HERALD OF HOPE

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

 

          MAY 2010

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Table of Contents

REFLECTIONS…    1

LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE   1

Lenten Offering  1

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH   1

SUMMER ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL  1

HOPE CHURCH BOOK CLUB   1

MOPS MEETING   2

PASTOR CAROL’S LAST SUNDAY IS JULY 4TH   2

ATTENTION:  No Devotional Service June 6  2

2010 RUMMAGE SALE   2

MISSIONS UPDATE   2

HELP NEEDED FOR WEBSITE   2

BLOOD DRIVE AT HOPE   2

OUR CHURCH FAMILY. . . 2

CONGRATULATIONS   2

SYMPATHY   3

HORIZON HOPE COUNSELING, INC. 3

COMING EVENTS AT HOPE   3

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE) 3

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL  3

THANK YOUS   3

 

REFLECTIONS…

 

As we begin the season of Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Easter, the church revisits an important event in its life.  The Day of Pentecost is the time when the Church received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).  This was marked by unusual events and curious behaviors.  The apostles heard a violent wind and observed flames that came to rest on each of them.  They were filled with a powerful force causing them to speak in strange tongues that were understood by the others.  By all accounts, this event was strange and extraordinary for the apostles as well as bewildering to those who observed them.  “What does this mean?," they asked each other.  Some thought they had it figured out.  “They’re drunk!,” they responded to their curious friends.  One reaction that is not mentioned, however, is fear.  The responses don’t seem to be frightened reactions to queer behavior.

 

Per

 

haps there is a mystical significance to the number fifty and the absence of anxiety, fear, and trepidation.  A recent study released findings starting that fifty years of age was the point at which people began finding more peace and contentment with life and living.  It  seems to be the pivotal moment when folks begin to settle their disquieted spirits and pursue the spiritual clam of maturity.  I am certain that this reaction, in part, has to do with one’s recognition of their mortality, declining abilities, and acceptance of a reduced life participation.  When one accepts these realities, it is a liberating moment of humility as God stands ready to embrace and welcome us to a new kind of life.  And humility is the key that unlocks the door.  The prophet Micah tells us this and Jesus reminds us that humbling oneself is the entry into abundant living.

 

So cheer up, you thirty and forty-somethings.  Fifty years of age isn’t so bad.  Just remember--membership has its privileges.

 

Grace & Peace,

Jay

 

 

 

LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE

 

June 6

1 Kings 17:8-24

Psalm 146

Galatians 1:11-24

Luke 7:11-17

 

June 13

1 Kings 21:1-21a

Psalm 5:1-8

Galatians 2:15-21

Luke 7:36 - 8:3

 

June 20 - Father’s Day

1 Kings 19:1-15a

Psalm 42

Galatians 3:23-29

Luke 8:26-39

 

June 27

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Luke 9:51-62

 

 

Lenten Offering

The Lenten Offering Collected at our Maundy Thursday service at Union UMC and donated to BEACON was  $468.00.

 

 

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH

Nursery Helpers

 

This month we salute the devoted caretakers who help in the Nursery.  Each Sunday we have a nursery greeter to welcome our children and two or three helpers who stay and watch the children during worship.

 

Our thanks to all who give their time to ensure the safety of our small children. We appreciate all that you do for our Hope family.  

 

SUMMER ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

BEGINS JUNE 6 IN ROOM 7 AND WILL BE LED BY PASTOR JAY

 

 

HOPE CHURCH BOOK CLUB

Thursday, May 27 - 10:30AM

“Beneath the Marble Sky”

 

 

Senior Singles Luncheon

Thursday, June 10 - 11:30AM

“BarBQ and Bingo”

 

 

MOPS MEETING

Tuesday, May 25 - 6:30PM

At Hope Church

Last meeting until September!

 

 

PASTOR CAROL’S LAST SUNDAY IS JULY 4TH

Pastor Carol’s last Sunday at Hope will be Sunday, July 4th.  She will be delivering words of parting during the service and we will have a reception after worship in the fellowship hall.  Please plan to attend and wish Pastor Carol and Bill good luck as they move to Pennsylvania.

 

 

ATTENTION:  No Devotional Service June 6

NO 8:15AM DEVOTIONAL SERVICE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 6

PLEASE JOIN US AT 10:30AM FOR OUR OUTDOOR SERVICE.

 

 

2010 RUMMAGE SALE

Saturday, July 31  7AM-1PM

The trailer will be arriving at Hope the end of June and we plan on having our first drop-off day Saturday, June 26.  The trailer will be open for drop-off of items on Saturdays only unless you call the office and make arrangements for someone to be here to open the trailer.  Please do not leave items by the truck or ramp if no one is here.  We will be happy to try and meet your schedule when a drop-off is needed during the week or on Sunday, but you MUST call Eva or Howard Pannier (295-2126) or the church office (234-2358) to make these arrangements. 

 

Drop-off schedule for the trailer:

 

Saturday, June 26                   9A - Noon

 

Saturday, July 3                   CLOSED

 

Saturday, July, 10                   9A - Noon

 

Saturday, July 17                   9A - Noon

 

MISSIONS UPDATE

Neighbors for Renewal

Neighbors for Renewal is a not-for-profit corporation which purchases houses that are in severe disrepair, rehabilitates them using volunteer labor as much as possible, and makes those houses available at a signicantly reduced price to working families whose income falls within established program guidelines.

 

They are currently nearing the completion of their 13th project home.  It is located at 318 West H Street and the buyer--a young family with two children--is already on board.  This home has been an especially satisfying project, as it was a structure that had officially been condemned and was being scheduled for demolition by the City of Belleville.  They were able to obtain it and over the past 9 months have totally transformed it into a very attractive three bedroom home with two baths that will be maintenance free for its new owners.

 

If you are interested in volunteering with Neighbors for Renewal, contact Julie Altman or Sue Poole, missions representatives.

 

 

HELP NEEDED FOR WEBSITE

BEACON is looking for a volunteer to maintain their website:  

         www.beaconministry.org.

They estimate it would take 1-2 hours a month to keep it current and up-to-date.  If you have experience in maintaining a web page and would like to volunteer, please contact the BEACON office at

222-8942 and ask for Jade or Laurie.

 

 

BLOOD DRIVE AT HOPE

Wednesday, June 2nd

3-7PM

Blood Donors, Volunteers, Pies and Sandwiches are needed!

 

OUR CHURCH FAMILY. . .

 

CONGRATULATIONS

We extend our congratulations to our 2010 graduates:

            Steven Ehrhardt             Belleville West High School

            Emily Holcomb            Belleville West High School

 

SYMPATHY

We extend our sympathy to:

--Pastor Carol and Bill Wilkinson and their family in the loss of Carol’s niece Karen.

 

HORIZON HOPE COUNSELING, INC.

WENDY ARNESON, MAC

For an appointment or referral, please call 314-402-8508

 

“Marriage is not just a spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash.”

                                          Joyce Brothers

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to help lead a pre-marital seminar.  What a joy to meet 13 couples who are deeply in love and excited to spend the rest of their lives together!  Beyond that, it gave me great pleasure to talk over the nuts and bolts of life as a married couple--the decisions and compromises and challenges that everyday life throws at you--and how to be unified in spite of personal differences.

 

Counseling gives you the chance to safely and openly explore yourself and your relationships.  And what better way for two people to prepare for a life together.

 

 

COMING EVENTS AT HOPE

June 2                   Blood Drive, 3-7P

June 6       NO 8:15A Devotional Service, Summer Adult Sunday School

                   Begins with Guest, Dr. Randy Klein, Outdoor Worship, & Picnic

June 10                   Senior Singles, 11:30A

June 13-18                   Vacation Bible School, 6-8P

June 21                   Senior Fellowship, 7P (Please note the change of date)

June 22                   Open Gym, 1-4P

June 24                   Book Club, 10:30A

 

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE)

MONDAY, JUNE 21 - 7PM

We have changed the date so that

Vacation Bible School can use Room 1.

 

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Sunday, June 13 thru Friday, June 18

 

Please see flyer and registration sheet in this issue of newsletter.  Some of the items needed this year are:

 

EMPTY Paper Towel Rolls

EMPTY Toilet Paper Rolls

EMPTY 16.9 oz. Bottles

EMPTY Shoe Boxes

Dowel Rods (at least 12 inches long)

Twigs from a tree (less than 12 inches long)

 

As other items are needed, they will be posted on the bulletin board in the welcome center. 

 

 

 

THANK YOUS

 

I want to thank the Hope members for all their cards, calls and visits.  It was always nice to get all the cards with the well wishes.  I would also like to thank Pastor Jay, Pastor Carol, Maria and Bobbie for their visits.  The meal that the Manna Ministry sent was delicious.  It is wonderful to be a part of such a caring church.  Also, to my family for the way they stepped up to care for all my needs while I was at Rosewood and now at home.  It has meant the world to me.  Rosewood has a wonderful therapy department as they are all very caring.

MaryAnn Steinkamp

------------------

Dear Hope Church Family:

I want to express my thanks for the prayers, cards, phone calls, food and help I received during my recent hospitalization and recuperation at home.  Thank you Pastor Jay for your wonderful prayers and visits.  Joe and I both feel blessed and thankful for our pastors and caring church family.

Marilyn Harrison

-------------------

Dear Hope Members:

Thank you very much for the cards and gift cards.  Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Scott and Luke Worley