October 29, 2009 / Sarasota, FL – Faith Lutheran Church of Sarasota officially dedicated its new Faith Community Center with a series of community events held the weekend of October 23, 2009. All events were free and open to the public, opening with a Friday night Celebration Concert performed by The United States Army Chorus Quartet and Army pianist Master Sergeant Dr. Joseph Holt, and 450 people attending.

Faith Organist/Choir Director Roger Roszell; Dr. Joseph Holt; Army Quartet member Robert McDonald, Faith Pastor Stephen Winemiller; and Quartet members Pablo Talamante, Alvy Powell, and Stephen Cramer

Saturday, the church invited the entire Sarasota community to attend a day of fun, family-oriented activities that include games, outdoor fun, Bingo, face painting, crafts and inexpensive barbeque, hot dogs, and bratwurst lunch. Sunday morning, The Reverend Dr. Stephen Bouman, Director, Division for Outreach & Evangelism, ELCA was the guest preacher, and a formal Dedication Ceremony followed, led by The Reverend Edward R. Benoway, Bishop, Florida-Bahamas Synod, with Dr. Daniel Moe conducting a choral, organ, and brass work composition of his own, specifically commissioned for this occasion.

Faith Lutheran Church Youth Minister Paul Goodman and Youth Choir Director Heidi Goodman display the Youth and Family banner made especially for the Dedication ceremony.

After the service, led by church members carrying 18 colorful, handmade celebration banners, the Voices of Faith choir; guest clergy including The Rev. Dr. Rita Gardner Tweed, Assistant to the Florida-Bahamas Synod Bishop-ELCA; deacons from Faith and clergy from other local churches, along with Faith's Senior Pastor Stephen Winemiller and Assisting Pastors Rev. Larry Wright and Rev. Dr. Robert Mursch, all processed to the new Faith Community Center for a short dedication ceremony. Pastor Winemiller gave tributaries to all who were involved in the new building process, celebration, and dedication.

Dr. Daniel Moe; Dr. Joseph Holt; Faith Deacons Joyce and Luther Jungemann; Faith Organist/Choir Director Roger Roszell; and Faith Lutheran Church Pastor Stephen Winemiller

The new building has 14 classrooms, conference/meeting rooms, a regulation-size basketball court, choir room, and banquet facilities to accommodate up to 400 people seated at tables, and 550 people in a lecture/concert set-up. The Center can accommodate uses ranging from youth activities, sports, community lectures and concerts, business meetings, and large-scale functions.