“Hope”fully Yours        Volume 1, Winter, 2010

                                                                                                                 

 

         

Welcome to 2010 !

 

New Hope, New Name, New Opportunities!

 

“New Hope A’Rising”

Michelle Rohde ~ October 2009

 

Joining together, how far we have come

Now on this glorious day

We will become one

Bringing traditions, that now we will share

Working together, through missions and prayer

 

Chorus

           There’s a New Hope a’rising

           On this a new dawn,

           All for the Glory of God

           We will work as one.

           With each new tomorrow

           His hand guiding us through

           There’s a New Hope a’rising for me and you!

 

It’s not always easy, letting go what we know

But in worship together, new seeds we shall sow

With grace God will lead us, His will to be done

He called us together to journey as one 

 

Chorus

 

Our leaders have led us our ministries are strong

From Children to Seniors there’s place to belong

Lets lift songs of thanksgiving for the gifts we

         all bring

There’s New Hope for tomorrow for God’s

         children to sing!

 

Chorus

 

This song was composed and sung for the Amalgamation Celebration on November 29, 2009.

May everyone in our New Hope Lutheran community

sing a new song of praise and joyful service in 2010 and beyond.

NEW HOPE LUTHERAN ANNUAL MEETING

Sunday, February 7, 2010  ~ 1:30 pm

Congregational ‘Soup & Bun-wich’ Lunch  ~  12:15 pm

                                                                         Agenda to include:

                                                                    1.   Giving thanks for Amalgamation

2.      Envisioning our Future

 

 

 

Attention Leaders!

Our Annual Leaders’ Retreat

will be held on

Saturday, March 6, 2010

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

Watch for further details ! !

 

 

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

 

            As I’m writing, I can’t believe that it’s been one short month since I locked the door at my house in Kitchener, Ontario and headed out with my cats on board to Regina.  My travelling took me through so many different landscapes, each with its own particular beauty.  I remember driving up out of a river valley in North Dakota and before me unfolded this absolutely huge vista of sky and land stretching for miles . . . and miles . . . and miles.  And here’s my confession:  I wondered if one could really transplant a person who’s never lived west of south-central Ontario to the prairies!  Happily, it has been your warm and embracing welcome, care and support that has made my transition so smooth and I am so grateful to you all.

 

            Thank you – to Pastor Dennis and the men of the congregation who checked on my new house daily and set up lights on timers.  With my brother’s sudden death, you eased my mind and lessoned my worry at a stressful time.

 

            Thank you – for the bread, milk and margarine in the fridge and the generous basket of fruit and goodies on the counter.  It felt like a feast to me.

 

            Thank you – for the newly built bookcases in my office; for popping in to introduce yourselves; for hugs; for words of wisdom about the weather; for saying “we’re glad you’re here.”

 

            Thank you – to Pastor Darlene, Michelle and Carol for “taking me under your wings” as I learn the rhythms of parish life.

 

            God has provided abundantly for my needs through you all.  God has made a smooth way for me to travel in my move here and my faith journeying through the many losses and the many wonderful and joyous discoveries a move entails.  I am so very grateful.

           

            Now some things about me:  I was raised on a farm in central Ontario.  My family worshiped at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, a mission congregation of which I was a child charter member.  As the only girl (I have three brothers) my education about tools, auto mechanics and the like was woefully lacking; however, I can bake bread, cook good farm meals, shovel manure and throw down hay bales with the best of them.  My mother refused to let me learn how to milk a cow or type – her thinking was that if I could do both or either, I’d always do them.  So off I went to study English at Waterloo Lutheran University.  Later, I took my law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and returned home to practice family law and civil litigation.  Over the years, I became a counsel for Family and Children’s Services in temporary and crown wardships and a court-appointed lawyer for children caught up in their parents’ custody trials.  As I married and had my own family, however, it became harder to practice in these difficult areas of the law.  God has a mysterious way of knocking on the doors of our lives – certainly mine.

 

            I had a pivotal experience in my teens through which I became aware that I would have a much deeper relationship with the church.  I never acted on it.  But God did and I describe my experience of wrapping up my law practice to go to Seminary as the Spirit pushing me all the way.  It wasn’t all smooth sailing.  My marriage crumbled en route but the Spirit was still there, pushing me even more.  So with two little boys, I finished my Master of Divinity degree, was ordained and took my first call as a mission developer serving Meadowvale Lutheran Church in suburban Mississauga, Ontario.  Later, I took a call to St. Mark’s in Kitchener in team ministry.  My involvement with the wider church has been from liturgy and worship space designer at Synodical and national assemblies, to chair of the Board of Governors at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, to leading retreats, to dishing out veggies at St. Mark’s Wednesday night supper and much more in between.  God has been so very present and gracious in my life!

 

            I’m also the proud mom of Ian and Joe.  Ian and his wife Natasha, both medics with the Canadian Forces, are presently posted to C.F.B. Esquimalt in Victoria.  They served in Afghanistan on Roto 5 in 2008 – Natasha with the international medical team at the Kandahar Base hospital and Ian with the foot and armoured patrols to and from Forward Operating Bases “outside the wire.”  They have two boys and I am a very proud “Grandma Ginger Bread” to six-year-old Jonah and two-month-old Elijah.  They have just learned that they are being posted to C.F.B. Petawawa in Ontario in 2010.  Joe is my artist, graduating in photography from Sheridan College.  He and his spouse Michelle recently moved to Calgary where she works with the Federal Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.  Thank goodness for the Regina Airport!

 

            I’ve found a bungalow to call home.  Once the cartons are unpacked, I’ll get back to my fabric dying and printing, and textile arts . . . and dreaming of garden plans.

 

            And something important happened this morning.  As I left the house in –32C cold, looked up at the wide sky with it’s incredible colors and drove up the Lewvan to the church, my heart was filled with joy.  I am blessed to be here.  This is my home.  God works in a way that is beyond our knowing and has led me on this wondrous and wonderful journey.  Thanks be to God!

 

                                                                                                Pastor Liz Kuglin-Alyea

 

 

 

Momentum Toward Full Amalgamation

 

The seeds of partnership and amalgamation began when St. Timothy congregation was without a called pastor, beginning in the fall of 2005.  Pastors from Faith along with other pastors led the Sunday worship services for the next year.  In 2007, a formal Partnership Agreement was approved between Faith Lutheran and St. Timothy Lutheran churches.  The agreement included some shared worship services, some educational ministries (including Confirmation and adult studies) and jointly hosting an intern student pastor, Wallace Bornhuse.

In May, 2008, a Letter of Intent between Faith Lutheran and St. Timothy Lutheran confirmed the intention of both congregations to work collectively together toward full amalgamation by the end of 2009.  The congregation of St. Timothy moved over to the Faith congregation location beginning June 1, 2008 for joint worship and ministries, joint pastoral staff and a joint Call Committee to eventually issue a Letter of Call to Pastor Liz Kuglin-Alyea.

The wonderful celebration in worship on November 29 represented the culmination of the amalgamation process of the two congregations becoming one in service to Christ Jesus.  “The glory that you (Father God) have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one”.  (Jesus’ prayer recorded in John 17:22).

 

The amalgamation represents significant completion of several tasks:

1.       Approval of a new constitution and bylaws

2.       Installation of a new computer program that combines the membership, the financial records

and the annual budget.

3.       Deciding upon a new identity for our ministries, “New Hope Lutheran Church, Inc.  The legal

incorporation begins on January 1, 2010.

 

            We are grateful to the Church Council members of both congregations for their vision, work, and patience to bring about this full amalgamation.  We are also thankful for other members and friends of the congregations who offered so freely of their skills and time to help with the completion of this process.  May we continue to grow and flourish in our ministries.  In the words of our theme song:

There’s a New Hope a’rising

On this a new dawn,

All for the Glory of God

We will work as one.

 

Sincerely in Christ Jesus our light and our hope,

Pastor Dennis Lueck

 

 

Lent and Easter Services

 

            It seems strange to be thinking about Lent and Easter before Christmas but because this newsletter covers the time until spring we want to tell you that we have plans in place for a wonderful journey through Lent into Easter.

 

The Schedule is as follows:

 

Shrove Tuesday   February 16   Pancake Supper  6:00 pm

 

Ash Wednesday   February 17   Service at 7:00 pm

 

Wednesday Evening Lenten Services   February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 at 7:00 pm

(Each of the five Lenten Services will begin with a simple soup and sandwich supper at 6:00 pm)

(Coffee, cookies and fellowship available after the Services)

 

Thursday Lenten Studies   February 18 & 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 11:30 am

(Bring a bag lunch to eat at 11:30 am; study 12:00-1:00 pm)

 

Palm/Passion Sunday   March 28  Services at 9:30 and 11:15 am

 

Seder Supper followed by Maundy Thursday Service   April 1 at 6:30 pm

 

Good Friday  April 2  Service at 11:00 am

 

Easter Sunday   April 4   Services at 9:00 and 11:00 am

Easter Breakfast  10:00-11:00 am

 

 

 

 

Growing New Hope

 

            In the last Newsletter, Yvonne Warnes asked the question, “What is God asking us to do to fulfill God’s mission as New Hope Ministries?”  Because of the amalgamation and call processes, answering that question was put on hold.

 

But in 2010, it’s time to keep the momentum going and be about the work of “Growing New Hope.”  Just as God has given a seed everything it needs inside itself to grow, so God has given us here at New Hope everything we need to grow in faith and in ministry.  Our work right now, with the guidance of the Spirit, is to discern how we go about growing, what the impediments to our growth are, and what the new growth might look like.

 

Watch for further signs of “Growing New Hope”.

 

 

 

Saturday Family Worship

 

       After months of planning and prayerful consideration, Saturday, September 26 began our first Saturday Family Worship.  Our first three months have been very well received by our own families and community.  We have had the privilege to be working with some very gifted people which has led to the forming of a strong worship team.  In collaboration with Marilynn Richter, the youth have played an active role in serving at these worship times.

         The format we have designed is contemporary and contains elements to engage people of all ages.  There are messages given in adult and youth versions.  We use a lot of music because of the unique way it touches people's hearts.  We have songs of joy that encourage praise and songs of meditation to help quiet us and help us be more aware of God's presence.  Many of the songs use actions and signing.

        Bible Guy is our special Super Hero who comes each month to speak to the children and help us all learn more about what a wonderful book our Bible is.

        Following the worship time we all share in a pot luck supper that has encouraged community building and wonderful fellowship.

        The children then end their time with us, doing a craft to relate to what they just learned in worship.

        Our next service will be on Saturday, January 23 at 5:00 pm.  Mark your calendars and come and be a part of something wonderful!

       The Saturday night worship team wishes all of you a blessed holiday season!

 

                      Michelle and Shelley

 

CHOIR

 

Do you like to sing … bass…tenor…alto…soprano…..melody…….in the shower……??

       This musical ministry is open to all who love the Lord and love to sing!  We are a fun-loving, hard-working group practicing on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the church. 

       You need not read music.  You just need to use your talent!  And bring a friend!!! 

Everyone is welcome. 

 

 

Children’s Ministry

 

        The coordinators and teachers for the Children’s Ministry thank you for entrusting your children to us on Sunday mornings to learn about God. The leaders who are generously volunteering their time to guide the children include:

§         Caroline J, Katherine & Ruben M –  age 3

§         Julie V and Kathy P – ages 4 and 5

§         Pat L – grades 1 and 2

§         Rochelle R – grades 3 and 4

§         Garth M, Tammy & Larry G - grades 5 and 6

§         Substitutes & Helpers – Shannan S, Gail B, Cheryl M, Stephanie C, Brittany N, Brittany A

 

        This year the Children’s Ministry program has 65 children registered. Our Akaloo program provides families with access to on-line, age-appropriate games and activities related to the children’s lessons. Have you checked out the website with your children yet? Please contact a coordinator if you have questions.

        The Advent project in which the children will be participating involves raising funds to purchase a pair of goats and a flock of chickens from the “Gifts From the Heart” catalogue of C.L.W.R.

Our Christmas program on December 20 is titled, “Guess Who’s Coming to Bethlehem?”  We have started preparing and practicing with the children. On December 19, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm we will be having a “dress rehearsal” and it would be helpful if your child could attend.

        Children’s Ministry will start up again January 10, 2010.  In 2010 the children will explore the topics about “Experiencing God”, “Becoming a Disciple”, and  “Celebrating Church”.  Why not take the opportunity to sit in on your child’s class?  You are most welcome – anytime.

 

Merry Christmas from the Coordinators,

Kathy, Gail and Cheryl 

 

 

 

Confirmation Ministry

 

Where does time go?  We are nearly at the midpoint of the year’s confirmation program and it feels like we have only just begun!  Super Saturday sessions continue at Luther High School followed by Tuesday after school classes at New Hope (was Faith/St. Timothy).  Those classes are usually held 10 days after the Saturday events.

Our schedule for 2010 is as follows:

 

Super Saturday events 9:30 am:		Tuesday Classes 4:30 OR 6:30 pm:
January 9 February 6 March 20 April 17 May 8		January 19 February 16 March class moved to April 1 (Seder Supper) April 27

             Even with the busy sport schedules, dance, choir, and other social activities we strongly encourage students to attend each event.  Parents are always welcome.

Instead of planning to go to Camp Kinasao in the spring we are starting to make plans for a day-long retreat in the Regina area.  The cost will be much less than a weekend trip.  We will let families know as soon as we choose a date and location so that you can clear your calendars for that weekend.

            We have already chosen the date for Confirmation Sunday for the second year students.  They will affirm their baptism on Sunday, September 19.  You can make long range plans with grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends.  The following Sunday, September 26 will be our confirmation banquet at New Hope.

            If you have any concerns please feel free to contact Pastor Darlene, Pastor Dennis or Pastor Liz.

 

New Hope Lutheran = NHL Youth 

 

The youth have had an exciting and busy Fall are looking forward to 2010 – the year of the next youth Gathering!  The following are the events we have currently planned:

 

January 17 – Brunch Bunch

January 23 – Assisting with Saturday Worship

January 24 – Skating

 

February 12 – Church Sleep-over

February 21 – Brunch Bunch

February 27 – Assisting with Saturday Worship

February 28 – Silent Auction at the church

    (fundraiser) 

Early March – Event to be determined

March 21 – Brunch Bunch & planning for Easter Service

March 27 – Assist with Saturday Worship

 

April 4 – Participating in Easter Service (also helping set

     up & serve breakfast)

April 18 – Brunch Bunch

April (exact date to be determined) – World Biggest

     Garage Sale

 

            The youth and leaders would like to thank the congregations of Faith and St. Timothy (now New Hope Lutheran) for their ongoing support, encouragement and prayers. 

 

Blessings,

Shelly S, Lisa G, Joel R, Michelle K

 

Men’s Ministry

       Our Men’s Ministry consists of three groups of caring, supportive men gathering to study God’s Word using the Lutheran Men in Mission “Master Builders” Bible.  Any one interested in joining one of the groups would be more than welcome.

       The meetings are scheduled for approximately one hour with each of the groups meeting twice a month. Meeting times and dates are flexible to accommodate the group members. One Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday mornings at 9:00 am at New Hope Lutheran.  Another group meets the first and third Tuesday evenings

of each month at 7:30 pm also at New Hope. The third group meets for lunch at Gord ’s office on the second and fourth Fridays (this group adjusts their date from time to time to accommodate work schedules of the attendees).

        Men’s Ministry wants to make the meetings accessible to any who want to join. If you wish to join any one of these groups please contact:   Stan H; Myron B; Gord L; Pastor Dennis  ~ 543-0118.

       If you have a group of two or more men wanting to start your own group we can provide assistance and leadership

to get you going.

 

 

Marriage Preparation

 

Marriage is one of the most significant decisions that couples make and one of the most challenging to continue in a fulfilling way.  A seminar is offered at New Hope for couples marrying through our ministries in 2010: 

Sundays, March 7 and March 14, 1:00-5:00 pm each Sunday.

Couples who are being married by someone other than our pastors are also invited to register and attend.  Many issues are covered and insights offered for building and maintaining strong marriages.  Various options are offered for creating a very meaningful, inspirational wedding ceremony.  Note:  It is important for couples to contact New Hope pastors as soon as possible for reservations and preparations.

 

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Supervision will resume on January 11, 2010.

Gifted to Care
       Spiritual gifts are gifts to give away. God gives them to us and we use them to serve others. How are you using your gifts right now? Are you looking for a new way to use them? If your spiritual gifts include one or more of the following--faith, mercy, teaching the faith, encouragement, or knowing--consider Stephen Ministry, our congregation's one-to-one caregiving ministry. This may be just what you've been looking for! Contact our training coordinators, Yvonne Warnes, Donna Christensen or Pastor Lueck to learn more about this                                                                                   ministry.

What is Stephen Ministry?
        Stephen Ministry is a supervised ministry. Stephen Ministers engage in once-monthly supervision to ensure that they are providing the best quality Christian care for their care receivers.
        Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. What a care receiver tells a Stephen Minister remains confidential. Even in supervision, the names of care receivers and specific details are never discussed.
        Stephen Ministers do not make cold calls. They are assigned only to people who agree to receive the care of a Stephen Minister.
        Stephen Ministers are not counselors. They are trained Christian caregivers. Their role is to listen and to care—not to counsel or advise. Please do not refer to Stephen Ministers as counselors.

The next Stephen Minister Training is planned to begin in April, 2010.

2010 Leader’s Training Course Opportunities –
           We are looking for those interested in training to become a Stephen Leader.  Needed are leadership gifts and skills, a heart for caring ministry and the ability to work well with other Stephen Ministry leaders on our team.
        Please note the poster on our Stephen Ministry bulletin board with the training opportunities in 2010.  Inquiries may be made to Pastor Lueck or one of our current Stephen Leaders.

E-link on the congregational website – The church website http://www.faithlutheranregina.com  now includes a link for “Prayer Requests”.  Clicking on this link will open a confidential email to Pastor Dennis and he will initiate prayers for you as requested.

        Dates for upcoming Stephen Ministry Continuing Education and Supervision are:

                    January 11 – Supervision

                    February 22 – Continuing Education topic “Prayer with Scripture” - Supervision

                    March 22 – Supervision

                    April 26 – Continuing Education topic “Symbolism and Prayer” – Supervision
                    May 17  and June 21 – Supervision
        To all who participate in Stephen Ministry and to you who pray for these caregivers, thank you and we wish you a Blessed New Year in 2010!
                                                                                           Carol L, Awareness Coordinator

 

 

 

 

Calling All Women . . .

 

Did you know that each month a group of like-minded women gathers in a local restaurant to enjoy good food, great

     conversation and an amazing opportunity to get to know one another?    We usually go out on the 4^th Tuesday of the

     month.  Our next outing is January 26 when we dine at Pasta Prima at 4440 Albert St. at 6:00 pm. 

Did you know that we call our group “Shalom”?

Did you know that all ages are welcome?

Did you know that you are welcomed to bring a guest?

Did you know that we take the evening off?  That means we don’t have to cook or wash dishes or bring anything besides

     your appetite!

Did you know that the only task-related event during the year is the gathering of gifts in December for Transition House

     (a women’s shelter)?  In December 2009 we were overwhelmed with wonderful donations from the congregation.  The

     gifts overflowed the storage area at Transition House allowing us to donate to other care giving places in the city. 

     Many thanks!

And … did you know that all you have to do to join us is to let  the hostess of the month know that you plan to attend? 

     You will be welcomed!  Check the bulletin and/or church calendar for date, place and  hostess each month.  Let the

     hostess or Carol at the office know if you need a ride.  Looking forward to sharing Shalom with you.

 

                                                                                                    Blessings; Pastor Darlene

 

 

6^TH ANNUAL

Women’s Retreat

 

           Do you have any plans for the weekend of  February 5-6, 2010?  Why not join us at our annual women’s retreat!

 

          We are meeting at St. Michael’s Retreat Center in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley near Lumsden.  We begin at

  7:00 pm on Friday (February 5) and conclude at 4:00 pm on Saturday (February 6).

          Our theme is “Journey” and we plan to journey with prayer, in music, in silence, around great conversation, through

  Bible study and worship using our creative God-given gifts as we explore our personal and communal journey.

         Registration forms will be available early in the New Year.  The cost is $85 if you can stay over-night.  The fee will be

  a little less if you commute.  Financial assistance for registration is available. The organizing committee is working

  diligently to assure a great weekend.  We need your participation to make the event a success!

 

        Mark your calendars …     watch for further details.

 

 

Faith Blazers   55 Plus

 

                Are you looking for fun and friendship? Come and join the Faith Blazers every 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of the

     month at 1:30 pm.  We enjoy all sorts of activities: games, tours, guest speakers, socializing, food and refreshments.

               Events for the New Year are not yet planned so watch the bulletin and calendar for dates and details.

     Hostesses are:  January – Mabel & Marge; February – Muriel & Rose;  March – Bev, Anne & Hans; April – Edna

     & Doreen.

                For more information about dates or activities, watch the Sunday bulletin or contact the church office.

         

                                                            Come, join us for the fun -- stay for the friendship !     

 

  

In Hospital

 

        Our pastors want to know who is in the hospital to offer prayer support and encouragement during illness.  The privacy act is keeping us from always knowing who is in the hospital through chaplaincy records.

        We ask all members to let us know as soon as possible when a family member is in the hospital or plans to be a patient.  Give us a quick call at 543-0118, so that we can respond quickly and appropriately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxi Service

 

        This service is available for people with disabilities OR who are unable to drive to church. It is our desire to provide worship opportunities to all.  Phone Capital Cabs 791-2222  on Sunday morning before 8:30 am to request a ride to church.

 

 

 

Evangelical Lutheran Women

 

Welcome to the New Year!! 

 

What is ELW?  It is a Christ centered community of women who are committed to

nurturing our faith and spiritual strength to enable us to be people of God in Mission.

 

You are invited to join us for monthly Bible Study – if you can’t attend regularly, come when you can.   The theme for 2010 is “The Word Made Flesh” written by Pastor Darlene Harrison and Pastor Carla Blakley.  It is a wonderful opportunity for learning and fellowship. The times are:

-           9:30 am on the 1^st Tuesday of the month at the church

-                      7:30 pm on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month at the church

-                      7:30 pm on the 3^rd Saturday of the month (call Cheryl for location – 789-0460)

 

2010 Coming Events

-           Installation of Executive – February 14

-           World Day of Prayer at New Hope Lutheran Church  - March 5

-           Serving at the Marion Centre – March 8-12

-           General Meeting/Potluck Lunch -10:45 am - following the first service – April 18

 

Quilting      On the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday afternoon of each month a group meets in the church basement to work on

quilts, layettes and other kits for CLWR.  In November Reta T and Laura L raised over $400.00 for CLWR by creating and selling many articles!!  

 

Thank You

-           to the Coordinators and all who helped with the Fall Supper.  It is the main fundraising project of ELW and would

             not happen without the help of many people – it is much appreciated!!

-                      to all who are willing to help in any of  the needed roles – we can not function without your help. (ELW runs with an executive of four plus various committees.)

 

2010 will be a time of exciting new beginnings and New Hope being one in Christ as we continue to serve Him in mission, here at home and abroad.  Thanks be to God for new challenges and opportunities to serve in love and harmony.

If you have any questions about the ELW call Valerie or Mattie.

 

“Bits and Pieces”

 

Beginning January 13 & 27

and every 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of the month

we gather downstairs to quilt.

 

When the cupboards get full

another shipment leaves for C.L.W.R.,

Transition House and other charities.

 

No sewing experience necessary.

Join us if you can!

 

 

 

 

Did you know we have a Library?      

 

              Our library is located in the

Meeting Room.  There are many inspirational books, autobiographies and novels.  Please feel free to

borrow books.  All you have to do is put your name

and the current date on the card provided in the little grey box.  When you return the book, put the date it is returned on that same card and then place the book back on the shelf, e.g. if you were reading “Held for Ransom” you would place it back in the “H” section.  There is one exception:  if the title of the book starts with “The”,  you go to the first letter of the next word

in the title and file it under that letter.

            The Library is there for everyone to use --- so, during the long winter months treat yourself to some wholesome reading.

 

 

 

STEWARDSHIP AND FUNDRAISING

 

This year's theme “New Love, New Mercy” is based on Lamentations 3:21-24:   “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God's mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!  The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in God.”

Here is the basis of our hope – God gives us the opportunity to live out such hope in the way we receive, give, use, manage, and share all that He has given us, beginning and ending with our every life breath, and including everything we do as we think, talk, and act hopefully.  It is this trust and hope that is our foundation for freedom in giving.

As we look back over the past year at Faith/St. Timothy (New Hope) Lutheran Church, it is  easy to be filled with a feeling of gratitude and thankfulness.

Many ministries and programs are available and are being carried out by our pastoral staff, committees, and members of our congregation.

Our commitments as a congregation are a challenge.  Your giving, volunteering, prayers, and witness make it possible to reach many of the goals that we have set for ourselves.  Let us also remember that we are a congregation “In Mission for Others.”

Thanks to all who attended our stewardship Bible study class

in October entitled “Living Carefree Experience.”  We thank God for being with us as we shared our thoughts, prayers and experiences.

The amalgamation of our two congregations – a new name, new love, new mercy, new hope, a new pastor, and a new revised constitution, are all things that we appreciate and take pride in.  Let us join together as a caring congregation to share our gifts and make the world around us a little bit brighter.

For those of you who wish to make a financial contribution or pledge, there are commitment cards available on the stewardship table in the narthex.  Your prompt response helps us plan our congregation's financial life and determines the scope of our ministry together.

Thank you again for your generous giving and service, and may God bless you richly in everything you do.

 

Faith/St. Timothy (New Hope) Stewardship Committee

 

New Hope’s 4th Annual Dinner Theatre “You Can’t Get There From Here” by Pat Cook                   We are excited to announce that we will be producing another Dinner Theatre event. The New Hope       Lutheran Church Theatre Group will perform a main stage play entitled “You Can’t Get There From Here”      on April 21-24, 2010.           The play is a comedy about a young journalist who gets stranded in small town Shadow Falls when he hits a huge pothole and his car breaks down. He reluctantly needs to stay at the only place in town, the Mavis Garner Bed and Breakfast, run by a couple of eccentric sisters. He discovers that there is something fishy about the pothole and decides to expose Shadow Falls for what it really is. He soon finds out that everything isn’t what it seemed at first and everything is going along fine until his boss shows up.                For an evening of entertainment and great food ensure you get your tickets as soon as they are available.    The performance on April 21 will include Coffee and Dessert. The performances on April 22, 23 and 24 will be a Dinner Theatre format and will include a full course meal.                As we discovered last year, this is an exciting and fun event that will require many volunteers.  There are      still lots of opportunities to get involved. If you are unable to help with the production or meals, then we appeal to      you to volunteer to sell at least four tickets.  Let’s sell out this event! We came very close last year.   If you are interested in getting involved in this fun event, you can contact Play Director Glen B.

 

MISSION TO MEXICO 2010

 

        In 2007, nine members of Faith travelled to the Baha Peninsula where we worked in an orphanage – a rewarding and fulfilling experience.  My wife Pat and I were forever changed by the experience.  Our return home brought the realization that our possessions and treasures are just “stuff”.

        At the orphanage the children receive clothing, nutritious food, education and a loving Christian environment in which to grow.  In direct contrast the children out in the work camps endure life with very little value, filthy outhouse bathroom facilities, no toys or shoes, limited clothing, a lack of calcium and protein in their diets and no refrigeration.  Housing for a family consists of a metal-roofed 10x12 concrete building.  Laundry is done in a long concrete trough with a concrete wash board.

        Twice weekly volunteers and (orphanage) staff go out on evangelism trips to outlying villages and camps.  Videos are shown to both children and adults followed by prayer support if requested.  Once monthly a meal of hot dogs in tortilla shells, cookies and a drink is provided for the whole camp.

        In addition, twice weekly, there is evangelism to the children.  What an unforgettable experience!  Teams in vans arrive and are announced by a loudspeaker.  Droves of children gather with a spoon and a glass.  A Bible story is told followed by an activity.  The children line up to receive a large cup of milk and a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter.

        We have begun taking Spanish lessons in preparation for another Mexican Mission Trip.  If you are interested in joining us in 2010, please call us at 757-9134 or call the church.  There is also a sign up sheet on the Mission bulletin board.

Please prayerfully consider joining us May 22-30, 2010.  I believe we can make a difference in the lives of people we will encounter on the Mexico 2010 Mission Trip.  For more information call Stan or Pat H.

 

 

ELCIC National Convention

 

        Your delegates Linda M, from St. Timothy and Yvonne W and Pastor Darlene Harrison, from Faith, wish to thank you for the opportunity of representing you at our National Biennial Convention held in Vancouver June 25-28, 2009 at the University of British Columbia  in beautiful Vancouver.  We were greeted by grey clouds and drenching rainfall on arrival at Vancouver Airport but the sun chased the clouds away for the rest of the time.  We were very comfortably housed in the campus dormitory. The three of us shared a suite with Pastor Carla Blakely from Bread of Life and 2 other women so needless to say the conversation flowed (often late into the night).

        Delegates included 176 lay and 166 ordained with 140 registered visitors gathered under the theme “In Mission for Others – Signs of Hope.” As well as acting as a delegate Pastor Darlene served on the Reference and Counsel Committee which was kept busy sorting through the many resolutions, presenting them to the plenary sessions and making recommendations for action.

        On the first day National Bishop Susan Johnson delivered her “state of the union” address in which she recounted a whirlwind of “firsts” and shared her signs of hope for our church.  One challenge facing the ELCIC is a sheer matter of numbers.  We have approximately 24 percent fewer baptized members than it had when in was formed in 1986.  Another challenge has to do with financial realities which affect the church on many levels.  Bishop Susan noted that the church is looking at ways to restructure and partner with other churches and organizations so the ELCIC can continue to fulfill the mission to which God is calling the church.

       Inspiring presentations from Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Right Rev. Dr. Mounib Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land were highlights of each day.    

       Bishop Hanson said, “The church should “Go with the flow – of the Spirit poured out.’” He told us that the

hallmarks of a Spirit-filled church are a restored community, confident hope and unity within diversity.

        Archbishop Hiltz encouraged delegates to describe signs of hope in our congregations and we were challenged to imagine the next ‘bold step’ the Anglican Church and the ELCIC could take in their mission together.

        Bishop Younan spoke passionately about the church’s role in promoting peace and justice in the Holy Land.  A multi-point resolution to support peace in the Holy Land inspired much discussion on the convention floor.  Those opposing the resolution felt that comments on Israeli and Palestinian statehood were beyond the scope of the ELCIC.  Many others spoke in support of the resolution which eventually passed.  When asked what the ELCIC could do to support peace in the Holy Land, Bishop Youman replied, “You have to speak the truth.  I did not come here so that you would become pro-Palestinian.  It’s not my aim that you would become pro-Israeli.  We want you to become pro-truth, pro-justice, pro-reconciliation.”

        Certainly one of the highlights was the worship life of the convention. The exuberant opening worship with bold singing, droplets of water and parasols with chiming bangles, daily morning communion services and the telling of faith stories by Synodical Bishops and National Church Council members, a service of healing and the energetic closing worship with a call to love filled us with hope for the future of the church.

        A festive celebration of “Signs of Hope” was held on Saturday evening with an amazing array of talent from the BC Synod interspersed with stories of hope from each Synod. 

        Despite an undercurrent of fear that at times threatened our unity, delegates were on the whole able to see the necessity for us to agree to disagree on some topics.  And to quote Bishop Susan as she declared the convention ended and sent the delegates out into the sunny Sunday Vancouver morning, “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”