Spirit of Hope. Pastor s News. in this issue. Mount Hope Lutheran Church and Child Development Center May 2015

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May 2015 Spirit of Hope Mount Hope Lutheran Church and Child Development Center www.mt-hope.

1 May 2015 Spirit of Hope Mount Hope Lutheran Church and Child Development Center in this issue PASTOR S NEWS CHILDRENS MINISTRY YOUTH MINISTRY BIBLE STUDIES WOMEN OF HOPE DAILY DEVOTIONAL FAMILY 101 FINANCIALS BUILDING UPDATE CELEBRATION DAYS BOOK CLUB VICAR JARED YOGERST MISSION HIGHLIGHTS CALENDAR Pastor s News A Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee Jesus said, I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know His Master s business. Instead I have called you friends. John 15:15 Dear friends and members of Mount Hope, When things in life seem like they are too much to handle, or when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee. One day a professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he picked up an empty gallon size jar of mayonnaise and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. Then he asked his class if the jar was full. They all agreed it was full. Then the professor picked up a bag of pebbles and poured them into the jar, shaking it lightly. The pebbles rolled into all the empty areas between the golf balls. He then asked the class if the jar was full and again they all agreed it was full. But then the professor took a supply of sand and poured that too in the jar and as expected the sand filled up everything else. He asked the class once again if the jar was now full and the students responded with a unanimous, Yes. Continued on Page 10

2 Children s Ministry Jesus All Stars-Sunday School Where Did Mother s Day Originate by Francine Wallin Do you know? Researching a bit, I learned that the traditional practice of honoring Motherhood is rooted in antiquity. One of the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a Mother deity can be found among the ancient Egyptians. Objects of adoration ranged from mythological female deities, to the Christian Church. Today, more than 70 countries celebrate Mother s Day. It was Anna M. Jarvis, who after the death of her mother, devoted herself full time to the creation of Mother s Day here in the US, relentlessly petitioning governments, business leaders, women s groups, churches, and other organizations. She did convince the World s Sunday School Association to back her as they were a key influence over state legislators and congress. West Virginia became the first state to officially recognize Mother s Day and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed it into national observance declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother s Day. Much more can be said about Jarvis and the commercialism of this day. Perhaps we can talk about that next time. Thinking further, I realized all of us can probably envision other women, too, who serve as motherfigures: the aunt who took you to church as a child when your parents had to work, the widowed and childless woman at church, the single lady who always has an ear to listen, or the woman who struggles with infertility, but happily plans Sunday school crafts each week. Even though these women aren t mothers by the strictest definition, they are mothers in your heart. And there are those who may have been abusive or absent a great deal of the time. Regardless, Mother s Day is meant to honor them, too. Let me leave you with these thoughts: When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. (Now that we are grown) we have a heavenly Father who adores, shelters, and holds us when we need to cry. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is Love. (References: Allison Zeller at CTA, Inc.; 1Corinthians 13 for Moms, Parents for Christ.com; The Complete History of Mother s Day, Francine Wallin, Director Children s Sunday School Program JAM JAM (Jesus and Me) for 3rd 5th graders is on May 31st to the Water Park of America from Noon-4:30 p.m. The cost is $20. Friends are welcome to attend! If you have any questions please contact Melanie Appelquist at youth@mthope.org or Upcoming events for JAM-Please note the date changes June 14th Messy Afternoon from Noon-3:00 p.m. Please wear clothes you can get very messy!!! Child Development Center News We re in! The children and staff love the new classrooms. We truly appreciate all the hours of hard work and the funds given to provide these renovated spaces. Two of the rooms are also used on Sunday mornings as Sunday School and Nursery spaces. The large windows, interior bathrooms and Dutch doors connecting the rooms are just a few of the features we love. We all feel truly blessed to be able to work at Mount Hope during this exciting time and cannot wait to see the completion of Phase Two. Enrollments for the fall continue to come in. We are ahead of last year s enrollment at this point in the year. Families are pleased to see the renovated spaces and to know that the congregation values the Center s programs. Please join us on Saturday, May 2 at either 9:30 or 11:00 for a performance of our Spring Musical. Our program this year is titled Always Something New. This title seems quite appropriate given the newness of our surroundings. Kim Woebke, CDC Director 2

Youth Ministry-One Way Mission Statement of One Way We exist to bring youth into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, while encouraging them

Check out the easy ways to support One Way Youth on our website at www.mt-hope.org Upcoming Events Gertens Flower Sale Pick up is May 16 th 2-4 p.

We will be having a cake reception in between services. During the 10:45 a.m. service there will be a special blessing for the seniors.

There will be no Youth Bible Class on Sunday, May 24 th. Bible and Brew is Wednesdays from 3:30-4:00 p.m. at Caribou Coffee on Old Shakopee Road.

3 Youth Ministry-One Way 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 Gertens Flower Sale Pick up is May 16 th 2-4 p.m. Youth will be needed during pick up to help load cars. Senior High School Graduation Sunday is June 14th. We will be having a cake reception in between services. During the 10:45 a.m. service there will be a special blessing for the seniors. Youth Bible Class is Sunday mornings (expect holiday weekends) starting at 9:30 a.m. Students in 6th-12th grade meet with Melanie in the green room. There will be no Youth Bible Class on Sunday, May 24 th. 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. Sunday School Palm Sunday Sunday School Palm Sunday SWAG Palm Sunday Breakfast SWAG Palm Sunday Breakfast 3

Bible Studies Sunday Mornings Vicar Jared leads a video-based Bible study on "The Story".

In-Home Ruth Our Ruth Bible study will be meeting on Thursdays, May 14 th & May 28 th at 6:30 pm.

We look forward to seeing you there! Dianne Ritter leads an additional video based study on The Story. Her class meets from 9:35-10:20 a.m. in the new Child Development wing-orange classroom.

4 Bible Studies Sunday Mornings Vicar Jared 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 in the fellowship/lunch room. In-Home Ruth Our Ruth Bible study will be meeting on Thursdays, May 14 th & May 28 th at 6:30 pm. Ladies meet at Jennifer Adamek s home for a bible study that gets into the Bible Book of Ruth. Please contact Dianne Ritter with any questions We look forward to seeing you there! Dianne Ritter leads an additional video based study on The Story. Her class meets from 9:35-10:20 a.m. in the new Child Development wing-orange classroom. Young Adult Ministry We have a new ministry opportunity here at Mount Hope! We invite all Young Adults Married & Single (YAMS) & families to a kick off with a summer BBQ at the home of Scott & Janelle Hampton from 4:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, June 7 th. A main dish will be provided, but please bring a side dish to share. Please sign up on the bulletin board if you are able to attend. 4

LWML Women of Hope The Salad Supper held in April was great. The officers decorated the sanctuary so pretty and spring-like. Thank you to them!

Our meeting this month is all about completing the service project of potting up spring flowers to give to those who need a special bright spot for their day.

Pastor Dan will be installing the new officers for the 2015-2016 year.

Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world. LWML Convention Save the dates!

5 LWML Women of Hope The Salad Supper held in April was great. The officers decorated the sanctuary so pretty and spring-like. Thank you to them! The prom and special dresses, which were brought, were fun to see and hear stories about. Our next Women of Hope Night will be on Tuesday, May 12 th at 6:30 pm. Our meeting this month is all about completing the service project of potting up spring flowers to give to those who need a special bright spot for their day. It s a neat way to introduce our church to someone who may need a church home. Pastor Dan will be our special speaker and a business meeting will follow. Pastor Dan will be installing the new officers for the year. Women of Hope Lutheran Women s Missionary League Mission Statement The Mission of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League (LWML) is to assist each woman of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world. LWML Convention Save the dates! Mark your calendar for June 25-28, 2015 for the LWML Convention in Des Moines, IA. We gather under the theme Bountiful! Sow, Nourish, Reap. The convention theme is based on the following Scripture passage: And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:8. Registration forms and more information can be found at 5

daily devotional Fifth Sunday of Easter Lev 20:1 16, 22 27 Luke 11:37 54 Monday Lev 21:1 24 Luke 12:1 12 Tuesday Lev 23:1 22 Luke 12:13 34 Wednesday Lev 23:23 44 Luke 12:35 53 Thursday Lev 24:1 23

6 daily devotional Fifth Sunday of Easter Lev 20:1 16, Luke 11:37 54 Monday Lev 21:1 24 Luke 12:1 12 Tuesday Lev 23:1 22 Luke 12:13 34 Wednesday Lev 23:23 44 Luke 12:35 53 Thursday Lev 24:1 23 Luke 12:54 13:17 Lev 25:1 55 Friday Lev 26:1 20 Luke 13:18 35 Saturday Lev 26:21 33, Luke 14:1 24 Num 1:1 2:34 Sixth Sunday of Easter Num 3:1 16, Luke 14:25 15:10 Num 4:1 8:4 Monday Num 8:5 26 Luke 15:11 32 Tuesday Num 9:1 23 Luke 16:1 18 Wednesday Num 10:11 36 Luke 16:19 31 Ascension Day Num 11:1 23, Luke 17:1 19 Friday Num 11:24 29; 12:1 16 Luke 17:20 37 Saturday Num 13:1 3, Luke 18:1 17 Seventh Sunday of Easter Num 14:1 25 Luke 18:18 34 Monday Num 14:26 45 Luke 18:35 19:10 Num 15:1 41 Tuesday Num 16:1 22 Luke 19:11 28 Wednesday Num 16:23 40 Luke 19:29 48 Thursday Num 16:41 17:13 Luke 20:1 18 Num 18:1 19:22 Friday Num 20:1 21 Luke 20:19 44 Saturday Num 20:22 21:9 Luke 20:45 21:19 Pentecost Sunday Num 21:10 35 Luke 21:20 38 Pentecost Monday Num 22:1 20 Luke 22:1 23 Pentecost Tuesday Num 22:21 23:3 Luke 22:24 46 Pentecost Wednesday Num 23:4 28 Luke 22:47 71 Pentecost Thursday Num 24:1 25 Luke 23:1 25 Pentecost Friday Num 27:12 23 Luke 23:26 56 Pentecost Saturday Num 32:1 6, Luke 24:1 27 Holy Trinity Sunday Num 35:9 30 Luke 24:28 53 Acts 1:1 7:60 Sermon Series & Bible Studies this Summer Family 101-Back to the Basics was born out of the great need to strengthen and support the family unit. Join Dr. Gary & Barb Rosberg (America's Family Coaches), the Skit Guys and Dr. Gene Getz as they help us unravel the mystery of the "One Another" principles in the most challenging of places: the home. Nine sessions, each about minutes, take us step-by-step through the key New Testament passages on how to live out the "one another" verses in family life. We will discover how these principles are God's blueprint, the ground floor, for day-to-day living. Learn what it really means to love, serve, encourage and honor those closest to you. Our culture puts tremendous pressure on the family. The pull of media, music, movies and TV often cause doubt and confusion on how to live out God's commands to love and serve one another. Divorce, immorality, neglect, abuse, compromise, and apathy threaten to dissolve the very fabric of family. Family 101 Back to the Basics will help us bring Biblical focus on how to "One Another Each Other. 6

Financials Treasurer s Report from March 2015 Monthly Income $57,349 Monthly Income Budgeted $51,115.00 Monthly Expenses $50,741.00 Monthly Expenses Budgeted $44,427.

7 Financials Treasurer s Report from March 2015 Monthly Income $57,349 Monthly Income Budgeted $51, Monthly Expenses $50, Monthly Expenses Budgeted $44, (Includes Child Development Center) Stewardship Corner John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me." What does it mean to know the Lord? It starts with being known by the Lord: He claims us as His own and calls us by name. Then, once we are His, we learn to know Him...and in knowing Him we learn to imitate Him. And that is how the Christian life of good works and generosity grows from the Lord's grace. Building Update Our ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Child Development Center classroom wing was on Sunday, April 12 th. This was such a special, momentous occasion for our church and our Faith Moving Forward project. The church offices have also recently moved. Check out our new space! Demolitation on the east portion of the church should be happening at the time of printing this newsletter. Things are moving forward, thank you God! May Celebration Days Happy Birthday 1 Armand Boehnke 4 Mitchell Higgins 4 Joe Rosner 6 Josh Adamek 7 Gene Roehrick 9 Richard Hinz 9 Jack Jensen 11 Pauline Von Deylen 15 Wayne Markel 15 Fran Wallin 20 Paul Hinz 20 Dianne Ritter 21 Gloria Bielke 23 Susan Moss 25 Faith Alt 26 Melissa Quittschreiber 28 Linda Oathout 28 Emily Woodhall 29 Marjule Boehnke 31 Tyler Ashburn Baptismal Anniversary 4 Wesley Bye 7 Sam Killam 8 Eileen Nelson 8 Pat Roehrick 11 Vivian Brantner 15 Nathan Moss 23 Brent Bielec 24 Susan Moss Wedding Anniversary 1 Dan & Jennifer Adamek 3 Mark & Melanie Appelquist 11 Dan & Krista Bye 16 Vern & Barb Elstad 23 Vern & Arlene Voigt 26 Ron & Shirley Favorit 28 George & Eileen Daak 28 Conrad & Marilyn Nelson 7 Worship Attendance Lent Wed. March 25=50 March 29 8:15=49 10:45=81 Maundy Thursday April 2 6:30=69 Good Friday April 3 6:30=62 April 5 8:15=72 9:45=102 April 12 8:15=54 10:45=63 April 19 8:15=48 10:45=53 April 26 8:15=59 10:45=69

8 Book Club 1st Friday Book Club-Friday, May 1st from 1:30-3:30 pm. Our book to read this month is Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Lisa Genova is an American neuroscientist and author. She self-published her debut novel Still Alice, about a Harvard professor who suffers early onset Alzheimer's disease. There are over 2.1 million copies in print, and it has been translated into 31 languages. The book was adapted into a film in We meet at the home of Renata Melby Zenith Ave S, Bloomington, Please join us if you are able. Seeing the Word of God in your Spouse~ Recently, Pastor Dan asked me to write up sample sermons for a wedding and for a funeral service. Writing the wedding sermon reminded me of a Luther quote I found while a student at St. John s University. God s word is actually inscribed on one s spouse. When a man looks at his wife as if she were the only woman on earth, and when a woman looks at her husband as if he were the only man on earth; yes, if no king or queen, not even the sun itself sparkles any more brightly and lights up your eyes more than your own husband or wife, then right there you are face to face with God speaking. God promises to you your wife or husband, actually gives your spouse to you, saying: The man shall be yours; the woman shall be yours. I am pleased beyond measure! Creatures earthly and heaven are jumping for joy. For there is not jewelry more precious than God s Word; through it you come to regard your spouse as a gift of God and, as long you do that, you have no regrets. 1 Luther suggests that in the ups and downs of married life, when we hurt one another and forgive one another we experience the life of the Word of God. We experience both Law and Gospel. When spouses regard one another in this way, not only are they blessed but even those around them. For in those times they see a foretaste, a living example, of Christ s love for his Church arrayed in white a beautiful bride adorned for her husband. In this way, a marriage is the Word of God. My last Sunday here at Mount Hope Lutheran Church will be Sunday, May 31 st. The Colloquy Committee meets May 27 th where they will certify me for placement. Peace, Jared Yogerst, Vicar Vicar Jared Yogerst 8

Mission Highlights Redemption Lutheran Church s Salad Luncheon~Quilt Auction Under the BigTop is Redemption Lutheran Church s Salad Luncheon~Quilt Auction theme for a HUGE fundraiser for Christian

Trinity First School, located in the heart of Minneapolis, is blessed to serve God by providing a Christ-based education to children aged 3 through eighth grade.

9 Mission Highlights Redemption Lutheran Church s Salad Luncheon~Quilt Auction Under the BigTop is Redemption Lutheran Church s Salad Luncheon~Quilt Auction theme for a HUGE fundraiser for Christian Education. They are hoping to raise money for Trinity Lutheran School in Minneapolis. Trinity First School, located in the heart of Minneapolis, is blessed to serve God by providing a Christ-based education to children aged 3 through eighth grade. They see themselves as a family and joyfully give thanks to God for each child He leads to their school. Thrivent Financial is getting in on the fun, too! They have promised to donate $1,200 to this event already! The Salad Luncheon & Quilt Auction is on Saturday, May 9 th at 11:00 am. The Live Auction will have 26 beautiful, handmade quilts to be sold. Our congregational member, Kayla Kuhlman has donated a really cute, baby quilt with frogs and lily pads for the Live Auction. (See the picture below). There will be a silent auction with 50 smaller handmade items available to bid on during the Salad Luncheon. Purchase your tickets at the church office for $ Tickets must be purchased by Monday, May 4 th. Redemption Lutheran Church is located in Bloomington, in between Portland and Nicollet Ave. 9

Pastor s News Continued The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured both cups into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

10 Pastor s News Continued The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured both cups into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. Now the professor said as the laughter subsided, I want you to recognize that this mayonnaise jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things in life like; God, your family, your children, your health, friends etc. and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter in life; your job, your house, your car etc. The sand is everything else, the small stuff. If we put the sand into the jar first, he said, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. If we spend all our time and energy on the small stuff in life we will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical for our happiness. Play with your children or grandchildren. Take time for medical check-ups. If married, take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18 (my personal favorite). There will always be time to clean house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Let s set our priorities. The rest is just sand. One student asked about the coffee. The professor smiled and said, I m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there s always room for a couple cups of coffee with a friend. Family Back to the Basics is coming soon! God s Continued Blessings to you all, Pastor Dan 10

May 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1:30-3:30 1 st Friday Book Club 1 2 9:30 & 11:00 CDC Spring Musical Noisy Offering 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship

11 May 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1:30-3:30 1 st Friday Book Club 1 2 9:30 & 11:00 CDC Spring Musical Noisy Offering :15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship 12:00 WOH Officers Meet 8:00 AA Meets 9:00 Staff Meets 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:00-8:00 SWAG 7:00 Praise Team Practice 11:00 Salad Luncheon and Quilt Auction at Redemption Mother s Day :15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship 8:15 Worship 10:45 Worship Witness Wear 31 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth 9:35 Adult 10:45 Worship 12:00-4:30 JAM 6:30 Women of Hope Meet 8:00 AA Meets 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:00-8:00 SWAG 7:00 Praise Team Practice 6:30 In-Home 10-4 Bethesda Thrift Shop Work Day 2:00-4:00 Youth Gertens Flower Pickup :00 AA Meets 9:00 Prayer 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:00-8:00 SWAG 7:00 Praise Team Practice 6:30 Governing Board Meets 24 Memorial Day Church Office & CDC Closed 8:00 AA Meets 9:00 Prayer Group 3:30 Youth Bible & Caribou 6:00-8:00 SWAG 7:00 Praise Team Practice 6:30 In-Home Mount Hope Lutheran Church

Sunday Worship Schedule 8:15 am Traditional Worship Service 9:30 am and Sunday School 10:45 am Praise Worship Service Phone: 952-888-5059 E-mail: church@mthope.org Website: www.mt-hope.

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 Steve Sundseth Custodian Mount Hope Lutheran Church 3601 W Old Shakopee Rd Bloomington, MN Address Service Requested

Spirit of Hope. Pastor s News. in this issue. December Mount Hope Lutheran Church and Child Development Center

Spirit of Hope. Pastor s News. in this issue. December Mount Hope Lutheran Church and Child Development Center Spirit of Hope Mount Hope Lutheran Church and Child Development Center www.mt-hope.org December 2014 in this issue PASTOR S NEWS CHILDRENS MINISTRY YOUTH MINISTRY BIBLE STUDIES WOMEN OF HOPE SUNDAY SCHOOL