2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd • Winter Haven, FL 33884



Hope-Line Newsletter
January/February 2009

 

DEACONS’ VITAL ENGAGEMENT WITH COMMUNITY 
WINS GENEROUS SUPPORT

A HUGE THANK-YOU to everyone who contributed Christmas gifts to the foster children through the Rudolph Round-Up program coordinated by the agency Heartland for Children. We were able to help make a more Merry Christmas for 100 area foster children. The staff from Heartland were very impressed with how wonderful all our gifts were. Thanks for supporting this worthy cause. 

We have recently distributed monies you have contributed to the Deacons’ Fund to the following: The Red Cross, Thornwell Home and a family in need from Hope Creative School. We also supplied a new water cooler for our Boy Scout Troop 565. Please refer to the Annual Report for the listing of all the missions the Deacons’ Fund has supported for 2008 and also a complete run-down of the Deacons activities for the past year. 

We look forward to continuing to serve our community. We would be happy to consider supporting any organization or program that may be of special interest to you. Please feel free to make your request known and our Mission Committee of the Deacons will give consideration to your cause. 

We had a nice turnout for the Bar-B-Que following worship on November 30. Profits from this lunch go to the support of community missions. The Youth of Hope helped with this event and received a portion of the profit to benefit their program. Although Rob Bagby has completed his term as deacon, he has offered to lend us his expertise and help from the Swamp Boys to prepare more Bar-B-Ques this year! Yummy! 

I look forward to another year as Moderator of the Deacons. One of my main goals is to keep the congregation informed as to what we do and how we, through you, serve and support the community. We are blessed with a wonderful Board of Deacons who give freely of their time and service. We look forward to another year of outreach and opportunity to share God's love to others. 

— Marsha Long, Moderator 

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SUPER SATURDAY 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LAKELAND will host the annual event for Church Officers. Church leaders, and everyone else too are invited to Super Saturday - January 24, a day of inspiration training and workshops for church leaders. Informative workshops include options for new elders, finance committees, family systems theory, spiritual gifts, Presbyterian belief and much more. Events begin at 9 a.m. See Tom or Holly for registration information. 

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WHAT IS “PER CAPITA” 

EACH YEAR A PAYMENT MUST BE MADE TO THE PRESBYTERY of Tampa Bay for the number of members of our church. This “Per Capita” payment of $15.05 is required for each member whether or not that member can contribute financially to the mission of the church. In 2009 our “Per Capita” expense totals $7,976.50. Members are urged to use the “Per Capita” envelope mailed with year-end statements. Please remember that “Per Capita” means per member. So if there are two members in your household, or three or four, the amount of your family’s “Per Capita” is doubled or tripled, etc. 

— Budget and Finance Committee 

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FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE

DEADLINE FOR NEXT HOPE-LINE 

THE NEXT HOPE-LINE mailing will be March 18. Articles must be received in the Church Office by March 2, 2009 to appear in the March/April issue. 
As always, thank you for helping us see that the News­letter is published in a timely manner. 

SCHEDULING REQUESTS 

PLEASE HELP US avoid scheduling conflicts of the facilities. All requests for facility use must be submitted to the Church Office for approval. 

Facility Use Forms are provided in the Church Office for your convenience. Once your event is approved, it will be entered on the Master Church Calendar. For questions please contact Marti in the Church Office (324-6382). Thank you for your help. 

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

Sundays at Hope

Adults – Adult Bible Studies continue Room 234 every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.  Please join us for in­depth studies, topical videos and lots of discussion. 

Children – Don’t forget every Sunday morning during the 10:30 a.m. worship service, the children will be invited sometime during the service to join Children’s
Church in the Sunrise Library.  Busy Bags are available in the Narthex. 

Nursery – is available from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. in Room 246. 

Adult Library – Just a note of thanks to Florence Saunders for being such a dedicated and well organized Librarian.  We will miss you and appreciate all the hard work you have put into keeping our Adult Library in order.  Welcome Lila Ptak and thank you for taking over the Librarian position.  we look forward to seeing your smiling face.

Children's Library – The Sunrise Library is looking for overdue books.  If you think you might have one on your bookshelf at home, please return so that others may enjoy.

Attention:  We need your help!  We are so happy that the children have enjoyed the use of the Busy Bags; however, several of them, along wit6h Children's Worship books have disappeared.  If you have one of these at home, please return it so that others may enjoy them, too.

Youth – Christmas has come and gone.  It's time for a new year and a new you.  It's not too late to make your New Year Resolutions.  Having fun, making friends, being involved with your church and community should be at the top of your list.  What better place to get started than your friendly neighborhood youth group.  Come see what it's all about as we gear up for many special events, parties, retreats, movies, and much more!

Youth Groups

Grades 4-6 (rm. 204)  5:30-6:30 p.m.
Grades 7-12 (rm. 200)  6:00-7:00 p.m.

Regular Meetings:

January 25
February 8, 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15
March 20-22 - High School Beach Retreat

Dates to Remember:

January 26 - Hope Book Club, 10 a.m., Sunset Room
February 1 - Souper Bowl Sunday Offering; wear your favorite football jersey
February 7 - Youth Car Wash, 8 a.m.-12 noon during the Bazaar
February 22 - Youth Dinner
February 23 - Hope Book Club, 10 a.m., Sunset Room
March 20-22 - High School Beach Retreat
April 5 - Palm Sunday - Youth and Children, Palm processional
April 9 - Maundy Thursday service in the Gardens, Youth of Hope participants
April 12 - Easter Eggstravaganza, 9:45 a.m. in the Gardens of Hope

Youth and Children of Hope participating in scenes from The Nativity
Christmas 2008

— Holly Dills, Director of Christian Education

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HOPE CREATIVE SCHOOL

Happy New Year!

The children returned with smiles on their faces.
The parents all smiled as kids returned to their spaces.
The cookies and cupcakes and fudge were all eaten,
Until all our diets were completely defeated.
We thanked God all season for the blessings bestowed
And will keep those same prayers for the years yet to come.

God Bless and Happy New Year from Hope Creative School!

Upcoming Events:

1/13 & 1/14 - Pikture Man
1/19 & 1/20 - No school
1/29 - Dad's Day
2/16 - No school
2/25 - Ash Wednesday service
2/27 - Mom's Day

Please join us and if you have any questions, please contact us at 324-6377.

— Julie Wilson, Director

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PURPOSE OF PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF THE CONGREGATION 

Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ,
and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves: 

  • To nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study,

  • To support the mission of the church worldwide,

  • To work for justice and peace, and

  • To build an inclusive, caring community of women that 
    strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 
    and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom. 

NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS WERE INSTALLED in a brief ceremony held during the Ladies’ Christmas Tea on December 7, 2008. The new officers for 2009 are: Moderator Patrice Hatley, Vice-Moderator Cyndi Bloom, Secretary PeggyAnn White and Treasurer Donna Phillips. Many thanks were given to Nancy Porter, outgoing Moderator and hostess of the Christmas Tea for her tireless service. Nancy will continue to chair efforts around our large events like the church’s annual bazaar. Judi Randolph read an inspiring ‘letter from Joseph’, perfect for the Christmas season. In the coming year, Judi will be our church’s liaison to both Presbytery retreat event planning and also to the Winter Haven chapter of Church Women United. Roberta Ackerman, Jeanie Madaus and Ann Wainscott continue in their roles as leaders of the Ladies Circle groups. We acknowledged the many quiet ways the women of Hope contribute to good causes, including the ongoing sponsorship of two young girls in India. 

About 100 ladies attended the festive Christmas Tea and were charmed by each other and enjoyed the delightful tea service. The treats were scrumptious and the china was lovely. 

What to watch for in the coming weeks and months – 

  • More circles will be added with a special focus on meeting the needs of women who have children at home and/or women who prefer to meet in the afternoon. 
  • News and notes about the special ways Hope’s Women contribute to our purpose. 
  • February 7 – big Annual Church Bazaar. Lots to do!* 
  • February 21 – Tampa Bay Presbytery Annual Gathering of Women 
  • March 6 – World Day of Prayer Church Women United Celebration* 
  • April 18 – Hope Fashion Show and Luncheon* 
  • April 27-29 – Presbytery Women’s Retreat 
*See related Hope-Line articles! 


JOIN A CIRCLE FOR BIBLE STUDY, 
FELLOWSHIP AND REFRESHMENT 

Circles I, II, and III 
Meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., Church Parlor 
Roberta Ackerman (299-5021), Leader

Circle IV 
Perkins Restaurant, Cypress Gardens Boulevard 6 p.m. – Monday, February 2 Jeanie Madaus (326-6056); Denise McGrath (326-1260), Leaders 

ALL WOMEN OF THE CHURCH ARE INVITED TO ATTEND any of the above circles, as well as the special Gatherings held in Friendship Hall. As the opportunities arise, details will be found in the Sunday bulletin. 

Presbyterian Women – Changing the World – February 21 

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN FROM ALL OVER THE AREA will be meeting in Clearwater at Peace Memorial Church for the Annual Gathering on Saturday February 21. Hope’s women are invited to attend and to proudly carry the Hope Presbyterian worship banner in the opening procession. The banner was made years ago by Hope’s women and was displayed recently during our own 50th anniversary celebration. The speaker for the PW Annual Gathering is Betsy Berry of the 2008 Global Mission Exchange. The theme for the day is a powerful one: Presbyterian Women Changing the World. Judi Randolph is Hope’s coordinator for our participation in this important event. She is going to help with registration and carpooling, so please see her soon to get your name added to the growing list of Presbyterian Women who are indeed changing the world! Judi is available at 324-9207. 

World Day of Prayer Church Women United Celebration – March 6! 

HOPE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN have participated in the local Winter Haven chapter of Church Women United since 1960. Our annual bazaar funds our membership in the organization. Carolyn Wheeler, Jeanie Madaus and other women of Hope have been actively involved on our behalf for a long time. This year Judi Randolph has taken the lead for Hope Church. Church Women United is a racially, culturally, theologically inclusive Christian women’s movement, celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice. “Strengthening Families Worldwide in the 21st Century” is it’s priority. Last March we had the opportunity to host the World Day of Prayer Church Women United Celebration at Hope Church. This event will be hosted by the women of Winter Haven’s First Presbyterian Church. This is a multi-cultural event, and will include women from several local churches. All Women of Hope are encouraged to participate in this important and sure-to-be memorable and meaningful event the morning of Friday, March 6. Call Judi Randolph (324-9207) for further information! 

Hope Women to Host Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon on April 18! 

THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF HOPE CHURCH are planning a real treat for us to enjoy this spring. Save the date! Saturday, April 18 beginning at noon we will gather for a time of female fellowship, lunch and enjoy some of our own women modeling the latest casual and formal spring and summer fashions. Dillard’s of Eagle Ridge Mall is our fashion supply source and we are thrilled to be the recipient of their expertise (and clothes). Mary Kaylor is Hope’s own retired­from-the-fashion-industry consultant and she is coordinating plans with Dillard’s store manager Shannon Lewis on our behalf. We will need 12-15 model volunteers to give us a hand. Each will wear two different outfits for the show. We are aiming to represent a range of shapes and ages, so don’t be offended if we tell you we already have enough models. We’d like to have teens through great-great-grandmothers in the show! Watch for more details as our plans are being made. There will be a few surprises! 

— Patrice Hatley, Presbyterian Women Moderator

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Annual Church Bazaar to be held on Saturday, February 7! 

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT, but the Annual Bazaar is right around the corner. Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, February 7, 2009! This is the BIG ONE, folks! It’s sure to be another great event, judging from the great donations we’ve received so far. 

Thanks to many of you for the items you’ve already donated to the sale. Keep it coming!! We can accept donations right up until Saturday, January 31. Please don’t wait till the last minute. You can either leave small boxes or items in the Friendship Hall service area or give Nancy Porter a call (324-4837) regarding larger items. (We don’t sell clothing, though.) The Bazaar Committee will be working every Thursday morning until the Bazaar to make sure we are prepared and organized. If you are bringing fragile items, like sets of dishes, please make an effort to loosely wrap them so they don’t get broken as we transport things. 

Remember the old saying, “one person’s trash is someone else’s treasure”. Keep those treasures coming, folks! 

HELP WANTED!!! Want a sneak peek at what’s for sale at the big annual Bazaar? How about volunteering to help? We will need manly men with trucks to move stuff from the trailers into the building. Also need lots of ladies who love to bake goodies to make treats for the bake sale. Real and wannabe interior decorators and merchandisers will be needed to unpack things and make displays look attractive. Of course we’ll need lots of friendly folks (guys and gals) who like to interact with others to welcome shoppers and help them buy a lot of stuff! We’ll get started with set-up Wednesday through Friday, February 4-6 in preparation for the BIG DAY on Saturday February 7. It’s fun and you get to know many church people in a rolled-up-sleeves sort of way. Call Nancy Porter (324-4837) if you can help out. She’s the bazaar boss lady. 

— Patrice Hatley, Bazaar Committee

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THE HISTORY OF THE EASTER LILY 

THE HISTORY OF THE EASTER LILY is a combination of both myth and symbol. Not only has the lily come to represent the renewal of life and rebirth of the spirit, it is also symbolic of innocence and purity. 

According to the legend of all flowers in the Garden of Gethsemane, the beautiful pure white lily was the most beautiful. The lily, however, was very aware of its great beauty and stood tall, its blossoms held high, to show itself to all who passed through the garden. 

The night before He was to be crucified, Jesus came to the peaceful garden to pray. He prayed and He wept, causing all of the flowers of the garden to bow their heads in great pity and sorrow for Jesus. The pride filled lily, however, did not bow its head. 

On Good Friday the lily learned that the sorrowing Jesus would die. In humiliation and anguish at its proud behavior of the night before, the lily now bowed its head in shame and sorrow. Since then the beautiful Easter lily remembers its sorrow by growing with down turned blossoms. 

EASTER LILY ORDER FORM

Easter lilies will be used again to decorate the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 12. The cost is $10 each. If you would like to order a lily either In Memory Of or In Honor Of, please return the completed order form with your check (made payable to Hope Presbyterian Church) to the Church Office or place it in the offering plate before Monday, March 23. A complete listing of donors and the persons being memorialized or honored will be printed in the April 12 bulletin. Lilies will be taken to the sick and shut-in of our congregation after the worship service on April 12. 

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Name __________________________  Phone Number _________________ 
Number Lilies Ordered _____  Amount Enclosed ___________
In Memory of ___________________________________________________
In Honor of ____________________________________________________ 

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WORSHIP COMMITTEE NEWS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

WE LIKE TO THINK OF OUR CHURCH as a friendly and welcoming place, and it is! In the quarter hour before worship, our Sanctuary is busy with greetings and conver­sation. The Worship Committee affirms the value of this time and also reminds us that as the Chimes and Prelude call us to worship, many worshipers enjoy the quiet moments of reverence and preparation. This growing stillness at the beginning of worship is a good thing too. In the same way that we all help to make Hope a friendly church, let us also encourage one another in gifts of reverence as worship begin. 

THE NURSERY, located in the Christian Education Building, is available at the 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. worship services for toddlers three years of age and under. 

THE FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER, a friendly atmosphere for infants and toddlers, is located beside the Control Room and is available for parents with live audio feed at the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. worship services. 

THE 2009 FLOWER CALENDAR and yellow sign-up sheets are on the stand in the Narthex. When you sign up please fill in the yellow information sheet at that time and place in the offering plate or return to the church office. Cost of flowers is $50 and you may share the cost with a friend. Please make check payable to Hope Presbyterian Church and indicate that the check is for Chancel Flowers. 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES began with the Choir and Youth of Hope giving a special presentation in the lighting of the Advent Candle each Sunday of Advent from November 30 to December 24. The Cantata, under direction of Ada Gribble, was outstanding. There have been so many compliments on the presentation of the Nativity and the Tableau Vivant. The Youth of Hope under the leadership of Holly Dills and Stacy Woodward, did a tremendous job at the Christmas Sunday Family Worship Service and Christmas Eve Worship Service. The music was outstanding at the Christmas Sunday Family Worship Service and Christmas Eve Worship Service. The Deacons ushered at both services, set out the luminaries, and as always managed to get through anything that was not on the schedule. The Elders graciously served communion at both services and did the lighting of the candles at the candlelight service. Special thanks to Dr. Tom and Mari McGrath for the lighting, crèche, and props. Special thanks also to Hope’s Office Staff who worked so hard in perfecting the bulletins. So many people were involved in these services, that I cannot name them all. Thank you to all that were involved and graciously gave your time. 

ASH WEDNESDAY 

MORNING PRAYERS AND HOLY COMMUNION 
February 25, 2009 - 9 a.m. - Sanctuary 

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2009 – First Sunday of Lent 

HOLY WEEK 
WORSHIP SCHEDULE 


PASSION/PALM SUNDAY– APRIL 5 

8:30 a.m. Worship 
Sermon - Dr. McGrath 
10:30 a.m. Worship – Palms Processional 
Sermon - Dr. McGrath 
Chancel Choir, Children and Youth participation 


MAUNDY THURSDAY FAMILY WORSHIP 
APRIL 9 – 7 p.m. – Gardens of Hope 

Meditation – Dr. McGrath and Youth of Hope 
Holy Communion 


CELEBRATION OF THE RESURRECTION 
Sunday – April 12 

7:45 a.m. Easter Sunrise Worship – Gardens of Hope 
Fellowship Hour – 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. 
8:30 a.m. Worship 
Chancel Choir, Bell Choirs 

Sermon - Dr. McGrath Holy Communion 
9:45 a.m. – Eggstravaganza – Gardens of Hope 
Children grade 4 and younger 
10:30 a.m. – Worship 
Chancel Choir, Bell Choirs 
Sermon - Dr. McGrath 
Holy Communion 

SPECIAL THANK YOU’S TO: 

Jim and Linda Eubanks for donating a new refrigerator for the Sacristy. 

Members and Friends of Hope who have given Chancel Flowers throughout the year. 

The Worship Committee deeply appreciates these gifts and wishes to give special thanks for those who have given to the Parament Fund. 

— Helen Herge, Worship Committee Moderator

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CONGRATULATIONS to Carrie Bilancio, former Director of Hope Creative School, on being selected as “Teacher of the Year at Spook Hill Elementary School in Lake Wales, Florida. Carrie teaches first grade.

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HOPE MEN’S LUNCHEON GROUP 

THE HOPE MEN’S LUNCHEON GROUP was revived during the fourth quarter of 2008 and it seems to be doing well. So far, a total of 20 men have expressed interest in getting together each month when able to do so. We are hopeful that this number will grow. 

In 2009 we will meet on the last Wednesday of the month. If there is enough interest, we will meet through the month of May, then take the summer off and resume in the fall. 

Luncheon dates will be announced in the Hope-Line and also in the Sunday bulletin, and on a sign posted in the church narthex the Sunday before each luncheon. 

If you have not yet joined us, plan to give it a try and enjoy good Christian fellowship with the men of Hope. 

And remember, you are not committing to attend every month . . . just be there when you can. If you have any questions or wish to express an interest in attending, please call Don Combee at 318-1789. 

Hope to see you at our next Luncheon: Wednesday, January 28, 12 noon, Perkins Restaurant on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. 

— Don Combee, Coordinator 

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JOY OFFERING TOTAL $1,030 

Thank You! 

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FEBRUARY FELLOWSHIP DINNER 
Wednesday, February 11 
– 5:30 p.m., Friendship Hall – 

LET’S CLOWN AROUND! 

OUR FEBRUARY 11 FELLOWSHIP DINNER menu is going to entice you, and our program for the evening will thrill you! Professional clowns Mums and Pops (aka Ron and PeggyAnn White) will entertain us with music, magic, and of course those silly balloon animals. It took Pops 10 weeks of clown school with the Tall Cedars organization in Pennsylvania to finally get it right, but we’re sure you will love him! Seriously, it takes a lot of work to learn the trade, not to mention a very personalized outfit to wear with a touch of makeup. They’ve entertained a wide variety of audiences with shows and parade antics, too. Mums is Pops’ adorable assistant. They told me privately that they don’t eat or drink since clowns are really a fantasy. Huh? Just how do they keep up that wonderful energy? Come see for yourselves! 

Menu 
Salad bar, oven-fried chicken, rolls 
Chocolate fountain and assorted valentine desserts 

Cost 
$7.50 (adults); $3 (children) 
$20 (family of 4) 
$3 each for additional family members 

Reservations are required!! 
Please check the “reservations box” on the church pew pad or call the church office by Monday, February 9!! 

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CLOSING THOUGHT 
Guidance means that I can count on God; Commitment means that God can count on me!! 

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HAVE YOU SEEN HOPE'S WEBSITE?
www.hopepreswh.org

We are grateful to Ava Vanyo, Hope’s Webmaster, for all her many efforts given to this vital ministry.  Many hours are involved keeping the website current and user friendly.  When you see Ava at worship, remember to stop and say "Hi" and THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!  On the website are Dr. McGrath’s sermons, Chancel Choir music, special music, monthly calendar, newsletters, special events, community outreach, and much more.

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On January 6, 2009, Hope Creative School families began drop-off/pick-up of their children at two locations outside of the Education Building. From 8:40a.m.- 9:05a.m. children can be dropped off at the back drive door of the Education Building if their class is in the west hallway. If their class is in the east hallway they are dropped off at the porte-cochere. These same locations are used for pick-up from 11:45a.m.-12:05p.m.  

If the weather is inclement, all children will be dropped off and picked up at the porte-cochere. We are excited about this new procedure and are sure the families will enjoy it too!

— Julie Wilson, Director Of Hope Creative School

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PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Great Spirit, whose breath gives life to the world, and whose voice is heard in the soft breeze:  We need your strength and wisdom.  Cause us to walk in beauty. Give us eyes ever to behold the red and purple sunset. Make us wise so that we may understand what you have taught us.  Help us learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.  Make us always ready to come to you with clean hands and steady eyes, so when life fades like the fading sunset, our spirits may come to you without shame. Amen.

— Native American Prayer, Methodist Hymnal (Contributed by Nancy Reddout) 

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HOST/HOSTESSES NEEDED FOR 2009 MORNING FELLOWSHIP COFFEE TIME!

Sign up now to get your preferred Sunday to host Fellowship Time from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. It’s easy and provides you with opportunity to visit with many folks as they leave the 8:30 service and also folks who are arriving for the10:30 service. What you need to do: bring some snack treats, some orange juice, maybe a table decoration, and invite church-goers to enjoy your refreshments along with conversation. The coffee will already be made for you, and a table readied for your treats. Hosting Coffee Fellowship is easy and rewarding, yet it only takes about an hour of your time. Choose an important celebration date for yourself or pick one at random, but don’t miss the chance to be a host!  Partner with others, maybe friends, family, neighbors. You tidy up a bit when it’s time for the 10:30 worship service. That’s it! Sign up calendar is located in the library. Or you may call Patrice Hatley at 318-1838 to reserve your special day. Most dates in 2009 are still available.

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CHURCH REGISTER

DEATHS 

James Hamill (Donna Hamill’s husband), Thursday, October 30, 2008. 
Fern Coule (Linda Ford’s mother), Saturday, November 1, 2008. 
Evelyn McDivitt (Scott McDivitt’s mother), Tuesday, November 4, 2008. 
Lorne G. Horton (Nancy Horton’s husband), Saturday, November 8, 2008. 
Grace Jones, Saturday, November 15, 2008.
Willard C. “Bill” Hoover (Kris Marone’s father), Sunday, November 30, 2008. 
David E. Gunson (Janci Hurt’s brother), Monday, December 1, 2008. 
Paul W. Littlejohn (Wayne Littlejohn’s father), Thursday, December 11, 2008. 

MARRIAGES 

Jonathan Taylor Porter and Emily Elizabeth Vickers, June 28, 2008. Jonathan is the son of Garry and Linda Porter and grandson of Barry and Nancy Porter. 

BIRTHS 

Evan Isaac, born Monday, November 3, 2008 to Jason and Alexis Isaac. Grandparents are John and Susan (Frugé) Wilcox. 

GIFTS 

TO THE MEMORIAL FUND in memory of James Hamill by Lowell & Cheryl Croskey, Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Dickey III, Ken & Vicki Gessford, Doris Kuzas, Edward & Helen Sinclair. 

TO THE MEMORIAL FUND in memory of Lorne Horton by the Monday Men’s Shuffle of Oakwood Estates and the “Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in” gang. 

TO THE GARDENS OF HOPE in memory of James Hamill by Donna Hamill. 

TO THE GARDENS OF HOPE by Linda Haskins and family in memory of Linda’s mother, Genevieve Hurd. 

TO THE GARDENS OF HOPE by Kathi Horne. 

TO THE GARDENS OF HOPE in memory of Woodrow W. Fowler by The Blackwell Family, Jim & Isabel Rumbold. 

SPECIAL GIFT TO GENERAL FUND by Linda Haskins and family in memory of Linda’s mother, Genevieve Hurd. 

SPECIAL GIFT TO MUSIC DEPARTMENT in memory of Willard “Bill” Hoover” by Ron and Patrice Hatley to be used to purchase a new octave of handbells. 

SPECIAL GIFT to the glory of God and in honor of the Hope Church Office Staff, Custodial Staff, and Hope Church Volunteers by Mr. and Mrs. Earl (Rebecca) Price. 

A BAPTISMAL AND CONFIRMATION BANNER given by Molly Griner and Lynn Lang in honor of their grandchildren. 



THANK YOU . . . 

DEAR HOPE CHURCH, David and I are overwhelmed by all the loving thoughts, prayers, and good wishes to welcome our little Daegen Reyd. Thank you for the wonderful basket of baby goodies. Each one will definitely come in handy. We are grateful for all the love and support that surrounds our growing family. We truly appreciate your thoughtful gift and for welcoming Daegen into the Hope Church Family. We are blessed in so many ways. Warmly, Delight, David, Davis, Daxon and Daegen Carmichael 


DEAR HOPE CHURCH FAMILY, Thank you for your cards, phone calls and prayers during my surgery in September. Sincerely, Martha Widener 

A THANK YOU to Pastor Tom for his visits and phone calls while I was in the hospital. Also for the beautiful flowers and prayers from the congregation. – Doris Lenting 

DEAR HOPE CHURCH, How delightful it was to be visited twice today by members of Hope Presbyterian Church. First came Virginia Shaw bringing me one of the loveliest poinsettias I’ve ever seen. I am enjoying it. Later I received a visit from a chorus of young people and adults who came to sing for me and presented me with a gift they had made. All these made my day even brighter than Rudolph’s nose! Thanks for a great time!  – Virginia Cheshier 

DEAR HOPE CHURCH FAMILY, Many thanks to Tom and to members of the congregation for your concerns, love, prayers, food, cards and flowers during my recent medical experiences. God’s continued blessings to you. With love, Bob Carter 

TO HOPE CHURCH FAMILY, The Campbells, Nanette and Alan, wish to thank Tom for his care and many visits during the past summer months when both of us were in the hospital. Also, thanks to the church for the beautiful flowers, not once but twice. They were much appreciated and helped to speed our recovery. Thank you. – Nanette Campbell 

DEAR FRIENDS, Thank you so much for the beautiful Christmas flower. It reminds me of the fine people at Hope. I hope this year brings many blessings your way. Fondly, Shirley Thompson 

TO OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS AT HOPE, To each of you I send my deepest thanks for the cards, love, flowers and prayers. Indeed, it was an unfortunate accident. I pray for the woman who thought she was in the clear which caused her to crash into the front passenger door of our car. Indeed, I do hurt because of cracked ribs, re-fractured lumbar, broken wrist and cracked collarbone. But I am out of the hospital and in a rehabilitation center where I will spend some extended time. You all know my wonderful Lee; his deep love and care. My faith is strong. I know God is with me. Know how much we miss you. Our love and blessings. – Norma and Lee Cary 

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FROM FIFE AND DRUMS TO BAGPIPES AND BASSOONS 

THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER SCOT SYMPHONIC BAND will grace us with astounding music on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7 p.m. 

Some ninety musicians clad in Dress MacLeod tartan kilts will fill Hope’s sanctuary with music and dance. Those of you who were here for the band’s concert in March 2006 will recall that our sanctuary was filled to overflowing. But what you probably don’t know is that the band considered the concert at Hope as their favorite of the entire tour. Hope Presbyterian Church and its hosts were awesome! 

The concert this year occurs on the same night as our monthly Wednesday night supper, so the band is invited to join us for dinner that night! Church members will have the opportunity to mingle with and get to know some of the band members personally. Native Ohioans will have an especially good time reminiscing with these young people. 

As before, we need to house all the band members. Memories of tours and host families truly enrich the life experience of these young people. Hosts will meet their guests after the concert, provide them bed and breakfast and return them to the church on Thursday morning to meet their bus. We’ll announce the specific time they need to be at the church as soon as we know it. Let’s make Hope Presbyterian Church the band’s favorite location once again! 

Below is a sign-up form for host families, which may be dropped off at the church office or put in the offering plate on Sunday. Thanks for your help. 

— Ron Hatley, Housing Coordinator (318-1838) 

 

HOUSING INFORMATION – WOOSTER SCOT BAND 
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 

 

Host Family Name ______________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
Phone ______________________