in touch with Hope Monthly newsletter of Hope Church, Spencer, IA

Transcription

1 in touch with Hope Monthly newsletter of Hope Church, Spencer, IA May, 2018 By Pastor Russell Muilenburg Imagine As I was looking though some old files, I came across a sermon that I wrote during my first summer at Hope Church. It was the Sunday that we introduced our mission statement: We are here to bring joy to Jesus, and to experience joy in Him. In that sermon, I asked everyone to imagine the kind of church they would like to invite their friends to visit. Here s what I said: Imagine that you have some friends who do not believe in God. They don t go to church, haven t had time for religion. But their marriage is a little shaky, or they re struggling with the kids, or the work situation isn t great. So you ve been praying for them, and encouraging them, and you think the time is right to invite them to church. What would you want Hope Church to look like when you invite them? What would you want them to find when they walk through those doors? I imagine a church that as soon as your friends walk through the doors they can sense the atmosphere of fun. A church full of people with smiles on their faces who can t wait to find out what God is going to do that day. I imagine a church where your friends will be greeted with genuine warmth and cheer, but without being pushy or overbearing. A church where no one will be labeled as a sinner or outside of the love of God. I imagine a church with children s programs staffed by people who care so much about kids that once your friends kids come once they won t be able to wait to come back. I imagine a church with such an expectation of meeting with God that even in our most serious moments even when we pray and preach and study and share your friends will still find the sense of joy to be undeniable. In short, I imagine a church that once your friends visit once, they ll want to have the same joy that we all show. Is that a good picture of what our church should be like? Are we living up to it? When I came across this sermon I was struck again by how proud of Hope Church I am. I believe that, in many ways, we do reflect the church I imagined more than a decade ago. At the same time, I m reminded of how much I want this vision to be in front of us. This picture of church still needs to be what we are striving for. It s something we must continue to work towards. Our God is a God of joy who invites us to find our joy in Him. He also wants us to extend that joy to others. To be a community so defined by joy that it is obvious to all who encounter us.

2 Pastor Jay Van Gelder Youth News Congratulations to our high school graduates! The following high school seniors have been involved at Hope Church and were asked the following questions: What have you been involved in at Hope Church? How has Hope Church helped you grow as a person? What are your future plans after graduation? Carli Bryan Daughter of Mike & Jackie Bryan Throughout my time as a member of Hope Church and part of the youth group, I have been given countless opportunities that have taught me life-long lessons while growing in my faith. These incredible experiences include many different mission trips, teaching me how to serve the Lord and share my faith with others. I have also enjoyed helping other students grow in their faith through helping at VBS and Middle School youth group. Youth Group has pushed me to strengthen my personal relationship with God and devote my life to Christ. I could never say thank you enough to all of the youth staff and sponsors who have always been encouraging and never given up on me. Next year I will be attending University of Northern Iowa and I plan to major in Elementary Education. Mackenzie Connor Daughter of Patrick & Kristy Connor Hope Church has been a part of my life since I was born. I was baptized when I was a baby. I have attended Sunday School since I was three years old. I have participated and helped with Vacation Bible School, the nursery, children s church, and youth group. I have had the opportunity to go on weekend retreats and summer mission trips throughout middle school and high school. Hope Church has taught me that Jesus is always there for me. He listens and cares about me. I asked Jesus into my heart during Power Connection in Then, He spoke to me again during Rocky Mountain High in 2017, and I professed my faith for Him at Mission Sunday. I have had many great opportunities at Hope Church to make my faith my own, especially through Bible Study with Deb Wittrock and mentoring with Stacia Timmer. I plan to attend Western Iowa Technical College in Sioux City to be a physical therapy assistant and personal trainer next year. Joey Ellsworth Son of Dan & Patty Ellsworth I have been involved in weekly attendance to church and Sunday school since we moved here in We attended several area churches and chose Hope because of the larger youth program. I attended middle school and senior high youth group and all the activities that have been available through those groups: youth auction, youth Sunday, lock-ins, Super Bowl party, and summer mission trips. I also attended Bible study in a youth leader s home that was separate, but with Hope youth. All these have helped me to grow in my faith. I believe Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. Being a long-term member of the youth programs has made me feel a part of this church community. I have made good friends here and had some fun along the journey, as well as many memories that I will take into my next chapter in life. I plan to attend Iowa State University and major in Veterinary Science. Grace Gilderhus Daughter of Scott & Tami Gilderhus I have been going to Hope Church my entire life. With that, I have had numerous, amazing events to be involved in. I have gone to and volunteered at every Bible School there has been, worked in children's church, and gone on various mission trips with the middle and high school youth groups, also serving on the Senior High Youth Leadership Team. Hope Church has grown me in my faith journey by always pushing me to learn more. Through many years of mission trips and mentoring, I have learned how it's okay that I don't have a plan because God does, and all I need to do is trust. I have also grown in my faith journey through Hope because of the amazing people in the church. They have taught me many lessons about how God works in mysterious and wonderful ways. I am grateful for all the opportunities given to me for growing my faith in the church. After graduation, I'm headed to South Dakota State University, with tentative plans to major in Exercise Science, with a minor in dance. We will be honoring our high school graduates at the First Wednesday Worship & Prayer Service on Wednesday, August 1, at 6:30 p.m.

3 Nathan Hogge Son of Chris & Karin Hogge My family moved to Spencer my sophomore year of high school and I have been actively involved in Hope Church's Youth Group and the Music Worship team playing bass guitar. Thank you to Eric Meeter for helping me reveal my love for the bass guitar and giving me the opportunity to use it to give praise to God. I have enjoyed serving on the ministry trips and finding a renewed relationship with God on the youth retreats. Please join me in celebrating my graduation and the start of my next adventure in life on Sunday, May 13, from 3-5pm in the Harbor Room. I plan to attend Grand View University in Des Moines in the fall where I will study Sports Management and play soccer at the collegiate level. David Holt Son of Laura & Tony Ranslow and Jason Holt My family has been a part of Hope Church my whole life. I have participated in our youth group since 6th grade and have had the privilege to serve on six different mission trips through it. Hope Church has given me the chance to start my walk with Christ at an early age as well as also providing me many opportunities to strengthen my faith over the years. I have enlisted in the Marine Corps and leave for basic training July 9th. Hallee Mingus Daughter of Scott & Angie Mingus I have been involved in many things in Hope Church, including Sunday school from when I was young, VBS, youth group, many mission trips and spiritual retreats, the youth leadership team, the youth praise team, and the tech team. Some other activities I have been involved in include multiple music, singing, and theater activities. Hope Church has helped me grow in my faith journey because of how youth-oriented the church is, and also through the many activities and people who have affected my life. Hope church has given me many experiences and opportunities that I will take with me to college. My future plans are to attend University of Northern Iowa to pursue a Communications and Disorders degree with a masters in Speech Pathology. Katie Moser Daughter of Chad & Kim Moser I have been involved in Hope Church by being a regular member and attending Rocky Mountain High with our senior youth group this past summer. Hope Church has helped me grow in my faith journey by showing me the undeserving love that Christ provides to all and opening my heart to understanding His unending love and forgiveness. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Iowa majoring in human physiology. GO HAWKS! Bre Small Daughter of Tracy & Jen Small While being a part of Hope Church I have been in the youth program for the past six years, and this year I have been a part of the ministry team. Hope Church has helped me grow in my faith by going on the church retreat last summer when we went to Colorado Springs, and going on the Spiritual Retreat this past winter. After graduation, my plans are to attend Iowa Central Community College and studying Early Childhood Education, and I will be playing softball for the Tritons! Each tulip does not seek to be the most beautiful. It only seeks to bloom.

4 Ray Meyer Adult/Congregational News Thank you to Hope s Senior High Youth for providing a fun night of playing Bunco on April 22. It was a great mixer for the youth and adults! Spring is finally here and a lot of the ministries take on a breath of fresh air during the summer months. If you would like to become involved with the different opportunities for volunteering, please let me know and I will be happy to direct you to an area that would fit for you. If you would like to become involved this coming fall, now is the time to start considering your different options. Small groups continue to be a great way to meet people and to continue your walk with the Lord. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information and/or join a group. Summer is a time when groups can be adjusted to welcome new members and be ready for the fall season. Kim Smith Children/Family Vacation Bible School June 4-8 8:30 am - 11:45 am VBS registration will be open to Hope Church families through Sunday, April 29. You may register your child (age 4 through entering 5th Grade in the fall) in the lobby and must be pre-registered/pre-paid by Sunday, April 29 to guarantee a spot for your child. Starting on Monday, April 30 we will open up the registration to the community until May 13, or until we are full. Join in the VBS fun! Positions are available for any level of help at VBS. We have a great time getting to know the children that are attending and each other as we serve together! We can use people of every age, ability and time frame. Applications are available at the VBS table in the lobby. VBS DECORATING HELP NEEDED! People are needed to help build and create a fun environment for VBS. We need construction, painting, and general help. Work times are: Friday, May 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (childcare for birth-elementary provided) Saturday, May 26 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch provided) Sunday, May 27 12:00-4:00 p.m. (lunch provided) Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, June 1: 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 10:00 p.m. (or until we are done) Before you come this week, please check with me at as we may be finished earlier than anticipated. Come when you can, leave when you must! Hope Church Spring Clean-Up Saturday, May 5, is our Spring Clean-Up Day at Hope Church from 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Join us in getting our yard and our spot of Spencer looking wonderful for all to enjoy. There will be a light breakfast served to keep you going strong. Individuals, couples, families, and small groups are encouraged to sign up to serve in this capacity as there is no Love Spencer this year. Bring your gloves and a rake, if you have one, and join us for a time of fellowship, food and a little bit of work! Sign up at the Information Desk. Community Meals Sunday, May 6 is the last Community Meal until the Fall. Church Softball League Let s Play Ball! Church Softball League will begin late May. Anyone age 18 or older can join in the fun! Sign up at the Information Desk if you are interested in playing. Summer Schedule Effective Sunday, May 27 our morning worship services will be at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. during the summer months, with no summer Sunday School. The last day for Sunday School and Children s Worship for the summer will be May 20. Condolences to: Michelle & Ed Ver Steeg and family on the passing of Michelle s father, Jerry Smith of George, IA, from time to eternity on April 13. Carol & Bill Hartig on the passing of Carol s brother, Norton Prince of Rockwell City, from time to eternity on April 16. Tim & Mary Frank on the passing of Tim s brother, Jeffrey Kitchen of Beaver Dam, WI, from time to eternity on April 20. Arvin & Kathy Druvenga on the passing of Arvin s father, Richard Druvenga of Aplington, from time to eternity on April 24. Gloria & Mike Schmillen, and Angie & Scott Mingus & family on the passing of Gloria s mother/angie s grandmother, Anna Mae Ladenthin of Marcus, from time to eternity on April 26. Concerns for: Paul Abrahamson had testing done in Rochester on April 10. Greg Wartnaby had foot surgery on April 17. Diana Williamson had testing done in Spencer on April 25. Brayden Reynolds had his 3-month cancer check-up and scans on April 26. The scans showed a few small spots on his lungs, which they are praying is from a bad cold he had, so he will have scans again in 6 weeks to see how things look. Fran Montgomery was admitted to the hospital for tests and evaluation on April 27.

5 Consistory News The regular meeting of the Hope Reformed Church met at 7:00 p.m. in the Well, on Thursday, April 12, A quorum was present. Present: Deacons: Gary Van Wettering, Eric Van Der Heide, Danny Dekker, John Haak, Jason Warren. Elders: Gary Zeutenhorst, Terry Johnson, Doug Siepkes, Brad Olson, Karmen Brown. Pastors: Russell Muilenburg. Absent: Deacon Craig Van Drunen and Elder Brian Christoffer and Pastor Jay Van Gelder. Pastor Russell opened the devotional time with prayer. He then read scripture from Matthew 13:52 and lead a discussion after viewing a video of Andy Stanley. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION A. Kim Smith shared with the consistory upcoming events related to Children and Family Ministries. She shared some information about the recent Marriage Retreat and Spring Splendor activities and positive results from those activities. Discussion was had about upcoming challenges in the future regarding Children and Family ministries. Karmen Brown closed the discussion with a prayer for Kim and the Children and Family Ministries. B. MMSC to approve the minutes of March 15, C. MMSC to approve the March financials as presented by the Deacons. D. MMSC to approve the recommendation by the Staff Management Committee to accept Eric Meeters request to drop his fulltime position down to 24 hours and do Music Ministry only and drop his responsibilities with Youth Ministries. E. Jason Warren from Staff Management Team presented recommendations made by Dave Bartlett from the April 4-5 th Staff Management and Staff Retreat. Jason indicated follow-up meetings will be held to check on the progress of the recommendations. Jason also presented a recommendation that a hold be put on replacing Ray Meyer s position for now until after some of the recommendations from the Staff Management and Staff Retreat have been accomplished. F. Eric Van Der Heide reported on the progress on updating the church website. He stated that they had heard today from East Sioux Classis that they had received a $5, grant to put towards the website. Eric Meeter continues to meet with the agency hired to work on the website. G. Gary Van Wettering shared an estimate to repair a gas line on the roof. The initial estimate was $3,980 to secure the pipe to the roof. He also reported that they have been looking at addressing the run-off of water and the damage this is causing in the basement of the church. He and Josh will be exploring what can be done to fix this and bring recommendations back to the consistory. H. Tim Yeager has been hired part-time to assist Josh with his facilities responsibilities. He is working 10 hours a week. I. Pastor Russell closed this portion of the meeting with prayer. ELDERS MEETING A. Pastor Russell opened the meeting with prayer. B. The constitutional question was asked and answered in the negative. C. Pastor Russell reported that decisions on membership status and action approved at last month s consistory meeting has been completed. D. Specific congregational concerns were discussed. E. Closed the meeting with prayer. DEACONS MEETING A. Eric opened in prayer. B. Danny & Jason were approved to sign loan documents. C. Construction loan approved for a 15-year term with intent to prepay. D. Discussed allocation of funds. E. Approved $3, for roof repairs. F. Gary closed in prayer. Deacon Update With about 8 months remaining in our Open Doors 2.0 campaign, we have an exciting update. As of March we have surpassed $505,000, the initial total pledge amount for the campaign! Thank you all for your continued generosity to make this possible. We are very blessed as a congregation. The initial purposes of the 2.0 campaign were primarily to reduce debt from the lobby construction project and support missions. We also included adding sprinklers in the children s ministry area and repairs to the roof within the scope of this campaign. Based on the amount of debt and the costs of other projects, we knew the pledge total would not fully cover everything and we would have debt remaining. We also then made the decision to purchase the property across the street on 1 st Avenue which also added to our existing debt. Today, our current outstanding debt is $250,000. Because of the outstanding debt remaining, we do still encourage everyone to continue with your pledged giving as you are able so that we may continue to reduce and quickly eliminate our debt. Thank you again for your continued generosity and ultimately we give thanks to God for His continued faithfulness!

6 919 Grand Avenue, Spencer, IA worship & sunday school schedule & sermons Sundays: 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. through May 20 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. beginning May 27 Sunday School: 9:45-10:40 a.m. Ages 3 years old through Adult The last day of Sunday School for the school year will be May 20. May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Fruit of the Spirit Peace Youth Sunday Pa ence Kindness Hope Church Staff: Russell Muilenburg, Lead Pastor; Jay Van Gelder, Pastor of Student Ministries; Josh Hamrick, Facili es Director, Eric Meeter, Worship/Music/Assistant Youth; Ray Meyer, Congrega onal Care; Kim Smith, Children & Families; Lori Swanson, Office Administrator.