2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd • Winter Haven, FL 33884



Hope-Line Newsletter
November & December 2007

 

Church Register

DEATHS

Edith Saterbo, Friday, November 2.

Cleon Fowler, husband of Mary Fowler and father of Mary Jo Sutherlands, Thursday, October 18.


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THANK YOU . . .

Dear Hope Church members and friends,
     Thank you for the flowers.  They were beautiful.  What a nice surprise for our 60th anniversary.  We appreciated them. 
                                                 – John & Thelma Bonath

To our Hope Church family,
     Thank you for all your prayers, cards, and food during the passing of Florine Liddon, a dear grandmother and great-grandmother.  Your thoughtfulness was overwhelming and greatly appreciated.  God bless you all! 
                                                 – Stacy, Brittany, and Stephanie Woodward

Dear Hope Church members and friends,
     Violet and I would like to thank everyone for your prayers, visits, and phone calls while John was in the hospital, and while Violet is undergoing cancer treatment.  Thank you to Tom for his many visits and phone calls.  A great big thank you to everybody. 
                                                 – John & Violet Allen

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COLUMBARIUM UPDATE

On MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, ground was broken for Hope’s Columbarium in the Garden of Hope. After some ten years of study, research, planning, and consultation with numerous experts and dozens of churches, the committee is very excited with the plan and location Session has approved. A special gift has enabled the modest original plan to be expanded. The new design will include a path and seating for the existing interment area so that the old and the new become one. The project will be done by Ryan Construction. On behalf of the church, Molly Griner will oversee the project and coordinate with the Columbarium Committee. Construction will take about three months. Please respect the construction barrier which will be in place for the safety of all.

                                                                        – Tom

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EXTRA - EXTRA - READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Garden Work Team Victorious!!!

The weeds could not hide; branches unable to escape the pruning shears. Even the broken irrigation pipes in the parking lot were painstakingly restored, thanks to the “ace” garden team who “soldiered” on through the heat on a recent work day in the Gardens of Hope.

J. J. worked all day “Long” to repair two entire beds’ worth of broken irrigation pipes that had recently been vandalized in our parking lot. One-two-three, look at Susan Lee who quite possibly is the most enthusiastic pruner on earth. The dynamic duo of Bob Randolph and Richard Mansfield can’t be beat; they can do anything (when they’re not playing with the garden truck)! And Jean and Bill Adams added their special garden know-how in meticulously manicuring the overgrown bed under the outdoor cross. Thanks also to the “secret” garden angels who have shown up from time to time to weed and prune (Jan Carmichael, Barbara Pido, Sherry Summers, Lynn Lang, to name a few).

Special thanks to Jerry Ptak and Yvonne Bates for moving the very large (and heavy) pile of Florida fieldstone rocks from the Sanctuary project to the meditation garden. What a job!!

And, finally, through the efforts of Scott Boland, we are grateful for the donation and application of lawn fertilizer. This generous donation was offered in loving memory of Margaret Paul.

                                                     — Molly Griner
                                                           Gardens of Hope

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ALL SESSION COMMITTEE MODERATORS, Church/Group Organization leaders, please turn in your annual report to Marti in the Church Office by December 31!!  Reports must be received by the deadline to be included in the 2007 Annual Report.

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RETIREMENT RECEPTION

Please join us to honor

FRANK ANTONICELLI

for his 21 years of faithful service


Church Sexton

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2007

Immediately following the 10:30 a.m. worship service in Friendship Hall

Cards, monetary gifts, and other expressions of appreciation may be brought or mailed to the Church Office in advance. Checks should be made payable to Hope Presbyterian Church with “Frank’s Retirement” on the memo line.

CONGRATULATIONS, FRANK!

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Welcome Church Officers
Sunday, October 28, 2007

Listed below is the class of church officers elected at the Stated Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 28, 2007.

Elders (Class of 2010)
Patrice Hatley 
Don Linnerud 
Pat Platt 
Bill Pratt 
Ron White 

Deacons (Class of 2010)
 Stephanie Blanchard 
Nancy Fosie 
Veda Lameck 
Kelly Musyimi 
Lila Ptak


Nominating Committee 2008
Holly Dills 
Lynne Maxwell 
Chuck Seely 
Pam Zinsmeister

2010 Endowment Committee
J. J. Long

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WORSHIP COMMITTEE NEWS

Helen Herge, Moderator

A fun event during the Holiday Season here at Hope Church is the “Hanging of the Greens.” Everyone is invited to assist the Flower Committee in decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas. “Hanging of the Greens” will take place after the 10:30 a.m. worship service, November 25. Lunch will be served in the Sunset Room – pizza, sandwiches, cold drinks and dessert. Please plan to join us for a really good time! To sign up, please call Ellie Henderson at 293-7908.

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DID YOU KNOW?

FOR MANY YEARS our Communion bread has been lovingly baked and provided by Mrs. Norma Edwards. Thank you, Norma, for this gift which enhances our observance of the Lord’s Supper.

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NURSERY

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

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CHANCEL AND NARTHEX FLOWERS

THE CHANCEL FLOWERS in the Sanctuary each Sunday are given in honor, celebration, or memory of a loved one. The two large flower arrangements in the Chancel ordered by the Church from a local florist and are delivered on Saturday. The cost is $50 for both arrangements. Please make your check payable to Hope Presbyterian Church and indicate that the check is for the Chancel Flowers. The cost for the two smaller arrangements in the Narthex is $60 and are ordered by the person giving them. To order these flowers, please contact Lightner’s Florist (863-299-8271) and the flowers will be delivered to the church on Saturday. Place your name in the Flower Calender on the date you are requesting. Complete the blue form located next to the Flower Calendar and place the form in the offering plate or return it to the Church Office.

Thank you to our members and friends of Hope who provided the lovely Chancel and Narthex flowers that enhance our Sanctuary each Sunday throughout the year. These flowers also bring great joy to Hope’s shut-ins and members/friends who are on the prayer list.

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CHRISTMAS AT HOPE

Tuesday, December 11

6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary Rebecca Price will present students from her Winter Haven studio in “Songs of the Christmas Season.”

Sunday, December 16

HOLY NIGHT OF MIRACLES

A cantata of hope for Christmas by Lloyd Larson Hope Church Choirs 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Deacons deliver poinsettias to sick and shut-ins

THE WORSHIP COMMITTEE, with Session approval, has changed the time of worship on Sunday, December 23 to one service at 10 a.m. so the church family may worship together the celebration of the birth of Christ.

Christmas Sunday, December 23 – 10 a.m.

Family Worship Children, Youth, Crèche, Chancel Choir, Sermon, Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Christmas Eve Worship, Monday, December 24 – 7 p.m.

Traditional Candlelight Worship Service, Youth of Hope participating in the Tableau Vivant Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

(Childcare provided)

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Re-dedication of Hope Sanctuary Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Please mark your calendar with these dates and help us celebrate the Joy of Christmas and the beginning of the celebration of Hope’s 50th year.

The Worship Committee would like to wish members and friends of Hope Church a very Merry Christmas and God’s blessing for a Happy New Year.

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50TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

Your 50th Anniversary Committee continues to work hard to bring you items and events that will make Hope’s 50th Anniversary a lasting memory for us all. Here’s what’s new: A commissioned commemorative Christmas ornament is now available for purchase at $12 each. The oval-shaped ornament features original artwork that Mari McGrath painted for her dad when she was in middle school. The back notes the 50th anniversary date and Mari as the artist. To purchase yours, look for a member of the 50th Anniversary Committee at a table each Sunday morning on the Friendship Promenade between now and Christmas during the fellowship hour between the two services. Ornaments are individually boxed and make great stocking stuffers for everyone on your Christmas list.

An organ/violin concert has been added to the list of events planned for next spring. Dr. David Isele and his colleague, violinist Dr. Ondras Libor, will appear in concert during the morning worship hour on Sunday, March 30. Dr. Isele is composer-in-residence at the University of Tampa. He holds a bachelor degree from Oberlin College, two master’s degrees from Southern Methodist University and a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Libor holds degrees from the Music Conservatory, Bratislava, Slovakia; the Moscow State Conservatory, Moscow, Russia; the Academy of Music Arts, Prague, Czech Republic; and graduate degrees from the University of Houston. Don’t miss this musical offering to God from these two fine musicians.

It’s LAST CALL for 50th Anniversary commemorative plate orders. We now have approximately 50prepaid plate orders and we will place one order with the manufacturer for them all about the first of December. If you still want one of these collectible plates, please place your order now. (See order form below)

Finally, we hope you’ve become abundantly aware of the opportunity for church members who are at least70-1/2 to make a tax-free contribution to Hope Presbyterian directly from your IRA. Information about this soon-to-expire opportunity has been in the church bulletin weekly and in past editions of the Hope-Line. If you are eligible to do so, please prayerfully consider helping Hope achieve even greater heights during its next 50 years. And if you plan to exercise this opportunity, don’t wait any longer. It takes a little time for your financial planner to orchestrate the funds transfer from your account to the church and it must be complete before December 31 to be tax free to the donor.

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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50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE PLATE ORDER FORM

NAME

PHONE

NUMBER OF PLATES ORDERED AT $25 EACH

Plates must be paid for in advance. Please attach your check for the full amount of your order madeout to Hope Presbyterian Church. Please write “anniversary plate” on the memo line of your check toensure proper accounting of your order. Plates should arrive by early 2008. Deadline for ordering plates is December 1, 2007.

 

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THE FRANZ HEISSLER PIPE ORGAN AT HOPE IS REASSEMBLED

It became evident early-on in the big sanctuary restoration project at Hope Church that the immense Franz Heissler pipe organ must be properly protected. Organ builder Darwin Klug, among the original craftsmen who built and installed the organ in 1987, has been the chief caretaker for the instrument all along. Naturally, Klug was engaged when the church was ready to begin its sanctuary restoration project this summer. Klug is Representative of Heissler in America and services many pipe organs in the U.S.

Klug provided detailed oversight to the partial disassembly of the church’s organ during the first week of the sanctuary restoration effort back in July. He and several Hope Church members removed the large external pipes and carried them to another church room where they were stored until Saturday, September 29, 2007. They had also removed the chimes and foot pedal board. Klug said the huge pipes are not as heavy as they look, and are made mostly of tin and lead. That makes for a pretty soft metal alloy, so extra care was required to keep them from being damaged. The largest of the pipes is nineteen feet long. There are actually 1248 pipes in this particular organ, although only the largest of them were removed this summer. It was essential to not only preserve the beauty of the pipes, but also protect the instrument from the dirt and dust which accompanies any construction project.

After the organ was secured the work of sanctuary restoration could commence. An important part of that restoration work included painting throughout the interior of the building. That was managed by Wheat Painting, Inc., a Sub-Contractor for J. M. Ryan Construction, Inc. Joseph Benoit, a Wheat painter owned the meticulously detailed effort of painting the organ’s massive case. He was also responsible for restoring the enormous Celtic Cross suspended in the chancel near the pipe organ.

Organist Phillip Lioi along with Ron Hatley and David Carmichael assisted Klug in the pipe organ reassembly activity which took place on Saturday, September 29. David and Phillip reinstalled the chimes on the wall opposite the organ console. Darwin polished each huge pipe before he and Ron carried them back to the sanctuary. Then, Darwin climbed his ladder to replace the pipes over the proper spot while Ron held the note’s key down blowing air into the pipe as it was lowered into the organ case. The men wore special gloves provided by Klug. When the pipes were finally all in place, Klug needed to tune the great instrument. We’ve certainly enjoyed the piano this past summer, but many have been looking forward to hearing the Hope pipe organ once again. In fact, we can look forward to a very special guest artist organ recital being planned as part of Hope’s Fiftieth Anniversary celebration next spring. The Hope Church pipe organ is surely one of our real treasures and we appreciate all who have cared for it and played it over the years.

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF HOPE CHURCH

Just in case you thought nothing much was going on with us gals, let us remind you of several important facts! There are monthly ladies circle gatherings where we share our prayers, devotions, eat together and conduct some friendly news-sharing. Those groups are really important to us, too. We have a chance to reconnect after a long hot summer, hear about each other’s families, help each other with words of encouragement and an occasional casserole brigade. Ladies new to the congregation have opportunity to get to know others in a small girls-only setting, too. We delight in our responsibility for assembling sweet little gift baskets for church family newborn babies. We also sponsor mission children in need, and provide needed items like pajamas and blankets to Senior Orphans and the Women’s Resource Center. Women’s fellowship is so important to us! Please do keep us in your prayers. Ladies, please join us!

Another huge activity women of Hope have long been admired for is the big annual Bazaar event. Many women give of their time and resources, including making item and cash donations to the bazaar ever year. We get substantial help from the guys, too, especially when we need some heavy lifting. We’re grateful for their willingness, trucks and muscles! The Bazaar has turned into a couple of much anticipated events at Hope. The proceeds from these events have enabled the Women’s Association to make a real difference in many ways. The Bazaar continues to sponsor our orphan girls in India and Hope’s membership in Church Women United. Over the most recent years, we have been able to purchase needed items for the church, too. A new air handler in the sanctuary, coffee maker installation in the kitchen, new CD recording and duplicating equipment, new worship and praise banners are among the many opportunities we’ve been able to help with. We are proud and grateful to everyone.

And, remember the Christmas Tea that will take place on Monday December 3 from 3-5pm. All ladies and girls are invited to attend! We are making preparations for a truly lovely event to start our holiday celebrations in fine style! Ya’ll come!

Now, more opportunity for the Women of Hope! As we consider celebrating the 50th anniversary of our church, what better time to refresh our efforts and prepare for our future at Hope. Our young women and girls deserve nothing but the best from us, so let’s get moving, ladies! Here are some things we’re thinking about and we need your participation in:

_____Weekly morning Bible study/coffee 

_____Weekly afternoon Bible study 

_____Ladies Sunday morning Bible study 

_____Twice yearly Ladies Night/Noon Dinner/Lunch events (circle preferences) 

_____Annual Mother/Daughter event 

_____Multi-church Presbytery Renewal Retreats for Women

 _____Book review/discussion group 

_____Shopping trips 

_____Cookie swaps 

_____Themed cooking classes 

_____Scrap-Booking classes 

_____Other Brilliant Idea _________________________________________

Name and phone number ________________________________________

Please rank order these ideas in terms of your own interest and make some notes of other things we haven’t thought of yet. Also, if you think you’d need babysitting to allow you to participate in these opportunities, please also note that need. Tear off and return to the church office or place in offering plate. Thanks!

For questions, or additional information, please contact Nancy Porter at 324-4837.

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Hope Creative School News

Dateline: Halloween, October 31

Glimpses of little “Boos and Ghouls” were seen roaming the halls of Hope Creative School. These apparitions came in the shapes of princesses, pirates and an occasional fairy. We think Wonder Woman even showed up for the festivities. After the initial sightings, a parade took place. These “ghosties” marched through the school and the Church Administration Building, stirring up smiles and giggles wherever they went. Next came the parties, “Boos and Ghouls” everywhere snacking on delicious concoctions. After all of these festivities, you would think that the “Happy Haunting” would be done, however these “Boos and Ghouls” were offered an opportunity to “Trick or Trunk”. Decorated cars allowed the little “ghosties” a safe place to collect goodies, on this very exciting day. It was a “spooktacular” day!

Marcia Jones Memorial Butterfly Garden

Along with the 50th Anniversary of Hope Presbyterian Church, Hope Creative School will be rededicating a garden in memory of Mrs. Marcia Jones, Director of HCS for more than 30 years. The garden in question is located on the east side of the Education Building, outside the playground entrance. Mrs. Jones loved this particular area of Hope. Her husband told us that it was one of her favorite places to sit and read to the kids. The configuration of the garden will make it safer for children to enter the playground. Also, plants indigenous to the area will be incorporated in the design. We would greatly appreciate any donations (monetarily or volunteering) to help make this possible. We feel this will be a wonderful way to remember a wonderful lady.

Calendar of Events  
Please feel free to join us for any and all of these events!

11/16 Thanksgiving Feast 
11/19 - 11/23 Thanksgiving Break 
12/7 Parent’s Night Out (6-9pm), Pizza Party and Dance 
12/14 Christmas Program (11am) 
12/17 and 12/18 “Santa Claus is Coming to Hope” Christmas Parties 
12/20 - 1/2 Christmas Break 
1/3 Back to School

If you have any questions about any of these events, please do not hesitate to contact Julie Wilson at 3246377.

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Each Sunday from 9:15 - 11:30 a.m. on the Patio. 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 . . . just supply the juice and goodies. Choose your date now, and sign up in the “Fellowship Notebook” in the adult library.

— Don Wainscott / Bob Wilson Co-moderators

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SUNRISE CENTER
Children's Library News

The following books have been given to the Sunrise Center:

All Is Well, by Frank Peretti, given by Curtis and Zelma Bullock.

Rise and Shine, by Tim Warnes, given by Don and Ann Wainscott in memory of Marcia Jones, former Hope Creative School Director.

Our Big Big God, by Jeff Atwood, given by Don and Ann Wainscott in memory of David Platt, husband of Pat Platt.

– Ann Wainscott, Children’s Librarian

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2007 CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

A Presbyterian tradition for almost 71 years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the ways we can support specific causes that help those in need. This offering is distributed equally to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs (active and retired church workers and their surviving spouses) and for the support of Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges. For your convenience, Joy Offering envelopes are included with this newsletter. The Joy Offering will be received on Sunday, December 9 and December 16.

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CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP DINNER

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

5:30 p.m. – Friendship Hall

Menu

Garden salad, roast pork over dressing, 
Mashed potatoes & gravy, peas & carrots, 
Rolls, butter, coffee, tea, assorted cheesecakes

Cost is $6 (adults); $3 (children; $15 (family of four); $3 each for additional family members.

SING-ALONG WITH BARRY & FRIENDS!

Reservations are required! Please indicate your reservation on the church pew pad or call the church office by Monday, December 10!!

Don Wainscott / Bob Wilson, Co-Moderators

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THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIVING

THE BOARD OF DEACONS are collecting non-perishable food items for the months of November and December. Wrapped boxes are in the Sanctuary to receive your donations. Items will be distributed to needy families in the community.

DEACONS GATHER GIFTS FOR KIDS – Heartland for Children Third Annual Rudolph Roundup. The Board of Deacons are collecting new toys for children in Foster Care throughout our community. Tags indicating boy or girl and the age of the child is on the “Tree of Hope” in the Narthex. Everyone is encouraged to take a tag from the tree and make a memorable Christmas for these children. All toys need to be placed in the designated wrapped boxes located by the windows near the organ by Sunday, December 9. Please do not wrap the new toys!

                 — Board of Deacons

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BAZAAR NEWS

The Holiday Mini Boutique yielded great results! We had a steady flow of shoppers throughout the morning and we made over $1000 from the sale. There were lots of Hope people shopping and we are grateful for that, too. The folks who worked to set up, run and clean up the Boutique were fabulous! Special thanks to all who donated items, bought things and helped run the Boutique.

The Bazaar continues to be able to make donations to worthwhile efforts. We’ve been able to help the Worship Committee buy inspiring new banners for the church sanctuary. The Fellowship Committee is thrilled with the new coffee makers we bought for the kitchen. Coffee is faster and tastier than ever! You might notice a little less sun glare in the sanctuary when we begin services back in there soon. The Bazaar paid for the installation of UV protectant film on all the windows in the sanctuary in order to help minimize sun damage to the Hope Celtic Cross, new carpet and refinished pews.

We still accept your donations of items to include in the Big Bazaar on February 2, 2008. As you prepare your donations we request a couple of favors of you, please. 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. If you come across holiday items you’re ready to part with, we’ll take those things, too, and save them for next fall’s holiday boutique. Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, February 2, 2008! This is the BIG ONE, folks! It’s sure to be another great event, judging from the great donations we’ve received so far.

Small items may be left in the passageway in Friendship Hall side entrance known as the Service Area. Anything large or heavy like furniture requires a phone call to Nancy Porter to arrange delivery to the storage trailers, 3244837. Don’t leave things outside the trailers or church doors, please. Remember that we cannot accept clothing or shoes.

                  – Patrice Hatley, Hope Bazaar Committee

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CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS will be available to beautify our Sanctuary during the Christmas season. The cost is $7 each. Please return the completed order form below with your check (made payable to Hope Presbyterian Church) to the church office or place it in the offering plate before Sunday, December 2. A complete listing of the donors and the persons being memorialized or honored will be printed in the bulletin of December 16. Following the 10:30 a.m. worship service on December 16, poinsettias will be taken to the sick and shut-in of our congregation by the Deacons.

For questions or additional information, please call Elaine Clifford (324-4769) or Ellie Henderson (293-7908)

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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. In the Church Parlor

Roberta Ackerman (299-5021), Leader

Circle IV

Meet the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant, Cypress Gardens Blvd

                    Leaders Jeanie Madaus (326-6056); Denise McGrath (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.

CHRISTMAS TEA

A Christmas Tea, sponsored by Circle IV, will be held for ALL women of Hope Church on Monday, December 3, 2007 from 3 - 5 p.m. in the Church Parlor. Please put this date on your calendar and plan to join us for this special time of fellowship.

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CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED

Thanksgiving
Thursday and Friday, November 22 and 23

Christmas
Monday, December 24 – Christmas Eve 
Tuesday, December 25 – Christmas Day

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  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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BACK FROM THE NORTH?

Welcome home! Please call the church office (324-6382) to let us know that you are back at your Winter Haven address!!!

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BLOOD DRIVE

  • Every Sunday . . . as we wake up, about 40,000 units of blood will be needed nationwide.
  • Every 30 seconds . . . about the time it takes to say the Lord’s Prayer . . . 10 people perhaps a child or even one of your loved ones will need blood.
  • Every 60 seconds . . . about the time it takes us to find our way to our seats in the sanctuary 20 burn victims, cancer patients and/or surgery patients will receive transfusions.
  • Every 45 minutes . . . while we sit and participate in our services of worship . . . someone like YOU could go through the blood donation process.
  • And every tomorrow . . . the need starts all over again. Please, give blood!!

— Board of Deacons

 

A Word of Hope from Stephen Ministry:

“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.”

The words of this familiar hymn call us to give praise in all things. The following was e-mailed to me; you may have received it also, but it bears repeating.

“If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.”

“If you woke up this morning with more health than illness . . . you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.”

“If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation . . . you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.”

“If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you’re unique to all those in doubt and despair.”

These words not only help me be exceedingly grateful this holiday season, but also put into proper perspective how truly blessed we are!

As we give thanks and worship openly without fear, may we also celebrate a risen Savior in whose presence we live and breathe and have our being!

Blessings in Christ,

Lou Bell, Director Stephen Ministry