A Congregation of the Florida-Bahamas Synod.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Check out the websites from our sister churches:    Living Waters and Holy Trinity    

NEW FM RADIO STATION.  Anyone can now listen to any of the worship services in their vehicles by tuning into FM Radio station 88.3, from our parking lot.  Please join us Saturday afternoon 5:30pm, the Sunday morning 8:30 AM parking lot service or the Sunday morning 10:00 AM worship services.

PLEASE GO TO SERMON SNIPPETS TO SEE PASTOR JEN'S FULL WORSHIP MESSAGES.

Ninth Sunday After Pentecost August 1-2, 2020   

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church,

There are lots of things to ponder, my brothers and sisters. There is the obvious fact that most of us have been spared from getting ill with Covid 19 and for that, we give thanks. There is also the fact that far too many have become ill and recovered-for that, we give thanks, too. There are also those who have died from this virus, and we mourn their deaths and give thanks to God for the lives they shared with their families and friends. We also ponder on all those who suffer from any other illness-because those haven’t gone away either, and we give thanks for all the caring medical professionals who care for all in need.

We ponder the economy with it’s incredible ups and downs, and give thanks for the fact that most of us still have homes, food, clothing, and safety. We may also reflect on the countless folks who are suffering because of loss of jobs, loss of businesses, loss of income, loss of security and safety for themselves and their families, and we pray for them and seek ways to support and help them in their time of need.

We ponder on the physical distancing we are experiencing as a way of life, and we hold up all those who suffer depression, loneliness, anxiety, and fear because of this isolation. We ponder on new and different ways to reach out to our brothers and sisters when actually sharing our physical presence is not possible.

We ponder on the farewells we share with Pr. Hans and Kerri as they move to Seattle to be with family and friends. They have so generously shared of their gifts in ministry, in hospitality, in outreach, in service, and in love. They have been precious family members here at Hope and we will miss them in ways beyond words. However, we also rejoice with them as they begin this new chapter in their lives-happily surrounded by parents, children, extended family, and enjoying more time with each other in retirement. They are moving on physically but they will always be a part of the Hope Lutheran Family and we pray they will find much joy and peace in the years to come. We give heartfelt thanks for them!!

We ponder on the new school year and how that will look and feel to students, teachers and staff.

We ponder on the upcoming election and what that will bring.

We ponder on the ongoing protests across our country advocating for racial justice and equality. We ponder. We ponder.

And if you are like me, you might be a little tired of it all-all the swirling thoughts and confusing messages we get each day. However, as Christians, we have something the world does not-we have Jesus-and we can place all our ponderings and our worries and our concerns in his outstretched hands and we can ask him to be with us through it all. And he will be. He promised. Thanks be to God!

With love for each of you in Christ, Pr. Jen+