Religion Almanac: March 11

The annual fund drive for our sister church in Haiti, Eglise Lutherinne D’Haiti, is being held through March 26 at The Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. Drop off or mail contributions that go direct to the Haiti church or call for additional information, 941-753-9365.

▪ The Center for Spiritual Living Manatee holds services at 11:30 a.m. Sundays at the Unity-in-the-Woods campus at 4200 32nd St. W., Bradenton. Rev. David Owen Ritz, March 12 and 26. Rev. Maria Shamaya Clemente, March 19. Potluck and fellowship are offered after services. spirit@cslmanatee.org.

“Songs in the Key of Happy” with Goodman Revival 7 p.m. March 11 and Dixie Echoes 6 p.m. March 12 at Happy Gospel Church, 1915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. Love offering received. 941-756-6942.

Join Connecting in the Spirit Outreach Ministries Inc. during their fifth anniversary March 9-12. “Are You in the Right Place,?” is 7 p.m. March 9-10, 4 p.m. March 11 and noon and 4 p.m. March 12. The church is at 4301 32nd St. W., Suite B-5, Bradenton. Information: Deacon Alton Bryant at (941) 526-0771.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has selected 11 award-winning films for its 2017 Jewish Film Festival, presented by Allegiant Private Advisors. The festival is March 12-19 at various venues in Sarasota County. Tickets are $12 per film, except the opening night film and dessert “to-go”, which is $25. An 11-film festival pass is $125 and offers one non-reserved seat at the opening night film and dessert reception and one screening of each of the 10 remaining films. The closing night dinner, which includes a multi-course Israeli culinary adventure, is $50. Tickets can be purchased online at http://jfedsrq.org/events/jff17 or by calling 866-465-3995.

Shoreline Church is hosting a Ladies’ Bible study on “Identity” every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA through March 15. For more details, visit thisisshoreline.com or email office@calvaryshoreline.com.

Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez, is hosting a special series of lessons nightly at 7 p.m. through March 11 and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. March 12, with a different speaker each night. The theme of the lessons is “The Case for Christ.” Contact Kevin Hall at 941-216-6286 or email at CortezFloridaChurchOfChrist@gmail.com for more details.

▪ Lenten services at The Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, will be held at 7 p.m. every Wednesday through April 5. 941-753-9365.

▪ Trinity Lutheran Church, 2200 26th St. W., Bradenton, will hold Lenten services 5:45-7 p.m.Tuesdays (meal, study and worship) and noon Wednesdays (traditional worship). 941-747-3081.

▪ Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6311 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, will offer Lenten soup and sandwich 6 p.m. Wednesdays followed by a “Mindfullness” service at 7 p.m. 941-792-5990, rlcbradenton.org.

First United Methodist Churchat 104 S. Pineapple Ave. in downtown Sarasota will have a five-week Lenten Bible study (“Amos: Prophet Of Social Justice”) 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, through April 5. Rev. Dr. Sam Wright will lead the study for which there is no charge. Contact the church office (941-955-0935) for additional information and to register.

Monthly gatherings of Temple Emanu-El’s Mitzvah Knitting Group continue at 10 a.m. March 14 at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road in Sarasota. Welcoming all knitters and crocheters, the Mitzvah Knitting Group enables attendees to use their talents to brighten the lives of others while making new friends. Participants socialize together while crafting blankets, caps, and booties for babies; these creations are donated to local groups as well as to needy families in Israel. Mitzvah Knitting Group participants are asked to bring their own knitting needles or crochet hook and – if desired – a favorite pattern and yarn. Patterns and yarn will also be provided. For more information, please email susanhope22@comcast.net.

The book is “Putting Away Childish Things” by Marcus Borg. Book study at Faith United Church of Christ, 4850 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton, is 9 a.m. Sundays through March 12 or 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through March 14. Sign up by calling the church office 941-746-8890 or email to faithchurchucc@verizon.net.

“Purim in Morocco” is Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch’s creative twist to this year’s 12th annual community Purim celebration, which will be held at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, 1-3 p.m. March 12. The event will be held outside The Chabad House in a Moroccan tent and will feature camel rides and Moroccan-themed entertainment. Participants will enjoy a Moroccan-inspired luncheon. In addition, the celebration will feature Henna games, hamentaschen (traditional Purim pastries), Moroccan music, comedy with The Rabbi & cantor, children’s Morrocan-themed crafts and activities as well as a child-friendly reading of the biblical scroll of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillah. In the spirit of Purim, participants are encouraged to come in Moroccan themed costumes and be included in the Moroccan Masquerade, which will award prizes to contestants with the most innovative or funny costumes. The event is a community-wide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. To help cover expenses, guests are requested to pay $18 adult, $12 per child (3-12). Seating is limited and payment at the door is $25 adult and $18 per child. 941-752-3030, www.ChabadofBradenton.com.

“Deep Sea Discovery: God Is With Me Wherever I Go!” is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade is 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 20-24March at Manatee United Methodist Church, 315 15th St. E., Bradenton. Contact the church office at 941-746-0101 for more information.

Redeemed, a mixed collegiate ensemble from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, will perform at 6 p.m. March 12 at Bradenton First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W. Buddy Liles, bass/baritone with the Florida Boys Quartet for more than 25 years, will be featured in concert at 6:30 p.m. March 22. The Ball Brothers Quartet will perform at 10:45 a.m. March 26. A free-will offering will be received. 941-812-1923.

On March 12, organist Stephen Hamilton will present a recital of seasonal Lenten music: Marcel Dupré’s monumental “Le Chemin de la Croix (The Way of the Cross)” at 4 p.m. at Christ Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Accompanied by poetry readings which inspired the composer Dupré, the 14 sections of music trace the traditional Stations of the Cross. Recital is free and open to the public. 941-737-3843.

Organist Ken Cowan (thought of as one of North America’s best concert organists and often featured on the American Public Media radio show “Pipedreams”) will play a concert 6:15 p.m. March 19 at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. The concert will follow a 45-minute solemn Evensong service, which begins at 5:15 p.m. Concertgoers are welcome to attend Evensong as well or just attend the concert. A reception with wine, cheese and light dessert will follow the concert in Gillespie Hall. Tickets can be purchased for a donation of $20 at the door or through this link: http://www.redeemersarasota.org/great-music-series-american-guild-organists-present-ken-cowan-concert/.

Mark Smeby will perform at 5:30 p.m. March 25 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6311 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. A free will offering will be collected. 941-792-5990, rlcbradenton.org.

Temple Beth El of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch presents “Introduction to Judaism” 7 p.m. Thursdays at Braden River Presbyterian Church, 5150 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton. Join Rabbi Michael Sternfield as he presents a 14-week class for people of all faiths whether Jewish or not who are interested in conversion to Judaism, in a relationship with a Jewish person or are simply interested in learning more about Judaism. This class is open to all at no charge. 941-755-4900.

Bradenton First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St W., Bradenton, will host the Priscilla Shirer Live simulcast on April 8. Cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. Registration after April 1 is $20. Doors open at 9 a.m., event begins at 10 a.m. Call the church office at 941-794-1685 to register.

ONGOING EVENTS

A faith-based Addiction & Recovery Outreach Program for men and women who struggle with addictions will be held 7-9 p.m. Fridays in the back of Bible Baptist Church, Room 201, 2113 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton, as our RU (Reformers Unanimous) Chapter K0455 meets. RU offers Biblical solutions that can help break the chains of addiction and bondage through the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no cost to those who attend, and we are here to assist and encourage those who want change in their lives.

Longboat Island Chapel, issues of aging, memory loss support group, 941-383-6491, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every other Wednesday.

At First Assembly of God, 1820 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 9:30 a.m. the second Saturday of the month.

Cortez Commons shopping center, 5710 Cortez Road, Bradenton, Jewish learning classes, workshops, and events year-round, including public concerts on Sunday afternoons, Jewish history courses, holiday celebrations, films, and Holocaust educational services, advocacy services free for elders and Holocaust survivors. Jewish Bible study group meets at 2 p.m. Tuesdays; $7 suggested donation. 941-313-9239.

At 6051 26th St. W., 941-254-3250 or go to mychurchisalive.org, 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.

Interdenominational Christian fellowship, Peridia Office Park, 3911 Golf Park Loop, No. 104, Bradenton, 941-730-2136 or 941-565-1989, 11 a.m. Saturday Shabbat service with Hebrew and English liturgy and Torah service followed by Kiddush and Oneg, 7 p.m. Sunday meetings at a home for worship, prayer and fellowship.

Offers a faith-based and Christ-centered addiction program 7-9 p.m. Fridays. All are welcome. The church is at 2113 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton. 941-746-6221.

Meet at 5150 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton, bradenriverpc.com or 941-739-0202.

Needs houses, mobile homes, land, buildings, cars, vans, trucks and/or monetary gifts to help get people off the streets, 941-575-4440.

Spanish language services, Pastor Daniel Rosales, Northminster Presbyterian Church USA, 3131 61st St., Sarasota, 10 a.m. Sundays, Bible study at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Services, studies: 5712 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch, led by Rabbi Mendy Bukiet, 941-752-3030. Talmud clases 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays. Torah studies, 9 a.m. Saturday. 11 a.m.-noon Saturday CKids Shabbat Club. Shabbat services are 7 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturday followed by buffet Kiddush.

The Rev. David Carter as pastor, 1803 57th Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-755-6162, 10 a.m. Sunday morning fellowship, 10:45 a.m. worship service, 7 p.m. Wednesday prayer service.

Thrift shop, 401 42nd St. W., Bradenton, 941-746-4906, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

10115 Cortez Road, Bradenton, 941-795-5683, 11 a.m. Sunday services.

7225 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, 941-355-0847, 10 a.m. Sunday service.

Jewish Living and Learning Sunday School for children ages 4-14, Lakeside Clubhouse, 3817 40th Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-755-1231, 9 a.m. Sundays by appointment.

Thrift Store, 5324 26th St. W., Bradenton in Saddle Creek Plaza, pickup service for large donations, 941-739-1018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.

Currently studying the books of Hebrews and Ecclesiastes, and maintaining zeal for God. Meets at 12111 45th Ave. West, Cortez, 941-216-6286. Sunday Bible study at 10 a.m., worship service at 11a.m.

3607 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, 941-729-6802, 9:45 a.m. Sunday service, 11 a.m. adult Sunday school; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday Thrift Shoppe open.

Prayer & Share, 5115 Cortez Road, 941-792-3497, 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

1511 Morgan Johnson Road, East Manatee, 941-722-0940, Bible Study is at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, evening class is at 6:55 p.m. Tuesdays at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Worship and Sunday School, 4850 State Road 64 E., 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

Balance classes, 1030 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota, 941-953-7044, 10 a.m. Mondays.

First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, offers Contemporary Worship at 9 a.m. and Traditional Worship at 11 a.m. with organ and choir. Discipleship and Classic/Family Sunday School classes begin at 10 a.m. Child care is available for children ages 5 and under. firstpresbradenton.com, 941-746-6141.

Services, 603 11th St. W., Bradenton, fumcb.com or call 941-747-4406, 10:30 a.m. traditional Sunday service, 9:15 a.m. adult Sunday school.

Community sing, 2903 11th St. Court E., 941-746-3634 or 941-748-8102, last Saturday of each month.

Palmetto Presbyterian Church, 1115 10th Ave. W., Palmetto, is offering a GriefShare Grief Recovery and Support Group 3:31-4:55 p.m. Thursdays. In the coming weeks topics such as “The Journey of Grief,” “Stuck in Grief,” “Why” and much more will be covered. The public is invited. For more information or to register call 941-722-3513. The group is also offered from 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays Jan. 15-April 9 at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Resverations: 941-792-3141.

Tots to teens (ages 4-18) tennis, at Tennis Center at Palm-Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, 941-539-6083.

Open, 5858 44th Ave. E., East Manatee, 941-745-1663, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Worship 5 p.m. Saturday, 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Free Narcotics Anonymous group meetings 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and 7 p.m. Thursday. 4635 26th St. W., Bradenton, 941-755-3256.

Devotional hour, Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, 941-727-3789, 10 a.m. Thursdays.

11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, 941-753-9365, Sunday worship services at 8, 9:15 and 11 a.m. Nursery open 8 a.m.-noon, Bible Study at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Classes are from nursery through high school and involve fellowship, music, Bible stories, activities, etc. Open to all. Begin at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary with the pastor’s youth message and then move to the classrooms until 10:30.

Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St. W., Bradenton, 941-915-1454, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Bible study, 7215 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, thrift store is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 941-776-9016, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Youth Bible study for all ages, 9:15 a.m. Sundays.

3131 61st St., Sarasota, in Fellowship Hall with Pastor Chris Carlson, 941-355-4729, 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship with a coffee hour following, Bible studies 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays.

The Synod of Governing Bishops for the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church opens new church temporarily at 2700 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 11B, Sarasota, the Rev. Archbishop Jacob J.K. Longacre is first pastor. All seven sacraments available in Orthodox form by making an appointmentat 941-954-0330.

Service, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-792-3141, 9 a.m. Dawning, 11 a.m. Traditional Sundays.

Services, 1020 Fourth St. W., Palmetto, 941-722-7795, 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

Sunday worship, 12140 69th St. E., Parrish, 941-776-1539, 8:15 a.m. traditional, 9:45 a.m. contemporary and 11:11 a.m. blended services, 9:45 a.m. Sunday school.

Presbyterian Church USA, 12705 State Road 64 E., Lakewood Ranch, 941-753-7778, 9:30 a.m. Sunday services.

Prayer Time at Revelation Ministries, 1919 14th St. W., Bradenton, 941-726-3464, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

At Williams Elementary School, 3404 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish, Church of the Nazarene affiliate, nursery care and children’s church, 941-794-1685 and rivereast.org, 5:30 p.m. Saturday services.

Fellowship Hall, 512 Pine Ave., Golfing for God, second and fourth Wednesdays, Jesus and Youth, 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays; Roser-Robics, 9 a.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. Fridays. Boomer Bootcamp, 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday. Joyful Noise Choir, 3:15-4 p.m. Tuesdays. JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, 11 a.m. Wednesdays. 941-778-0414.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearses every Thursday evening at 7 p.m., Hecht School, Jewish Federation Campus, Sarasota. We are a friendly, spirited performing group in the Sarasota/Manatee community, eager for new singers for our 17th season. Call Susan at 941-355-8011. Ability to read music is preferable. People of all voice parts and all faiths are welcome. Check us out at: sarasotajewishchorale.org

3100 26th St. W., Bradenton, 4 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Marianne Ridgell of Home Instead Senior Care, caregiver/family support group meeting, 941-739-3050, 1-2:30 p.m. Mondays.

11315 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. 941-751-5048. 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services. Nursery open 9 and 11 a.m. services.

1608 14th St. W., 941-748-6835, Contemplative-prayer groups at 11 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Spanish Bible study, prayer and rosary group, 9 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

4200 32nd St. W., reform congregation, religious classes three Sunday mornings a month and Hebrew school classes Wednesday afternoons by Susie Konicov, 941-755-4900, Erev Shabbat services at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Shabbat services with Torah study, 10 a.m. Saturday. .

Social Action Committee of Temple Beth Israel collects donations for the Bill Galvano One Stop Center, 701 17th Ave. W., or dropped off at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, medication funds, socks, mosquito repellent, toilet articles and soap, shoes, jeans, baby diapers and formula, reading glasses and bicycles.

151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, Social Action Committee, food drive, place nonperishable boxed and canned foods in a marked bin in the Temple lobby during business hours and before and after Shabbat worship services. All donations benefit kosher food pantry at Jewish Family and Children’s Services or All Faiths Food Bank, 941-966-9561.

2200 26th St. W., Bradenton, GIFT: Generations Growing in Faith Together 10 a.m. Sundays. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

Weekly Bible study, 3200 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-737-3704, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Services, 3517 15th St. E., Bradenton, noon Sunday worship, 7 p.m. Tuesday life enrichment service.

Bible study classes, Hampton Inn, 5810 20th Court E., Ellenton, 7:30 p.m. Fridays.

This story was originally published March 10, 2017 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Religion Almanac: March 11."