etc.), then leave them in the car so you don’t forget to bring them to church. Place donations in the barrel in fellowship hall. Thanks!

Confirmation Class meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays via Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83054124705?pwd=jkQYOIazk519ubngIAeJxxa6USxWOA.1, Meeting ID 830 5412 4705, Passcode 688400.

Contact Pastor Eric with questions. 

Faith Walk and Talk, a new fellowship group that combines leisurely walking with the opportunity to chat, will step off on the second Saturday of each month beginning at 9:30 a.m., tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 13, outside of Panera Gulf Gate, 6589 S. Tamiami Trail.

Walkers will introduce themselves before setting off on a roughly two mile Gulf Gate-area walk during which they will get to know each other and make new friends among our Faith family.

Following the walk, there’s an option to enjoy a beverage or bite to eat at Panera. Questions? Contact Carolyn Francis, 941-400-0083.

Let's get to know some of Faith's newest members. Look for more new-member introductions in future editions of the Friday Update.

Jean Gomoll was a very active member of Faith in the past, but had stepped away for several years. She and her husband, Rev. John Hilficker, live in Elancé, next door to Faith. She is an artist and is happy to use her talents for ministry.

Rev. John Hilficker was born in a Mennonite home in Bethlehem, Pa. He had three children and now has three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. John is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with 64 years of service ministry as Pastor, Minister of Christian Education, Pulpit Supply Preacher and Interim Pastor. He also served as an officer in four bank trust departments. He taught in high schools and junior colleges.

Bob and Barbara Knickerbocker are from Glastonbury, Conn., and moved to Sarasota in 2006. Bob is a retired attorney, and Barbara is a decorator. They came to Faith Lutheran at the urging of their neighbor, Warren Russell, also originally from Glastonbury. They are very pleased with Pastor Eric and the congregation's loyalty and respectfulness.

Dick and Jetty Zarfos lived in York County, Pa., for 60 years. They retired from the family furniture business and, in 2003, moved to a new home east of Sarasota near Rotherbach Park. In 2020, they moved to Elancé. In April 2023, since Faith is next door, they came to visit, and found inspiration and excitement in the community. They always have been active in church, and they jumped right in at Faith. They delight in singing with the Voices of Faith choir, Dick helps with the food pantry and general lawn maintenance, and Jetty has put her hands into Faith's Memorial Garden and has attended Bible study. When they are not at Faith, Dick enjoys singing barbershop harmony, which he has done for 40 years. Jetty, an avid gardener, continues with her passion for growing things. Their son lives on Siesta Key, and their daughter and "the grands" live in France.

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, Feb. 11.

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.

Following the Children’s Sermon at the beginning of the 10:15 a.m. service, Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann and volunteers show children to the classroom, where they learn about the gospel of the day through age-appropriate lessons and fun activities. The children rejoin the congregation for Holy Communion.

Help spread the word about Sunday School! All children are welcome!

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 provides him the means 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 continue to receive help. 

Members of the safety committee review Faith’s building and grounds for possible hazards that could cause tripping or slipping -- raised sidewalks, rugs that don’t lay flat, water on the floor, parking-lot bumpers with rebar that should be pounded back to ground level, etc. They report concerns to the property committee. Interested in joining the committee? Please contact the church office.

Pastor Marianne, Pastor Eric and other members of the Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity (S.U.R.E.) affordable housing committee planned a presentation to the Sarasota County Commission in support of funding for the Community Services Information System, which helps ensure a continuum of care and federal funding to aid in the fight to end homelessness.

S.U.R.E., a faith-based community organizing entity of which Faith is a covenant member, is focused on affordable and accessible housing, an issue with which neighbors who visit the Faith Food Pantry regularly struggle. 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.

“You have as much laughter as you have faith.” - Martin Luther

In a world of factions, there is one thing we all have in common. We can laugh! Join Al Ernst, your Faith-based humorist in residence, for an afternoon event, “Laughter Saves Lives,” 2-3:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 22, in the conference room.

The gospel teaches us to live with joy, gratitude and faith. Through this fun presentation -- using lessons and a little help from Jesus, Martin Luther, Ted Lasso and more -- you’ll laugh, then take home some new ways to enjoy your daily faith. The presentation is not designed to teach you how to tell jokes, be a comedian or “make lemonade out of lemons.” Rather, it will help you make your Christian walk more fun, joyful and optimistic. You are invited!

Al has been a full-time professional comedian for 33 years. He has been heard on Sirius Radio; facilitated workshops; created, produced and performed “A View from the Cheap Seats” on ESPN; and created and hosted the national live tour, “Carnival Comedy Challenge.” His most recent streaming comedy special is “ALgorythms,” and he is host of WKDW’s “The Thrill of the Stage.” He soon will debut his one-man show, “Throw Mama on the Plane.”

A lifelong Lutheran, Al has participated in many aspects of church life. As an 8-year-old acolyte, he memorably set the altar linen on fire, thereby welcoming firefighters into church for Christmas Eve service. Join Al to learn how “Laughter Saves Lives!”

Readers Club will meet at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 in the library to discuss Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

To learn more, contact Kathy Schilio, schilmo@yahoo.com. Please join!

Today, Friday, Jan. 12

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

5 p.m., Youth Leave for Confirmation Camp, Faith parking lot

Saturday, Jan. 13

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

9:30 a.m., Faith Walk and Talk, Panera parking lot, 6589 S. Tamiami

9 a.m., Diakonia, conference room

Sunday, Jan. 14

8 a.m., Bloodmobile, parking lot

8 a.m., In-Person 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 Livestream Worship, sanctuary

10:25 a.m., Sunday School, classroom

Monday, Jan. 15

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Church Office Closed

Tuesday, Jan. 16

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

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

12 p.m., Mary Circle, fellowship hall

12:45 p.m., 'Worship to Go' Prep, chapel

1:30 p.m., 'Worship to Go,' second-floor theatre, Angel Senior Living, 5750 Honore Ave.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 17

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

1 p.m., Bereavement Group, chapel

Thursday, Jan. 18

9 a.m., Finance Committee, conference room

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

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 p.m., Jazzercise, gym

7 p.m. Confirmation, Zoom

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

1/12 Lift up prayers for our neighbors and siblings in Christ who suffer poverty and hunger, oppression and violence, and who are alone and without advocates. Pray that we will look to God to deepen our understanding of justice and peacemaking, and to guide our relationships with our neighbors in need.

1/13 Pray for the ELCA’s Future Church: God's Love Made Real initiative, which aspires to a welcoming, thriving, connected, sustainable church, and envisions a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.

1/14 Pray that we will respond daily to Jesus’ invitation to follow him, and will learn, serve our neighbors in need, share the gospel and invite others to experience God’s love, forgiveness and truth in community.

1/15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Give thanks and praise for siblings in Christ, such as Martin Luther King Jr., who risk everything to proclaim God’s love and concern for all, stress the inherent value of our neighbors as children of God, and awaken us from indifference, inactivity and hesitation to do God’s difficult work in the world.

1/16 “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well” (Psalm 139:14). When we doubt ourselves and question our value, remember and give thanks that God created us and knows us inside out, including our quirks, gifts, needs, questions and complexities.

1/17 Pray for youth and family ministry leaders and volunteers gathering for the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2024 in New Orleans, that the Spirit will renew their faith, affirm their gifts and equip them to surround young people with God’s grace and mercy.

1/18 Ask God to renew and strengthen our resolve to end hunger and poverty, and to address their root causes in our communities and the world. Promise to listen carefully to our neighbors in need so that we can work together to find appropriate, effective and sustainable solutions.

1/19 When we are united with Christ, every aspect of our life and being — spiritual, physical and social — benefits. Pray for the Spirit to help us stay faithful to the ways of God and the example of Christ, and to reclaim us when we give undue value and attention to things that distract us.

Please remember in your prayers this week:

Marsha Anderson, sister of Gail Murphy

Tim Anderson, son-in-law of Dick and Jetty Zarfos

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

Chuck Banta

Sean Brett, son of Alyene Weaver

Sandra Brinker

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 Donahue

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

Elaine Graham

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

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

Family & Friends of Rev. Van C. Miller

Jeremy & Yvonne Mullins

Beverly Novak, cousin of Patty McKee

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

Nancy Wilborn

Jon Wooton

Family & Friends of Angelo Yerace

1/19 Dick and Jetty Zarfos

1/20 Ron and Marty Iverson

If your anniversary or a friend's or family member's anniversary is missing or listed incorrectly, kindly notify communications@faithlutheransrq.com.

1/1 Mike Hansen

1/2 Amy Hubschman

1/2 Tony Moreland

1/2 Carol Wambold

1/4 John Spittal

1/5 Brandon Ragan

1/8 Conrad Zabor

1/9 Barbara Little

1/9 Jay Millard

1/9 Doug Weaver

1/12 Ileana Capilla

1/19 Annabel Ryan

1/23 Mark A. Nelson

1/24 Karen Vogel

1/25 Kaitlyn Clark

1/25 Laurie Stramaglia

1/26 Dick Bruning

1/29 Marianne Powrie

1/30 Nell Rude

If your birthday or a friend's or family member's birthday 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