This week at Hope 5/03/2021

Yesterday in worship we observed the Fifth Sunday of Easter and rallied around this theme: “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” What a powerful message to repeat to ourselves over and over! While the devil is on the prowl and evil forces are active in the world, we have the assurance that Jesus has conquered all our enemies. We are not unawares, but we are alive in, with, and through Christ’s victorious resurrected life. Christ’s reigning authority guarantees that we are secure with the Lord. The effect here and now is three-fold: calmness which banishes worry and anxiety, focus that keeps us centered on whose we are and where we are headed, and energy that motivates and moves us to devoted faithfulness. It all puts me in mind of the hymn:

“I serve a risen Savior

  He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living,

  Whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy;

  I hear His voice of cheer;

And just the time I need Him

  He’s always near.”

Movie on the Trail was postponed last week to THIS FRIDAY. The featured attraction is, “The Croods 2”, showing at 8:00 pm. Invite friends, family, and neighbors!

Our In-Gathering of items for the Hope Family Thrift Store is now underway in the month of May. You can bring household items, clothing, etc. to the convenient collection area at the church. The Thrift Store is an important funding stream for the Austin Disaster Relief Network, of which Hope is a member. Clean out your closets and put your faded treasures to good use.

Hope Book Club is starting a new discussion this Wednesday of Wuthering Heights. You have two days to get the book and start reading! The group will gather from 1 to 2:30 pm in Hope Harbor.

I encourage you to be regular and faithful in your Offerings in support of Hope’s ministry and mission: Here are three ways to do that:

•          In-person at the offering plate;

•          On the church website by the Give with Us button;

•          Through the Vanco mobile app GivePlus.

Scripture readings for next Sunday—Acts 10:34-48; 1 John 5:1-8; John 15:9-17. 

Birthdays—5/4 Thomas Buchhorn; 5/6 Jim Grimm; 5/8 Toni Ceasar

Anniversaries—

“The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4

Be Bold!

Pastor Heckmann