08 Nov This week at Hope 11/8/2021
Yesterday in worship we observed the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, with our focus on some of the widows in the Bible. Widows show us that God has a special place for those who are utterly dependent on Him and respond in faith. This is actually the essence of the Christian life—to look to the Lord alone for provision and sustenance, relief and deliverance. This self-emptying is the path Jesus took, refusing to employ any temporal power or strength and instead surrendering entirely to the will of His Father. And look where that took Him—through death and into life that never ends! We follow in the way of Christ our Savior with obedient trust. “I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Never let me fall. I am trusting Thee forever And for all.”
We also paused to Commemorate the Faithful Departedamong our number at Hope. In this past year we commended Hal Rutz, + 11/17/20, and Lorene Olle, + 12/31/20, to the tender mercies of the Lord.
The announcement was made yesterday that we are shifting our Sunday School offerings to educational missionaries Jeremy and Meghan Barker in Nicaragua. This commitment will extend through next August, with the goal of at least $5000 in support. Much more information should be forthcoming about the work the Barkers are doing in the mission field. They are also accompanied by their daughter, Danielle.
The first of the Thanksgiving feasts is this Wednesday, November 10. The ladies of Dorcas Circle are inviting everyone to join in their Thanksgiving luncheon at Noon in the Parish Hall. Bring a side dish or dessert and enjoy the fellowship. Festive Gratitude!
The Fall Session of BUMP has come to a conclusion. Wednesday evening activities will resume with Thanksgiving Eve service on November 24. BUMP should pick up again in January.
Next Week—Men and Women of Hope will be gathering on Tuesday, November 16. The men will meet up at Tres Amigos from 5 to 6:30 pm; the ladies of LWML will join together at church from 5:30 to ??.
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—Daniel 13:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-13.
Birthdays—
Anniversaries—
“She from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had, even what she needed to live on.” Mark 12
Be Bold!
Pastor Heckmann