A Ray of Hope A Ray of Hope

Transcription

1 A Ray of Hope A Ray of Hope September May Monthly Newsletter of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church 5728 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55417, Ministers of the Gospel: The Baptized 86 years in ministry Volume 83 Number 5 Making Christ Known through the Spirit of Hope May 2014 Saturday, May 17 For more information about the Festival, go to hopempls.org / special events

2 2 Pastor Chris Steubing The number eight has a very important significance in Christian symbolism. Christians have understood the day that Christ was raised from the dead as the eighth day of creation, the first day of the new creation. Baptismal fonts have typically been built with eight sides to represent the new creation of Christ s resurrection. Early Christians referred to Sunday as the eighth day, as if the normal week of seven is miraculously completed in an extraordinary eighth day. The season of Easter lasts for eight Sundays of the church calendar culminating on the 50 th day with Pentecost. The entire life of a Christian is an eighth day kind of life because we live with the hope of the resurrection, that in Jesus Christ God is making all things new and we are part of God s new creation. During this season of new life, we remember that the promise of Easter has implications for our life today. The world is being made new. We are being made new. The church is being made new. I want to call your attention to just a few ways that we are experiencing being made new as a church during this season of Easter. Director of Faith Formation After a year of preparation, learning, and prayer, the church council has approved the posting and search for a new leader to join Hope s ministry staff. The title of the position has been changed to reflect the desired outcomes of our new Vision Statement Bridges of Learning and Calling by helping us form and nurture life-long faith in children, youth, and adults. While this new position is designed to have direct oversight in the ongoing programs for children and youth, a new Director of Faith Formation will also lead a ministry of recruiting and equipping members for service within the church and their daily lives. Kris Bjorke, Interim Director of Children, Youth, and Family, has faithfully served as a leader and teacher in our midst and has worked to prepare the way for a new staff person. Some of the new things about this position the church council believes will contribute to better staff continuity are: a) it is 30 hours a week, b) it provides some benefits, c) the unique nature of Hope s ministry needs given our congregation s size and setting have been carefully considered in developing the scope of the role. Please hold this process in prayer as we seek a candidate to lead us on the next phase of renewal in this critical area of ministry. Festival of Arts Weekend A faithful group of volunteers has been working hard to create a meaningful weekend of activities to celebrate God s gifts to us in the Arts. For the 41 st annual Festival of Arts, we will host a dinner event and show entitled A Christian Songwriters Showcase on Saturday evening, May 17 th beginning at 5:00 p.m. I will be performing original music along with an ensemble including Hope members Jeff Hotchkiss and Krista Johnson. We will also have special guest songwriters Trish and Richard Bruxvoort Colligan and Jonathan Rundman who are all Lutheran musicians who have toured extensively in churches and venues throughout the U.S. Over the weekend a collection of works of art on loan from Thrivent Financial will be on display in the fellowship hall. Finally, on Sunday morning the music goes on as Trish and Richard will lead worship with their wonderful gift of music. You can find out more on page 1 of this newsletter and make event reservations either on Sunday mornings in the gathering area or by contacting the church office. Chris Steubing CD Release Party & Concert Thursday, July 17 As some of you may know, I have been working for the past several months to record my first ever studio album of original music. In the month of April I completed recording and the songs are currently in the production process. I have ten songs on the album that are based on scripture and my experiences of faith in Jesus which I hope can have a big impact in sharing the message of God s love with the world. As my album will be released to the public in July, I made a request of the church council and was approved to host a party and concert at Hope in order to celebrate this important moment with the whole church and community. I have had the distinct privilege of working with numerous talented people throughout this adventure and many of them will be present to help me put on a concert of the songs from the album. I hope you will consider joining in the celebration. More details to come in subsequent newsletters. In Christ, Pastor Chris Steubing A Ray of Hope is published monthly by Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church ELCA 5728 Cedar Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN Church phone (612) Church Fax (612) Preschool Phone (612)

3 3 The Lutheran Community Foundation has a scholarship available for a graduating high school senior. Applicants must be high school graduating Seniors seeking undergraduate education at a Lutheran-affiliated college or university. Application deadline is May 15, Please contact Lori Barnes at lori.barnes@express-scrip if you would like the information and an application. We welcome into the Family of God and into Hope s Family of Faith Elijah Ronald Kangbateh baptized April 13, 2014 Parents Angela and Eli Kangbateh Special Kinship Friend of The Wright-Walstrom Family ENDOWMENT FUNDING REQUESTS The Endowment Committee is accepting funding requests for Funding requests are due by May 31, Request forms may be found in the gathering area. Please turn in completed forms into the office. Feel free to contact the committee with any questions. The Endowment Committee Lori Barnes, Earl Anderson, Tom Overton and Dennis Donnelly OUR ANNUAL ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING SUNDAY, MAY 11 The council has chosen three organizations to help this year: LSS Homeless/Youth programs Services for homeless, runaway and streetinvolved youth including counseling support, shelter, and connection to supportive adults and community resources. More information at lssmn.org Breaking Free Breaking Free is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul serving women and girls involved in systems of abuse, exploitation, and prostitution/sex trafficking. For additional information, go to breakingfree.net. Garland Hall Home for Children in Jamaica Garland Hall is a home for children in Anchovy, Jamaica. Through the Mission Jamaica organization, Charlie Olson and Tom Overton traveled with a group of missionaries to Jamaica for 5 days in February to do habitat work on the building and spend time with the 24 children living there. Donations are used for food, building/ repair supplies, school supplies and school uniforms. Let s use this opportunity to show God s love and our gratitude for all His goodness to us. This offering is over and above our usual gifts and pledges. Please use the envelope included in the April newsletter or on the welcome center in the gathering area and bring it or mail it to church by May 11. Free WiFi Available! Free access spots to Hope s wireless system are available throughout the building. The various areas will be labeled "Hope." Just connect and you're ready to surf the net! During this difficult time, our prayers are with Doug and Marge Morton and Family. Doug s Mother, Luella, died March 31, just 2 weeks before her 105th Birthday! A Memorial Service was held April 7. & The Family of Lloyd Ohme. Lloyd died April 9. His funeral was held at Hope on April 12. & Robert (Smoky) Truhlar (former member) died April 11. He is survived by his wife Lee, sons Sam and Peter and Lisa, four granddaughters, two greatgrandchildren.. His funeral was held April 26 at St. Peter s Lutheran Church in Bloomington. I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up. Isaiah 41:10 Celebrate an important event or remember someone special with flowers on the altar. Contact the office to arrange the order and to put a note in the bulletin. for Seniors Continues in the fellowship hall Wednesdays thru May. Come and shake it at your own pace. Wednesdays at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. here at Hope in the fellowship hall.

4 4 Children, Youth & Family Ministry Kris Bjorke, Interim Education, Youth & Family Minister First Communion Welcome to those receiving this important step in their faith journey: Charlie Barnes and Ellie Barnes on Maundy Thursday, April 17; Elijah Kanabeth, Genevieve Meyer, and Jackson Wright-Walstrom on Sunday, May 4 during worship. Wednesday May 21 6:30-8:00pm Youth Room 6th-12th graders Meet with the other Minnesota youth group going to Wind River Reservation the same week as we are! Details to follow. We meet on the THIRD Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm in the youth room in the education building. YOUTH MISSION TRIP to Wind River Wyoming Indian Reservation. Next trip meeting date in May is still to be determined. Watch your for the date. A Big Thank You! to everyone who came to the Easter breakfast. Hope s Youth are serving the Festival Dinner Meal. Plan to reward them with BIG tips, as their service is a fundraiser for the Servant Trip. 9:00-9:50am in the Fellowship Hall! Sunday, May 4 Jesus Feeds the 5,000 Sunday, May 11 Jesus Feeds the 5,000 Sunday, May 18 Last Day of Sunday School Party! Sunday May 4 Topic: Pentecost Sunday May 18 Topic: The Book of Revelation 11:30 am -12:30 pm in the Choir Room in church building Remember your Bible and pen Summer Dates to Remember VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Monday thru Thursday, June MISSION TRIP TO WIND RIVER, WYOMING July 5-12 CAMP WAPO Seeds July TIM Team July 27-August 1 Youth Camp July 27 August 1 SAVE THE DATE Boundary Waters - Wilderness Canoe Base August 16-19, 2014 Ages 12 and up Questions: Mary Peterson Spring Plant Pickup May 17 10:00 a.m. 1 p.m. If you didn't get your order in for spring plants, you still have an opportunity. A second order will be placed so turn in your order sheet by May 8. Karina Karbo-Wright, Marlan and Gloria Karbo

5 5 Gardens of Hope Join us as we embark upon a project that will enhance the landscape at Hope and create a more welcoming look surrounding our church. Our hope is to spruce up the grounds a bit at a time, reusing much of what we already have many of the plants will look so much better after a good haircut. This year, we plan to focus on the Cedar Avenue side of the property. We d remove the plantings that are no longer viable, install several new plants, create a small paver walkway between the parking lot and the front steps, etc. Charlie s even talking about the possibility of putting in a bench or a bike rack (especially since the Three Rivers Park District is adding a bike and walking path that will run along Cedar Avenue). How can you help? We need financial support to purchase the items that we ll be bringing in new. Our plans for this year will cost about $600. There will be small envelopes at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Area marked Gardens of Hope for you to use in helping us beautify the land that surrounds our church. Do you have hostas and daylilies in your own garden that might be ready to be divided? If so, let us know and bring them in when we re ready for them. Including plants that are rooted and grown by members of our faith community will add special sentiment to our Gardens of Hope. Dig In! Volunteer to help with the beautification project! Let Charlie know you re willing to get your hands dirty! He ll be coordinating the timing of the project. ponder this... by dawn 12 WARNING SIGNS OF HEALTH 1. Persistent presence of supportive friends. 2. Chronic positive expectations a tendency to frame events in a positive light. 3. Regular signs of joy in living. 4. Sense of spiritual renewal in the Lord. 5. Increased sensitivity to others. 6. A tendency to adapt to changing conditions. 7. Increased appetite for physical activity. 8. Tendency to identify and communicate feelings. 9. Repeated episodes of gratitude and generosity. 10. Compulsion to care for others. 11. Persistent sense of humor, known to laugh out loud. 12. A life centered in the forgiveness of Christ! Spiritual devotion from Hope member, Dawn Schramm Hope s Library May is a celebration of Women. We have several books depicting, strong, vibrant, caring women. Read on: HAGAR, a novel by Lois T Henderson. Hagar is given to Sarah as a slave. She agrees to bear Abraham's child. She endures love, conflict with abounding faith. GRACE ROLLS ON by Paula Sturgeon A powerful testimony of faith and doubt, tears and laughter, disappoint -ment and celebrations, but most of all in an utter confidence in the unconditional love of Jesus. All the while fighting against the trials of rheumatoid arthritis. HER MOTHER'S HOPE by Francine Rivers Marta is torn between her fathers declaration she'll never be more that a servant and her mother's encouragement to chase her dreams. As she grows, loves and has children she teaches that only the strong survive. The follow up book, HER DAUGHTERS DREAM, continues the saga. LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE by Wanda Brunstetter Rebekah suffers a freak accident that leave her legs paralyzed. As she grows, she asks God for a miracle, a way to become self supporting. A love story. Jan Nunn, Librarian SAVE THE DATE WORSHIP AT THE FALLS Led by Hope s Contemporary Team Sunday June 29 at 10:30am at Minnehaha Band Shell

6 6 Kinship of Greater Minneapolis 1100 East Lake Street, Minneapolis T: kinship.gmcc.org A community mentoring program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Kinship offers boys and girls ages 5 to 18 additional support to succeed by creating positive relationships with caring individuals, couples and families. What makes Kinship unique? The program encourages couples and families, as well as individuals, to spend time with a young person. If both the mentor and the family are interested in sharing a faith-based connection, Kinship will make every effort to consider that when making the match. What is mentoring like? It doesn t have to be complicated, it can be as easy as spending an afternoon shopping or walking around a lake. Activities could include sharing hobbies/interests, playing games, sports, cooking, fishing or eating pizza. In addition, the Kinship staff plans a variety of activities throughout the year for mentors and mentees to share. Important qualities for a mentor Being present and staying involved are two of the most important gifts you can provide. Also, the ability to make a oneyear commitment and set aside some time most weeks to spend together is key to building a great relationship. How does mentoring help? Kids deserve the opportunity for healthy social, physical, intellectual and spiritual development. Yet, many young people in our community are missing the positive, sustained adult relationships they need to thrive. We hope this has peaked your interest. Kinship has over 150 kids waiting for a mentor. Questions? Talk to Sarah & Dave Wright-Walstrom, Eileen Depoe or Mary Peterson...all experienced Kinship mentors. ADULT FORUMS 9:00 a.m. SUNDAYS May 4 Compassion International Rachel Peterson presenting May 11 Director of Faith Formation Position presented by Kris Bjorke, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministry May 18 Festival of Arts Thrivent Art Collection Gather in the Fellowship Hall with Pastor Chris and members of the Festival of Arts planning team to learn about selections on display from the Thrivent collection and reflect on the scripture passages that inspired them. May 25 Lectionary Reflections with Pastoral Associate Doug Morton. Come and hear in depth reflections on the scripture passages to be read during this 6 th Sunday after Easter. Derrek, Sara, Elijah (Wright-Walstrom s Kinship child), Jackson, Davey and Dave Wright-Walstrom Thank you! Six Hope members staffed one line (onehalf of a station) plus the station packer with the help of a very nice 26- year old man, who was not part of a group but was doing volunteer work as part of his IT major at Normandale College. We also had one person making labels. We were part of a larger group packing meals on April 9 at the Eagan Feed My Starving Children site. The entire group packed 93 boxes which is 20,088 meals. We had a great morning at FMSC!

7 7 Habitat for Humanity - Nokomis Builds For the ninth consecutive year, Thrivent Financial is committing millions to stabilize, strengthen and secure communities in 2014 through its unique partnership called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. Hope Lutheran will again partner with the following churches by providing volunteers and financial support to build a house in North Minneapolis: Bethel Lutheran, Nokomis Heights Lutheran, Our Lady of Peace Catholic Community and St Richards Catholic Community. Our work weeks this year are June and July No experience necessary - jobs for all skill sets. A great opportunity to join together with our brothers and sisters in Christ to help provide affordable housing in Minneapolis. Sign up in the Gathering Area. THANK YOU!! During the month of March Hope collected 30 bags of groceries (500 pounds) for Minnehaha Food Shelf!! And, thanks to Oxendale s Market for supplying us with grocery bags to fill. Lake Nokomis Community Schools Carnival Wenonah Elementary, located in South Minneapolis on 23 rd Avenue and 56 th Street, will be hosting the spring carnival on Friday, May 16 from 5:30 to 7:30. They are in need of volunteers to help with food and games. Many members of Hope fondly remember these carnivals as parents or students. This is a great opportunity to reach out and help in our neighborhood. Sign up to help in the Gathering Area and get your GOT HOPE t-shirt ready for this event. The LNCS PTA will assign shifts and have a volunteer greeter at the carnival to direct you to your station. Questions...ask Mary Peterson LSS Homeless Youth Fundraising Luncheon Wednesday, May 14 12:00-1:00pm Youth facing homelessness are forced by circumstances to face adult challenges before they should. They need more than just a bed, they need to be supported and cared for at this critical time in their lives. LSS Homeless Youth Services help youth get off the street and into a safe environment through many services including: street outreach, short/long term shelters, transitional housing, counseling, and independent living education. The goal is to let youth know they are important, cared for and have a place to turn for safety, dignity, and hope. Thank you for becoming part of the movement to end youth homelessness in our community. Registration 11:30a on May 14 at Ramada Plaza Minneapolis, 1330 Industrial Blvd. NE. RSVP online by May 7 at carolfarnham@yahool.com or Carol Farnham, LSS Ambassador for Hope Are you in need of prayer or would you like to pray for others? Connect to the prayer chain of Hope Church and join in sharing the Spirit of Hope through the ministry of prayer. To be included as one who prays for others, or phone Ginny Olson at or cgolson@earthlink.net. She will add your name to those who receive requests and updates. To request prayers, phone or send them by to Ginny Olson or contact Pastor Chris Steubing. Please indicate if you would also like to be included in public prayer during worship.

8 8 Council Mini-Minutes April 10, 2014 Jim Gay, Stewardship chair, attended a Jump Start Your Stewardship workshop. He discussed the 2014 Discovery Project. The goal is to help people live in right relationship with God and money. He suggested Hope be a part of the project there is a small fee and requested participation in a survey by 20% of the average worship attendance. In return, results of the survey from your own and all participants is shared. Council agreed 20% participation could be achieved. Kris Bjorke, Interim Education, Youth & Family Minister, shared the survey results and presented a job description for the Director of Faith Formation Clair Brenna, Treasurer, brought up the budget deficit and requested the council think to decrease the deficit. Jim Gay and Pastor Chris will work together to update the congregation on stewardship giving. Cherie DeJarlais and Charlie Olson met with Bachman s Director of Landscape Operations (at no cost to Hope thank you Cherie!). He presented Cherie with some options for sprucing up the Cedar Avenue side of the building. The goal is to move from annuals to perennials. He had quite a few good ideas, with options to do this in steps. Discussion was held about how to fund the purchasing of the plants (which can be purchased at cost again, thank you Cherie!). A motion passed to approach the congregation for financial support for the plants to be used specifically on the Cedar Avenue front of the church, as well as for the summer annual plantings in the three pots near the entrances. Pastor Chris would like to host a CD release party. Discussion was unanimous that this was a good opportunity for new visibility for the church and to connect with the neighborhood. The release party will be held on Thursday, July 17. A motion passed for Pastor Chris to host his CD release party at Hope. Pastor Chris has postponed their plans for relocating closer to the Hope Community. It is still in his long range plans, but is not viable at this time. COUNCIL POSITIONS OPEN!! The following Council positions are open: Council Secretary Financial Secretary Pastoral and Social Ministry Recreation and Fellowship Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact Mary Peterson (on behalf of Nominating Committee), Pastor Chris or Becky McDaniel. Regarding Pastoral Visits, Hospitals, and Care Centers: Please Call! Privacy rules are making it increasingly difficult for churches to locate their members at hospitals and care centers. Consequently, if you or a family member would like to have a visit from the pastor during a hospital stay, please notify the church office. If you or a family member are moved to a care center, please call or the information to the church office. We want to stay in contact with you and continue our ministry of presence and prayer. Hope serves and has available Equal Exchange Coffee: Regular and Decaf, Regular Coffee Beans; Tea: Earl Grey, Green, Breakfast; GEOBARS in the cabinet in the fellowship hall by the kitchen

9 9 Hope Lutheran Church Contact Persons PASTOR Christopher Steubing church (612) ext 13 cell (651) PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Doug Morton church (612) INTERIM MUSIC MINISTER Youngju Julie Lueck church (612) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Allen Petersen church (612) ext 10 cell (612) INTERIM EDUCATION, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTER Kris Bjorke church (612) ext 10 PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE DIRECTOR Michelle Florey preschool (612) CUSTODIAN Russ Utoft church (612) COUNCIL PRESIDENT Becky McDaniel church (612) A RAY OF HOPE EDITOR Ginny Olson Church Council President Becky McDaniel Vice President Barb Nelson Treasurer Clair Brenna Financial Secretary Dorian Thompson Secretary open Business Management Jim Nunn Education Lori Barnes Evangelism Cherie DeJarlais Finance open Pastoral/Social Ministry open Property Charlie Olson Recreation/Fellowship open Stewardship Jim Gay Worship/Music Gloria Karbo Youth Jacki Just Office Hours Monday Friday: 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Monitoring The second Sunday of every month in the gathering area after the worship service To the members and friends of Hope who place ads in A Ray of Hope each month. Proceeds from the ads fully fund the cost of paper, printing and mailing the newsletter. EARLY DAY CARE Michaelle Flaten rd Ave S Minneapolis MN Over 29 years experience Michaelle Flaten, member of Hope LOOKING FOR NEW CUSTOMERS? Place your ad in A Ray of Hope! This SPOT For RENT Contact Ginny today cgolson@earthlink.net FOOD & DRINK 1611 West Larpenteur Ave. Falcon Heights MN Ph Ward Wollerman, General Manager & member of Hope OHANA STYLING SHOP for Men, Women & Children 1512 East 66th St Richfield, MN Colleen Schamber, member of Hope Henry W. Anderson Mortuary Minneapolis Funerals Apple Valley Ave So Garrett Ave Cremation (612) (952) Advanced Planning Westen H. Anderson Timothy W. Anderson Complete Automotive Service Cty. 42 & Galaxy, Apple Valley Brother of Taimi & Scott Herron, members of Hope Hope Preschool & Child Care Center ~ Licensed ~ 33 months to first day kindergarten full and part time positions open 5712 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis (612) hopepreschoolandchildcare.org Located between Fat Lorenzo s and the 5.8 Club