This week at Hope 12/18/2022

Yesterday in worship we observed the Fourth Sunday in Advent, drawing to the close of this season of anticipation and expectation. We put ourselves in the place of Joseph and Mary, imagining how we might respond to the angel’s announcement and direction. It is so hard for us to give up control, especially when we do not understand! Yet the Holy Family shows us how to surrender to God’s perfect will and plan, and also the great benefit in welcoming God’s salvation in faith. As our attention turns again to Bethlehem, may we find joy in obedience with full trust in the Lord’s love.

Praise God for the awesome group of believers welcomed into membership at Hope yesterday! What a marvelous occasion to witness the work of the Holy Spirit! Truly a beautiful glimpse of our future heavenly reality: “They were from every nation, tribe, people, and language. They were standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands. They cried out with a loud voice:

‘Victory belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’

Midweek Advent services conclude this Wednesday at both 11:30 am and 6:30 pm. With the theme of “Living in a Time of Adaptive Challenges,” this week’s topic is Let It Be unto Me. The fellowship meal at noontime will feature your favorite snacks of the season (that you yourself bring). The evening fellowship meal at 5:30 will surely be equally nourishing.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE—6:00 pm 

CHRISTMAS DAY FESTIVAL SERVICE—10:00 am (No Sunday School)

NEW YEAR’S DAY WORSHIP SERVICE—10:00 am (No Sunday School)

The church has contracted with Rev. Dennis Tegtmeier to serve as vacancy pastor while Hope searches for a new full-time pastor. Pastor Tegtmeier will begin service on January 1. Talk to congregation president Bill Martino if you have any questions.

Scripture readings next Sunday— Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18.

Three ways to Give in support of Hope’s ministry and mission:

•          in-person at the offering plate in worship;

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

•          through the Vanco mobile app GivePlus. Thank you!

“When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife.” Matthew 1