Dear Hope,
The room was quiet for a long time. Minutes earlier I had said to those in our living room during Wednesday night’s Hope Group gathering, let’s pray for Israel in light of Hamas’ surprise attack last weekend. Let’s pray for the families of those who were killed, the hostages, the declaration of war, the Palestinian civilians living in Gaza, wisdom for national leaders, etc. The silence was long and it seemed appropriate. Later we all acknowledged that it is hard to know how to pray and what to say about the crisis.
On Thursday, I opened an email from Life in Messiah, a Christ-centered organization that loves Jewish people and non-Jewish people, is grounded on God’s Word, and has been led for decades by Wes and Lori Tabor who are family friends and have spoken at Hope. This ministry has several ministry partners currently in Israel. Through their email I was informed, guided and reminded of our hope in Messiah Jesus.
If you want a trustworthy source to know how to pray and learn about the war from Christians who are currently living in the Middle East, I highly recommend this recent newsletter from Life in Messiah entitled, “How to Pray for the War in Israel” and join us on Sunday morning when we gather once again to, among other things, pray!
Love,
Dean
Dean Wertz | Lead Pastor
9AM SUNDAY WORSHIP & COMMUNION | OCTOBER 15. Does God do miracles today? Why does He seem to give them at times and not at others? While on earth Jesus was often moved with compassion, yet the primary reason for His miracles was greater than compassion. Though worthy of fame, the primary reason foJesus’ miracles was greater than growing a crowd. Though faithful to answer prayer, the primary reason for Jesus’ miracles was greater than growing humanity’s confidence to ask bold prayers. Join us this Sunday at 9 AM to worship God in song, pray, come to the communion table and receive guidance about miracles by discovering Jesus’ primary motivation for miracles, to the glory of God. Our message this week (from Lead Pastor Dean Wertz) is titled The Relevance of the Miracles and is based on Mark 1:21-28. We look forward to seeing you! If you are unable to join us in person, please visit the 9 a.m. livestream or view the recording here.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY.
Children’s Church – This 3rd Sunday of October, children ages 3 yrs. – 5th gr. are invited to Children’s Church following worship. Kids, please join us as we read, listen, and watch the miracle of Jesus forgiving and healing the paralytic.
Nursery – Childcare for babies and toddlers, ages 0-3, is available this Sunday every 1st and 3rd Sunday. This week, families with younger children are invited to remain in the Sanctuary or utilize the baby sky box for added privacy.
Children’s Choir – Rehearsal will be this Sunday following the service 10:15-10:45 in the front office area. The choir is preparing a song to sing during the worship service on November 5th.
YOUTH. Thank you so much to all the students who joined us last week for Youth Group! We had a great time discussing how to be “fishers of men” all together. There is no Youth Group this week – but we will see you again on October 22!
Youth, there will be no game night this month, but please plan on attending our Fall Festival!
UPDATED PLAYBOOK. Hope’s discipleship Playbook is an overview of our church’s culture, values and beliefs. It is a living document so periodically we publish an updated version. Since there have been edits, clarifications and additions made over the past year, there are new copies at the Info Booth in the Sanctuary and here is a link to the digital version. As always, please let one of us know if you have any questions about Hope and/or suggestions or edits for our next Playbook edition.
Sincerely,
Hope’s Elder Team (Rob Cupp, Dan Kaskubar, John Shanks & Dean Wertz)
FOOD BANK | LOOKING FOR A WAY TO SERVE? The Community Ministry is in need of the following items: Jelly, Pie Crust Mix, Cake, Frosting, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Pumpkin, Canned Potatoes, and Evaporated or Sweetened Condensed Milk. Please consider donating these items by placing them in the collection basket in the foyer. Thank you, Hope!
HOPE GROUPS. Hope Groups are an amazing way to connect to others, deepen your relationship with God, and discover there is a family here for you at Hope. If this sounds like something you are interested in, we’d love to have you join us! Click here for more information on all our Hope Groups.
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!
7PM 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!
