FOOTPRINTS July, 2016

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First Lutheran Church of Hope

Location: 8953 SW 37th Ave., Hope, MN 56046

Mailing Address: PO Box 7, Hope MN 56046

507-451-3854

Pastor Sandy Miller

507-455-1912 (507-456-1794)

Worship Time: 9:00 am Sunday School & Adult Bible Study

10:15 am

“Come join our Family of God”

Called Into God’s Marvelous Light

To Be Joyful Witnesses

To Be Christ-Centered Disciples

To Be Strong Leaders

PASTOR SANDY’S OFFICE HOURS

Tues/Wed/Thurs – 2pm – 5pm

FOOTPRINTS July, 2016

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“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the

Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19

Shortly before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave us what we have come to know as the Great

Commission. The command to make disciples of all nations. In other words, we are called to be

evangelical by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. And for those who believe, we are called to

disciple them to be followers of Christ. That is our primary call as Christians….for every single one

of us. And so periodically, it’s a good idea to stop and just ask ourselves the question – how are we doing on that?

Truth be told, most Christians have never taken this command seriously. We do the whole church

thing, but we think the Great Commission is somebody else’s job. We fail to live life with the mindset

that our neighbors, our coworkers, our family members are going to hell if they don’t know Christ.

Which then begs the question, do you really believe that people without Christ are lost? Do you really

believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? The Bible says that “salvation if found in no one

else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts

4:12). And so again, it truly is our call as Christians, to find ways in which to share the gospel of

Jesus Christ with our neighbors and our world.

First Lutheran is blessed to have several ways in which to do this. First and foremost, we’re

committed to preaching and teaching the Word of God in a way that will equip you to share the gospel

with others. Now granted, you may think that you don’t have enough theological knowledge to do

that. But not to worry!! The best way that you can ‘evangelize’ is simply by telling people what a

difference Jesus has made in your life. How has He changed your heart? How has He given you

purpose and meaning in life? How has He given you peace and hope? Personal testimony is always

the best and most effective way to evangelize others.

Secondly, we offer outreach opportunities that put you in contact with people who just may be eager

to hear about the hope that you have in Christ Jesus. Things like Laundry Love, a ministry that puts

us in a position to listen to people’s stories and their struggles. And then, Lord willing, we may just

have an opportunity to pray with them, to encourage them, and to share Jesus with them.

Thirdly, we have several ministry partners who are working to make disciples in other nations – Pastor

Peter, Pastor Bob, and Elisante. What a great opportunity we’ve been given to get directly involved

with them, to pray for them, and to be a part of what God is doing in the world.

So again I ask the question, how are we doing on fulfilling the Great Commission? How are you

doing in your own discipleship? Because it starts there! Are you sharing the gospel with those around

you? Does your heart break for those who don’t know Jesus and if so, are you doing anything about

it? It’s an area that I need to grow in myself. And I ask you to begin praying with me that God would open our eyes to those who are lost, that we would see the needs of those around us, and that He

would give us boldness to step out of our comfort zone and do our part in fulfilling the Great

Commission. In His JOY ~

Pastor Sandy

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REFLECTIONS ON OUR CHURCH PICNIC

June 26th – Borchert Farm

60+ people in attendance Love your hat, Beverly! Drive that nail in, Sally!

Nice photo bomb, Joey!! Payton taking a swing Shawn kicking back on at the piñata on the hayride

Third Annual First Lutheran Church Summer Picnic!!

It was a perfect day in every way! We had great food, hayrides, root beer, popcorn,

and games for everyone! We had wonderful fellowship with old and new friends alike.

We’re so grateful to Randy, Lisa, and Travis Borchert who opened their arms of

hospitality to us all, providing for a day that we’ll remember for years to come!

Blessed be to our Lord Jesus Christ and blessed by to His body, our Church.

Thanks to the picnic committee and to all who came to be a part of the fun!

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WOW – WOMEN OF THE WORD

JULY ALTAR GUILD

Communion: Lori Springer Paraments & Banners: Pam Bartz & Marliese Severson

JULY SERVICE GROUP

Be Still and Know….

Be still and know that God is near

Wherever you may be;

You cannot go beyond God’s reach;

He hears the faintest plea.

He knows the problems that you face,

The hurt you’re going through.

Because you are His own dear child

He wants what’s best for you.

He holds the future in His hands,

He sees what lies ahead,

And He will safely guide you thru

This time that you now dread.

O weary one, know that God is near,

Turst in His will and way.

He is waiting there to help you….

He’s just a prayer away.

Kay Hoffman

WOW “R & R & R”

Rest, Relax, and Retreat

Saturday, July 23rd 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Attention all ladies! Do you need a break from the busyness of your life? Then WOW invites you to an afternoon of “R&R&R” (Rest, Relax, Retreat) at JoAnn Shankland’s home on Saturday, July 23rd from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. We’ll start the afternoon with a short time of devotion, and from there you

can bask in the beauty of her perennial garden, walk the nature paths, or just sit on the deck with a cool glass of lemonade. Whether you enjoy the afternoon in some quiet time alone, or fellowship

with others, come! Take advantage of this time of rest. A sign up sheet is in the narthex.

October 16th Meatball Supper

November 5th

Charity Bazaar

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MISSION and OUTREACH

LAUNDRY LOVE – The Laundry Love ministry team is prayerfully seeking the LORD on how He is calling us forward in this ministry. We are grateful for the many opportunities we get to share the love of Christ through encouragement and/or prayer with the Laundry Love clients, and sense He may be calling for us to do more with this ministry. In response to that, for the summer months we are offering Laundry Love twice a month to see what happens. If you’re interested in serving in this ministry, please contact ministry coordinator, Lisa Borchert.

PASTOR BOB MANKAKA – We continue to support Pastor Bob in his ministry to the Congo via preaching on Saturday evenings. We’re so grateful for his close proximity to us which allows us to see him and his family periodically – most recently at our summer picnic! Pastor Bob will be our guest speaker on Sunday, July 10th as he gives us an update on how the LORD is moving in his ministry and how we can be praying and participating in his efforts.

ELISANTE JOHN SANDY – Elisante and Martha are expecting their fourth child in November! Their ministry in Tanzania is going well. Their first session of Bible School for the Nations is finished and they are working towards another one starting up in the fall. They are also hoping to have two rooms completed for the school by 2017. PASTOR PETER – Pastor Peter and Joeline also added to their family this past May with the addition of Hanna Annaiah. They continue to press forward against the atrocities of child sacrifice in Uganda. Our prayers of support continue for Pastor Peter and our sponsorship child, Robert.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL & CONFIRMATION

Monday Evenings in Hope Park

From 6:30 -7:30 pm

Kids, please join us as we learn how to be

World Changers!

We will read our bible story and learning about how Jesus can truly change our lives.

There will be games and crafts, too!

Invite your friends!!

Memory Verse for the Summer

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

SUMMER CAMP FOR JR. HIGH STUDENTS

The following students are off to Camp Okoboji,

July 10-15 for a week of summer camp!

Lanie Rieck; Ellie Nappin

AJ Pirkl; Breanna Guerra

Please keep them in your prayers for a summer

that will change their relationship with Jesus

forever!

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MINNESOTA ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR

May we never forget ‘but for the grace of God go I’ as every one of us have been affected by the destructive effects of drugs and/or alcohol abuse in our own lives, or in the lives of family members or friends. Let’s continue to keep this ministry in our prayers as they work to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ which has the power to set people free from addiction, and to walk in healing and wholeness in Christ.

NEW MEMBER

First Lutheran is BLESSED to have received Denise Willsher into our family of faith on June 26th. To make it even more special, Denise gave evidence to her belief in Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. All praise and glory to God!! May she feel our welcome as she joins us in our journey to grow in our discipleship as we live to serve Christ in this world.

Denise Willsher 310 East Congress Nora Springs, IA 50458

What an awesome and inspiring morning we had on June 26th with the MN Adult & Teen Challenge Choir. There were tears shed and hearts changed from the Holy Spirit working through their worship and through the testimonies of the men who shared. In fact, two men from our congregation have responded by starting the process of becoming a MnTC mentor.

Welcome to the Family of Christ

Denise Ann Willsher

Baptized: June 26, 2016

Let your light so shine before others…..

Matthew 5:16

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MORE THAN A LIFT PROJECT UPDATE

You’ve probably noticed that once again, there’s something new happening at First Lutheran! The concrete pad has been poured on the west side of the church for the handicap parking spaces! Once again, we are so grateful that our building is now not only accessible on the inside, but on the outside as well. Thank you to several of our More Than a Lift Committee members and Trustees who worked together to make it happen!

SCRIP FOR SALE

We continually have scrip cards available from HyVee, Fleet Farm, and Kwik Trip in $25, $50, and $100 amounts. **PLEASE NOTE: We make the most profit on Kwik Trip which is an easy buy! Everyone needs gas, right? Consider making it a habit to purchase SCRIP for all your Kwik Trip needs so our church can see even greater benefits! See Lori Springer or Allie Majerus before or after church to purchase. All proceeds are contributed to the More Than a Lift Fund.

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FLC May 10, 2016 Council Meeting Minutes

Present: Rose Branderhorst, Dawn Armstrong, Al Smuland, Warren Suchanek, Jim Springer,

Lisa Borchert, Sandy Miller, Lisa Borchert, Amy, Rieck, Buzz Pool, Ruth Weigt, John Pirkl

Devotion: Pastor Sandy – Encouragement.

Secretary Report: Ruth made a motion to approve, Dawn seconded. Council approved.

Treasurer’s report: Ruth Weigt presented. Amy made a motion to approve and Rose seconded,

Council approved.

Finance Committee: Ruth Weigt presented.

Pastor’s report/Calendar/Prayers for Ministry: Sandy thanked Jim for preaching in her

absence. Attended LCMC Leadership conference and said it was wonderful. Theme was to shift,

go from being inward to being outward. Pastor Dave will be here May 15 to cover Sandy’s

vacation.

Follow Me Chapter 3: Discussion

Committee reports:

Board of Ed: Amy reported. Study series decided for Bible Studies. Pam stepped down from the

board they are looking for a new member. Amy will use the current curriculum for summer

Friday nights. Confirmation aged kids will be going to Bible Camp at Okoboji. Kids will pay $75

and the church is paying the balance of $324. Lydia will be attending a TEC at Trinity.

Deacons: Rose, Al and Buzz no new news.

Trustees: Bid from Jack’s nursery for Landscaping was discussed. Dawn proposed a bench to be

added that her family would make and donate in memory of a loved one. Memorial garden was

discussed as a possibility. Dawn to work with the landscaping committee to draw up a design

with the bench in it. Light in office will be addressed while Sandy is on vacation, John to take

care of it. Lawn mowing has started. Stahl’s are back and will take over the cleaning of the

church. Natural gas info has brought forward some unexpected monthly charges, John shared

there would be a $10 monthly fee for the meter to the church and then the gas used. We can revert

back to LP for $400. Dawn motioned that we pay to have the line hooked up to church, which

includes the meter on side of church, Al seconded, Council Approved.

More than a lift: Handicap parking area and sidewalk to be done soon. Sandy reminded that we

have The Adult & Teen choir on June 19th, plan to not have fresh concrete at that time.

Laundry Love: Lisa presented, she requested to expand the event to twice a month offering it

once in the evening and once during the day.

Old Business:

Mother Daughter banquet was a big hit, 72 in attendance

New Business:

LCMC gathering Oct 2-5 in Denver, Shawn Dahl and Denise have asked to attend, looking

for one or two more Council members to attend also. Sandy will be speaking at the

conference.

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MN Adult & Teen Challenge Choir here on June 19th, we will provide a meal after service.

Money approved for church picnic.

Discussion about a Sunday afternoon event in July with Root beer floats and a hayride.

Vision Discussion not held due to the length of the meeting.

Closed in Prayer

Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Borchert, Secretary

First Lutheran Treasurer’s Report for May, 2016

Submitted by Steve & Ruth Weigt, Co-Treasurers

May 1, 2016 - Beginning Balance $8,984.81

Income

$6,643.68

$6,674.00

$13,317.68

Expense

$7,163.56

$6,647.00

13,810.56$

May 31, 2016 - Ending Balance 8,491.93$

General Offering

Designated Giving

Total Income

General Expenses

Designated Giving (Out)

Total Expenses

More Than a Lift Account Balance $ 6,231

Cash $ 3,831

Scrip Card Balance $ 2,400

May_ __YTD__ Total SCRIP Sales: $ 3,000 $ 8,845

Total SCRIP Profit: $ 130 $ 524

Loan Balance effective June 27, 2016 $4,815

FOOTPRINTS July, 2016

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July, 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Worship with Communion, 9:00 am BD – Kathy Streiff

Men & Women Bible Study, 6:30 pm

BD – Debi Souba

BD – Carol Stahl

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Worship Service, 9:00 am Adult Bible Study, 10:30am

Prayer Group 1:30 pm Hope Kids Club, 6:30 pm BD – Randy Borchert

Council Meeting 7:00 pm

Men & Women Bible Study, 6:30 pm BD – Dean Shankland

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Worship with Communion, 9:00 am Adult Bible Study, 10:30am

Prayer Group 1:30 pm Laundry Love, 6pm Hope Kids Club, 6:30 pm

Board of Ed Mtg, 6:30 pm

Laundry Love, 10:00 am Men & Women Bible Study, 6:30 pm

BD – Anna Nelson

WOW Rest, Relax, and Retreat 1:00 pm

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Worship Service, 9:00 am Adult Bible Study, 10:30am

Prayer Group 1:30 pm Hope Kids Club, 6:30 pm

Board of Deacons Meeting, 6:00 pm

Men’s Bible Study, 6:30 pm

31 Worship Service, 9:00 am Adult Bible Study, 10:30am

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Bits and Pieces

We thank God for the many guests and visitors who have been attending worship at

First Lutheran. Please introduce yourself and welcome them warmly. Invite them to

come back again and ask them to sign the guest book.

Please check the bulletin board for events happening in the surrounding area,

churches and towns.

Keep Them in Your Prayers Irene Wiesjhan, Prairie Manor, 220 3rd St. NW, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

Other prayers of healing: Shawn Dahl; Angela Enderson

Our Sponsorship Child: Robert Mukwaya (Kyampisi Child Ministries, Uganda)

We recycle aluminum cans. Please place in the trash can under the steps (not in the WM container). Proceeds go to the building fund.

Thank you for your help.

July Birthdays

3 Kathy Streiff 8 Debi Souba 9 Carol Stahl 11 Randy Borchert 13 Dean Shankland 21 Anna Nelson 31 Darla Skalicky

FOOTPRINTS July, 2016

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JULY WORSHIP at FIRST LUTHERAN

Lay Leader Schedule

Date Ushers Communion Sound Technician

July 3 Shawn Dahl & Kathy Harty Kathy Peterson Steve Weigt

July 10 Tony Malepsy & Steve Miller Warren Suchanek

July 17 Dave Luedtke & Pam Bartz Lisa Borchert Buzz Pool

July 24 Ron & Carol Stahl Steve Miller

July 31 Wendell & Kathy Peterson Rick Majerus

Date Acolyte Reader Greeter

July 3 AJ Pirkl Jan Clementson John Pirkl

July 10 JoAnn Shankland Kathy Harty

July 17 Joey Pirkl Jack Skalicky Chris Jensen

July 24 Ellie Nappin Dave Jensen Tony Malepsy

July 31 Lanie Rieck Sylvia Smuland Steve Miller

*If you are unable to serve at your scheduled time, please find a replacement and let

Pastor Sandy know. Thank you!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy

Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

July 3 9:00 am Worship with Communion

July 10 9:00 am Worship Service Guest Speaker: Pastor Bob Mankaka

July 17 9:00 am Worship with Communion

July 24 9:00 am Worship Service

July 31 9:00 am Worship Service

Sunday Church Attendance

May 29 45 June 19 121 June 5 48 June 26 71 June 12 41