Fourth Sunday After Pentecost June 28-29, 2020
Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church, My heart is filled with all of the blessings we have at Hope Lutheran Church! I am constantly amazed by the overflowing generosity of God as reflected in the family here. First of all-among the leadership, we have Pastors and a Synod Parish Deacon who bless us. Pr. Hans Dettling serves week in and week out at the altar on Saturdays to share his gifts of ministry among us after working a long week in the public sector to place people in jobs who badly need them. Pr. Cheryll Armstrong- Kaukis serves both on the Congregation Council as a team leader for the Music and Worship and Education teams, as well as sharing her passion for justice and equality and equity. She is leading us all in an online Bible Study on a weekly basis that is based on the Psalms and Conversation-such a gift to bring our members both near and far together in study and sharing through Scripture and prayer. Our Synod Parish Deacon Jill Mead serves among us after working all week at Southport Square. She is preaching this weekend, and Jill regularly serves as Assisting Minister on Sundays, in addition to also doing visiting among our homebound folks when conditions permit it. Blessings abound!! Then we have our Congregation Council-our leadership team at Hope with hearts who long to serve and make a difference in Jesus’ name. These are people who are committed to helping us fulfill our purpose to be led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all. From working in Administration, to maintaining property, to overseeing finances, to enhancing worship and educational opportunities, to looking for new and innovative ways to meet the needs of those in need in our community and around the world, to constantly updating and improving our website and being an invitational presence in our community, our gifted team leaders-we are truly blessed with inspired and inspirational leaders who share this faith in such a dedicated and loving and thoughtful way. I remember well that Kris Hinterberg said to me; “We may be small, but the people of Hope always step up when there is a need.” That is truth-and it is a blessing. I am humbled and grateful to serve among you, walk with you, and to share in our common purpose at Hope Lutheran Church. Together, we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all. None of us has do this alone-we do it together, as a community, with the varied gifts of leaders and volunteers to do God’s work with our hands in order to make a difference in Jesus’ name. I am grateful for each of you and pray for you with deep love and respect. Pr. Jen+
PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray: O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
READING Matthew 10:40-42 When Jesus sends his disciples out as missionaries, he warns them of persecution and hardships they will face. He also promises to reward any who aid his followers and support their ministry.
A reading from Matthew: [Jesus said to the twelve:] 40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY REFLECTIONS Pr. Jen is away with family this weekend, and our Synod Parish Deacon, Jill Mead will be preaching at worship in the Sanctuary and in the parking lot with Pr. Hans presiding. Here are a few things to reflect upon on this Gospel:
Jesus invites his followers to walk in his steps, sharing the Good News, and sharing love and forgiveness and comfort to all. What does it mean to give a cup of cold water to someone? In our world where there are so many hurting right now, how can we give cups of cold water to them? How might we do it even if we are sheltering place? While it can be risky to share kindness and compassion and love with others, it is also the way of Jesus-a way to which we are called in Baptism. How does knowing that Jesus sees and knows and approves of our efforts help us to be bold in sharing that cup of cold water? What reward is Jesus talking about? How do those rewards give you courage and strength? How might we share better the promise of Jesus with those who don’t know him?
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world. A brief silence.
God of companionship, encourage our relationships with our siblings in Christ. Bless our conversations. Shape our shared future and give us hearts eager to join in a festal shout of praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of abundance, you make your creation thrive and grow to provide all that we need. Inspire us to care for our environment and be attuned to where the earth is crying out. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of mercy, your grace is poured out for all. Inspire authorities, judges, and politicians to act with compassion. Teach us to overcome fear with hope, meet hate with love, and welcome one another as we would welcome you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of care, accompany all who are in deepest need. Comfort those who are sick, lonely, or abandoned. Strengthen those who are in prison or awaiting trial. Renew the spirits of all who call upon you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of community, we give thanks for this congregation. Give us passion to embrace your mission and the vision to recognize where you are leading us. Teach us how to live more faithfully with each other. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of love, you gather in your embrace all who have died. Keep us steadfast in our faith and renew our trust in your promise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OUR FATHER…
BLESSING Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.
DISMISSAL We go in peace. Christ is with us as together we are led by your Spirit to serve you and share your love with all people. Thanks be to God!!!
Hope Lutheran Church-Gulf Cove
14200 Hopewell Ave, Port Charlotte, FL 33981
Church phone: 941-697-2345
Email: hopeluthern@comcast.net
Pr. Jen Schaefer-cell-813-391-2027
Pr. Jen’s email: hopeluthern1@comcast.net
HOPE HAPPENINGS We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen. Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church.
Next Week’s Readings: Zechariah 9:9-12; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
The July thru September Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
Attendance last week Income Information
Saturday 12 FY 2020 Actual thru May $63,355.79
Sunday 8:30 14 FY 2020 Budget thru May $67,344.23
Sunday 10:00 27 FY 2019 Actual thru May $66,091.73
LAY SERVANTS Altar Guild – Barb & Larry Brady Ushers – Alan Beicht Larry Brady
PRAYER LIST Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia
Pr Cheryll, Karl, and Nick Kaukis who mourn the death of Chris, beloved son and brother
Peter Schwenke, uncle of Lorraine Maass in need of healing
Paul, Sue Spisak’s brother in law in hospice care
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
Arthur St. Amand and Joanne, in need of God’s healing touch
John Greene, Millie’s husband, recovering from surgery
Fred Schaible, Eileen’s husband and Pr. Jen’s dad, in hospice care
Al D’Agostino, brother in law of Alan Beicht who is diagnosed with cancer
Suzette, Katie McClay’s friend who is recovering after colon cancer surgery,
Norm Balint, Roberta’s husband, who is recovering heart procedures
Lindsey, Cyndi Carley’s daughter who is in need of healing
Florence, Bob Kostrowsky’s aunt who is recovering in New Jersey
Lois, Lorraine Maass’ friend, in need of God’s healing presence
Kaye Miller, friend of Elaine Dougan, needing God’s comfort and healing
Pat Hinton who mourns the death of her brother Ed Brauch and cousin Bob Hummel
Colten, grandson of Roberta Balint, recovering from an injury from a fall
Chery Burke who is in need of healing
Lindsey, asking for God’s protection, granddaughter of Evelyn Wilkinson
Those who are in need or ill in any way, those who are lonely, those who are frightened, those who grieve, those caring for those who are ill, those who are victimized by racism
NEW SMALL GROUP GET TOGETHERS AT HOPE
BIBLES AND BAGELS (or muffins or individually wrapped goodies) Please join us Mondays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM for Bible Study and sharing in the Fellowship Hall. Physical Distancing and sharing in Scripture and discussion are blessings we can share together!! All are welcome!!
PSALMS IN CONVERSATION AND OTHER THINGS is a beginning – to connect with and pray with and for each other and the larger community. If you are willing to begin this conversation with Pastor Cheryll, contact her at cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com
HYMN REQUESTS If there are any particular hymns that you would like to hear at worship, please submit the names to Pastor Jen at hopeluthern1@comcast.net. If our licensing agreement permits, look forward to hearing them soon.
HOPES AND DREAMS FOR HOPE If you have a suggestion for a Hope or Dream for Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor Jen and your council would love to hear it. Please feel free to place any Hope or Dream in the mailbox in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. All requests will be kept confidential and you will receive a timely response.
KIWANIS SHOES FOR KIDS PROJECT The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids project will continue through July 26th. Please bring all new tennis shoes to church and place in the bin in the narthex. If you prefer, we will purchase tennis shoes for you if you make a donation to Hope Lutheran. Thank you!
BLOOD DRIVE The Suncoast Blood Drive Mobile Unit will be in our parking lot on July 19 th between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Additional information will follow.
BOB JOHNSON We received information from Bob Johnson’s family that due to health issues he is now living at Robert C Johnson Assistant Living Center. If you would like to send Bob a card or note, his address is Prairie Homes assisted Living, 1463 Kenwood Dr, Robert C Johnson, Rm 8, Menasha, WI 54952.
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