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Sunday, May 26, 2024

The Holy Trinity

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

Isiah 6:1-8

Isaiah's vision and call.

Psalm 29

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (Ps. 29:2).

Romans 8:12-17

Living by the Spirit.

John 3:1-17

Entering the reign of God through water and the Spirit.

Alma Dornemann, Jazmin Gamboa and Christian Jones affirmed their baptisms confirmed during the 10:15 a.m. worship service on the Day of Pentecost, May 19. We pray that the gift of the Holy Spirit will confirm their faith, guide their lives, empower them in serving, give them patience in suffering and bring them to everlasting life. Amen!

Are you considering membership at Faith?

Join Pastor Eric and other congregational leaders for a Q&A and coffee after 10:15 a.m. worship May 26. Faith will receive new members during both June 9 services.

May Stewardship Message

If we are going to serve the Lord, we should do so wholeheartedly and see what God will do in response.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Adult Forum meets between worship services in the conference room. This Sunday, May 26, which is the final class before summer break, the group will study Lesson 6, "A Well-Watered Garden," in Volume 10, “With All Your Heart – Being God’s Presence to Our World,” of the “That the World May Know” video series. 

Men of Faith meet for breakfast and prayer at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 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 Support 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. You also can join via Zoom: Meeting ID 871 4720 3661. Passcode 041291.

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. 

A new Worship to Go opportunity is set for 1:30 p.m., Monday, June 10, at Sarabella Senior Living, 5650 Gantt Road. Volunteers will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Faith chapel and will carpool to the facility.

That opportunity joins two ongoing Worship to Go services. The next at:

• Angels Senior Living, 5750 Honore, is set for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 28. Volunteers will meet at 12:45 p.m. in the chapel and will carpool to the facility.
• Elance, which is next door to Faith, is set for 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, June 11, in the independent living facility's Tiffany Room. Volunteers will review the service at 10 a.m. in the chapel.

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

Readers Club will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, in the library to discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah.

All are welcome!

On April 6, Mary Circle members attended the annual Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Spring Gathering at Living Waters Lutheran Church in North Port. They enjoyed meeting women from other churches in our conference, hearing speakers on a variety of topics and sharing Bible Study. As one speaker pointed out, all women members of the church are members of WELCA. Faith is blessed to have many women’s groups, including Mary Circle, Women’s Bible Study and Stitch ‘n’ Chatter. Circle members are excited to begin planning for the 2025 Spring Gathering, which will be hosted by Faith.

Thanks to generous contributions and assistance from the congregation, 110 personal-care kits for Lutheran World Relief were packaged May 5. Mary Circle members will box and weigh the kits in preparation for fall shipping.



Tuesday, June 11, Mary Circle will meet at noon for lunch in fellowship hall. The agenda will include growth strategies and plans. The group will take a July break before starting afresh with new activities. All women are invited to join as Mary Circle provides service to the church and fellowship for all.

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 NovusWay's 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 and a health form. Questions? Contact Director of Family and Child Ministry Deborah Dornemann, 941-914-7553 or familyandchild@faithlutheransrq.com.

What if today we offered our hand, said Hello, and gave a smile.

What if today we stopped, listened, and talked awhile.

What if we listened and found we are all much the same.

What if it does not matter the color of our skin or our name.

What if we stopped, looked about, and could see all the gifts we are given.

What if these gifts opened our hearts and by kindness and service we are driven.

What if we no longer accept injustice, greed, and power.

What if we begin spreading love everywhere, every hour.

What if we gave up hard feelings and judging and caused hatred to cease.

What if Faith, Hope, and Love abide would cause Peace.

NovusWay creates and hosts faith-filled camps, retreats and hosted ministries for adults and youth. This summer, trained teachers from Camp Luther Springs, a NovusWay campsite, will lead Vacation Bible School at Faith. During summer 2023, NovusWay leaders coordinated the program that brought youth groups, which stayed at Faith, to our area for hurricane-relief work.

You can contribute to NovusWay educational experiences by clicking here, or by designating a donation made by cash or check.  

It’s time to update the Faith Prayer List so, beginning Sunday, June 2, the list will begin anew.

To add someone to the list or to ensure that someone who had previously been on the list remains there:

• Email communications@faithlutheransrq.com.
• Complete a Prayer Request Card, which are found in the pews, on the tables at the back of the sanctuary and in the narthex. Place it in the offering plate. You are welcome to use the back of the card for additional names.

It is a privilege and joy to pray for those in need, and all prayer requests are welcome. Names can remain on the list for as long as prayers are requested. 

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, June 2.

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. To give online, click here.

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.

And please consider volunteering at the pantry as friends help friends with both food and attention. 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.

Today, Friday, May 24

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

Saturday, May 25

8:30 a.m., Jazzercize - gym

9 a.m., Diakonia - conference room

Sunday, May 26

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

11:30 a.m., Q&A and Coffee for Potential New Members - fellowship hall

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day: Church Office Closed

Tuesday, May 28

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

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

1:30 p.m., Worship to Go - Angels Senior Living, 5750 Honore

2 p.m., Readers Club, library

5 p.m., Congregation Council, conference room

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

Wednesday, May 29

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

1 p.m., Bereavement Group - chapel

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

Thursday, May 30

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

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

5/24 Give thanks for scientists, science teachers and researchers, who stir our understanding and awe of God’s creation and seek to improve our lives, communities and natural environment. Promise to be careful with technology and new advancements, using them for the sake of justice and the well-being of humanity and creation.

5/25 Pray for the work we do through the ELCA’s AMMPARO strategy to accompany migrants with protection, advocacy, representation and opportunities, which is an expression of our faith and understanding of the gospel. Promise to uphold basic human rights and to work alongside immigrants, asylum-seekers and refugees, that they might transition to life in the United States in safety, dignity and respect.

5/26 Holy Trinity Sunday:  Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions about faith, baptism and the kingdom of God. Rather than snub his curiosity, Jesus took the time to speak with him. What questions do you have about faith and theology? Share your uncertainties with God, trusting God to understand.

5/27 Pray for the ministry we pursue through ELCA Global Mission, and for the personnel, missionaries and volunteers who serve in long-term partnerships with our global companions in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.

5/28 Sing a prayer of praise and worship to the Lord our God, creator of all that exists and sustains our lives.

5/29 Pray for teachers and professors in public and faith-based settings, who work with students of all ages and abilities to develop and nurture their faith, self-confidence, curiosity, creativity and caring relationships.

5/30 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Montana and North Carolina synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders, and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.

5/31 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Southwest California, South Dakota, Southern Ohio, Lower Susquehanna, Western North Dakota, Southeastern and Florida-Bahamas synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders, and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.

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

Family & Friends of Tina Arnold

George and James Ball, brothers of Alix Giannini

Anna Bancroft, young friend of Alyene Weaver

Chuck Banta

Chloe Bennenthum, friend of Gail Murphy

Allan Boardman, friend of Kevin & Linda Fewell

Sean & Rebekah Brett, son and daughter-in-law

of Alyene Weaver

Charles Budreau

Jason Byrne, friend of Anita Wooton

Elise Carmona

Michelle Cave, friend of George Young

Evelyn Conlon

Family & Friends of John Conlon

Family & Friends of 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

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

Becky Heeps, friend of Lisa Olsen

Michael Helpin, friend of Marlene Radesk

Christiana Holmes

Rod Holter and Family, friend of

       Mark and Ann Greenwood

Kevin Hooks, son-in-law of

Anita and Jon Wooton

Tesa Inkrott,

            granddaughter of Pete & Carole Inkrott

Jesus & Rita Jimenez

Alf Kirkeeng

Lillian Lapenckas

Family & Friends of Kathy Lasko

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

Cindy Press, friend of Kevin & Linda Fewell

Marlene Radesk

Fritz Rappold

Gabriel Rockwell

Ted and Carol Rodi

Floyd Ryder

Mike Schell

Phillip Schlueter

Family & Friends of Fire Lieutenant James Joel Slack

Family & Friends of Donna Souders, mother of

Lois Weaverling's friend

Adam Spartaro

Rev. John Spittal

Ron and Leigh Tarrantino

Werner Thomsen, brother of John Thomsen

Colette Thornbloom

David Turnbull

Family & Friends of Pastor David Wagner

Brittany Wanko and her premature newborn

infants, Olivia Mae and Emmet Walter

Alyene Weaver

Jon Wooton

5/2 Richard & Christine Sullivan

5/7 Lee & Helen Kohlhafer

5/16 Jason & Cecilia Thornbloom

5/20 Greg & Joey Larson

5/27 Kevin & Linda Fewell

5/27 John & Tricia Thomsen

5/2 Chloe Millard

5/3 Shirley Dabringhaus

5/7 Doris Anne Prieur-Lucia

5/11 Mark Greenwood

5/11 Darrel Huggins

5/11 Jesus Jimenez

5/12 Todd Brown

5/12 Mark J. Nelson

5/13 Lynn Clancy

5/13 Lyna Jimenez-Ruiz

5/14 Lilian Moore

5/17 Ashley Garlitz

5/18 Christopher Degroote

5/19 Lee Kohlhafer

5/19 Dave Windish

5/23 Judy Carlsen

5/25 Pat Faubel

5/25 Susan Swank

5/25 Linda Urgo

5/26 Karen Knatz

5/27 Ron Walter

5/30 Christine Sullivan

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

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.