At our Christmas Party on December 6, Mary Ellen concluded her service as President after four years of dedicated leadership. During her tenure, she provided outstanding guidance and faithful service to our organization, and we are deeply grateful for her commitment.

At that time, Krystle Atkins (that’s me) was installed as the new President. While this role brings significant responsibility, it is a blessing to serve alongside such a strong and supportive leadership team. The team includes Patty Wood, Vice President; Pam Di Sarro, Secretary; Jan Nurenberg, Treasurer; and Donna Jean Christy, LWML Representative, among many other dedicated women who contribute their time and talents.

All women who are members of Faith Lutheran Church are members of the Women of Faith, and we warmly welcome new participants at any time. Meetings are typically held the 2^nd Tuesday of the month in the Discipleship Room at 5:30 p.m. Our next meeting will be held on January 13 at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to gathering together and encourage all interested women to join us.

I began attending Faith Lutheran Church in the fall of 2020 after seeking a church home where I could worship and grow in faith alongside my son, David Zenger. After many years of searching, I knew it was time for us to find a spiritual home. From our very first service at Faith, it was clear that we had found that home.

Since then, our involvement in the life of the church has grown in many meaningful ways. For me, this included participating in Women of Faith events and eventually attending the monthly Women of Faith meetings. In the spring of 2025, Mary Ellen approached me about the possibility of serving as the next Women of Faith President. While I was initially hesitant, through prayer and with the encouragement and support of many Women of Faith members, I felt called to accept this role.

At the meeting following my decision, I was deeply moved by the warm and gracious welcome I received. The faith and confidence shown in me by these women was truly humbling. I now pray that, by God’s grace, I may continue to grow in confidence, serve faithfully, and help this remarkable group of women continue to thrive and grow together in faith.

The Women of Faith have experienced a truly blessed year in 2025. As highlighted in the December Voice, we have been able to accomplish a great deal and extend support to many individuals and organizations through the generous prayers, encouragement, and contributions of our church family. With this continued support and the donations received, we have been able to assist those listed below, as well as many others.

• WOF Lent Soup and Sandwich Supper – Love Offering was given to Faith’s Disaster Relief Fund. This allows Faith to be able to continue to assist those locally after disastrous events like hurricanes, fires, etc.
• WOF Spring Tea – Cancer Alliance Network (CAN), an organization that can provide some financial assistance to a person/family receiving chemotherapy and has an interruption with their employment.
• Easter Breakfast - The Love Offering went to allow the youth of Faith Lutheran Church to shop for Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) Baby Boutique. This not only helps the parents visiting the boutique, but also provides a valuable learning opportunity for our youth.
• In July, we collected school supplies for Manatee Elementary School and delivered them in August before the start of the school year. This was the fourth year we have chosen an Elementary School in our community to supplement school supplies for students who may need the extra help.
• LWML - This year we sent representatives to the Spring and Fall LWML Zone Rally’s with monetary Gifts from the Heart.
• Thank you for your generous donations for the Mite Box collection this year.  We have sent over $1,600 to the Florida Georgia District!
• Our end of the year monetary gifts were sent to Concordia Food Bank,
  Manatee Elementary School, & FLC General Fund. 

Several significant events are upcoming for the Women of Faith. These include the LWML Weekend, scheduled for January 24–25, 2026, and the Women of Faith Retreat, to be held February 13–14, 2026.

The LWML Weekend is being thoughtfully planned by Donna Jean Christy and Pam Di Sarro. The Women of Faith Retreat is being organized under the excellent leadership of Patty Wood, with the support of the Women of Faith Retreat Planning Team.

Please watch for additional information posted throughout the church as these events draw closer.

As we look ahead with gratitude and hope, the Women of Faith remain committed to serving God, our church, and our community through fellowship, service, and prayer. We thank each of you for your continued support, encouragement, and participation. May God continue to bless the work of the Women of Faith, guide our leadership, and strengthen us as we grow together in faith and service.

In Christ’s love,
Krystle Atkins
President, Women of Faith