2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd • Winter Haven, FL 33884



Hope-Line Newsletter
September 2007

 

FROM THE PASTOR  .   .   .

        Empty. After 27 years of continuous service, Hope’s sanctuary is now empty on Sunday morning. No prayers. No people. No pastor. No pews! Repair and renovation have begun!

        But of course there was worship at Hope last Sunday. We enjoyed strong attendance at both the 8:30 and 10:30 services in Friendship Hall, which has been arranged as a welcoming worship space. We will be there on Sunday mornings for six to eight weeks, hoping to re-dedicate the sanctuary in early October. This current project was of course made necessary by the hurricanes three summers ago. But your Session approved additional improvements while the sanctuary is under construction as a cost-effective way to prepare our sanctuary for a promising future. Except for a very occasional coat of paint, virtually nothing in the nature of remodeling or improvements had been done in the sanctuary since the doors opened 27 years ago. It was time for this project to happen.

        The total cost of the project will be approximately $250,000. The existing Sanctuary Fund and remaining insurance monies will offset about $50,000 of this cost, leaving a balance of $200,000 to be added to the existing church mortgage. While we are not conducting a formal fundraising campaign at this time, the Session is hopeful that special gifts will be received for this historic project. Looking ahead to our 50th Anniversary Celebration next Spring, we are asking members and friends to consider whether God may be leading you to make a special gift to your church this year.

        I want also to bring you up to date on another important project that has been in the works for years. The Session has approved plans to establish a Columbarium in the Garden of Hope. On August 1 the Columbarium Committee began receiving applications for niches. Interested families may contact Mr. Paul Thompson for details (863-326-9555). Please note: Nothing involving our present Garden of Hope interments will change. Families may still choose to be interred in the Garden in front of the cross where many beloved friends and members have been honored and remembered. If families wish to move cremains to the Columbarium, this should be possible. But the original intention for the Garden of Hope will be honored and maintained.

        Now, one final personal note to this long letter. When our last newsletter was published I was still out of the office, so this is my first newsletter opportunity to bring everyone up to date on my recovery. On April 13 I had surgery for prostate cancer at Moffitt Cancer Center, as most of you know. I was at home for about six weeks and have been back at work full time since May 27. Follow-up tests have been good; the doctors are predicting a complete recovery. Thank you all for your cards, prayers, and many kindnesses. Our excellent staff has been magnificent. The Reverend John Alford filled in during my absence and his gracious presence was very much appreciated by all of us. Elders, Deacons, and our Stephen Ministry all took on extra responsibilities to keep us moving forward, And I am deeply grateful.

                                                    God bless you,
                                                         TOM

 

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Church Register

DEATHS

Gladys Colburn, Friday, April 27.

Marie K. Pollard, wife of Joe Pollard, Saturday, May 12.

Robert “Bob” Stevens, husband of Ruth Stevens, Friday, May 11.

Martha May Lytton, mother of Mary Lee Flake, Friday, June 29.

Bill Lagoy, husband of Gladys Lagoy, Sunday, July 15.

 

MARRIAGES

Nicholas Coulter and Brittany Dry, Saturday, June 16. Nicholas is the son of Jack and Kerry Coulter and grandson of Barry and Nancy Porter.

 

GIFTS

Deacons Fund: in memory of Ralph Scott by Ellie Henderson.

Memorial Fun: in memory of Roxie Williams by Chet and Mernie Swedberg.

Gardens of Hope: by Kathi Horne in memory of her mother.

Gardens of Hope: in memory of Mark Platt by Jim and Isabel Rumbold.

Gardens of Hope: in memory of Marie Pollard by Fletcher and Bernice Brown, Arthur and Dolores Pollard, Joe Pollard.

 

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THANK YOU .  .  . 

Dear members and friends of Hope Church,

Thank you for the flowers that were delivered to me by the Deacons. They were beautiful!    – Mary Hicks

 

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MEN’S LUNCHEON GROUP

Hope Presbyterian Men’s Luncheon Group will resume in September. Luncheons are held on the last Wednesday of the month at Perkins Restaurant on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. We start gathering at 11:30 a.m. and order meals at 12 noon. We attempt to solve the world’s problems without involving religion or politics. All men are welcome; hope to see both old and new members there. Reservations at 863-299-8578 by Monday evening prior to the luncheon.

                                — Fletcher Brown, Coordinator   

 

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CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS resume Wednesday, September 5 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. The Chancel Choir is always delighted to receive new members. Advanced music reading skills are not necessary; familiarity with singing hymns is experience enough to enable you to enjoy your participation in the Chancel Choir.

YOUTH CHOIR rehearsals resume Wednesday, September 12 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. All youth in 2nd grade or higher are invited to participate. Choristers will learn to follow and participate in the worship service, read music, and ring handbells, as well as gain confidence in their singing. The Youth Choir meets in the Choir Room.

BELLS OF HOPE rehearsals resume Thursday, September 20 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Bell Choir Room ( Administration Building). The Bells of Hope is an advanced handbell choir, and participants in this choir usually come with music reading skills and/or handbell ringing experience. For more information, please contact Ada Gribble, Director of Music at 863-324-7256.

 

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SUMMERTIME IN THE GARDENS OF HOPE

It’s summertime and the living is easy; that is, if you’re a garden weed! But along with the weeds, summer rains have created a lush and beautiful garden setting at Hope. Recent Garden additions include native and natural plantings in the paved parking lot beds. The plants selected were chosen for their ability to survive the hot and harsh conditions of parking lots. Since many of you have asked, the purple-blooming shrub is a chaste-tree; the blue-green ornamental grasses are Elliott’s Love Grass (a Florida native plant); and the low ground cover with tiny yellow and orange blossoms is called Bulbine – all easy care plants for the Gardens of Hope.

We also have added an inviting concrete sidewalk leading from the parking lot.

While the summer heat is at its peak, actual “gardening” slows down; now is the time to come to the Gardens – rest awhile and watch the butterflies and birds in Hope’s peaceful Gardens!

                              — Molly Griner                       

 

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GET READY!!  There’s going to be lots of great stuff happening at Hope related to Hope’s anniversary celebration. We’ve got lots of pictures and memorabilia to share with you.  Look for it in Friendship Hall. And we’ve got lots of activities planned that will encourage, thrill and uplift us all.

One of today’s leading Christian recording artists, Cynthia Clawson, and her arranger, Bruce Greer, will lift our hearts in song on Saturday night, April 19, so reserve the date on your calendars now. Cynthia has won a Grammy and five Dove Awards, the Christian music industry’s equivalent of the Grammy Award. Bruce Greer has also won a Dove Award and both musicians perform regularly on the Bill & Gloria Gaither Homecoming television show broadcast on the Trinity Broadcast Network. I can promise you that their concert will touch your heart, lift your spirit and encourage your faith.

We’re still in negotiation with New York actor, Max McLean about performing The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis.  This book is one of the great classics of Christian literature – well-written, educational, full of a deep faith, and funny. Max’s performance will illuminate the deeper insights of the book.

Many fund raising activities are in the works as well. They will include special themed Wednesday night dinners and the sale of commemorative plates, pins and Christmas ornaments.

Hey, all you winter visitors, listen up! Please plan now NOT to head north until after our celebration Sunday, April 20. It’s going to be great celebration that you won’t want to miss.

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As we celebrate the past 50 years, it’s important that we look forward to the next 50. 

The 50th Anniversary Committee has been exploring ways to help ensure the future of Hope Church. One wonderful opportunity we discovered is to do so through a direct IRA contribution to the church. Here’s a brief background: Congress passed a law in August 2006 called “The Pension Protection Act” that allows people 70½ and older to exclude up to $100,000 from their gross income for a taxable year when they make a direct gift from a traditional or Roth IRA to a qualified charity such as Hope Presbyterian. But time is limited; the law expires on December 31 of this year.

Here’s how the IRA Charitable Rollover works:

  • You must be 70½ at the time of transfer. Your gift should be made on or after you turn 70½ to ensure favorable tax treatment for this tax year.
  • The transfer must pass directly from your IRA custodian to Hope Presbyterian Church and you must make sure you give your IRA custodian adequate time to complete the transfer by year end.
  • The gift amount is limited to a maximum of $100,000 for the tax year and is tax free to the giver.
  • Your gift is not subject to the 50% limit of adjusted gross income (AGI).
  • The charitable gift counts toward minimum required distributions.
  • The transfer cannot be made to a donor advised fund or a supporting organization.
  • The transfer cannot be used to fund a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust.

None of us on the 50th Anniversary Committee are tax attorneys or advisors so it’s important that you work with your own tax advisor and IRA custodian to assist you in making the contribution. Please prayerfully consider capitalizing on this extraordinary opportunity to ensure Hope’s future. But it is important to act soon before the chance is gone. 

                     Respectfully yours,
                              The 50th Anniversary Committee
                                     Ron Hatley, Moderator    Janci Hurt
                                     Heather Lee Blackwell    Dick Madaus
                                     Marvin Burdette             Edith Saterbo
                                     Bob Carter                    Carolyn Wheeler
                                     Elaine Clifford                Julie Wilson

 

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WORSHIP COMMITTEE NEWS

PREPARATION FOR 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 the gifts of reverence as worship begins.

As new input for our on-going desire to enhance the reverence and meaningfulness of our worship service, Mr. Ron Hatley gave the Worship Committee the following excerpt from the bulletin of Christ Church in Columbia, South Carolina:

"The worship service is a worship of God, not man. Therefore, the Order of Worship is purposed to bring glory to God, not man. Participation in the worship service is designed for all praise to go to God, not to preachers, musicians, artists, missionaries, church leaders or children. Decorum concerning dress, instrumentations and presentations should not be performances but rather an enhancement of our awareness of God’s admonition, “Let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.” We rely upon the Holy Spirit to assist us in establishing an environment that encourages and advances our entry into the transforming presence of the living Lord Jesus Christ."

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SPECIAL THANKS to the Deacons who helped to remove the hymnals, Bibles, and brochures from the Sanctuary to Friendship Hall after church on Sunday, July 22.

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NURSERY

THE NURSERY, located in the Christian Education Building, is available at the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. worship services for toddlers three years of age and under.

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CHANCEL FLOWERS

Special thanks to the many families and individuals who are dedicating Sanctuary flowers each Sunday. Because of your generous response the flower calendar is almost filled, with only a few open dates remaining in the fall.

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PROPOSED WORSHIP SCHEDULE
October 7, 2007 - March 23, 2008

World Day Communion - October 7, 2007

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - Communion
Thursday, November 22, 2007 - Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 25, 2007 - “Hanging of the Greens”

Sunday, December 2, 2007 - Communion ( First Sunday of Advent)

Sunday, December 23, 2007 - Communion
Worship Service 10 a.m., Youth, Nativity, Choir, Sermon
Monday, December 24, 2007 - Communion
Christmas Eve Worship Service 7 p.m.
Candlelight Service, Nativity Tableau

Sunday, January 6, 2008 - Communion

Sunday, February 3, 2008 - Communion
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - Ash Wednesday
Garden of Hope - 10 a.m., Communion
Sunday, February 10, 2008 - First Sunday of Lent

Sunday, March 2, 2008 - Communion
Sunday, March 16, 2008 - Palm Sunday
Thursday, March 20, 2008 - Maundy Thursday
Tableau of Last Supper, 7 p.m., Communion
Sunday, March 23, 2008 - Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service - 7:45 a.m.
8:30 and 10:30 a.m. worship services - Communion
Fellowship Hour - 9-10 a.m.
Eggstravaganza - 9:30-10 a.m.

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Worship Committee

Helen Herge, Moderator
Dr. Tom McGrath, Pastor
Holly Dills, Director of Christian Education
Lou Bell, Director of Stephen Ministry
Ada Gribble, Director of Music
Phillip Lioi, Organist
Ernest Craumer, Elder
Bernice Brown, Elder/Choir
Elaine Clifford, Flower Committee
Florence Davis, Elder/Choir
Ellie Henderson, Decorating Task Force
Louise McMaster, Elder
Pat Platt, Congregation
Judi Randolph, Congregation
Donna Sullivan, Deacon Representative
Carolyn Wheeler, Choir
Zella Sheplee, Clerk of Session

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Thanks for Restoring Faith

Tom McGrath has made several mentions in his sermons of the size and growth at Hope Creative School during the last year. The growth was most dramatic when school Director Julie Wilson began receiving calls from anxious parents last October. A nearby preschool had notified parents that it would be necessary to close down some of their currently operating classes including Kindergarten.  Families were attempting to find rapid placement for their children and were concerned that the school year was already underway. Julie worked a plan quickly and was able to not only admit the new students; she added teaching staff and even the necessary furnishings and materials. Julie kept Florida’s Department of Children and Families informed at every step of the way. Families were grateful that Hope Creative School came through. Here’s an excerpt from a letter received by the HCS School Board last spring:

“As this school year comes to an end, I wanted to express to you my gratitude. Thank you for opening your doors and your arms so lovingly to all the children and families that were caught up in the unfortunate situation¼.I was so thrilled by the way Hope reacted. You all did such a wonderful work in the name of Christ! Many, many of those families’ faith were injured and I was so distressed to see it happen. Your willingness to squeeze over, make adjustments, work harder, do anything to help, restored their faith in the way Christianity is supposed to work. Thank you for doing the Lord’s work and welcoming His children!  Your love has been noticed and will plant the seed of Christ’s love in many children, as well as their parents¼.God Bless You All!  – Jay and Denise Peisher”

Please keep our school and its cherished children and staff in your prayers. We are about to begin an exciting new school year.    

                    — Patrice Hatley, Moderator

 

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2007/2008 School Year

Hope Creative School has been a busy place this summer!!

We had our “mini” summer camp in July, which was nicely attended with an average of 20-30 children each day. It was wonderful to hear the children’s voices in the halls.

As soon as camp was over, the process of getting ready for school began. Rooms were painted, floors were cleaned and many of the teachers came in to ready their rooms and get lesson plans in place.

The new school year began Wednesday, August 15 with Kindergarten Open House. Our new Kindergarten teacher, Carrie Spruell, is ready and waiting for the kindergarteners to start on August 20.

Preschool Open House will take place on Thursday, August 30; preschoolers will start on Tuesday, September 4.

A busy year is planned! We extend a welcome to all of you to attend any of the events that take place.

September Events:

Tuesday, September 4 – Preschool starts
Monday-Friday, September 10-14 – St. Jude Children’s Hospital Trike-a-Thon
Thursday, September 20 – Evening Open House (6-8 p.m.)
Friday, September 28 – Community Helper Day

God bless you all!

                           — Julie Wilson, Director

 

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The Holiday-Themed Mini-Boutique 
is set for Saturday, October 27

(The regular big annual Bazaar will be held in February)

The holiday mini-boutique will feature items with an autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas decorating theme.  There will be collectible Christmas ornaments, tree lights, not-too-scary Halloween decorations and even costumes for tiny tots available for purchase, as well as lovely things to decorate holiday tables.  The mini-boutique also offers both inspirational and funny holiday greeting cards, too.  Everyone is welcome to get an early start on holiday decorating ideas.  Many items are new or gently used.

The Church’s regular big annual Bazaar event will be in February.

Remember to bring in your Bazaar donations!  The Bazaar committee works almost every Thursday morning¼sorting, pricing and packing all sorts of neat things.  As a reminder:  leave your small donations in the Friendship Hall Service Area, but give Nancy Porter a call if you have large or heavy items.  We Bazaar girls are strong like bulls, but not really able to tote elephant-heavy stuff.  Nancy can make alternate delivery arrangements often involving manly men.  She can be reached at 324-4837.

No clothing or shoes, please!  You can take those items to the Women’s Resource Center or other worthy charity. 

                             – Patrice Hatley
                                        The Bazaar Committee

 

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BOARD OF DEACONS OUTREACH


THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH is “Family Emergency Services” Sunday.  On that Sunday everyone is encouraged to participate by bringing your gifts of money or items.  Items may be placed in the baskets in the Narthex. Food items needed: Cereal, tuna, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, rice (1-3 lb bags), dry milk and canned meats. Hygiene items needed: deodorant, toothpaste, bath soap, shampoo, adult diapers (med to lg), lotion, razors/shavers. Cleaning items needed: bleach (small bottles), laundry detergent, liquid all-purpose cleaners (Spic & Span, etc.) Please make checks payable to “Family Emergency Services.” Thank you for contributing to this worthy ministry.

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On behalf of our Board of Directors, Agency Associates, Volunteer “Bigs” as well as the children we serve, thank you for your generous donation of $500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc., which will help us reach our goal of providing a Big Brother or a Big Sister to over 2,500 children by the end of 2007. Please let us know if we can be of service to you.

                                  — Stephen A. Koch, Chief Executive Officer 
                                              Big Brothers Big Sisters                               

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As President of Help the Handicapped, Inc. of  Polk County, just a short note to say “thank you” for your most heart-filled gift of $250. Because of this gift, we were able to assist two families with electric bills. Continue to stay “blessed.”

                                  — George “Bobby” Boedicker, President
                                     Help the Handicapped, Inc.                    

 

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THEDA BALLIET ADULT LIBRARY

For Everything a Season, by Philip Gulley has been purchased for the library, given in memory of Bob Stevens by Bob and Mickey Crouse, Jim and Millie Horkavy, Mary Jean Miller, Don and Ann Wainscott.

              — Florence Saunders, Librarian

 

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SUNRISE CENTER
CHILDREN’S LIBRARY

There is excitement in the Sunrise Center! New ceiling already installed! While construction workers are repairing Sunrise Center Children’s Library, a cubicle in the southeast corner of Friendship Hall has been reserved for use of the children. There are approximately 300 books to choose from, and children are welcome to sign out these books and take them home. A return box will welcome their returns!

We are looking forward to having Thursday morning “Library Time” again when Hope Creative School begins. Volunteers are invited to join us, reading aloud to the children!

Clerical help is also welcome – share your talents! One hour or all morning, your choice! This has been a joyful time to share with the children. Your comments and questions are welcome. Please call Ann Wainscott (439-2737) or leave your name in the Church Office and I will call you! When I Grow Up, by Tina Louise Given has been given to the Children’s Library in memory of Terry Pearce by Don and Ann Wainscott. Library collections are from gifts and memorials. Thanks to all who have given – to help keep our collections ready to be enjoyed by all ages!

                                  — Ann Wainscott, Librarian

 

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SERENITY PRAYER
                           by Reinhold Niebuhr

God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change; COURAGE to change the things I can; and WISDOM to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as
I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I
surrender to His will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and
supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.

                                   — Submitted by Bill Macpherson

 

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FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

Sunday Morning Fellowship (9:15 - 10:15 a.m.) on the Patio will resume September 9. Volunteers are needed! Sign up for a Sunday when you may host a Fellowship Time. You might celebrate an anniversary or birthday, or remember a loved one. This is a great time to share – between worship services – when you may meet and greet Hope friends. The coffee will be made for you . . . just supply the juice and goodies. Choose your date now, and sign up in the “Fellowship Notebook” on the brochure table.

NO Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners are scheduled at this time due to the ongoing construction project. Watch the Sunday bulletin and newsletter for the next dinner. The dinners will resume as soon as Friendship Hall is available. We look forward to good food and programs to interest all ages! For comments and suggestions, please contact Don Wainscott (863-439-2737) or Bob Wilson (863-324-6210).

                           — Don Wainscott / Bob Wilson
                                 Co-Moderators        

 

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF HOPE CHURCH

 

JOIN A CIRCLE FOR BIBLE STUDY, FELLOWSHIP AND REFRESHMENT

Circles I, II, and III:  Tuesday, September 4 – 10 a.m., Church Parlor, Roberta Ackerman (863-299-5021), Leader

Circle IV:  Monday, September 10 – 6 p.m., Perkins Restaurant, Cypress Gardens Blvd., Co-leaders: Jeanie Madaus (863-326-6056); Denise McGrath (863-326-1260)

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.

 

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A Word of HOPE  from Stephen Ministry

Do you know that our Stephen Ministry has an umbrella? We do! Under it you will find some of the following Pastoral Care Programs:

  • Casseroles made by members of our congregation for other members and friends of Hope.
  • Helping Hands reaching out to perform various odd jobs such as plumbing, carpentry, and even driving.
  • Receptions served following funerals or memorial services.
  • Baby baskets for new mothers.
  • Serving of the Lord’s Supper to our sick and shut-in folks.
  • A Prayer Team that meets each Wednesday morning in the Parlor.

These ministries are “manned” by members and friends of Hope’s congregation. You are invited to be a part of these rewarding experiences. For information, please call me at 324-3967 or at the Church Office (863-324-6382).

Speaking of prayer, I am certain that we are all praying not only for those on our prayer list, but also for the people who are involved in our current Sanctuary renovation project as well as for one another.

                                         — Lou Bell, Director