The Voice of Hope 1

The Voice of Hope

Hope Lutheran Church

1750 SE Lennard Rd., Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952

The Reverend Norma Johnson, Pastor. Office: 772-335-4673

www.hopelutheranpsl.org

email-hopeoffice1@gmail.com

June 2014

Pastor Norma Johnson

JUNE 2014

To the People of God here at Hope:

Time is moving along as we journey through this transition time. The last three major concerns before getting to complete the ‘Five Tasks of Transition’ and finally

establishing a Call Committee are “in the works”! The first major task is almost completed. That task was the review of Hope’s membership and the completion of

the new Pictorial Directory which is, at last, in the hands of Lifetouch, the company printing the directory. All revisions have been made . . . and, we are waiting for the

directories to show up on Hope’s door step! Contacting members who no longer appear to be actively involved in the life of the congregation will be done early in this

month of June. The second major task is the review, and updating of Hope’s Constitution. The

committee is on the last “lap” of review. The revisions will be presented to the Council and then to the Congregation in the near future.

The third major task, is putting our legal and vital records, as well as our financial records, in order. Volunteers are at work putting our records in chronological

order. Following this effort, the records will be checked against a list of

recommended items to be retained (per ELCA website). Missing items (if there are any) will be noted and members will be asked to review old records that they may

have retained, in order to make our files as complete and accurate as possible. When this is completed, a review will be done and a study will be made of our financial

standing; then, a determination will be made as to whether or not we are ready, and

PASTOR’S PAGE

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able, to provide for an on-going salary package for a new pastor. When the answer

to that question is determined to be “YES”, a Call Committee will be established. Please “stay tuned” as we near the completion of this section of transition.

Meanwhile, please read the “Stewardship Thought” appearing elsewhere in this newsletter.

Blessings to all,

--Pastor Norma

Come out and join us at Tradition Field for a

baseball game on Thursday night, June 19th at

6:30pm. Bring two can goods and receive a free

ticket. It is sponsored by Thrivent Financial, to

benefit the House of Hope. See you there!

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A letter of in

May 4: Luke 24: 28-35 “28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Jesus’ true purpose wasn’t revealed until after his flesh had been broken, and then experienced death, burial, and then resurrection. The reason Jesus didn’t reveal Himself until He broke bread was a metaphor for how He walked with His disciples all the while revealing truth, obscuring Himself, and His disciples eyes weren’t truly open until the exact moment He want them to know. God grants revelation to those who seek Him diligently. May 11: John 10: 1-6 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.” God speaks to us by the Holy Spirit, through the bible, prayer, church and circumstances. We cannot hear from the Holy Spirit apart from our live relationship with God. When our relationship is where it is supposed to be, we will know His voice. May 18: 1Peter 2: 2-5 “2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation — 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” If we’re smart, we’ll keep our thirst quenched by regular time with God throughout the day- constantly keeping our tanks full of His words, through a close relationship with Him. Unfortunately, we don’t always seek to quench our spiritual thirst with the right things. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that other things can quench our thirst- new stuff, more friends, increased status, a busy social calendar, etc… These things all seem to satisfy us in the moment, but can never completely satisfy our thirst for a deep connection with God. May 25: 1Peter 3: 21-22 “21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you — not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. Paul tells Timothy that the goal of their instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Peter instructs us that corresponding to the Ark of Noah, baptism now saves us. Not because it cleanses our physical flesh, but it is an appeal to God for a good conscience. .

May Sermon Texts

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06/01 John Prell

June Leighliter

06/02 Scott Watson

Billy Parks

06/05 Amanda Lyke

06/06 Ed Berkich

06/07 Rudy Pinto

06/09 Kevin Sanchez

G’yannah Cedeno

06/10 Hannah Keegan

06/14 Brad Kennedy

06/16 Lis Witkowski

Joseph Kennedy

06/17 Barbara Turpie

James Weber

06/18 Jason Hutto

Mary Smith

06/19 Robert Furay

06/20 Angelica Sanchez

06/21 Sheryl Keat

06/23 Carol Hill

Mark Giebler

06/27 Chris Urban

06/28 Paula Corbett

06/29 Reef Nelson

06/30 David Byerly Jr.

June Birthdays

June Anniversaries

06/01 Jeffrey & Melissa Nelson (13)

06/04 Larry & Marion Zimmerman (56)

06/05 John & Margaret Eubank (19)

06/10 Charlie & Lusell DuBerger (13)

06/11 Ed & Sandy Kutsner (49)

06/12 Martin & Ramona Frano Jr. (22)

06/13 Bob & Fran Hendertilo (50)

06/14 Brad & Debbie Barr (28)

06/17 Mag & Diane Roma (14)

06/18 Cruz & Delia Gonzalez (49) 06/20 Sigmund & Teresa Frick (66) Glenn & Kim Doebrich (29) 06/24 Tom & Judy Geske (35) 06/25 Rudy & Debbie Pinto (21) 06/29 Steven & Shelley Tillman (6)

Altar Flowers Dedicating Altar Flowers is a wonderful way to honor or memorialize friends and family for special times, anniversaries, or events. At the same time you will be adding to the beauty of our Church during Sunday worship. Simply sign up on the chart in the usher’s area between the narthex and sanctuary for any available Sunday and indicate what event you are honoring. The month prior to your sponsorship you will be sent an envelope for your donation to the flower fund of $30.00. You may place this in the offering on any Sunday or mail the envelope back to the Church. Following the 11:00 service you may take the flowers home or deliver to a shut-in friend or member. If you would like the names and location of several members who are in the hospital, assisted living or nursing facilities who would enjoy and

appreciate the flowers you can contact Pastor.

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Grace Benway, Micheline Berthaut, Kathy Brogan, Amanda Calcagno, Michael Carlin, Jean Carroll, Maureen Cunningham, Jan Doyle, Alva Felix,

Wanda Felix, Ed Forella, Guy Forester, Neal & Karen Frampton, Jimmy Bacik-Galpin, Harmony Geske, Judy Geske, Claudia Gillis, Phyllis Gillis, Claudia Glass, Karen & Frank Harris, Dolores Hart, Vi Haviland, Bob Hendertilo,

Jeanne Hockley, Kendall Lynn Hunt, Gloria Iacobelli, Mitzi Johnson, Kelly Kendall, Bob Lyle, Pat Marascio, Mary Meehan, Joe Morris, Chelsey Olson, Judy Ouelette, Pablo Oyola, Maria Lydia Prado, Karen McGatrey, Howard Munson, Hilda Peterson, John Prell, Mary Ann Russello, Frank Sanchez,

Cathy Schaus, Tony Scuderi, Billy Parks-Schauer, Grace Siciliano, Billy Smith, Susan Spee Eleanor Tosado, Eric Weston, Marge Yager

Members of Our Armed Forces Cody Allen USA USA Tech Sgt. John King USAF

Members in Residential Care Inge Brooks-Lakeforest Park Pricilla Carpenter- The Gardens

If you know of someone who would like to be

on our prayer list please contact:

prayersofhopelutheran@gmail.com

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HELP WANTED, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY WILL TRAIN - USHERS, GREETERS, LECTORS, COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD! NO NEED TO SEND YOUR RESUME

JUST CALL: 772-335-4673 or email church office at hopeoffice1@gmail.com All Christian’s have been gifted by grace from God above, equipped to build and strengthen the church in faith and love. ---Fitzhugh You are one of a kind—designed to glorify God as only you can

Worship Servants –June

Date Greeters Ushers Lectors Cantor

06/01 (9am)

(11am)

(9am) Fran Hendertilo

(11am)Debbie Pinto

(9am) Joan Ojala

(11am)

(9am) Karen Frampton

06/08 (9am) Margaret Eubanks

(11am)

(9am) Chuck & Joyce Strickler

(11am)Debbie Pinto

(9am) Joan Ojala

(11am)

(9am) Lusell DuBerger

06/15 (9am) Margaret Eubanks

(9am)

(11am)Debbie Pinto

(9am)

(11am)

(9am) Lusell DuBerger

06/22 (9:30am) Margaret Eubanks

(9am)

(11am)Debbie Pinto

(9am) Nan Billings

(11am)

(9am) Lusell DuBerger

06/29 (9:30am) Margaret Eubanks

(9am)

(11am) Debbie Pinto

(9am) Brenda Newins

(11am)

(9am) Lusell DuBerger

Counters June Leighliter & Brenda Newins

Be encouraged, we all get tired and weary, and stumble, but those who wait for The Lord will gain strength. Strength comes from God, strength is found in the sword of the Spirit. The battle has already been won. Never strop living, never stop loving, and never stop desiring, nearer my God to thee….

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June 2014

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Services 9&11am Confirmation Sunday St Julian 12:30pm-2:00pm Tabernacle of Praise 2-4pm

2 11am Worship Team Meeting 6:30pm

3 Altar Guild Meeting 1pm Education Outreach Committee Meeting 4pm

4 Band Practice 7pm

5 Personnel/Policy Committee Meeting 11am Constitution Committee Meeting 7pm

6 New Hope (AA) Meeting 7pm Tabernacle of Praise 7:30-8:30pm

7 Father Bernie 5pm-8pm

8 Services 9&11am Pentecost St Julian 12:30pm-2:00pm Tabernacle of Praise 2-4pm

9 Council Meeting 7pm

10

11 Band Practice 7pm

12 Constitution Committee Meeting 7pm

13 New Hope (AA) Meeting 7pm Tabernacle of Praise 7:30-8:30pm

14 New Member Class 10am-Noon Tabernacle of Praise 6pm-7pm Flag Day

15 Services 9&11am New members received St Julian 12:30pm-2:00pm Tabernacle of Praise 2-4pm Happy Father’s Day

16

17

18 Band Practice 7pm Ruth’s Bible Study 10:30am

19 Constitution Committee Meeting 7pm

20 New Hope (AA) Meeting 7pm Tabernacle of Praise 7:30-8:30pm Pastor Norma Synod Assembly Orlando

21 Tabernacle of Praise 6pm-7pm Pastor Norma Synod Assembly Orlando

22 Services 9&11am St Julian 12:30pm-2:00pm Tabernacle of Praise 2-4pm Pastor Norma Vacation 22nd-27th

23

24

25 Band Practice 7pm

26 Constitution Committee Meeting 7pm

27 New Hope (AA) Meeting 7pm Tabernacle of Praise 7:30-8:30pm

28 Father Bernie 4pm Wedding Veterans of Hope Breakfast 8:30am Cracker Barrel

29 Services 9&11am St Julian 12:30pm-2:00pm Tabernacle of Praise 2-4pm

30

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Stewardship Thought

Before the American humorist Mark Twain became a famous writer, he went out west to the Nevada territory with his brother and tried his hand at mining gold and silver in the wilderness. Twain and his friends endured the stings of scorpions, the extremes of weather, the pangs of hunger, and the dangers of marauders, because the idea of finding riches like gold and silver made them overlook these hardships. Some of the stories he wrote later made fun of what he and others put up with because of their desire to get rich quick. Faith in gold and silver led Twain to invest his cash reserves in many mines in the surrounding area. He became a millionaire on paper, but as he later admitted, it all turned out to be worthless paper. People are always ready to believe in some new get-rich-quick scheme. And they’re ready to act on it. How firm is our belief in something really eternal? Jesus spent time in a wilderness inhabited by creatures and marauders every bit as dangerous as those Mark Twain faced. Jesus too came out of his experience in the desert with a belief in riches, but these were true riches. Jesus went forth from his experience calling on people to believe in the good news. How many of us are willing to really invest in the true riches, the eternal riches, of God’s good will for all humanity? Are we as ready as those treasure hunters of long ago to sink our cash, our energy, and our wills into what is more than just a get-rich-quick scheme? Reflect for a moment on where you have poured your cash, your energy and your will; and then, consider, here at the start of the Season of Pentecost, (Pentecost Sunday* is on June 8th), who calls to you, and what sacrifices you are willing to endure for something everlasting. Believe in the good news of Jesus Christ. Share in the sure knowledge of our salvation. *Pentecost Sunday is when we celebrate the birth of the church.

Verse of the Month:

God looks down from heaven on all

mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” Psalm

53:2 NIV

News from the Treasurer Statistics for the month of May, 2014 The total attendance for the 9amWorship Service was 262 and the total for the 11am Worship Service was 193. The combined total for both services was 455. The general fund offering for the month, both services combined, was $12,193.92. This total is only the funds that are for the general operating fund. All restricted funds are deposited into the Restricted Fund Money Market Account. The restricted funds consist of: Advertising, Building & Grounds (donated funds from the crosses), Brown Scholarship, Choir Robe, Gutter, Hand Bells, Maintenance, Memorial, Ruth’s Circle, Vacation Bible School, and Youth Group. The general operating expense for a month is approximately $10,485.00. This figure includes the reduced monthly mortgage payment, insurance, telephone, electric, water, and trash removal. It does not include office supplies, worship supplies or any repair work that might be required. The salaries per month are approximately $6,300.00. When you total these two amounts it is very obvious our average monthly income does not cover the average monthly expenses. Changes have been made over the past year to help reduce our monthly expenses and the expenses continued to be reviewed in hopes that they can be lowered. The latest change is in the telephone and internet service – changed from AT&T to Comcast, which will save approximately $200.00 per month. With the figures given we all need to reach deeper in our pockets every week and make it possible to pay the monthly expenses. The summer months are a struggle but we will get through them and pray that with a little extra offerings we will make it one step closer to forming the Call Committee. --Nancy Brewer

New Members Class

Saturday, June 14, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at Hope. Come and learn about Hope, about who we are as Lutherans and about how to join the congregation. Anyone interested in any of these topics

is welcome to attend.

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Vacation Bible School

July 7th – 11th

9 am - Noon

Ages 5 years old - 6th grade

Join us at Son Treasure Island VBS! More precious than gold, more lasting than diamonds, it’s the greatest treasure of all-

God’s love! Each day your kids will learn how Jesus’ life illustrates God’s love as described in 1 Corinthians 13.

Now Enrolling! First come, first served… Registration cap to be determined!

Registration fee: $10 per child (Please make checks out to Hope Lutheran and memo-VBS REGISTRATION)

VBS Meeting

This meeting is for anyone who is interested in helping during the week of VBS!

Sunday, June 22nd Immediately following the first service

Contact Mary Bergerman For questions: 337-6288

Or at mbergerman@comcast.net

continued on next page………

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Vacation Bible School Volunteers

Fill out ALL the contact info that’s requested below!

Name ________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________

Phone_____________________ Email ______________________________

Mark desired areas to serve

and place them in order of preference:

VBS Registration Team ______

Lead Teacher (Grade level preference?) ______

Teacher Assistant (Grade level preference?) ______

Snacks _____

Recreation ______ Circle one: Music _____ Adult or Youth

Computer, Lighting & Sound Technician _____ Church/Classroom Decorations______

Set-up (Sunday, July 6th) ______

Family Night – Friday, July 11th at 6:30p Bring a dessert _____

Food Area (during event) ______

Set-up (Friday, July 11th at 6pm) ______

Clean-up (Friday, July 11th after event) ______

Place this form in the offering basket or in the front office.

Vacation Bible School

July 7th – 11th

9 am - Noon

Ages 5 years old - 6th grade

Join us at SonTreasure Island VBS! More precious than gold, more lasting than diamonds, it’s the greatest treasure of all-

God’s love! Each day your kids will learn how Jesus’ life illustrates God’s love as described in 1 Corinthians 13.

Now Enrolling! First come, first served… Registration cap to be determined!

Registration fee: $10 per child (Please make checks out to Hope Lutheran and memo-VBS REGISTRATION)

VBS Meeting

This meeting is for anyone who is interested in helping during the week of VBS!

Sunday, June 22nd Immediately following the first service

Contact Mary Bergerman For questions: 337-6288

Or at mbergerman@comcast.net

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OKTOBERFEST – Plans begin!!!!

An Oktoberfest is being planned for the fall! We plan

on having cars, crafts and food! The first meeting will

be held between worship services at 10:10 AM on

Sunday, June 8th

. Please come if you are interested in

joining in the FuN! Meeting will be held in the

Sunday school room at the end of the hall (across from

the kitchen.) Come and bring your ideas!

We’re a national, not-for-profit, membership-owned

organization of Christians who want to be wise with

money, live generously and change lives.

The Thrivent Way

We are a membership organization of Christians,

and our members are our owners.

Our purpose is to serve our members and society by

guiding both to be wise with money and live

generously.

We believe that all we have is a gift from God

and that generosity is an expression of faith.

We succeed when our members, their families

and their communities thrive.

We value our relationships, so we will:

Be trustworthy in character and competence, and

act like owners and treat each other as owners, and

live balanced and generous lives.

Become a Thrivent member today; contact Keith

Smothers at (772) 882-1288 or you can go to

http://www.thrivent.com/ for more information about

Thrivent.

This is a poem written by Lusell DuBerger’s mom. Her

name was Senta Kopf and she wrote this among many

poems. Lusell shared it with the congregation on

Mothers’ Day.

To an Artificial Flower

You never had to brave

the thrust

From darkness, thru the

earthly crust.

To seek the sun and feel

the rain

You never lured a passing

bee

Exotic scents were not

from Thee

For colors – yes- You

have them all

Each wondrous shade

eyes can recall

And textures too, that

lovely touch

Of velvet, women love so

much.

You are a perfect

imitation

But not of God, is your

creation

--Senta Kopf

1994

Upcoming Event:

Luncheon at Applebee’s Date: June 14th -11:30am Where: Applebee’s Port Saint Lucie Lunch and Fellowship

Sign-up Sheet in the Narthex, all welcome

--Jeanette Roberts

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Congratulations to our confirmands, Brianna Sellas, Jelisa Heins,

Cynthia Oyola, and Tyler Carlile. A special thank you to Deacon Susan,

and Emma Schnoor for instructing them on their journey of faith.

Memorials to Hope Lutheran Church

In memory of John Ojala In memory of Gene Roma

Ruth Kissinger Mag & Diane Roma

Joe & Linda Gannon Joe & Linda Gannon

Savanna Club Players

Bob Staab In memory of Jennifer Jaworski Carole & Chris Arcoleo

Barbara & Gene Flinn Fran & Bob Hendertilo

Lusell DuBerger

Rick & Bev Bowers In memory of Angela Stamm Bob& Rochelle Hanson

Chuck & Joyce Strickler Fran & Bob Hendertilo

Frank & Karen Harris

Tom & Mary Ann Roksvold In memory of Fred Kopf Donald & Janet Johnson

Clemmie Vincent Joe & Linda Gannon

Bette White

Mag & Diane Roma

With thanks to all who remembered or honored their friends and loved ones with gifts to our funds this

month

Congratulations to Emily Sellas on her high school graduation! We are so proud of you. The future has many opportunities that will come your way so be ready! We send our blessings, love, encouragement, and motivation to you, to be the best at everything and strive for much success.

God made you exactly who He wants you to be. Seek Him with all your heart and become the best you!

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`

Do you own or run a local business?

With your permission, we will place a copy of your business card in our newsletter. We offer this as a way to spread the word about your product or service and we will list it for free for the first two months. Following that time frame, we invite you to continue to list your information as a sponsor for our newsletter. The hoped for donation would be at least $5.00 per month to help cover the cost of printing and sending the newsletter. All the best in your endeavor. Thanks for offering you product or service in the local business community.

--Blessings! Congregation and Council of Hope Hope Lutheran Church

Phone-772-324-9472

Check out the web-site:

http://cuisine256.com/

E-Mail-

Info@Cuisine256.com

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We are asking anyone interested in singing with the ADULT CHOIR to please see Karen Keat or any choir member for information. We meet on Wednesday’s check the calendar. Please come out and sing with us.

For information please call Karen Keat: 772-237-5363.

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalms 100:2)

If you would like to be in the BELL CHOIR, please see

Karen Keat for information. If you are interested in

learning about the bells, please call Karen Keat, 772-

237-5363. We meet at 6:30 pm on Monday nights.

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1750 SE Lennard Road, Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952 772-335-4673 www.hopelutheranpsl.org The Rev. Norma Johnson, Interim Pastor

We are an affirming, warm and

friendly church that leads people

into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ

If you do not have an e-mail address or access to online we will gladly mail you

an issue. Please contact the church office. Thank you Chuck Strickler for keeping our website

up to date!

Click & go to www.hopelutheranpsl.org