The Dove December 2015 Emmanuel Lutheran Church 790 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285-3601 941.488.4942 +++++

Saturday: Holy Communion: 5:00 PM Sunday: Holy Communion: 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM Coffee & Fellowship: 9:45 AM Sunday School and Confirmation: 10:30 AM Adult Education: 10:00 AM Thursday: Advent Worship Service with Holy Communion: 10:00 AM

“To Know Christ and Boldly Make Him Known” Emmanuel Contact Information Pastor Hall – [email protected] Cell Phone for Emergencies: 612-840-7798 Kris Bowker – [email protected] Charlotte Graas – [email protected] Rich Kessler – Cell 735-6994 [email protected] Barb Spenks – [email protected] Joan Hofelich – [email protected] Jan Miller – [email protected] Jim Crandall – [email protected] Marty Light – [email protected] Church Office – [email protected]

Emmanuel Website http://emmanuel-elca.org Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/emmanuelVenice Press

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THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE “Being on fire for the Lord” has been a popular phrase for years about people who have a passion for their faith. On All Saints Sunday we lit candles in worship in order to remember our loved ones. We also placed candles in a cross as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. Using candles during worship always becomes a safety concern. Little did I know that I should have been more concerned because during one of the services I was standing in front of the cross candles and while backing up I came very close to the candles. Fortunately, someone in the front pew yelled, “watch out!” I immediately felt the warmth of the flames and was thankful for the member who saved me from catching on fire. After the service we chuckled about how close I came to getting burned. It made me think maybe there is a message in that event about being on fire for the Lord. This season is always ushered in with the lighting of candles around the wreath and the Christ candle. It is a season that brings back memories of growing up and how we would light a new candle weekly and read a daily devotional in preparation for Christmas. Candles have always been used in homes and churches during Christmas and everyone is moved by the sense of stillness and solitude in the candlelight services. Some even remember when candles were used on Christmas trees before electricity. That seems less safe than having candles in worship. I am not sure how they people back then would be able to avoid burning down their homes. Candles provide warmth and a reminder of the fire that can burn within our hearts. This day and age with pre-lit Christmas trees and battery operated candles we seem to miss out on the real glow of light. When candles are lit in worship we acknowledge the light of Christ who comes into our worship and when we go out we become that light and message of Christ. When we forget to light the candles for worship everyone notices because they are an integral part of the altar and give us the identity of Christ who is the light of the world. We sometimes wonder about how bright that light burns in the darkness of tragic events that happen in the world, but it will always be the promise that is proclaimed at Christmas and each time we gather for worship. Our pre-lit tree will soon be adorned with symbols of Christmas. In the Gospel of John at Christmas we hear, “In him was life and the life was the light of all people.” The same light shines in us. This Christmas as you light your candles on fire think about what it means to be on fire for the Lord! Pastor Hall 2

From our Parish Nurse: Since December is so busy for everyone, I have nothing scheduled. But, be prepared—January is jam packed!! Some “Thank You’s” are in order. First, to the 28 donors for the Blood Drive on November 15th. I think this is a record for us, but I’m not positive. Either way, THANK YOU!!! Next drive is January 10th—get ready!! There were 15 who attended the talk by Dr. Eric Winder on arthritis relief with exercises and stretches for hands and feet. Thank you all for coming! You were a very appreciative audience whom I hope found it helpful and beneficial. Dr. Winder will return January 27th to talk about how to help yourself live and deal with arthritis. What helps, what hurts. Grief and Grace ended in November and there was a good response this session. I have already had inquiries about another session, so the date has been set to start another 6 week session on January 25th. Call if you would like to be included. There was a very good response to the presentation by Richard Rogers back in July. He is the “Forgetful Chef” due to a brain injury, who has great insight into how to help our memories by proper diet, supplements, and a few other tricks. He also gives a mini cooking class and makes something delicious for all who attend to taste. Please call me at the office to register for this presentation January 18th at 10 am. Thank you all for your support and encouragement during the past year. This is the best job ever and I thank God for blessing me with it. This church and congregation is definitely a family, and it is very easy to take your family for granted. This Christmas season, take stock of your church family and think about all the people that contribute in so many ways so that we can have worship and fellowship! We are so blessed to have this family and to await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please hold close your loved ones and be grateful for what we have, especially considering what is going on in the world. Merry Christmas to all!

Barb Spenks Parish Nurse 3

Kitchen Fund Raising Campaign Update “Called to Serve” Tax “recipes” to help with your taxes and at the same time benefit the kitchen renovation fund raising effort.

Facts to remember: 1. Our kitchen was out-of-date, which did not allow us to do a lot of functions many expect from a church kitchen. 2. Our old kitchen violated county codes and had to be renovated. 3. If we do not raise the funds needed, we will incur debt through securing a loan. There are two “tax recipes” that we think you might find tasty. First, consider contributing appreciated stock. If you have stock with a low cost basis, you can contribute the stock to Emmanuel and get the full value of the stock as a tax deduction and NOT have to recognize the capital gain! For example, parishioner Marty Luther bought 96 shares of Apple 10 years ago at $10 per share. Today, his $960 investment is worth around $11,400. If he sold the stock, he would have to pay capital gain taxes on the approximate $10,000 in capital gains, whereas if he donates the stock, he gets a tax deduction for the full $11,400 and pays no capital gains taxes! If you have appreciated stock and want to consider gifting, please contact Jim Crandall at the church office and he will help you process the gift. Second, if you are over 70 ½, consider making a direct distribution from your IRA. With the new higher standard deductions many are no longer able to benefit, tax-wise, from charitable giving. For the last three years congress has allowed people to direct their required minimum distributions that IRA holders must take once they reach 70 ½ to charities, and those distributions would not be taxed. This lowers your overall tax bill. Congress has not yet approved this for 2015 but is expected to through the “tax extenders” bill in December. We will send an email letting you know if and when the “extenders bill” is passed if you ask. Thank you for supporting this necessary project and please do not hesitate to call Jim Crandall at the church offices at 488-4942 x 16 if you have any questions.

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HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND BAKE SALE UPDATE Last January when the Outreach Committee and Global Missions decided to host a bazaar, we could not have imagined all the wonderful things that would transpire this year. We held hours of craft workshops and planning sessions where friendships were made and fellowship, fun and laughter filled our hearts. Volunteers came forward and made gorgeous quilts, hundreds of hand crafted items, jewelry, sewn articles, knitted items, woodwork, and tables full of delicious baked goods. On Saturday, November 14, the Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale items filled the tables in Fellowship Hall, it looked beautiful. When the doors opened we were packed with buyers. We heard many people say it was the best bazaar they had been to, and that they enjoyed our friendly hospitality. Visitors and members enjoyed the free cup of coffee, cookies and juice and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves as they shopped. The bazaar was a huge success. We raised $5,000 for the Lutheran Churches of Haiti and provided an amazing and major community outreach opportunity for our church. We send a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to each person who volunteered in any capacity throughout the year. We thank Becky Jerdee and Judy Daniels for their excellent leadership on this Outreach goal. Dr. Marlyce Holbach Council Member/Outreach Committee Chair

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Family Promise is Becoming a Reality Family Promise of South Sarasota County began hosting homeless families in late October. Area churches are now serving three area families experiencing a time of changing needs. While the parents are working during the day, six children are attending their regular schools while an 18-month toddler goes to Day Care. Part of the Family Promise service is to provide employment counseling as well as some financial counseling for the future. Emmanuel will be the Host Church the last week of December. We had a training session for volunteers on the 19th of November. However, we can always use extra helpers. For more information, please contact Host Coordinator, Lynn Crandall ([email protected]). If you would like more information about Family Promise please visit their website at www.familypromisessc.org. On-site volunteers will make our guests welcome and comfortable. Needed will be 2-3 people to prepare dinner (5-6:30PM), 2 evening hosts (5:30-8:30 PM), 2 overnight hosts (8:30 PM-7AM) and 2 people to prepare breakfast (6-7:30 AM). There is a need for people to do room set-up and take-down. People to do laundry at the end of the week will be needed also. At this time we still need the following supplies: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

8 sets of twin sheets and pillowcase 15 twin size washable blankets 7 sets of hand and bath towels plus washcloth 3 alarm clocks Trial size toiletries --- toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo (regular and baby), hand soap (hotel size), tooth brushes (child and adult), and body lotion An infant bathtub, a playpen, 2 cribs and a booster seat Disposable diapers and baby wipes, baby bottles and liners Toys, books, games, coloring books and crayons Cash donations toward purchasing these items always welcomed.

Please donate whatever you are able: supplies, gently used items, or time. We are blessed to be a blessing! 6

GLOBAL MISSIONS

What does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love, show mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. It has been eight years since Emmanuel became a great companion to the Lutheran Church of Haiti. Through these many years of working together a lot of things have been accomplished for the glory of God. More importantly, we are very blessed to have you in our life as the symbol of God’s hand acting on our behalf. Through your help, a church is being established, a mentality among our people is changing, progress is being made in our communities and the good news of God is being preached to His people. Every Sunday at least three to four children are baptized. The church is multiplying in some of the communities that need assistance in Haiti. God’s love, grace and mercy is at work. It was a wonderful experience to see how the Emmanuel people were putting their time, energy and talents into the bazaar where all the proceeds will go to the church in Haiti. That means a great deal to us and we are very grateful. Let us continue the journey together as the good Lord continues to walk with us hand in hand. Also, an invitation is being sent to Emmanuel to come to Haiti to see the marvelous work God is doing through our wonderful friendship. Come to see and go to tell the wonders of God to his people! May the peace, love and grace of God be always with us!

Emmanuel received a letter and certificate honoring us as being among the top 50 congregations in the ELCA for donations to the Malaria Fund. That fund has reached its goal of 15 million dollars and is grateful for the donations to save many, many lives. Well done! Look for the certificate on display in the narthex. Global Missions Team thanks the congregation for your support all year of our missionaries, Dr. and Mrs. Troester in Africa, Pr. Jacobson in Suriname, and Pr. Livenson in Haiti. Envelopes to support Pr. Livenson can be found in the Welcome Center. Envelopes for Dr. Troester and Pr. Jacobson are the missionary support envelopes in your offering boxes. Please keep them all in your prayers as they labor to spread God's Word! 7

ALL WOMEN, YOUTH and FRIENDS of EMMANUEL

Deborah Circle was amazed at the wonderful gift of 50 hand-made baby gowns made by Betty Keller over the summer. These beautiful sleepers will be part of our baby care kits that go through Lutheran World Relief to refugees around the world. God's Work, Our Hands!

ARE INVITED TO an EVENING OF CANDLELIGHT, MEDITATION and REFRESHMENTS (Sponsored by the Women of the ELCA Board)

It's time to fill the Rub-a-dub-dub tub located in the Welcome Center with wrapped bars of soap for Lutheran World Relief. All bars will be accepted but bath size bars are preferred. The early February shipping date for quilts, kits and soap will be here soon. Emmanuel led the Florida Bahamas Synod last year by donating 299 lbs. of soap. Can we top that this year?

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 5:30 p.m.

Soap is so important for controlling the spread of disease under the crowded conditions in which many of the recipients live. It is hard for us to imagine not having something as essential as a bar of soap with extras in the cupboard or at the store down the street. The next time you reach for that bar of soap, make a note on your shopping list to buy a couple extra bars for one of God's children.

“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”

A service of candlelight meditation with the music of a harp and flute and meditation on the 23rd Psalm to start your Advent journey. The evening will end in the Fellowship Hall with refreshments and fellowship by candlelight.

SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016 NOON 8

LET’S TALK COFFEE FELLOWSHIP… The M.A.S.H zone kitchen days are perhaps coming to a close. When the renovation is complete there will be no more coffee pots perking everywhere, no more toting jugs of water, and taking home dishes to wash!!!! A huge Thank You to all who have helped keep the coffee flowing!!! However, if the life of the coffee time is to continue, we need help. The idea is “many hands make light work”. Here are some of the needs: 1) Three more people to make up the Head Navigator team, so that there will be coverage when snowbirds are gone, etc. Plus we will not “burn out” our volunteers who now are buying the food, coming at 7: 30 to start coffee, and staying till 10:30 or 11:00 to cleanup. WE NEED TO SPREAD THIS WORK OUT. 2) Four people to sign up each Sunday. Two people needed for set up, two people for cleanup. This perhaps will lessen the time commitment and allow more folks to give their time, either before or after the 8:30 worship service, or help cleanup before the 11:00 service by coming a bit early. 3) There could also be an opportunity for you shoppers out there to help purchase the goodies at assigned times to help the Head Navigators. Please think about how often you enjoy the fellowship time, and sign up to keep the coffee and the sharing going. Promoting fellowship is an important part of life here at Emmanuel. Contact [email protected] for any details or sign the sheet on the door near the Welcome Center.

 2016 Flowers, Eternal Lamp and Bulletins are now available for sign-up in the Welcome Center. Look for the white notebook. Please print your dedication and include your name and phone number. Prices remain the same.  Meetings and Events scheduled at the Church Office or on the Church Campus MUST be reserved through Charlotte in the office prior to the event. This avoids conflicts in space and interest. This includes requests for items to be displayed in the Narthex.

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WE WELCOME ALL WOMEN OF EMMANUEL to visit any of our women’s groups and gatherings listed below for biblical discussions and social time. Check the times and dates OR contact the leader for information. We hope you will join us!

DECEMBER Meeting Dates for our Women’s Groups

ANNA:

2nd Monday (December 14) at 7:00 pm – Christmas Social at Lois’s home. Call Lois 484-9182 for information.

DEBORAH:

1st Tuesday (December 1) at 6:30 pm in Room 101. Study Leader: Sarah Borell – “Proverbs-Uncommon Sense”. Call Kathy 486-5385 for information.

DORCAS:

Every Monday in November at 9:00 am in Room 105. Call Jackie 488-7176 for information.

MARY:

3rd Tuesday (December 15) Holiday Luncheon – Time TBD. Email Marian Wissenberg [email protected] for information.

NAOMI:

3rd Wednesday – NO MEETING IN DECEMBER – Judy 496-9716.

RUTH:

3rd Monday – NO MEETING IN DECEMBER – Ruth 497-6766.

SOUL SISTERS: 1st and 3rd Monday (December 7) at 1:00 pm in Choir Room – Biblical discussion. (December 21) Shared Luncheon at Helen’s home. Call Helen 918-2985 for information.

Homebound Birthdays in December: Nancy Letts

Dec. 1st

Judith Voigt

Dec. 6th

And may God look down and bless everyone whose birthdays are here and keep you in His loving care each day throughout the year. May He grant you happiness in everything you do… today, tomorrow, always every day. 10

It’s not too early to put the Annual Women’s Retreat on your 2016 calendar! This is open to all women of Emmanuel and is held on the beautiful grounds of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive in Venice. Prayerfully consider spending the day in fellowship with sisters of faith. Watch for more detailed information in the January Dove and in January weekly announcements.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Sunday Keep It Simple - Al Anon Tuesday Reaching for Personal Freedom - Al Anon Wednesday Big Book Step Study Group – AA Group Wednesday Sisters in Sobriety Women’s - AA Group Wednesday Speaker’s Group – AA Group Thursday Sought thru Prayer & Meditation AA Group Thursday Peace Pipe Al Anon Family Group Thursday On the Island Al Anon Friday SLAA Group Sex, Love, Addicts Anonymous Saturday Saturday Nite Live Al Anon Family Group Wednesday* Alzheimer Support *3rd Wednesday, every month

Room 101 7:00 p.m. Room 103 7:00 p.m. Room 101 6:30 p.m. Room 105 7:00 p.m. Room 101 8:30 p.m. Room 103 6:30 p.m. Room 101 7:00 p.m. Room 101 8:00 p.m. Room 101 Noon Room 101 7:00 p.m. VOTI 1:00 p.m. Mark Manor, 5th Floor

To Submit Information for The Dove: Please send articles and information for Dove publication to Jan Miller at [email protected] by the third Tuesday of every month. Items submitted late will be considered for inclusion as space allows. Thank you for your help! 11

NO CASUAL MAHJONGG IN DECEMBER. Watch weekly announcements for dates in January!

The Solo Sisters on the Go will be having their Christmas Lunch at Cafe Venice on the Island on Tuesday, December 1st at 12:00 noon. All single ladies of EMMANUEL are invited. For more information call Kathy Mittelstaedt.

Volunteer Corner The Garden Angels are working again the 1st and 3rd Friday in December at 9:00am. Everyone is welcome. Mark your calendar, get your garden gloves and tools, and help make the gardens of Emmanuel beautiful. Remember, many hands make light work! Any questions please call Kathy Mittelstaedt.

Pastoral Acts:

In Remembrance…

The church office received word that Rex Wilkinson died on October 23, 2015. Bishop Robert Schaefer, Pastor Mark Bernthal, and Pastor Robert Hall conducted the service for our beloved Interim Pastor Craig Settlage on October 29, 2015. Pastor Hall conducted the service for Judy Verney on November 21, 2015 who passed to the Church Triumphant on October 16, 2015. Burial will be in New York State. Services for Adelia Leopold who passed to the Church Triumphant on November 17, 2015 were held at VOTI on November 20, 2015, officiated by Pastor Bolster. The church office also received word of the passing of Elmer Krichbaum and Paul Erickson.

Baptisms Pastor Hall conducted 2 adult baptisms, Oliver William Urban and Charles Henry Stover on November 17, 2016.

Weddings Anthony Munno and Natalie Lipkan were united in holy marriage by Pastor Hall on November 28, 2015. 12

Once again, we were spared throughout the hurricane season and we want to say thanks to our hurricane wardens who were so willing to volunteer should one hit our area. We say thanks to God that these volunteers were not needed.

* * * Emmanuel Lutheran Church Gives Thanks For the Recent Gifts Received  Emmanuel has received gifts to the ELCA Fund for Leaders in memory of Pastor Craig Settlage from the following: Paul and Kathie Winemiller, Dorothea Smith, Ann Nestor, John and Carole Mersereau, Jim & Lynn Crandall, Eldon and Mary Jean Jensen, Kathleen Pickering, William Oelkers, Tom & Beverly Zwetschke, William and Beverly Roesler, Charles and Joan Hofelich, Stephan and Marcia Tary, Roy and Teri Smith, Sylvia Eckl, Kenneth and Carolyn Ruble, Merton and Karen Johnsrud, Dennis and Jan Shimp, and Rev. Lavern and Mary Ann Franzen.  Emmanuel received a gift to the Dorcas Circle from the WELCA for All Saints Day for those who have gone before us.  Emmanuel received a gift to Pastor’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Roxanne Dill from the Widow’s Group of Emmanuel. Dear Emmanuel Family, We wish to extend our deepest appreciation for all the prayers, cards, calls and hugs during our recent loss of Marty’s sister, Roxanne (Light) Dill. We especially extend our thanks to Pastor Rob and Pastor Pat Large for their visits, prayers and friendship! Thanks to Kathy Mittelstaedt, Jan Quinn and their committee for the lovely reception, and also Kris Bowker, Ruth Circle and the Widows Group. Your friendship was very important to Roxanne and us, and we so appreciate all the love showered on her and us. Blessings and love, Marty & Lois Light, David, Kelley, Joshua & Matthew Light and John, Susan, Nicole & Austin DeRosa

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Dear Pastor Hall and Members of Emmanuel, Thank you so very much for all the loving kindness and care given to Pastor Craig and myself. You are most certainly a blessing…and I thank you. Sincerely, Rachel Settlage

How does that song go? “As time goes by!!” Well, another year has gone by, where I don’t know. I can remember when I was younger, they would tell me “as you get older, the time goes by faster” and I now know that is very true. This has been an exciting year and a busy one with Pastor Hall celebrating his one year anniversary. I speak for the entire office staff by saying thanks to Lore Smith who so faithfully comes every week, sometimes more than one day a week, and oversees the printing of the bulletins and announcements sheets. She also makes sure that your monthly newsletter that brings you the news of Emmanuel gets printed. After that, comes our mail crew. There are many volunteers who come to do “what the postal service” wants us to do. And to make sure that job is done correctly I have my mail co-leaders, Carole and Jack Mersereau and Susan Petruska. It’s amazing how they get the job done and have time to talk, laugh and share friendship with each other. The mail crew handles other large mailings that come to you too. Give the office a call if you would like to join this great group of people; both female and male are welcome. Carol Pofelski is our faithful proof reader who comes in each week to find the errors that we seem to include in our publications. Others proof readers are Deneen Schell and Barb Doll. We even leave some errors in so you, the readers can find them! To my Pew Elves, Welcome Center Volunteers, and the individuals who come in weekly to post the attendance, with your help you make my assignments much easier. To all the many schedulers who make sure we have volunteers for each and every worship service, thanks to all of you. It is all the people behind the scenes that should receive the praises. Thanks to everyone who are my “heroes”; you are the greatest.

Charlotte Graas, Administrative Assistant 14

December Community Outreach

Loveland Center was established in 1962 by a group of parents who sought to provide a productive and safe place for adults with developmental disabilities. From the outset, the vision was to provide more than just a traditional sheltered workshop. Instead, Loveland Center focuses on offering individualized services, which empower adults with developmental disabilities to make informed decisions about their work, lifestyle and citizenship so that they may become more self-sufficient and interconnected within the community. Since its founding, Loveland has expanded to offer adult day training, supported employment and volunteering as well as supported living and group home services for adults with developmental disabilities. The campus currently serves students from Sarasota and Charlotte Counties. Services are offered without regard to race, sex, creed or national origin. There are over 120 individuals enrolled in Loveland’s various programs. At Loveland Center, we believe that we are “not apart, but partners in the community.” Loveland staff and students work together to help create and foster relationships with local businesses, organization and community members. Your donations help make these services possible! Just visit campus for an hour and you will see the impact your gifts have in the lives of Loveland’s students and their families. For more information visit our website: www.lovelandcenter.org.

SPECIAL NOTE TO CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS: Your Annual Report for the Congregation Meeting January 17, 2016 is due to Charlotte by Monday, January 4, 2016.

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Emmanuel Lutheran Church 790 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285-3601

The Dove

December 2015

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