A Great Celebration!
Hope would like to extend an enormous thank-you to everyone who attended Jay’s Celebration BBQ this past Sunday. It was wonderful to have nearly 75 people join us – both from Hope and from Jay and Marti’s extended community of family and friends! There was an enormous amount of food, dessert, fellowship and joy as we all shared important moments that both Jay and Marti have touched our lives and served the Lord in incredibly beautiful ways. Jay, you will be missed on staff but we are so grateful to continue to have you as part of our dedicated community! We received the below note this week from the Oertli’s and want to share it with you…
Dear Hope Family,
Marti and I want to thank you for the wonderful time of sharing and celebration that we enjoyed Sunday evening, August 6! Pastor Dean’s message in the morning was from Hebrews 10: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (23-24) He emphasized the fact that we need one another, and we offer encouragement to one another just by being together and also by offering words that lift individuals up personally—especially in these last days! He suggested that the Sunday evening celebration for Marti and me would be a wonderful opportunity to practice that biblical instruction.
From the bottom of our hearts we can honestly say that we were overwhelmed with humble hearts and praise to God for your wonderful words of encouragement and love expressed to both of us, both from our church family and from our family members who were able to attend. It was an amazing evening of feeling so uplifted, blessed, and encouraged! Thank you also for those who expressed their love and encouragement through cards, letters, and phone calls. A special thank you to Tara and others who organized such a delicious potluck and who presented a Jay and Marti slide show. Thanks to Dean and the barbecue chefs for the delicious meal we enjoyed together and for those who brought side dishes and desserts! A special thank you to our son Danny and his wife Rayna for leading a time of worship and also for sharing their love and appreciation through songs he has written about us.
There really aren’t words to adequately thank each one of you who have been so encouraging and life-giving to us in so many different ways—in small groups and teams that we’ve led and also through the many hours we’ve shared together on a one-on-one basis. It has been a special gift from God to co-labor alongside Dean and Rebecca and we appreciate their love, friendship, support, and godly leadership so much. We’re also grateful for the many other committed godly leaders, men and women who have inspired, helped, challenged, and greatly encouraged and helped us in the Hope ministry!
We love you, Hope family, and we thank you for loving us so well, for continually praying for us, and for showing us incredible grace and encouragement! Be assured that as we have now transitioned to a volunteer basis at Hope, we will continue to be here for you and love and care for you in any way possible. Thank you so much—we love you!
Pastor Jay & Marti
9 AM SUNDAY WORSHIP | AUGUST 13. Join us this Sunday as we worship God, welcome new guests, reconnect with one another and finish our study through the letter to the Hebrews. According to God, life with Jesus is a marathon, not a moment. So, in this message seekers will be encouraged to enter the adventure and those who have already done so will be exhorted to run with endurance the race that is set before us! Lead Pastor Dean Wertz brings us a message titled Run with Endurance from Hebrews 12:1-3. If you are unable to join us in person, please visit the 9 a.m. livestream or view the recording here.
THIS SUNDAY – NEXT MINISTRY YEAR VISION /BUDGET. Join us this Sunday directly after our gathering to hear Pastor Dean share the vision for our next ministry year. Also, Pastor Arik will share the budget proposed by our leadership to help fulfil it.
HOPE GROUPS. The Sunday’s Service will be hosted by the Englewood Hope Group. Thank you Englewood! If you’ve been thinking about joining a Hope group, we’d love to connect with you! Click here for more information.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY.
Children’s Church – This 2nd Sunday of August, kids ages 3 yrs old – entering 5th grade are invited to participate in Children’s Church following worship. The kids will have an opportunity to hear a video testimony of a family who experienced God’s love through belonging in community, and will be learning about how we love one another as the family of God.
Nursery for children ages 0-2 is available on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. On the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays, families with young children are invited to remain in the sanctuary or utilize the baby skybox to participate in the service with added privacy.
YOUTH. Hey students! Join us this Sunday for Youth Group after service from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. We will have snacks, prayer, and discussion all together. If you’re interested in keeping up with our series on Alpha Youth, here’s the next video.
Also, mark your calendars for Friday, September 1 as we’ll be having our back-to-school Laser Tag Night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m! There will be pizza, snacks, drinks, music and tons of fun, so invite your friends now that you’re back in class! RSVP on Church Center at this link or email Tara.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE. Let’s bless our neighbors! Children’s Ministry is collecting school supplies to donate to a local elementary school that serves a range of needs. As you are out running errands in the next week, please consider grabbing an extra box of crayons, pack of glue, set of scissors, or even a backpack. Items can be dropped off in the “School Supply” basket next to the “Food Bank” baskets in the foyer by Sunday August 20. A school supply list organized by grade for Asbury Elementary is posted on the cork board above the baskets for additional supply ideas.
UPDATED FOR AUGUST: FOOD BANK IN NEED. The local Community Ministry is in need of these specific items. mac & cheese, tomato products, soup, stuffing, pie crust mix, evaporated milk, gravy packets, cake, frosting, boys clothes (6 and under), diapers (size 7), plastic grocery bags.Please consider donating at this important time. Items can be brought to the collection basket in the Foyer.
JOIN THE WORSHIP TEAM! The worship team would like to have more vocalists consider joining the group. Practices are Thursday evenings and female voices are especially welcome to balance the worship team. We’d love to sing with you! Please contact Joel Noble if interested and thank you!
7 PM THURSDAY WORSHIP | ALL INVITED. Calling all those who love to sing and/or play instruments! We are now gathering every Thursday in the Sanctuary from 7 – 9 p.m. Joel Noble, will be bringing extra instruments and offer casual lessons for those who want to learn to play guitar/ukulele/bass/mandolin/etc! During this time the worship team will also practice for Sunday mornings. Bring your instruments and your favorite worship songs in mind. Some weeks we may even enjoy a meal all together. No RSVPs are required. If you have any questions, please email Joel.
HAVE A NEED? Your Hope family is here for you. If you need financial assistance, please contact Pastor Arik. For prayer or help in any other way, reach out to Tara Farrell.
We welcome you to visit the resources below!
