This week at Hope 12/7/2020

Yesterday in worship we marked the Second Sunday in Advent with an in-depth look at the ministry and message of John the Baptist. John’s calling was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. He announced the need for repentance—“change your hearts and lives”—and provided baptism for entrance into life with Christ. This two-fold turning to the Lord is still at the heart of the Christian faith. There is no way around a full confession of sin, a total surrender to God, and a reformed will devoted to the way of Jesus. This opens the way for the Lord’s saving work to be done and our lives to be transformed by the Holy Spirit who leads us in Christ. Today is the day to get on the straight path that takes us into God’s eternal presence

Our second Midweek Advent service is this Wednesday, December 9, at 11:30 am. Reminder—no fellowship meal this time around. With the theme of “Prepare Ye” this week’s focus is Pray. We will think about ways in which we can take more time through this season to communicate to God through prayer as we wait for Christ. Zechariah, who went to the temple to pray, serves as an example for us of how hard that waiting in prayer can be. If you cannot attend in person, the service will also be livestreamed and available for later viewing.

A few Advent Daily Devotional books might still available from our LWML. Provided by Lutheran Hour ministries, these daily devotions can keep your focus on God’s work all the way to Epiphany!

Thanks to all who turned out for the Voters Assembly yesterday. Official action included election of Bill Martino as President for a 2^nd term, Phyllis Bahr as the new Secretary, Jo Palmer as Christian Growth leader for a 4^th term, and Ed Baumann as Chair of Elders for a 2^nd term. Also, the congregation voted for four Mission Grant recipients—Southern District Disaster Relief Fund, Lutheran Braille Workers, University Lutheran Church, and Upbring New Life Girls Center. Each of these will receive $5000 in the coming year. It was decided to nominate Michael Newman for another term as Texas District President, and Pastor Heckmann and Pastor Walt Pohland as nominees for Area C Vice-President. And we elected Bill Martino as Hope’s lay delegate to next June’s District Convention, along with Jason Galloway as alternate.

Scripture readings for Sunday—Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-2

Birthdays—12/7 Una Kunkel, Andrew Mukuba

“Here is the Lord God, coming with strength, with a triumphant arm, bringing His reward with Him and His payment before Him.” Isaiah 40

Pastor Heckmann