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Aurora Hope Group Celebrates Purim Day!
With Easter approaching fast – have you ever wondered about other Old Testament celebrations and what those are like? Well, this past Sunday – March 5 – the Aurora Hope Group held a very special Old Testament celebration, a Jewish feast called Purim Day! Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation by the brave and bold Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai. It is celebrated on on the 15th of the month of Adar – which translates to about March 5, 6 or 7!
Part of a Purim Celebration is to dress in costume (usually as characters from the story) to commemorate how Esther bravely hid her Jewish ancestry in order to become queen and save her people. We also played games, had a reading of the story of Esther, and enjoyed a lot of food and generous gift giving.
This was a wonderful way for the families of the Aurora Hope Group to connect with God’s word and remember the traditions and stories of His people as we have been walking through the Knowing God Series.
SUNDAY WORSHIP | MARCH 12 | 9 AM. What kind of person does God look for when an important work needs to get done? When Saul failed to accurately represent the Lord as Israel’s first king, God chose a new servant whom others overlooked. Join us this Sunday for our second message from the era of Israel’s Kings. We will discover an often-overlooked virtue that always catches God’s attention when He looks for someone through whom He can do significant things! Lead Pastor Dean Wertz brings us this week’s message entitled Behold the One Beholding You and Smiling from 1 Samuel 16:1-7. Can’t join us in person this week? Worship via livestream or view the recording here!
HOPE GROUPS. This Sunday’s Service will be hosted by the Aurora Hope Group – thank you! If you’ve been thinking about joining a Hope group, we’d love to connect with you! Click here for more information.
KNOWING GOD | SERIES STUDY GUIDE. To purchase a copy of The Story (to accompany our Knowing God church-wide Series), click here: Printed Version | Ebook Version.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY | CHILDREN’S CHURCH. Kids ages 2 years old – 5th grade are invited to join us for Children’s Church this week! Tara, Rebecca, and Carol will be teaching on the story of David and Goliath! We will learn more about how God equips us with His strength to face our most giant problems. “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure” – 2 Samuel 22:33.
YOUTH. Join us this Sunday for Youth Group after service from 10:15 to 11:15! This week is a special treat – we’re taking a field trip to DuffyRoll Cafe off Louisiana and Pearl. Also, remember to mark your calendars for Friday, April 7 for our next Game Night! Details coming soon.
FINANCIAL UPDATE. As we continue to thank God for his provision through generous gifts and robust 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.
NEW MUSIC, LISTEN HERE! This past week we worshiped together and sang a new song called “Goodness of God.” We are providing it below, for you. Enjoy! -Ben
MARCH FOOD BANK DONATIONS. Our Food Bank is always in need of non-perishable food items and some non-food items, but following are the current needs for the month of March: Cereal • Tomato products • Diapers—Size 6. Thanks so much for your donations to the Food Bank. It’s a great way for Hope Church to serve those in need! Please bring items 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 Jay here.
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