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Church Register

Births:

Zane Barron Gebhardt, born Friday, May 1, 2009. Parents are Matt and Lynnette Gebhardt; Grandparents are Leon and Janet Feagin.

Marriages:

Amanda Rollins and Michael Dobler, Saturday, April 25, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Amanda is the daughter of Jim and Chris Rollins.

Deaths:

Esther Beaudry (Jody Beaudry’s mother), Friday, March 13, 2009.

Cheryl McArdle (Florence Richmond’s daughter and Anne Beaudry’s mother), Monday, March 16, 2009.

Caryl Lou Deutscher, Tuesday, March 17, 2009.

Marian Varn, (William “Bill” Varn’s wife), Thursday, April 9, 2009.

James “Jim” Monroe, Saturday, April 18, 2009 in Lakeland.

Edward Orsborn (Marolyn Mansfield’s brother), Monday, April 20, 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Gifts:

Special gift to the Music Department in memory of Willard “Bill” Hoover by Fletcher and Bernice Brown, Henry and Susan Dahl, Ellie Henderson, Swanny Seirup, and Don and Ann Wainscott to be used to purchase a new octave of handbells.

To the Gardens of Hope in memory of Edward Orsborn by Bob and Judi Randolph.

To the Gardens of Hope in memory of Pauline Horne by her daughter Kathy Horne.

Communion banner given in memory of Marjorie Watt by Donna and Blake Sullivan.

To the Parament Fund in memory of Marion Campbell by Kenneth and Jackie Billo.

To the “Together We Can” FUND in memory of Marion Campbell by Kenneth and Jackie Billo.

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Marian Varn by Buckingham, Doolittle and Burroughs, LLP, Andrew Banks, David and Leeonie Ferdon and Michael, Eleanor Finger and children, Charles and Virginia Gunn, M. Ray Moore, Caroline Hyde, Albert and Mildred Rousey, John and Rosalie Ruggles, Mark Rutherford, Chuck and Mollie Sellers, Charles and Kathleen Varn.

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Dear friends from colder places on the North American continent,
Please contact the Church Office as you leave Winter Haven so we may continue to be in touch with you through the summer months.

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Thank you . . .

Dear Hope Church members & friends,
We would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness while Pete was in the hospital and recuperating at home. Thank you also for the beautiful flowers, cards, calls, visits and food. Thanks also to Tom for the many calls and visits.
– Pete and Elaine Bower

Dear Hope Church family,
Thank you for the lovely Easter lily which was brought to me on Easter Sunday. Each time I look at it, I remember Him who conquered death and the grave and rose to be alive forevermore. I’m very glad to be one of you who knows that our Redeemer lives.
– Virginia Cheshier

Dear Hope Church family,
Many thanks to the church and Tom for the lovely flowers after my recent accident. A lovely way to cheer me up.
– Nanette Campbell

To my Hope Church family,
Thank you for thoughts and prayers for Tori Adamcheck, an 18-year old college freshman. Tori has successfully recovered from a kidney transplant and will return to school in the fall.
– Swanny Seirup

Dear Hope Church family,
Our sincere thanks for the concern, phone calls and cards received during Jim’s hospitalizations. The bouquets delivered by the deacons were beautiful. The food provided by the “Office Angels” was delicious. Special thanks to Tom for his visits, calls, prayers and constant care. We are truly blessed to be part of such a caring church.
– Jim and Isabel Rumbold

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Keep up to date this summer!
Check Hope's Web site for summer happenings!

www.hopepreswh.org

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The next Hope-Line will be published mid-August for autumn programs, special events, meetings, etc.

www.hopepreswh.org — YOUR Website

Have you taken the time to explore Hope's Website? It's packed with information about our Church and our activities. Access the site at www.hopepreswh.org and look at the left column.

You can click on any of the choices in that column. You'll notice that some of the choices have an arrow to the right of the words. If you let your mouse "hover" over the words, an additional list will appear. Then you can click on any of those choices, too.

Here are just a few of the many things you can do on our Website:

* Find out what's happening in the coming weeks: click Special Events.

* Check the Church calendar for an upcoming event: click Calendars & Newsletters > This Month. When you're looking at the calendar, to view the previous or next month, just click on the appropriate picture.

* Read current and past issues of the Hope-Line newsletter: click Calendars & Newsletters > Hope-Line Newsletters.

* Listen to the weekly sermons and special music (going back two years!): click Sermons.

* Complete an online form; there are many available now. For example: sign up to attend a dinner, submit a prayer request, or let the Church office know you've changed your mailing address: click Forms.

And when you want to go back to the home page, just click on the picture of the Church in the upper left corner of (almost!) every page.

Next time you're sitting at your computer, have a look. Move your cursor around and click on things. You might be surprised at what you find!

— Ava Vanyo, Webmaster

From the Deacons' Desk

Have a Blast! Carnival Report:

On May 2, the Board of Deacons, in conjunction with Hope Creative School, hosted this outstanding community event at Hope church. There was an abundance of children and their parents in attendance to enjoy the bouncy house, dump tank, duck pond, mini-golf course, face painting, clowns, and many other fun carnival activities. To curb the appetite, an array of wonderful choices including snow cones, cotton candy, ice cream cones, nachos and cheese, bake sale items and, of course, the wonderful BBQ made by Rob Bagby and the Swamp Boys was available. The event was a success and worth the hours and hours of preparation from the many, many volunteers. A huge THANK YOU!! to the planning committee, school staff, all deacons, and church volunteers who helped with this event!

Missions Report:

The Board of Deacons continues to try to support our community agencies with your contributions to the Deacons’ Fund and with monies raised from our fund-raisers. We, just this month, voted to make contributions of $300 each to the following: The Mission, Women's Resource Center, Polk County Training Center and Life Choice Pregnancy Resource Center (formerly “The Community Pregnancy Center”). Thank you for helping our local resources and people in need. Your contributions do make a difference and are certainly appreciated.

Future Fundraising:

The Deacons are planning more events for this year to help raise money for our church and worthy causes. Be looking for more information about a summer or early fall bowling tournament and, later in the fall we are hoping to have a golf tournament. Sponsors and organizers will be sought for both these ambitious events.

Meals on Wheels:

We are desperately in need of at least ten (10) drivers to help deliver hot nutritious meals one day a week (some drivers offer to drive two days) – beginning in May and going through October! Each person will be responsible to deliver 10-14 meals a day. We are currently serving over 200 people throughout Polk County. We are asking for help from local churches during these difficult months. If you can help, please contact Toni Fegers, Executive Director, (863) 299-1616.

Bloodmobile:

BLOOD DRIVE! The Mid-Florida Bloodmobile will be at Hope Church on Sunday, May 31, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please make this precious donation. A photo ID is required at the time of donation. All donors will receive a free gift and cholesterol screening. Mark your calendars now. Thank you.

— Marsha Long, Moderator, Board of Deacons

Budget and Finance Update

Over the past couple of months, you have heard and read much about the financial problems facing Hope Presbyterian Church. Problems are being faced by many churches throughout the country. We began the year with an out-of-balance 2009 Budget – budgeted expenses exceeding projected income by more than $80,000. With the goal of closing that budget shortfall, we began a Supplemental Giving Campaign - "Together We Can." While all of our financial problems have not gone away, many of our prayers have been answered. I would like to share with you some positive things that have happened at Hope Church during the first four months of the year. So here goes.

The "Together We Can" Supplemental Giving Campaign has received pledges from members and friends of Hope in excess of $41,000. Thank you for that wonderful support. A special gift of $5,000 was received from Bazaar funds, bringing the total for “Together We Can” to $46,364.
Regular Sunday "pledged" giving and "non-pledged" giving to date has been very strong.
Giving during the Easter Holy Days of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday were also very positive.
Response to the “Per Capita” apportionment has exceeded last year as a percentage of total and in absolute dollars. This means we will meet our first three quarterly payments without having to use general operating funds.
Committee moderators and church staff have been doing a great job in keeping expenditures down to only necessities.
The staff salary freeze and Dr McGrath's voluntary rescinding of his 2009 salary increase have helped to keep personnel costs below budget.
On the Insurance front, unfortunately the Presbytery Group Insurance Program did not yield the results we had expected. However, we also worked with another agent and have new insurance coverage equal to or better than the old at a budget savings of $6,800. This new insurance also offers us the option to pay the premium over ten months which helps cash flow tremendously.

In conclusion, by watching and forecasting our cash flow requirements carefully, with strong regular Sunday giving - with exceptional giving during the Easter Holy Days - with a positive response to our "Together We Can" Supplemental Giving Campaign from members and friends - and with significant expense savings - we believe the first half of the year will be okay financially.

We are still in the tunnel, but we are at a point where we can begin to see some light. The Lord continues to be good to Hope Church. In your prayers for Hope Presbyterian Church be sure to ask Him to continue to bless us. And be sure to thank Him for the many blessings He has already given us.

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“Together We Can”
Supplemental Giving Campaign

On the last Sunday in March, we had the kick off of a supplemental giving campaign "Together We Can." The goal of this campaign was to close the $80,000 income shortfall in the church 2009 Operating Budget. To date, pledges in this campaign have totaled $41,364. This generous support from Hope members and friends, along with watchful discretionary spending and some other cost savings, has helped ease the financial strain on the church.

To those who have made pledges of additional giving, thank you for your support of Hope's programs and mission outreach. During these difficult economic times many have been unable to make any increase over their normal weekly giving. To those we also say thank you for your continued support to Hope Church.

Hot off the press! From Bazaar funds we have received a special gift of $5,000 towards “Together We Can,” bringing the overall total to $46,364!

The blue "Together We Can" pledge cards are available in the pew racks and Narthex literature racks should anyone wish to make a pledge in the future.

May God Continue To Bless Hope Presbyterian Church !!!!!

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If you are a senior collecting Social Security, you recently received a $250 Economic Stimulus check or deposit in addition to your normal monthly SS payment. Perhaps you have already spent it or are planning to spend it on some want or need. If so, that’s great! If, however, you have made no commitment of the $250, perhaps you would consider giving a part or all of it to the “Together We Can” Supplemental Giving Campaign at Hope. Several seniors have indicated that is what they are planning to do. Sounds like a great idea. Surely something to think about!!!

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Presbytery “Per Capita” Apportionment:

Thanks to the members of the congregation for faithfully responding to the Presbytery “Per Capita” – the $15.05 per member apportionment made to Hope Church. In 2009 we have already achieved a higher percentage of the total due (54%) than was achieved in all of 2008. In actual dollars we too have already exceeded last year by over $600. We have made our first two quarterly payments to the Presbytery. “Per Capita” envelopes are located in the Narthex literature racks. Once again, thank you for you generous support.

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Presbytery Mission Outreach:

As has been reported to you, we as a church are a couple years behind on our Mission pledges to the Presbytery. We do track the pledges, and have made it our intention to always fulfil those pledges.

Good news!! The Presbyterian Women, as a result of their successful fashion show, have made a contribution to Hope of $700 to be used for Presbytery Missions. AND, from Bazaar funds we have also received a $3,000 contribution to Hope to be used for Presbytery Missions. Thank you Women of Hope for your outstanding work and contribution to Hope Presbyterian Church.

And now even BETTER NEWS!!! We will be taking from our general operating funds $1,300 to be added to the above amounts and will make a Hope Church contribution to Presbytery Missions of $5,000. God has been good to us as a people and as a church.

— Budget and Finance Committee of the Session
Don Combee, Moderator
Jim Bockover
Greg Dills
Bill Pratt

Presbyterian Women of Hope

One hundred and ninety (190!) women attended the Beauty of Hope Fashion Show and Luncheon! There’s even talk about doing this as an annual event! Well, we’ll see about that! Special thanks goes to Mary Kaylor for handling everything related to the fashion show, from working out the arrangements with Dillard’s managers to recruiting the 15 models, selecting the clothes, attending all the fittings, picking up and returning the clothes for the show, and managing a dressing room full of nervous women on the day of the event. She worked behind the scenes the whole time and gave us a grand show.

The best part of the day was our ability to make a $700 contribution to Missions mainly as a result of a generous offering received. We had some money left from ticket sales but the thing that really blew us away, was the generosity of the ladies who attended. There were many guests hosted by Hope ladies and they were warmly welcomed and really enjoyed themselves.

Our next big Women of Hope gathering will be the Christmas Tea on Sunday afternoon November 29. It’s the perfect way to begin the Season of Joy! So, be sure to save the date.

Florence Davis conducted a fun-filled scrapbooking class in April. Florence, a scrapbook pro, custom-designed a family-themed scrapbook and twelve women participated in the Sunday afternoon class. Now they want more, Florence! How about a cookbook scrapbook, eh? Watch for news!

PeggyAnn White, Judi Randolph, Jeanie Madaus, Carolyn Wheeler, and Barbara Stewart attended the 3-day PW Annual Retreat held in Ellenton. They all came back with stories about what a blessing the event was! They even got to know each other in a new and special way, too. They brought with them two gift baskets to donate to the retreat fund raiser and were met with many compliments for how nice the baskets were.

Speaking of baskets … A baby gift basket was delivered by Nancy Huestis in celebration of the birth of Janet Feagin’s new grandson, Zane Barron Gebhardt. Congratulations to the whole family!

Circles of Hope have been going strong this spring, including the newly added Girlfriends Meet, exclusively for younger women with careers and/or kids at home. They are studying Bad Girls of the Bible! And, we all keep in touch via email now. Many ladies have supplied their email addresses and are receiving occasional notes about important girl stuff. If you want to be added to the list, please send an email to patricehatley@tampabay.rr.com and I’ll add you to the distribution list. We promise not to send a bunch of junk mail!

One of the recent e-mails contained an internet link to the Hope Church website to see photos of Nancy Porter receiving the PW Life Award Membership on Mother’s Day! Sound guy Gary Reising was kind enough to record the presentation, so that’s also on the website if you want to listen.

Nancy was delighted with the honor. Please be sure you congratulate her. Here’s a sample of Nancy’s contributions to Hope Church. Nancy has been a pretty face in the Chancel Choir for years. She’s also the chief of the kitchen police force at Hope. Nancy’s a fixture at Vacation Bible School every year too. She has been a Stephen Minister since the program was started at Hope Church. Nancy has taken some of the most memorable photos of events and people at Hope, many of which made it into the church pictorial directory.

Nancy made significant contribution, in her membership on the Sanctuary Decorating Committee, to the design choices for our newly restored and redecorated Sanctuary. She has never wavered in her participation and support for Presbyterian Women. She’s a faithful participant in women’s circles, and has served as past Moderator of the organization. She spends enormous time, effort and imagination in making the annual church bazaar a great success. Over the course of just the last five years, she has led us to netting over $42,000, all money that has been put to important use by Hope Church and to assist mission efforts worldwide.

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Church Bazaar

Save these dates:
October 10, 2009 - Holiday Boutique Mini Bazaar
February 13, 2010 - Big Annual Bazaar

During early May the Bazaar bought a new smaller ice machine for the church kitchen, replacing the older, very high maintenance ice maker. The old one was sold and proceeds helped with the installation of the new one! The new machine will use a lot less water and power, and will produce just what we need.

We were also able to help out at Hope by donating $8000 to the church. $3000 is designated to Missions and the remaining $5000 is intended for church operations. It makes us feel pretty good when all the work pays off in such a needed way, doesn’t it?!

Bazaar funds even helped 5 Women of Hope attend the recent three-day Presbyterian Women’s Retreat. We contributed $50 each to help with registration fees. And, we have committed to do the same for the next Youth of Hope Retreat.

Nearly new items donated to the Bazaar were used to create two beautiful gift baskets that were then taken to the PW Retreat and contributed to the fund raising effort.

During the summer some minor appliance maintenance will be performed in the kitchen and will be funded by the Bazaar, too.

We have had enough item donations to keep us somewhat busy, but welcome more! If you have things to donate (NO clothes, shoes or toys, please), you may leave them INSIDE the service entrance to the Friendship Hall building or give Nancy Porter 324-4837 a call regarding larger items. See the church office staff for access to the building. We usually work on Thursday mornings, sorting and pricing donations.

— Patrice Hatley, Moderator, Presbyterian Women

The Bill Hoover Memorial Handbell Fund now amounts to just over $630. That’s a good start but we’ve got a long way to go. The price for an octave (eight) bells is $4000.

An additional octave of bells will give us four more low bass bells and four of the very high bells similar to the ones we borrowed recently from Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church. The fund was established in memory of Bill Hoover, who was an active, long-time member of Hope. Bill’s wife, Marilyn, who predeceased him, rang with the Bells of Hope for several years. Bill and Marilyn’s legacy continues today through their daughter, Kris Marone, a long time member of the Bells of Hope.

Honoring our Lord through your gift will allow the Bells of Hope to provide even more beautiful handbell music for the Hope Church family.

— Ron Hatley, Chancel Choir President

in this corner
by Marj

The cherub choir was to sing a special program in the church’s imposing sanctuary. The choir director brought the children into the sanctuary to practice so they would not be overcome by its size during the worship service. They all took their places except one lad. Suddenly he bolted and ran up to the pulpit area, then came running back, “Where is the creature?” he yelled, holding his arms up. “Where in the world is the creature?”

— The Presbyterian Outlook - April 27/May 4. 2009

Worship Committee News

Courtesy on entering a Church

When we visit someone’s home we immediately greet our host and hostess. Yet, when we enter God’s house we often forget to speak to Him in prayer. It is appropriate to bow our head and say a prayer as soon as we are seated.

Quietly greeting friends and making visitors feel welcome is encouraged. It is important to prepare our hearts for worship by sitting prayerfully while waiting for the worship service to begin.

Ask God to bless the congregation, pastor, elders and deacons, choir, musicians, church staff, National leaders, and those serving on the Mission field. Remember those who have special needs or are going through difficult circumstances. Any special concerns or blessings can be brought to God at this time. Pray for an open heart to receive the message of the morning.

Enjoy the beauty of the church, read in the pew Bible and remember the words of your favorite hymns as you prepare your heart for worship. — copied

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The Family Worship Center, a friendly atmosphere for infants and toddlers, is located beside the Control Room and has live audio feed of the worship services.

Sincere appreciation is extended to: Dr. Thomas McGrath, Holly Dills, the Elders, Deacons, Youth of Hope, Chancel/Youth/Bell Choirs, Volunteers, Church Office Staff and Worship Committee who worked diligently preparing for Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunrise, Easter Sunday worship and Fellowship Hour.

Maundy Thursday Worship was held in the Columbarium and the Youth of Hope portrayed Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, which was a moving performance. Easter Sunrise worship was held in the Columbarium as well. Attendance for Holy Week (Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunrise, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.) worship was 750.

The Flower Committee wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the members and friends of Hope’s congregation who donated chancel flowers to beautify our sanctuary each Sunday morning. Your continued support has enabled us to have flowers for Sunday, Easter and Christmas worship. These flowers, lilies, and poinsettias were delivered to Hope’s shut-ins by the Deacons.

Did you notice the Communion banner on Sunday, May 10? This beautiful banner was given in memory of Marjorie Watt. Marjorie was a shut-in and was visited by Donna and Blake Sullivan when they were Deacons. Thank you Donna and Blake for this special gift.

A memorial gift was given to restore the marble area of the communion table when the sanctuary was renovated. The beautiful wooden table top was not restored at that time. Memorials have been given for this purpose and the refinishing of the table top will take place in June.

Hope's brass offering plates and candle holders are showing extensive wear. A small gift to help with the purchase of replacements was received several years ago; if you have an interest in helping with this project, please contact a member of the Worship Committee.

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Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule

June 7, 2009

August 2, 2009

Kick-Off Sunday – September 13, 2009

World Communion Sunday – October 4, 2009

November 1, 2009

First Sunday of Advent – November 29, 2009

* December 20, 2009 – Family Christmas Worship
(10 a.m. – one worship service)

*December 24, 2009 – Christmas Eve Candlelight
(7 p.m. – one worship service)

— Helen Herge, Moderator, Worship Committee

Fellowship of Hope

We concluded the season of Fellowship Dinners on May 13 with Theatre Winter Haven’s Eric Nutting charming us first with “Some Enchanted Evening” and then with an informative talk about the value of community theatre. Eric starred as King Arthur in TWH’s production of Camelot last season. He’s so dreamy! We really enjoyed the “clean out-the-freezer, pantry and fridge” dinner. Although a few items of food were purchased for the dinner, a lot was already on hand, and it kept our costs lower. Yeah! As usual, David and Barbara did a phenomenal job decorating Friendship Hall with a theatre theme. David and Barbara are so creative - and they really enjoy contributing their time and talents. What a gift! Thanks, Barbara and David (and Kaysey)! Loads of Hope helpers have spent time volunteering with set-up, serving and clean-up for the dinners, and it is HUGELY appreciated.

This summer we will have some casual get-togethers, randomly spaced apart. Some folks have made great suggestions for summertime activities. We are considering a home-made ice cream social, a game night with dessert and coffee, a cool salad pot luck dinner, a picnic indoors with hamburgers/hotdogs and all the fixings. Anything that can be easy, fun and cheap! Watch for schedules in Sunday bulletins for “Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy.” Those who will be in Winter Haven this summer are all welcome to participate! Kids under 18 will eat free! Shorts and flip flops are the dress code for our summer events, okay?

Coffee Fellowship on Sundays is a real treat for those departing after the 8:30 a.m. worship service and also the folks who arrive early for 10:30 a.m. worship. People have a chance to meet and greet and catch up on the latest news.

Hosts are needed each week, to bring some orange juice and treats and greet people. The coffee is made by Phillip Lioi, so you don’t even need to worry about that. Let Patrice Hatley know – patricehatley@tampabay.rr.com or (863) 318-1838 – if you’d like to serve as a host, and to reserve your date. Whenever we don’t have hosts for Fellowship Time, only coffee will be available on Sundays.

Fellowship offerings are appreciated and do assist us in covering our hospitality costs. The coffee set up and paper goods we use for dinners and Sunday morning fellowship are paid for by your generous donations. Thank you very much!

— Fellowship Committee