My dearest Hope Family- Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
~~~Mary Davis wrote something quite profound: “Speaking a few kind words might be the most important thing you will do today.” Simple. Direct. True.
~~~Over these past months, the Holy Spirit has been knocking on my heart with a simple directive: Be Kind. Kindness has taken up a lot of my thought process and been a focus of my prayers. How to be kind-what kindness is-what kindness looks like-how to empower kindness-how to be more kind. It’s been said that kindness is the most important tool to spread love among humanity. It can be done in ways big and small, in words, thoughts, gestures, prayers. Kindness spreads love. As a proud Pennsylvanian, I share what William Penn wrote: “I expect to pass through life but once, . If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” Or, as H. Swanepoel wrote: “Kindness is love made visible.”
~~~So here’s the thing-as followers of Jesus, Christians (which literally means Christ-followers), we are commanded by Jesus to love one another. Love one another-that means being kind to one another. In a world that seems to be increasingly unkind, where ugly words and actions and thoughts have been normalized in an appalling way, the best thing we can do as faithful Christians is to love one another through kindness.
~~~We are starting a Book Club which will meet at Hope beginning June 16, reading the book Human Kind by Brad Aronson. I urge you to sign up in the narthex and join us. As we read and discuss this book, we will also be working on plans and strategies to empower us to be bolder in our kindness. We will figure out some things for individuals as well as groups to do in order to spread the love, spread the kindness in Jesus’ name. At Hope Lutheran Church, we want to be known as the people who are kind and loving-and each and every one of us can do things everyday to show kindness. No matter our circumstances, kindness and love are always possible and we are going to work at growing our kindness and love so that it can shine even more brightly in Jesus’ name as we follow his lead.
~~~Henry James wrote: “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” 😊 Being kind-it’s the most important thing we can do and be in our lives-today and everyday.
~~~A blessed week of Easter 7 be with you all! Love to each of you through Jesus, Pr. Jen Schaefer+
Set out and light a candle, perhaps the one you used last night at the Vigil. You may wish to have a bowl of water as a reminder of your baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Prayer of the Day Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Gospel: John 17:6-19 In this reading the church hears Jesus’ words on the night before his death—his prayer for his disciples and for all who would believe in him through their words. [Jesus prayed:] 6“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
HOMILY, “That they may be one.” We might be tempted to say, “Who are you kidding, Jesus? It didn’t happen in your time. Did you imagine it would ever happen in ours?” But Jesus told his followers that they should be one in this world, in their culture and their time. It goes along with Jesus always reminding them that the Kingdom of Heaven is here – not just something that will come in the next world. So, this may be one of the most puzzling verses in the gospels, and Jesus says it several times, in several different ways. He says it always as a very positive statement, not as a question, “Wouldn’t it be nice if they became one as you and I are one?” He says it as if he expects this to happen. He says it as if he thinks we understand what he’s talking about. Either Jesus is wrong, or we’re wrong. Should we take a vote on that? How many of you think Jesus doesn’t understand the tendency for human beings to be divisive? ?? Now, how many of you think we may be misunderstanding what Jesus means when he calls us to unity? ~~~It’s pretty much a guarantee that Jesus knows what he’s talking about. It’s probably our misunderstanding of “unity” and “respect” that is at stake here. We may not even understand truly what it means to “be one as Jesus and the Father are one.” It’s hard enough to understand human nature as evident in our lack of understanding of people and cultures who are different from us. How can we ever understand the unity to which Jesus calls us-the unity within the Trinity? And how are we supposed to live like that? ~~~We need to go back to Maundy Thursday and the words Jesus spoke to us that night before his death. The command of Jesus from Maundy Thurs rings in our ears: Love one another. That doesn’t mean we are all the same. It doesn’t mean everyone has to do things JUST. LIKE. US, although that’s usually what we mean in our society. Being the same is not the basis of unity. Love is the basis of unity.
~~~When St. Paul said there was no more male or female, Jew or Greek, slave or free, he certainly didn’t mean that men and women morphed into some other form of human being or that Jews and Greeks would suddenly become one new nationality. He meant that each of us in our uniqueness would look with love on all the other precious creatures of God. He meant that we would see beauty in the gifts others have and join together to build the Kingdom of God. Celebrating the diversity as a gift.
~~~As Americans, we find division in so many areas of our lives today.. Watch any news program today and we find ourselves immersed in the evils of war, poverty, political divisons, racism, gun violence, fanaticism and greed. We’re becoming used to seeing horrific killings brought right into our living rooms from across our land. How do we feel when we see this? Are we horrified enough to go right to prayer, not only for those being killed, but for those doing the killing? Are we sickened enough to take action to promote justice and peace and kindness and unity ? If we take Jesus’ words in his High Priestly Prayer seriously, we’ll hear that all of his love and concern is there for us. All we need to do is believe it and then let it guide our words and actions. ~~~Who knows? Some of us might be called to do something public – to write, to join an activist group, to lead others in helping those less fortunate, to get involved in challenging harmful political issues. Others of us will lead by our prayers and our lives lived through kindness and love. Everything we do in Jesus’ name-big or small-makes a difference—What we do is one more thing done in the world to share his love-our best and only defense against the evil one. Loving God by loving others—the cross-shaped life to which Jesus calls us as we live in unity with him and each other.
~~~We can do this if we are willing to be transformed by God’s love. This is the love shown us in Jesus’ death on the cross and God raising him at Easter. Love in its clearest form—a love that unifies and builds up. There could be no greater gift.
~~~All this is our heritage. These gifts are ours if we only believe it and open our hearts and minds to God’s guidance and strength. It’s pretty powerful stuff, all these things we learn in scripture, and it’s not just words of history or good thoughts. Jesus is the form of God that we may see and touch-he is part of the One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who loves us—the God who calls us to love. In our baptism we promise to respect the dignity of every human being. We promise to make the Good News known to all. And we begin all this by sharing the breaking of the bread, given for all without exception, so that as we receive the Body of Christ, we BECOME the Body of Christ, sent out in love, for the sake of our broken world. Lord, help us be one. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
~~~Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love. A brief silence.
~~~Holy God, in Christ Jesus the joy of the church is made complete. Root the church in your Word and unify us as Christ’s body. Send us into the world as your loving people, ready to testify to your Spirit at work. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
~~~Mighty God, the world is your handiwork, displaying your creative impulse. Seas teem with life, forests reach up to praise you, and the mystery of life lies deep in the soil. Guard and keep this world for the well-being of all your creatures. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Gracious Sovereign, those who follow your ways are like trees planted near streams of water. Establish the leaders of nations and all in authority in your grace and truth. Strengthen them, so that the people they serve will have abundant life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
~~~Generous Savior, you befriend those who are sick, suffering, poor, lonely, outcast, rejected, or sick. Grant healing and love to all in need ( especially). Give them tangible signs of your steadfast love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
~~~Creator God, here in this community we share the gift of praying, learning, and supporting one another. Give us thankful hearts as we claim the gifts that are unique to us and keep us from being envious of others with different gifts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
~~~Saving God, your wonderful promise is the gift of eternal life in Jesus. Through the witness of those who have died in you, strengthen us now in this gift of life. We cherish the memory of your saints ( especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
~~~In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
~~~The blessing of the living God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, surround and sustain us, keep us from harm, and fill us with courage. Amen.
~~~Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Let us go out into the world in peace, sharing the Good News of Jesus and his rising from the dead, as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! Thanks be to God!
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: Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
The April thru June Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS FINANCIAL INFO APRIL 2021
Altar Guild: Candy Ogden 2021 YTD Offerings $48,494
Usher: Karl Kaukis 2020 YTD Offerings $47,325
Counters: Pr. Cheryll & Karl Kaukis 2019 YTD Offerings $55,175
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:
Phil & Monica for healing and God’s presence
Pat Hinton for prayers for ongoing healing
Family of Frank Pereone as he joined the Lord in heaven.
Kim & Bruce, family of Jill Mead, in need of healing.
Cyndi and Fred for healing
Ken Zwara for healing
Vinny for healing
Ian for sure and strong presence of God’s healing grace
Doris Puerner for healing
Marirose for a healthy pregnancy
Helen for healing
Kristin, Ron and Carolyn Rasmussen’s daughter, for healing after surgery
Dawn Seibert for healing
Carol for healing, hope, and God’s will.
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.
John Greene, Millie’s husband, for strength and healing
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Larry and Barbara Brady, as they focus on healing.
Jason and family for healing
NEW AT HOPE
HOPE BOOK CLUB Beginning in mid-June, we will begin a book club for 5-6 consecutive Wednesday between 10:00-11:00AM in the Fellowship Hall. The book Human Kind by Brad Aronson will be discussed over these weeks in order to produce ideas and strategies to implement more kindness in our world. Books are being ordered – please let Pr. Jen know if you would like one. More details to come!!!!
KIWANIS SHOES FOR KIDS PROJECT –will begin the week of June 20 and run through July 25, 2021. –
CRAFT SALE Linda Kraigenow will be selling her gorgeous homemade gemstone jewelry at the North Port Craft Fair on July 17, 2021 between 10:00 and 3:00 at the George Mullen Center Gymnasium, 1602 Krame Way, North Port, FL. Linda graciously donates all proceeds to support Hope Lutheran Church.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY evenings will be returning this summer. Get ready for some socialization and game playing. If you have ideas or suggestions, please contact Pr. Jen or Fran
SAVE THE DATE – Hope Lutheran Bazaar scheduled for December 4, 2021.If you know of any vendors that would like to rent space please contact Fran Kostrowsky.
HOPE LOVE PANTRY – The pantry could use canned meat, fruits, juice, juices, toiletries and snack items or monetary donations. Thank you for your continued support and donations. This is our opportunity to serve God and share Christ’s love with all.
MONDAY BIBLE STUDY on God sightings every Monday at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
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.
2021 HOPE LUTHERAN COUNCIL MEMBERS
Pastor Jennifer Schaefer 813.391.2027 hopeluthern1@comcast.net
President Jill Mead 941.350.5209 jillmead3059@gmail.com
Vice President Linda Kraignow 941.623.9188 lindak41549@gmail.com
Secretary Roberta Balint 941.830.2381 roberta.in.paradise@gmail.com
Treasurer Karl Kaukis 405.334.1511 karl@kaukis.com
Financial Secretary Lorraine Maass 540.419.5961 yar0227@ymail.com
Pr. Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis 405.762.0564 cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com
Fran Kostrowsky 813.316.5295 fkostrowsky@gmail.com
Candy Ogden 217.899.7086 roncandyogden92@gmail.com
Donna Turner 941.276.4696 jag01@embarqmail.com
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