HERALD OF HOPE

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          AUGUST 2008

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Table of Contents

 

REFLECTIONS…... 1

THOUGHTS FROM CONSISTORY.. 2

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.. 3

LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST.. 3

DEVOTIONAL SERVICE.. 4

RECYCLING AT HOPE.. 4

FOOD DRIVE FOR BELLEVILLE CHRISTIAN CENTER.. 4

FLAG MEMORIALS. 4

GOOD LUCK AT COLLEGE! 5

CONGRATULATIONS. 5

NURSERY NEEDS. 5

REMINDER FOR OUR PARENTS AND CHILDREN.. 5

2008 HOLIDAY BAZAAR November 14 and 15. 5

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY.. 6

ST. CLAIR COUNTY GYM NIGHT.. 6

FUND RAISER REMINDERS! 6

FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL. 7

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED WITH THIS YEAR’S RUMMAGE SALE! 7

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 7

THANK YOUS. 8

HOPE MOPS SET TO BEGIN! 9

FUN FOR THE KIDS! 10

ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE.. 10

HOSPICE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, INC.   GRIEF AND LOSS SERVICES  10

BEACON’S RELATIONAL MINISTRY.. 11

 

 

REFLECTIONS…

 

 

Dear Baby,

 

Pardon me for the introduction but at this moment your name is not known to me.  I am writing this on the day of your birth, August 12, 2008.  It has been decided by your physician that you will enter the world today, one way or another.  Your mother, Nicole, is very happy about that.  She has been ordered to stay in bed for the last five weeks and has grown very tired of it.  I have a feeling that in the future she will wish for some of that bed-rest as she chases you around the house.

 

I just left the hospital hoping that I could meet you.  I had a good time, however, visiting with your father, Jim, and your grandparents, Bruce and Debbie.  Of course your mother was there, too.  You seem to like your present dwelling and are resisting coming out.  I can’t say I blame you.  A mother’s womb is the perfect image of sanctuary.  It is warm and protected and cozy.  You are nourished there.  And you don’t have to share it with anyone.  You also seem to be having fun.  As I was praying with your mom and dad and grandma and grandpa, you kicked my hand and rolled around.  It happened during the part where I made reference to Psalm 139.  That Psalm is so beautiful and causes my soul to soar in wonderment:

 

         For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

         I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

         My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

         When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

 

You were not hidden from everyone--just the people in the room.

 

And so we wait.  But it won’t be much longer.  Did I mention that the rules change starting today?  That protected, hidden place that you have enjoyed the last nine months….sorry!  But it’s not so bad out here, especially since you have a loving family who welcomes you and a loving Creator who already knows you--inside and out.

 

Happy Birthday!

Pastor Jay

 

(Bruce Robert Portell was born at 11:24PM.  He was 21 inches long and nine pounds.  Blessings to Nicole, Jim, Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Debbie.)

 

 

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THOUGHTS FROM CONSISTORY

 

Summer is almost over and our fall schedule will begin soon.  We have all had a chance to relax and enjoy God’s blessings.

 

We will begin all Sunday School classes on September 7th at 9:00a.m.  There will be classes for all ages so plan to come and bring a friend!

 

There will be a special congregational meeting on Sunday, September 14th after worship.  Please plan to be there!  We will vote on the new boiler!

 

Due to a scheduling conflict, the consistory will meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month for the next four months.

 

Our new MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program will meet on September 23.  They will meet each month on the 4th Tuesday.  This will be a sharing time for moms with childcare provided if needed.  If you know any moms with small children, please tell them about this worthwhile project.

 

Please remember that your consistory members are here to help you.  We need your opinions so please let us hear from you!

 

Peace to you,

Bill Wilkinson, President 

 

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SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH (Immediately following worship)

 

 

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LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

 

September 7                                                

      Exodus 12:1-14

      Psalm 149 or Psalm 148

      Romans 13:8-14

      Matthew 18:15-20

 

   September 14

      Exodus 14:19-31

      Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21

      Romans14:1-12

      Matthew 18:21-35

 

September 21

   Exodus 16:2-15

   Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 or Psalm 78

   Philippians 1:21-30

   Matthew 20:1-16

  

September 28

   Exodus 17:1-7

   Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16

   Philippians 2:1-13

   Matthew 21:23-32

 

 

 

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DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

8:15AM SUNDAYS

 

SCRIPTURE….. PREACHING…... PRAYER

 

·         Flexible Service Involving a lot of creativity

 

·         Utilizing the first few pews of sanctuary

 

·         Ending promptly at 9AM 

 

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RECYCLING AT HOPE

 

PLASTIC

A receptacle in the kitchen has been created to collect recyclable plastic.  Please be aware of this and be intentional about depositing clean soda bottles, food containers, etc. into the designated garbage can.  It is clearly marked on the top and side.

ALUMINUM

Thanks to Tin Man Recycling of Belleville, we now have an aluminum recycling bin next to our soda machine in the hallway outside of the fellowship hall.  The recycling center will give us 5 cents per pound over the going rate for our cans, so please drop your soda cans in the bin.

 

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FOOD DRIVE FOR BELLEVILLE CHRISTIAN CENTER

 

You have two more Sundays, August 24 and 31 to bring items in for our food drive.  Please bring your items to Room 2 or if you prefer, you can leave a cash donation in Room 2 and we will do the shopping for you.   The Missions Committee appreciates your support of this project.

 

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FLAG MEMORIALS

 

Are you interested in purchasing flags for our flagpole outside Miller Hall?  Flags can be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one and their name(s) will be posted in a frame on the wall outside the church office.  The cost of purchasing both flags is approximately $134.00.  Please contact the church office if you are interested.

 

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GOOD LUCK AT COLLEGE!

 

Parents, please inform the church office if your child is going off to college or attending a college and living at home.  We would like to keep in contact with them and put them on our mailing list.

 

 

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CONGRATULATIONS

 

We extend our congratulations to Jim and Nicole Portell on the birth of their son Bruce Robert Portell on August 12, 2008.  Bruce’s proud grandparents are Bruce and Deborah Hicks.

 

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NURSERY NEEDS

 

·         New or slightly used toys (Infant thru 5 years) and Bible storybooks.

·         Volunteers to help care for our children during the worship service between 10:00 and 11:30AM and nursery greeters to help greet our children and parents between 10:00-10:30AM.

 

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REMINDER FOR OUR PARENTS AND CHILDREN

 

Please remind the children to not run in the hallways!  We have had some near- collisions between the children and our adults.  Thank you.

 

 

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2008 HOLIDAY BAZAAR November 14 and 15

 

Jewelry Wanted:  We need your old jewelry and watches (broken or not).  Silver or gold makes no difference.  Please bring to the church office or see Lena Mae Gamblin.

 

 

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WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

September 11 - October 23

7 Weeks

7:00 - 8:30P

Pastor Jay & Holly’s home

 

Discerning the Voice of God:   How to Recognize When God Speaks

 

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY GYM NIGHT

 

Hope Church is the site of the St. Clair County Youth Coalition Gym Night, attracting youth ages 11-16, for an evening of fun. 

 

A number of agencies and organizations have worked together to offer a positive environment of activities. 

 

Among those that have been offered include team building games, basketball, crafts, video games, climbing wall, giant soccer ball, volleyball, and fishing.  The monthly event also includes food and drink. 

 

All 11-16 year old youth are invited for the next event beginning at 5:30p.m. and ending at 8:00p.m. on Thursday, September 11. 

 

Last month 31 youth and many adult organizers were present.  Food was donated (hamburgers, hot dogs, soda pop, chips, ice cream) as well as book bags for the upcoming school year. 

 

The goal is to begin similar nights for youth in other area locations.  If any adults would care to participate, please notify Jay.

 

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FUND RAISER REMINDERS!

 

Don’t forget to purchase your Shop ‘N Save and Farmers’ Market cards. 

For every dollar spent at Shop ‘N Save we receive 5% and at Farmers Market we receive 10%. 

You must purchase your cards through MaryAnn Steinkamp for Hope Church to receive this profit. 

 

If you have any questions, contact MaryAnn or call the Church Office.

 

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FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER 7

9:00AM

 

·            Nursery and Pre-K  - Jessi Grant and Karen Mueller, teachers.

·            Kindergarten thru 4th Grade  - Carol Helle, teacher.

·            5th thru 8th grade -  Najla Russell, teacher

·            Youth will be led by Pastor Jay.

·            BASIC - Discussion class

·            Adult 1 - Bible Study led by Jim Jones

·            Adult 2 - Bible Study led by Mike Munie

·            Senior Class - Curriculum based class led by Wilmer Krausz and Don Rhodes.

 

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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED WITH THIS YEAR’S RUMMAGE SALE!

 

2008 PROFIT - $5855

 

·            $16.00 ADVERTISING COST

·             10% DONATION TO TRANSPORT FOR CHRIST FOR USE OF STORAGE TRAILER

·             $500 TO ASSIST IN UTILITIES COST

·            12 TABLES TO BE PURCHASED FOR FUTURE EVENTS

·            REMAINDER TO BE DEPOSITED ON BUILDING FUND PRINCIPAL

 

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

 

GROUNDS & PROPERTY WORK DAY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

 

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THANK YOUS

 

Dear Hope Family:

 

I want to thank everyone for their calls, cards and prayers during my recent test and surgery.  Also, a special thanks to the Manna Ministry for the delicious dinner.  It’s great to know you are part of such a caring church family.

 

Dorothy Kueker

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Dear Friends at Hope:

 

Thank you for the cards and expressions of sympathy in the death of my brother.

 

Helen Jones

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Dear Hope Church:

 

What a blessing it is to have you on our team.  Your faithful generous support for God’s work in Afghanistan is a great encouragement to us.  Your gifts are multiplied by God and touch the lives of countless Afghans.  We continue to covet your prayers as they are vital to our efforts.

 

Blessings to you all,

Drew, Carla, Caitie and Christin Baker

 

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To the Pastor and All of “Hope”:

 

Thank you so very much.  We so appreciate you guys.  We are spreading the love of Jesus Christ together in Guatemala.  We ask the Lord to bless your hands in all your ways.

 

In His Name,

Duane & Leslie Ficker

 

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Dear Hope Church:

 

Thank you for the cards, food, Pastor Jay and Pastor Carol for their visits, and your support through this trying time.

 

Shirley Kammler

 

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Dear Friends:

 

I want to thank you for your generosity.  As you know, the needs are great, but with your help, so much can be done.

 

Thanks to donors like you, we can provide food, shelter, health care, and clean water to refugees and others forced to flee their homes.  With your help, we can also assist impoverished communities as they work to improve their farming techniques, develop reliable sources of safe water, and build a more sustainable future.

 

Though the evening news is often a grim reminder of the failings of our human family, I remain hopeful because of the courageous men and women we work with in some 80 countries, and because of people like you, who empower us to act on your behalf in our wounded world.  May God bless you for your compassionate support.

 

Faithfully yours,

Rev. John L. McCullough

Executive Director and CEO

Church World Service

 

(Hope Church collected $674.28 for emergency and disaster relief for survivors of Myanamar (Burma) Cyclone)

 

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REMINDER!

HOPE MOPS SET TO BEGIN!

When:  4th Tuesday of the month Starting September 23, 2008

Time:  6:30pm-8:30pm

Where:  Hope Church, 200 Dapron Dr. Belleville, IL

Why: for mothers to relax, encourage and learn from one another about how to handle this rewarding, but sometimes tough time in our lives.

 

 Child Care Is Provided!

 

Agenda for September-December Meetings

September 23: Introduction to Adventures in Mothering

October 28: St. Clair Co. Sheriff’s Dept. and Belleville P.D.

         Child Safety/Car Seat checks/Child ID Kits

November 25: Susan Koniak, MSW, LSW

        “Handling Misbehaviors Without Breaking a Sweat”

December 16: Pastor Jay Krumeich - Christmas Message

 

Come Join Us!!

Please RSVP to Amy Pannier at Hope.mops@yahoo.com

or contact the Church office.

 

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FUN FOR THE KIDS!

 

 

The Christian Education Committee is planning some fun for the Hope kids!  Please mark your calendars for a trip to Eckert’s on September 21 for apple picking and October 19 for a visit to the pumpkin patch. A sack lunch will be available after church. We plan to arrive at Eckert’s by 1pm. Parents/adults are asked to attend with their children.

Please contact church office to RSVP for lunch by Friday Sept 19, 2008.

For further questions or details please contact Amy Pannier.

 

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ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE

Ravissant Winery

5950 Town Hall Road

Sunday, September 28

11 AM – 6 PM

$20.00 per ticket  (See Bill Wilkinson on Sundays to purchase tickets)

 

Ticket includes wine tasting, chocolate, and entertainment.  You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and eat while enjoying the entertainment but drinks are not allowed on the grounds.

 

Silent and oral auction!

 

Fundraiser for Christian HomeCare Services, Inc.

All proceeds benefit keeping older adults safe and independent in their own homes!

 

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HOSPICE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, INC.   GRIEF AND LOSS SERVICES

 

Groups are held at the Hospice of Southern Illinois office located at 305 South Illinois Street (Route 159) Belleville, on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

 

September 10         Maintenance Resources (Home/car maintenance, homemaker resources)

 

October 8                 Support Mapping (Building a social network, talking about your loss who/when/where?)

 

November 12          Getting Through the Holidays (Coping with loss during holidays, birthday, and anniversaries)

 

December 10          Preserving Memories (Healthy ways to memorialize your loved one)

 

Groups will continue in January 2009.  A schedule of topics will be set later in the year.

Hospice of Southern Illinois professional counseling staff will be facilitating each session.

 

RSVP TO 235-1703 OR 1 (800) 233-1708

 

 

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BEACON’S RELATIONAL MINISTRY

 

Relational ministry is a program started in 2002, which is a Budget/Life Skills and Bible study for those in need within the Belleville area.  The group typically meets twice a month and is led by our Director, Maggie Daugherty, and a Seminary Intern or volunteer pastor or lay person.  We provide information about life skills to help individuals secure their own independence and the Bible study encourages them to develop a church relationship.  The meetings are open to all who wish to participate, and Christian role models of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to attend.  In 2006, a relational ministry was started in O’Fallon managed by Faith Lutheran Church.

 

For more information contact:

 

Beacon

Director Maggie Daughtery

Client phone:   397-6030

Business phone:   397-9660

www.beaconministry.org