RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

I had occasion a few years ago to go in my grade school. It was summer and the building was open as workers were cleaning and waxing in preparation for the new school year. Without permission I wandered around, revisiting hallways and rooms of my past. What once seemed so big now seemed so small. The once cavernous gymnasium had obviously shrunk, the cafeteria’s size had been cut in half, and the playground was just a shell of its former self. I directed my eyes to areas where I had sat, played, and learned, imagining myself in a previous day. These were good memories, mostly, of days where certain individuals held profound influence in my life. They were called teachers, surrogate parents who for nine months took a personal interest in me not only as a student but as a little boy with feelings and needs. I came to understand that teachers, good teachers, were much more than adults dispensing information to children. They were bigger-than-life characters who cared about me far beyond a spelling test or mastering multiplication tables. And because they cared about me so much, I wanted to return the favor by listening, behaving, trying, excelling. It was the least I could do.`

Much has changed in education throughout the years. Mathematics seems to constantly evolve, computers are prominent in classrooms, disciplinary tactics are nothing like we remember. And still remaining as the centerpiece of a child’s educational life is the one who not only instructs and informs but influences and shapes the direction of that life. Teachers teach. Good teachers teach…and care. Which is why we remember them so fondly.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Jay

LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

September 6 Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

Psalm 125 or Psalm 124

James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17

Mark 7:24-37

September 13 Proverbs 1:20-33

Psalm 19

James 3:1-12

Mark 8:27-38

September 20 Proverbs 31:10-31

Psalm 1

James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a

Mark 9:30-37

September 27 Esther 7:1-6, 9-10;

9:20-22

Psalm 124

James 5:13-20

Mark 9:38-50

HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

November 13 and 14

Ho! Ho! Ho! Another year has passed and its time for the Christmas Holiday Bazaar 2009. The crafters have been busy working on some new items for the bazaar. I would like to see more craft items come from our church members that enjoy doing crafts at home, such as woodworking items, crocheting, jewelry or ornaments for the Christmas tree. If you have any craft ideas to share with us, please contact me at the church or at home. Craft day is on Tuesday from 8:30a.m. to 2:00p.m. (bring your lunch). Your help and your ideas are greatly appreciated. Workers also are needed for the day of the bazaar.

In Christian love,

Judy Brindley (530-9762) and Joyce Webb

Crafts Co-Chairs

JEWELRY NEEDED FOR BAZAAR

Please bring us any jewelry that you no longer want or can wear. Even broken earrings, watches, etc. can be used. If you have any questions, contact the church office. Jewelry can be left in the quilters’ room or crafters’ room and labeled “Jewelry for Bazaar”. Please bring your items in as soon as possible so the committee can get these items organized. Old jewelry is very popular at our event! Thank you.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Eric Ebel

This month we recognize one of our ever present helpers!

Eric Ebel, while serving now as our custodial supervisor, also spends many hours as a volunteer. He is our sound man backup for Dave Trout, a head usher, and the man in charge of the Grounds and Property Ministry. He makes sure that our grass is cut and snow is removed before we come to worship. He gives many hours to our church.

Thank you, Eric! Your Hope family appreciates all that you do.

SENIOR SINGLES LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10^TH11:30AM

Miller Fellowship Hall

Hamburger Casserole, Hallelujah Salad, Heavenly Dessert

“Helpful Hints” from Pastor Jay

COMING IN SEPTEMBER BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN

“You Matter More Than You Think”

A 6 week video Bible study on what a woman needs to know about the difference she makes with teaching from Dr. Leslie Parrott as seen on Oprah and Focus on the Family. Class begins on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00p.m. at Hope Church. Discussion will be led by Kaye Pruit. Please RSVP by August 28 to the church office or Kaye so that we can make sure we have enough books.

BELLEVILLE CHRISTIAN CENTER

Attention Volunteers!

Beginning on Tuesday, September 8^th, we will return to serving lunch on Tuesdays at the center. We are back to the 2^nd Tuesday. If this is a problem, please call Pastor Carol.

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Heaunita Peoples joined our Hope Church family on Sunday, August 16 which was also her birthday. Heaunita’s name is pronounced (Hernita). She has 3 grown boys and a 14 year old daughter, Helena, who lives at home. Heaunita has lived in the metro east for many years and works for the East St. Louis School district at Gordon Bush Grade School. Heaunita likes to roller skate with her daughter. She looks forward to being an active member at Hope and has already volunteered to help in our nursery. Charlye French is Heaunita’s undershepherd.

Linda Ponsler joined Hope Church on Sunday August 16. Linda has recently retired and is enjoying her new free time by gardening, playing golf and cooking. She does crafts and especially basket weaving. Her talents certainly will be used at our Annual Holiday Bazaar. Linda is the daughter of Frank and Joan Ponsler and her undershepherd is Jim Smallwood. Welcome back, Linda!

HELP WANTED!

We are in need of some new people to help on Sunday morning. Our powerpoint operators could use a break. You would be sitting behind the pulpit at the computer and following along the already assembled powerpoint presentation of our worship service. If you can help with this ministry, please call the office or speak to the pastors.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Sunday School Kick Off is set for September 13^th for all ages. Please join us prior to Sunday School for donuts and juice. If you haven’t registered yet, please fill out a registration form for our records.

If you’d like to assist with Sunday School as a helper or substitute, please contact Amy Pannier.

Outings are also being planned for the year. If you have any suggestions, please talk to any of the Sunday School teachers.

On September 27^th, we are planning for a trip to the St. Louis Zoo. Lunch will be provided after the church service and we will then head out to the zoo together. We do need everyone to sign up in advance in order to get zoo passes for that day. Please contact Amy Pannier for further information and watch for announcements.

HOPE MOPS UPDATE

Hope MOPS is set to begin it’s 2009-10 year on September 22, 2009 from 6:30-8:30p.m. If you know of any mom of a preschooler (0-6 years) that could benefit from our program, send her our way! Childcare is free while mom spends time together with other moms enjoying speakers/lessons, creative activities, snacks, and fellowship.

Also, we are looking for more nursery volunteers to help out on these Tuesday evenings. If you can help out one Tuesday a month from 6-8:30p.m., please contact Amy Pannier for further information.

2009 RUMMAGE SALE

We would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped with this year’s rummage sale. There will be a follow-up meeting of the Rummage Sale Committee in the near future.

Howard & Eva Pannier

Chairpersons

Final Profit: Approximately $7400

A NOTE FROM PASTOR CAROL

Dear Hope Church Family,

The rumors are flying! I have heard at least four different stories about my retirement plans so I decided to give you the straight scoop.

This past consistory meeting, I resigned from my post as associate pastor as of June 30, 2010. We will be moving to Bath, Pennsylvania in July, 2010.

This will give the church ample time to find a replacement. In the meantime, I will be asking some of you to take over some of my duties.

This was a very difficult decision for us to make. You have been such a big part of our lives for so long. A part of my heart will remain here with you all.

There are still ten months ahead and lots of work to do--so when you see me coming, just nod your head and say, yes, I’d love to help!

May God Bless,

Pastor Carol

MOPS BAKE SALE

A MOPS Bake Sale is set for September 26^th starting at 7AM. This sale will be held in conjunction with the Outreach Committee’s Parking Lot Sale. If you are interested in donating a baked good, please have items at the church by Friday, September 25^th. Donations are appreciated!! Contact Amy Pannier for further information.

THANK YOU!

Dear Hope Church Family,

I’m lost for the right words to express my appreciation for all the prayers, cards and phone calls, and concerns. Even hearing “I was missed” felt good too. A special thanks to Pastor Jay for his visit and prayers and to the Steinkamps for all their help. All this certainly helped me get thru this round of chemo. Thanks to all.

God Bless and Love to all,

Doris Grandcolas

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Dear Hope Family,

Thank you all for the cards, calls and best wishes from all of you on the death of our much loved son-in-law Robert Tribout. A special thanks to Rev. Jay and Pastor Carol for the phone calls and words of comfort. It is at a time like this that your faith sustains you and church family is so important.

Phyllis Evans and Family

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Dear Hope Family,

A big THANK YOU to everyone who made phone calls, baked, worked and supported our bake sale this year. We had a great variety of “irresistible goodies”. Your efforts allowed us to make over $700. Teamwork is alive at Hope Church!

With sincere appreciation,

Carol Ripley and Gerry Schneider, Co-Chairs

ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE

When: Sunday, September 27 - 11:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Location: Hidden Lakes Winery, Aviston, Illinois

Cost: $20.00 per ticket and can be purchased from

Bill Wilkinson or the church office

All the chocolate you can handle!

Silent auction - 11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. Oral auction - 4:00p.m.

(Fundraiser for Christian HomeCare Services, Inc.)

SYMPATHY

We extend our sympathy to:

§ MaryAnn & Don Steinkamp and their family in the loss of MaryAnn’s aunt, Marjorie Backs.

§ Mike & Diane Munie and their family in the loss of Diane’s father, Roman Svoboda.

MEMORIALS

During the past month the following memorials were received.

In memory of Dee Krumeich

By Larry & Karen Mueller Frank & Joan Ponsler Lucille Smith

Del Eisele Carl & Ginny Muskopf

In memory of Virginia Morris In memory of Jim Blackburn

By Larry & Karen Mueller By Larry & Karen Mueller

Bill & Carol Wilkinson

In memory of Robert Tribout

By Larry & Karen Mueller