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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 2017
Worship Church Staff Concordia Lutheran
Schedule Church, LC-MS Rev. Stephen Gaulke, M.Div., S.T.M……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 am Ph: (941)365-0844 Fax: (941)365-0845 Christie Basinger ...... Youth Group Leader Sunday School & Bible Class 10 am E-Mail: “[email protected]” To be announced ...... 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 2017 For What Do You Hunger? THE LORD’S SUPPER (Holy Communion) How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things? What is the Sacrament of the Altar? Certainly not just eating and drinking do It is the true body and blood of our Lord these things, but the words written here: “Given and Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink. words, along with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes Where is it written? these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness The holy Evangelists Matthew (26:26-28), of sins.” Mark (14:22-25), Luke (22:19-20), and St. Paul (1 Corinthians 11:23-25) write: From the “Small Catechism.” Written by the Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He Rev. Dr. Martin Luther in 1529, the little book is was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given treasured still by the world’s 74 million Lutherans thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and for clearly opening the Bible’s truth and celebrating said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for the heart of the Christian faith. Translation by you. This do in remembrance of Me.” Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis ©1992. In the same way also he took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
New Beginning Preschoolers’ Christmas Pageant The Courier - January 2017 Portals of Prayer “Portals of Prayer” would like to make your
New Year merrier. Take home the daily devotional booklet after Concordia’s worship. All January Our Youth Group welcomes all 5th through 12th through March you will be glad you unwrapped this graders to their special events. Watch our little gift! Why not share a copy with a friend? Concordia Pretzel Facebook page or ask leader Pocket size, or large print? Either way, keep Christie Basinger (744-0905). your “Portals” handy at your bedside or kitchen table. Wake up with Jesus, and feed on His Word! Young and Fun Friday - January 20, 7-9 pm ! Would you like the church office to mail you your Concordia's youth leaders and volunteers copy? Ask, and you shall receive (365-0844). will host a fabulously fun Friday night event for our youth! Our Willer Fellowship Hall will be Growing Time transformed for a night of music, games, Pastry, coffee, fruit drinks, priceless hanging out, eating and just generally having a friendships. Enjoy “between Sunday services” adult great time. There will be games including table Bible study, 10 a.m. at our Willer Fellowship Hall. tennis! Enjoy your favorite music, and maybe These weeks with DVD and discussion will follow join a line dance. Make sure you bring an Jesus’ apostle Paul into mission. To whom is the appetite for plenty of pizza handmade by your good Lord next sending you?! friends. The night will end on a special note as We welcome all nursery age children in our we gather to give thanks and praise to our educational building (room 6). We give nursery care Lord, Christ Jesus! there also during the Sunday worship services. Invitations will be coming by (snail) mail. Christie Basinger teaches the youngest Sunday Could you win a $10 gift certificate attendance School group (also in room 6). Deborah Bond leads prize? Bring a friend! the middle schoolers (Willer Fellowship Hall’s Library Room). As Jesus’ Pretzels, we’re twisted and salty, “Spirit, give to our minds the Father’s sin twisted (and forgiven!) and salted saints. wisdom, our hearts Jesus’ love!” We bring Jesus’ flavor and crunch to His world!
Two Days: Free Bread Breads, muffins, pastries, bagels, day-old... Prayer and Healing yours free! Concordia, with Panera’s “Dough- Healing is part of the journey for all nations,” gives away bread every Tuesday and Christians. Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m. Volunteers serve our you and your friends are invited to Concordia’s neighbors, and your friends. Give this a try? special Service of Prayer and Healing. Together we We need a new volunteer to pick up the bread turn to Jesus. We will hear God’s Word. Individuals from Panera, 9 p.m., one Friday each month. Learn will have an opportunity to receive personal prayer how to love this hour! Ask Jean Williams (443-799- and, if desired, anointing oil. 4860) or the church office. Some of our previous Healing can take place in a number of ways. volunteers can no longer safely drive at night. In our body, mind, spirit, and relationships, we need “Bread of life, give your life-giving love!” Jesus! He often works through the God-given talents of doctors, nurses and other health Altar Guild professionals. We’ve also seen Him answer our Thursday, January 5, 9:30 a.m. we’ll have prayers with His supernatural power. Together, we our regular meeting. The date for the removal of the rest in Jesus’ hands. Christmas decorations will be decided at a later date. “13If any of you are having trouble, pray. If you are happy, sing psalms. 14 If you are sick, call for Work Morn the church leaders. Have them pray for you and anoint you with olive oil in the name of the Lord. Concordia’s volunteers have set aside every 15 month’s third Saturday for a property work morn. (Prayers offered in faith will save those who are sick, and the Lord will cure them.) If you have sinned, We need new helpers, too! Please join us Saturday, 16 January 21, 9 a.m. to noon. Look forward to you will be forgiven. So admit your sins to each pastries and coffee to get the morning started. Come other, and pray for each other so that you will be any time. Can we add you to our volunteer email healed. Prayers offered by those who have God’s list? Phone Charlie Scott at 925-7808. Or drop an approval are effective” (James 1:13-16). email to at [email protected]. Have fun, feel good, and see the church shine. “Lord, let our neighbors see Your beauty!” The Courier - January 2017
Open Doors: Please Join Us! Christmas Thanks Thanks to the many who make Concordia's The following invitations welcome you nearly Christmas so festive: worship assistants and every week here at Concordia. For further details service preparers, altar guild, ushers, band, choir, ask the church office (365-0844). bell choir, special Christmas musicians, the cooks Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9 to 10 a.m. We and cleaners, Wednesday Advent meals (Norma and give away free day-old Panera “Dough-nations” on her crew enabling our “pot-luck”), the women’s the circle driveway. Advent by Candlelight leaders, those who hosted Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. GiFtS women “Grow December 11’s brunch, all who decorated the church in Faith through Scripture” at our Willer Fellowship and Willer Hall (beautiful both inside and out), the Hall’s Library Room. many properties volunteers, Christie and all the Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study pageant’s children and Sunday school helpers, and Group at our Choir Room. the many others who made our Christmas so merry! Our Praise Band rehearsal time varies. Can A number of bighearted individuals gave gift you add your talents? Please contact Dawn Brown cards to Pastor, asking him to “bless someone.” (536-3783). All this Christmas cheer was received with much Our Youth Group welcomes all 5th through th gratitude, even tears. 12 graders to their monthly events. Watch our Who can name all the names, and recite all Concordia Pretzel Facebook page or ask leader the events? All this festivity, on top of the regular Christie Basinger (744-0905). efforts of our faithful volunteers and staff! Whew! “Jesus, You are our concord, our harmony. Will we slow down in 2017? By His mercy and May we share Your harmony with Sarasota’s heart!” strength, not! “So we celebrate Your coming, O Emmanuel! You came so Gifts to the Giver of All humbly. Let our Offering envelopes for your 2017 tithes little efforts and gifts await you in the church entryway. If you show love for have not yet been offered envelopes please speak You! Bless those to our new Financial Secretary Walt Naughton or who serve within Parish Secretary Lei Ann (365-0844). Concordia, and May all our giving in this new year be those who take planned, proportionate, first-fruits (He’s worthy of Your joy to the more than “leftovers”), joyfully given as worship to world!” the Lord! Thanks for your generosity!
Did you know? You greatly help our offering counters when you use your offering envelopes. 2016 Attendance, Giving Overview: Then they need not look up your “number” with each gift, and your year-end statement is correctly 2011, 52 wks: 169 avg. att. (8,800 total), down 2% tabulated. Thanks! $232,388, up 3% “Lord, receive our tithes and offerings as the 2012, 52 weeks: 186 avg. att. (9,679 total), up 10% sacrificial worship of hearts grateful for You! $260,752, up 12% Move us to give to Your mission first, deliberately, as 2013, 52 weeks: 187 avg. att. (9,721 total), up 0.4% You have given to us!” $239,213, down 9% 2014, 52 weeks: 191 avg. att. (9,907 total), up 2% $262,299, up 10% Christmas Poinsettias 2015, 52 weeks: 183 avg. att. (9,506), down 4% Our Altar Guild thanks everyone who $263,568, up 0.5% graciously purchased one of the lovely poinsettia plants, celebrating Jesus’ birth. You may take home 2015, first 50 weeks: 177 avg. att. (8,857 total) your poinsettia after the Christmas Day service. We $244,696 tithes and offerings will publish the contributors’ list here next month. 2016, 50 weeks: 185 avg. att. (9,252), up 5%. $271,227, up 11%.
Homebound Holiday Baskets Roof Plus Fund (as of Nov 30) $118,199 Thank you to the many who helped make (includes $50,000 from Concordia Foundation) our homebound baskets a blessing to our friends. Missionary Naumann Fund (as of Nov. 15) Many people delivered them and donated items and $5,487 (excluding Women’s Guild’s $2,000) food. Also, thanks to the Women’s Guild, the Adding also our Concordia Foundation’s $5,000 basket’s sponsor. Volunteers led by Becky Reese matching grant we’ve reached our $10,000 prepared about 25 baskets. 2016 goal! Thanks be to God and His people! The Courier - January 2017 January Birthdays Birthday or anniversary missing? Please pardon us. And do tell our church office (365-0844) 01 Becky Naughton when we miss dates. Share the celebration!
02 Maryanne Powter Altar Flowers 04 Andrew Whitlow - 15th Thank God for creation’s goodness and beauty. Please consider purchasing flowers to 05 Ron Billingsley commemorate special occasions, honor loved ones or Lana Cruzio - 2nd simply to give thanks for blessings received! You may Chery Riedler purchase one bouquet for $20 or both for $35. Find 07 Kira Endriss - 18th special envelopes in the church entryway next to the Joel Schaefer - 8th sign-up poster and in the pews. Your payment may be placed in the envelope (check made out to 09 Elva Avery Concordia Altar Guild) and placed in the offering plate. After Sunday’s late service we will place the 12 Chris Basinger flowers in a vase for you to take home. Or you may Marie Lehman donate them for delivery to our ill or home-bound. Penny Miller Jean Williams, altar guild treasurer, coordinates our 15 Eric Endriss floral needs.
Ed Repulski Memorials Received 18 Rose Fernandez In memory of Nita Ball, to the Nita Ball Scholarship Deanna Roberts Fund from Bob Ball. Elaine Staudt In memory of Doug Malley, to the Concordia Kay Weiner Foundation Fund from Aaron and Judy Mattes; to the Roof Fund from Tom and Millie Malone; to 19 Stephen Madigan the Concordia Foundation Fund from Terry and 21 Cathy White Penny Miller; to the Concordia Foundation Fund from Denny and Alice Williams; to the Concordia 22 Dominic Snapp - 3rd Foundation Fund from Willis Smith Construction.
23 Christie Basinger Jesus promises, “Blessed are those who mourn, Darrell Cascio for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
25 Alice Williams End of Year Contributions 27 Pete Theisen Please note that all 2016 donations must be received in the church office or by Financial Secretary January Anniversaries Alice Williams no later than Saturday, December 31 to receive a tax deduction towards your 2016 tax 11 Ken and Diane Horn - 48th return. Thanks to all who have generously helped Lee and Sharon Woerner - 20th the Lord’s work through Concordia!
19 Mike and Sue Bell - 26th Office Helpers 23 Ed and Joyce Repulski - 18th Can you help fold February’s “Courier”? Join the crew on Thursday January 26, 9 a.m. New friends, 24 Richard and Anita Bixler - 47th many smiles! Thank you to December’s Courier folders: Gloria Bruggeman, Shirley Bush, Don Fathauer, Joy Pastor’s Thanks Fathauer, Tom Malone, Millie Malone, Alice Thomas The Gaulke family thanks the family of and Loraine Tafel. Loraine also delivered our 325 Concordia for your love and generosity so abundantly newsletters to the postal center near the airport. shown to us in our Christmas with you. For the many We’re looking for a new volunteer for this task. Call cards, cookies, fruit from your trees, gifts, and our Parish Secretary Lei Ann (365-0844), please! especially your prayers and kind words sharing Jesus' Hearty thanks to Don and Sandy Zaloudek for good cheer we do heartily thank you! We feel so assembling worship bulletins. blessed to serve Christ with you. May you each “Jesus, let Your Good News from Concordia rejoice in His rich blessings in this new year! touch many hearts. Share Your harmony!”
Serving the Servant Lord in January 2017 Scripture Ushers Lectors Greeters Chancel Nursery Acolytes Altar Communion Readings Assistants Worker Care Workers Jan. Circumcision and Name of Jesus Please Saturday Worship: Greeters - Saturday Worship: To be announced Jr. and Sr. Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship:
1st volunteer: volunteers present please volunteer Tom Mann High Schoolers, Jean Williams Numbers 6:22-27 Parish Secretary Contemporary Service: please volunteer: Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: Galatians 3:23-29 Lei Ann Ahl Call Gloria Bruggeman Parish Secretary Andy Anderson Bill Lurz Rich Reiter Gloria Bruggeman, Luke 2:21 at 365-0844 924-7336 Lei Ann Ahl at Sonia Anderson Ellen Gaulke Traditional Service: Traditional Service: 365-0844 Traditional Service: Phyllis Kirtley Chuck Resh Traditional Service: Call Sue Bell Alice Williams Arlene Kalotek 302-2221; Phyllis Kirtley or Alice Thomas 371-1072 Jan. The Baptism of Our Lord Thanks to Saturday Worship: Saturday Worship: To be announced 9 a.m. Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 8th Bob Ball, volunteers present Walt Naughton Luke Basinger, Jean Williams Isaiah 42:1-9 Mel Collins, Eli Basinger, Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: Romans 6:1-11 Judy Dennis, Dejan Endriss, Andy Anderson Kathy Hoeppner Frank Yarrish Gloria Bruggeman, Matthew 3:13-17 Rod DiGruttolo, Kira Endriss, Sonia Anderson Ellen Gaulke Tom Dwight, Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Nat Gaulke, Don Fathauer, Tina Granthon Dick Reese Jonathan Sisk Traditional Service: Dennis Grau, Richard Zuehlke Becky Reese Andy Kenney, Alice Williams Jan. 2nd Sunday After the Epiphany Bill Lurz, Saturday Worship: Saturday Worship: To be announced Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 15th Tom Malone, volunteers present Aaron Mattes Jean Williams Isaiah 49:1-7 Terry Miller, Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Walt Naughton, Andy Anderson Mary Reiter Rich Reiter Gloria Bruggeman John 1:29-42a Dick Reese, Sonia Anderson Rick Reese, Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Rich Reiter, Carroll Zuehlke Andy Anderson Gennie Mueller Jim Thomas, Peter Martin Jan. 3rd Sunday After the Epiphany Bob White, Saturday Worship: Lectors - Saturday Worship: To be announced Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 22nd Denny Williams, volunteers present please volunteer Jim and Bonnie Kaluk Jean Williams Isaiah 9:1-4 Frank Yarrish, Ask our Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Don Zaloudek, Parish Secretary Andy Anderson Janet Leinberger Frank Yarrish Gloria Bruggeman Matthew 4:12-25 Sandy Zaloudek Lei Ann Ahl Sonia Anderson Traditional Service: 365-0844 Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Brenda Louise Hudson Dick Reese Millie Malone Richard Zuehlke Shirley Schwisow
Jan. 4th Sunday After the Epiphany Saturday Worship: Saturday Worship: To be announced Sonia Anderson Saturday Worship: 29th volunteers present Tom Mann Jean Williams Micah 6:1-8 Paraments: Sunday Contemporary: Contemporary Service: Contemporary Service: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Andy Anderson Paul Mowery Rich Reiter Gloria Bruggeman Matthew 5:1-12 Sonia Anderson Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Traditional Service: Becky Reese Dick Reese Gennie Mueller Richard Zuehlke SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Circumcision and Name of Jesus 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Church office closed 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Altar Guild 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Communion ***6:45 p.m. and 9 a.m. Circuit Pastor’s ***8 p.m. AA Meeting Meeting 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible-ers 7:30 p.m. Meeting at Lutheran 10:30 a.m. Women’s with Holy Communion 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with Al-Anon Mtg. Church of the Cross, G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study Holy Communion Pt. Charlotte, FL 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group ***7 p.m. AA Meeting 6 p.m. Elder’s Meeting ***7 p.m. AA Meeting ***8 p.m. Al-Anon Mtg.
8 The Baptism of Our Lord 9 10 11 12 13 14 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Holy *** 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Women’s 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Communion 6 p.m. Council Meeting *** G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible-ers *** 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group with Holy Communion 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with *** Holy Communion ***
15 2nd Sunday After the Epiphany 16 MLK Jr. Day 17 18 19 20 21 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Holy Church office closed 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread “Courier” articles due for 10:30 a.m. Women’s 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Youth 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Communion *** *** February news G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study Group Young and Fun 9 a.m. to Noon Church 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible-ers 6:30 p.m. Prayer and 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group Friday Clean-up Day 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with Healing Worship *** 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service Holy Communion Service with Holy Communion *** 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal ***
22 3rd Sunday After the Epiphany 23 24 25 26 27 28 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with *** 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 9 a.m. Fold the “Courier” 9 a.m. Al-Anon District Communion *** *** newsletter for mailing Meeting in Willer Hall 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible-ers 10:30 a.m. Women’s 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group with Holy Communion *** ***
29 4th Sunday After the Epiphany 30 31 1 2 3 4 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship with *** 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Women’s 9 to 10 a.m. Free Bread Communion *** *** G.i.F.t.S. Bible Study 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service 10 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible-ers 10:30 a.m. Men’s Group with Holy Communion 10:45 a.m Traditional Worship with *** Holy Communion ***
***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 2017 Concordia Foundation Report 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 usually aims to give grants that conserve the fund’s capital while distributing out the interest income only. Over the years, various recipients have included the organ fund, numerous charities, LCMS mission churches, and scholarships for our members attending college and our Lutheran elementary and preschool. In 2016 (the first time in more than a decade) the Foundation also spent $55,000 of her capital to advance Concordia’s current goals. All of the fund has long been invested in the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, the “LCMS bank,” where the money is always being loaned to finance growing churches. In 2016 we made “for books” gifts toward three members’ college education ($750 each) and sent tuition help for our one student at Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool ($700). In 2016 the Foundation also matched the first $50,000 donated by members of the congregation to Concordia’s major repairs and roofing campaign, completed in August. In August, the Foundation resolved to match the first $5,000 donated towards our Missionary Ed Naumann Fund, helping Concordia achieve her goal of $10,000 support for “our” missionary’s work bringing theological education to the leaders of our sister churches in Sri Lanka, India and across southeast Asia. See Foundation Treasurer Kirtley’s 2016 report above. Current members of the Foundation Board are Pres. Peter Martin (2018), V.P. Elaine Staudt (2016), Sec. Larry Krause (2019), Treas. Phyllis Kirtley (2017). Each serving a four-year term, Concordia’s president appoints one new member annually. Elaine Staudt’s term ends in 2016. All meetings of the Foundation are open to Concordia’s people. The Foundation’s next meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m., Wednesday, August 15 in the pastor’s office. Many of Concordia’s members continue to advance this partnership, helping others in Jesus’ name. Please continue to support the Concordia Foundation with “over and above” special gifts. Can you make a one-time donation? On-going support answers continuing needs. Have you written the congregation, or Foundation, into your will? Thanks! “Jesus, use our gifts for Your glory!”
An Education Fund The Bette Schoenherr Fund was established by our beloved former member with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (our national church body’s financial manager). The capital invested there pays to Concordia annual interest. In 2016 $1,809 of the Schoenherr “income” interest monies came to the Concordia Foundation (see financial report). All these funds assist with the tuition payments for Christian education, as Mrs. Schoenherr directed. The Courier - January 2017 Faith Confirmed – Jonathan Sisk At Sunday’s worship May 29, confirmands Micah Basinger, Rachel Gaulke, Ethan Schaefer, Jonathan Sisk, and Andrew Whitlow thanked Christ for the gifts He had given them in their Baptism. And they pledged themselves to lifelong growth in His Word and holy Communion. Each of these five teens wrote a public testimony of personal faith. The words from one we’ll print each month in this Courier newsletter. Pray for their growing faith. As we hear their joy in their Savior, we too can thank Jesus for what He had done for each of us! Jonathan Andrew Sisk was baptized April 7, 2002 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Greenville, Mississippi by Rev. Will Dowling. His godparents are Amie and Jerry Ruffin, friends of his mom Dawn Sudbury. Jonathan is the younger brother of Emily and Nathan. His confirmation verse is Matthew 21:22. Jesus the Giver promises, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
My Favorite Bible Verse Hi my name is Jonathan Sisk and I am writing this to tell you about my favorite Bible verse. My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16. The verse states that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. This is my favorite verse for many reasons. One is the theme of it. The verse talks about Jesus’ death for all humanity. If he didn’t die who knows what would have happened to humans and earth because he took our sins. And if that didn’t happen we would all be in hell. But remember that’s just one part of it. Another part is that it describes that whomever believed in him will not die but they will have everlasting life starting now and lasting forever in heaven. I talked about it a little. But now I’m going to go into it and elaborate. The verse says all who believe in him. So he’s not asking for a little from us, but he’s asking nothing from us. “Believe in him” means that “believe that he is saving our life.” We believe that we add nothing to God giving his Son. So I’m believing in Jesus. He saves us from death and gives us everlasting life. That’s the good news that allows us to believe in him. All he asks for is belief, the belief that his gift creates in us. He could say that you can’t do a lot of things. But he just asks for belief in the thing that he has done. That’s not just another great deal. That’s a completely free gift. I’ll take it! The whole verse also talks about his love for us. He sacrifices his Son. That’s a big sacrifice for him. If he created me and sacrificed his loved one for me I will definitely believe in him. This verse also describes one of the biggest turning points of the Bible. It sums up a huge part of the Bible. This is the part with many believers also. If it weren’t for this part, it would be a lot harder for God to get his followers and creations back. And that has always been his goal. He gave his one and only Son because he loved us. That’s why I love God and this verse. I’ve explained what I know about it and that’s enough to persuade me. Because I already know that God loves me very much. The Courier - January 2017 CONCORDIA VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY MEETING MINUTES December 3 and 4, 2016
In each session the following items were distributed: Agenda, December 2015 Voters’ Assembly Minutes; 2017 Financial Plan, Ballot*; Pastoral Report to Congregation; and the Annual Concordia Foundation Report and Financial Report *The Ballot contained one voting item described below, as well as the approval of the 2017 Financial Plan and the Election of the 2017 Church Council Members (1st/2nd Yr) indicates term (2 maximum) and year when that the 1- or 2-year term ends (Dec. 31). President Andy Kenney (2nd-’17) Worship Thomas Mann (1st-’17) Vice Pres Dave Battles (2nd-’17) Education Mark Frakes (1st-18) Secretary Wayne Ulbrich (1st-18) FellowshipNorma Roembke (2nd-’17) Financial Sec Walt Naughton (1st-’17) OutreachBob White (2nd-’17) Treasurer Phyllis Kirtley (1st-’17) Service Gloria Bruggeman (2nd-’17)
Saturday Members In Attendance (19) including one associate member (a) – Dave Battles, Ingrid Dean, Thomas Dean, Rod DiGruttolo, Lynne Franks(a), Ruth Franks, Pastor Stephen Gaulke, Brian Griesbach, Cheryl Griesbach, Diane Horn, Ken Horn, Bonnie Kaluk, Jim Kaluk, Bill Lurz, Thomas Mann, Aaron Mattes, Judy Mattes, Walt Naughton, Pete Theisen Following the opening of Saturday’s Concordia’s Voters’ Assembly Meeting with prayer, the Minutes of the December 2015 Voters’ were approved as presented. Dave Battles thanked those retiring from Council: Secretary Diane Horn, Financial Secretary Alice Williams, Treasurer Walt Naughton and Education Chair Dan Schaefer and introduced the 2017 Slate of candidates. With no other nominations from the floor, the Slate was approved as presented. Walt Naughton introduced the 2017 Budget which includes an operating deficit of $25,844. Thomas Mann asked the current status of the 2016 forecasted year-end deficit of $26,471 Walt indicated that based September 2016 totals, which show an approximate $6,000 positive balance, he expects 2016 year end totals will be positive. Any 2016 Roof Fund overages will be applied towards the cost to replace the storage shed and Family Promise house roofs. Pastor Stephen Gaulke briefly reviewed his Pastoral Report. He also highlighted in the Concordia Foundation Report that the Foundation contributed $50,000 to the roofing fund and $5,000 to support Rev. Dr. Ed Naumann’s missionary work in South Asia. Rod DiGruttolo discussed the Concordia’s 10-Year Forward Focus Group recommendation as it was detailed in the November 2016 issue of the Courier. Based on the review of Sarasota’s projected demographics that included Concordia’s targeted community and other factors, the Focus Group supports growing attendance from 180 (today) to 300 at worship each week by 2027. To accomplish this goal a second church worker is recommended. The plan is to begin with a part time worker from within our congregation, and later hiring a deaconess intern or seminary vicar. The person hired would start by contacting inactive members and visitors who are looking for a church home. With no questions raised from the floor, Rod asked attendees to review and vote on this Ballot item. Pastor Gaulke noted Concordia is financially strong and this is a leap ahead and a new long-term challenge for the congregation. He believes we can grow Concordia’s membership with the same determination and financial support that built the addition to Willer Hall and completed the major roofing project. Upon completion of balloting, the meeting adjourned with prayer.
Sunday Members in Attendance (50) Marge Albrecht, Robert Ball, Betty Brack, Darrell Cascio, Betsy DiGruttolo, Tom Dwight, Marilyn Dwight, Mark Frakes, Ellen Gaulke, Margaret Gaulke, Jane Giroux, Dennis Grau, Brenda Louise Hudson, Arlene Kalotek, Andy Kenney, Robin Kettering, Phyllis Kirtley, Jean MacCaskie, Millie Malone, Tom Malone, Penny Miller, Terry Miller, Dawn Mowery, Paul Mowery, Debra Namors, Bill Proctor, Dick Reese, Marilyn Reese, Norma Roembke, Dan Schaefer, Clayton Schnarr, Jan Schnarr, Denise Scott, Shirley Schwisow, Elaine Staudt, Maria Taddei, Otto Taddei, Loraine Tafel, Alice Thomas, James Thomas, Shirley Timm, Joy Wega, Richard Wega, Evelyn Werstler, Bob White, Cathy White, DeAnna Whitlow, Alice Williams, Denny Williams, M. Roy Williamson Concordia’s Voters’ Assembly reconvened at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, December 4. President Andy Kenney, Treasurer Walt Naughton and Pastor Stephen Gaulke reviewed the distributed items at the Sunday session. In addition to the discussion held at Saturday’s meeting, Pastor noted that the 2017 budget was less than the 2016 budget because a roof replacement item was no longer needed. Also discussed was the decrease in the cost of envelope printing and that income interest needs to be reflected in the 2017 budget. Phyllis Kirtley questioned the hiring an additional church worker at this time. She opposed a budget where expenses far exceed income (a recent graduate, full time deaconess or pastor would cost approximately $55,000 annually) and suggested, as did an Associate Elder at the meeting, that the The Courier - January 2017 Elders take on additional duties. She also encouraged waiting to hire someone until membership has grown by 30-40 members. Other members at the meeting voiced their support in hiring an additional church worker. Additional discussion focused on the timing of the hiring. Pastor indicated the plan is to start with a part time worker and that it would take some time to hire a Synod placed intern or vicar. A special congregational meeting would be needed to first call into service a pastor, vicar, deaconess or intern. The tally of ballots resulted in the 1) Unanimous election of the 2016 Church Council Members; 2) Approval of the 2017 Budget (65-1); and 3) Approval of Concordia’s 10-Year Forward Focus Group (46-20).
The meeting closed with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Diane B. Horn A Few of Concordia’s Many Jolly 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
2017 Church Officers The deadline to submit articles for the February 2017 issue of “The Courier” is January 18. 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 Treasurer ...... Phyllis Kirtley ...... 922-9150 mark "For The Courier" on your news, along with your name. Thanks for your cooperation! Secretary ...... Wayne Ulbrich ...... 815-600-4815
“The Courier” is published every month but Financial Secretary ...... Walt Naughton ...... 924-4201 August. The purpose is to share with the members of Concordia Lutheran Church, friends and the community 2017 Board Chairpersons Jesus’ work among us. He brings harmony to the heart Worship ...... Tom Mann ...... 349-0601 of Sarasota. We welcome your suggestions and contributions. Education ...... Mark Frakes ...... 586-3567
Outreach ...... Bob White ...... 379-2243
Fellowship ...... Norma Roembke ...... 377-8084
U.S. POST OFFICE I.D. STATEMENT Service ...... Gloria Bruggeman ...... 924-7336 Title: “THE COURIER” Issue Date: JANUARY 2017 Statement of Frequency: MONTHLY Authorized Origin: CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH 2185 WOOD STREET SARASOTA, FL 34237-7915 Issue Number: 01-17