HOPE HOME NEWS Vol. XLV N o 5 May 2018

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1 HOPE HOME NEWS Vol. XLV N o 5 May 2018 Published Monthly by: HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4131 Lehigh Drive, P.O. Box 1030 Cherryville, PA hopecherryville.org Worship Hours Sundays 8:00 & 10:30 AM until May 27 th Summer Hours Begin June 3 rd 9:00 AM Sunday Worship Sunday School 9:15 AM until May 27 th Church Office Hours 8:30 3:00 PM Monday Friday

2 ** The current income statement is posted in the narthex.** NEWSLETTER SCHEDULE All committees, groups and persons submitting content for the church newsletter should follow the schedule listed below. Articles may be edited so we do not exceed Post Office guidelines. Please your articles to Nina Weiss Thank you. Edition June July Article Deadline Friday, May Noon Friday, June Noon Collation Date Thursday, May 10:00 AM Thursday, June 10:00 AM Please let the office know if you need to update your delivery method of the Hope Home News. The paper copy contains all the news that s fit to print on six pages. The digital version generally runs longer. SYNOD NEWS The May 2018 issue of Synod News is available online. Visit HOSPITAL CODE FOR HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH CHERRYVILLE: 251

3 GREETINGS FROM THE PASTOR... From Pastor Jami Possinger I came across this quote by William Osler a few days ago: We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from it. This quote has been walking with me ever since. And I began to wonder if I am adding to the world or simply taking what I can get from it. Which got me to thinking that you and I can make the world a brighter and richer place. The question is simple: Do we? Do we encourage others to be the best they can be without qualifying our encouragement based on our expectations? Do we give sincere compliments to others even for simple seemingly insignificant things? Do we do our best at our jobs so that we'll be good role models to others? Do we actually use our creative talents and take care of our bodies and our spirits? The truth is that the world can be a richer place if more people were to contribute in positive and not negative ways constructive not destructive ways ways that add positively to the world and our lives rather than take selfishly. It's very easy to do our jobs and get our paychecks and feel that we're doing enough that we ve made our contribution to society. This lifestyle I think diminishes us as the spiritual people that we are. We are only in our bodies for a limited amount of time in order to contribute to the world not to take from it to leave behind something good that comes from the fact that we walked this earth. So this day don't make yourself poorer than you have to be. Enrich yourself by spreading encouragement and love and compassion and compliments and anything else that you can think of that can make this world a brighter place. I leave you with this quote from Marianne Williamson: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the Blessings, Pastor Jami world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. PASTOR BRIAN S PREPONDERANT BUSINESS On Wednesday April 4, 2017 the National Council of Churches held a rally in Washington DC to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A small group from our congregation joined the Lehigh Valley Council of Churches bus trip down. We left at 4:00 AM and arrived at the National Mall around 8:30. The official rally began at 9:00 but there had been a worship service going on since 8:00. We heard prayers from a variety of faith traditions, and I specifically remember a Zoroastrian priest. We ended this portion with a Confession for the church s complicity in dealing with issues of racism. The emcee of the rally was an African American pastor from Chicago. Speakers discussed a variety of issues including systematic racism, police brutality, white privilege, and mass incarceration. Some notable speakers included the current pastor of MLK s church Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, actor Danny Glover, Black Lives Matter leader DeRay Mckesson, and Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield who gave a moving speech on white privilege. One powerful phrase from DeRay Mckesson sticks with me: that racism is able to adapt and manifest itself in different ways from to slavery to Jim Crow laws to present day mass incarceration. Others reminded us of what MLK called the Triple Evils of society: poverty, racism, and militarism, and called on the church to do more in confronting these evils.

4 I recall one African American pastor reminding us of Micah 6:8. She repeated that the church does a fine job of loving mercy but continually fails at doing justice. The church does well when it comes to comforting the afflicted, but not in seeking societal changes that end their affliction. It is not just our calling to calling to feed the poor, but to seek ways of ending poverty and hunger. It is not just our calling to visit the sick, but to seek ways of ensuring everyone has the healthcare they need. It is not just our calling to be nonviolent in our personal life, but also to stand against war and violence on the international level. It is not just our calling to be nice to people with different color skin, but also to educate ourselves on how the system favors certain groups and to work to make America a land of opportunity for everyone. Jesus was crucified because he taught of an alternative vision for the world, which He called the Kingdom of God. This vision was a threat to Roman imperial power and it is a threat to the status quo today. Jesus calls us to manifest the Kingdom and MLK preached of building the Beloved Community. And while the church does a fine job of loving mercy we can and must do better at doing justice if we are to achieve this vision. I left the rally feeling particularly drawn to educating myself and others about mass incarceration and doing my best to help deconstruct this current manifestation of systemic racism. I feel inspired and motivated, but at times impatient and frustrated. There are times when we might even want to give up because we feel there is so little one person can do. But this coming month, on Monday May 21, a group from Hope will be travelling to Harrisburg for LAMPa Day at the Capitol. I hope you will join us to learn more about how we can help change the world, and join the movement to ending the Triple Evils of poverty, racism, and militarism following our Christian calling to love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with our God. CENTERING ON PRAYER with PASTOR BRIAN Centering Prayer will meet Wednesday May 2 nd at 2:00pm and Monday May 7 th at 6:00 PM. We will then meet Wednesday May 16 th but not on the third Monday of the month (PB will be with LAMPa in Harrisburg). Both Monday and Wednesday groups will meet again the first week of June. COUNCIL HIGLIGHTS APRIL 2018 The pastors are still looking for members to represent Hope Lutheran at the 2018 Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly from Friday Saturday, June 8 and 9 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, PA. We need two delegates one male and one female. If you are someone who might be interested please let me know. The congregation pays for lodging and meals for this event. Property Committee is having the first of possibly two spring clean-up days on Saturday, April 28 th from 8:00am 12:00pm. All members are invited to help get the outside of the building in shape. The Evangelism Committee is hosting a bus trip to see Jesus at Sight and Sound and a National Day of Prayer service on Thursday, May 3 rd at 11:30am. Please note that May 27 is the last Sunday with two worship services. June 3 will switch to one summer worship at 9:00 AM. The Stewardship Committee is working on a community movie night to be held at Hope during the summer. More details to come. WELCA WELCA meets Tuesday May 15 th at 9:00 AM Blessings to you this month! Pastor Brian Page 2

5 WORSHIP SCHEDULE MAY 2018 Sunday, May 6, :00 AM Holy Communion 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Service of the Word Sunday, May 13, 2018 Happy Mother s Day 8:00 AM Service of the Word 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Holy Communion Sunday, May 20, 2018 Confirmation Sunday 8:00 AM Holy Communion 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Service of the Word / Confirmation Sunday, May 27, :00 AM Service of the Word 9:15 AM Sunday School (Last Day!) 10:30 AM Holy Communion Sunday 3, 2017 Summer Worship Hours Begin! 9:00 AM Holy Communion SEEKING SNYOD DELEGATES The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly is scheduled for Friday, June 8 th through Saturday, June 9 th at the Mohegan Sun Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. We are looking for two delegates to represent Hope one male delegate and one female delegate. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Jami. End of year Pizza Party! Monday May 16 th 6:00 9:00 PM Kuntz Hall LAMPa On Monday May 21 st a group from Hope will be traveling to Harrisburg for LAMPa s Day at the Capitol. Call the church office or Pastor Brian to sign up (asstpastor@hopecherryville.org). The cost is $26 per person. We hope you can join us for this special event! PICTURES ARE HERE If you had your picture taken for the directory but did not purchase a package, your free 8x10 picture is here. Please contact Jennifer at or office@hopecherryville.org to make arrangements to pick up your picture. HOSPITALIZED? If you, or a family member, are hospitalized, please remember to give our church code which is 251. Also, please call the church office in addition to giving our code. We do not always receive your information when calling the hospitals. Also, if you are moved to a rehab center, please let us know that as well. We can only visit you if we know where you are! Thank you. STORYWEAVERS StoryWeavers meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM (May 8: Weaversville Inn). It is a social group for women where topics on all subjects are discussed. There is much laughter, sharing, and sometimes, even tears shed. The meeting is followed by lunch at a variety of restaurants. All women are welcome to attend. For further information, call LeAnn Chandler ELECTRONIC GIVING Too busy to write weekly checks for your church offering? Reduce paperwork and stress by having your weekly contributions debited directly from your bank account as you probably do with other obligations. Electronic giving is a convenient way to keep up with your intended offerings. To get started, simply visit the church website at and locate the Online Giving page. GIVE FROM YOUR SMART PHONE Make a contribution from your smart phone anytime by locating the Online Giving link on our home page Page 3

6 WOMEN OF FAITH Our mission is to enhance lives of women through service, fellowship and education. Planning meeting Monday May 21 at 6:00 PM. We are always looking for ideas for our meetings. If you have suggestions for fun, fellowship or service for this active women s group, or any questions about our events, please call Jane Tretiak at SUNDAY SCHOOL: PARENT DAY All Sunday School parents are invited to a special Parent Day celebration on Sunday May 13 th (Mother s Day). We will celebrate mothers, fathers, and parental figures in Kuntz Hall and invite all Sunday School parents to come! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL Come join one of our great adult Sunday School classes: one led by A.J. Szwast in the room behind Kuntz Hall and one led by Bob Small in the Hanson Hall kitchen. These are great opportunities to nourish your faith, share new ideas, and enjoy fellowship with other members of Hope. And perhaps attending one of these classes could be your Lenten discipline to take on for the next few weeks! PRAYER SHAWL The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM. All are welcome any time. May is the last month before we take a summer break for June, July and August. Page 4 WELLNESS TEAM Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no triggering event. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures also may help. Please check the May bulletin board for more information. BLOOD DRIVE The next Miller Keystone Blood Drive will be held Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Kuntz Hall. The event is being held in memory of Megan Duarte, Pastor Mraz s granddaughter. We will be taking donations from 7:30-11:30 AM. We will have signups the three Sundays preceding the blood drive, after the 9:00 AM church service. There will be more information in the following weeks. PASTORAL ACTS FUNERALS Jean M. Eberwine entered eternal life on March 21, 2018, at the age of 82. Services were held at Schmoyer Funeral Home. Pastor Jami officiated. James P. Fritzinger entered eternal life on April 5, 2018, at the age of 77. Services were held here at Hope Church. Pastor Jami officiated. Robert C. Leith entered eternal life on April 9, 2018, at the age of 77. Services were held at Schisler Funeral Home. Pastor Jami officiated. Our sympathy to family and friends of Jean, James and Robert; may God Continue to be their guide and strength.

7 CHURCH SOFTBALL TEAM Any confirmed youth or adult (men and women) interested in playing in the church softball league should contact Lou Ventura for more info at or Games are played on Sunday evenings beginning May 6 th. A practice will be held on April 29 th at 3:30 PM at Indian Trail Park. Check out their Facebook group Hope Lutheran Softball (the primary method of communicating with the team). SAVE THE DATES! Vacation Bible School is coming July 9 to 13 Your children will dive below the surface and venture onto an uncharted island where they will survive and thrive. Classes will be held from 9:00 AM until 12 Noon, with a closing program on Friday, July 13 at 7:00 PM. Ages include 3-year olds (potty trained) to children completing 6 th grade in June Registrations can be made at vbs.hopecherryville.org or by completing a registration form located in the narthex. A t shirt is provided for each student registering by Sunday, June 17 th. CHRISTIAN ED Allison Lockard and Robin Zamadics will be cocaptaining Sunday School / Christian Education for the upcoming school year. They take the reins from Michelle Hughes, who leaves some big shoes to fill. Thank you Michelle, and much success to the new leaders who stepped up for the kiddos. Lots of help will be needed so please consider volunteering. A staff nursery is provided for volunteers if you have younger children who are not old enough to attend. Volunteers need to register as well. VBS DONATION REQUEST: We are collecting 20 ounce empty Gatorade bottles with the caps for VBS for a craft. We will need approximately 250 bottles. Please bring in your bottles and place in the bin in the Narthex. So come get rescued into God s unstoppable love. For faster registrations, use the QR code below. Shop through smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate.5% of sales back to Hope Lutheran Church! Our direct link smile.amazon.com/ch/ Page 5

8 YOUTH GROUP May POW will be Wednesday May 9 th from 5:30-8:00pm. We ll meet in Kuntz Hall for pizza, games, and devotion and head to Emmanuelsville for worship. Join us for our last POW of the school year! In May youth group will be helping with Lehigh Elementary Carnival on Friday May 18 th. Join us for two hours Friday evening to help with games! Exact times will be found on the signup sheet and . The following Friday, May 25, youth group will be playing laser tag! We ll meet at Hope at 6:15pm and should be back by 8:45pm. Watch for the and signup sheet. will be sold following April worship services. There will be door prizes and a Chinese Auction as well. To purchase tickets, you may call the church office. If no one is able to take your call you may leave a message on extension #9. If you are interested in sponsoring our youth please fill out a scholarship form found in the narthex doing so is much appreciated and helps cover our costs! Thank for your support and we look forward to this fun event! EVANGELISM Don t forget! Bus trip to Sight and Sound, Lancaster to see JESUS on Wednesday June 27, The bus will leave Hope at 8:30 AM. After the show we will go to Shady Maple for lunch and will return approx. 6:00 PM. Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 3, Pastor Jami will lead us in worship service at 11:30 AM. Service will be followed with light lunch made by Evangelism Committee. Please sign up on the board. CONFIRMATION Confirmation Rehearsal is Saturday May 19 th at 9:00am. Please arrive by 8:45am and remain until noon for our mentor brunch 10:30-12:00. Confirmation Day is Sunday May 20 th at the 10:30 service. Please arrive by 9:15 and meet in your Sunday School classroom. From there you ll head to the sanctuary for pictures. Level 1 Confirmation parents will be working in shifts in the kitchen for the reception on Sunday May 20 th. Please be attentive to your for further updates. POST-CONFIRMATION See the dates on the May calendar! VERA BRADLEY BINGO Youth group s Vera Bradley Bingo is Saturday May 5 th. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the kitchen will be open to serve food. Bingo begins at 12:30 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets Bible studies continue to meet weekly on Thursday evenings at 6:30. These are informal studies and discussions deigned to give us all a better understanding of God' Word. You do not have to be a Bible scholar to participate and benefit in this study group, so please do not hesitate to come and join us. Annual covered dish family picnic will be held Sunday July 15 at Indian Trail Park This is a day filled with fun for all. More details of this event will follow in future bulletins and newsletters. Mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun. SPONSORS FOR THE YEAR All sponsor charts are posted in the narthex. Sponsor envelopes are next to the chart and are due to the office two weeks before the sponsorship. Altar Flowers: Two sponsors (and only two) of $15.00 each are needed each week. **flowers are yours to keep and may be removed after the late service. Bulletins: Three sponsors are needed per week at a cost of $8.50 per sponsor. The Press: One sponsor is needed per week at a cost of $6.00 per sponsor. Page 6

9 BASKET RAFFLE NEWS The 20 th Annual Spring Basket Social was held in Kuntz Hall on Friday, April 13. It was a festive 20 th celebration of remembrance, fun and special surprises! Thank you to everyone who in some way helped make it a successful fundraiser! Thank you to the Boy Scouts and Leaders of Troop 242 and the Catechetical Students and Thrivent. Proceeds were divided equally between the Northampton Area Food Bank ($2,485.25) and Hope's Good Samaritan Fund ($2,485.25), and money from the bake sale ($260.45) directed toward Christmas gifts for Children who attend St. Stephen's Church Ministries. Tickets were in Loving Memory of husband Howard on his 92 nd birthday by Kathryn Strohl, and in Honor of Volunteers who have dedicated their time & talents to Spring Socials these past 20 years by Linda Sidor. Six cash door prize sponsors were 1 & 2) In Loving Memory of wife and mother, Delores Derhammer, from husband Allen & Children, 3) In Loving Memory of Richard Druckenmiller, from wife Marian & daughter MaryAnn, 4) In Loving Memory of husband Harry & son Brian, from Loretta Weil & Family, 5) In Loving Memory of my Sisters & Brothers, from Kathryn Strohl, and 6) In Loving Memory of my Grandparents, from Linda Sidor. Special thanks to Hopefest Committee for their gift to us of both card and roll tickets! Because of their generosity, there will not be a need for fall ticket sponsors. THE DATE OF THE 24TH ANNUAL FALL BASKET SOCIAL IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, Respectfully submitted by The Basket Committee of Hope Lutheran Church *Basket Members annual picnic at The Sidor Home is scheduled in 2018 for Wednesday, August 8 at 6:00 PM. JOB VACANCIES AT HOPE Part-time Communications Specialist Hope Lutheran Church in Cherryville is accepting applications for a Part-time Communications Specialist to oversee all aspects of media and standard communication for the church. The primary responsibilities include creating the church s communications (written and electronic) including, but not limited to newsletters, brochures, fliers, web postings, and mass s. The successful candidate will work with the church s paid staff as well as volunteers to gather the information needed to perform the position. Qualifications: An Associate s degree in a related field or equivalent experience is preferred. Experience in a variety of software packages related to publishing is expected and the ability to work independently with members of the congregation and within the policies of the church. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, transcript (if available) and 3 references. For full consideration, please submit these materials along with the Hope Church application form by May 14, Part-time Sexton Hope Lutheran Church in Cherryville is accepting applications for a Part-time Sexton to oversee all aspects for housekeeping and minor maintenance functions for the church. The primary responsibilities include performing regular cleaning including vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning and sanitizing of bathrooms and minor maintenance tasks, lifting objects up to 50 lbs, opening and closing of building as scheduled, setting up and taking down tables for events, and routine inspections of the facilities. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and completed application. Please submit these materials by May 14, Apply: Application is available at under Church Forms. Mail to: Hope Lutheran Church, 4131 Lehigh Drive, PO Box 1030, Cherryville, PA or to office@hopecherryville.org. Full job description is available upon request. For additional information please contact the church via or at Page 7

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11 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4131 LEHIGH DRIVE CHERRYVILLE PA HOPECHERRYVILLE.ORG PASTOR The Rev. Jami Possinger ext. 12 HOPE LEADERSHIP STAFF ASSISTANT PASTOR The Rev. Brian Rajcok ext. 13 DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Mr. David R. Ziegler ext.11 TREASURER Mrs. Trudy Mertz COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Nina Weiss hopecherryville.org ext. 20 ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Mrs. Jennifer Sommers ext. 10 PASTOR EMERITUS The Rev. Clark W. Kuntz II FINANCIAL SECRETARY Mrs. Deb Gardner SEXTON Mrs. Bonnie Zmyewski 2018 CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL Kim Belletti Katie Weiss Jim Gardner Lee Creyer Tony Pagotto A.J. Szwast Vice President Allison Lockard Matt Sekol Secretary Ed Tretiak Trish Ninos President Manfred Steiner Susan Stephens CONTACT INFORMATION New membership, baptisms, funerals, weddings, change of address, van requests, memorial sponsors, hospital admissions, facility rentals Call the church office REGARDING CALL PHONE NO. A/V Committee Bill & Reece Anderson Basket Cmte Linda Sidor Boy Scouts Tom Nichols Church Website Tom Perry Confirmation Pastor Brian Cub Scouts Emily Hassler Evangelism Sharyn Kratzer Finance Doug Daniel Girl Scouts Karen Zimmerman Hope Fest Josh Larkin Hope s Helping Hands Leslie Daniel Memorial Garden Barry Ritter Mentor Leaders Trish Ninos Mutual Ministry Leslie Daniel Preschool Deb Gable Outreach / Soup LeAnn Chandler Prayer Chain Dolores Reenock Prayer Shawl JoAnne Creyer Property Charlie Kutzler SCS / Christian Ed Robin Zamadics Allison Lockard Senior Center Karen Ferraina Social Ministry Marge Zimmerman Stewardship Jim Gardner VBS Kathy Ziegler WELCA Judy Dieter Women of Faith Jane Tretiak Worship Arts Pastor Jami Worship & Music Janet Filchner Youth Group Pastor Brian Yard Sale Doris Zellers

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