At the bottom of this email, if you see words such as "View entire message," please click the link to view all content.

Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

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

Isaiah 40:21-31

The creator of all cares for the powerless

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

The Lord heals the brokenhearted (Ps. 147:3)

1 Corinthians 9:16-23

A servant for the sake of the gospel

Mark 1:29-39

The healing of Peter's mother-in-law

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!

This coming Sunday, Feb. 4, is Commitment Sunday, when we focus on “The Joy of Sharing God’s Blessings.” God wants our giving and sharing to be joyful and fulfilling. How could we not be joyful when our creator chooses us to be stewards of his creation and gifts to us? How could we not want to express our gratitude through faithful, joyful giving? Our generosity flows out of our understanding that God has created and redeemed us. In spite of our sinful ways, God loves us and calls us each by name. By God’s grace, we can live as forgiven and redeemed people through the blood of Jesus on the cross. 

On Sunday, we will have the opportunity to make our annual commitments to Faith's ministry and, by doing so, we celebrate the blessings of Jesus Christ in our lives. Through our pledged gifts, we commit to serving him and others through the mission of our church.

Could you help with Sunday School? After the Children’s Sermon during the 10:15 a.m. service this coming Sunday, join Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann and young learners in the classroom

to observe and learn about being a teacher or helper. You also can contact Deborah, familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com, to express interest.

Opportunities to meet together for prayer and study abound at Faith. Here's a look at what's coming up during the week ahead:

• Adult Forum meets between services, 9:10-9:50 a.m. in the conference room. This coming Sunday, the group will focus on Lesson 5, “The Lord Reigns” of Volume 8, “Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life’s Trials,” in the “That the World May Know” video series. 
• Men of Faith meet for breakfast and prayer at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 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.”
• Adult Bible Study of Mark’s gospel meets at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7, in the upstairs classroom across from the elevator. NOTE: The earlier-than-usual start time allows the group to cover the final two chapters of the study. Light refreshments! Great discussion! Fun fellowship!
• The Prayer Group meets at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel to pray for all in need, our community, our nation and our world. The gathering concludes with Holy Communion. Can’t attend in person? Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 871 4720 3661. Passcode 041291. The group will not meet on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, nor on Wednesdays during Lent. All are encouraged to attend Lenten Wednesday worship, followed by lunch.  

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!

The Bereavement Group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel. If you or a friend can use help bearing the burden of grief, join in. There is strength in community.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the group will meet for lunch at 12:30 p.m. and will not meet Wednesday, Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday.

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 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. 

Let’s combat hunger, fortify the Faith Food Pantry and have a little fun! Sunday, Feb. 11, you are invited to bring a can of soup or a case of cans and place them on the table in fellowship hall that represents your pick to be the Super Bowl champs! Will it be the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers? Let’s see if our souper generosity can predict the victor! A big thank you to Judy and John Millard, our Souper Bowl commissioners.

Are you contemplating membership at Faith? Please contact Pastor Eric. We will welcome new members during both services on Sunday, Feb. 11. 

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.

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.  

• Sunday, Feb. 11, join coffee hour hosted by Mary Circle to joyfully 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.

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. 2

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

Saturday, Feb. 3

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize, gym

9 a.m., Diakonia, conference room

Sunday, Feb. 4

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. 5

Tuesday, Feb. 6

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

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

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

Wednesday, Feb. 7

9 a.m., Adult Bible Study, upstairs classroom

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, Feb. 8

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

1 p.m., Stitch 'n' Chatter, room 212

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.

2/2 Remember in prayer those who suffer from heart disease, heart failure and congenital heart defects. Pray for the doctors, nurses, surgeons, care providers, researchers and chaplains who provide treatment, care and encouragement to patients of all ages and their families.

2/3 Pray for your synod’s leaders, congregations and special ministries. Ask the Spirit to sustain them, and stir their creative wisdom in carrying out the mission of the church in a changing and challenging world.

2/4 Give thanks for Jesus, our Savior, who changed the world not by force or coercion but by demonstrating God’s lifesaving love, mercy, care for those who suffer and welcome for those who are excluded. Pray that the example of Jesus and the word of God will guide us in living for one another and sharing the gospel.

2/5 Pray for peace, healing and justice in places of conflict and violence, especially Ukraine, the Holy Land, Myanmar, Haiti, Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2/6 “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary” (Isaiah 40:28). Who better to have at our side during every twist and turn in life than God, who is mighty, merciful and concerned for our wellbeing? Give praise and thanks to God!

2/7 Remember in prayer our neighbors and siblings in Christ who experience domestic abuse — physical, sexual or emotional. Pray that they will find refuge, community support, and care for their injury and trauma. Give thanks for the work of ELCA Justice for Women, Women of the ELCA and community organizations that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence.

2/8 Praise God for the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger and the ways God continues to use our collective assets to impact the world and serve our neighbors in need.

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

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

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

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