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Concordia Lutheran Church, LCMS U.S. Postage 2185 Wood Street • Sarasota, FL 34237-7915 Paid ———————————— Manasota, Return Service Request Florida Permit No. 1230
The Concordia Courier January 2016
Worship Church Staff Concordia Lutheran
Schedule Church, LC-MS Rev. Stephen E. Gaulke ...... Pastor
Worship Services Lei Ann Ahl ...... Parish Secretary / Bookkeeper 2185 Wood Street Johnora L. Hildebrand ...... Music Director Saturday Chapel Worship 5:30 pm Sarasota, FL 34237-7915 Dawn Brown ...... Praise Band Leader Sunday Contemporary Worship 9:00 am Ph: (941)365-0844 Fax: (941)365-0845 Christie Basinger ...... Youth Group Leader Sunday School & Bible Class 10:00 am E-Mail: “[email protected]” Kasey Gerdeman ...... Sunday Nursery Sunday Traditional Worship 10:45 am Website: www.ConcordiaSarasota.org
Facebook: search Concordia Sarasota Holy Communion Office Hours: The Lord’s Supper is celebrated 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday-Friday) at every weekend’s worship service. Jesus promises, “This bread is My body. Drink, this wine is My blood for your forgiveness.” In worship Jesus serves!
Concordia: “Jesus’ Harmony for the Heart of Sarasota” A Publication Of Concordia Lutheran Church
† Jesus’ Harmony For the Heart of Sarasota † January 2016
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.
The Tenth Commandment You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
The Close of the Commandments (Exodus 20:5-6) What does God say about all these commandments? He says: “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments” How Can You Live? What does this mean? God threatens to THE TEN COMMANDMENTS punish all who break these commandments. (God’s Law, continued) Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do The Eighth Commandment anything against them. But he promises grace (free You shall not give false testimony against forgiveness!) and every blessing to all who keep your neighbor. these commandments. Therefore, we should also What does this mean? We should fear and love and trust in Him and gladly do what he love God so that we do not tell lies about our commands. neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his Find the Ten Commandments at Exodus 20 and reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and Deuteronomy 5. Q & A from the “Small Catechism.” explain everything in the kindest way. Written by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther in 1529, the little book is treasured still by the world’s 74 million The Ninth Commandment Lutherans for clearly opening the Bible’s truth and You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. celebrating the heart of the Christian faith. Translation by Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis ©1992.
The Courier - January 2016 Charlie Chaplin’s Circus at Concordia Service of Prayer and Healing Saturday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. “the little Healing is part of the journey for all Tramp” himself graces Concordia’s large silver Christians. Wednesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m., you screen. Most critics and fans call “The Circus” the and your friends are invited to Concordia’s special second-best of Chaplin’s many movies. But more! Service of Prayer and Healing. Together we turn to Concordia’s showing will be accompanied by Jesus. We will hear God’s Word. Individuals will have Tampa’s Tom Hoehn, our region’s premier theatre an opportunity to receive personal prayer and (if organist (and a well-respected church organist). desired) anointing oil. Tom’s excited to play Concordia’s excellent 26/6 rank Healing can take place in a number of ways. Zimmer organ, giving music to Chaplin’s silent In our body, mind, spirit, and/or relationships, we clowning need Jesus! In all cases healing is God at work. around. Jesus’ healing is not restricted to supernatural This powers. He often works through the God-given calls for hot talents of doctors, nurses and other health popcorn professionals. Yes, healing can take time. No, the and cold strength of our faith does not determine whether or soda. And not a person will be healed as we ask. Together, we pizza! If rest in Jesus’ hands. you’d like “13 If any of you are having trouble, pray. If the pizza, you are happy, sing psalms. 14 If you are sick, call for please the church leaders. Have them pray for you and r.s.v.p. so anoint you with olive oil in the name of the Lord. we have 15 (Prayers offered in faith will save those who are enough sick, and the Lord will cure them.) If you have sinned, (365-0844). you will be forgiven. 16 So admit your sins to each Bring other, and pray for each other so that you will be friends to healed. Prayers offered by those who have God’s our pre- approval are effective” (James 1:13-16). movie dinner at Concordia Walks Over Water 6:30 p.m. WOW! Sunday January 24 wear your WOW t- The shirt. Or let us give you one! Let’s stand out as movie is Concordia’s Christ followers. We’ll “walk over free as water” (WOW!), hiking together across the beautiful God’s love. Ringling Bridge. Gather at “The Kiss” statue at 2 You’ll find p.m. If you’d like to walk only one way, we’ll give you our tall donor organ-pipe ready to receive your a ride back from St. Armands Key. grateful gifts to defray night’s expenses. Thanks! If you’d rather just sit, we need you! Take a We’ll have so much fun, you may not be able place at our table at either end of the bridge. Could to get out of bed Sunday morn?! So maybe you’ll you help us handing out free water bottles and our bring your friends also to Concordia’s 5:30 p.m. WOW! business cards to the curious passersby? Saturday chapel service. If you haven’t yet visited Pray that we make some new friends. Saturday worship, you’ll find a very fine welcome Thanks! God is granting us another opportunity to from our chapel-side crowd. give His life-giving water to this thirsty world! That’s If life’s a circus, we’re Christ’s clowns! No a WOW! fooling. Tell your friends. Bring your neighbors. “Jesus, help us Portals of Prayer share Your “Portals of Prayer” would like to make your love with New Year merrier. Take home the daily devotional Sarasota’s booklet after Concordia’s worship. All January heart!” through March you will be glad you unwrapped this little gift! Why not share a copy with a friend? Pocket size, or large print? Either way, keep Photo: your “Portals” handy at your bedside or kitchen Organist table. Wake up with Jesus, and feed on His Word! Hoehn Would you like the church office to mail you your copy? Ask, and you shall receive (365-0844).
The Courier - January 2015 Open Doors: Please Join Us! The following invitations welcome you nearly every week here at Concordia. For details please
ask the church office (365-0844). 1st and 3rd Sundays of most months, 5 to 7 Saturday, January 16, WinterJam! p.m. our Youth Group welcomes all 5th through 12th Check FB page for times...last year we ALMOST graders. Watch our Facebook page for coming didn’t make it in because we left too late events! Or phone our faithful leader Christie from SRQ. This time we’ll leave earlier!!! Basinger (744-0905). See our special January schedule in the Pretzel column, right. Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9 to 10 a.m. We give away free day-old Panera “Dough-nations” on the circle driveway. Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Choir rehearsal welcomes all voices. Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. T(w)eens faith- growing catechism group. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. GiFtS women “Grow in Faith through Scripture” at our Willer Fellowship Hall’s Library Room. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study Group at our Choir Room. Our Praise Band rehearsal time varies. Can you add your talents? Please contact Dawn Brown (536-3783).
“Jesus, You are our concord, our harmony.
May we share Your harmony with Sarasota’s heart!” Sunday, January 31, 5-7 p.m. We will begin to make plans for fun(d)-raising for the NYG Saturday Work Morn and other special events for the new year! Concordia’s volunteers come every month’s third Saturday for a property work day. We need Get on the NYG Bus! new helpers, too! Please join us Saturday, January Our next big event is summer's LCMS 16, 9 a.m. to noon. Look forward to pastries and National Youth Gathering for high school coffee to get the morning started! Come any time. youth. The 2016 NYG is July 16-20 in New Can we add you to our volunteer email list? Email Orleans. We want all eligible teens to attend. Charlie Scott at [email protected], or phone him We’ve already started registering students! at 925-7808. Have fun, enjoy the teamwork, and We’re hiring a bus with our neighbor sister see the church shine. churches. So, parents, let Christie B. know if your teens can go. Church friends, let’s be Altar Guild praying for our youth and adult leaders! Meeting - All invited to help us Thursday, January 7 at 9:30 a.m. as we remove the Christmas Movies to Go! decorations from the sanctuary. In Concordia’s youth room find a new Altar Flowers - thank God for creation’s collection of new Christian videos. Check one goodness and beauty. Jean Williams, treasurer, out and enjoy with your family. Maybe you’ll coordinates our floral needs. Please consider write a brief review to let others know what you purchasing flowers to help commemorate special thought of the movie? Each movie is marked occasions, honor loved ones or simply to give with a youth group sticker. Next time you’re in thanks for blessings received! You may purchase youth room find a flick! Thanks to donor one bouquet for $20 or both for $35. Find special Deborah Bond.
envelopes in the church entryway next to the sign- up poster and in the pews. Your payment may be As Jesus’ Pretzels, we’re twisted and salty, placed in the envelope (check made out to Concordia sin twisted (and forgiven!) and salted saints. Lutheran Church Altar Guild) and placed in the We bring Jesus flavor and crunch to His world! offering plate. After Sunday’s late service we will place the flowers in a vase for you to take home. Or Friend our Concordia Pretzels Facebook page you may donate them for delivery to our ill or to keep up with our special events! homebound.
The Courier - January 2016 Advent by Candlelight End of Year Contributions Concordia’s Women’s Guild hosted an Please note that all 2015 donations must be evening for the ladies of Concordia on Friday, received in the church office or by Financial December 4. 53 women enjoyed an evening of Secretary Alice Williams no later than December 31 friendship, Scripture and desserts. They were to receive a tax deduction towards your 2015 tax reminded we never were and never are in the dark as return. Thanks to all who have generously helped we are taught from the very beginning of the Bible the Lord’s work through Concordia! to the very end. Jesus is the guiding Light for us all. Among the women who led: Opening Prayer– Gifts to the Giver of All Mary Reiter, Music–Dawn Brown (piano) and Johnora Offering envelopes for your 2016 tithes and Hildebrand (organ), Soloist–Brenda Louise Hudson, gifts await you in the church entryway. If you have Readers–Deborah Bond, Ingrid Dean, Judy Dennis, not yet been offered envelopes please speak to our Ellen Gaulke, Diane Horn, Debra Namors, Carolyn Financial Secretary Alice Williams or Parish Piano, Norma Roembke, Jan Schnarr, Julie Smith and Secretary Lei Ann (365-0844). Alice Williams, Set-up and clean-up–Sue Bell, Debra May all our giving in this new year be Namors, Becky Reese and Alice Williams. Special planned, proportionate, first-fruits (He’s worthy of thank you to all the ladies that brought the amazing more than “leftovers”), joyfully given as worship to desserts to share after the service and to all who the Lord! Thanks for your generosity! brought can goods for All Faith’s Food Bank. Did you know? You greatly help our offering counters when you use your offering envelopes. Christmas Thanks Then they need not look up your “number” with each Thanks to the many who make Concordia's gift, and your year-end statement is correctly Christmas so festive: worship assistants and tabulated. Thanks! We’re looking for a few more service preparers, altar guild, ushers, band, choir, good counters! Please tell Alice or Lei Ann. Try bell choir, special Christmas musicians, the cooks this “hour or two” task with an experienced hand. and cleaners, Wednesday Advent meals (Norma and “Lord, receive our tithes and offerings as the her crew enabling our “pot-luck”), those who hosted sacrificial worship of hearts grateful for You! December 13’s brunch, all who decorated the church Move us to give to Your mission first, deliberately, as and Willer Hall (beautiful both inside and out), the You have given to us!” many properties volunteers, Christie and all the pageant’s children and Sunday school helpers, and Financial Review November 11, 2015 the many others who made our Christmas so merry! A number of bighearted individuals gave gift Members of Concordia: cards to Pastor, asking him to “bless someone.” We, as an appointed “Financial Review All this Christmas cheer was received with much Committee”, have reviewed the financial reports of gratitude, even tears. Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sarasota. Who can name all the names, and recite all Our financial review covered the period of the events? All this festivity, on top of the regular January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. efforts of our faithful volunteers and staff! Whew! As part of our study, we utilized the financial Will we slow down in 2016? By His mercy and review package as found in the LCMS’ strength, not! Congregational Treasurer’s Manual. We performed “So we celebrate Your coming, O Emmanuel! the review at the request of our congregational You came so humbly. Let our little efforts show love Council and in accordance with the constitution and for You! Bless those who serve within Concordia, bylaws of our church. As a result of our study, and those who take Your joy to the world!” certain recommendations have been made to improve the record keeping of our church and to assist the treasurer in her duties. Pastor’s Thanks We thank God for this opportunity to serve The Gaulke family thanks the family of Him and pray that our recommendations are Concordia for your love and generosity so received as constructive information to improve and abundantly shown to us in our Christmas with you. strive toward excellence as God commands us. For the many cards, cookies, fruit from your trees, The Financial Review Committee, gifts, and especially your prayers and kind words Peter Martin, Susan Powter, Charlie Scott sharing Jesus' good cheer we do heartily thank you! P.S. Would you be willing to serve on a We feel so blessed to serve Christ with you. May you committee reviewing Concordia’s 2014 -2015 each rejoice in His rich blessings in this new year! financial management? Please volunteer with any member of our Council. See this Courier’s cover for phone numbers.
Serving The Lord in January 2016 Scripture Ushers Lectors Greeters Chancel Nursery Acolytes Altar Communion Readings Assistants Worker Care Workers Jan. Second Sunday after Christmas Please Saturday Worship: Greeters - Saturday Worship: Kasey Gerdeman Jr. and Sr. Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship:
3rd volunteer: volunteers present please volunteer Jim and Bonnie Kaluk Highschoolers, Jean Williams 1 Kings 3:4-15 Parish Secretary Contemporary Service: Please Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: Ephesians 1:3-14 Lei Ann Ahl Call Gloria Bruggeman volunteer: Parish Andy Anderson Frank Yarrish Rich Reiter Gloria Bruggeman, Luke 2:40-52 at 365-0844 924-7336 Secretary Lei Sonia Anderson Ellen Gaulke Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Ann Ahl at 365- Traditional Service: Carroll Zuehlke Andy Anderson 0844 Traditional Service: Call Sue Bell Dick Reese Arlene (Howell) Kalotek 302-2221; Phyllis Kirtley or Alice Thomas 371-1072 Jan. The Baptism of Our Lord Thanks to Saturday Worship: Saturday Worship: Kasey Gerdeman 9 a.m. Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 10th Bob Ball, volunteers present Walt Naughton Micah Basinger, Jean Williams Isaiah 43:1-7 Mel Collins, Luke Basinger, Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: Romans 6:1-11 Judy Dennis, Eli Basinger, Andy Anderson Mary Reiter Frank Yarrish Gloria Bruggeman, Luke 3:15-22 Rod DiGruttulo, Dejan Endriss, Sonia Anderson Ellen Gaulke Tom Dwight, Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Kira Endriss, Don Fathauer, Tina Granthon Tammy Tolerico Nat Gaulke, Traditional Service: Terry Miller, Richard Zuehlke Jonathan Sisk Becky Reese Tom Malone, Alice Williams Jan. Second Sunday after the Epiphany Walt Naughton, Saturday Worship: Saturday Worship: Kasey Gerdeman Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 17th Dick Reese, volunteers present Aaron Mattes Jean Williams Isaiah 62:1-5 Rick Reese, Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Rich Reiter, Andy Anderson Janet Leinberger Frank Yarrish Gloria Bruggeman John 2:1-11 Jim Thomas, Sonia Anderson Bob White, Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Denny Williams, Richard Zuehlke Andy Anderson Gennie Mueller Frank Yarrish, Dick Reese Jan. Third Sunday after the Epiphany Don Zaloudek... Saturday Worship: Lectors - Saturday Worship: Kasey Gerdeman Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 24th volunteers present please volunteer Tom Mann Jean Williams Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Ask our Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Parish Secretary Andy Anderson Paul Mowery Rich Reiter Gloria Bruggeman Luke 4:16-30 Lei Ann Ahl Sonia Anderson Traditional Service: 365-0844 Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Denny Williams Alice Williams Millie Malone Richard Zuehlke Shirley Schwisow
Jan, Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Saturday Worship: Saturday Worship: Kasey Gerdeman Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 31st volunteers present Dave Battles Jean Williams Jeremiah 1:4-10 Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 Andy Anderson Paul Mowery Dan Schaefer Gloria Bruggeman Luke 4:31-44 Sonia Anderson Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Becky Reese Andy Anderson Gennie Mueller Richard Zuehlke
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 3 2nd Sunday after Christmas 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with ***6:45 p.m. and 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 6 p.m. Jesus Salts Life 9:30 a.m. Altar Guild Mtg. 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Holy Communion 7:30 p.m. 9 a.m. Circuit Pastor’s Task Force Meeting 10:30 a.m. Women’s 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Word-ers Al-Anon Mtg. Meeting at Concordia 7 p.m. - T(w)eens G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study with Holy Communion 10:45 a.m. Traditional Worship with 6 p.m. Elder’s Meeting Faith-Sharing Group at Willer Fellowship 6:30 p.m.- Pre-Movie Pizza Holy Communion 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Hall’s library room. and Popcorn, Willer Hall No Youth Group this Sunday 10:30 a.m. Men’s Bible 7:30 p.m. Charlie Chaplin’s ***7 p.m. AA Meeting Study in Choir Room “Circus” Movie with Live Organ, sanctuary screen
10 The Baptism of Our Lord 11 12 13 14 15 16 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with *** 6 p.m. Council Meeting 7 p.m. - T(w)eens 10:30 a.m. Women’s 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Holy Communion 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Faith-Sharing Group G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study 9:00 a.m. to Noon Church 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Word-ers ***8:00 p.m. Al-Anon Mtg. 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group Clean-up Day 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with ***8 p.m. AA Meeting ***7 p.m. AA Meeting 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service Holy Communion with Holy Communion *** TBA Youth Group to WinterJam - Watch FB page for departure times
17 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany 18 19 20 21 22 23 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with *** 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 4 p.m. - Concordia “Courier” articles due for 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Holy Communion 6 p.m. Roof Task Force Foundation meets next month’s news 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Word-ers Meeting 6:30 p.m. Service of 10:30 a.m. Women’s with Holy Communion 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with *** Prayer and Healing G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study Holy Communion 7 p.m. - T(w)eens 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group No Youth Group - WinterJam yesterday! Faith-Sharing Group *** *** 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal *** 24 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 25 MLK Jr. Day 26 27 28 29 30 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Officd Closed 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 7 p.m. T(w)eens 9 a.m. Fold the “Courier” 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Holy Communion *** *** Faith-Sharing Group newsletter for mailing 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Word-ers 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Women’s with Holy Communion 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with *** G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group 2 p.m. - “Jesus Salts Life” Bridge Walk *** ***
31 4th Sunday after the Epiphany 1 2 Groundhog Day 3 4 5 6 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with *** 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 7 p.m. T(w)eens 10:30 a.m. Women’s 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Holy Communion *** Faith-Sharing Group G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Word-ers 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group with Holy Communion 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with *** *** Holy Communion 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Youth Group for 5th to 12th graders ***
***Concordia’s Willer Fellowship Hall and (sometimes) the library room are used every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening by 12-step groups. The Courier - January 2016 Concordia Foundation What is the Concordia Foundation ? The charity chartered in 1962 “to carry on such exclusively religious, charitable, and educational work, and to provide financial assistance… consistent with… Concordia.” Incorporated as a legal/financial base for special contributions from Concordia ’s members and friends, the Foundation had grown to $72,000 in 1988. Today the Foundation holds $173,989, all generously donated by Concordia Sarasota ’s people past and present. The Foundation aims to give grants that An Education Fund conserve the fund’s capital while distributing out the The Bette Schoenherr Fund was established interest income only. Over the years, various by our beloved former member with the Lutheran recipients have included the organ fund, numerous Church Extension Fund (our national church body’s charities, LCMS mission churches, scholarships for financial manager). The capital invested there our members attending college and our Lutheran pays to Concordia annual interest. In the first half elementary and preschool. All of the fund has long of 2015 $637 of the Schoenherr “income” interest been invested in the Lutheran Church Extension monies came to the Concordia Foundation (above). Fund, the “LCMS bank,” where the money is always All these funds assist with the tuition payments for being loaned to finance growing churches. Christian education, as Mrs. Schoenherr directed. In 2015 we made “for books” gifts toward two members’ college education ($500 each, the one received gifts this January and September for Good Samaritan Fund different academic years) and sent tuition help for Some of our fellow worshippers have faced our one student at Good Shepherd Lutheran financial difficulties due to employment and other Preschool ($700). At September’s Congregational crises. When critical bills come due, Pastor Stephen Meeting the Trustees of the Foundation announced has been able to give them a bit of financial help (see below) their unanimous agreement to match thanks to Concordia’s Good Samaritan Fund. In the first $50,000 donated by members of the years past, recipients have often given back to the congregation to Concordia’s major repairs and fund as they became able. But recently we’ve roofing campaign. See Foundation Treasurer helped three homes, straining the fund. Would you Kirtley’s 2015 report on this page. be happy to give a gift “over and above” your regular Current members of the Foundation Board are offerings to the Lord? Please give your check to Pres. Peter Martin (2018), V.P. Elaine Staudt (2016), “Concordia,” with the memo line and/or the Sec. Larry Krause (2019), Treas. Phyllis Kirtley envelope labeled “Good Sam Fund.” Thanks! (2017). Each serving a four-year term, Concordia’s president appoints one new member annually. Nita 2015 Attendance, Giving Overview:
Ball’s term ended in 2015. All meetings of the 2010, 52 weeks: 173 avg. att. (8,989 total), up 2% Foundation are open to Concordia’s people. The $225,484 down 5% Foundation’s next meetings are scheduled for 4 2011, 52 wks: 169 avg. att. (8,800 total), down 2% p.m., Wednesdays, January 20 and August 17 in the $232,388, up 3% pastor’s office. 2012, 52 weeks: 186 avg. att. (9,679 total), up 10% Many of Concordia’s members continue to $260,752, up 12% advance this partnership, helping others in Jesus’ 2013, 52 weeks: 187 avg. att. (9,721 total), up 0.4% name. Please continue to support the Concordia $239,213, down 9% Foundation with “over and above” special gifts. Can 2014, 52 weeks: 191 avg. att. (9,907 total), up 2% you make a one-time donation? On-going support $264,695, up 10% answers continuing needs. Have you written the congregation, or Foundation, into your will? Thanks! 2014, first 49 weeks: 183 avg. att. (8,959 total) “Jesus, use our gifts for Your glory!” $237,705 tithes and offerings 2015, 49 weeks: 176 avg. att. (8,641), down 3.5% $241,669, up 1.5% The Courier - January 2016 CONCORDIA VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY MEETING MINUTES December 5 and 6, 2015
In each session the following items were distributed: Ballot*, Agenda, Concordia Foundation Financial Report, December 2014 Voters’ Assembly and September 2015 Special Congregation Minutes, 2015/2016 Financial Plans, Voters’ Assembly Proposals, Pastoral Report to Congregation, Missionary Naumanns’ November 2015 Update, *The Ballot contained two voting items described below as well approval of the Financial Plan and the Election of the 2016 Church Council Members. (1st/2nd-Yr) indicates term (2 maximum) and year when that 2-year term ends (Dec.31). Financial Secretary and Treasurer are eligible for 2 maximum terms of only 1-year duration.
President Andy Kenney (2nd-2017) Worship Thomas Mann(1st-2017) Vice Pres. Dave Battles (2nd-2017) Education Dan Schaefer (2nd-2017) Secretary Diane Horn (2nd-2017) Fellowship Norma Roembke (2nd-2017) Finance Sec. Alice Williams (2nd-2016) Outreach Bob White (2nd-2017) Treasurer Walt Naughton (1st-2016) Service Gloria Bruggeman (2nd-2017)
Saturday Members In Attendance (15) Darrell Cascio, Ingrid Dean, Tom Dean, Pastor Stephen Gaulke, Diane Horn, Bonnie Kaluk, Jim Kaluk, Phyllis Kirtley, Aaron Mattes, Judy Mattes, Barbara Meadows, David Meadows, Walt Naughton, Carolyn Piano, Pete Theisen Concordia Voters’ Meeting opened with prayer Saturday, December 5. The Minutes of the December 2015 Voters’ Assembly and September 2015 Special Congregation Meeting were approved as presented. Phyllis Kirtley introduced the 2016 Budget which includes a $26,000 operating deficit. The deficit takes into account the extraordinary $75,000 in roof and other major repairs expenses and anticipating a $20,000 decrease in 2015 offerings. During 2013 our offerings decreased $20,000 even while we contributed more than $80,000 “above and beyond” those offerings for our Willer Hall Building Addition. There was a 4% decrease in both attendance and offerings during 2015’s summer months perhaps due to the combined summer services and an interim pastor. Phyllis urged members to continue their weekly contributions throughout the year and consider the additional monetary support needed for the 2016 major repairs. Pastor Stephen Gaulke reviewed the Pastoral Report. He also highlighted in the Concordia Foundation Report the $2,200 in scholarship funds that were distributed. Pastor Gaulke also discussed the Missionary Resolution as a way the congregation can grow together. “Establish a $10,000 dedicated missionary fund to support Rev. Dr. Ed Naumann’s service with our LCMS in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, etc.) for 2016. Concordia donors would be encouraged together to give ‘over and above’ support to this missionary. If donations fall short of $10,000 we’ll send only what we have. If donations exceed $10,000 we’ll roll over the surplus to support a missionary in 2017.” Phyllis Kirtley discussed the ballot item which calls for amending Concordia’s Constitution. “Amend Concordia’s Constitution to require approval by a Voters’ Assembly for the use of over $10,000 (versus the current $4,000) of undedicated memorial money. The council would be allowed to designate amounts less than $10,000 as they determine.” Upon further discussion and completion of balloting, the meeting was adjourned with prayer. Sunday Members In Attendance (45) Marge Albrecht, Bob Ball, Bette’ Brack, Gloria Bruggeman, Don Fathauer, Joyce Fathauer, Joyanne Fathauer, Ellen Gaulke, Pastor Stephen Gaulke, Kathy Hoeppner, Scott Hoeppner, Diane Horn, Ken Horn, Andy Kenney, Natasha Kenney, Phyllis Kirtley, Bill Lurz, Jean MacCaskie, Millie Malone, Thomas Mann, Penny Miller, Terry Miller, Dawn Mowery, William Proctor, Chuck Resh, Mary Reiter, Rich Reiter, Norma Roembke, Dan Schaefer, Vickie Schaefer, Clayton Schnarr, Jan Schnarr, Elaine Staudt, Maria Taddei, Otto Taddei, Alice Thomas, Jim Thomas, Bob White, Cathy White, Alice Williams, Denny Williams, DeAnna Whittow, Jean Williams, R Williamson, Ila Jean Wright, Sandra Zaloudek
Concordia’s Voters’ Assembly reconvened at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, December 6. President Andy Kenney, Treasurer Phyllis Kirtley and Pastor Stephen reviewed the distributed items at the Sunday session. In addition to the items discussed at Saturday’s session, Pastor Gaulke continued the conversation he began at the last Church Council meeting. While about two-thirds of those who worship at Concordia have come in the past 10 years, average attendance in that span hovers between 170 and 190 people. As many people have left Sarasota or been called to heaven, Concordia has seen that many worshipers come! He suspects we could add still more members if we had a dedicated staff person to help Concordia follow up on worship visitors, invite the 12-Step groups who use our Willer Fellowship Hall, reach out to the neighborhood, and enhance Concordia’s groups and caring ministries. He suggests that Concordia look into hiring a deaconess or deaconess intern or other church worker in 2017. The tally of ballots resulted in the 1) election of the 2016 Church Council members (56-1), 2) approval of the 2016 Budget (52-5), 3) approval to establish a $10,000 dedicated missionary fund (44-13) and 4) amended Concordia Constitution (51-6) as the resolutions stated. The meeting closed with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Diane B. Horn The Courier - January 2016 January Birthdays Memorials Received In memory of Nita Ball, to the “Nita Ball Scholarship 02 Missy Powter Fund” from Bob Ball, Pete and Carole Inkrott. 03 Jim Bartmess In memory of Dick Hysell, from Marge Albrecht. In memory of Margaret Kranz, from The Deerfield 04 Andrew Whitlow - 14th Ladies Lunch Bunch, Bob and Mona Sladky, 05 Ron Billingsley Robert and Alice Spear, John and Terry Van Horn, Lana Cruzio - 3rd Frank and Maes Yarrish. Chery Riedler In memory of Bernie Peterson, from Chuck and Jaclyn Resh. 07 Kira Endriss - 17th In memory of Duane Werstler, from Don and Joyce Christopher Griesbach Fathauer, Chuck and Jaclyn Resh, Denny and Joel Schaefer - 7th Alice Williams. Jesus promises, “Blessed are those who mourn, 09 Elva Avery for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 10 Julia Kelty - 9th Christmas Poinsettias 12 Chris Basinger Our Altar Guild thanks everyone who Marie Lehman graciously purchased one of the lovely poinsettia Penny Miller plants, celebrating Jesus’ birth. You may take home Jim Tipner your poinsettia after the Christmas Day service. We will publish the contributors’ list here next month. 15 Eric Endriss Ed Repulski Homebound Holiday Baskets 17 Betty White Thank you to the many who helped make our homebound baskets a blessing to our friends. 18 Rose Fernandez Many people delivered them and donated items and Deanna Roberts food. Also, thanks to the Women’s Guild, the Elaine Staudt basket’s sponsor. Volunteers led by Millie Malone Kay Weiner and Gloria Bruggeman prepared about 25 baskets.
19 Stephen Madigan Office Helpers 21 Cathy White Can you help fold February’s “Courier”? Join the crew on Thursday, January 28, 9:00 a.m. New 23 Christie Basinger friends, many smiles! Darrell Cascio Thank you to December’s Courier folders: Marge Albrecht, Ruth Bogenberger, Kathy Brunson, 25 Alice Williams Shirley Bush, Joan Dilges, Don Fathauer, Joy 27 Pete Theisen Fathauer, Beverly Kinton and Loraine Tafel. Loraine Tafel and Gloria Bruggeman also delivered our 325 January Anniversaries newsletters to the postal center near the airport. We’re looking for a new volunteer for this task… Call 11 Ken and Diane Horn - 47th our Parish Secretary Lei Ann (365-0844), please! Lee and Sharon Woerner - 19th Hearty thanks to Don and Sandy Zaloudek for assembling worship bulletins. 19 Mike and Sue Bell - 25th “Jesus, let Your Good News from Concordia 23 Ed and Joyce Repulski - 17th touch many hearts. Share Your harmony!”
24 Richard and Anita Bixler - 46th Roof Task Force Nineteen roofs shelter Concordia! One is Birthday or Anniversary Missing? new, one starts to drip and all beg attention. Help our Please pardon us. And do tell the church Roof Task Force on Tuesday, January 19, 6 p.m. In office (365-0844) when these lists miss any our Willer Fellowship Hall’s library room we’ll birthdays or anniversaries. Share the celebration! prioritize the needs and gather competitive bids. “Help us care for this Concordia where You care for us, Lord!”
The Courier - January 2016 We Remember Duane Parish Sec. Lei Ann Ahl, daughter Zoe, mom Anita Duane E. Werstler, 90, of Sarasota, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on November 21, 2015. He was born in New Waterford, Ohio on May 29, 1925. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with from the 3rd left: Regiment, and then joined the Raiders. He was honorably Diane Horn discharged in 1945. Duane married Evelyn August 19, 1945 in Sonia Hartville, Ohio; they just celebrated their 70th Anderson wedding anniversary, and he was so proud that he Jean told everybody he saw. Williams He owned and operated Uniontown Sand & Gravel in Ohio, was a contractor in Sarasota, and co- Millie founder and co-owner of Sun-N-Fun Resort. Malone Duane liked fishing in Okeechobee with family and friends, playing cards and Blackjack, traveling the world with Evelyn, and spending the summers in their North Carolina mountain cabin. He liked strawberry ice cream, Snickers, peanuts, popcorn, and crisp bacon. He liked watching the Magic, the Rays, and the Bucs. He was a Trustee at Concordia Lutheran Church and worked on remodeling projects with the founding Pastor Willer. Baptized as a child, Duane eagerly grew in God’s Word, hungered for Jesus’ Supper, and every Sunday worshiped. He daily walked his faith. His joy is dearly missed. At Sun-N-Fun, Duane escorted cruises, Ellen Gaulke, Brenda Louise Hudson, Ingrid Dean organized luaus, flipped pancakes, cooked chickens, and put his carpentry skills to work New Beginnings’ Preschoolers’ Pageant, December 16 building picnic tables and a huge picnic shelter which later became the Cypress Room. He is preceded in death by siblings Donald and Marilyn. Duane is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and children Terry, Doug, and Tina. He is blessed with 7 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. On November 28 Concordia lay Duane’s body to rest at the Palms Memorial Park. Yet already Duane’s spirit rejoices with his Savior in paradise, even as he waits for the day of bodily resurrection. The family thanks everyone for their prayers and loving support at this most difficult time. The Concordia Courier
Concordia Lutheran Church Mission Statement
The mission of Concordia is to share Jesus’ harmony (“concordia”) with the heart of Sarasota. Jesus comes to us in worship, giving to us His Good News for sharing, and His love for caring!
Jesus comes to us in worship (Jesus is our harmony!), giving to us His Good News (His Word for us, education) for sharing (His Word for all, outreach), and His love (His deeds among us, fellowship) for caring (His deeds for others, service).
Editor’s Notes… Concordia Lutheran Church
2016 Church Officers The deadline to submit articles for the February 2016 issue of “The Courier” is January 20. President ...... Andy Kenney ...... 266-2623
You may mail information to the church office, fax to Vice-President ...... Dave Battles ...... 927-0053 365-0845, or e-mail “[email protected]”. Please mark "For The Courier" on your news, along with your Treasurer ...... Walt Naughton ...... 924-4201 (please call after 4pm) name. Thanks for your cooperation! “The Courier” is published every month. The Secretary ...... Diane Horn ……....414-379-3893 purpose is to share with the members of Concordia Financial Secretary ...... Alice Williams ...... 957-1090 Lutheran Church, friends and the community Jesus’ work among us. We welcome your suggestions and 2016 Board Chairpersons contributions. Worship ...... Tom Mann ...... 349-0601
Education ...... Dan Schaefer ...... 445-4836
Outreach ...... Bob White ...... 379-2243 U.S. POST OFFICE I.D. STATEMENT Fellowship ...... Norma Roembke ...... 377-8084
Title: “THE COURIER” Service ...... Gloria Bruggeman ...... 924-7336 Issue Date: JANUARY 2016 Statement of Frequency: MONTHLY Authorized Origin: CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH 2185 WOOD STREET SARASOTA, FL 34237-7915 Issue Number: 01-16