Pastor s News. February 2015 Monthly Newsletter of Mount Hope Lutheran Church Spirit of Hope. In this Issue

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1 February 2015 Monthly Newsletter of Mount Hope Lutheran Church Spirit of Hope Pastor s News Jesus said, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 Dear friends and members of Mt Hope. Valentine s Day falls on February 14 each year and is an annual reminder about love and our hearts. While the celebration of Valentine s Day is a secular holiday, we can certainly make application to it for our spiritual life as Jesus tells us in the verse above. Loving God with our whole heart is the key to everything in life. Is your heart ready? We can grow in our love for God through regular worship, spending time with Him each day in prayer, staying in God s Word and responding to the truths of the Bible. This year as you celebrate Valentine s Day celebrate the love that God has for all of us through faith in Jesus and in return, love God with all your heart too. God love you, Pastor Dan In this Issue PASTOR S NEWS CHILDRENS MINISTRY BIBLE STUDIES LENT WOMEN OF HOPE DAILY DEVOTIONAL 1 st FRIDAY BOOK CLUB VICAR JARED YOGERST FINANCIALS CELEBRATION DAYS WORSHIP ATTENDANCE MISSION HIGHLIGHTS CALENDAR

2 Children s Ministry Jesus All Stars-Sunday School Jesus All Stars-Sunday School meets Sundays at the church at 9:30 am for children ages February wasn t even on our minds when papers, magazines, and stores were already filled with signs of love Valentine love that is. Yes, love is important for all to give and receive. That in mind, I wanted to share this piece entitled, Kids Need Love (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-8) from Discipleland Kids wonder, Does anyone really love me? Children are aware that human love often comes with conditions and exceptions. They hear about people who are passionately in love who soon find themselves infatuated with someone else. They are often exposed to selfish, performancebased love that s here today, gone tomorrow. God s unconditional love is selfless; it remains constant regardless of circumstances. In the Bible, love is not a feeling or emotion; it is something we see in action. Love has arms and legs that serve. Love is the disciplined will, and resolve to seek the welfare of others. Selfless love motivated Jesus Christ to abandon heaven s glory. Love kept Him on the cross, paying for the sins of His beloved. Dispense generous dosages of selfless, unconditional love to your kids. They need undiluted affection that consistently mirrors the qualities described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Tell your children that God loves them and you do, too. Validate the presence of God within you by finding creative ways to express love to them. Francine Wallin, Director Children s Sunday School Program Children s Ministries JAM (Jesus and Me) will be going Ice Skating on February 15 th from noon-3:15 p.m. This event is open to 3 rd -5 th grade students. The cost is $8.00.Friends are welcome to attend! If you have any questions please contact Melanie Appelquist at youth@mt-hope.org or Child Development Center News It is registration and tour time at the Center. Registration opens to the public February 2. We are working toward filling those newly renovated classrooms in the fall. Many inquires were received during January and tours of the facility are ongoing. Thank you for making Mount Hope a welcoming place. National Lutheran Schools Week was the last week of January. The children enjoyed some fun dress up days, including silly hair day and beach day. The teachers planned special activities throughout the week. It was a great week to celebrate the long tradition of Lutheran education. For Valentine s Day the children are able to invite a special person to spend forty-five minutes with them in class on either the Thursday or Friday before the 14 th. There are planned centers for the children and their guest to move through. The children also prepare a song or two to perform. We have been hosting this celebration for many years now. It is very popular with our families. Thank you-kim Woebke, CDC Director

3 Children s Ministry Mission Statement of One Way We exist to bring youth into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, while encouraging them to share with one another, explore their ministry gifts, and praise God with their lives. Check out the easy ways to support One Way Youth on our website at Upcoming Events Buck Hill Overnight is February 6 th. Please meet at church at 9:30 p.m. We will return to church at 5:30 a.m. The cost is $40. The cost includes tubing, rentals, and lift ticket. This event is open to 6 th - 12 th grade students. Friends are welcome to attend! Sky Zone on March 1 st starting at Noon until 3:00 p.m. This event is open to 6 th -12 th grade students. The cost is $12. Youth must have a waiver signed by their parents to attend. Gertens Flower sale is coming up. Please check the bulletin and s for updates!!! Youth Bible Class is Sunday mornings (expect holiday weekends) starting at 9:30 a.m. Kathy will be teaching 6 th -8 th grade students in the classroom across from the church office. Melanie will be teaching the 9 th -12 th grade students in the daycare room. Bible and Brew is Wednesdays from 3:30-4:00 p.m. at Caribou Coffee on Old Shakopee Road. SWAG (Saved With Amazing Grace) meets every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. The evening is full of fun, games, and devotions. Friends are always welcomed.

4 Bible Studies LifeLight Bible Class Our study features a Lifelight Foundations that focus on the Law and Gospel. We meet on Thursdays at 10:00 am at the church. This class is open to both men and women. If you have any questions please contact Harriet at In-Home Ruth Our bible study will meet on Thursday, February 12 th at 6:30 pm. Ladies meet at Jennifer Adamek s home for a warm and friendly time together. Our night begins with a treat and drink and then we get into the Word! We are learning all sorts of insights and revelations about Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. Even if you ve never come to this bible study in the past, you are welcome to try this bible study out! We d love to get to know you! Sunday Morning Pastor Dan leads a video-based Bible study on "The Story". Each week as we progress through "The Story", the Bible study will correspond to the Scriptures being covered in the worship service. The class meets from 9:35-10:20 a.m. each Sunday. Dianne Ritter leads an additional video based study on The Story. Her class meets from 9:35-10:20 a.m. in the child care room. Please contact Dianne Ritter with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

5 Lent Begins February 18! Lent Dear friends and members of Mt Hope, The season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, is a 40 day period traditionally set aside for penitential reflection upon one s life in relationship to our Savior. The season of Lent climaxes on Palm Sunday. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the ancient custom of daubing the foreheads of worshipers on that day with the ashes of the previous year s palms, in token of repentance and human mortality. Our Ash Wednesday service will be at 6:30 on February 18. The Lord s Supper will also be celebrated. Our special sermon series this year for the Wednesdays following will be based upon Jesus words from Matthew 25 where He says: I was and you etc. Each Wednesday during Lent we will offer a brief time of worship to reflect upon the following topics which emphasize the ministry of care in both the congregation and the community: The Hungry Christ Matthew 25:35a The Thirsty Christ Matthew 25:35b The Stranger Christ Matthew 25:35c The Naked Christ Matthew 25:36a The Sick or in Prison Christ Matthew 25:36b This year Vicar Jared and I are teaming up with some of the Pastors of our sister congregations to rotate sharing the message each week. We look forward to preparing to celebrate Easter with each of you during the holy time of Lent and pray that you will be able to join us each week for our informal Wednesday evening Lenten worship. Pastor Dan Ritter

6 Women of Hope LWML (Lutheran Women s Missionary League) For over 70 years, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman's relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support global missions. Over $100 million has been donated for mission work through the LWML since it was founded. If you would like information about the Women of Hope please contact Linda Quittschreiber, Dianne Ritter, Betty Schleifer, Victoria Frein or Jennifer Adamek. They d love to share how wonderful our organization of women is!. There will be no formal meeting in February, instead our focus will be the Valentine s Tea on February 14 th. Mite Explanation Based on the Biblical account of the widow's mite (Luke 21:1-4), the mite box is intended for regular contributions of "mites" - offerings above and beyond the support given to congregations and the LCMS. Mite Box contributions amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants and implement the LWML program. VALENTINE S TEA Our annual Valentine s Tea is Saturday, February 14 th at 10:00 a.m. Our speaker is Loryce Sivertson. She will present Lori s Silly Hats. She was featured in the August 14 th, 2014, Bloomington Sun Current newspaper and is a resident of Richfield. Loryce is also a very accomplished musician, playing piano and organ for various churches and organizations over the years, and giving music lessons until the 1980 s. This year with our ongoing remodel, there will be a few changes. We will be serving beverages and sweet treats only-it will not be a full brunch as in the past. Ticket prices are just $5. If you invite any guests, please make them aware of these changes. Seating may be limited so get your tickets early. They will be available Sundays, Feb. 1 st & 8 th following the worship services. You may also call the church office to reserve a ticket. Call Karen if any questions Plan to attend our event ladies! Mission and Mites National Mite Goal for Biennium: $1,830,000 Amount Received: 1,338,205.06

7 daily devotional 1 Feb Zech 11: Tim 4: Feb Zech 12:1 13:9 Titus 1:1 2:6 3 Feb Zech 14:1 21 Titus 2:7 3:15 4 Feb Job 1:1 22 John 1: Feb Job 2:1 3:10 John 1: Feb Job 3:11 26 John 1: Feb Job 4:1 21 John 2: Feb Job 5:1 27 John 2: Feb Job 6:1 13 John 3: Feb Job 6:14 30 John 3:22 4:6 11 Feb Job 7:1 21 John 4: Feb Job 8:1 22 John 4: Feb Job 9:1 35 John 4: Feb Job 10:1 22 John 5: Feb Job 11:1 20 John 5: Feb Job 12:1 6, John 5: Feb Job 13:1 12 John 6: Feb Gen 1:1 19 Mark 1: Feb Gen 1:20 2:3 Mark 1: Feb Gen 2:4 25 Mark 1: Feb Gen 3:1 24 Mark 2: Feb Gen 4:1 26 Mark 2: Feb Gen 6:1 7:5 Mark 3: Feb Gen 7:11 8:12 Mark 3: Feb Gen 8:13 9:17 Mark 4:1 20 Gen 9:18 11:26 26 Feb Gen 11:27 12:20 Mark 4: Feb Gen 13:1 18 Mark 5:1 20 Gen 14: Feb Gen 15:1 21 Mark 5: st Friday Book Club Friday, February 6 th from 1:30-3:30 pm. Our book to read this month is O Pioneer by Willa Cather. March will be Nun on a Bus by Sister Simone Campbell. Meet at the home of Renata Melby Zenith Ave S, Bloomington

8 Vicar Jared Yogerst Have you ever wondered what Vicar is studying? Some of you might know that I am currently a doctoral candidate in some program somewhere in the twin cities. Some of you might even know where or what I am studying. I am going to take this opportunity to give you a brief overview of what I am up to in school! First, some background. After my undergrad at Concordia-Wisconsin, I was an MDiv student at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. An MDiv, or Master of Divinity, is a professional degree for pastors. It covers course work in theology, missions, bible, language, evangelism, leadership, personal development, and other areas. Did you know that an MDiv is usually 90 semester credits? My MDiv was 144 quarter credits, which is equivalent to 96 semester credits. That is equivalent to an MA and PhD in other areas of study. After Bethel, I enrolled as a ThM (Master of Theology) student at St. John s School of Theology * Seminary (SOT) in Collegeville, MN. SOT has a long history in something called the liturgical renewal movement. If you GOOGLE that, you will find that it was both a popular as well as academic renewal of liturgical study and appreciation that started in the later 19 th century. St. John s was the epicenter of that movement here in the U.S. I studied liturgy and sacramental theology while I was there. I am still completing my thesis for that degree. My research is an engagement with the Finnish Luther School, a school of thought that examines the similarities between Luther s writing and certain Eastern Orthodox principals. I look at how, through justification and the process of sanctification, we become sacraments to our neighbors. I look at the Eastern view of theosis (how we grow into union with God) and Luther s conception of sacraments and the life towards neighbor. Before I was able to complete my ThM I was accepted to doctoral studies at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. After two years of coursework I am preparing for a final language exam and my comprehensive exams. My general area of study is called Pastoral Care. It is a interdisciplinary program between theology and social science research. My Doktorvater is Rev.Dr. Dirk Lange. He is a liturgy scholar with interests in psychology and sacramental theology. My research will focus particularly on the role that worship plays in one s vocational understanding. I will be studying The Society of the Holy Trinity and DOXOLOGY, both of which are Lutheran pastoral fraternities that encourage liturgical practice. Through original statistical research and research into object relations theory, reader-response theory, and working off of my thesis at SOT I hope to discover if liturgical practice encourages greater clarity in a pastor s vocational understanding. I hope this short synopsis gives some idea of what I am up to. I am happy to talk with you more about my work and research.

9 Financials Treasurer s Report from September 2014 Monthly Income $54, Monthly Income Budgeted $44, Monthly Expenses $50, Monthly Expenses Budgeted $45, (Includes Child Development Center) What are our stewardship duties as members of the church? St. Paul taught: Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. (Gal 6:6) The primary recipient of stewardship resides here. Thus, when God calls us to give to the church, He has His work in mind-especially right where we live. How much should we give to our congregation? Our only instructions are these: to give regularly (1 Cor 6:1-2), proportionally (1 Cor16:1-2;2 Cor 8:12), and generously (2 Cor 8:20) of our first fruits (Gen 4:4; Prov 3:9; Lev 27:30) with a spirit of eagerness (2 Cor 9:2), earnestness (2 Cor 8:7), cheerfulness (2 Cor 9:7), and love (2 Cor 8:23). It s that easy. And it is joyful. Taking part in that, makes all our work holy work, work that is done in service to the Lord as priestly members of His kingdom. Worship Attendance Christmas Eve 4:00=109 6:00=52 Christmas Day 10:00=64 December 28 9:30=74 New Year s Eve 6:30=38 January 4 9:30=93 January 11 8:15=47 10:45=68 January 18 8:15=52 10:45=82 January 25 8:15=51 10:45=59 February Celebration Days Happy Birthday 2 Kim Woebke 4 Zachary Vogland 9 Kathy Barnaby 9 Kate McMullen 10 Candy Frein 12 Eunice Marose 12 Wyatt Vogland 13 Harriet Buelow 14 Loyd Duncan 15 Luella Domras 18 Todd Mack 20 Paul Killam 20 Karen Mack 24 Steve Schmidt 25 Maria Higgins 26 Cathy Frank 28 Caleb Mack Baptismal Anniversary 1 Tracie Klug-Melbostad 3 James Froemming 5 Kevin Woebke 9 Marilyn Nelson 14 Gene Roehrick 21 Hope Berg 23 Luella Domras 23 Janice Elbert Wedding Anniversary 16 David and Fran Wallin Fish Fry Fundraiser Friday, February 6 4:30 7:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church Fairlawn Avenue, Prior Lake $10 Adults, $8 Seniors 60+ $5 Children 12 & under Baked Cod, Beer Battered Pollock & Pan Fried Perch, choice of potato, coleslaw, baked beans & beverages And for dessert.homemade Pie!!! Proceeds to benefit Saint Paul s Lutheran School Prior Lake

10 mission highlights Mission Higlights Our highlight this month is our building-remodeling crew. These dedicated volunteers have put in long hours here at the church, arriving before 8 am in the morning and leaving real late. We have used their free labor to: clean out rooms and store items in storage pods, reconfigured the worship area, removed the organ to a climate controlled storage unit, removed old flooring, ceiling, and lights. They have built studs and insulated the outside and cinder block walls in the new classrooms, hoisted a 500lb beam into place for the upstairs storage space, framed in the new bathrooms, primed and painted the new classrooms. Labor hours and money saved is just too big to total, but we give our thanks to those who have dedicated their time spent here. Dianne s painting crew has painted and applied polycrylic to the old cabinets (5 coats!) and made them look like new. This project has saved the church $40,000! New cabinets would have been so expensive. We are so grateful to use what we had. Since construction started we have been working with Laborers for Christ. Ted, from Laborers for Christ is on site everyday working with the volunteers and Dale is the overseer of the project. Dale retired at the end of Our hope is that the Child Development Center will be able to move into their new wing very soon. The pictures below are just some of our hard-working members.

11 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Noisy Offering :15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth Bible Study 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship 12:00-3:00 Youth Sky Zone 12:00 WOH Officers Meet 8:00 AA Meets 8:30 Staff Meeting 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:00-8:00 SWAG 7:00 Praise Team Practice 10:00 LifeLight 1:30-3:30 1 st Friday Book Club 9:30 pm Youth Buck Hill Ski Event 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth Bible Study 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship :00 AA Meets 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:00-8:00 SWAG 7:00 Praise Team Practice 10:00 LifeLight 6:30 In- Home Ruth at Adamek s 10:00 Valentine s Tea 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth Bible Study 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship 12:00-3:15JAM 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth Bible Study 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship ASH WED :00 AA Meets 9:00 Staff Meets 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:30 Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 SWAG 10:00 LifeLight 6:30 Governing Board Meets 10-4 Bethesda Thrift Shop Work Day LENT :00 AA Meets 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:30 Lent Service 7:00 SWAG 10:00 LifeLight Mount Hope Lutheran Church

12 Sunday Worship Schedule 8:15 am Traditional Worship Service 9:30 am and Sunday School 10:45 am Praise Worship Service Phone: Website: Staff at Mount Hope Lutheran Dan Ritter Pastor Melanie Appelquist Director Of Youth & Children s Ministry Kim Woebke Director of Child Development Center Heather Bielec Lead Teacher, Child Development Center Christina Brantner Music Director Jennifer Adamek Church Secretary Candy Frein Church Secretary Mount Hope Lutheran Church 3601 W Old Shakopee Rd Bloomington, MN Address Service Requested