April 22, 2022

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Upcoming Events

Music Remembrance Jazz Trio April 24 at 4:00pm at Hope Central Campus

Hope for the Future Scholarship Awards

April 29 at 6:00pm at Hope Central Campus

Hope Lake Weir Campus Refresh Day

April 30 at 8:30am to 1:00pm at Hope Lake Weir Campus - Lunch provided!

H.O.P.E. University Bible Challenge Begins

May 1 - Participate from home

Vespers Return

May 4 at 6:00pm at Hope Central Campus

Men of Hope Breakfast

May 12 at 8:00am at Hope Central Campus

Music Remembrance Jazz Trio at Hope Central Campus

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Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 4:00pm


Join us at Hope Central Campus for an evening of entertainment with The Music Remembrance Jazz Trio. They have been performing for concerts, jazz clubs and private and corporate events since 1990 in Florida.


They perform a mix of standards, fusion and dixieland and tailor concerts for each audience. The members of the Music Remembrance Jazz Trio are full time professional musicians that perform for Orlando Theme Parks. 


The concert is FREE and no tickets are required. 

Hope For the Future Scholarship Awards



Hope Lutheran Church is excited to celebrate this year's scholarship winners on April 29 at 6:00pm. Hope annually offers scholarships to seniors at area high schools and students planning to further their education.


Hope's scholarship program is unique in that it pairs each recipient with a mentor to help them adjust to the next phase of their education with regular discussions about any concerns and issues they may be facing. Our objective is to maximize the opportunities for student success through this is an ongoing ministry of Hope Lutheran Church.


Please join us in celebrating the scholarship winners on Friday, April 29 at

6:00pm at Hope Central Campus.

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Hope Lake Weir Campus Refresh Day


Saturday, April 30 from 8:30am to 1:00pm


There will be a "clean up" and "refresh" day on Saturday, April 30 at Hope Lake Weir Campus to improve the curb appeal of this beautiful location. All materials needed for the project will be on site and ready to install. 


Areas of work that are included: 

  • Carpentry - Put up a chair rail in the Narthex. Build a short wall by the music stand in the sanctuary. 
  • Landscaping - Planting and trimming bushes. Rebuilding a retainer wall in the front parking lot. 
  • Painters - Touch up walls inside the church/fellowship hall 
  • Power washing - Continue power washing out buildings and curbs 
  • Trees - Cut down and removal of a few palm trees 
  • Fellowship Hall & Kitchen - Straighten up closets/pantry and organize 


You may have noticed some changes that have already taken place at the Lake Weir Campus. New canopies for the two front entrances, power washing the building and surrounding sidewalks, a new stop sign which was donated and three concrete benches which were donated by David's Cycle Shop in Wildwood. 


Lunch will be served at 1:00pm for those who help with this project. If you would like to join us, please email Debbie Schuettler at dnj2335@gmail.com or Len Robertson at lvrobertson@aol.com. Let us know the area you would be able to work on Saturday, April 30. Thank you, C.I.A. (Christians In Action Project).

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Lake Weir Ladies Bible Study Looking for Dr. Dean Piper's Book on Revelations


The Lake Weir Ladies Bible Study is looking for some used books. Dr. Dean Piper provided two classes on Revelations in the last 8 years. His book is currently out of print. We have a few copies for our group and we need 6 more copies. 


If you have one at home, may we borrow it or buy it? Our Bible study group uses recycled books, and then provides them for others to use. If you have one you are willing to loan, sell or donate, please contact Denise at gardencrone@centurylink.net or 643-1010. She will make arrangements for you to leave it at the church office, or she will come pick it up. If you loan us the book, we will return it to you. Your help is appreciated.

Vespers to Return May 4


Vespers will return on May 4. There will be no Wednesday Evening Prayer on April 27.


During the middle of the year, Hope offers Wednesday Evening Prayer, also known as Vespers, every Wednesday at 6:00pm at Hope Central Campus.


Our Evening Prayer is a quiet, meditative way to end your day and bring peace to the middle of your week.


Consider enjoying one of our Wednesday Social Suppers, and then staying for Vespers!

March Golf Results


1st Place - 26

  • Otto & Mary Wentling
  • Drew & Sue Furuness


2nd Place - 27 (3 teams tied)

  • Jerry & Patsy Haggadone
  • Gary & Phyllis Hill


  • Les & Priscilla Broeker
  • Greg & Mary Veera


  • Pam Caudill
  • Peter Raatikka
  • Cindy Polster
  • Steve Atkinson


Pick up your winnings at the Church Office when you can. Also, previous winners can pick theirs up, too.

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H.OP.E. University Challenge

 

H.O.P.E. University presents the Hope Lutheran Church Bible Challenge. This is an invitation for anyone who would like to read the Bible to join us. It is our hope that as you read the Bible with us this year that you will develop the spiritual discipline that is daily reading and reflection on Scripture.


Brothers and sisters, it is in reading and reflection that we can more readily grow in our knowledge of God. We hope that you might take the time to write your own reflections in a journal or even in your Bible. (Yes, it is ok to write, underline, highlight, etc. in your Bible. You have your Pastors’ permission.)

 

People have found that a daily practice of reading the Bible is life-giving. It reminds us of the story of God and our place in it. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, nor are we the first to experience them. It shapes our hearts in ways that are best attributed to the Holy Spirit of God.

 

We hope that you will join us beginning May 1, as we read one chapter of the Bible daily throughout the year. Don’t worry if you miss a day. If this is a new discipline for you, then it will take time and energy to develop it.


To help everyone stay on track we are developing a location on the Learn tab of the Church Website, hope4all.church, that will list the chapters to read. It is never too late to join. It is never too late to pick it back up. We hope and pray you will invest in this discipline as we all seek to grow in our faith, and draw ourselves closer to God.


If you have any questions, please contact Pastor John LeCain at PastorJohn@hope4all.church

Click Here for the Bible Challenge May Schedule

Hope Singles Social Time


We are looking forward to beginning a "Singles Social Time" for members of Hope Lutheran Church. The purpose is for those who are interested in meeting together for fellowship, luncheons, breakfasts, games (such as bocce, shuffleboard, corn toss, etc.) at least once a month.


Interested? Want to share your ideas? Please contact Emilia Colageo at ecolageo@hotmail.com or (352) 399-6315.

Update on Gossner Seminary in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

 

From Rev. Dr. Manmasih and Neeraj Ekka, our missionaries:


Due to Covid-19, the seminary was closed (by government requirement) from March 2020 until October 2021. Seminary went online, and those students who lived in interior villages who could not get internet connections were asked to stay with their relatives or with pastors where they could get internet access. Some students were blessed to have good internet connection but most of them struggled. Some made tents (made up of sheets and plastic sheets) outside their homes and villages just to be able to attend online classes and do their homework and assignments in their smartphones. 


Neeraj and I kept very close contact with each of our students. Lockdown gave us all a different perspective of ministry. Students struggled in their studies as they were challenged to manage studies, ministries, and household chores.  

 

Classes resumed in November 2021, and students began their classes with much hope and excitement...but again, due to the Omicron variant, the government announced another lockdown in January 2022. Students were sent back home in January for another month. But since February 2022 all students are back on Campus. 


At present, there are 26 students on campus. Seminary degree is for 4 years. Here is a breakdown of students by year:

  • 1st Year students - 6
  • 2nd Year - none (due to lockdown in 2020, school could not enroll students)
  • 3rd Year - 6
  • 4th Year - 10
  • Evangelistic Training students (1 year program) - 4


In 2021, 10 students graduated and now serving in different churches in 7 different states of India.


We appreciate and thank God for your partnership, Hope Lutheran Church, and for your prayer and support for Ranchi Seminary since the birth of this seminary. Seminary began in July 2007. The late Rev. Dr. Duain Vierow and Donna Vierow, members of Hope Lutheran Church, were among those who were part of the visioning process. Your partnership has helped this seminary to equip many servants of God (both men and women) to fulfill the Great Commission. There are 90 pastors, 60 evangelists, and 6 missionaries who have graduated from Ranchi Seminary. There are 26 students, 8 full-time faculty, 1 part-time faculty member, and 5 non-teaching staffs. 


Recently the affiliation Body completed their visit, all the official process is complete now, and the seminary will be granted affiliation from the next school session 2022-23. Just received a message that students are preparing for their final exams which is scheduled in early April 2022. 

 

Some of the Blessings of Lockdown:


During lockdown while students were sent home, they had the opportunity to be part of ministry in their villages and churches. All had opportunity to serve people in need—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Many had opportunities to share the Gospel to those who have never heard the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ before. 


Some students and graduates started online prayer meetings and have continued even after lockdown. Many students and graduates started serving the poor and the needy in local levels. 


Neeraj and I appreciate your partnership to develop this seminary. This is indeed a Light House. We appreciate your prayers and support and assure you of our prayers. We have always felt your prayers in our daily lives. Thank you. 

Gatherings of Hope

Pastor Rani is leading Gatherings of Hope on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall at Hope Central Campus from 11:00am to 12:30pm.


This is a place to come and "just be". Plan to come and experience a wonderful community of support that cares for you no matter what you are going through. You are welcome to bring your lunch if you choose. Water, coffee/tea is provided.


Pastor Rani is currently leading us in the book of Psalms. 


All are welcome, including non-Hope members, so please invite your friends to join us.

Join Us for Faith & Fellowship

Faith & Fellowship is now meeting at all Hope campuses! However, if you are unable to join in person, you can still be a part of Faith & Fellowship online.


All are welcome, including non-Hope members, so please invite your friends to join the fun.


The Zoom link is active on Mondays at 9:30am every week, so those who cannot attend in person can use the link below to join the conversations online. Meeting ID: 952 5901 4615. Join by phone: (929) 205-6099. ID: 95259014615# 

Click Here to Access the Zoom Link

Worship Attendance for April 16-17, 2022

Central Campus:

Maundy Thursday AM = 71

Maundy Thursday PM = 139

Tenebrae = 415

4:00pm = 268

6:00pm = 103

Sunrise = 135

8:00am = 341

10:00am = 655

Lake Weir Campus:

Good Friday AM = 83

Easter Vigil = 50

Sunrise = 140

10:00am = 112

Everglades Rec Center:

Sunrise = 103

8:00am = 85

10:00am = 185

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Flowers for the Week Given By...


David & Hope Renton in honor of their 51st wedding anniversary (at Hope Lake Weir Campus)

 

Barbara Sivi for prayers, love and support during my lengthy illness (at Hope Central Campus)


In Memoriam

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Jeanette Miller died on Sunday, April 17. She was born on April 9, 1941. She and her husband, Vic, were married on September 19, 1951. The joined Hope Lutheran Church on December 14, 2008.


Arrangements are pending at this time. Please keep Vic and their family in your hearts and prayers.

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Jack Halb also died on Sunday, April 17. Jack was born on May 21, 1932. He and his wife, JoAnn, were married on February 23, 1952. They joined Hope on February 25, 2007.

 

Arrangements are pending at this time. Please keep JoAnn and their family in your hearts and prayers.



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Gilbert (Gil) Smeiska died on April 21, 2022. Gil was born on June 20, 1927. He and Ginny were married on April 17, 1977. They joined Hope Lutheran Church on September 30, 2001.

 

Arrangements pending at this time. Please keep Ginny and their family in your hearts and prayers during their time of grief.

Scripture Reading for

April 23-24


Psalm 145:13-21

John 20:19-31

Scripture Reading for

April 30 - May 1


Acts 9:1-19

Matthew 4:24

Hope Lutheran Church Office Hours

Monday to Thursday - 8:00am to 4:00pm Friday - 8:00am to 3:00pm

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