Official Publication of Hope Lutheran Church, Cedar Hill, TX

Mission Statement: To discover and respond to our call

TO KNOW JESUS TO FOLLOW JESUS TO SERVE JESUS in unique ministries.

Volume XXIX Issue 2 February, 2014

Church

972.291.7902

Fax 972.291.7902

Pastors

Joel & Wendy Berthelsen

pastor.joel@sbcglobal.net

pastor.wendy@sbcglobal.net

Choir Director

Andrew Trites

novelquest@yahoo.com

Organist

Sanctuary Choir Accompanist

Youth Choir Accompanist

Cathy Peterson

rpete123@flash.net

Secretary

Karine Samer

hopesecretary@sbcglobal.net

Heralds Editor

Karine Samer

hopesecretary@sbcglobal.net

Church Council

Officers

President

Ty Robenson - 972.723.9023

President-Elect

Steve Hawkins 972.672.0600

Secretary

Nancy Yedlowski

972.293.1179

Members at Large

Dwight Bengtson

972.515.8162

Tammy Hill - 972.617.7264

Raymond Luster -214.789.3030

Lezlie Pender-972.775.1065

Janice Wessa-972.617.7112

Appointees

Treasurer

Kathy Still - 972.322.3047

Financial Secretary

Joe Liberatore - 972.293.2898

Count-Down to Lent

Not Ten Suggestions

10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

We are counting down to Lent. Epiphany extends throughout February. All this while we

will hear the greatest sermon ever preached: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which is his

agenda for life, found in Matthew 5 through 7.

March 2nd is Transfiguration Sunday, that blast of light which is like all of Epiphany light

gathered into one shocking moment on the mount with his closest disciples.

March 5th is Ash Wednesday, where we are annually reminded of our mortality. “Thou art

dust, oh mortal. And to dust thou shalt return.” It is a fitting lead into Lent as Lent leads us

to the cross of Good Friday, which is God’s solution to our hopeless mortality. We are given

even the Hope of Eternal Life as Jesus is raised from the dead on the third day, conquering

the very end we cannot conquer. “Oh death, where is thy victory? Oh death, where is thy

sting?” All Sundays are Little Easters. Easter Sunday will be a great celebration of our God.

10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

This Lent we are hearing the Ten Commandments anew. Starting with the Sunday of March

9th, we will look afresh at the Tenth Commandment. Then each Wednesday and Sunday we

will count down all the way to the First Commandment on the last Wednesday night Lenten

service, April 9th.

Palm Sunday is April 13th. Maundy Thursday is April 17th. Good Friday will be observed at

First Methodist Church of Cedar Hill. Our annual extended prayer time will be on Sepulcher

Saturday, April 19th. Then we will pull out all the stops and celebrate with all our hearts.

Jesus is risen from the dead! Sin, death, and the power of the Devil is vanquished!

(Continued on page 2.)

2

(Continued from page 1.)

10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

The law pushes us to the cross where we find forgive-

ness for our falling short. The law reveals the very

character of God as it is based upon his very character.

The law gives direction even to our nation, how to live

a decent and civil life, not hurting each other but giving

to each other.

10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… I am

looking forward to the days and weeks ahead!

Pastor Joel

February Adult Sunday School

Adult Sunday School this February will turn back to

finish up the book Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman.

Pastor Joel

Seminar OPPORTUNITY: Ordinary People

Hearing God’s Call Jesus calls ordinary people

like YOU... to transform the world, incorporat-

ing His call into all of life: family, work, church

and world. Who am I? What am I to do?

These are life-defining questions that are symp-

tomatic of someone who is seeking and search-

ing for the Lord’s call. Already Jesus has given

you His power, and custom designed you to ac-

complish His call! Already Jesus has prepared

the places for you to partner with Him in His

kingdom purposes. Find out how! Church in the

biblical Greek literally means “called-out-ones.”

Ordinary “ones” … people “called” by Jesus

“out” to transform the world is real church! Pas-

tor Wendy will design the format and dates

around those who are interested in participating.

Inspiring, non-threatening and fun! Call or

email Pastor Wendy to express an interest:

214-477-0429 or pastor.wendy@sbcglobal.net

3

Lenten Suppers

March 5 through April 9

Soup and Bread

This Lent we are returning to a simple Wednesday meal of Soup and Bread. We encourage indi-

viduals and groups to consider taking a Wednesday so no one will be left with a lion share of the

work.

Look for the signup sheet in the Narthex.

Thank you,

Pastor Joel

Timothy Project Bible Study: Wednesdays at

7:15PM. Study the Gospels. Learn an indepth study

method and listen for Jesus’ practical guidance. No

experience needed and open to anyone at any time.

Quiet Worship: Wednesdays, 6-7:15PM (Holy Com-

munion at 7PM)

Support Rev Dr. Gemechis Buba Media Ministry...

now reaching 17 million per week including the Islamic

world. Make an extra offering of $50 to $100 (supports

one broadcast). Designate to "Buba Media Ministry."

Rev. Buba is the Assistant to the Bishop for Mission for

the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). Learn

more on our website. Inner Mission (for youth): Sunday evenings, 6PM at

the Berthelsen's. Food by Lezlie. Singing by Pastor

Joel. Explore the wide world of developing an inten-

tional and regular quiet time with Jesus that fits you...

we are on an “inner mission” to know Him better.

Friends invited.

4

INVESTING IN THE KINGDOM:

Offerings minus Expenses…

Actual YTD: -$2,843

Budgeted YTD: $0

Overall Balance for operations: $17,662

(Cash less liabilities) (12/31/2013).

Ethiopia Mission Trip: As a result of Gemechis' visits

to Hope, are you interested? A number of people from

Hope are. Let Pastor Wendy know of your interest. Stay

tuned!

UPDATED & NEW Custom Designed Reflec-

tion Guide (by Pastor Wendy & Steve Harr). A

reflection guide for prayerfully discerning Jesus'

call and how to incorporate it into all of life. As-

sists in answering: “Who am I?” and “What am I

to do?”

5

Send Us Your Favorite or

Most Significant Bible Verses

Each month we are featuring, on the Hope

Women’s Page, Bible Verses that the ladies of

Hope consider a favorite or as significant in

their lives. We would like you to share your

verses with our readers. Please send your

verses to Karine Samer at hopesecre-

tary@sbcglobal.net or leave it in her mail box

at church.

February Anniversaries

Wayne & Paula Wooley 2/18

February Birthdays

Johnathan Jarrett 2/01

Ashenafi 2/02

Hope McKee 2/14

Bob Wessa 2/14

Andrew Hill 2/15

Carol Nichols 2/15

J. W. Nastoupil 2/17

Stephen Dahl 2/19

Joe Yedlowski 2/19

Jessica Nelson 2/20

Valerie Peterson 2/21

Elizabeth Bockarie 2/23

Marv Christensen 2/26

Kristine Clark 2/28

Shannon Hamilton 2/28

6

One of my favorite verses is: I Corinthians 13:4-8:

"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not

boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-

seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It

always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perse-

veres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will

cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there

is knowledge, it will pass away."

Contributor: Kelly Johnson

Kelly shared that this passage was used at her

and John’s wedding. They have made it part of

their life together with their children. On their

anniversary they look for this passage displayed

on a plaque or in a picture frame. This is what

David meant when he said “I have hidden your

word in my heart” Palm 119:11

Dear Hope Lutheran Brothers and Sisters,

I want to thank you for the kind gift you gave me for

Christmas. I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas

with family and friends! Cathy Peterson

Thank you to my Hope family for remembering me at

Christmas. Your generosity will go toward one of the

projects I have going at our home. I truly do love all of

you. And you are a blessing to Joe and me. Karine

Samer

7

Memorials and Designated Giving

Below is a list of designated funds at Hope used to pay for expenses or support ministries not included in our annual

budget. You may donate to an of the funds below by designating your offering or memorial to the appropriate fund.

Numbers below are as of 12/31/2013.

Fund Name Purpose Balance

Do-

nated

YTD

Altar Guild Extra expenses related to worship not covered in monthly operating

budget. Examples of items bought are new altar paraments and banners.

$ 1,371 $ 0

Bereavement Pay for food for funerals. $ 357 $ 0

Briarwood Sent directly to Briarwood Retreat Center, the camping ministry of our

synod, to support their ministry and operations. This fund balance is kept

at zero. Money is sent in as it is received.

$

$

0

$ 0

Cedar Hill Food

Pantry

Sent directly to the Cedar Hill Food Pantry. This fund balance is kept at

zero. Money is sent in as it is received.

$

$

0

$ 2095

Computer

Upgrades

Upgrade computer equipment, including the computer in the sanctuary

used for Sunday morning PowerPoint.

$ -84 $ 0

Council Used at the discretion of the Church Council. $ 0 $ 0

Council-

Outreach

Used at the discretion of the Church Council for outreach. $ 0 $ 0

Ethiopia

School

To establish a Bible School to train leaders in the North region of

Ethiopia.

$ 0 $ 0

Front sign

Flowerbed

Maintain and improve the area around the front church sign. $ 622 $ 0

Library Purchase new books as needed. $ 9.45 $ 0

Lutheran World

Relief

Sent directly to Lutheran World Relief to support their ministry and opera-

tions. This fund balance is kept at zero. Money is sent in as it is received.

$ 0 $ 434

Rev Buba Me-

dia Ministry

Support Rev. Buba media ministry which reaches millions for Christ in

Africa.

$ 0 $ 5215

Ministry

Development

Develop new ministries at our church. For instance, this Fund was used to

send people to Stephen’s Ministry training.

$ 183 $ 0

Sierra Leone Sent directly to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone to sup-

port their ministry and operations. This fund balance is kept at zero.

Money is sent in as it is received.

$

0

$ 0

Sunday School-

missions

Used to support Nedie, a thirteen year old girl from Haiti that we have sup-

ported for many, many years through Compassion International. Our com-

mitment is $38 a month.

$ 48 $ 0

Youth

General

General youth ministry expenses. Often used to give scholarships to youth

who cannot afford to attend certain events.

$ 0 $ 16

Youth

Mission

Supports the cost of the summer youth mission trip. $ 106 $ 1522

8

Newsletter Articles Deadline … The date is: February 18.

Please email your articles as an

attachment to:

hopesecretary@sbcglobal.net

Prayers and Words of Encouragement

Homebound Residents

Recovering at home ~

Fran Christensen

Park Manor

207 E. Parkerville Road, Rm. #211

DeSoto, TX 75115-6251

Carl Metzger ~ At Home

1144 Stoney Creek Drive

Cedar Hill, Texas 75104-3402

972.293.3988

ruddigore@sbcglobal.net

In the hospital ~ none

These members appreciate your prayers and

words of encouragement.

Marian Black

Horizon Bay

355 W. Westchester Pkwy, #A207

Grand Prairie, TX 75052

214.235.0371

Marv Christensen

812 Vince Lane

DeSoto, TX 75115-4410

972.223.5172

Email address: marvinchristensen@att.net

Joanna Snow

The Sterling House

1771 Country Club Drive

Mansfield, TX 76063

Mailing Address: 21 Devon Court

Mansfield, Texas 76063-4890

Our homebound members and friends enjoy

visits, calls and cards. Please take a few min-

utes out of your day for those who can no

longer get out and about.

9

Wednesday Night Activities:

Wednesday Evening Prayer 6:15 PM

Chime Choir Practice 6:30 PM

Timothy Project Bible Study 7:15 PM

Adult Choir Practice 7:30 PM

Friday: Hope Prayer Time at Church 10:00 PM

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 Inner Mis-

sions 6:00

PM

10 11

Faith Circle

7:30PM

12 13 14

15

16 Council

Meeting

17 18 Heralds

Deadline

19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28

Sunday Schedule:

Sunday School (For All Ages) ~ 9:00 AM

Worship ~ 10:00 AM

10

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURC

1801 West Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75075

Contact: ken.holdorf@princeofpeace.org

THEME: “I’m A Senior – Now What?

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Kurt Senske, CEO, Lutheran Social Services of the South

WORKSHOPS:

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE - Do you have piles of paper clutter stuffed in drawers, boxes or on top of

your desk or counters? Do you have keepsakes and photos that need to be better organized? What are

your options for getting rid of unwanted items other than a Good Will or a garage sale? In this session

we will give very real and practical ideas, showing lots of visual on what to use and how to use it. We will

talk about systems and products that will help get your home organized.

Presenter: Lorraine Brock is a professional organizer; family coach; speaker; and Founder and

President of Get Organized! a Dallas-based professional organizing company with expertise in both resi-

dential and business organizing.

SUCCESSFUL AGING - As people age, they tend to become less and less active and involved. This

workshop will highlight the problems associated with that tendency and educate attendees about how to

stay active and engaged and the importance of that to your overall health.

Presenter: Rodney Rueter is President/CEO of Lutheran Sunset Ministries in Clifton, Texas.

LIVING A SUCCESSFUL LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE - Dr. Senske will lead an interactive dialogue and

share specific strategies to assist participants to discover and live out their calling during

the seasoned years of their lives.

Presenter: Kurt Senske serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Social Services of the

South, a multi-faceted, multi-state social services agency.

LIFE AND DEATH: THE TWO SIDES TO HOSPICE CARE- The participant will learn about the hospice

philosophy of palliative care to help terminally ill persons “live life” until they die. Myths and facts will be

shared, as well as information on the typical services provided by hospice care. Time will be allowed for

questions.

Presenters: Michelle Donnell, RN, is a skilled hospice nurse with 14 years of experience in the

healthcare field, including the emergency room and respiratory therapy. Clayton McCord, M.Div., is an

ordained pastor with ten years of experience as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator. He

conducts grief seminars, facilitates support groups, and writes articles about loss and grief issues.

GOD’S NEW “YES” FOR YOU - Through the transitions of growing older, God has significant things

for you to do! Helpful insights will be offered for discovering, discerning and incorporating God’s call for

ordinary people like you into this chapter of life.

Presenter: Wendy Berthelsen is President of Call, Inc., a non-profit teaching ministry mobilizing

ordinary people called by Jesus to seek, discover and incorporate His call into all of life... inside and out-

side of church.

Adult Lutherans Organized for Action

11

CHURCH PROPERTY

Property Coordinator: Joe Liberatore, his phone number, 972-293-2898

Indoor Lighting (inside light bulbs): Bill Knoll

Outdoor Lighting (outside bulbs): OPEN

Electric Systems/Fans: Wayne Wooley

Sanctuary Sound System: Scott & Kristine Clark

HVAC: Clay York

Change HVAC Filters: Clay York

Telephone: Carl Metzger

Appliances: Clay York

Furniture/Cabinet Repair: Bill Burleson

Small Engine Maintenance: Clay York

Gas/Oil Buyer: Clay York

Keys: Karine Samer

Computer Hardware/Software Maintenance: Carl Metzger

Carpentry/Handyman Tasks/Basic Maintenance: Leroy Linder, Clay York

(including playground)

Plumbing: Wayne Wooley

Piano/Organ: Cathy Peterson

Extermination/Bugs: Bob Wessa

Lawn Mowers/Edgers: Mike Purkiss, Jack Trousdale, Zelda Gates,

Ty Roberson

Touch-up Painting: Bill Knoll

Gardens: Cathy Peterson-front sign

Cathy Peterson-flowerbed by A/C units

Barbara York, Kathy Still, Mark Hill (Shrub

trimming)

Food Pantry delivery: Grover & Lillian Radke

Organization of Clean-up Days (if needed): Joe Liberatore

Periodic Cleaning of Gutters: Ty Roberson (small section)

Carpet Cleaning: Lynn & Pat Foster

Kitchen: Mary Strand

Hymnal Maintenance: Zelda Gates

Attic: OPEN

Windows: OPEN

Choir Robe Cleaning: Diane Pleasants

Nursery Toys/Room: OPEN

Sanctuary Preparation (chairs/hymnals): Zelda Gates

Christmas Tree: Jill Heyerdahl & youth

Sunday School Resource Room: OPEN

12

Hope

Lutheran

Church 917 Straus Road

Cedar Hill Texas 75104

www.hopelutheran.net

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