Yes, We Are Open! “Forasinonebodywehavemanymembers,andnotallthemembershavethesamefunction,sowe,whoaremany,areonebodyinChrist,andindividuallyweYES, WE ARE OPEN!

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The Hope HeraldHope Lutheran Church Newsletter www.hopeonbluerock.org June 2020

DEAR FRIENDS OF HOPE, After two months of meeting virtually and over the phone, I am pleased to announce our worship teams are working diligently to bring us together for in-person Sunday worship. Our tentative begin date is June 14, with regular worship times of 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. Worship will not look at all like we would normally expect. There will be many restrictions, but it is our hope to gather together and keep everyone as safe as possible. Note: The entire church has been sprayed for the coronavirus. The Fellowship Hall and classrooms are not to be used.

We will send official information and guidelines soon. We are continuing to monitor the health and safety situation in our area, and to honor safe worship guidelines presented by the ELCA, the Southern Ohio Synod, and the state of Ohio.

I wish to thank the many people who have been working to create meaningful worship experiences, to find new ways of being church with one another, and to work on the safety procedures that will enable us to be together in-person again. 

Please continue to check our website https://www.hopeonbluerock.org/  and Facebook page as well as your Hope email and postal mail for regular updates and inspirational

messages.

Worship - Videos of worship service and audio recording of sermon are posted on Hope's website every Sunday morning.  This will continue even as we begin to worship in-person again.

Prayer & Conversation Conference Call  - Sundays 10 a.m. May 31 & June 7, and perhaps rescheduled to another time after we resume in-person Sunday worship.  See page 3 for call-in instructions.

Additional Resources - Please continue to check reliable sources for current updates on the COVID-19 outbreak and response. Here are some suggested resources:•State of Ohio https://coronavirus.ohio.gov

•CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

•World Health Organization https://www.who.int/

•Southern Ohio Synod https://www.southernohiosynod.org/

If you are in need of any assistance at all, please reach out to me at any time. I am praying for each and every one of you, and I appreciate your prayers for me.  Be well!

Peace, love, and HOPE, Pastor ChristieFor more information see page 3.

DROP OFF FOR SONWe are once again seeking donations for SON Ministries. The pantry has been very busy with new guidelines and methods of serving their customers. If

you would like to donate non-perishable items, please drop them off outside Hope’s door on Friday, June 12, from 10 am to 2 pm or when you attend services on Sunday, June

14, from 9 am to 12 pm. You may also donate cash or write a check payable to SON Ministries. This is an opportunity to support those in our community who need our assistance.

++++Don’t forget to send cards to our shut-ins who are not able to get out and about during this most difficult time.

HOPE’S CONTRIBUTION INFORMATIONTo donate to Hope: Checks may be mailed to church,   4695 Blue Rock Road,   Cincinnati, OH 45247Digital donations may be submitted via Paypal at https://www.hopeonbluerock.org/giving/ or Vanco.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROSITY!

Happy

Father’s

Day!

YES, WE ARE OPEN“Forasinonebodywehavemanymembers,andnotallthemembershavethesamefunction,sowe,whoaremany,areonebodyinChrist,andindividuallywearemembersoneofanother.”–Romans12:4-5NRSV

As we continue to discern the ministry to which God is calling us in this socially distanced world, I am reminded of the early Christians. The Jewish people who first recognized Christ as Messiah would have been used to traditional Jewish worship in temples and synagogues. Once they became Christ-followers, they were no longer welcome in these places of worship, and in fact were being persecuted for their beliefs. They had to begin meeting in people’s homes.

It was probably clunky at first. Maybe everyone met at Mary and Martha’s house, and as most of them gathered there, they realized Peter was missing.

Someone said, “Uh oh, Mary, did you invite Peter?” And she said, “No, I thought Martha was in charge of invitations.” Or perhaps there were disputes about what scriptures they would read together or what songs they would sing, or who was supposed to bring the communion

bread. This is all my hypothetical supposing of course, but we all know how difficult it is for a group to adapt when there are major changes.

And yes, we have had major changes. The past couple of months have been clunky. We’ve been experimenting with new ways of worshipping, “gathering,” and supporting one another. Some of these methods have been incredibly effective, and we will continue to use them. Other methods have been less successful. This type of experimentation will continue, as we now discern how to gather in-person again for worship.

As we have been having these discussions, I have caught myself in the past couple of weeks talking about “When we open for worship again…” Then I read an article on our synod website which stated:

“WearenowenteringanewphaseofthepandemicthatCivicauthoritiesarecallinga“re-opening.”ThatmaybeanappropriatedescriptionformanybusinessesbutnotfortheChurch.TheChurch–thebodyofChrist–hasbeenopenandworkingthroughoutthe

pandemic.“

And I realized: We never closed. As the body of Christ, we remain open for business. As the scripture above states, we are one in Christ and in one another. Though we haven’t seen each other physically for a while, we are still unified as the body of Christ. And we still are doing the work that God calls us to do. We are still serving our community and looking out for one another.

Yes, it’s been weird not seeing each other. It’s been clunky having virtual worship and conference call prayer. However, worshipping together in our sanctuary is not what makes us the Body of Christ. We will remain together throughout the challenges and the clunkiness that lies before us. We have not been closed, and we will not be closed, because the Body is always open, and because it is our love for one another that makes us the Body of Christ and the People of Hope Lutheran Church. Pastor Christie NEWS FROM KATHIPraise God from Whom all blessings flow! Praise God all creatures here below! Praise God above, you heavenly host! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! AMEN!

I rejoice to tell you that I have been called as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ida, Michigan, with my services being contracted as well to St. Paul’s in Maybee, Michigan! The vote took place on Sunday, May 24, 2020 via the Zoom platform. I am very proud of this congregation overcoming all obstacles that were placed in their way during this terrible time in the history of humanity. Many of my colleagues cannot even interview or visit churches or communities at this time, so I am blessed that this congregation already knows me, and wanted to call me. I am so blessed because I have had the prayers of Hope Lutheran Church behind, for seven long years on this journey. God knew it would take the supreme efforts of the prayers of God’s people to help see me through. And here I am. Thank you, and thanks be to God! VICAR KATHI (SOON TO BE PASTOR KATHI)Editor’s Note: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3879 Jackman Rd, Ida, MI 48140 (734-269-2581) https://www.wiilc.orgHome: 128 Helle Blvd, #722, Dundee, MI 48131

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Pentecost Service with Virtual CommunionJoin us online Sunday, May 31, for a special Pentecost Worship Service online, featuring readings in multiple languages, and FIRE! We will celebrate virtual communion together. In preparation, you are invited to bake bread or get some crackers, and get some juice or wine to have with you when you watch the worship video.

God is Good! Thanks to the wonderful efforts of our treasurer Val Schneider, Hope has received a Paycheck Protection Loan in the amount of $17,900. The loan provides short-term assistance with payroll, mortgage interest, and utility expenses. We are also, as always, thankful for all of the donations from members and friends of Hope which enable us to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Keep up the amazing work!

Meetings & Events As we are still working on coming back together for safe worship and developing policies for building use, all in-person meetings and events are currently postponed. Opportunities for prayer, Bible Study, and fellowship will continue to be offered virtually, via phone call, and other creative methods. If you have a creative idea for reaching out to one another, or need access to the church's zoom account, contact Pastor Christie.

Contacting the Church- Pastor Christie is in and out of the office, and primarily continuing to work from home. She can most easily be reached at 317-828-5949 (call or text) or at pastor@hopeonbluerock.org Church mail and voicemail are checked every couple of days.

Giving - Thank you again for the blessings of your continued giving. As you are able, we continue to encourage regular giving. Online donat ions (one-t ime or recurr ing) are encouraged, and can be made via Paypal at https://www.hopeonbluerock.org/giving/

Family Assistance - If you or someone you know is in need of financial assistance during this time, contact Pastor. The church has a fund

for family assistance in times of crisis, and requests can be kept confidential. Also, d o n a t i o n s t o t h i s f u n d a r e a l w a y s welcome. Simply indicate this on your check or envelope.

Prayer - Please continue to pray for the church, for all those on our prayer chain, for the community, and for each other during this time. Prayer opportunities include:

Prayer Calls with Pastor - JOIN US for Prayer together -- yes, you can join from a phone, without computer access!! Sundays May 31 & June 7 at 10 a.m. Join Via Computer:https://zoom.us/j/3178285949?pwd=YSs1QzNScVlMZzlkMkZpMTlmVlNLUT09or phone: 1-312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 317 828 5949 Password: 4695Please contact Pastor if you need assistance joining the call.

Prayer Chain - Contact Barb Mack 513-844-2603 or hotrod32.2@juno.com

Online Prayer - Visit our website to submit a prayer request.https://www.hopeonbluerock.org/prayer-requests/

YELLOW BRICK ROAD CHILD CAREWelcome back to Kayla Wiley’s child care facility.

They reopen on June 1 with a reduced number of children due to the restrictions on child care operations due to the coronavirus.

WHAT MAKES A DADGod took the strength of the mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of the summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The face of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it…Dad.

Author Unknown

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JUNE THANK YOU’S AND NEWSThank you Hope folks for the prayers, cards, phone calls and the re-enactment of the event by friends. Hope cares! God has blessed us all. Nan Davis(Who is this masked lady?)Thank you to everyone who donated food items or money to the May SON Ministries Drop-Off. We filled two grocery carts to the brim and collected $700

to help the food pantry. Hope was indeed very generous as always. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Note: we are collecting again on June 12 and 14. Check details on the front page. (Since Nan fell during the last drop-off and broke her wrist, on that day I will by tying Nan to a chair for safety purposes!)

Thank you to Pastor Christie for zooming our Sunday morning virtual Prayer Services. About 12-14 members with computers share news and requests for prayers. It is such a nice way to stay in

contact with other members! There is plenty of room for others to join at 10 am on Sundays. See you there!

Thanks to Judy and Butch Royse Coronavirus masks are still available at Hope. She will continue sewing as long as needed. We are so grateful to them for their hard work!

Dear Hope Friends,Thank you once again for the many ways you are bringing us closer together with your phone calls, cards, newsletter and most of all the wonderful video worship services. It is great to see good friends and to worship with you each week. Now I know Pastor and her special crew have changed their day of worship to record each service. What a gift you have given us. You have truly blessed me. Thank you most sincerely. Barb Falk

We have one of the church’s old pianos and are looking to find it a new home. We gave a donation to the church when we became the owners and

paid to have it moved from the church. That is all we are asking of the new owners, as well. It is a beautiful piano and is still in tune and works great. We would love for someone to enjoy it! Thanks, Amy Byrne babyrne@hotmail.com  

HOPE’S FIRST VIRTUAL SCAVENGER HUNTOn May 8th Pastor Christie developed a virtual zoom scavenger hunt for anyone who wanted to join in the fun. The participants enjoyed a lively time with the Beagle Family winning and Brian Byrne Family coming in second. Unfortunately Amelia Terbrueggen fell and broke her arm during all of the excitement. However, it was such a hit that everyone wanted to do it again sometime.

Thanks so much to Judy Royse for providing the lovely yellow begonias that have graced our altar and Praise Band area the last couple of weeks during the videoing of our virtual worship services found on our website and Facebook.

NEW EMPLOYEEIf you are hungry, stop by the Arby’s near Colerain and Galbraith Road and order from Hannah Tolle their new employee. Good Going!

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AND MORE NEWS WE WERE SO BLESSEDA few roofing shingles were noticed lying on the ground. A roofing contractor temporary nailed

them down and found we needed more roof repair. During those high winds that came the next week, the original roof was worse. We are so fortunate

our insurance company covered payment for all but the $500 deductible for the new shingle roof on the original part.

Congratulations to Don Schneider upon his retirement from Baker Concrete. Don has worked in number of fields, starting with his first job working at Boy Scout Camp when he was 14! He spent time working in retail, retail products manufacturing, food service, childcare (he was one of the first men to be Mr. Mom and he did an amazing job), and lastly, working as an Accounting Specialist at Baker, for almost 22 years! Now he can dedicate more time to doing what he truly enjoys: spending time with family (especially two grandbabies in DC, sweet Cora and a soon to be born baby boy), going places with his lovely wife, devotions with God, watching John Wayne movies and westerns on rainy days,

keeping in touch with friends, and living in a world that has changed because of you know what! Don is excited to begin this new chapter in his life and is grateful for the life long friends he made at Baker and gives God thanks for all of the ways his life has been blessed during his working years!

Congratulations Don and may God bring joy, laughter, and love to your retirement years.

His lovely wife, Karen Schneider

HOPE’S 2020 GRADUATES CELEBRATEDOur first graduate is Kathi Boland, who completed all of her coursework graduated from Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University this spring. On page 2 in her article she notes she has happily received a call to serve at two churches in Michigan. Hope is so proud of her accomplishments and all she has worked so hard to achieve!Claire McMasters, daughter of Eva and Ed McMasters and big sister to Elliot, graduated from Oak Hills High School, although it still seems "unofficial." There is a ceremony scheduled for the end of July. She feels very blessed that she received a grant from Northern Kentucky University which will help her attend classes and (hopefully) live on campus this fall! Way to go, Claire!!

Nancy Baker shared her family has two graduates this year. Her daughter, Michelle Hunt, graduated magna cum laude from Kettering College in Dayton with a BS in Nursing. She is the mother of three children and will marry her fiance’ in July. And Nancy’s daughter, Chrissy Hermann, has a step daughter, Abbi Kollasch, who graduated from New Miami High School and will attend Miami University in the fall. She was active in basketball, Volleyball and color guard during her high school years. Such wonderful news for this family to celebrate!

JUBILANT JUNE BIRTHDAYS1 Rob Seipelt 28 Dylan Sheppard4 Jim Farmer 29 Kayla Terbrueggen6 Jen Byrne 30 Joe Fetterman

Kristina Cowan Zoey Gabbard 9 Joy Ivins 10 Hannah Tolle14 Kaelyn Kidd 23 Danny Ficke

Carol Pott28 Cora Reynolds

Greta ReynoldsHow do you get a squirrel to like you? You act like a nut.

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HOPES BOTTOM LINE

April 2020General FundTotal MONTH YTDBeginning Balance $ 53,094.67 $ 62,454.51Revenues $ 17,405.32 $ 58,581.28Expenses $ 16,437.97 $ 69,586.77Transfers In $ 1000.00 $ 3,593.00Transfers Out $. 0.00 $ 0.00Ending Balance $ 55,042.02 $ 55,042.02

Memorial FundBeginning Balance $16,176.94 $16,174.13Deposit $ 200.00 $ 200.00Interest $ .92 $ 3.73Disbursements $ 0.00 $ 0.00Total $16,377.86 $16,377.86

Mission Building FundBeginning Balance $ 16,227.19 $ 16,210.99Revenue $ 0.00 $ 0.00Interest $ 5.35 $ 21.55Disbursements $ 0.00 $ 0.00Ending Balance $ 16,232.54 $ 16,232.54

Wilma Hoffman FundBeginning Balance $ 19,269.84 $ 19,250.83Deposit $ 0.00 $ 0.00Interest Income $ 6.27 $ 25.28Disbursements $ 0.00 $ 0.00Ending Balance $ 19,276.11 $ 19,276.11

Capital One CDBeginning Balance $ 51,932.74 $ 51,639.88Deposit $ 0.00 $ 0.00Interest Income $ 100.12 $ 392.98Disbursements $ 0.00 $ 0.00Ending Balance $ 52,032.86 $ 52,032.86 Val Schneider, Treasurer

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTSMay 14, 2020 by Zoom✦Tim Beagle, Financial Secretary: Offerings are only about 70% of normal donations.✦Val Schneider, Treasurer: She applied for paycheck protection through Capital One, and Hope received $17,900 which must go toward salaries, mortgage interest and utility bills or be repaid.✦Carmen Hasdorff, Spiritual Life: She encouraged everyone to send cards to our shut-ins.✦Mike Schweinfest, Worship: His committee met to work on guidelines for returning to church and how to conduct future in-house services.✦The council agreed that we will not reopen the nursery and for now will continue to pay our

nursery attendant, Linda Carver, as well as our other employees.✦Mary Beth Taylor/Chuck Hasdorff, Property: Vanguard (our cleaning company) will spray the entire building plus the daycare for $300 before child care and worship services return.✦Yellow Brick Road Child Care will open June 1.✦We have a new roof on the original part of the church which was covered by our insurance with our $500 deductible.✦The insurance check was over the amount paid to our roofing contractor, so council voted to use $1500 to pay half of YBRCC’s rent for the months of April, May and June since she had been closed and now will have a reduced number of children allowed.✦Pastor Christie: Due to the Coronavirus, she has been very busy preparing video worship, Sunday Prayer Zoom, attending many Zoom meetings for area pastors and the synod, and checking on members as well as preparing a funeral service.✦A team will be formed to prepare guidelines for when we return to in-house services, but for now will continue videoing worship services found on our website through Youtube and our Facebook page. When approved by council, they will be emailed or mailed to the congregation. ✦The council voted to use any remaining money in our Preparing for the Ministry Fund for Kathi Boland’s graduation and ordination.✦The next council meeting will be June 11th.

FOR THE JULY ISSUE OF THE HOPE HERALD, ARTICLES ARE REQUESTED BY SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND. ARTICLES MAY BE EMAILED TO joyceivins@icloud.com anytime on or before that date.

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The Hope Herald Hope Lutheran ChurchPastor Christie Beckmann4695 Blue Rock RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45247-3571513-923-3370office@hopeonbluerock.orgwww.hopeonbluerock.org

OUR MISSIONWe are anchored in faith and saved by God’s grace. Led by the Holy Spirit, it is our purpose to invite all to know hope, love, and peace through Jesus Christ.

Pastor: Christie BeckmannChoir Director: Karen SchweinfestOrganist: Dale RennerAltar Care: Ruth OehlerPrayer Chain: Barb MackWeb Site: Pastor Christie

Jerry IvinsFacebook: Mary BryantKitchen Manager Karen Schneider

HOPE HERALD STAFF:Worship Assistants: Nan Davis

Jerry IvinsRuth Oehler

Editor: Joy IvinsClip Art: Jerry Ivins