Experiencing the HOPE Of Jesus Christ

Transcription

1 Experiencing the HOPE Of Jesus Christ Grace and peace, January 2017 It s a new year, always a time to dig in a look forward. We have some changes going on in this country. A new president will take the oath of office in January and begin a new chapter in our nation s history. No one ever knows what new administrations will look like. Some people are relieved at the prospect while others are hesitant and even fearful. In all of this we try to find a way to love one another and walk together. Only in Jesus can we ever really love each other the way in which we ought. God is sovereign no matter what. Daniel said, "Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him."It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. Daniel 2: January is often a time of fasting and prayer within the church. I would encourage taking extra time in prayer to set a good agenda for the year and open our lives to the best that God has for us. Pray for our nation and the world that Christ would rule. Pray for wisdom four our new president and governmental leaders. Pray for an openness to hear the voice of Jesus to direct our every step. It s a new year and a new day of hope. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Ps. 31:24. Happy New Year. In ministry together, Pastor Pam 1 P a g e

2 Council Corner Is God calling you to serve this congregation as a member of the Church Council? Each year at the annual congregational meeting we elect members to the church council. As you might prayerfully consider stepping up to fill a vacancy on the council here are some things to keep in mind: The Church Council has general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation and is responsible for maintaining its financial and property matters. The Council is charged with making sure that our worship life and all that we do follows our constitution and the faith and practices of the NALC, but more importantly, is in accordance with the Word of God and our Lutheran Confessions. A council member must be a Voting Member of the congregation. Serving on Council is more than just conducting business. It is very rewarding, can help strengthen your faith, and sometimes is just plain fun being in fellowship with fellow members who care deeply about the life of House of Prayer. All it really takes is a love for Christ and a willing heart, God equips you with the rest! If are interested in serving on Council, please see Joan Klotz or Pastor Pam. Annual Congregational Meeting Jan 29: The Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Jan 29, 2017 after the Sunday Worship Service. This is an important meeting for all members as it is a time to recap the past year and look forward to the year to come. We will vote to approve the 2017 annual operating budget and elect new members to the Church Council. The Youth Group will serve a potato bar before the Annual Meeting. 2 P a g e

3 New Wednesday Bible Study Pastor Pam will begin a study of the book of Daniel on January 18. This will be Wednesday s from 10:30 to noon. We will begin on time with prayer and move into this wonderful study of God s provision and sovereignty. Come and bring a friend. Women of HoPE What Not to Wear! There are some things that are just fashion "no no's" when it comes to walking and living like a Christian woman! Come join the Women of Hope at our meeting on Saturday morning Jan 21 at 10:30 as we discuss how we can wear and display the right things in our lives as Christians. All women of House of Prayer are welcome. Bring a friend! Prayer Shawl Group meets at 9:30 a.m. before Women of HoPE. Youth Group Get excited! The youth group is going tubing to Paoli Peaks Saturday January21st. Discipleship Class: Pastor Pam is starting a new class on Discipleship ( Experiencing Real Living ) Sunday mornings at 9:15 AM. Books cost $ This is a course on the foundations of our faith. It is relevant for beginners as a dynamic course on the Christian faith. It is also most appropriate for those who have been around awhile. Don t miss this. The church is struggling to still be vital and to keep the doors open. Take the time to dig into the word and find hope and answers to life. As we study God s word, the life of faith will grow and so will the faith of our church. 3 P a g e

4 Calling All Members! How would you like to be an Usher for Sunday Worship? I bet you didn t know how important our Ushers are some of their duties include: Greet members & friends, providing them a bulletin Help new members & visitors find seats, use pew pads Provide visitors a welcome packet, sign the guest book Offering Distribution of communion And so many more other helpful ways of making our worship experience positive. If you re interested just see pastor for ways you can get involved. STEWARDSHIP Stewardship Have you signed up for your Service Team for 2017? Worship & Music Team-Music, Drama, Usher, Greeter, Acolyte, Altar Guild, Lector, Communion Assistant Education Team-Sunday School Teacher, Adult Education, Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, Nursery Stewardship Team-Fall Stewardship Drive, Capital Campaigns Outreach Team- Community Events/Service Projects, New Member Welcome, Evangelism Fellowship Team-Coffee Hours, Social Events, Hospitality, Potlucks, Outings, etc. Pastoral Care Team-Serving Meals, Visiting shut-ins, Prayer Team, Confirmation Sponsor Facilities & Property Team-Upkeep of church building, lawn care, snow removal, building committee, cleaning team Administration Team-Office help, Church Council, Webpage, Facebook, Newsletter, Sunday Counters 4 P a g e

5 OUTREACH HoPE Mission Water Wells for Zimbabwe Our ministry focus for the summer has been to raise funds for sponsoring the drilling of a bore-hall (water well) in the community where our mission partner Bishop Dube ministers. Each well costs $4000 to construct. We re over half way. $ is a drop in the bucket. Gourmet Giving Coffee Bar - Grab a latte or cappuccino, an expresso or a hot chocolate. ½ of the price goes to our well mission in Zimbabwe. Volunteer Opportunities Warm Blessings: is looking for volunteers to help at their daytime warming shelter. Contact Gerrie for opportunities. (270) Room at the Inn: Local churches are partnering to bring temporary comfort to area homeless by providing lodging and meals. HoPE would like to provide a weekly meal, either breakfast, dinner or a boxed lunch. For more info on how you can get involved, see Pastor Pam. Helmwood Nursing Home: Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Matthew 25: P a g e

6 Do you have a heart for helping people? Helmwood Nursing Home and Rehabilitation can use your help. We have had a caring and visitation ministry with Helmwood for many years. The activities director has given us some needs that I m sure we help to fill. # Callers for Bingo Visitors Assisting staff with activities Reading to residents Sharing coffee and conversation Caroling Whatever you can do. Call Candy Vincent at Helmwood, Further reading: Matthew 25: Summer Youth Group Mission Trips It is never too early to start planning your summer activities. Checkout the Narthex bulletin board for great mission trip ideas. Point of contact is Pastor Pam. Buy a Brick Building Committee Brick orders are ongoing. We will order for each 10 we receive. Get yours in this month. You can do in memory of someone or in honor of a special occasion. Check out the bricks in the entryway! 6 P a g e

7 Building Fund Thank you to those who have given so faithfully to the building of the Hope Center. We have raised close to $50,000 for our building, but that is not nearly enough to break ground Please help your church. This plan has been in the works for 48 years. Have you bought a brick? If you are giving regularly, it is not hard to fill out a form and give to Steve Klotz. What are you waiting for? Calendar Items Weekly Bible Study: 10:30 am Weekly Women s Study Group: 6:30 pm Noon Healing and Holy Communion 1 st & 3 rd Wed. Christmas Décor & Nativity storage Sat. Jan 10:00 am Youth Group Snow Tubing Sat. Jan 21st Council Meeting Jan 6:30 pm Building Committee Meeting Jan 5:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry Jan 9:30 am Women of Hope Jan 10:30 am, Annual Congregational Meeting Jan 29 after worship (Youth hosting a potato bar prior to meeting) 7 P a g e

8 Noon Eucharist 1 st, 3 rd, 5 th Healing 3 rd Wednesday Sunday Schedule Christian Education 9:15 AM Worship 10:30 AM Wednesday 10:30 AM Bible Study 8 P a g e