Since returning from our family’s summer break in Ontario, Canada, Rebecca’s and my excitement has been growing for what God has in store for Hope during this upcoming ministry year (Sept. ’23 through Aug. ’24).
After seeking God collectively for insights re what is going well and what needs improvement by surveying Hope’s members and those in Hope Groups back in the Spring; praying about what we heard and processing among our elders, staff and spouses in April; and then synthesizing this information among our elders in May, I am grateful to share that there are 5 things we sense God wants us to focus on beginning in the fall. I will share these priorities during our service this coming Sunday 7/23. In the meantime, I’ll share now one of the five steps we sense God is wanting us to take. We believe He wants us to reduce our expenses so that our monthly budgeted expenses align with our actual average monthly income (excluding our extra offerings in December). With so many of you giving generously and longing to see our church remain debt-free, I am thrilled to announce that significant work and progress is being made by our staff, elders and budget team to present this kind of budget to be voted on by our members in the weeks ahead. The other 4 have to do with something God cares about so much, loving people.
Please keep praying for all of us to follow our Shepherd’s voice as He goes before us, leads us and guides us. May we hear His voice in the details as we believe we have heard Him in these 5 faith-requiring priorities.
And… join us on Sunday to hear more and worship our Amazing God together!Love,
Dean
Dean Wertz | Lead Pastor
9 AM SUNDAY WORSHIP | JULY 23. Some days we face unmanageable demands for production. Other days we receive unexpected requests and expectations from people. Having learned though the past 5 weeks how Jesus is better than anyone and anything, join us this Sunday to discover how to live the “draw near” life through the peaceful and busy days. Join us this Sunday as Lead Pastor Dean Wertz brings us a message titled Drawing Near in a World of Distractions from Hebrews 10:19-22. If you are unable to join us in person, please visit the 9 a.m. livestream or view the recording here.
HOPE GROUPS. The Sunday’s Service will be hosted by the Platt Park Hope Group. Thank you Platt Park for helping and serving! 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. This 4th Sunday of the month is a Family Service, in which children of all ages are invited to participate in worship and teaching along with their families. Activity packets and sermon notes for preschool and elementary aged children will be available at the Welcome Booth. Families with young children are invited to utilize our Baby Sky Box for added privacy.
YOUTH. Hey parents and students! The next topic in our video Alpha series is “Bible: How and Why Do I Read the Bible?” Traveling over the summer? Missed the discussion last week? No worries! You can watch this week’s Alpha video at home to keep up with the conversation happening at Hope.
FINANCIAL UPDATE. As we continue to thank God for his provision through generous gifts and savings, we are acknowledging our present and ongoing financial deficit, and collectively seeking God’s direction for decreasing our reliance on savings. If, as you pray for Hope, you have any insights to contribute during this collaborative process, please share your ideas with one of our Elders (Jay Oertli, Dan Kaskubar, John Shanks, Rob Cupp or Dean Wertz). If you have questions about our financials, please contact our Executive Pastor Arik Stewart or any of our Elders.
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.
FOOD BANK DONATIONS NEEDED. There is a high demand for food from our Food Bank right now. They write, “We have empty shelves at Community Ministry and at our warehouse that are ready to be filled. Non-perishable, practical food such as soup, vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, tomato products, pasta and rice are highly desired.” Please consider donating at this important time. Items can be brought to the collection basket in the Foyer.
HAVE A NEED? Your Hope family is here for you. If you need prayer, financial assistance, or help in any other way, please reach out to Pastor Arik.
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