This week at Hope 10/04/2021

Yesterday in worship we observed the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost while also celebrating LWML Sunday. The theme for the day was, “Our Hearts in His Hand”. What wonderful Good News that is, to hear how God has personally cleaned up, purified, and renewed our old dead heart into a powerful organ for life! Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross and now reaches out His hand to us for healing and help and encouragement (to cheer our hearts). We, in turn, strive to do the same for others—show and tell the way to the welcoming and everlasting heart of God. Lutheran Women in Mission help lead the church to accomplish that saving work.

The special congregational appeal is underway to provide money for repairs to the orphanage in Congo sponsored by our brother Caleb. A couple of years ago our Sunday Bible class project was in support of finishing the building to house the children. Unfortunately, recent storms have caused damage. You can contribute with the Special Appeal envelopes available at the church. The goal is $2800.

Wednesday evening BUMP is off to a great re-start and meets again this week. We gather in Hope Harbor at 6:00 pm for fellowship meal, then go on to study at 6:30, and conclude with prayer by 7:30. The topic for discussion is a timely one—Imagine Your Life without Fear. This week it’s Chapter Six—I’m Sinking Fast: Fear of Overwhelming Challenges.

Hope Book Club meets this Wednesday for first discussion of Cedar Choppers. If you’re a speed reader, you might still be able to get the book and join in.

Looking ahead—Hope’s annual Oktoberfest is on the calendar for Friday, October 22, at 6:00 pm in Friendship Hall. Food, drink, and fun are all included for $10 per person. Tickets go on sale soon!

Hope is partnering with Education Connection to build relationships with our neighbors at Blanton Elementary. To start, this will involve volunteers reading for 30 minutes a week with third graders. Can you spare a half-hour to help transform the lives of two children? A half-dozen members have already signed up to do it, and you can join them. Fill out a response card at church and give it to Carl Repp so that your participation can happen.

The Lord has supplied each of us generously with daily provision. I encourage you to make regular and faithful Offerings at Hope in faith and gratitude for God’s loving care. 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—Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Hebrews 3:12-19; Mark 10:17-22.

Birthdays—10/4 Terry Heckmann, Daniel Betts; 10/6 Ed Baumann; 10/9 Pat Stork, Carl Repp

Anniversaries—

“As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly.” 1 Peter 1

Be Bold! 

Pastor Heckmann