THE ANCHOR Hope Lutheran Church January 2015

Not The Last Super Club

Join us for ...

Worship Study Prayer & fellowship!

Jan. 24, 2015 @6:30

pm

BBQ and Bonfire

@the Snow’s

Smoked Pork Roast and bonfire provided

A-L’s please bring a side to dish to pass

M-Z’s bring dessert

The History of “Auld Lang Syne” By:

We all know the scene: It’s New Year’s Eve and we’re gathered together, whether it be in front of the fireplace keeping warm, or wearing silly hats and holding noise-makers watching a giant luminous ball descend slowly upon Times Square as we count down from 11:59:50 PM. Ten, nine, eight, seven… three, two, one: HAPPY NEW YEAR! And then you hear it: the old, familiar tune of “Auld Lang Syne”. Try as you might not to, I’ll bet you’re even humming the tune now as you read this! But how many of us really know what “Auld Lang Syne” really means, or who wrote it, or how it became a custom to sing it at the start of the New Year? Lucky you, because you’re about to find out! Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, set to a traditional Scotch folk song, whose title may be translated into English literally as "old long since", or more idiomatically, "long long ago", "days gone by" or "old times". Consequently "For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as "for (the sake of) old times”. In fact, most of the original verses of the song talk about having a drink “for old times sake”. Singing A. L. S. at the beginning of the New Year quickly became a Scottish custom, which spread throughout the British Isles, and by extension, around the rest of the English-speaking world. Perhaps this was even the beginning of the traditional New Year’s champagne drink? In any case, I wish you all a very wonderful and blessed New Year!

I always thought it was appropriate that the new year, which brings so many changes into people’s lives because of the focus on a new year/new start, comes right after the celebration of Christmas. For we as believers know and understand that the only way, the best way, for a new start is through God’s actions, not our own. It is God who changes the heart. That is why Jesus was born, so He could die so we could have life abundantly. And it’s this free gift of life that changes us, empowers us and encourages us to live our lives differently than the rest of the world. Can people tell you are different by what you say or don’t say; by what you do or don’t do; by what you listen to or don’t listen to? And what is true for individuals is also true for organizations and even congregations like Hope Lutheran Church. How is Hope Lutheran going to be different in 2015 because we realize we are part of God’s family and we have work to do? And we need to be working to grow God’s Kingdom. Take a look at the figures below. 2014 wasn’t a good year when it comes to growth. What can we do to turn things around and get back on track? Totals 2012 2013* 2014*

Additions: Transfer: 14 18 6 Profession of Faith: 7 10 7 Baptized: 2 10 1 Total Additions: 23 38 14 Deletions: Transfer: 8 2 6 Release: 3 9 5 Death: 10 10 8 Total Deletions: 21 21 21 Associate Members: 7 CHANGE for Year: +2 +17 -7 Notes for various years: *2013 - Baptized: 7 adults, 3 children *2014 - Does not include the 87 names taken off the roles due to inactivity, lost addresses, etc.

Pastor Craig Mathews

There are a variety of things that need to be done if we are to continue to be consistent and increase the number of people we are bringing into God’s Kingdom. For ultimately that is what it is about. It’s not about growing Hope Lutheran Church so our membership is larger, our giving is up and we have more people in the seats for worship. If those were our primary goals, we would be no different than the VFW, the Elk’s Lodge, or Rotary Club. Our primary goal is to build God’s Kingdom. And yes, that means adding more people which in turn means more people in worship, more people on our rolls and even an increase in giving. But building God’s Kingdom also means once they are in fellowship with us, we seek to strengthen their faith to maturity. (Ephesians 4:13) But if we are going to train others to build them up, we first of all must be spiritually fit and mature ourselves. To do that, we need to practice the 5 habits of missional people. It has been shown that the people who practice these 5 habits will be re-energized, more connected to Jesus and more ready to witness their faith when given the opportunity to do so. (Acts 1:8) Habit How to do it Result___________ Bless Praise or relieve the burden of at least 3 people per week. Generosity At least 1 whom is not a church member. Eat With at least 3 people per week. At least 1 whom is not a Hospitality church member. Listen Spend at least 1 period per week listening to the Spirit’s voice. Spirit-led Learn Spend at least 1 period per week learning of Jesus Being Christ-like Sent Journal during the week of all the ways you alerted others Missional about God’s love. This is a tall order. And this is only part of the process. We also need to look at our systems. A quote from Ed Deming who helped turn around the Japanese automobile business after WW II says this: Your systems are perfectly designed to give you the results you are getting. What can we do to change our systems to give us the results we are looking for? Pray for the future of God’s Kingdom and it’s growth. Be a part of the process to help His Kingdom grow. Help us as we change our systems. Strengthen yourself by practicing the 5 habits so we are prepared to strengthen those God brings to us. We need to do this. Someone once said - If God is going to birth a new believer, He will look for the warmest incubator. (Where they can hear and experience the Gospel.) Is Hope Lutheran that warmest incubator? If not, I believe by changing our systems and by following the 5 practices we will position ourselves to be just that in God’s eyes.

Please consider making a spiritual commitment to serve the Lord as a member of the Altar Guild in 2015. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the Narthex. A meeting of the Guild will be held after the first of the year. Meanwhile, if you have questions or need more information, call Gloria Muench, 751-2034. Thank you for your service.

Family Movie Night Friday, January 9

6:00 pm

There will be a light, simple meal at 6:00 pm followed by movies at 6:30.

Choice of two movies!

OR

New Member/Info Workshop

Saturday, Jan. 24 9:30–11 am In the Fellowship Hall

The purpose of this 1 and ½ hour workshop is to familiarize participants with the main differences between Lutheranism and other Christian faiths, especially in regards to Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and in regards to our understanding of the End Times.

Those who participants will also become aware of the basic beliefs and practices of Hope Lutheran Church in regards to worship, Bible study, devotional life and acts of service. NOTE: Participation in the event does NOT mean that a person is obligated to becoming a member of our fellowship called Hope Lutheran Church. It does allow them to learn and explore more about what Lutheranism is and the expectations of Hope Lutheran as we seek to live a lifestyle of discipleship. Share this information with any of your friends who may be interested. Better yet, invite them to come with you.

www.hopelutheranfl.org Check it out! Sermons are posted on the church’s website!

Follow HLC on Facebook! Go to: Hope Lutheran Church LCMS

Sermon Themes for January

The purpose of outlining for everyone the sermon themes for the upcoming months and weeks ahead is to encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors. Maybe you know of someone who could benefit from these messages. There is a half sheet available at our Information Center in the entryway that you can take with you, maybe even several if you want to hand them out to your friends, neighbors, or people you talk with on a daily basis.

The basic theme for One Resolution to Keep is this: As God’s people, as His church, let’s resolve to live according to the “power of one” as revealed throughout the Book of Philippians. This theme began on December 28, continued on New Year’s Eve and will conclude on January 4

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January 4 One Resolution to Keep: One Principle January 11 Baptism

January 18 Begins a new mini-series Man Cave Exodus which continues until the beginning of Lent on February 18

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The Man Cave. . . it may be a room, den, basement or garage. Wherever it may be, there are places where men go to be alone, retreat, or find refuge. The church often tells men what they aren’t doing, or what they are doing wrong. No wonder so many men are in hiding! It’s time for an exodus. In this series God’s Word will help us discover who men ARE. . . In this series we’ll see

how God has created men with the heart of a warrior. It is time to leave the Man Cave. Jan. 18 Man Cave Exodus – The Warrior Jan. 25 Man Cave Exodus – Step Into the Ring Feb. 1 Man Cave Exodus – The Coach Feb. 8 Mission Sunday: Special Preacher from Food for the Poor Feb. 15 Man Cave Exodus – The Knight

Update on Preschool Building

A valid contract has been signed by Sun Academy for rental of our Preschool building. The lease begins January 1st. The agreement also allows us to have a one hour weekly chapel time with the children attending. We thank God to an answer to our prayers concerning the Preschool building!

If we’ve missed your birthday or anniversary, it’s only because we DON’T have that

information in our data base, please call the office @941-755-3256 and let us know. We

want to be sure and include your special day!

01/04/58 Gerald & Janet Stram 01/06/78 Linda & Steven Rennhack 01/24/81 Larry & Gloria Ritter

Saturday 5:00 pm Worship Sunday 9:00 am Traditional Worship 10:00 am Fellowship Time 10:30 am Christian Ed 10:30 am Contemporary Worship Monday 9:30 am Bible Study Tuesday 7:00 pm Bible Study Wednesday 2:00 pm Bible Study Thursday 7:00 pm Choir Practice

Jan 1 Office Closed Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 10:00 am Hands of Hope Jan 8 5:00 pm Feed the Firemen Jan 9 7:00 pm Movie Night Jan 10 9:30 am Our Daily Bread Jan 13 11:30 am LWML / Ruth Circle Jan 14 10:30 am Angels of Hope Jan 14 7:00 pm Church Council Jan 16 6:00 pm Blind Ministry Jan 20 9:00 am Hope Seeds (West Minster) Jan 21 6:00 pm Elders Meeting

1/1 Lis Hempfling 1/1 Joni Young 1/2 Liesel Wasdyke

1/2 Eunice Mathews 1/3 Melissa Morgan 1/4 Betty Thomas 1/5 John Weber 1/6 Ping McLauchlin

1/16 Bill Richards 1/17 Denise Potter 1/18 Janet Zlokovich

1/20 Bette Koch 1/20 William Koch 1/20 Janice Schrader 1/20 Gerald Stram

1/21 Donna Pappas 1/21 Betty Thurman 1/22 Robert Lenz 1/23 Emily Rennhack 1/24 Beverly Quast

1/24 Mike Bischoff 1/24 Allene Koehn 1/25 Martin Hintz 1/27 Virginia Strothers

1/27 Larry Ritter 1/30 Robin Bemowski

Weekly Bible Study Opportunities at Hope

Sunday, 10:30 am Psalm 23 - Leader: Ken Crayton Monday, 9:30 am Readings from the Lectionary - Leader: Pastor Hinz The group looks at and studies the assigned readings for

the upcoming Sunday service. Tuesday, 7:00 pm Stories of God’s Love - Leader: Pastor Mathews Wednesday, 2:00 pm 12 Ordinary Women - Leader: Don Lannon The group is learning principles from Christ’s careful,

hands-on training of His inner circle in order to grow in their walk of discipleship.

Blind Ministry needs driver’s, singer's, and people gifted in entertaining. Contact: Lisa Dagley (941-758-8301; dagleyll@gmail.com)

We have an opening for a chairperson to lead the Missions and Stewardship Committees. If you are interested please contact Pastor Mathews.

Sunday School teacher for the elementary school class. Contact Susan McInnis (941-747-4064) or Debbie Snow (941-745-2608).

We are in need of a childcare worker for the Sunday School hour. This is a paid position. If you are interested, or know someone who

may be a candidate, please contact Debbie Snow (941-745-2608) or Susan

McInnis (941-747-4064).

We are saving the aluminum can pop tops. We are using the money collected to purchase a DVR for Movie Night! Please bring them to the Narthex! We appreciate your help with this project! It’s amazing what a difference a bag of pop tops.

HOPE Lutheran Church

4635 26th Street West Bradenton FL 34207 (941) 755-3256

office@hopelutheranfl.com www.hopelutheranfl.org

Worship:

Sunday 9:00 am 10:30 am Saturday 5:00 pm

Christian Ed:

Sunday 10:30 am Monday 9:30 am Tuesday 7:00 pm Wednesday 2:00 pm

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 4:30 pm

Our Staff: Craig Mathews, Senior Pastor Rob Hinz, Visitation Pastor Charlie Harnish, Music Ministry Jon Oosterling, Music Ministry Cindy Stewart, Office Manager Sebrina Allison, Office Assistant Don Kiner, Maintenance

T ITHES & OFFERINGS

Go to: www.hopelutheranfl.org

Click the “GIVE NOW” button!

Byron Bartlett Barbara Bassett Maxine Brenner Ellen Brenner Robert Brenner Roxanne Butler Mary Carson George Clark Michael Cervenak Robert Crider Janet Czerwinski Audrey Delieul

John Ferry Mary Flagg Susan Freedman Gudren Hagele Gia Haldiman Donval Hornburg Roger Johnson Ron Johnston Miriam Kessler April Kirchhoff Tamara Labuda Tim Lewis

Camden Mathews Chance Mathews Terry Murphy Jan Myers Mike Obois Janet Papineau Sue Potasnik Erin Rosenwinkel Tony Sardo Sue Schwier Frank Simmons Mr & Mrs Stamm

Judith Spates Joey Walden Shannon West Catherine Wilson Linda Vitens Pat Yates

Matthew J. Green Nathan J. Green

Amanda Henkel Rusty Howe

Ryan Ludwig Ryan Schifflet

Margery Abraham Gerri Brode Loretta Chacey Nancy Crayton Ida Davis

Frank DeLong Joyce Thomas Mary Hanson Marg Hinz Stan Kuhl

Marcella Lemler Mark McLauchlin Elaine Mischler Shirley Petzold Lyle Porter

Jim & Marge Stokes Virginia Strothers Blanche Weixelbaum Grace Wildermuth

General

Living Abroad / Missionaries / Military

Homebound Members

For the Homeless Those living in Group Homes People participating in 12 Step Programs

If you are hospitalized and wish to receive a visit by our Pastoral Care Team, please call the church office. Because of changes in health care laws, hospitals no longer notify us when you are

admitted. Also, if you would like to be listed for prayer support call the office at 755-3256 or email office@hopelutheranlf.com. Thank You!