HERALD OF HOPE

__________________________________________________________________________`

__________________________________________________________________________

 

              November 2009

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Table of Contents

REFLECTIONS…    5

LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER   9

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS   10

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE   11

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH   12

ADULT FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS PARTY   13

SENIOR SINGLES’ LUNCHEON   14

LIFE LINE SCREENING   14

BOOK CLUB   16

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS PARTY   16

RELAIS BONNE EAU OPEN HOUSE AND RIBBON CUTTING   18

QUILT RAFFLE NEWS   19

MARRIAGES   20

SYMPATHY   21

MEMORIALS   22

FLAGS FLYING AT HOPE   23

THANK YOUS   23

COMING EVENTS AT HOPE   26

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD   29

THANKSGIVING TURKEYS FOR THE BELLEVILLE CHRISTIAN CENTER   29

TRIMMING THE HOPE CHRISTMAS TREE   30

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES OR SLAW?  31

NEED A CHRISTMAS GIFT?  33

CHRISTMAS PROJECTS AT HOPE   34

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS   38

A MEASURE OF GRATITUDE   40

ILLINOIS STATE FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CLASSES OFFERED AT HOPE   45

 

 

 

 

REFLECTIONS…

 

The legendary sportscaster Jack Buck once told a story about a little boy named Lance.  Lance was victimized by cystic fibrosis at an early age and had only known life as a frequent hospital patient.  One hot August night by invitation of Mr. Buck, Lance sat in the broadcaster’s booth as the Cardinals played at Busch Stadium.  It happened to be T-shirt night and a box of shirts was on the floor next to Jack as he called the play-by-play.  A high foul ball was struck which went over the netting and near the booth.  In an earlier time, Jack’s broadcasting partner Harry Caray would have stuck a big fishing net out of the booth in an attempt to snare the ball.  But times had changed.  Harry was gone, the net was gone, and Jack’s interest in snagging a foul ball was nil.  How exciting could it be to catch a foul ball after announcing thousands of baseball games?  Besides, it appeared by the trajectory of the ball that it would not be close enough for even an extended net.  But the ball made an unexpected change in its flight pattern when it hit a guide wire and caromed to the side and toward the booth.  Jack lurched back as the baseball entered the open window, bouncing and ricocheting.  It finally hit the T-shirt box sitting at his side and rolled to a stop. . . . at the feet of the little boy named Lance.  As if orchestrated by the hand of God, a baseball had been delivered to a child stricken by the disease that would end his life shortly thereafter.

 

Jack Buck was asked by his wife one day what he would say when he came face-to-face with the Lord.  He responded:  “I would ask, Lord, why have you been so good to me?”  May Jack’s words be our words this holiday season.  Happy Thanksgiving.                        

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Jay

 

Top of the Document

 

LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

 

December 6

Malachi 3:1-4

Luke 1:68-79

Philippians 1:3-11

Luke 3:1-6

 

December 13

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Isaiah 12:2-6

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

 

December 20

Micah 5:2-5a

Luke 1:47-55

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45

 

December 24

Isaiah 9:2-7

Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-20

 

December 27

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

Psalm 148

Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 2:41-52

 

 

Top of the Document

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

 

The Sunday School children will be going to Buffalo Wild Wings and the Way of Lights on Friday, December 4.  We will meet at Buffalo Wild Wings at 6:00p.m. and have dinner prior to going through the Way of Lights.  To join us, please sign the sign up sheet in the Welcome Center or contact Amy Pannier.

 

Top of the Document

 

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

 

Children’s Christmas Program

Sunday, December 6   -   10:30AM

Hope Family Christmas Party

(Immediately following worship - Tickets for Christmas party are available thru 11-29)

 

Hope Church Christmas Musical

“Journey of Hope” by the Worship Choir

Sunday, December 13   -   10:30AM

 

Christmas Worship

Sunday, December 20   -   10:30AM

 

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Thursday, December 24 - 7:00PM

(Walk-in communion 8:30-9:30PM)

 

 

Top of the Document

 

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Dave Steinkamp and Family

 

This month we honor the family that video tapes our service each week and makes copies to share with our shut-ins.

 

Dave Steinkamp, we thank you and your parents for your faithful service to Hope Church and to the Kingdom of God. 

We all appreciate your time and talent given to our Hope family!

 

Top of the Document

 

 

ADULT FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS PARTY

Friday, December 4   -   6:00p.m.

Miller Fellowship Hall

Bring an appetizer to share!

RSVP - 234-2358

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

SENIOR SINGLES’ LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 11:30AM

“Salads & Sweets” Luncheon

 

Please bring a salad or sweet to share and a small Secret Santa gift wrapped or in a bag to be used as bingo prizes.

 

Top of the Document

 

 

 

LIFE LINE SCREENING

 

Hope Church will once again serve as host for Life Line Screening on February 12.  Medical evaluations will be performed by registering at 1-800-772-8260.  As a thank you, Life Line Screening has given twenty free screenings, covering one of the following

Carotid Artery

Atrial Fibrillation

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Osteoporosis

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Each screening is valued from $35 - $45 and available upon request.  If you would like a free screening, please call the church office to reserve one.

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

BOOK CLUB

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 10:30AM

“Skipping Christmas”

By John Grisham

All are Welcome!

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sunday, December 13

 

The annual Christmas Party will be held at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows on Sunday, December 13.  Some of the menu items are roast beef, fried chicken, homemade soups, salad, vegetables, and dessert at a cost of  $18.00 per person.  We will leave after the 10:30 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 Ginny Muskopf (234-8065) and have paid her no later than Sunday, December 6.

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

 

RELAIS BONNE EAU OPEN HOUSE AND RIBBON CUTTING

7325 Marine Road (Hwy 143), Edwardsville

Wednesday, December 2

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois is holding their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the first Hospice Home in Southern Illinois.  We are invited to attend the festivities.  Tours will begin at 2p.m. and the ceremony will be at 4p.m.  Reservations are not needed.  If you have any questions you may call Sue Reilmann at 235-1703.

 

Top of the Document

 

 

 

QUILT RAFFLE NEWS

 

The quilters were unable to sell enough tickets to raffle the quilt at the Holiday Bazaar.  There are still about 90 tickets left to sell.  The proceeds from their Quilt Raffle will be donated by the quilters to a church project of their choice.

 

Hopefully enough tickets will be sold by the time of the Hope annual meeting in January to hold the drawing.  Thanks for the support all of

you have given the raffle so far.

 

Top of the Document

 

 

 

MARRIAGES

We extend our congratulations to:

 

Adrienne Klemme and Greg Haas who were married at Hope Church on September 19, 2009 by Pastor Carol Wilkinson.

 

Heather Carter and Jordan Hauss who were married at Hope Church on September 26, 2009 by Pastor Carol Wilkinson.

 

Top of the Document

 

 

 

SYMPATHY

Pastor Carol and Bill Wilkinson and their familiy in the loss of their great-grandson, Carter Alexander Wilkinson.

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

MEMORIALS

During the past month the following memorials  were received:

 

In memory of Gladys Veile

         By                 Barry & Jan Brandt

 

In memory of Joanne Vogt  who passed away 10 years ago on November 14.

         By                 Vernon Vogt

 

In memory of Carter Alexander Wilkinson

         By                 Wilmer & Janet Krausz

            Bill & Carol Wilkinson

 

In memory of Dee Krumeich

Banners for our sanctuary were purchased

         By                 Pastor Jay Krumeich

                                                                         

 

Top of the Document

 

 

FLAGS FLYING AT HOPE

 

The flags currently flying in front of Miller Fellowship Hall were donated by Hope Church in honor of our servicemen:

 

Christopher May

Justin Reckling

 

Top of the Document

 

 

THANK YOUS

 

Dear Hope Family,

We are so grateful for the outpouring of sympathy for our family.  Losing our great grandson, Carter, was a terrible shock for all of us but your prayers, cards and flowers helped us through a very sad time.

Thank you so much for caring.

Sincerely,

The Wilkinson Family

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

 

Dear Hope Church Pastor and Members,

Thank you for your incessant prayers on my behalf.  I do believe they have helped me, PRAISE God!!  I look forward to the day I am able to sit through an entire worship service with you.  Again, “THANK YOU” for your prayers.

Love,

Crystal

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

 

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and many prayers.

Sincerely,

Carrie & Cailyn Wilkinson

Chris Bryson

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

Dear Hope Church Friends and Family,

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during my hip surgery.  I was so happy and grateful to hear from Hope--you are a kind and caring bunch of good folks.  I’m doing very well and I thank God for my speedy recovery.  God bless you all.

Love,

Carol Hollander

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

 

We would like to thank all of you who donated jewelry for our Holiday Bazaar.  We will gladly accept jewelry all year long for next year’s bazaar.

Lena Mae Gamblin                           234-1009

Sandy Rhodes                                  397-7058

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

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

COMING EVENTS AT HOPE

        

         November 24               MOPS,6:30PM

         November 26               Thanksgiving Dinner at Hope, 4:30PM

         November 29               First Sunday of Advent, Decorate Sanctuary Tree

         December 4                 Sunday School Outing - Buffalo Wild Wings/Way of Lights, 6PM

                                                Adult Fellowship Christmas Party, 6PM

         December 6                 Children’s Christmas Program

                                                Hope Family Christmas Party after Worship

         December 10               Senior Singles’ Lunch, 11:30AM

         December 13               Christmas Cantata during Worship

                                                Senior Fellowship Christmas Lunch & Cards

         December 17               Book Club, 10:30AM, Open Gym, 5:30PM

        

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

“Christmas Shoebox Ministry”

 

The Hope family collected 59 shoeboxes and over $300 for shipping costs. These boxes and money were delivered to St. Matthew Church by Shirley and Francis Thien.  Thank you to all who participated.

 

Top of the Document

 

 

THANKSGIVING TURKEYS FOR THE BELLEVILLE CHRISTIAN CENTER

 

Hope Church collected $262.00 to purchase 22 turkeys for familes at the Belleville Christian Center.  These turkeys were matched with a box of food by the YMCA.  Thanks for helping with this project.

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

TRIMMING THE HOPE CHRISTMAS TREE

 

During the worship service on Sunday, November 29, 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 home.  Help us trim Hope’s tree.

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES OR SLAW?

 

A list of volunteers is being created to help donate sloppy joes or slaw to the Belleville Christian Center for a monthly meal.  For the past several years the same volunteers have been donating 1 or 2 pounds of sloppy joes or 10 pounds of slaw.  We are creating a new volunteer list to help out once or twice a year with these cooking duties.

 

If you would be interested in putting your name down on a rotating list to donate 2 pounds of sloppy joes or buy slaw, please contact the church office or call me at 314-2745.  Thank you for your time and consideration in helping feed the hungry.

 

Sincerely,

Christy Pannier, Missions Chairperson

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

NEED A CHRISTMAS GIFT?

 

HOPE CHURCH COOKBOOKS    $5.00

Available in the church office

 

FARMERS MARKET GIFT CARDS

SHOP ‘N SAVE GIFT CARDS

Can be purchased from MaryAnn Steinkamp

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

CHRISTMAS PROJECTS AT HOPE

 

Donations of Toys and Clothing - We will be collecting items for children in our neighborhood again this year.  Please look for the Christmas tree with colorful ornaments listing items the children need.  If you select an ornament please bring the item back by Sunday, December 13, wrapped and with the ornament attached.  All presents may be placed under the Christmas tree in the sanctuary.

 

Donations of Clothing and Hygiene Products  - We will be collecting items for six residents from Lincoln Home this year.  Please look for an additional Christmas tree with colorful ornaments listing items for these seniors.  The gifts need to be returned to the church in gift bags or wrapped by Sunday, December 6 and placed under the tree in the sanctuary.

 

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP THE ORNAMENTS ATTACHED TO THE PRESENT OR ITEMS YOU PURCHASE.

 

Christmas Cards for our Shut-ins and Military Servicemen - We will be collecting Christmas cards in the Welcome Center beginning Sunday, November 22.  We have six members in care centers and two servicemen.  These cards and cookies will be delivered to our shut-ins the week of December 14.  Please have your cards at the church by Sunday, December 13.

 

Call the church office for addresses if you want to send your own card.

 

Shutins

Joe Altman

Dorothy Bunn

Marianna Radden

Lois Roller

Violet Schickedanz

Mildred Schwartz

 

Servicemen

Christopher May

Justin Reckling

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS

 

The altar committee purchased silk poinsettias for Christmas to decorate our sanctuary and welcome center.  These poinsettias will be stored and used in the future as we are doing with our Easter lilies.  In order to cover the cost of these flowers we are asking for memorial and/or honor gifts of $10.00 each.  There will be inserts in the Sunday bulletin that you can fill out and turn in with the money.  If you have any questions, please contact one of the members of the Altar Committee:  Bonnie Holweck, Bonnie Jones, Dorothy Meinkoth, Brenda Noble, and Dolores Williams.

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

A MEASURE OF GRATITUDE

(Taken from the magazine, SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH)

 

To understand the role gratitude plays in your life, answer the following questions.  Assign a number as follows:  1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = slightly disagree, 4 = neutral,

5 = slightly agree, 6 = agree, 7 = strongly agree.

 

I have so much in life to be thankful for.

If I had to list everything I felt grateful for, it would be a very long list.

I am grateful to a wide variety of people.

As I get older, I find myself more able to appreciate the people, events, and situations that have been part of my life history.

 

For the remaining questions, assign a number as follows:  7 = strongly disagree, 6 = disagree, 5 = slightly disagree, 4 = neutral, 3 = slightly agree, 2 = agree, 1 = strongly agree

 

When I look at the world, I don’t see much to be thankful for.

Long periods of time can go by before I feel grateful for something or to someone.

 

If you scored:

         42, you are among the top 13% of those tested

         41, you are among the top 25%

         38, you are among the top 50%

         35, you are among the top 75%

         34 or lower, you are in the bottom 25%

 

In the research done concerning gratitude and psychological health, grateful people were found to be higher in positive emotions and life satisfaction and lower in negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, and envy.  They are also more empathic, forgiving, helpful, and supportive than less grateful counterparts.  In adition, grateful people are less focused on material goals and more spiritually and religiously minded.  Research suggests that living in a state of gratitude can be learned and nurtured, leading to a happier and healthier life.  People in this group were found to exercise more regularly, report fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives and were more optimistic.  They also were more likely to help someone with a problem and had higher levels of alertness and energy.

 

 

Top of the Document

 

 

ILLINOIS STATE FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CLASSES OFFERED AT HOPE

 

Are you interested in being certified?  The Safe Food Handlers Corporation has been using our building for food service sanitation classes.  They have offered to certify someone from the church in exchange for using our room.  The next session of the two day class will be offered on December 2 and December 9 (8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.) at the church.  If you are interested, please call the church at 234-2358.