Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church,
Last week, the Democrats held their convention to nominate their candidates for President and Vice President for this November’s election. Next week, the Republicans hold their convention to lift up their candidates, the current President and Vice President. It kind of feels like this weekend is the eye of the political storm, doesn’t it? There is a lot that has been said and even more to come in the days ahead before November 3. Both sides will continue to push and promote their candidates and their causes in the midst of this already turbulent time of pandemic, oncoming storms, wildfires, racial unrest, economic uncertainty, and so much more in the world, our country, and in our own personal lives. That being said, as your pastor, I ask this of you-please be prepared to vote-whether it is by mail, or at early voting, or at the polls on election day. Please vote. As Christians who follow the teaching of our Lord, we are also called to be good citizens and that means we vote. We may not all agree on a candidate or political party, but we can agree that our first allegiance is to be citizens of God’s kingdom and then, secondly, act as good citizens of this country and exercise our privilege to vote. I also ask that you continue to hold our brothers and sisters in California in your prayers as they face dreadful destruction from the wildfires that are raging through their state. I ask that you hold those in the Midwest who were hit by the derecho last week in your prayers as they are assessing damage to homes and businesses and crops. I ask that you hold our brothers and sisters in the path of storms this weekend that are chugging toward the Gulf of Mexico. As I write this, the paths are not fully determined and the level of storm is also not completely known, but the potential for Hurricanes Marco and Laura is huge and the people in their paths are preparing and hunkering down. Prayer is what we can do now, and when we know more, we can reach out to help. For now, we pray. There’s a lot going on and there is more to come in the weeks and months ahead. Please hold students and staff and teachers in your prayers as they prepare to return to school either in -person or through virtual school. Please hold healthcare workers in your prayers-Port Charlotte is getting hit now with Covid-19 in a surge we haven’t seen before and our hospitals are struggling to keep up with demands for PPE and staff. Please hold all who are isolated and weary of that isolation in your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to look for God’s presence in the events and circumstances surrounding you-and then share them with someone else. BE the presence of Christ in the life of someone else-with a smile, or an act of kindness, or respect, or generosity. You might be the one way someone experiences Jesus this week. What a blessing! I am praying for each of you with love. Pr. Jen+
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost August 22-23, 2020
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
READING Matthew 16:13-20
At a climactic point in Jesus’ ministry, God reveals to Peter that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus responds with the promise of a church that will overcome the very gates of Hades.
A reading from Matthew. 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY Ask a group of people to keep a secret, and you’re looking for trouble. More than likely, somebody will let it out. Especially if the secret is astonishing. Simon Peter is the first disciple to recognize that Jesus is the Messiah. He’s the first to discover that this man he knows so well is the one anointed by God, the Messiah sent to deliver Israel from bondage. Peter says so when Jesus asks him, point blank, “Who do you say that I am?”
~~~Peter’s answer marks him as the star student, and he receives his reward. Jesus promises to build his church upon the rock foundation of his faith. He gives Peter executive authority; promises to support him. Here Peter stands for the whole church. Jesus entrusts his mission to all who recognize him as the Messiah. What an amazing development! Now should be the time to call in the media, get out the word, let everybody know that the Messiah has come and is setting up his organization. But it’s not time for press releases, for photo opportunities, Facebook memes, or sound bites. Far from it.
~~~Did you notice the ending of today’s gospel? Here it is again: Jesus “sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” Nobody. Not a one. Mum’s the word. Stop the publicity. Keep the secret. Why is Jesus intent on keeping his being the Messiah a secret? Why not let it out? And now that he has admitted who he is, and the disciples all know it, does he really think that this secret can be kept? Won’t it travel from person to person with lightening speed?
~~~It’s not just this once that Jesus wants his identity to stay a secret. Repeatedly, throughout the gospels he tries to keep from becoming the talk of whatever town he’s in. Yet when he performs such deeds as healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the hungry, when he fulfills the messianic job description, how are people expected to keep his identity to themselves? And why should they? What he does in one community after another is a publicist’s dream. The guy’s got the makings of a star. He’s going to be big, really big.
~~~There’s a name for everything Jesus does to keep his identity a secret. Students of the Bible call this the Messianic Secret. What’s behind it? The most convincing explanation is that he does not want to be acknowledged as the Messiah outside his death and resurrection. Only in the light of those events can people begin to recognize what his being the Messiah really means. If they hear he is the Messiah before he even gets to the cross, they are sure to misunderstand him. Rather than being a messiah of sacrifice and triumph, they will see him as someone who has come to solve their problems, a Mr. Fix-It, a Superman, from on high. Rather than recognize him as the one who calls them to their own death and resurrection, the crowds are likely to view him as a messiah sent to pamper their egos, to make their lives comfortable. To leap tall building in a single bound. A divine vending machine.
~~~Jesus does not want his ministry to be seen in the wrong light. For this reason, he prefers that only his immediate circle know that he is the one God has sent. The opportunity will come later for them to announce that he is the Messiah. That opportunity will come once the crucifixion takes place and he returns from death. The Messianic Secret helps us understand what goes on in the gospel story, why Jesus sometimes behaves in a way that seems incomprehensible. But the Messianic Secret is more than that– it has a contemporary application for us, too.
~~~People in his own time were ready to misunderstand Jesus because they wanted, expected, a messiah of a different kind to be sent to them from God. People today are also ready to misunderstand Jesus. We want, we expect, a messiah different from the one sent to us. We expect someone who saves us easily and asks nothing much from us. We want a Jesus who doesn’t die, or at least doesn’t expect us to follow him in doing so-doing his work with our hands as long as we don’t get those hands dirty. While we hope for something easy, what the gospel offers us is a scandal. What does this scandal involve?
~~~First, we can know God best through this one man, a single life where the Word becomes flesh. But this is only the start of the scandal. The gospel goes on to insist that we know him most completely not through the notable events of his life, but by his terrible and painful dying on the cross and his incomprehensible resurrection.
~~~The scandal becomes even greater. His cross and triumph do not adequately reveal him until we become participants in them and accept them as our own. With Jesus, we must die to self and rise to new life in him if he is to be our Messiah, if we are to truly be his disciples, Christians, Christ-followers.
~~~In our time, the Messianic Secret has changed. Once it meant not announcing Jesus as the promised one until his death and resurrection revealed him completely. Now it means not announcing Jesus without the cross and the empty tomb, not announcing him unless we are ready to die and rise together with him. There are plenty of versions of Jesus in the world today. Once again he has become a star; he is big, really big. Some of these versions are authentic; many of them are not.
~~~What makes a version authentic is not a denominational or cultural label or any other marking likely to set us at ease. What makes a version of Jesus the real thing and not human fantasy is if it returns us to what is most important, what reveals divine love completely. We can’t welcome Jesus without the cross. We can’t welcome Jesus who remains dead. We can’t accept an easy messiah whose hands remain unwounded. We can’t accept discipleship without following him in self-sacrificing love. A Gospel of prosperity-if you pray right or believe right, you’ll get…that just doesn’t cut it with Jesus. A life blessed by living a cross-shaped life of loving God by loving others-NOT blessed with stuff-but blessed with life, joy, forgiveness, and hope is what the REAL Jesus offers.
~~~If we are to call ourselves Christians, members of his church, then we will accept the Messiah crucified and risen not only 2,000 years ago, but crucified and risen inside our own life as well. Then, and only then, are we dealing with the real Jesus. We will not keep the Messiah a secret. The world, the one where we spend our days, still waits for him. That world is dying to meet him –the REAL Jesus—through us as we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all people. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. A brief silence. Lord our rock, you are our foundation in Jesus Christ, your Son, whom we confess as the living God. Prepare your church for its mission in bearing witness to Christ, both here at home and throughout the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You call forth praises from the far reaches of the universe to the smallest of creatures. Join our songs to theirs, that a spirit of praise and thanksgiving will arouse us to cherish this wondrous home you give us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord. Direct the leaders of countries, legislators and magistrates, mayors and councils, to walk in your ways. Help leaders regard those in need with mercy and fulfill your loving purposes in the governance of peoples. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Though we walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve us, deliver us, and fulfill your purpose for us. According to your steadfast love, grant healing and wholeness to those who are bereaved, in trouble or adversity, or sick and in need of care (especially). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You call us into this community in which we, though many, are one in Christ. May we recognize in ourselves and in one another the unique gifts you have given us for the building up of the church for the sake of the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You are the everlasting Rock from which we were hewn, and you restore your people to joy and gladness. In blessed memory and hope, we thank you for the lives of our beloved dead. Bring us with them to our heavenly home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; 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 with grateful hearts for all God has done for us as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! 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
Our purpose at Hope is that we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all!
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: Jeremiah 15:15-21, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28
The July thru September Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS
Altar Guild – Barb & Larry Brady Ushers – Alan & Cindy Beicht
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
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
Joanne St. Amand as she mourns the death of her husband Arthur
John Greene, Millie’s husband, recovering from surgery
Suzette, Katie McClay’s friend who is recovering after colon cancer surgery,
Florence, Bob Kostrowsky’s aunt who is recovering in New Jersey
Lois, Lorraine Maass’ friend, in need of God’s healing presence
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Ava for healing
Jan Quinn as she mourns the death of her husband, Dick
Pr. Marilyn Robinson for healing and a safe move
The Family and Friends of Lisa as they mourn her death
Christine as she faces lung cancer treatment
Eddie and his family as he mourns the death of his son
Barbara Brady for healing after hand surgery
For all in the path of storms or fires
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 AT HOPE
JESUS LOVES YOU MINISTRY have an immediate need for bottled water, disposable razors and a countertop microwave.
BIBLE STUDY ON THE ACT OF THE APOSTLES ONLINE!!!!
Pr. Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis is hosting a new Bible Study based on the amazing book of Acts. If you would like to be a part of this group, please contact either the church office or Pr Cheryll directly at cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com and let her know to sign you up! Please join us as we discover anew the growth of the church in the earliest days and how that impacts our faith today!!
BLOOD DRIVE – The Suncoast Blood Drive Mobile Unit has been rescheduled for August 23rd between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM in our parking lot. A Covid-19 antibody test will be done on all successful blood donations.
MASKS – Our supply of masks is getting low. Any donation of additional masks would be greatly appreciated.
HOPE’S LOVE PANTRY. If anyone would like to donate nonperishable goods for our pantry, please put items on the shelves of our pantry located on the walkway to the left of the main entrance. Also, please let people in our area who may be in need, know that they may take some food from our pantry. No need to sign up. It is anonymous, no questions asked.
NEW FM RADIO STATION. Anyone can now listen to worship in their vehicles by tuning into FM Radio station 88.3. All services will be broadcast on radio station FM 88.3.
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.
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!!
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost August 22-23, 2020
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
READING Matthew 16:13-20
At a climactic point in Jesus’ ministry, God reveals to Peter that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus responds with the promise of a church that will overcome the very gates of Hades.
A reading from Matthew. 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY Ask a group of people to keep a secret, and you’re looking for trouble. More than likely, somebody will let it out. Especially if the secret is astonishing. Simon Peter is the first disciple to recognize that Jesus is the Messiah. He’s the first to discover that this man he knows so well is the one anointed by God, the Messiah sent to deliver Israel from bondage. Peter says so when Jesus asks him, point blank, “Who do you say that I am?”
~~~Peter’s answer marks him as the star student, and he receives his reward. Jesus promises to build his church upon the rock foundation of his faith. He gives Peter executive authority; promises to support him. Here Peter stands for the whole church. Jesus entrusts his mission to all who recognize him as the Messiah. What an amazing development! Now should be the time to call in the media, get out the word, let everybody know that the Messiah has come and is setting up his organization. But it’s not time for press releases, for photo opportunities, Facebook memes, or sound bites. Far from it.
~~~Did you notice the ending of today’s gospel? Here it is again: Jesus “sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” Nobody. Not a one. Mum’s the word. Stop the publicity. Keep the secret. Why is Jesus intent on keeping his being the Messiah a secret? Why not let it out? And now that he has admitted who he is, and the disciples all know it, does he really think that this secret can be kept? Won’t it travel from person to person with lightening speed?
~~~It’s not just this once that Jesus wants his identity to stay a secret. Repeatedly, throughout the gospels he tries to keep from becoming the talk of whatever town he’s in. Yet when he performs such deeds as healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the hungry, when he fulfills the messianic job description, how are people expected to keep his identity to themselves? And why should they? What he does in one community after another is a publicist’s dream. The guy’s got the makings of a star. He’s going to be big, really big.
~~~There’s a name for everything Jesus does to keep his identity a secret. Students of the Bible call this the Messianic Secret. What’s behind it? The most convincing explanation is that he does not want to be acknowledged as the Messiah outside his death and resurrection. Only in the light of those events can people begin to recognize what his being the Messiah really means. If they hear he is the Messiah before he even gets to the cross, they are sure to misunderstand him. Rather than being a messiah of sacrifice and triumph, they will see him as someone who has come to solve their problems, a Mr. Fix-It, a Superman, from on high. Rather than recognize him as the one who calls them to their own death and resurrection, the crowds are likely to view him as a messiah sent to pamper their egos, to make their lives comfortable. To leap tall building in a single bound. A divine vending machine.
~~~Jesus does not want his ministry to be seen in the wrong light. For this reason, he prefers that only his immediate circle know that he is the one God has sent. The opportunity will come later for them to announce that he is the Messiah. That opportunity will come once the crucifixion takes place and he returns from death. The Messianic Secret helps us understand what goes on in the gospel story, why Jesus sometimes behaves in a way that seems incomprehensible. But the Messianic Secret is more than that– it has a contemporary application for us, too.
~~~People in his own time were ready to misunderstand Jesus because they wanted, expected, a messiah of a different kind to be sent to them from God. People today are also ready to misunderstand Jesus. We want, we expect, a messiah different from the one sent to us. We expect someone who saves us easily and asks nothing much from us. We want a Jesus who doesn’t die, or at least doesn’t expect us to follow him in doing so-doing his work with our hands as long as we don’t get those hands dirty. While we hope for something easy, what the gospel offers us is a scandal. What does this scandal involve?
~~~First, we can know God best through this one man, a single life where the Word becomes flesh. But this is only the start of the scandal. The gospel goes on to insist that we know him most completely not through the notable events of his life, but by his terrible and painful dying on the cross and his incomprehensible resurrection.
~~~The scandal becomes even greater. His cross and triumph do not adequately reveal him until we become participants in them and accept them as our own. With Jesus, we must die to self and rise to new life in him if he is to be our Messiah, if we are to truly be his disciples, Christians, Christ-followers.
~~~In our time, the Messianic Secret has changed. Once it meant not announcing Jesus as the promised one until his death and resurrection revealed him completely. Now it means not announcing Jesus without the cross and the empty tomb, not announcing him unless we are ready to die and rise together with him. There are plenty of versions of Jesus in the world today. Once again he has become a star; he is big, really big. Some of these versions are authentic; many of them are not.
~~~What makes a version authentic is not a denominational or cultural label or any other marking likely to set us at ease. What makes a version of Jesus the real thing and not human fantasy is if it returns us to what is most important, what reveals divine love completely. We can’t welcome Jesus without the cross. We can’t welcome Jesus who remains dead. We can’t accept an easy messiah whose hands remain unwounded. We can’t accept discipleship without following him in self-sacrificing love. A Gospel of prosperity-if you pray right or believe right, you’ll get…that just doesn’t cut it with Jesus. A life blessed by living a cross-shaped life of loving God by loving others-NOT blessed with stuff-but blessed with life, joy, forgiveness, and hope is what the REAL Jesus offers.
~~~If we are to call ourselves Christians, members of his church, then we will accept the Messiah crucified and risen not only 2,000 years ago, but crucified and risen inside our own life as well. Then, and only then, are we dealing with the real Jesus. We will not keep the Messiah a secret. The world, the one where we spend our days, still waits for him. That world is dying to meet him –the REAL Jesus—through us as we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all people. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. A brief silence. Lord our rock, you are our foundation in Jesus Christ, your Son, whom we confess as the living God. Prepare your church for its mission in bearing witness to Christ, both here at home and throughout the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You call forth praises from the far reaches of the universe to the smallest of creatures. Join our songs to theirs, that a spirit of praise and thanksgiving will arouse us to cherish this wondrous home you give us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord. Direct the leaders of countries, legislators and magistrates, mayors and councils, to walk in your ways. Help leaders regard those in need with mercy and fulfill your loving purposes in the governance of peoples. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Though we walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve us, deliver us, and fulfill your purpose for us. According to your steadfast love, grant healing and wholeness to those who are bereaved, in trouble or adversity, or sick and in need of care (especially). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You call us into this community in which we, though many, are one in Christ. May we recognize in ourselves and in one another the unique gifts you have given us for the building up of the church for the sake of the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You are the everlasting Rock from which we were hewn, and you restore your people to joy and gladness. In blessed memory and hope, we thank you for the lives of our beloved dead. Bring us with them to our heavenly home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; 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 with grateful hearts for all God has done for us as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! 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
Our purpose at Hope is that we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all!
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: Jeremiah 15:15-21, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28
The July thru September Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS
Altar Guild – Barb & Larry Brady Ushers – Alan & Cindy Beicht
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
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
Joanne St. Amand as she mourns the death of her husband Arthur
John Greene, Millie’s husband, recovering from surgery
Suzette, Katie McClay’s friend who is recovering after colon cancer surgery,
Florence, Bob Kostrowsky’s aunt who is recovering in New Jersey
Lois, Lorraine Maass’ friend, in need of God’s healing presence
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Ava for healing
Jan Quinn as she mourns the death of her husband, Dick
Pr. Marilyn Robinson for healing and a safe move
The Family and Friends of Lisa as they mourn her death
Christine as she faces lung cancer treatment
Eddie and his family as he mourns the death of his son
Barbara Brady for healing after hand surgery
For all in the path of storms or fires
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 AT HOPE
JESUS LOVES YOU MINISTRY have an immediate need for bottled water, disposable razors and a countertop microwave.
BIBLE STUDY ON THE ACT OF THE APOSTLES ONLINE!!!!
Pr. Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis is hosting a new Bible Study based on the amazing book of Acts. If you would like to be a part of this group, please contact either the church office or Pr Cheryll directly at cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com and let her know to sign you up! Please join us as we discover anew the growth of the church in the earliest days and how that impacts our faith today!!
BLOOD DRIVE – The Suncoast Blood Drive Mobile Unit has been rescheduled for August 23rd between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM in our parking lot. A Covid-19 antibody test will be done on all successful blood donations.
MASKS – Our supply of masks is getting low. Any donation of additional masks would be greatly appreciated.
HOPE’S LOVE PANTRY. If anyone would like to donate nonperishable goods for our pantry, please put items on the shelves of our pantry located on the walkway to the left of the main entrance. Also, please let people in our area who may be in need, know that they may take some food from our pantry. No need to sign up. It is anonymous, no questions asked.
NEW FM RADIO STATION. Anyone can now listen to worship in their vehicles by tuning into FM Radio station 88.3. All services will be broadcast on radio station FM 88.3.
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.
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!!
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