Grounded in Christ Building Relationships Transforming Lives...sacristy and sanctuary is now in a holding pattern until we complete a water intrusion test. The reason for the congregational

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church December 2019 Keynotes

Grounded in Christ † Building Relationships † Transforming Lives Within our Walls and Beyond

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.388.1234 / saklc.com


From Pastor Ken The season of Advent is here! And, it’s a season that performs “double duty,” as we anticipate the coming of Christ both as the Christ Child (the incarnation) and His second coming. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus” which means “coming” and is a translation of the Greek word “parousia” which scholars use to speak of the time when “Christ will come again” – as our liturgy puts it. That helps explain the otherwise strange prayers and Scripture readings that come with the Advent season:

In week 1, the advent candle prayer asks God to rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to meet the Lord. The prayer of the day speaks of the threatening danger of our sins. And the Gospel reading reminds us of Noah and the Flood, as well as the unexpected coming of the Son of Man with one field worker taken and the other left behind, and the homeowner who would have remained awake if he’d known the thief was coming.

In week 2, the advent candle prayer asks that we might bear the fruits of repentance and transformation. The prayer of the day asks that we might grow in repentance and peace. And the Gospel reading introduces us to John the Baptist – the one crying out in the wilderness, “prepare the way of the Lord!”

In week 3, the prayers speak of the desert blooming, waters in the wilderness, and God’s people transformed by grace and walking in God’s way. The readings have Jesus being asked if he is the One of whom John the Baptist spoke – replying that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are

raised and the poor receive the good news.

In the 4th and final week in Advent, the advent candle prayer asks that our longing for Jesus’ presence might increase. The prayer of the day asks that we might be freed from the sin that hinders our faith so that we might receive God’s promises. And, the Gospel reading tells the story of Joseph resolving to end his engagement to Mary, until the angel explains the good news to him.

So, Advent is a time of preparation, longing and anticipation of the coming of Jesus – in a stable in

Bethlehem, poor, meek, mild and rejected by “His own” – and of His “coming again in power and great glory” at the end of the age! And this, regardless of what the rest of the world sings or seeks during these weeks!


A Note from John Teller - Congregational President

The beautiful weather is finally here and I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday in beautiful Sarasota or wherever you may be. As we approach the Christmas holidays, I would like to re-cap some of the wonderful things that have been going on at SAKLC and update everyone on the remediation project.

The Festival of Ministries was a tremendous success! The single service Sunday on November 10th was very well attended, as everyone enjoyed learning more about our ministries and also all of the volunteers who work so hard to accomplish their group objectives. During the service, all were able to learn more about our twenty-five different ministries/committees as they listened to a description of each group during the service. I have to say, after compiling all of the descriptions and reading them during the service I was so amazed at what our church volunteers do and how active they are! The service was followed by a celebration in Fellowship Hall where all of the ministries were able to add additional information and encourage additional involvement from our congregants. The feedback I received after the event was amazing, and there was encouragement that we do this every year! I want to thank Nona Arnholt and Wahib Habib and their team of food preparers, for all they did to help make this such a wonderful day! I would like to update everyone on the work being done in the sacristy/sanctuary and the outcome of our congregational meeting on November 17th. The remediation of the sacristy and sanctuary is now in a holding pattern until we complete a water intrusion test. The reason for the congregational meeting on November 17th was to update the congregation on the work being done in the sacristy and sanctuary and seek additional funding to complete the water intrusion testing. To date, the church has spent approximately $31,000 on the remediation and deconstruction. The congregation voted to allow up to $75,000, or an additional $44,000 to complete the testing and remediation. Once we determine the status of the testing and have an official report of the findings, we will move to the next steps toward completion. The objective is to make sure the roof is free of leaks and then move to complete the cleaning and reconstruction of the sacristy. We will continue to keep the congregation updated. The Council and Finance Committee will be working together to complete the budget for 2020, and preparing to discuss at our congregational meeting in January. We will continue to work on finance strategies to assure a successful close of 2019 and a prosperous 2020. As we move into the Advent Season, we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with our families as well as church family and friends. I wish everyone a very blessed holiday season!


Finance Committee Report — Dick Watermeier

November 2019 Year-To-Date Year-to-date income as of November 30th was $40,737 better than last year, but $8,593 lower than plan. Expenses year-to-date are $68,947 lower than last year but $18 higher

than plan. Our year-to-date deficit is $33,265. This deficit is $109,684 better than last year at this time, but $8,611 worse than plan.

2018 2019 2019 Difference ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET

INCOME $617,216 $657,953 $666,546 $( 8,593)

EXPENSE 760,525 691,578 691,560 ( 18)

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) $(143,309) $ (33,625) $( 25,013) $ ( 8,611)

Adult Forums December (Sundays during Fellowship)

December 8 - Safety & Security Committee Presentation -- Bring your breakfast & coffee to presentation by the Safety & Security Committee to hear the concerns and issues they are wrestling with …. Bring your comments, concerns and issue for an open and honest discussion.

December 15 & 22 - Advent Discussions - Compare the Christmas stories from each of the Gospels

Upcoming Speaker -- MOTE Aquarium - Feb (DATE TBA)


“Jesus Shall Reign”

Advent is the beginning of the church’s calendar. It’s a wonderful time for reflection and renewal. The Sunday before Advent begins, the close of the church year, is Christ the King Sunday. This year, SAKLC hosted a magnificent, celebratory musical program to end the liturgical year.

Our Christ the King Hymn Festival, held on Nov. 24th at 4pm, featured the combined talents of SAKLC’s Chancel Choir, and the choir of Church of the Redeemer, accompanied by a brass sextet, timpani, and organ. In addition to several great hymns, the program featured the world premiers of two newly commissioned pieces.

SAKLC’s own musicians sponsored a commissioned anthem based on “Jesus Shall Reign” (DUKE STREET) by Dr. John Behnke, a former teacher from my Masters program at Concordia University, and one of the most well-known and widely published modern Lutheran composers. The piece was dedicated to our own Dr. Ed Schaeffer, for all his musical contributions to our church over the years, and to the memory of his dear wife, Dorothy. I am proud to announce that the piece has already been published by Hal Leonard Publishing, the world’s largest music publishing house. As a result of SAKLC’s patronage, published on the title page of each piece, choirs from around the country and globe will learn about St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, FL. On a personal note, I was honored that Dr. Behnke and his wife, Chris, were present for the program that Sunday afternoon.

Commissioning new music for the Church is so important. It allows a community to come together and create something special, and also allows that community to have an impact on the wider Church. Going back into history, much of the great choral and instrumental music for the church that has become so well known is a result of commissions. Mozart, one of the most prolific composers ever (even though he had such a short lifespan), wrote almost every sacred composition as a commission from a royal or noble family, or for a patron. The Medici family of Italy, responsible for so much of the great art and architecture around Rome, also sponsored music from composers for over 300 years.

I would like to thank all of the musicians from SAKLC who made our commission possible. And I also want to thank an anonymous family from our church who made our hymn festival possible. There are so many awesome programs and offerings here at SAKLC, but they would not be possible without our angels. Thank you.


Most importantly, thanks to our musicians who made this possible. The Chancel Choir members have been true troopers - learning a great deal of new music in a short period of time, all in addition to the busy season of Advent and Christmas coming up. My heartfelt thanks go to each one of them. And sincere gratitude, also, for our own Lois Habib for her musical leadership, assistance, and dedication.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Two days after our Christ the King hymn festival, SAKLC hosted the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for Longboat Key. We had a choir featuring members from the various houses of worship and Longboat Key, including several members from our church. To all those who participated, thank you. It was a marvelous way to join together as a community and give thanks.

Help! We have bells that need partners!

Our SAKLC Ringers are in full swing! The group played for the 9am and 11am worship services on December 1st. They offered and arrangement of “For the beauty of the Earth” (DIX) and “Long ago, prophets knew” (PERSONENT HODIE). We are still looking for two or three more members to help complete our set. If you would be interested in ringing with us, it’s a lot of fun! We practice on Wednesday afternoons in the Sanctuary. If you don’t know how to read music, don’t worry! We have a way to make it work and teach you at the same time :) Please talk with me (or email [email protected]) if you’d be up for giving it a try.

With Gratitude

On a personal note, I would like to thank the entire SAKLC congregation for their prayers, love, and support over these past few weeks. My Dad’s passing has been heartbreaking for

my Mom and I, but we have been so strengthened by the people in our lives. I was absolutely overwhelmed by all the cards, calls, emails, and texts … and even by a group of SAKLC members who traveled all the way up to Pennsylvania for the funeral.

Special thanks to Pastor Wogen and Pastor Blyth for all their support - not just since Dad’s passing, but ever since I moved here. And sincere thanks to Lois Habib who jumped in and covered everything for me at a moments notice. We are so fortunate to have her at SAKLC!

I am glad that Dad had the chance to come down to Florida a few times since I moved here to visit SAKLC and to meet so many of you. Since I’ve moved down here from NYC, I have been slowly adjusting to Florida, but these past few weeks have definitely made Sarasota and SAKLC feel like home. Thank you. Thankful for all our musicians

Thanksgiving affords us all an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings we have. At SAKLC, I am sincerely thankful to each and every one of our volunteer musicians who dedicate their time and musical talents to the church. Their music enriches our worship services and helps us to pray more fervently. We have such fun, wonderful ensembles … and there is always room for more. All are welcome, please join us :)


When People Are Suffering….how can we relate to them in ways that will ease their pain and show we care – instead of adding to their burden? This is a question that the SAKLC Stephen Ministry Team wrestled with during our November Supervision and Continuing Education session. It’s a question applicable not only to Stephen Ministers but to everyone. Human suffering is something we’ve observed universally. Often it can and does strike close to home and we search for answers in our own attempts to reach out to family members and friends. At those times we are frequently challenged in our effort to find ideas and words that will bring true healing and comfort.

Kenneth C. Haugk, founder and Executive Director of Stephen Ministries, has written a helpful book entitled “Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart,” based on personal experience. No stranger to tragedy, Dr. Haugk relates the story about his former wife, Joan, and their joint struggle as she battled breast cancer, from which she ultimately died. Inspired by Proverbs 25:20 – “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is the one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” – Dr. Haugk found just the right title for his book. In fact, he began this helpful piece during a 3 ½ month period, while daily sitting and praying at Joan’s hospital bedside as she was under treatment. Known for engaging in extensive research before publishing anything, Haugk ultimately gathered responses from more than four thousand subjects who assisted in contributing personal insights and responses.

Permit me to share a sample: When interacting with people who are suffering, many of us without sufficient forethought resort verbally to the use of clichés. One chapter of the book is devoted to ‘Words That Hurt, Not Heal.’ Here are seven statements for us to avoid using at all costs:

“I Know How You Feel.” “It’s for the Best.” “Keep a Stiff Upper Lip.” “At Least . . .” “You Should/Shouldn’t . . .” “God Doesn’t Give You Any More Than You Can Handle.” “It’s God’s Will.”

Have any of those statements ever passed from your lips? More to the point, have they troubled your ears when you were having a hard time? Probably so! Universally, we are all guilty. Individually, some of us have been wounded more than others by those who meant well.

So, maybe we should pray: “O Lord, curb our use of clichés. When a platitude wants to pop out, put a plug in it for me! Stifle my simple fixes of others’ hurts. Let my words be your words, and speak the loving care of Christ through me, which is what you want those who are suffering to hear. Amen.”

Copies of Dr. Haugk’s book are available for loan in the church library. See Jackie Whalen, Librarian. Additional observations from the book will be shared in future months.

Submitted by: Retired Pr. Herb Mohlenhoff, Stephen Ministry co-Leader

DECEMBER STEPHEN MINISTRY SUPERVISION: MONDAY, 12/16/19 @ 6:30 PM – OGRAM HALL


DECEMBER CONVERSATIONS

At recent Thursday morning gatherings of SAKLC’s adult study and fellowship group, more commonly

known as CONVERSATIONS, par cipants have viewed and discussed lectures which have focused on the many apocryphal wri ngs stemming from the earliest days of Chris anity. Video lecturer, Dr. David Brakke, dis nguished professor at Ohio State University, has provided some amazing insights into commonly held beliefs from the earliest days of the Chris an Church. A endance at mee ngs held in late October and November has averaged 40 persons. Dr. Brakke’s lectures have been accompanied by in‐class distribu on of reprints of New Testament period apocryphal wri ngs. Those receiving the most a en on and interest have been: “The Proto‐Gospel of James”; “The History of Joseph the Carpenter”; “The Gospel of Mary”; and, “The Infancy Gospel of Thomas.” All have been discovered to contain previously unknown accounts about the lives of the Virgin Mary, her husband, Joseph, and Jesus {from his infancy up to his early teen years}. While the accuracy of many of these apocryphal wri ngs cannot be assured, they have provided a wealth of insight into what Chris ans believed in the early centuries of the church; all are stories unrecorded in the tradi onal canonical Gospels of the New Testament.

Entering the month of December, CONVERSATIONS will focus on apocryphal wri ngs reflec ve of Jesus’ Ministry as an adult. Central to forthcoming explora ons is the apocryphal Cop c Gospel of Thomas, (not to be confused with the Infancy Gospel of Thomas referenced above.) The Cop c Gospel of Thomas was one of the most sensa onal archaeological discoveries of the 20th century! In 1945 a group of peasants digging for fer lizer near the village of Nag Hammadi, Egypt, accidentally uncovered an earthen jar containing some leather‐bound manuscripts buried some me in the late 4th century AD. Although originally composed in Greek, the wri ngs discovered were in Cop c (ancient Egyp an) transla ons. None has drawn more a en on than the Cop c Gospel of Thomas. It is a collec on of Jesus’ sayings that claims to have been wri en by Didymus Judas Thomas, who according to some early legends was Jesus’ twin brother. The book records 114 “secret teachings” of Jesus. It includes no other material: no miracles, no passion narra ve, and no stories of any kind. What ul mately ma ered for the author of Thomas was not Jesus’ death and resurrec on, which he does not discuss or narrate, but the mysterious teachings that he delivered. Indeed, the Gospel begins by sta ng that anyone who learns the interpreta on of these words will have eternal life (saying #1). Many of the sayings will sound familiar to persons already conversant with the New Testament canonical Gospels. Other sayings, however, are quite different and appear to presuppose a Gnos c point of view, in which people are understood to be spirits who have fallen from the divine realm and have become entrapped in the prisons of their material (earthly) bodies.

Due to the upcoming holiday celebra ons, CONVERSATIONS will only meet during the first three weeks in the month of December. (No mee ng on 12/26/2019 and 1/2/2020) All adult members/friends of SAKLC are invited to a end on Thursdays from 10:30 AM un l 12:00 Noon in Ogram Hall.


Sharing and Serving—Which Ministry is Yours? - Nick Hauser

Are you inspired? Are you invited? Yes and yes! Did you know that we have 29 committees focused on ministry at SAKLC? So how do you decide on which ministry to focus your time, talent and treasures? Some of you are very private and don’t want to share your interests with anyone. You may not believe this, but countries and states have the same issue. Take conservation for instance. There is a new idea around called Marine Protected Zones (MPZ). A country or state has a right to set these up to preserve some unique feature of marine life. People get real passionate about this.

Well, Scotland was asked to set up its very own Marine Protected Zones. So all the officials and marine game wardens and lairds assembled in a fine mansion on the Isle of Skye. It was easy to get there, they just took the new bridge. They were all there resplendent in their tartan kilts: brilliant red Munro, yellow and black McLeod, blue and green McFarquharson, doubh and grey Douglas, red and green Maxwell. It was a veritable sea of colors.

As you can imagine, all this color did not help smooth the debate. The Borderers from down south wanted to protect the little kittiwakes by banning fishing for sand eels. “Aye, ye be a havering to that. But it is a copycat idea because the English did the same thing.”, barked the McGruff Highlanders from the north. “What’s your idea?”, bayed the Borderers.

“Well we be a wanting to protect the northernmost population of bottlenose dolphins right here in the Firth of Moray”. “Hrrumph!”, said the Borderers, “Aye ye be totally havering now, like after a wee dram of whiskey. You can go to sunny Portugal to see those dolphins!”.

Well the room grew quite tumultuous, luckily all the delegates checked their dirks at the door.

The sad, lonely marine game warden from the Isle of Islay just sat quietly in the corner of the room. Some of the august lairds noticed and asked the room to be quiet to let him speak. “Aye, I come from the peat smoke filled Isle of Islay. No, that wee bit of smoke has not addled our brains, so I won’t haver on. But we are a wee island out in the Irish Sea, almost to the Devil’s Causeway. We don’t have a shiny new bridge, just a cantankerous old ferry. But I have checked with everyone in every firth and forth on the Isle of Islay and we all be a hankering to protect the three extinct undersea volcanos way out yonder in the Ocean. There be a population of rare cold water corals there, that can be found nowhere else in the world. Look, I am no bruaderach but I think we can reach an agreement.” ……. and imagine that, they did!

Well, a prayerful hush came over the room, it was like a turadh, almost a heavenly sign from God. Here is the map of their agreement:


Continued….Sharing and Serving—Which Ministry is Yours?


The Season Brings Many Opportunities to Volunteer

There are many opportunities coming up during the next two months. We need your time and talent to help out. Take a moment and see what you might be able to give of your time and talents to help the church community. One event or all, it will mean a lot and it can be a lot of fun too! With thanksgiving!

Tuesday, December 3—Beginning at 9:30 AM — We’ll be Decorating the Inside of the Church. Contact Darlene Hauser and let her know you’ll be helping.

Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18 at 2 PM - Advent in the Afternoon - Music in the sanctuary to reflect during the Advent season. Volunteers are needed to greet and clean up the pews afterwards. Contact Michael Bodnyk for more information.

Friday, December 6 - Christmas on the Circle/St. Armands Holiday Night - This is the evening St. Armands Key Lutheran Church has its biggest and most joyous community event with a living nativity, refreshments in the courtyard, a brass ensemble, and a carol sing. It takes a small village of helpers — we need goodwill ambassadors, folks to serve cookies & beverages, & help setting and cleaning up. Many volunteers are needed to participate in the manger scene. The day prior, on Thursday, December 5, we need your help baking 3,000 cookies! Please sign up in the Narthex with Christine Ortiz or Ann Walborn. Pizza and salad will be provided for all volunteers participating in the evening.

November 29 - December 24 from Noon - 8 PM - Salvation Army Bell Ringers - Like in past years, it is time to help raise money by ringing the bell for the Salvation Army on St. Armands Key Circle. You can pick your own day(s) and time (2 hours each sign-up). To sign up, click on the link in Connections, or stop by the church table to volunteer your time and have fun too!

Starting in November, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month - Sounds al Fresco in the Meditation Garden - Do you love music? A unique musical event will be happening in the garden on these Saturdays. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up and clean-up as well as be greeters/hosts handing out programs and ensuring enough seating is available. If you love music, come and enjoy and help. Lots of dates to choose from across the next 6 months. See Michael for sign-up.

It’s YOU We Need on Sundays as Fellowship Volunteers - It can be as simple as putting out cookies and coffee! Please contact the office at 941.388.1234.

Sunday School Volunteer Opportunity

Our Sunday School needs teachers & helpers. Teachers rotate each month and we will work within your schedule. Our children are Pre-School through Kindergarten. Please contact Arlene Webb if you are interested. 609-203-1735 or [email protected]


LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF PERSONAL CARE KIT PROJECT “Comfort, O Comfort my people, says your God” Isaiah 40.1

We tend to take for granted many of the basics of our everyday life. Our annual Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kit Project is one of those events that remind us of our many Blessings and a way that we can be a blessing to others. Once again one of our members has challenged our congregation to match their $3,000 donation to this effort to be a blessing to others. All it takes is a bar of soap, a toothbrush, a comb, nail clippers, and a towel to gift others with basic hygiene. Our goal once again is to assemble 1000 Personal Care Kits. The kits we assembled in 2019 were distributed to Mali. You can help by donating bath size bars of soap, combs, bringing in toothbrushes and/or by generously donating money to reach our goal. Please make your check payable to SAKLC and enter LWR in the memo section then place it in the Sunday offering. There is a large basket in the Narthex for collecting your bath-size bars of soap, combs, and toothbrushes. If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, please contact Linda or Richard Mooney. 315-408-9957 [email protected]

“What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God’s people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God.”

2 Corinthians 9.12

Help beautify the Church and honor your loved ones with poinsettia plants this Christmas season!

Each poinsettia is $10 and will be arranged together to make a

beautiful display. Plants can be taken home for you to enjoy after the 11:00am service on Sunday, December 29.

Complete the form handed out on Sunday, and then see Christine Ortiz in the Narthex who will take your payment (check or cash). The

last day to purchase plants is Sunday, December 15.


Fellowship — Thanks and Appreciation Our thanks and appreciation go out to all who served in Fellowship this past month: Les & Janice Lorenz, Frank Cefola, Lucille Pererva, Wahib Habib, Christine Ortiz and her Team, Donna Schaeffer, John Kestly, Ed Schaeffer, Jane & Fred Wittlinger, Lynn & Joel Neiting, Kathy & Mark Mozac. Nona Arnholt and her Team, Ann Walborn. Fellowship Volunteers. A special thanks to and gratitude for all who helped on November 26 for the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. We could not have accomplished this without your help. We had a very busy month of November - the Celebration of Ministries , as well as the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on November 26th , for which SAKLC provided fellowship this year. Fellowship Volunteers. A special thanks to and gratitude for all who helped on November 10 for the Festival of Ministries. We could not have accomplished this without your help. Also, thanks to those who stayed to help to the very end - we finished at 1:15 pm. Nona and Wahib

WE WANT TO WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS - WE AT SAKLC ARE ALL VERY

THANKFUL FOR OUR WONDERFUL FELLOWSHIP TEAM! I am letting you all know that I'm stepping back from Fellowship leadership responsibility and would kindly ask if there is one of you who would be willing to step into this role now. If so, please contact the office. — Wahib


Health Ministry Update — Kristen Bowman

The list of new activities for you to watch for in the upcoming season is described below with more continuing to be added. If you have any other thoughts or ideas, please contact Kristen Bowman at [email protected].

Blood Pressure, Pulse and Oxygen levels - Have yours checked on the first Sunday of every month between services.

Lunch & Learn - Various topics will be covered starting at Noon on the third Thursday of the month in Fellowship Hall. January 16 - Boost your Brainpower with Food (with Kathy Morrison) February 20 - Stress Management for Heart Health (with SMH) March 19 - Financial Health (with Brent Campbell) April 16 - Fall the “right” way workshop (with Kristen Bowman) Mark your calendars now and watch for more details.

Fitness Class - Every Tuesday at 9:15 am there is a fitness class in Fellowship Hall with a suggested donation of $5. All are welcome to come, bring a friend too. An additional fitness class is still being explored.

Walking Group -Being considered for a January start.

Other activities of interest from the survey will become available as more volunteers 'step-up' to help. If you have time and interest in health and wellness activities, the ministry team would welcome your involvement. Call Kristen Bowman at 757-503-5670 or email [email protected].

SAKLC Had A Successful Fall 2019 Clothing Drive - Thanks to YOU!!

A very big “Thank You” to all who donated clothing, and to the Social Ministry Team members who gave many hours to sort and deliver

donations, load cars and SUV’s, create banners and much, much more. With everyone’s support, we ran a very successful clothing drive. Clothing was delivered to many of the agencies SAKLC supports, as well as two SUV hatches full of bags of clothing delivered to the Bay Pines VA Healthcare

System in St. Petersburg for our veterans.


St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Foundation

— $301,550 in Grants Awarded, 2015-2019 — Thank You!

Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) $10,000 All Faiths Food Bank $14,000 Aphasia Community Center, Sarasota $4,550 Caring Hearts Ministry $3,000 ELCA Fund for Leaders $35,000 ELCA Hunger Campaign $10,000 ELCA Malaria Campaign $10,000 ELCA Youth Gathering $5,000 Florida-Bahamas Synod Disaster Relief Fund $10,000

Florida-Bahamas Synod Haiti Staff Support $2,000 Florida-Bahamas Synod Youth Scholarships $5,000 Habitat for Humanity – Manatee County $15,000 Habitat for Humanity – Sarasota County $5,000 Lenoir-Rhyne University - Religious Studies $5,000 Luther Springs Camp & Retreat Center $15,000 Lutheran Bible Translators $2,500 Lutheran Disaster Response $28,500

(South Carolina, Haiti, Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico & Nepal) Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary – Vicar Support $13,000 Martin Luther Church, Suriname $5,000 Misio Luterana Sagrada Corazon, Miami $5,000 Meals on Wheels, Sarasota / Manatee $10,000 Mothers Helping Mothers, Sarasota $5,000 Resurrection House $6,000 Samaritan Counseling Service Gulf Coast $17,500 SAKLC 50th Anniversary Project -YMCA Youth Shelter $5,000 SAKLC Music Program (Handbells) $14,000 SAKLC Outreach Committee – Campus Ministry Intern $6,000 SAKLC Servant Team - Haiti Cistern Project $10,000 St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jacksonville $10,000 St. John Lutheran Church – Refugee Resettlement $3,000 Season of Sharing $2,500 Sisters of Hope International, Uganda $5,000 Wartburg Theological Seminary $5,000 Please note, this list does not include the substantial unrestricted grants made annually by the Foundation from The Church Endowment Fund to SAKLC. All grants are made possible by your legacy, honoring, and memorial gifts to the Foundation — again, Thank YOU!


New Refugee Committee — Louise Hauser The refugee committee is a new SAKLC committee devoted to answering our Lord's call to care for our neighbors. And who is our neighbor? Consider the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan was the one who did NOT "pass by on the other side", but instead gave assistance to a stranger in need.

The Committee will be partnering with Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) in Sarasota to work with them in filling unmet needs for the refugee families they are assisting. LSF assists only refugee families that have been cleared by the Federal Government and have legally obtained entry into the United States. The families need toys for their children, advice on cooking typical American food, helping families with the abundance of cleaning products available in the United States. These are only some of the families' needs. Other needs include conversation, using public transportation and more.The LSF office in Sarasota has recently settled families of refugees from Russia, Ukraine, Haiti and Cuba. The Committee has invited LSF Sarasota to share what needs refugee families might have during the holidays and in the coming year. If you are interested in following the example Jesus gave to us, please speak with Nona Arnholt or with Pastor Ken.

Matthew 25: 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... I was a stranger and you welcomed me, .. 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that ...we saw you a stranger and welcomed you...? 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

Welcome Back Snowbirds! If you’re back in town, please let us know. There’s a form available at the office window. Please take a moment to fill in your information (or call the office) so that we can welcome you back and update our

records accordingly.

Thank you.


Women’s Advent Dinner — Last Call!

Last call to sign up in the Narthex for the upcoming Women’s Advent Dinner on

Thursday, December 12th at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. A $20 donation is

requested, and please bring a dish to share. We’ll have a great time!

The Women's Book Group will meet next on December 3rd at 10:30 a.m. in Ogram Hall to discuss “Clara and

Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland.

We will be going out for lunch afterwards to L'Europe. Please make reservations with Judy Matthies if you plan to come to the

luncheon. All women are welcome.

Judy can be reached at [email protected]

Wishing You All

A Very Merry Christmas!


“Angel Tree” Christmas Gifts! Thank you all who participated in the Angel Tree

Christmas giving to individuals served by the Lutheran Services Florida guardianship program. Your gifts look beautiful and they will indeed make all who receive

them very happy!

Be Sure To Save the Date

Christian Movie Night returns on Monday, January 13, 2020

Christian Movie Night will begin again on the second Monday of each month. Fellowship will be at 6:30 in

Ogram Hall. The movie planned for January 13, “Break Through” is an inspiring film for the whole family. “You

don’t have to believe in divine intervention to be moved by this story.”

Coffee & water will be available. You are welcome to

bring a light dinner or snack.

See you there!


DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS Birthdays

Robert Burn, Jr 12/1 Marie Wells 12/1 Carole Berkey 12/3 Heidi Brandt 12/3 Roselyn Erickson 12/3 Marjorie Reed 12/3 Anna Lee Ernst 12/4 Hal Schaffranek 12/4 Zachariah Stobaugh 12/4 Jacquelyn Gageby 12/5

Leo Dancigers 12/9 Julie DiGravina 12/11 Alfred Eunice 12/11 James Kohne 12/12 Bernie Kloppenburg, Jr 12/13 Kay Nelson 12/14 Jozette Stubbe 12/14 David Taylor, Sr 12/14 Paul Jagdmann 12/15 Sushane Lawes 12/15

Tim Robinson 12/15 Russell Meloche 12/18 Lois Robinson-Fullam 12/18 George Dancigers 12/19 Margaret Demey 12/19 Diane Fliss 12/19 Jonathan Patella 12/19 Altanette Autry 12/20 Bruce Beaver 12/21 Christopher Scheufler 12/21

Valerie Ging 12/22 Margaret Kirchner 12/22 Robert Meinhardt 12/22 William Brenner, Jr 12/23 Alan Morrisson 12/24 Lele Krompart 12/26 Gerald Bates 12/27 John Godin 12/28 Donna Schaeffer 12/29 Richard Watermeier 12/29

Peter Cleaves 12/30 Carol Elliott 12/31

Fred & Mary Lux 12/7 Jim & Rebecca Kohne 12/8 Cal & Joanne Hawkes 12/9 Don & Darla Anthony 12/16 Lee & Leona Krompart 12/19 David & Nancy Cooperrider 12/23

Donald & Boots Horn 12/23 Roger & Nona Arnholt 12/27 Don & Bonnie Resler 12/28 Richard & Sandi Carlson 12/29 John & Andrea Numrich 12/29 Hugh & Ginny Tamassia 12/30 Mark & Brigitta Sultana 12/31

Wedding Anniversaries


2019 Mutual Ministry [email protected] Ann Walborn (Chair), Steve Blackledge, George Dancigers, Jaclyn Campbell,

Kristen Bowman, Darlene Hauser

Need to refer to the church calendar? Type saklc.church/events into your favorite web browser search or address bar and hit enter. Need routine access

to the calendar? Bookmark the calendar in your web browser. Need help with this? See any of the staff.

Christmas Worship Christmas Eve — Tuesday, December 24

5:00 PM, 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM Festive pre-service concert begins 20 minutes prior to each service.

Christmas Day — Wednesday, December 25th 10:00 AM

Documents

Grounded in Christ Building Relationships Transforming Lives...sacristy and sanctuary is now in a holding pattern until we complete a water intrusion test. The reason for the congregational