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The above verse is our typical Gospel Acclamation for Lent. On Transfiguration Sunday, February 14 of this year, we put away the “alleluias” for the season and turn our focus on the spiritual discipline of repentance. For some of us, it may seem like we put the alleluias away last Lent when the pandemic hit and haven’t brought them out or uttered “alleluia” ever since! Certainly, I hope we all have found reasons to praise God these past months despite the challenges, but we can admit our praise has sometimes been muted.

This month brings the joy of Valentine’s Day as we celebrate the gift of love in all forms as a small “alleluia” in the midst of our situation. We pray especially for our members who live alone and are more isolated, that they feel the closeness and love of family, friends, and God even while apart. Soon afterward, we enter into the season of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 17. I will be offering another sermon series, this time focusing on our Old Testament first readings called “The Promises of God” this Lent. We’ll reflect on that great promise from the prophet Joel that many of us know well from our worship liturgy on Ash Wednesday. Yes, there is a call to return to God, to repent. But there is also a great love note from God that he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. This is the first promise. From there, we’ll recall stories of Noah and the rainbow, Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Jeremiah to our present-day situation, reassuring us of God’s steadfast commitment to us. God continues to shower abundant, steadfast love upon us regardless of our circumstances.

We are God’s resurrection people. The days are already staying lighter longer. Some of us have had the blessing to receive the first dose of a vaccine. Easter and spring will be here before you know it. We will sing “alleluia” together again! Let’s encourage one another this month that God is faithful, God keeps his promises to us, and God always brings new life out of death. Resurrection is coming! 

FEBRUARY 2021

231 Jackson Avenue, Syosset, New York 11791

516-921-3330 [email protected]

www.faithsyosset.org FB: faithlutheransyosset

Pastor Rebecca Sheridan 516-281-4418

[email protected]

Church Secretary: Linda Boccafola

Piano/Organist: Travis Bloom

CongregaNonal Council: Linda Boccafola

Ivy Chang Fred Diekmann Pamela Freitag

Carl Juul-Nielsen Richard Lin

Evelyn Meyers Ruth Minkoff Jeanne Sofia

Stewardship CommiPee

Lydia Kaboolian Evelyn Meyers Ruth Minkoff

Treasurer Ruth Minkoff

Financial Secretary: Evelyn Meyers

Prayer Chain: Lydia Kaboolian

Property CommiPee: Neal Burns

Fred Diekmann Carl Juul-Nielsen

Sunday School: Linda Boccafola Pamela Freitag Ruth Minkoff Linda Moore Janet Phelan Pamela Weiss

Mission Statement We preach, teach, and

share God’s love in Christ

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in

steadfast love, and relents from punishing. ~ Joel 2:13

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mailto:[email protected]

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Experiencing the Joy of GenerosityIn a couple of weeks, we will begin a three-week stewardship emphasis titled Experiencing the Joy of Generosity. This will be an exciting and beneficial three weeks of

sermon messages and lay presentations. We believe this program will be a blessing to those who already are experiencing the joy of being generous with the gifts God has given to them, and we hope and pray that this effort will help many more experience the joy that comes from giving faithfully and generously.

When we give to God through giving to our church and others, we experience one of the true joys of being Christians. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). God doesn’t need our gifts, but he asks us to give them. God accepts and uses them and gives us joy in sharing them. As we respond to God’s love for us by giving back to him part of what he’s given to us, he reacts by giving us even more. “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Although we don’t give so that we will receive God’s blessings, God’s Word promises us that, when we give faithfully and willingly, we will receive an abundance of spiritual blessings and, for some, material blessings as well.

Have you ever wondered why you are left with such a joyful feeling when you are able to give a gift to your church or to help a person in need? The answer to that question may be rooted in us as Christians who are being recreated in the image of God. To be made in God’s image means we are made to be like him whose nature is to give. Giving helps us feel fulfilled as we reflect God’s nature. Although the image of God was lost by sin, as those converted by faith in Jesus, we “have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10). Our Creator empowers us to give joyfully to our church and others according to his will. With this attitude of joyful gratitude, God

keeps us close to him, and others see his image through us.

Our pursuit for fulfillment and joy culminates in the discovery that we receive those things when, by God’s grace, we respond with eagerness to God’s directive to give. Like David, we exclaim, “But who [are we]…that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we give you” (1 Chronicles 29; 14).

We hope and pray that the emphasis Experiencing the Joy of Generosity will be a blessing to you and your family!

Sunday SchoolIn February, our Sunday School will continue to focus on the greatest of Bible stories, including the Walls of Jericho, Ruth and Moses! These lessons will help our children understand more about how

compassion, love, loyalty and faith drive us towards the Lord and feeds us full of His grace. A Zoom session will be available for those who are not able to attend. We will resume collecting Sunday School donations to support additional animals in the Heifer International Project. The children and their families did such a great job in the first half of the Sunday School year, we are hoping to be able to financially support another farm animal that will add warmth, nutrition and earnings to those in need. Please keep the coins coming!

Council CornerAt our January meeting on January 17th the Council decided on the following items:

• Ash Wednesday is on February 17th. There will be a 7:00pm in-person service as well as a virtual service but no imposition of ashes.

• Nursery School Task Force has decided to open the school in September for 3- & 4-year-old children for a half day program five days a week without a license. They will use the classrooms downstairs. They will staff the school with a

FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS FROM THE PEWS

of 3 6director/teacher, another teacher and two assistants to start. The Home School Group will continue to use the upstairs classrooms.

• Property Committee reported that the new oil tank has been installed, the electrical work is completed and the tree trimming project on the church property is done. Projects to be worked on in the coming weeks include better lighting outside, front church doors to be repaired and classrooms downstairs to be cleaned for nursery school.

• Stewardship Committee is preparing their Stewardship Program which will run from March 7th through March 21st.

• Treasurer’s Report – We are holding our own at this time. We will again apply for another PPP loan.

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Like our Facebook Page, Faith Lutheran Church at https://www/.facebook.com/faithlutheransyosset/. Also check us out on our website at www.faithsyosset.org. Our YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz51Ic5Hy6URvNyVM-AEe0A.

Saturday Bible Study: This February 6 & 20, we are beginning a new Bible study on the book of Job. All are welcome to join us online or in-person in the church library on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 10:30am.

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.  https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/543333293

You can also dial in using your phone.  United States: +1 (312) 757-3121

Access Code: 543-333-293

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:  https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/543333293

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Faith’s Council has established a running list of designated gift priorities for our church. If you would like to give a special gift in memory or in honor of someone, or simply to support our church’s ministries outside of your regular offering, the current list is below:

1. Office Door Replacement

2. New Windows Fund

3. Fellowship Hall Lighting

4. Organ Fund

5. New long tables for Fellowship Hall

6. Landscaping and Biblical Garden upkeep

Please contact Linda Boccafola, secretary, or Pastor Rebecca for further questions.

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Don’t forget! Our church is online as an option for charitable donations when you purchase orders through Amazon. For Faith to get .5% proceeds from your orders, you need to go to the following link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/11-1855652. Or go to smile.amazon.com and search for Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Syosset.

You may register to give electronically on the front page of our website or mail in your offering. Thank you for remembering to support our church during this uncertain time!

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On Saturday, February 6, we welcome Olivia Catherine Ricketts officially into the family of God through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Olivia’s parents are James and Lauren Ricketts, her godparents are Erin and Ken Bruno, and her grandparents are Amy and Jim Zanfardino.

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Ash Wednesday worship is at 7pm in-person and on our Youtube channel on February 17, 2021.

This year, we will refrain from offering the imposition of ashes.

FEBRUARY 2021

https://www/.facebook.com/faithlutheransyosset/http://www.faithsyosset.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz51Ic5Hy6URvNyVM-AEe0Ahttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz51Ic5Hy6URvNyVM-AEe0Ahttps://global.gotomeeting.com/join/543333293https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/543333293https://smile.amazon.com/ch/11-1855652

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We have packages of 50 surgical masks available for anyone who needs to restock this winter. You may pick them up at the church office on Sunday mornings or Monday-Friday, 9am to 1pm.

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Exploring Faith Classes continue at 11am on Zoom or in-person in the church library on February 7 & 14. This month’s topics are Service and Advocacy.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/97974136036?pwd=ejdvMGpOWWpKWnpXeWdKN0QyZ3Fwdz09

Meeting ID: 979 7413 6036  Passcode: 438342

One Tap Mobile

+16465588656,,97974136036# US (New York)

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February February

8th Linda Moore 10th MaYhew Kaboolian & Colleen Dabal 11th Pam Freitag 21st Chase Filandro 23rd Richard Lin

14th James & Amy Zanfardino 23rd Erich & Brunhilde Erichsen

FEBRUARY 2021

Prayer ConcernsJean Amols, Beth Speiser,

Steve Fritz and his family (nephew of Everett & Linda Boccafola),

Shirley McLaughlin and Ann Relyea (Linda Moore’s mother and aunt),

Meredith Coleman, Helen Shannon (mother of Tricia Shannon

and friend of Lydia Kaboolian),Ed Franc,

Beth Jones (sister of Lydia Kaboolian), Helen Kaboolian (mother-in-law of Lydia

Kaboolian), Zachary & Alexandra Thomas and their

daughter, Eliana Melody (granddaughter of Pam Morritt

Freitag), John (Jack) Caliolo,

Ellish Marquart (a daughter of a long-time friend of the Ahlers family),

Anthony Martillo,Josie Shaw (granddaughter of Janice Krut, a

former member of Faith Church),Bill Schultz,

Mary Cilibrasi (friend of the Kaboolian family),

Olivia Melia (sister-in-law of Linda & Everett Boccafola),

Gary Guarnotta (friend of Janet Phelan & Linda Moore),

Barbara Krampitz, Kathryn Mortimer (daughter of Joan Jensen),

Marianna Berkowitz (friend of Margaret Schuffenhauer),

Johanna Hazarian (stepmother of Lydia Kaboolian),

Evelyn Yanatos (friend of Ruth Minkoff),Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of

Levittown, Jim Schmale (husband of Betty Schmale),

Richard HanceThe January to December 2020 giving statements were mailed out on January 22nd. If you have not received yours please call the church office and we will mail you a duplicate copy.

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Altar Guild for the Month of February: Norma Burns

Acolytes Communion Assistants Lectors Ushers CountersSunday School

Teachers

February 7th

Ushers Support,

when needed

Not Required

Neal Carl, Neal Evelyn/Lydia Ruth

February 14th Lydia Neal, Carl Pam/Ivy Pam F

Ash Wednesday February 17th Lydia Carl, Neal Evelyn/Lydia

February 21st Ivy Neal, Carl BeYy/Norma Ruth

February 28th Jeanne Neal, Carl Linda M/Ivy Linda M

FEBRUARY 2021

February 2021 Happenings At Faith Lutheran ChurchSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Jan 31 Feb 1 2 3 4 5

• 7:30 pm AA

6

• 10:30 am Bible Study

7

• 9 am Bell Choir

• 10 am Worship Service

• 10 am Sunday School

• 11 am Exploring Faith on Zoom

• 7:30 pm Confirmation Class

8

• 9 am - 3 pm GPA PMA

9


• 7:30 pm AA

10


11


12

• 7:30 pm AA

• Lunar New Year

13

14

• 9 am Faith Bell Choir



• 11 am Exploring Faith on Zoom

15

Office Closed

16

• 7:30 pm AA

17

• 7 pm Ash Wednesday

18 19

• 7:30 pm AA

20

• 10:30 am Bible Study

21





22


23


• 7:30 pm AA

24


25


26


• 7:30 pm AA

27

Feb 28





Quick Links: • YouTube Channel: hYps://bit.ly/39Rp0n2 • Exploring Faith Zoom: hYps://bit.ly/3p76Ioj • Sunday School Zoom: hYps://bit.ly/39XnQGN

https://bit.ly/39Rp0n2https://bit.ly/3p76Iojhttps://bit.ly/39XnQGN

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Requirements for Use of the Faith Lutheran

Church facility EffecNve date: May 17, 2020

1. We strongly suggest that individuals who are deemed vulnerable by the State of New York stay at home unNl all restricNons are li]ed. You can parhcipate with the

2. Church Services via social media. Should you need assistance in doing this please contact the Church office via 516-921-3330*.

a. An in-person service, outside or inside Sanctuary Hall, will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday*. b. A YouTube service will be live streamed or uploaded and be available by 10am. Sunday*. c. The online services can be found and accessed via the faithsyosset.com website, “Media” tab and our

Facebook page*. d. We will conhnue our Zoom Fellowship Hour at 10:45am on Sundays to nurture our community*. e. Saturday Bible study and meehngs will conhnue online*.

3. Take your temperature before coming to church, and stay home if you are exhibihng any COVID-19 symptoms including fever, coughing, diarrhea, loss of sense of smell or taste, fahgue, etc.

4. Please avoid using our church bathrooms unless you have a dire need. 5. All guests must wear masks while they are on the grounds or in the Church facility. You will be provided one

as you enter if you do not come with one from home. Should you have difficulty with the Mask, the ushers should assist. Please use hand sanihzer provided as you enter the building and before you exit.

6. All guests must use wipes provided by the Church to wipe down all areas they touched and their seats and seaNng area before and a]er their use. In addihon, our sexton will thoroughly clean all bathrooms and the sanctuary and narthex following worship.

7. All guests must stay 6 ] or more apart from everyone that does not live in their home. They should follow the rules of their home for their own family.

8. All guests should enter the church through the sanctuary front doors or elevator entrance and follow the signs and requests of the ushers to proceed directly to their seat for worship or meehng. All other doors will remain locked. An usher will escort you to your pew. Remain in your pew unhl an usher dismisses you.

9. During the Church service*: a. BulleNns will be provided on a seat or available for you to pick up - make sure that you and your

family are at least 6 feet apart from anyone else at Church. Should you need more please raise your hand before the service begins.

b. Communion will be distributed at the end of worship by the Pastor. Because liqing a mask contaminates it, please wait to commune unhl aqer you exit the church building.

c. Passing of peace will be done by a wave, showing of praying hands or salute to each other from your seat locahon.

d. An offering box will be available as you exit the Church. 10. There will be no coffee hour/food or any other social gathering that will bring people closer than 6 feet

together. Excephng the sanctuary, narthex, and bathrooms, the church building will be off limits at this hme. Please avoid socializing and join us on Zoom for fellowship later.

11. Sunday school will be held in the Library in person or virtually. Materials will be provided to anyone who will parhcipate virtually. Please contact the Church office.

12. There will be no congregaNonal singing for in-person worship. Recorded or instrumental music will be provided. Those who would like to sing may sing along with our YouTube worship service.

13. The readings will be completed by walking up the center aisle to the pulpit. All areas of the Church that are used must be wiped down before and aqer use.

14. Pastor will be making arrangements for those who cannot aPend worship in person to receive Holy Communion. *these items are specific to the Faith Lutheran Church service

FEBRUARY 2021

yt|à{ bÑxÇá wÉÉÜá · 2/1/2021 · linda moore janet phelan pamela weiss mission statement...

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