__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 2008
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LECTIONARY
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
QUILTERS,
STITCHERS & CRAFTERS CHRISTMAS PARTY
SENIOR
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS PARTY
ADULT
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS PARTY
OPERATION
CHRISTMAS CHILD “SHOEBOX MINISTRY”
TURKEY
COLLECTION FOR BELLEVILLE CHRISTIAN CENTER
RED
CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT HOPE CHURCH
RECYCLE
YOUR OLD TELEPHONE BOOKS AT HOPE CHURCH
CHRISTMAS
“THE SEASON OF GIVING”
November is falling leaves and cold
weather. It also means finishing the
last of the Halloween candy that was not distributed (my theory is that people
purposely buy too much for that reason).
Most importantly, though, it is a season for gratitude. Gratitude is the highly spiritual experience
where one recognizes that what they have is not to be treated as an expectation
or a right. Sincere thanksgiving is an
encounter with humility that reduces one to see things as they are--that we are
fragile, needy, and dependent people.
For what are you thankful? Is there anything that you allow to surprise
you? Years ago I bought a new truck that
became an old truck. I acquired a habit
of talking to it, complimenting it, and thanking it each morning when it
started. It seemed strange to me when I
began doing this until I realized why it was happening. I expected nothing. I didn’t count on anything when I turned the
key. Each day was an encounter with
surprise. And surprise is the seed from
which sprouts gratefulness. I learned
that living like that makes a person intensely alive because each moment is an
opportunity to be awed. Expecting
nothing is an invitation to be surprised, delighted, and filled with thanks
when the car starts, when the furnace warms your home, or when you wake from a
night’s sleep. If one allows themself to
be surprised by the mundane, each day, each moment will be a spiritual
encounter filled with thanksgiving.
After my hip surgery, something extraordinary happened to me. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think
that putting on socks and tying shoes would be a reason to rejoice and sing
praises. It is.
May you have a blessed season of surprise
as you delight in the unexpected goodness that is placed on your table.
Grace and Peace,
Jay
You
are invited to an Advent Open House on Sunday, November 30, 2-4p.m., at the
home (16 8th Green Court) of Pastor Jay. That day marks the beginning of Advent as we
begin the countdown to Christmas.
Directions are Route 15 to Green Mount Road (turn left) or Route 161 to
Green Mount Road (turn right). Turn at
Golf Course Drive (Orchards). Turn left
at first stop sign, turn right at 2nd stop sign, turn right at 8th
Green Court. Hope to see you.
During
the worship service on Sunday, November 30, we will be trimming our sanctuary
Christmas tree. It is a tradition at
Hope that everyone brings an ornament from home to place on the tree. After Christmas, your ornament can be taken
back home. Help us “trim” Hope’s tree!
Hope
Church Christmas Party
Sunday,
December 7
Immediately
following worship
Tickets
available thru November 30
Hope
Church Worship Choir
Christmas
Cantata
“
On This Very Night”
Sunday,
December 14 - 10:30A
Children
and Youth Christmas Program
”Christmas? Bah Humbug!”
Sunday,
December 21 - 10:30A
Christmas
Eve Candlelight Worship
Wednesday,
December 24 - 7:00P
December
7
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
December
14
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm126
1Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
December
21
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Luke 1:47-55
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
December
24
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20
December
25
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)
John 1:1-14
December
28
Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
8:15AM -
SUNDAY
SCRIPTURE….. PREACHING…...PRAYER
Tuesday,
December 2 - 11:30A
Our
Christmas Party will be Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11:30a.m. at the Golden
Corral, 3360 Green Mount Crossing, Shiloh (the shopping center at the
intersection of Frank Scott Parkway and Green Mount Road). The buffet is wonderful. They have the best variety in town. You pay an entry cost ($6.89 for seniors and
drinks are an additional $1.79, tax and a tip of 15% is recommended). Please make reservations by Sunday, November
30 with MaryAnn Steinkamp or any quilter, stitcher or crafter. The party is open for Hope ladies and their
husbands. Instead of a gift exchange,
our charity this year is U.S. Veterans.
The money will go to VA Hospital Adopt A Veteran Program.
Please
join us on Saturday, December 13th for lunch and Christmas caroling.
We
will meet at Four Fountains, 101 South Belt West, Belleville at 10:30a.m. We will travel to Rosewood Care Center in
Swansea and end the event with lunch at McDonalds. Anyone interested in attending with us is
welcome. Please contact Amy Pannier if you plan to attend.
HOPE
CHURCH COOKBOOKS - $10.00
Can
be purchased in the church office.
FARMERS
MARKET GIFT CARDS
$10 and $25 cards can be purchased from
MaryAnn Steinkamp
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 30
Discuss roof repairs
Sunday, December 14
The annual Christmas Party will be held at The
Shrine of our Lady of the Snows on Sunday, December 14. Some of the menu items are: roast beef, fried chicken, homemade soups, salad,
vegetables and dessert at a cost of $17.65 per person.
We will leave after the 10:30a.m. church service
and gather in the Gerard Room at the Shrine for the buffet and fellowship
followed by card playing. We’re
extending an invitation to other church people who would like to join us. Please make your reservations with Gerry Schneider (233-2435) and paid to her no later than Sunday, December 7.
Friday,
December 12 - 6:30p.m.
9 Marche
Court, Swansea
The home
of Bruce & Debbie Hicks
RSVP
277-0661
Please
bring an appetizer to share!
72
Boxes Donated by Hope Church
Thank
you to everyone who contributed to this project with shoeboxes and cash
gifts. Thank you to the BASIC class for
helping get the boxes ready for shipping.
The boxes were delivered to St. Matthews Church on Monday, November 17
with the help of Pastor Jay and Eric Ebel.
$374.73
Thank you Hope Family for sharing! Thank you Shirley & Fran Thien for
delivering our collection of coats and the turkey donation!
Dear Hope Church:
On behalf of myself and the families of Bill
Eisele, a heartfelt thank you for your cards and prayers and words of
comfort. A special thank you to the
ladies who prepared the delicious food for the reception after the
funeral. A very special thank you to
Pastor Jay who was there for us every day in the hospital and for the service
thereafter which was appropriate for the man Bill was. Thank you again.
Delvera Eisele and Family of Bill Eisele
****************************
Dear Hope Family:
Thank you so much for your prayers, cards, and acts
of kindness extended to us at the time of my mothers illness and subsequent
funeral.
The food that was sent to the funeral home was
greatly appreciated by all the family.
Finally, my sincere gratitude to Pastor Jay for his visits and prayers
and especially for the beautiful funeral service. Also, a special thank you to Don and MaryAnn
Steinkamp for being there for me during my time of need.
Yours in Christ,
Judy Brindley and
Family of Mary Morgenroth
****************************
Dear Pastor Jay and Members
of
Hope Church:
We the members of the VFW Post 11064 would like to
take this opportunity to thank you for allowing us to continue to meet in your
facilities at no cost. To show our
appreciation, a check in the amount of $100. is enclosed as a donation to the
church. If we can be of service to you
in any way, please let us know. We
appreciate your continuing support.
Sincerely,
Earl D. Scott, Post Quartermaster
****************************
Dear Hope Friends:
Thank you for the cards and visits from Pastor Jay
and Pastor Carol during my recent visit to the hospital. Also, thanks for the many phone calls and
delicious meals after my return home.
In Christian love,
Ginny Muskopf
****************************
Dear Hope Church Bazaar Committee,
I have never enjoyed a
bazaar more than yours on Friday night. There
were so many beautiful things and I brought home a lot of beautiful
things. It was a real pleasure to be
there. Everyone was so friendly. (I love to crochet so I appreciate craft
items). I hope if it is not too much
trouble you will let me know when your next bazaar is being held so I won’t
miss it. I wish everyone and all of you
in your church to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. (I crochet all the time that I can and the
hours seem like minutes.) Thank you for
making the bazaar possible.
Sincerely,
Betty Cathers
THURSDAY,
JANUARY 8, 2009
We extend
our sympathy to Kaye and Jake Pruit and their family in the loss of Kaye’s
brother-in-law.
TO ALL OF
THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES AND FRIENDS OF HOPE CHURCH WHO DONATED ITEMS FOR OUR
2008 HOLIDAY BAZAAR RAFFLE BASKETS!
American
Nail
Applebees
Bank of
Edwardsville
Belleville
Health & Sports Center
Belleville
News Democrat
Best Buy
Blockbuster
Centreads
Clinton
Hill Country Club
Commerce
Bank
Cracker
Barrel
Denny’s
Restaurant
Dutch
Hollow Janitorial
Effingers
Egyptian
Stationers
Elmwood
Golf Club
Fairway
Golf Club
Farmer’s
Market
Fischer’s
Restaurant
Fletchers
Kitchen
Gamestop
i Tunes
Jefferson’s
Restaurant
Oliver C.
Joseph
Kentucky
Fried Chicken
Krupp
Florist
Kurrus
Funeral Home
Lakeview
Memorial Garden
Locust
Hills Golf Course
Mallos
Bakery
Nonna’s Restaurant
Office Max
Olive
Garden
Orchards
Golf Course
Qdoba
Mr. &
Mrs. Gilbert Rauh
Red Lobster
Renner
Funeral Home
Schnucks
Shenanigans
Restaurant
Shop N Save
Shrine
Restaurant
Sonnenberg
Landscaping
St.
Elizabeth Hospital
Steak N
Shake
Sunrise
Restaurant
The
Practice Tee
Vogt Oil
Wal Mart
·
NOVEMBER
23 BUDGET MEETING WITH
CONSISTORY REPS AND MINISTRY CHAIRPERSONS
·
NOVEMBER
25 MEN’S
BIBLE STUDY, 6:30P
·
NOVEMBER
30 DECORATE THE TREE IN
THE SANCTUARY DURING WORSHIP
·
NOVEMBER
30 CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING AFTER WORSHIP
·
DECEMBER
2 QUILTERS,
STITCHERS, CRAFTERS LUNCHEON AT GOLDEN CORRAL, 11:30A
·
DECEMBER
5 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
TRIP TO KIMMSWICK, 9:00A
·
DECEMBER
7 HOPE FAMILY
CHRISTMAS PARTY, (after worship)
·
DECEMBER
11 HOPE SENIOR SINGLES
LUNCHEON, 11:30A
·
DECEMBER
12 ADULT FELLOWSHIP
CHRISTMAS PARTY, 6:30P
·
DECEMBER
13 CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS
CAROLING, 10:30A
·
DECEMBER
14 CHRISTMAS
CANTATA “ON THIS VERY NIGHT”, WORHSIP
CHOIR, 10:30A
·
DECEMBER
14 SENIOR FELLOWSHIP
CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE SHRINE, (after worship)
·
DECEMBER
16 MOPS, 6:30P
·
DECEMBER
21 CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS
PROGRAM “CHRISTMAS, BAH HUMBUG!”, 10:30A
·
DECEMBER
24 CHRISTMAS EVE
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE, 7:00P
Our paper recycling container is on the
parking lot in back of the fellowship hall.
The container is emptied weekly and we receive approximately $25 per
month. Just a reminder that you can put
your old telephone books in the container.
We’ve had a great start to our new MOPS group with
an official membership of 9 moms! Our
December meeting is set for the 16th at 6:30p.m. with Pastor Jay
providing a Christmas message. We’ll
also be having a cookie exchange! If you
know any moms that may be interested in joining us for fellowship, please feel free
to make them aware of our program.
Brochures and additional resources are always available. Please contact Amy Pannier, MOPS coordinator
for more information.
A
class will be offered in the coming weeks entitled, “Financial Peace: Gaining Control of Your Finances and Getting
Out of Debt.” It is a program by Dave
Ramsey, a nationally known figure in the area of finance. Joe Tantillo will lead the class that will be
13 weeks in length. Joe was recently
featured in national and St. Louis publications as a young leader in the world
of business. Details about the class
will come in future issues of Herald of Hope.
We will order poinsettias from Krupp’s Florist to
decorate our sanctuary for the Christmas season. If you would like to order a poinsettia in
honor or memory of a loved one, you may place an order through the church and
pay $8.75. The order form and money can
be dropped off in the church office, placed in Bonnie’s mailbox outside the
church office, or placed in an envelope and put in the offering plate. Order forms will be in the bulletin beginning
November 23. The deadline to order a
poinsettia is Sunday, December 7. We will
be placing these flowers in the sanctuary on Sunday, December 14th
and they may be taken home after our Christmas Eve service.
·
Donations of toys and clothing - Items are being accepted for distribution to
some children in our neighborhood. You
will find a display in the welcome center with ornaments attached. The ornament will have an item needed for the
children. Please wrap the Christmas
present and attach the ornament to the package. It is very important that you keep the
ornament on the present. The
presents need to be returned to the church by Sunday, December 14th
and placed under the Christmas tree in the sanctuary.
·
Christmas cards for our shut-ins - We will be collecting Christmas cards in the
welcome center beginning Sunday, November 23.
We currently have 7 members in care centers. We have listed their names and addresses
below. These cards will be delivered to
our shut-ins along with some cookies the week of December 8th. Please have your cards at the church be
Sunday, December 7.
Joe
Altman Dorothy Bunn Vivian Fox Marianna Radden
Four
Fountains Sycamore
Village Four
Fountains Rosewood Care Center
Violet
Schickedanz Betty Seppi Gladys Veile
Cambridge
House Rosewood
Care Center Dammert Geriatrics Center
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~