News & Notes

OUR FINAL MID-WEEK LENTEN SERVICE will be held this Wednesday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. 

Financial Report

“KEYNOTES” ARTICLE  DEADLINE  

 Please submit newsletter articles to appear in the June issue of Keynotes to Pam Becker, in the Church Office,  on or before Wednesday, June 14th.  E-mail to  office@starmandschurch.com or Fax 388-1360.  Thanks!

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ELCA  CHURCHWIDE 

ASSEMBLY  UPDATE

The 9^th Biennial Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA was held in Orlando, August 8-14.  What follows is a letter from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson outlining significant Assembly decisions.  A fuller review of the Assembly and its actions is available in the Narthex.  Also, as noted by Bishop Hanson, the October issue of “The Lutheran” will include Assembly information. 

Dear ELCA Leaders: 

Greetings from the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, Florida.  I am writing to update you on some of the actions taken by the Assembly.

 I am profoundly grateful for the voting members from throughout this church who have given careful thought and prayerful consideration to the deliberations and decisions that have taken place over the last week.  I am also grateful that the assembly’s work and its participants have been held in prayer by congregations and individual members throughout this church.

 On Friday, August 12, the Assembly focused on the three recommendations related to the ELCA Studies on Sexuality.  In response to these recommendations concerning homo-sexual people in this church, the Assembly took three actions:

l Approving Recommendation One by a vote of 851 in favor and 127 against (majority required).  The action urges this church to “concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion we share as members of the body of Christ.

l Approving an amended version of Recommendation Two by a vote of 670 in favor and 323 against (majority required). The action asks that this church “continue to respect the guidance of the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops,” which found no basis for the establishment of an official ceremony for the blessing of a homosexual relationship.

The Assembly reiterated this church’s welcome to gay and lesbian persons and its trust in pastors and congregations as they “discern ways to provide faithful pastoral care to all to whom they minister.”

l Declining to approve Recom-mendation Three by a vote of 490 in favor and 503 against (two-thirds vote required).  This action means that there is no change in this church’s policies concerning the ordination, consecration, and commissioning of rostered leaders.

 The Assembly also approved recommendations related to Renewing Worship, including the introduction of a new worship book for this church.  Other actions include approval of two ethnic ministry strategies, Interim Eucharistic Sharing with the United Methodist Church, and the restructuring of the churchwide organization.  You will find information on all of these actions at www.elca.org/assembly/05. 

 The October issue of “The Lutheran “ magazine will include a full report on the Assembly.

 Thank you for your continued prayers and ongoing support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

 Living in God’s Amazing Grace,

 Mark S. Hanson

ELCA Presiding Bishop

 NOTE:  The next Biennial Assembly of the ELCA will be held at Navy Pier in Chicago,  August 6 - 12, 2007.

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JUST IN CASE …

If and when inclement weather or serious storms raise a question as to whether or not it is safe to gather on our lovely island for worship, word will be shared with the congregation in one or more of the following ways:

  By a message left on the answering machine at church (call 388-1234), if possible...

  Via “Phone Tree,” our automatic calling system.  This assumes there is sufficient time for the system to do its work.

 By notice posted on local media – Channel 6 (SNN), Channel 7 (ABC), or JOY FM (88.1) on the FM radio dial.

 Of course, our hope is that such notification will not be necessary, but, just in case… the above information should be helpful.

The Church Council wanted to share these procedures for the benefit, well-being, and convenience of all.

PARISH  NOTES

Holy Communion

MEET OUR NEWEST  MEMBERS

What a joy it was to receive a great group of new members to our Family of faith on Sunday, March 5.  Be sure to extend the hand of fellowship and welcome these sisters and brothers in Christ to SAKLC.

 Judith Ammerman is a retired educator. She comes to us from the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Mineola, NY where she was very actively involved.

 Larry & Ginny Baker  split their time between Florida and Wisconsin. They have lived in a variety of places and call Longboat Key home when in Sarasota. The Bakers have three children.

 C. Ray Burkhart  has roots in Ohio but spends significant time in Sarasota, too. He resides on Lido Key when in Florida.

 Jackie Gageby  was born in Minneapolis but now calls Florida home. She sings in the choir along with her sister, Marilyn Hagland.

 Richard Heise & Altanette Autry met and were married in Minnesota. Dick is a retired investment Banker while Altanette retired from her work as a food and equipment consultant. They live in Osprey.

 Roe & Joni Hitchock and children, Jordan, Jarren, Morgan, & Jonathan moved to Florida from Indiana. They are presently living on Longboat Key.

 Fred & Sue Keitel spend part of the year in Ohio and part of the year on Anna Maria Island. They join us as Associate Members.

 Caroline Kuh resides at the Sarasota Bay Club. She comes to us from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. She is the mother of Art Kuh, a member of our Church Council.

 Richard & Sharon Leslie are both Illinois natives who now split their time between Sarasota and Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Sharon is a retired teacher who still teaches on occasion, while Dick retired from his position at the Chicago Tribune.

 Debbie Leslie is our new Director of Youth Ministry at SAKLC.  She moved to Sarasota from Texas where she was a university instructor; personal trainer and athlete coach. A trained exercise physiologist, Debbie has participated in Triathlons and various other competitions. 

 The Rev. Robert & Ausma Mursch live in Venice. They moved to Florida from Mineola, NY where Bob served as the Pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Savior and Ausma was the Executive Director of Lutheran Counseling Center.  Ausma continues to be involved with Wheat Ridge Ministries.

 Peter & Betsy Semchuk were both born in Jersey City, NJ. They now live on Longboat Key. Recently retired from the restaurant business, Betsy is an RN while Pete has a background in banking.

 Karen Stern came to Florida from Wisconsin where she retains an Associate Membership at her congregation in Neenah. Karen is an avid reader and consumed over 300 books in her first year of retirement.

 Larry & Trudy Wagner enjoy their home on Bird Key when they are not “up North” in the Pittsburgh area. Both like to golf and go boating. Their son, James, is preparing to attend the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.

 Roger, Linda, & Mallory Walleck moved to Florida from Poughkeepsie, NY. Roger is an insurance company executive, Linda is a homemaker, and Mallory is a high school senior. The Wallecks live in Lakewood Ranch. 

NEW MEMBERS

Please add the following new members to your address directories: 

*  Associate Members

	PAUL SCOTT HARDIN Born: February 22, 1958 Baptized: January 22, 2006 In the Meditation Garden, SAKLC			In Loving Memory ELSA GREULICH Passed from this part of life on February 10, 2006 Elsa is Barbara Lang’s mother.
	In Loving Memory MILT OSTERMANN Passed from this part of life on March 1, 2006 Services will be held in Wisconsin			Stephen & Janis Rauch 6303 Thorndon Circle University Park, FL  34201 (941) 351-6863
	Barbara Andersen 4410 Exeter Drive   #K-206 Longboat Key, FL  34228 (941) 383-7253			Joan Wampler 6290 Medici Court    #103 Sarasota, FL  34243 (941) 758-3891
	Roy & Bev Aach 8146 Indigo Ridge Terrace Sarasota, FL  34201                (941) 359-0591			BECHTEL, Martin 2441 Terry Lane Sarasota, FL  34231 941-927-7109 - Home 941-685-7358 - Cell
	Dorthea May Olson October 5, 1916 – April 15, 2006 A Memorial Service will be held at SAKLC on Saturday, June 24, at 3 p.m.			Betty Jean White January 21, 1917 -- April 7, 2006 A Memorial Service was held at SAKLC on Friday, April 21, at 11 a.m.

SAKLC CIRCLE of FRIENDS

WE  SAY  “YES” – AGAIN!

You may recognize the theme – “We Say Yes.”

Once again, our annual stewardship effort will focus on this statement of belief.  As God’s people, we seek to be faithful by saying “yes” to a God who has said “yes” to us through the gift of his Son and in many other ways.  Each of us will have the privilege of making our response of time, talent, and treasure on Consecration Sunday, November 13.

Saying “yes” to God is what each of us has an opportunity to do, once again, as Consecration Sunday approaches.  Responding to an always gracious God who has said “Yes” to us through the gift of his Son and in countless other ways is a privilege for each of us.

 God in Christ calls each of us to be faithful to him.  Faithfulness obviously involves saying “yes” to our creator.  The joy of giving that flows from saying “yes” is a reality that many have experienced.

On Consecration Sunday, November 13, each of us will be invited to say “yes” to our Lord and to his church as we indicate how we intend to further God’s mission in the year ahead.

As Consecration Sunday draws near, spend time in prayer asking God how your time, talent, and treasure might best be shared.

 Consider how God might work through you so you might be a blessing to others.

 Consecration Sunday will be November 13.  A special mailing in mid-October will provide helpful information related to this year’s Stewardship program.  As Consecration Sunday and the opportunity to respond to the God who has blessed us in countless ways draws closer, please prayerfully consider how you might say “yes” to our creator and, thus, be a blessing to others.

THANKS SO MUCH!   Our request for a large screen T.V. for use in the educational ministry program at SAKLC was fulfilled promptly by Dr. Hans and Lynette Salheiser.  We are deeply grateful to Hans and Lynette for their thoughtful response to this need.  The beautiful set they provided was perfect for our need.

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“FAITHBOOKING”  

 Would you like to help preserve the history of SAKLC?  We are planning to begin placing photos, newspaper clippings, historical documents and other memorabilia into “Faith Books” which are made of materials to protect & preserve the items enclosed.  Two processes are involved.  First, we will prepare and arrange all of the tangible items.  If you have scrapbooking, crafts, or artistic interests, we need you!  The second step involves using the unique writing instruments for recording the informational/Scriptural content.  If you have good penmanship and/or creative writing skills, we need you too!

 Please call Pam (388-1234) in the church office if these tasks sound interesting and fun.  

Our first session was held on Friday, September 23, at 9:30 a.m. 

A FAST & SIMPLE Way to preserve and share your faith stories in albums.

 You will be able to take your pictures out of boxes and put together a FAITHBOOK in 4 simple steps!

 This is not “scrap booking,” where the emphasis is on the decoration..  A faithbook is a collection of pictures and stories that demonstrate how alive God is in our past, present, and our future.     If you are interested in attending such an event, more information and a sign-up sheet are in the Narthex.  Questions? Call Jackie Whalen 387-8001.

 Anyone who is interested in helping to arrange articles and photos of church activities in a faithbook, should call the church office at 388-1234 for more information. 

FAITHBOOKING

Preserving the History at SAKLC

  The Faithbooking/Historical Committee is planning to meet on Thursday, February 9, at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room.  Beverly Burn, Committee Chair., has completed picture stories which combine digital photos and video, music, and narration which will be shown to those interested in joining the group.  Anyone with artistic abilities is needed to help arrange pages in the photo books.  If you are interested in helping out, please contact Beverly Burn (925-4794) or the church office (388-1234).

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MARY HOUSE TO CLOSE

 For years, SAKLC and other congregations have supported the Ministry of Mary House.  We recently received the following letter from Mary Lou Mickey, President of Mary House.

 Dear Friends of Mary House:

 We, on the Mary House Board of Directors, have had to make a very difficult decision.  In the best interest of all concerned, we have decided to close Mary House as of August 1, 2005 after almost fourteen years of ministry to women.

 The last few years we simply could not make ends meet.  Donations have fallen off sharply, volunteer help has become scarce, and competition in the community has had a negative effect on Mary House.  Although we have had a significant impact on the lives of many women, a number of the women who were not serious about their recovery moved to new houses in the community that do not offer a therapeutic environment and a structured program for recovery.

 Our ministry has always been a Christ centered program to help women with drug and alcohol problems find a new life in recovery – not to simply provide housing.  We feel it would be irresponsible of us to sacrifice the integrity of what Mary House has always stood for to fill our house and not provide a program for recovery. 

 This decision did not come easily.  Only after much prayer and deliberation have we come to this conclusion.  We sincerely thank all who have helped Mary House through the years.  You have been a blessing to many.

 Appreciation is extended to all who contributed to Mary House through the years.  Your support changed lives.

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-----WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NEEDED -----

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Just a reminder – we are presently seeking additional persons to serve as greeters, ushers and communion assistants at both the 9 & 11 a.m. worship services, as well as a person or two to help with the sound board.

Also – it’s not too late to indicate interest in serving as a “Eucharist Minister.”  This ministry involves assisting with the distribution of the Sacrament of Holy Communion to the sick and shut-in members of the congregation. 

 Please call the Church Office for more information about these opportunities to serve. 

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

DEADLINE

 Many thanks to the volunteers who schedule worship assistants for the worship services.  

Deadline for May participants is April 20.  

Please call or e-mail Pam Becker in the Church Office 388-1234 on or before that date. 

 If you are scheduled to participate but find you are not able to serve that day, please call the appropriate coordinator to reschedule.  

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SCHOLARSHIP  FULLY  FUNDED

As you will recall, at the end of last year the church council approved establishing the David B. Larson Memorial Scholarship at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, as a way of remembering one who had contributed in countless ways to the life of SAKLC and the whole church.  A contribution of $5,000 was made to the Scholarship, with the understanding that when the Seminary’s guideline of $10,000 was reached, the fund would begin generating support for a deserving seminary student.

 The good news is we have already surpassed that $10,000 threshold.  With the Council contribution, the proceeds from last May’s golf tournament for this purpose, special gifts from David’s family and friends and a generous $1,500 grant from the SAKLC Foundation, we have moved well beyond what the Seminary requires to activate the fund. 

 What a marvelous accomplishment that is.  Thanks to all who have supported this wonderful effort in any way.

 David’s legacy lives on.  The Scholarship is a beautiful expression of his “let’s get the job done” approach to life and will provide for those preparing to serve in the church year after year after year.

 To God Be The Glory!  

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MONDAY  NIGHT 

ADULT BIBLE 

STUDY PRESENTS ….

 Aside from Jesus himself, no one has had a greater influence on the founding of Christianity than Paul of Tarsus, through his missionary outreach to the Gentile populations of the civilized world.  This four-week course profiles young Saul, the Hebrew Pharisee, and his conversion on the Damascus Road; and chronicles his travels in Israel, Turkey, Greece and Italy as Paul the Apostle.  This DVD presentation will transport you to the very sites of the ancient world written of in the Bible and present you with archeological and historical evidence of Bible references.  It is narrated by Dr. Paul Maier, professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, and a well known Biblical archeologist.

 Following the DVD presentation there will be a time for life-application and expansion of the themes presented in the DVD during a soup or spaghetti “working dinner.”  Both the DVD presentation and dinner are part of the class.  All materials are provided.

 Look for sign-up sheets on the bulletin boards in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall during the month of December.  For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Janis Rauch at 383-3279, or e-mail stevepub@comcast.net,   -  Subject: St. Paul

Alaskan

         Cruise

The SAKLC Alaskan Cruise would make a wonderful Christmas gift to that very special person.  Fast forward the weeks ahead to June 25, 2006.  Imagine yourself leaving Seattle and scenic Puget Sound on the Holland America deluxe ms Westerdam beginning an exciting week of visiting ports and places including:  YAKUTAT BAY & HUBBARD GLACIER, JUNEAU, SITKA, KETCHIKAN, and VICTORIA, BC.  Call Cathy DeGeorge (921-6178) or Dave Lund (387-0085) for a brochure and details.

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SYNOD  ASSEMBLY 

DELEGATES

The Florida-Bahamas Synod will hold its Annual Assembly, May 5-7 in Orlando.

The Assembly provides an opportunity for those gathered to hear reports, discuss issues, and make decisions related to the work and mission of the Church. Representing SAKLC will be lay delegates Carol and Richard Elliott and Pastor Wogen.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Contribution statements for the first quarter of 2006 were mailed in early April.  Please take a moment to review yours when you receive it, and if there are any questions or concern, please contact Dick Watermeier at the church 388-1234.

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More News Tidbits for the SAKLC Community

Please contact us for more information about these upcoming events.

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