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2203 South 3rd Avenue PENTECOST 2013 On Pentecost, we celebrate the old Jewish festival as the birthday of the Christian Church. For us, it is a celebration of the working of God’s Spirit in our midst. The many workings of the Holy Spirit are discussed throughout the Bible, but in Acts we have the story of the Spirit’s work among the apostles to reach across and beyond obstacles to bring diverse persons together in faith. Faith comes in this story, as it always does, through hearing. Peter stands and preaches the good news of Jesus; three thousand people come to believe that Jesus is the Christ and are added to the membership of the early Christian movement. Whatever their differences, and there were probably many (language and place of origin are mentioned in the text), God’s Spirit drew this diverse group of people together into community. God never gives up on us. God comes. The Holy Spirit came on Pentecost with fire. It landed on the heads of the apostles and heated them until they could emerge among the peoples of the nations to melt their misunderstanding. God’s Spirit broke through the barriers. Suddenly everyone could hear them speaking in their own language. God did, in this case, as God always does. God goes the distance to bring people together in community. God did not require the peoples to all hear in Greek. God used the apostles to speak in each person’s own language—a sign of grace and inclusiveness. Their isolation was overcome by God’s Spirit and power! The people became united and entered into close fellowship with one another. God’s Spirit is at work in our world, breaking through barriers and bringing people together. God’s uniting work has begun, and it continues through us. We have joined ourselves to those first followers of Jesus. We are united with them in faith and take a share in their missionary work. What they have begun, we continue; but we do not do so un-empowered. We have the same source of strength, the same fire that they had. God’s Spirit is moving among us, our community, our world, seeking to bring people together in community, helping us to listen to and hear each other. It is good that we celebrate Pentecost. Let us not be surprised when the Spirit shows up, blowing among us and burning its way into our hearts. May it draw us together in communion with all of God’s children as we seek to live and grow in the kingdom of God!
With you on the journey of Hope! SABBATICAL LEAVE APPROVED FOR PASTOR As announced at worship on Sunday, April 21, Bishop Trimble has granted Pastor Scott a sabbatical leave beginning July 1, 2013. During this time, Scott will continue his studies at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, learning more about the body, mind, spirit connection. The Staff/Parish Relations Committee is working with Rev. David Weesner, District Superintendent, to select a new pastor for Hope United Methodist Church. DINNER & DEVOTIONS – WEDNESDAYS, 5:30 P.M. Bring food to share and your own table service. Devotions led by Pastor Lothe. THANK YOU NOTES We want to say Thank You to each of our wonderful Hope friends and family for all the kind and thoughtful words and deeds you blessed us with as we celebrated our 40th anniversary. They truly made the day amazing for us, and we will treasure it always.
Thank You and God Bless __________ Thank you to all who sent cards and best wishes for my latest surgery. Thanks also to Pastor Scott for the hospital visit. Your spiritual support and friendship is very much appreciated. Larry Otto GET WELL WISHES are for Mary Griffiths, who had her second shoulder replacement surgery April 9 in Rochester, Minnesota; Jeanne Christensen, who is recovering from April 16 foot surgery; Kathy Weatherly, who was a patient at Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center April 16; Gerry Jensen, who was hospitalized in Marshalltown April 21-23; Carol Maxfield, who was at MMSC April 23; and Gene Neven, who had a surgical procedure in Rochester on April 25. WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY to Roger Wrage following the April 5 death of his sister, Marlys Siemens, age 87, of Grundy Center; Joyce Salasek and family following the April 9 death of her father, Delmar Runner, age 90; Mark Minear following the April 12 death of his mother, Elsie Minear, age 92, of New Providence; Ed Cox and family following the April 17 death of his mother, Betty Cox, age 84, of Grinnell; Margaret Simmons following the April 22 death of her son, Scott Gibson, age 45, of Des Moines; and Lorin & Diana Miller following the April 28 death of their great granddaughter, Lilith Kay, age 10 months. THE UPPER ROOM daily devotional guide for May/June is available in the foyer—donations of $1.00 (regular edition) and $1.40 (large-print version) are appreciated. NEWS DEADLINE FOR JUNE NEWSLETTER: Monday, May 20 (news is due the 20th of every month). UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Mary/Martha Circle will meet Wednesday, May 15 at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall with hostesses Helen Fagerland and Greta Thomae. Bonita Paige will lead devotions, and Patty Moon is in charge of the program. Faith Circle will meet Thursday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Caralee Hutchens, 2207 Wakefield Drive. New Hope Circle will meet Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Mary Hurd’s home, 2710 West Lincoln Way. Co-hostess Donna Packer will give devotions, and Mary is arranging for a program. Reading Program Reminder There are only two months left before the reading year ends. UMW members participating in the Reading Program should turn in their reading information to Diane Hart by June 30.
Mission u Plans Announced The UMW summer Mission u event will be held July 14-17, and the fall event will occur October 18-20. Both events will be held at Iowa Valley Continuing Education Center, Marshalltown. Registration forms can be found in the Central District Communique, and event brochures are posted on the UMW bulletin board in Hope’s main hallway. The Central District offers five scholarships for first-time attendees to Mission u. Scholarships are available ($120) for tuition. This does not include the cost of books, transportation, or motel. The scholarships are given on a first-received, first-awarded basis. Whether you are young or old, laity or clergy, a UMW member or not, a first-timer or attend every year, you are invited to attend. The July Mission u deadline for applications is June 15. October Mission u applications are due September 21. THE HOPE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
May 5 –
6th Sunday of Easter
– Communion – Noisy Offering
May 12
– 7th Sunday of Easter
May 19
– Day of Pentecost
– Birthday Offering
May 26
– 1st Sunday after Pentecost – Trinity Sunday
–
Peace
with Justice Sunday Offering
June 2
– 2nd Sunday after Pentecost –
Communion – Noisy Offering ARTS EVENT The Marshalltown Saxophone Quartet (Ron Ohrt, Megan Assemacher-Umthun, Meghan Schumacker, and Jodi Brintnall) will be at Hope on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the program. A free will offering will be received for the organ fund. SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Children’s classes (for ages 3 through 8th grade) are held at 9:30 a.m. The last day of Sunday School for this school year is May 19. An adult class meets at 9:45 a.m. in the Rainbow Room. There are two more sessions of “Immigration and the Bible,” led by Judy Beane and Carolyn Salasek. The class includes videos, readings, and discussion. PROGRAM COUNCIL HAPPENINGS On April 20, we hosted a Card Bingo Night. Twenty-one people attended (including our committee members), and fun was had by all. There were lots of yummy snacks and fun White Elephant gifts for Bingo winners. Our next event will be Movie Night on Friday, May 17, to be held in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. We’ll provide the movie (to be announced prior to Movie Night) and popcorn. Bring a beverage and, if you’d like, a comfy chair to watch the movie from. We will, of course, have the regular Fellowship Hall chairs available. We hope you will join us! RUMMAGE SALE PLANS Hope United Methodist Women would like to announce plans for the Annual Rummage Sale. This year’s event will take place July 26-27. Members of the congregation are encouraged to start gathering items for the sale. We would appreciate good used items and ask that the following items not be donated: TVs, curtain rods, shoes, purses, and coats. These items do not sell. Please do not bring items to the church until Monday, July 22. Profits support missions. All are welcome to get involved even if you are not a UMW member. Thank you for your continued support. LUNCH WITH SCOTT Jeri Jeffries and Judy Nanke are planning a “Lunch with Scott” on Tuesday, May 21. The menu includes hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, and ice cream. Cost to cover food will be $5. Please let us know by Sunday, May 19 if you plan to attend so we can have plenty to eat! Lunch will be ready at 12 noon. SPECIAL OFFERINGS Noisy Offering – May 5 (collected by Hope children)
Orange
Rainbow Covenant Stripe—United States Projects Birthday Offering – May 19
Orange
Rainbow Covenant Stripe—United States Projects Peace with Justice Sunday Offering – May 26 Gifts support Peace with Justice ministries in the Iowa Conference as well as Peace with Justice work in the United States and around the world. Noisy Offering – June 2
Rainbow Covenant Third Mile Giving—Local and Institutional
How
wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment —Anne Frank LIFE LINE SCREENING Help save a life and receive a donation for your church in the process! Protect your health by finding out your risk of having a stroke by participating in the Life Line Screening that will be held at Hope United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 25. Through ultrasound, the carotid arteries can be evaluated for the buildup of fatty plaque, which is the leading cause of stroke. Register today for the Stroke, Vascular & Heart Rhythm Package by either calling the special Helping Hands registration number or by signing up through the provided registration sheet (on flyers available at the Hope welcome center in the foyer). By signing up for this health event, not only will you be able to receive $10 off any package of $149 or more but Hope UMC will also receive a $10 donation for every member who signs up and attends this Life Line Screening event. The Stroke, Vascular & Heart Rhythm Package includes four screenings: carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, and atrial fibrillation. To schedule your appointment and to receive this special offer, please sign up on the flyers provided or by calling the designated Helping Hands number at 1-800-324-9458. You may also sign up online by visiting www.helpinghandsforhealth.com. Join in the fight against vascular disease. TRIP TO IOWA CUBS GAME SCHEDULED It’s time once again to make an announcement for our annual trip to the Iowa Cubs baseball game. The trip is planned for July 14. That is a Sunday afternoon game starting at 1:05 p.m. Again, we will take a school bus, leaving the church at 11:30 a.m. Again, we will be making a post-game stop on the way home. This time we will be stopping at Jethro’s, a barbeque place. Cost of the ball game and the bus ride will be $12 total. If interested, contact Barb Green at 752-6426, Judy at the church office, or Joe Griffiths at 752-1972. There will also be sign-up sheets on the Sunday clipboards as we get a little closer to July. A block of seats will be reserved for us. Have fun! Joe Griffiths IMAGINE NO MALARIA Our Mission Every sixty seconds, malaria claims another victim. A completely preventable, treatable, and beatable disease is bleeding the continent of Africa, and YOU can decide to do something about it. Imagine No Malaria is an extraordinary effort of the people of The United Methodist Church, putting our faith into action to end preventable deaths by malaria in Africa, especially the death of a child or a mother. Our Iowa Annual Conference is working together to “Imagine No Malaria.” We are working to raise funds to eliminate death and suffering from this deadly disease by the year 2015. Already, our Church has made a difference through the Nothing But Nets campaign and missions giving we have already undertaken…but there is so much more that God is inviting us to do. Local Efforts Marshalltown area United Methodist churches are partnering together to plan an “Imagine No Malaria” event later this year. Would you like to help plan this event with other churches? Contact the Hope office at 752-5104 or sign an “Opportunities” insert in a Sunday bulletin. HELP WITH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Monday-Thursday, August 5-8
As
Sunday School starts to wind down, we are starting to plan ahead for
Vacation Bible School.
Daily
activities for children entering grades 1-6 will take place from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., August 5-8.
Put the dates on your calendar now!
Registration information will be coming this summer, but right now
we are needing a number of adults to help out.
Youth entering grades 7-12 can also help.
You could provide graham crackers, frosting, and juice boxes or
pouches on Wednesday, August 7; serve snacks in the kitchen mid-morning;
help leaders with a class; or host 2-3 Riverside Lutheran Camp counselors
in your home (providing 3 meals most days).
To volunteer, sign an “Opportunities” sheet in a Sunday bulletin or
contact
Erin Feingold—515-205-0760 or
erin.feingold@yahoo.com
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