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Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Omaha Nebraska
Permit No. 862
5220 S. 159th Ave Omaha, NE 68135
www.hopepresbyterianchurch.org
MARCH 2016MARCH 2016MARCH 2016---VOLUME 3VOLUME 3VOLUME 3
Hope Presbyterian ChurchHope Presbyterian Church A MESSAGE OF HOPEA MESSAGE OF HOPEA MESSAGE OF HOPE
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHMONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHMONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Loving God, Loving Others , Living in GraceLoving God, Loving Others , Living in GraceLoving God, Loving Others , Living in Grace
JOIN US THIS EASTER SEASON FOR WORSHIP!JOIN US THIS EASTER SEASON FOR WORSHIP!JOIN US THIS EASTER SEASON FOR WORSHIP! Palm Sunday March 20, 2016 Please bring your children at
8:45 am to prepare for our procession with Palms. We
hope many children can stay and process with palms at
the start of our 10:30 worship also. The teachers will be
telling the story of Holy week with RESURRECTION
EGGS during Sunday School classes that day. Each egg
contains a symbol that tells part of that story.
Thursday, March 24, 2016. Worship begins in the Fellowship hall at
6:00PM with a potluck dinner as part of the service. We
will pray and sing and eat just as the disciples did with
Jesus at his last supper. Communion will be served
during this time. We will transition into
Good Friday by physically moving into
the sanctuary where, like the disciples, we confront the
horrors of our capacity for evil as seen in Jesus' passion.
Please invite your friends and neighbors and sign up in
the lobby so we can prepare appropriately.
Easter Sunday Worship!
Sunday March 27, 2016
Join us at 9:00 AM or 10:30 AM “Heroes of the Faith: God”
Acts 2: 22-24, 32-36
NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
In an effort to be more economical and
green, we are hoping to cut down on the
number of paper newsletters we send
out each month. We currently mail out
a little over 200 Newsletters a month.
Starting in May the goal would be to
have an updated list of everyone that
would like to receive the newsletter
electronically via email. We are happy to
mail one to anyone that does not have
email. There will be a form in the Lobby
that you can indicate your preference for
Newsletter delivery. You can also email
or call Deb Miller our Office
Administrator with your most current
email address so she can update her files
with your preference as well.
Deb can be reached at 402-895-4044
Monday – Friday, and via email at
You can also find our Newsletter, as well
as our past Newsletters posted on our
website under the events section at:
www.hopepresbyterianchurch.org
MISSIONMISSIONMISSION Submitted by Brian Claus Submitted by Brian Claus Submitted by Brian Claus
Siena Francis Tribute organization Thank you to Kathy Anderson, Sheila Bresley, Nancy Binns, John & Toni Bonaventura, Everett and Avis Kelley who spent a day tediously organizing and alphabetizing donation tributes at Siena Francis House. The Siena Francis House volunteer coordinator, Kristi, emailed this thank you for all your hard work: “I want to send a HUGE thank you to the group who came to the Siena Francis House to help me this week. You came in and spent hours alphabetizing tributes for me, which is NOT a fun job. We are blessed to have you. You’re ALL awesome!!!”
Siena Francis House Meal Serving Hope Church is blessed to be able to help out for a once-a- month ministry at Siena-Francis House. We serve meals at Siena Francis House – and are scheduled (nearly) every 1st Saturday of each month. Time invested is only a few hours (4 pm-7 pm) and the signup sheet is located in the Lobby on the side table. Not much is easier than that – and the rewards are immense! Please sign up to help serve….it is a worthwhile project that Hope Church has embraced wholeheartedly! IF you are interested in you and your family, friends or small group taking over a month (all by yourselves), please contact Mark Canady or the church office for more details. Our next meal to be served will be March 5th, so sign up to help out!
Those serving for the Feb 6th dinner were Sandy Starks, Judy Johnson, Mary Ferguson, Marc Ferguson, Tami Hillyer, Steve Brennan, Stephanie Coler, Brett Coler, Stephanie Estrada, Ethan Garner and his friend Anthuan, Dale Brewer & Judy Klostermeyer. Thank you for your help in this mission opportunity!
Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday Thank you to everyone who contributed food items for the youth group Souper Bowl of Caring food drive. The youth groups were able to collect 430 food items which were all donated to Together Omaha to help fight hunger and homelessness in the metro area. If you would like to see pictures of the art creations the youth built with the donated food prior to delivering to Together, you can check out the Souper Bowl of Caring website. https://souperbowl.org/profile/1023498
Rebuilding Together – Rebuilding Day – Apr 23
Hope congregation, get your lawn tools ready and mark April 23rd on your calendar for Rebuilding Day. Once again we are putting a team together from Hope to support Rebuilding Together to fix up homes for elderly low income fellow Omahans. This year we will be performing all outdoor work to clean up the yards and make the exterior of these individual’s homes safer. If you would like to be part of this team, please contact Brian Claus [email protected] 402-616-5232.
Gifts to PCUSA One Great Hour of Sharing offering supports three programs Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People. After the Ebola crisis in Africa, many children were orphaned with no families and in need of food and shelter. Presbyterian programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing donations work daily to support strong, compassionate, and resilient partners in West Africa on their long journey of recovery. Red Uniendo Manos El Salvador (RUMES), the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s Joining Hands Network partner in El Salvador, works closely with farmers in their struggle to produce local, healthy, and sustainable food for their families, their communities, and the country. RUMES connects farmers and farming communities around the country to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and to learn from one another about the ancestral techniques and accessible technologies that can help to increase crop yields and mitigate the effects of climate change. On Sundays March 13 and March 20, there will be One Great Hour of Sharing inserts and envelopes in the bulletins. Please prayerfully consider giving back to God by supporting One Great Hour of Sharing.
Date 9:00am 10:30am
Communion Servers
Chuck & Pat Lundquist Kristi Richling, Donelle Thomas
Denise Kendrick, Nancy Mittelbrun, and Thelma Symanietz
Greeters Coordinator Diane Huerta Coordinator Thelma Symanietz
March 6, 2016 Barb & Mike Dierking Thelma Symanietz
March 13, 2016 Sandra Kay Warren & Diane Snyder
March 20, 2016 Denise & Terry Kendrick Kelly Groetsema
March 27, 2016 Ruby Thornwall & Ken Anderson Ione Sandene & Lil Fehr
Ushers Coordinator Diane Huerta Coordinator Thelma Symanietz
March 6, 2016 Kelly Klopp & John Klopp Shawn & Cindy Williams
March 13, 2016 Joan & Lorin Toman Terry & Denise Kendrick
March 20, 2016 Judy & Ron Bruening Nancy Mittelbrun & Thelma Symanietz
March 27, 2016 Diane Huerta Sandra Kay & Denise Kendrick
Liturgist Coordinator Bobbie Geiger Coordinator Thelma Symanietz
March 6, 2016 Bob Reeks Josh Widman
March 13, 2016 Rich Roberts Suzie Karnik
March 20, 2016 John Klopp Tracy Comba
March 27, 2016 Sarah Martin Terry Kendrick
Audio Coordinator Niki Frerichs Coordinator Niki Frerichs
March 6, 2016 Dale Brewer Tyler Thraen
March 13, 2016 Chuck Lundquist Wayne Fry
March 20, 2016 Dale Brewer Wayne Fry
March 27, 2016 Chuck Lundquist Tyler Thraen
Visual Coordinator Pam Purchase Coordinator Niki Frerichs
March 6, 2016 Rich Roberts Kelsey Thraen
March 13, 2016 Pam Purchase Paula Washka
March 20, 2016 Rich Roberts Traci Chatten
March 27, 2016 Hugh Carter Kelsey Thraen
Church LeadershipChurch LeadershipChurch Leadership C
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STAFF POSITION EMAIL
Dave Matsumura Pastor [email protected]
Luke Furman Music Director [email protected]
Deb Miller Office Administrator [email protected]
Carol Rudesill Interim Education Director [email protected]
Jayne Molacek Treasurer [email protected]
Mike Huerta Custodian [email protected]
Zoey Devney Nursery
Lauren Cary Nursery
SESSION COMMITTEE EMAIL
Paula Washka Caregiving Ministry [email protected]
Jani Randall Youth Ministry [email protected]
Tracy Comba Fellowship Ministry [email protected]
Brian Claus Mission Ministry [email protected]
Darci Davis Children’s Ministry [email protected]
Scott Gunderson Personnel Ministry [email protected]
Dave Fehr Finance Ministry [email protected]
Niki Frerichs Music & Worship [email protected]
Mike Molacek Building & Grounds [email protected]
Carol Rudesill Adult Ministry [email protected]
Matt Van Hook Outreach Ministry [email protected]
Dave Matsumura Moderator [email protected]
Jayne Molacek Clerk of Session [email protected]
Average Attendance for January 152
To my Hope Church Family: Thanks so much for all the cards , phone calls and good wishes when I was stuck in Methodist Hospital again. They meant so much to me. I hope I’m not going to make a habit of this. I told one of the nurses that if I keep this up they’ll have to name a wing after me, she said “ Oh, yes, I’ve heard that 7 South is Bobbie Geiger Wing. Oops, I hope not; anyway I appreciate it greatly. Thanks again. Bobbie
Winter Night Watch Question: Why do you volunteer for the Winter Night Watch????? Answers from some of our participants are: The recipients are very friendly and very appreciative. I can see myself making a small difference in someone’s life. It makes me so much more appreciative of my own warm home and
filled cupboards. These are some of the reasons why we continue supporting and volunteering for the Winter Night Watch. You can find pictures of this year’s volunteers on our Mission Board in the Gym. Thanks go to Jon & Sue Roberts and Mark & Teresa Canady for volunteering in January; and to Kellie Groetsema & Kayla Nunnenkamp and Jon & Sue Roberts for February. Items taken to the Winter Night Watch for the months of January and February from Hope Church were: 4 Men’s Winter Coats 5 Scarves 2 Men’s Jackets 17 Pair of Men’s Socks 21 Pair of Men’s Gloves 10 Pair of Women’s Gloves 4 Pair of Children’s Gloves 4 stocking Caps
Hope 3 on 3 basketball tournament to support Abide Ministries On Saturday, March 12th Hope is hosting a 3 on 3 basketball tournament with all the proceeds going to Abide Ministries. A lot of you are familiar with Abide, as our Mission committee has worked with them for the last couple years. Abide was started here in Omaha by Ron Dotzler, Ron has previously spoken to our congregation about Abide. Abide focuses on transforming the inner city, one neighborhood at a time. The Dotzler’s started this transformation 25 years ago in North Omaha neighborhoods. Abide provides a holistic approach that focuses on
developing healthy neighborhoods through four main areas: community building, family support programs, housing and partnerships. Ron Dotzlers’ son, Josh played basketball for Creighton for 4 years and is going to help us with the basketball fund raiser by participating. Please prayerfully consider helping us in this great mission by spreading the word to friends, coworkers, neighbors, kids, grandkids, etc. and get one person to get a team of 3 together to participate. If we each are able to do that, this will be a very successful mission. There are flyers and entry forms in the Lobby. If you have any questions or would like to help, please talk to Dave Fehr (402-507-9048), Adam Briley (402-679-0318) or Brian Claus (402-616-5232).
MISSION SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTHMISSION SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTHMISSION SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH SUBMITTED BY BRIAN CLAUSSUBMITTED BY BRIAN CLAUSSUBMITTED BY BRIAN CLAUS
Mission Focus of the Month – Missouri River Valley Presbytery Nicaragua Partnership Over the past few years, The Missouri River Valley Presbytery has established a partnership with Christian communities
in La Concepcion, Nicaragua. The primary focus of our partnership is to grow in our relationships with each other, and
by doing so, grow in our relationship with God. We like to say that our mission trips are not to go build buildings, but to
go build relationships.
Although the purpose of our mission trips isn’t to build things, we have experienced great joy in being able to assist our
partners in La Concepcion with the planning, development, fundraising, and implementation of several projects. One of
these is The Garden of Elegance sewing collective. This collective provides an opportunity for women in the area to
utilize their skills to make a living wage. Many of you have supported this mission by purchasing bags and purses
created by the sewing collective. Shipping to and from Nicaragua is still a challenge, so we ask people traveling to and
from Nicaragua in other partnership groups to carry items back in their luggage and then mail it to us upon their return
to the US. It’s a clumsy process that we pray will become easier.
One of the projects many of you have the
opportunity to help with is our school uniform
project. Every year the Presbytery hosts a
fundraiser to be able to provide school
uniforms, backpacks, shoes, and school
supplies to some of the children who are in
the most need in the area of La Concepcion.
On Friday, January 22, 108 children,
representing 25 churches in our Nicaraguan
partnership community, received school
uniforms, backpacks, school supplies and
shoes, donated by the people of the Missouri
River Valley Presbytery. This enables them to
attend school with dignity during their February-November 2016 school year, and often is the critical need spurring
their attendance. But this is not merely a tangible need. Our partners sent us this email on Feb 2:
To speak of the project for our children is to talk of extending the Kingdom of God on earth, and the good work
of all the brothers and sisters who gave their sponsorship to make a dream come true. Thanks to all those
brothers and sisters in the United States that have been used for this purpose. May the grace of Almighty God
fill you.
Sincerely, Pastor Noel Sotelo Corea
Coordinator, Pastoral partnership committee of La Concepción, Nicaragua
Fundraising has begun to raise money for the 2017 school year. $56 provides a school uniform, backpack, shoes, and
school supplies, as well as helps to provide a living wage for the women at the sewing collective in La Concepcion who
sew the uniforms and backpacks. Checks can be made to Hope with “Nicaragua uniforms” in the memo line.
We are planning a trip to visit our Nicaraguan partners June 25 – July 2! Please consider joining us. Contact Josh Widman for more information. 402-651-4366, [email protected]
Children in La Concepcion receiving backpacks and school uniforms
*Dave recognized the retiring elders for their service. They are Lin Briley, Linda Deegan and Donelle Thomas.
*Motion to receive all committee annual reports as printed, Clerk’s Reports as printed and Pastor’s Report as printed. Seconded
and carried.
*Dave Fehr presented the 2015 Financial Report. Motion to accept the 2015 Financial Report. Seconded and carried.
*Linda Deegan presented Pastor Dave’s Compensation Package for 2016. Motion to accept the pastor’s compensation package for
2016. Seconded and carried.
*Linda Deegan presented the names from the Nominating Committee to serve as elders for the next three years. They are: Tracy
Comba, Scott Gunderson and Paula Washka. Motion to accept these names. Seconded and carried. These three people were then
installed as elders.
*Motion to accept the following by-law changes. (Changes are in red, bolded and underlined) Seconded and carried.
ARTICLE II – BYLAWS
4. The church exists, since being founded by the Presbytery of Omaha, (now Missouri River Valley) for the purpose of work and
worship according to the Christian faith, doctrine, discipline, and usage of the said church and denomination.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section A – The members of the church:
1. The members of the church shall be active members who are in good standing, regardless of age, as defined by the usage and
rules of the denomination. An active member must attend once or give financially. An active member must attend worship five
times during the year and at least pay their per capita amount. Military, college students, shut-ins and extenuating
circumstances will be exempt.
2. All (active) members of the church are eligible to vote at all meetings of the congregation and to hold office within the adopted
and approved structure of the church.
ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION
Section A – Annual (Stated) Meetings:
1. There shall be stated meetings of the congregation:
a. (normally) on or before the third Sunday of December for the purpose of electing officers (elders, , congregation members of
the congregation’s nominating committee).
b. (normally) between the fifteenth day and thirty-first day of January to receive annual reports of the boards and subsidiary
organizations of the church, consider the annual budget as adopted by the Session, and to transact any business properly coming
before such a meeting
ARTICLE VII – THE SESSION
Section A – Composition:
1. The Session shall consist of the elders who shall be active members of the church in good standing, duly elected to a term of
active service on the Session, a Moderator who shall be the installed pastor or in the case where the office of pastor is vacant, a
Minister of the Word and Sacrament appointed by the Presbytery. (Elders elected to the Session must attend worship at least
monthly, pledge to financially support Hope Presbyterian Church, and fulfill their pledge.)
ARTICLE X – FISCAL MATTERS
4. The Finance Committee and Stewardship Committee (delete) distributes all quarterly statements in a timely manner.
5. The Finance Committee works closely with the Stewardship Committee (delete) to educate the congregation on giving.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS SESSION HIGHLIGHTS SESSION HIGHLIGHTS Submitted by Darci Davis, Clerk ProSubmitted by Darci Davis, Clerk ProSubmitted by Darci Davis, Clerk Pro---TemTemTem
Motion to accept these individuals into membership of Hope Presbyterian Church:
Marc Ferguson - transfer from Peace Presbyterian Church
Mary Ferguson - transfer from Peace Presbyterian Church
Kelly Goggin – reaffirmation of faith
Judy Johnson - transfer from Peace Presbyterian Church
Hannah Johnson - transfer from Peace Presbyterian Church
Madison Johnson - transfer from Peace Presbyterian Church
Sandy Starks - transfer from Peace Presbyterian Church
Cherrie Ward – reaffirmation of faith
Minutes of Regular Session Meeting on January 19, 2016. Seconded and carried
January Clerk’s Report Seconded and carried
Motion from Finance Committee to have Consecration Sunday on October, 30, 2016 Seconded and carried.
Motion from Youth Ministry to relinquish control of fellowship organization/scheduling, and filling the pop machine, and give back to session to organize (effective the end of February.) - Seconded and carried, with the understanding that this may be reviewed with the Fellowship Committee, especially in light of how the committee will coordinate, and changes in the summer schedule.
Motion from Youth Ministry for the profit from Sunday Fellowship basket and pop machine to go to the Session Deficit Fund. Seconded and carried
Motion from Music and Worship Committee to have one worship service for the summer at 9:30 a.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Seconded and carried, however service time will be 10 am to maintain consistency with other single service Sundays.
Motion from Adult Ministry to allow Tai Chi Group to continue to meet at Hope through the end of 2016 using either the Lobby or the Children’s Worship Room. Seconded and carried
Motion from Adult Ministry to provide more containers and signs to support those who have a desire to assist Hope with recycling efforts. Will work with Building and Grounds to work out details. Seconded and carried
Finance Report for January, 2016 - Approved as corrected regarding CD values; discussion about accounting for Associate Pastor salary that is not being paid yet to clarify gaps in the budget. Dave Fehr will review this accounting with the Finance Committee
APNC REPORT: Committee is holding Skype interviews and will be reviewing additional PIFs in the coming two weeks, contacting references and deciding if additional qualified candidates will be interviewed from this round of applicants.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 31, 2016 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 31, 2016 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 31, 2016
Submitted by Jayne Molacek, Clerk of SessionSubmitted by Jayne Molacek, Clerk of SessionSubmitted by Jayne Molacek, Clerk of Session
The Annual Congregational Meeting was held on January 31, 2016. A quorum was present.
*The purpose of the meeting was to present the 2015 annual reports, present the budget for 2016, approve the Clerk’s Reports,
review the adequacy of the Pastor’s Salary for 2016 and to deal with any other general business pertaining to Hope Presbyterian
Church.
Pastor’s Pen Pastor’s Pen Pastor’s Pen Pastor Dave MatsumuraPastor Dave MatsumuraPastor Dave Matsumura
Dear Friends,
Are you a sprinter or a marathoner? It’s an interesting question because it alters how we approach our decisions. Our society has moved from primarily a marathoner mentality toward more of a sprinter mentality. In the ‘old days’ life moved slower, people looked further ahead, commitments were made for life, businesses cared for their employees into retirement, long term vision and tradition reigned supreme. The tortoise and the hare is a parable written by a marathoner.
Today’s society is hooked on speed, fast food, fast phones, microwave cooking, short attention spans, quick diagnoses, impatience, quick fixes, short term visions and rapid change. New technology, the rapidly expanding ability to access facts about any subject, having our children in every activity they want is a sprinter’s mentality. Get all you can as fast as you can because you don’t know how long the wave will last is the mentality of a sprinter. In today’s society the hare wins.
Neither perspective is wrong in and of itself. There is a need for both. But it’s important to use wisdom when we choose. In our marriage relationships it’s important to have a marathoner’s mentality. In our personal technology it’s almost impossible to think long term because technology changes every few years. In our faith journey it’s important to have a marathoner’s mentality, creating milestones to mark our progress and encourage us as we run.
Ethics, integrity, morality, skill development, wisdom, relationships, spiritual development all require patience, endurance, tenacity, reflection and time. All of these require marathoner mentality. The people who have developed these characteristics did not do so quickly. The small decisions made over the long haul resulted in greater impact than quick fixes, patch jobs and microwave thinking and sprinter mentality.
Over our history together (close to 20 years!) we’ve enjoyed numerous experiments that have served us well by taking away the fear of failure and instilling an understanding that trying something doesn’t mean it will be in place for eternity. We’ve had good results for many of our experiments and have grown in various ways because of those experiments. But we also failed in some experiments and have been disappointed with our results. Without fully understanding the core issues
we’ve attempted other experiments to try and correct the situation.
There needs to be a combination of the two mentalities. There are characteristics that require a marathoner mentality in order to develop. There are other things that need to be done quickly, intensely and then be over and done. The things that need stability, repetition and patience are the core values we want to develop in our people. We want our people to develop deep spiritual roots, a long and satisfying relationship with God and God’s church. We need to understand those values, promote them and develop them. We need to know what it takes to develop those characteristics.
But we also need to incorporate short, intense experiences that develop those characteristics. These short sprints are tools by which we develop the depth and breadth and spiritual strength of our people.
Since returning from sabbatical I have been taking intentional steps to combat my own tendencies to sprint and slow down the process. The sign I put in my office reads: “IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE. IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO WITH FRIENDS.” This is classic sprinter versus marathoner thinking. I am purposely involving elders in more decisions, seeking counsel and listening to others’ wisdom and broadening the ownership of decisions. We are moving into the future together. The elders on Session are asked to think, reflect, ponder, study, do homework and discuss the foundations of our congregation and the direction of our future. We rely on God and hammer things out with each other in respectful and deeply thoughtful conversations. We have great elders who bring themselves to the task yet are open to learn and grow.
We have much to learn and much to do. We are anticipating the hiring of an Associate Pastor. We are examining our process for faith development, our worship services and core values. We need to examine whether we are growing our people and serving our community as Christ wants us to. I invite you to join the elders and me, to come alongside us in conversations and lift us in prayer as we gather friends and make plans to go far with God as Christ’s body here at Hope Presbyterian Church.
Blessings,
Pastor Dave
OUTREACHOUTREACHOUTREACH Submitted by Matt Van HookSubmitted by Matt Van HookSubmitted by Matt Van Hook
One of the key roles of the outreach team is to coordinate new member classes and work with new folks to help them get plugged in as they’re joining Hope. We conducted our most recent new member class on January 28th and I’m pleased that we have eight individuals who recently became members. They are Cherie Ward, Kelly Goggin, Madison Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Judy Johnson, Mary Ferguson, Marc Ferguson, and Sandy Stark. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to these folks and get to know them. Many thanks to Diane Huerta, Pat Stigge, Jayne Molacek, and Kathy Andersen for providing dinner and to Dick Corwine for helping to lead portions of the class. I’d like to share two thoughts related to new members. The first is that whenever we welcome in new members, they always talk about how the people here are a genuinely welcoming bunch. I know Emily and I felt welcome when we first came to Hope. I’d like to encourage all of us - whether we have an official responsibility to welcome visitors or not - to get to know folks who come through our doors and help them feel welcome here. Greet people around you before and after worship. Invite people you don’t know to join you for coffee in the gym or lobby after the service. Sit with people you don’t know, ask their names, and get to know them - even if they’ve been coming to Hope for a while. Be intentional about getting out of your comfort zone and meeting someone new. The second thing I’d like to note is that when we have new member classes, we ask folks to compose a faith journey. This serves as a way to reflect on their life of faith - where they’ve come from, areas of growth, and the ways God works in their lives. We have new members read these to the session as they join the church. I personally find hearing these to be an enriching experience - it’s a good reminder to me that each of us has a story and has followed our own path to be here and that we have the privilege of being part of the same church family. So, as you learn names, break out of your comfort zone, and get to know new people, take the time to hear their stories and to share yours; revel in the great ways that God has worked and continues to work in each of our lives.
Update from the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) Update from the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) Update from the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) --- March 2016March 2016March 2016
The associate pastor nominating committee (APNC) has been meeting regularly since August and we wanted to provide you with an update on our progress. We’re eager to find an individual who can lead our Christian education programs and has a vision for living out Christian faith in the 21st century. We completed our Ministry Information Form (MIF) in October. The MIF serves as a description of our church and our vision for the associate pastor position.
Since our MIF was posted online, we’ve received over 60 Personal Information Forms (PIFs) from prospective pastors. We’ve been working diligently to read through each of these. A number of those 60+ individuals seem like they might be a “good fit” for the position here at Hope. So, we’ve been following up with that subset, contacting their references and arranging video interviews over Skype. Some of the next steps will involve whittling the list down even further to find an individual or a handful of individuals to interview face-to-face. In order to respect the process and the discernment of prospective pastors, we need to keep the details of our progress confidential. Thank you for respecting this confidentiality and trusting us with this task.
This is an exciting time for our church. As Dave reminds us, we’re always at the risk of sliding into mere “survival mode," where our focus shifts from living out a vibrant, engaged faith to getting sedentary and maintaining the status quo. We see the addition of associate pastor as one key way that we can move forward together and envision what it means to live out Christian faith in the 21st century. We covet your prayers for wisdom and discernment.
In Christ,
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee: Mark Canady, Tina Claus, Dick Corwine, Sarah Gensler, Sarah Martin,
Mike Molacek, Maysie Thompson, Matt Van Hook, & Josh Widman
201620162016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 10:00 AM Quilt Club 6:00 PM Omaha Grizzlies 6:30 PM Buildings & Grounds 6:30 PM Fellowship Committee 6:30 PM Tai Chi 7:00 PM Children's Ed Committee
2 1:00 PM Women of the Bible 5:30 PM Evolution Soccer 6:30 PM Mission Committee 6:30 PM Spirit Ringers 7:30 PM Spirit Singers
3 10:00 AM Bible Study 6:00 PM Elkhorn United
4 World Day of Prayer
5 YMCA 6:30 AM Men of Hope 9:00 AM Tai Chi
6 Communion Sunday 9:00 AM Sunday School 9:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM Worship YMCA
7 6:00 PM Omaha Grizzlies BB 6:30 PM Youth Committee 7:15 PM UCC Knights BB
8 10:30 AM Page Turner Book Club 6:00 PM Omaha Grizzlies 6:30 PM Tai Chi
9 1:00 PM Women of the Bible 5:30 PM Evolution soccer 6:30 PM Spirit Ringers 7:30 PM Spirit Singers
10 10:00 AM Bible Study 1:00 PM Card Group 6:00 PM Elkhorn Soccer
11 12:00 PM Hope II
12 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
13 Daylight-Savings 9:00 AM Sunday School 9:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM Worship
14 6:00 PM Omaha Grizzlies 7:15 PM UCC Knights BB
15 6:00 PM Omaha Grizzlies 6:30 PM Session Meeting 6:30 PM Tai Chi
16 1:00 PM Women of the Bible 5:30 PM Evolution Soccer 6:30 PM Spirit Ringers 7:30 PM Spirit Singers
17 St. Patrick's Day 10:00 AM Bible Study 6:00 PM Elkhorn Soccer
18
19 6:30 AM Men of Hope 9:00 AM Tai Chi YMCA 5:00-7:00 PM Soup Supper
20 First Day of Spring Palm Sunday 9:00 AM Sunday School 9:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM Worship
21
22 23 1:00 PM Women of the Bible 6:30 PM Spirit Ringers 6:30 PM Women of the Bible 7:30 PM Spirit Singers
24 Maundy Thursday 10:00 AM Bible Study 1:00 PM Rachel Circle 6:00 PM POTLUCK-Maundy Thursday/Good Friday Service.
25 Good Friday
26
27 Easter Sunday 9:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM Worship
28 6:00 PM Omaha Grizzlies 7:15 PM UCC Knights
29 6:00 PM Omaha Grizzlies 6:30 PM Tai Chi
30 1:00 PM Women of the Bible 6:30 PM Spirit Ringers 6:30 PM Women of the Bible 7:30 PM Spirit Singers
31 10:00 AM Bible Study 6:00 PM Elkhorn Soccer
GREAT PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE April 7GREAT PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE April 7GREAT PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE April 7---10, 201610, 201610, 2016 Pilgrimage is a journey in Christian community, designed to nurture Christians in spiritual growth. GPPP weekends begin at 5:00 p.m. Thursday and end by 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Calvin Crest Conference and Retreat Center near Fremont, Nebraska - visit www.calvincrest.org. Transportation to camp is provided. Scholarship funds are available to assist with costs as needed.
Days include chapel with daily communion, many talks followed by small group discussions, great food, music, laughter, and prayer! Be equipped with renewed enthusiasm for your personal life, local congregation and community. There will be continued support and fellowship following the weekend. Pilgrimage will help you see your life journey differently. God will be present: “For when two or more are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) Forms and information can be found on our website: www.gpppilgrimage.org. If you would like to attend, complete a registration form and give it to a GPPP representative. This person can answer questions and assist you with all aspects of preparing for your weekend. OR contact Carol Rudesill – 402-598-1890 or [email protected].
Pantry of Hope Pantry of Hope Pantry of Hope Submitted by Mike Molacek
Food insecurity is harmful to all people, but it is particularly devastating to children. Proper nutrition is critical to a child’s development. Not having enough of the right kinds of food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity.
In the United States today, 15 million children face hunger. Consequently, one in five kids are facing greater obstacles to reaching their fullest potential. The future of America lies in our children. When hunger threatens the future of a child, it threatens the future of our nation as well.
More than 5 million senior citizens age 60 and older face hunger. Seniors face a number of unique medical and mobility challenges that put them at a greater risk of hunger. After a lifetime of hard work, many find themselves struggling with health issues on fixed incomes. Many individuals are forced to choose between paying for groceries and buying medicine. The Pantry of Hope is available to help families facing food hardships. For the month of February, 288 items were distributed from the food pantry. Thanks for your generous support.
Happy Birthday!Happy Birthday!Happy Birthday!
Bobbie Geiger 3/1
Caitlin Kaup 3/1
Deb Miller 3/2
Todd Woitzel 3/2
Fred Roth 3/3
Darci Davis 3/4
Connor Kaup 3/4
Shannon McKenna 3/4
Aileen Amenyah 3/4
Diane Burkley 3/6
Larry Palmer 3/7
Niki Frerichs 3/7
Cheryl Swalberg 3/11
Charlie Ahrenholtz 3/12
Lincoln Thomas 3/13
Jalyn Nauss 3/14
Ethan Amenyah 3/14
Matt Frerichs 3/20
Wendy Geiger 3/20
Terry Gumbert 3/24
Brynn Martin 3/24
Georgia Bulger 3/25
Cherie Ward 3/25
Madeline Roos 3/26
Jo Coleman 3/27
Jada Nuzum 3/29
Brent Rose 3/30
Eunju Seong 3/30
Nicole Canady 3/31
Arianne Greco 3/31
BUILDING & GROUNDS BUILDING & GROUNDS BUILDING & GROUNDS Submitted by Mike MolacekSubmitted by Mike MolacekSubmitted by Mike Molacek
Thanks:
Paris Kuebler–cleaning gym floor and window cleaning in January Dick Corwine and Lorin Toman for completing the TV tie down Jayne Molacek for Continental Sprinkler inspection and MUD backflow test MM for 14 door stops and door holes plugged, AVI projectors ordered 1/19, nursery door patch, and zoning board
visit Pastor Dave for obtaining and installing a loaner projector Kurt Briley, Ron Stigge, Mike Dierking, Jayne Molacek and MM for 1/24 Ministry Fair work Lorin Toman for light bulb replacement and emergency lighting testing and necessary battery replacement
PUNCHLIST DISCUSSION
Upstairs NE store room vent progress Floor scrubber repair Gym floor trim by ladder storage How to properly fertilize trees MM will send an email follow up to all sign ins from the Ministry Fair Review custodial duties AED battery? Test? Principles of Land Usage guided by our ministry
Long range plan Master plan Help others garden Tree nursery Grass for soccer
As of Wednesday, February 10, 2016, the new projectors have been installed in the sanctuary. Thanks to the generosity of the projector fund donors!
FINANCEFINANCEFINANCE Submitted by Dave Fehr Submitted by Dave Fehr Submitted by Dave Fehr
As you know from the January annual congregational meeting the projected revenue is $44,000 short of the projected
expenses for 2016. Session is planning on holding some fundraisers during the year to help offset this amount. When
you see these fundraisers, it is our hope you take advantage of the opportunity to invite your friends to participate in
the fun and fellowship. Make sure your friends understand all the ways we are helping out in the community with our
mission work and making better disciples of us all. There will be a soup supper on Saturday, March 19th. Put it on your
calendar and invite your friends to help make it a successful and enjoyable evening.
One of the goals of the Finance committee is to make giving to Hope as convenient as possible, and increase the
amount of people giving electronically to 50%. If you are not contributing electronically consider talking to your bank
about setting up an automatic giving plan to the church. You can also go to the church’s web site and donate
electronically with your credit card.
If you have not turned in a pledge card for 2016 and would like to, it is never too late to do so. Also, if you have turned
in a pledge card and would like to make a change on your pledge, you can do so by filling out a new pledge.
Peace be with you.
If you have questions about Education Programs for Children, Youth or Adults, please contact Interim Education Coordinator Carol Rudesill at [email protected] or 402-598-1890
MARCH 6 is CLASS PICTURE DAY: Sunday, March 6 will be class picture day. We really hope ALL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS are present that day. These pictures are treasured by teachers as we thank them for their year of teaching and loving our students. We will let teachers and students know the picture-taking schedule. BOOKS of the BIBLE Song: On Sunday, March 6 our Preschool through Grade 5 students will sing two songs at the
beginning of each worship service: Old Testament Hip Hop and New Testament Rock! Older students are welcome to join in for these fun songs. Please have students here by 8:45 that morning. Invite friends, neighbors and relatives to come and see how well the students have learned the Books of the Bible. Maybe we can all learn from the students!
SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERING: Some youth and adults from Hope will work on a Heifer Farm in Perryville, Arkansas this summer. Our Sunday School offering for March through May will go to purchase $50 HOPE BASKETS of rabbits and chickens through Heifer International. Offspring of rabbits can be passed on or sold; chickens lay eggs and provide manure for gardens; so this gift will go on and on to help many families. For more information see www.heifer.org. ANOTHER CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES! One Great Hour of Sharing is an annual
Christian effort to empower, provide water, supply food, and give relief from disasters. Fish Banks were distributed in mid-February for collecting donations. Fill them with your donations during Lent as you recall all God has done for you! Kids will have fun during our Palm Sunday procession (March 20) as they put their fish banks in Pastor Dave’s BIG NET!
SUMMER CAMPS FOR GRADES 1-12: Sign up by March 15 for a 15% discount! Talk to Carol Rudesill if you need help
with a part of the cost, or if you wish to offer scholarship help. Brochures are in the display case by the sign-up table. For grades 1&2 there is a two-night stay (with a parent). There are many 5-day options for grades 3-12. A two-week CSI option for Camp Staff Interns is for those in grades 9-12. Families can choose a one-night two-day family camp. Go to www.calvincrest.org for more information.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016: We know many of you are beginning to plan for summer 2016. Be sure to mark your calendar for our evening VBS program from Sunday, July 10 through Thursday, July 14. Special needs VBS will be mornings from Monday, July 11 through Thursday, July 14. If you want to help this year, please contact Carol Rudesill at [email protected] or Darci Davis at [email protected] . SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 WAS MOVING DAY! A HUGE THANK YOU to the family that donated four light-weight tables
for the Confirmation classroom, to provide flexibility for use of that space. Another HUGE THANK YOU to people who moved four heavy desks to other locations, relocated two bookcases and their contents, and cleaned four classrooms and the Education Office: Chris & Charlie Ahrenholtz, Bob Roos, Warren & Diane Snyder, Larry Rudesill, Kellie Groetsema, Judy Johnson & Carol Rudesill.
PALM SUNDAY: Please bring children at 8:45 am to prepare for our procession with Palms. We hope many children can stay and process with palms at the start of our 10:30 worship also. There will be sets of RESURRECTION EGGS for teachers to use that morning to tell the story of Holy Week and Easter in Sunday School classes. Each egg contains a symbol that tells part of that story. We will make this our focus this year, in place of having an Easter Egg Hunt.
EDUCATION NEWS EDUCATION NEWS EDUCATION NEWS Submitted by Carol RudesillSubmitted by Carol RudesillSubmitted by Carol Rudesill
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY CLASS: All are welcome to come to the library on Sundays at 10:30 am with Chuck Bulger to continue a study of Chronicles. The purpose of I & II Chronicles is theological and idealistic. There is no real attempt to present history as we understand the word. The Chronicler wishes to advocate a certain pattern of religious life to indicate what a proper kingdom of people under God would be like. We see a recap of the reigns of David and Solomon as they should have been. We look at Jewish history from Adam to the end of David's reign. Saul is killed and
David replaces him as king (10-12); King David defeats enemies and brings the ark of God back (13-16); Prophet Nathan tells David that a son will have a kingdom without end (17); David and his army won victories against surrounding nations (18-20); David sins by counting on his army instead of trusting God (21); David began preparation for building a temple (22-27); David gave final instructions for the temple (28-29); Solomon is made king and David dies. For further information contact Chuck Bulger 402-861-1904 or email [email protected]. MEN’S BREAKFAST GROUP: This group of men just started a study of the book of James, which teaches how to live like a Christian. It is addressed to all believers. James writes about the physical and spiritual life, and how to express our faith through Christian living. Join the group each Saturday at 6:30am at Summer Kitchen Café in La Vista. Contact Josh Widman at [email protected] or 402-651-4366 for more information. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: We just finished our Bible Study in Luke, and we will be starting a new study, the first Thursday in March. Bring a friend and check out this weekly Bible study, which is also a time of building relationships. Pastor Dave shares extensive Bible knowledge with all who meet in the library Thursdays at 10:00 am. He moves from verse to verse to allow others to slowly soak up some of that knowledge. You could even join the group for lunch afterwards sometimes! WOMEN ON WEDNESDAYS: All women are welcome to get to know Women of the Bible Wednesdays from 1:00-2:00 pm OR 6:30-7:30 pm. Come when you can. We will study New Testament women through the end of April. Contact Carol at [email protected] or call 402-598-1890 if you would like a schedule with details and dates when we don’t meet. WOMEN’S PRAYER GROUP: This group is studying Soul Keeping by John Ortberg, a book which focuses on finding
peace and a deeper relationship with God. They meet Monday, March 28 at 6:30 pm at the home of Michelle Greco - 2109 Franklin Drive in Papillion - 402-895-4456. For information, contact Linda Reffert at [email protected] or 402-676-3230 or Julie Reeks at [email protected] or 402-880-0042. All women are invited to join this group to build friendships and cultivate a healthier prayer life.
PAGE TURNER BOOK CLUB: Book lovers are welcome the second Tuesday each month for lively and fun discussion. Tuesday, March 8 at 10:30am they will discuss “Blue Shoe” by Anne Lamott in the Hope church library. This is a moving, funny, religious, and sarcastic book that is lighter reading than the February book “American Gods”. The April book, “Atticus” by Ron Hansen, will be available at the March meeting. For further information contact Georgia Bulger 402-861-1904 or email [email protected].
Discover Synod School – July 24-29, 2016
“Connecting with Jesus in an Over-Connected World” Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa
Talk to Carol Rudesill if you want to know more about this week of FUN, FELLOWSHIP and FAITH BUILDING for the ENTIRE FAMILY!
Childcare and activities for kids of all ages provided during classes for adults. 1-800-328-1880 ext. 207 or go to this link to see all curriculum online!
www.lakesandprairies.org/SynodSchool
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