Religion Almanac for June 23

Religion Almanac, a roundup of local religious events open to the public, is published weekly in Faith & Values. Deadline for news releases is noon Monday for the Saturday edition. Send them to Faith & Values, Bradenton Herald, P.O. Box 921, Bradenton, FL 34206, fax them to 941-745-7097 or email to jdela@bradenton.com.

New staff at Tabernacle Church: The Tabernacle Church, 4141 DeSoto Road, Sarasota, has named Jordan Martens as pastor of discipleship and outreach and Lizbeth Viera as the new children's pastor. Martens will be responsible for the men's ministry, life development classes and the mobile ministry which distributes food and clothing donations. Viera is responsible for PowerHouse, the children's ministry that serves kids from ages 5 to 12. Information: 941-355-8858 or www.thetabsarasota.org.

upcoming events

Children's Closet: Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, is collecting children's clothing, from newborn to 24 months, for distribution to needy families. Children's Closet also needs diapers in sizes 2-6 and formula (small cans of Good Start, green or orange label). Information: 941-753-9365.

Volunteers needed: Our Daily Bread, a ministry serving meals to the homeless of Living Lord Lutheran Church, Lakewood Ranch, needs servers for the months of June and July. On the job training is provided. Information: Karen Kitchie at 941-812-2684.

Vacation Bible School: Whitfield Christian Church, 3530 Whitfield Ave., offers Vacation Bible School for children ages 3-12 from 6 to 8 p.m. June 25-28. Older students ages 13-18 will help as assistant crew leaders. The theme is "Sky." Information: 941-753.7128.

Work in Uganda: The Rt. Rev. Zebedee Kahangwa-Masereka, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of South Rwenzori in Uganda, and founder of the Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation, will speak at the Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, at 5:30 p.m. June 26. Bishop Masereka and Dr. Daniel Sambili, the foundation's medical director, will speak about the work to help Ugandans afflicted with HIV/AIDS, and helping thousands of orphans and families that were displaced by rebel conflict in the area. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation and light refreshments will be provided. An RSVP to reserve a seat is appreciated via email to award@redeemersarasota.org or call 941-955-4263.

Extreme Adventure: A new, different summer program for kids 4 years old to sixth-grade, 6-9 p.m. June 27-19 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 30 at Faith Bible Church, 1511 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton. Along with Bible stories and songs, kids can select two different activities including cake decorating, building bird houses or rockets, martial arts, photography, scrapbooking, and designing T-shirts. To register call Sue at 941-782-8807 or e-mail FaithBibleChurch2010@gmail.com.

Early Independence Day Celebration: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St., Sarasota, will celebrate an early Fourth of July with hot dogs and apple pie after the 10:30 a.m. service July 1. New member classes are available. Joining a class does not obligate you in any way to become a member, but will answer plenty of questions about being a Presbyterian. Information: Call Cora Lee at 941-360-1251 or email wclcain@gmail.com.

"In God We Still Trust": A patriotic concert and service honoring the men and women of our armed forces, will be presented at 9:30 and 11 a.m. July 1 at Bradenton First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W. This production is free to the public.

"Teach Me How to Love You More": Connecting in the Spirit Outreach Minsitry, Inc., presents a couples and singles gathering Aug. 17-18, at the Holiday Inn Sarasota Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota. The 6-11 p.m. Aug. 17 dinner, dance and sharing is $27 a person. The 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 18 breakfast and sharing is $15 a person. Register by Aug. 3 by calling 941-355-9000. Contact pastors Roger and Barbara Walker for program information at 772-216-9758.

Trip to Israel: Rabbi Huntting of Temple Sinai, Sarasota, will lead a trip to Israel March 10, 2013. It has been designed by ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America). The itinerary is crafted to appeal to first-time visitors as well as repeat travelers. Information: www.ARZAworld.com. Where it says "search for a tour," type Temple Sinai Sarasota. To attend an organizational meeting this fall, email LaurieTemple@verizon.net.

ONGOING EVENTS

Aglow International/Bradenton Aglow: meets 9:30 a.m. the second Saturday of the month at First Assembly of God, 1820 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

The Altar: 116 46th St. NW., Bradenton, a start-up Assembly of God congregation in Bradenton, meets 7 p.m. Thursdays and 5:30 p.m. Sundays with Pastors John and Gene McIntyre. Information: 941-748-5265.

Beth Israel Messianic Synagogue: holds Shabbat Service at 11 a.m. Saturdays with Hebrew and English Liturgy and Torah service followed by Kiddush and Oneg. Classes for children ages 7-12 are also offered. Services at Peridia Office Park, 3911 Golf Park Loop, No. 104, Bradenton. Information: 941-730-2136.

Bread of Life Mission Inc.: is in need of houses, mobile homes, land, buildings, cars, vans, trucks and/or monetary gifts to assist and help get people off the streets. Information: 941-575-4440.

Card game afternoons: Hope Lutheran Church, 4635 26th St West, Bradenton, offers for those seeking Christian friendship while playing cards and table board games in the Hands of Hope building at 1 p.m. every Monday. No reservations needed. Information: 941-755-3256.

Centro Evangelistico Reflexiones Congregation: Centro Evangelistico Reflexiones Congregation, led by Pastor Daniel Rosales, holds Spanish language services at 10 a.m. Sundays in the classroom of Northminster Presbyterian Church USA, 3131 61st St., Sarasota. The congregation has resumed its 7:30 p.m. Thursday Bible study.

Chabad of Bradenton: 9 a.m.-noon Sundays at Chabad of Bradenton, Suite 101, 11509 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, led by Rabbi Mendy Bukiet. Chabad holds Talmud Classes 7:30 p.m. Mondays. Cost: $45. Torah Studies are held 9 a.m. Saturdays. Shabbat Services are held 7 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. Saturday services are followed by a delicious buffet Kiddush. Havdallah Ceremony & Video Showing on Saturday nights, one half hour after Shabbat's conclusion. Join Chabad for a weekly Havdallah Ceremony and Video demonstration featuring "Living Torah," clips of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's talks, timeless moments, and encounters. Information: 941-752-3030.

Christ Community Church: 1803 57th Ave. W., Bradenton with Rev. David Carter as pastor has Sunday morning fellowship at 10 a.m., worship service at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday prayer service at 7 p.m. Information: 941-755-6162.

Christ Episcopal Church thrift shop: is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at 401 42nd St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4906.

Church of Light Healing Center: 10115 Cortez Road, Bradenton, has services 11 a.m. Sundays. Information: 941-795-5683.

Church of the Trinity: 7225 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, southern Manatee County, has a traditional Sunday service 9:15 a.m. Sundays and a contemporary service with children's sermon at 11 a.m.

Congregation Ner Tamid: Jewish Living and Learning Sunday School for children ages 4-14 meets 9 a.m. Sundays by appointment, at Lakeside Clubhouse, 3817 40th Ave. W., Bradenton. Adult bar and bat mitzvah classes also are offered. Friday night Shabbat services, which are open to the public, are held twice a month. Information: 941-755-1231.

Congregational United Church of Christ: The Congregational United Church of Christ Thrift Store, 5324 26th St. W., Bradenton, has expanded its store in Saddle Creek Plaza. A new furniture annex and expanded book store has been added. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday. Information: 941-739-1018.

Also, a Transitions Support Group meets 5-6:30 p.m. every Sunday at Congregational United Church of Christ to help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, job, health or struggled with addictions or depression. A free-will offering is taken. Information: 941-739-7103 or 941-309 -0200.

Ellenton United Methodist Church: 3607 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, has an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast 8-10 a.m. the first Saturday of the month. Adult Sunday School classes are at 9:45 a.m. Sundays in the Fellowship Hall, led by Pastor Bruce Ebert. Methodist Men meet 8:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month. A potluck dinner is held 5:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month. Information: 941-729-6802.

Emmanuel United Methodist Church: Prayer & Share is at 10 a.m. Wednesdays in the library at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 5115 Cortez Road. Information: 941-792-3497.

Faith Bible Church: Bible Study is at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Faith Bible Church, 1511 Morgan Johnson Road, East Manatee. Preschool program available. Evening class: 6:55 p.m. Tuesdays at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. School-age program available. Information: 941-722-0940.

Faith United Church of Christ: 4850 State Road 64 E., has worship and Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

First Congregational United Church of Christ: 1030 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota, holds classes on keeping your balance 10 a.m. Mondays, taught by nurse Julie Pennella. Information: 941-953-7044.

Full Gospel Tabernacle: The church has a community sing the last Saturday of each month at 2903 11th St. Court E. Information: 941-746-3634 or 941-748-8102.

Gulf Coast Fellowship of Christian Athletes: conducts a tennis program for tots to teens (ages 4-18). All programs will be held at the Tennis Center at Palm-Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way. The programs are geared to develop/enhance tennis skills as well as provide spiritual development. Information: 941-539-6083.

Heaven Cent Thrift Shop: 5858 44th Ave. E., East Manatee, is open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Information: 941-745-1663.

Hope Lutheran Church: 4635 26th St West, Bradenton, invites teens and young adults to participate in contemporary worship on 11 a.m. Sundays. More vocalists & musicians are needed for the Hope Lutheran praise band. Bring a friend and worship together; casual attire recommended. Information: 941-755-3256; or www.HopeLutheranFL.com.

Narcotics Anonymous: Hope Lutheran Church, 4635 26th St. W., Bradenton, offers free Narcotics Anonymous group meetings 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in the Fellowship Hall. Information: 941-755-3256.

Lakewood Ranch Ladies Devotional Hour: is held 10 a.m. Thursdays at Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Information: 941-727-3789.

Living Lord Lutheran Church: Our Daily Bread/Project 5000 at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11120 S.R. 70 E., Lakewood Ranch, is collecting grocery bags filled with unbreakable containers to feed local families. Each bag will feed a family of four for two days or a family of two for four days. Also, the Quilters and Crafty Ladies meet 3 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month to make lap robes and quilts for the needy in Manatee County. Experience quilting is not necessary, just willing hands. Information: 941-753-9365.

Longboat Island Chapel: As part of its Aging in Paradise Resource Center, which addresses the issues of aging, introduces its memory loss support group to the communities of Sarasota and Manatee. The group meets 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every other Wednesday. Information: 941-383-6491.

Manatee County Meditation Group: meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-915-1454.

My Father's House Church: 7215 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, has Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Youth Bible study for all ages is at 9:15 a.m. Sundays. The thrift store is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: 941-776-9016.

Northminster Presbyterian Church: 3131 61st St., Sarasota, has changed to its Sunday worship service to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a coffee hour following. Tuesday Bible studies continue in the Fellowship Hall with Pastor Chris Carlson. Times are 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Orthodox Catholic: The Synod of Governing Bishops for the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church announced the opening if their new church temporarily at 2700 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 11B, Sarasota. The Very Rev. Archbishop Jacob J. K. Longacre was appointed first pastor. All seven sacraments will be available in the Orthodox Form by making an appointment with the pastor at 941-954-0330.

Our Lady of the Angels: Grief support groups meet at 6 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 12905 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch. Information: 941-752-6770.

Palmetto First Baptist Church: 7:30-9 p.m. Sundays at Palmetto First Baptist Church, 1020 Fourth St. W., Palmetto. Information: 941-722-7795.

Parrish United Methodist Church: Sunday worship times are 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. at 2180 U.S. 301 N., Parrish. The church's thrift cottage is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays at 12140 69th St. E., Parrish. Information: 941-776-1539.

Peace Presbyterian Church: a congregation of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., has moved to a new location in Lakewood Ranch: the Manatee Board of Realtors building, 10910 Technology Drive. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. Information: 941-753-7778.

Quakers: Sarasota Friends Meeting is at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3139 57th St., Sarasota. nformation: 941-358-5759 or visit http//sarasota.quaker.org.

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

St. Joseph Church: A caregiver/family support group meeting is set for 1-2:30 p.m. Mondays at St. Joseph Church, 3100 26th St,. W., Bradenton. Information: Marianne Ridgell of Home Instead Senior Care at 941-739-3050.

Stillpoint House of Prayer: Intercessory-prayer workshop groups are now forming at 1608 14th St. W. For a schedule, call 748-6835. Contemplative-prayer groups meets at 11 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday. A Spanish Bible study and prayer and rosary group meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Information: 941-748-6835 or 941-795-0130.

Temple Beth El: a reform congregation, conducts Erev Shabbat Services at 7:30 p.m. every Friday evening and Shabbat Services with Torah study at 10 a.m. every Saturday morning at 4200 32nd St. W. The temple also conducts religious school classes three Sunday mornings a month and Hebrew school classes Wednesday afternoons by Susie Konicov. For more information, call 941-755-4900, 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday through Friday.

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

Temple Emanu-El: Under the direction of its Social Action Committee, Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, continues its food drive for those in Sarasota-Manatee who go hungry. Nonperishable boxed and canned foods may be placed in a marked bin in the Temple lobby during business hours and before and after Shabbat worship services. All donations benefit the kosher food pantry at Jewish Family and Children's Services or All Faiths Food Bank. Information: 941-966-9561.

Trinity Lutheran Church: 2200 26th St. W., Bradenton, hosts recovery group meetings. The schedule: Alcoholics Anonymous: 8 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; Overeaters Anonymous: 7 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

Trinity United Methodist Church: 3200 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, weekly Bible study on the book of Romans, will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Information: 941-737-3704.

Vessels Unto Honour Ministries: has moved to 3517 15th St. E., Bradenton, Sunday worship service is held at noon and Life Enrichment service is held 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Wildfire Ministries Bible study classes: will be 7:30 p.m. Fridays at the Hampton Inn, 5810 20th Court E., Ellenton.

Zen Zone: American Buddhist nun Gen Kelsang Demo is teaching meditation 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday at the Zen Zone, San Marco Plaza, 8209 Natures Way, Suite 217, Lakewood Ranch. The class consists of a guided meditation, a short talk and an opportunity for questions and answers. Each talk is part of a series, yet is self-contained. This means participants can drop in at any time. Cost: $10 per class ($5 for students/seniors). For more information, call 941-373-1600 or e-mail info@MeditationInSarasota.org.

This story was originally published June 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Religion Almanac for June 23 ."