newhope newsLutheran Church - Agoura Hills April 2018

HAPPY EASTER

Easter People

“We are Easter people and Alleluia is our song.” St. Augustine of Hippo

To be an Easter people is to be those who embody that fierce, unrelenting love that says to the forces of death andhate that continue to operate today: “God is a God of love and of life, and wewill be a people of love and of life."

Throughout Lent your leaders have been preaching a series on covenants. Establishing and sustaining covenantscomes fromGodwhose commitment is solid amidst the shifting investment/divestment commonamonghumans.God is faithful, people are flawed, yet God is faithful. As Christians, we can be certain about our God of loveand life even in uncertain times and amidst unstable circumstances.

We can be certain that God wants to shape our lives and interactions. One famous writer said the shape of theChristian life is to be “The Imitation of Christ.” Now, we believe God is full of passion--we even call his death“The Passion of theChrist.” God’s relentless love for creation and humankind is the distinctivemark of our faith.Unfortunately, Christian passions don’t closely parallel those of God. Roman Catholic Priest, Fr. Richard Rohrwrites, “The irony is not that God should feel so fiercely; it’s that his creatures feel so feebly.”

God doesn’t give up on feeble, flawed, difficult, stiff-necked, wishy-washy, disobedient, openly-rebellious, law-breaking, prodigal, betrayers like Judas, St. Peter, St. Paul, you and me. Such fierce love from Christ requiresa relentless trust from thosewho follow him in their lives. To be an Easter people is to be thosewho embody love.To be an Easter people is to imitate Christ. Christ didn’t give up on us. Yet, I see people today easily give upon others. I see the death-dealing, closed doors of hatred shutting out family, church members, neighbors, andloved ones. This is not the way of those who follow the Resurrected Christ. May I suggest that the “cross weare to bear” in our highly divisive times is loving others we disagree with, who we perceive as enemies. Such“loving of neighbor as self” would certainly imitate Christ, challenge our spiritual walk, be an inspiring witnessto faith, and certainly contribute to the common good. Remember that what Paul said of marriage also applies toall human interaction: “Out of reverence for Christ, submit to one another.” The Benedictine monastic traditionsay it thisway, “Receive others as if you are receivingChrist.” I know, big ideas and lofty platitudes! Start small,my people, scatter some sparks of Christian charity and love for we know it only takes a spark to get a fire going.

Easter celebrates the power of God’s love that confronts the forces that deal in death and hatred and say “Youwill not have the final word." Easter celebrations are filled with joyfulness and lightness of spirit. But I amreminded that the gospel texts, when they tell the story of those who encountered the empty tomb and the risenChrist, their response in the moment was to be astounded, to be confounded—fearful even—and yet there wasa spark of hope that was lit.

And from that spark they ran and told others. And from that, communities of life and love emerged. That is whatitmeans for us to be anEaster people—to be thosewho embody that fierce, unrelenting love that says to the forcesof death and hate that continue to operate today: “You do not get the last word. We say no. We resist. BecauseGod is a God of love and of life, and we will be a people of love and of life.”

Friends, may it be so for us this Easter. May we be an Easter people. He is risen, may we also rise!

Pastor Craig

Easter Eggs and legendsSome claim that the word Easter derives from Eostre, a pagan (Germanic) goddess of spring and fertility.According to folklore, Eostre found a bird dying from the cold and turned it into a rabbit so its fur would keepit warm—but that rabbit still laid eggs like a bird.

In the Greek and Latin churches Easter is called by its traditional name Pascha (derived from Greek, Aramaic,and Hebrew) or commonly referring to Easter as the Paschal feast. The term is directly related to and referencesthe Jewish celebration ofPassover (which closely alignswith theChristian calendar ofEaster, and is the referencepoint of Jesus’ last supper).

The eggs we give and receive at Easter have many different symbols attached to them. They represent new lifeand some people suggest that they resemble the stone at the entrance to Jesus' tomb.

One tradition regarding Easter eggs is related to Mary Magdalene, the first person to see Jesus after theResurrection.Shewasholdingaplain egg in thepresenceof anemperor andproclaiming theResurrectionof JesusChrist. The emperor said that Jesus’ rising from the deadwas as likely as that egg turning red—and the egg turnedbright red while he was still speaking.

And what about the focus on chocolate at Easter? “The tradition of chocolate eggs began in 19th-century Franceand Germany and soon spread to the rest of Europe and eventually the United States. Chocolate is one of thoseitems many Christians are also eager to eat on Easter because it’s a common modern-day sacrifice (fast) duringLent.

Whatever the origins of the term, it refers to the central event of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus, theChrist, from death after crucifixion by the Roman authorities.

HOLY WEEK

MAUNDY THURSDAY is a night to remember Christ's command to love each other by serving eachother and the gift of Holy Communion. Service will be held at 7:30 PM, March 29th in our sanctuary.

GOOD FRIDAY is for the commemoration of those acts by which our salvation was achieved by thecross of Jesus. Service will be held at 7:30 PM, March 30th at the Westlake Korean CommunityChurch, located at 2630A Townsgate Road, Westlake Village.

EASTER SUNDAY, April 1stwhen we celebrate Jesus Christ's victory over death and the promise ofeternal life. Service times are:

6 AM - Community Sunrise at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Westlake Village8:30 and 11 AM - Easter Celebration Worship at New Hope Lutheran Church10 AM - Easter Egg Hunt for all children to be held in our sanctuary

Caring CornerLet us remember the followingpeople in our prayers........

Hannah Hershman is recoveringfrom surgery.

Continued prayers of healing forChriss Alwood, Steve Blair, ElisabethBrown, Evelyn Colby, Bob Davis,Holly Dolliver, Lou Fiore, Chris andJill Fisher, Sandy Hansen, DelHultgren, Chuck Kemmerer, TheLaVanneFamily, JoyceLawson,ReetaLeland, AvaGraceMcConnell, CherylMerrill, Jim O'Brien, Cindy O'Hare,Ahoo Pilehvari, Sharon Pryor, ArnoldReuter, JaneTaschereau,RoseTopliss,Jax Raines-Turk, Susie Turner andVega Wolf.

Prayers for our servicemen -Landen Anderson, Gerren Blair,Taylor Blair, Heather Brown, KeithBrown, Patrick Clohessy, CynthiaColby, Logan Hershman, KyleMcCarley, Ikenna Olelewe, and JasonRetter.

Martins are Moving

Long time members Rick andElinor Martin will be moving toNorthern California to live near theirdaughter, Lisa, and her husband,Damien, who live in San Jose. Theywill put their house on the market inMay and move once it is sold. Elinorhas beenon staff as theworshipplannerand pianist for 27 years. Please upholdthem in prayer as they go through thistransition.

The nursery is in need of a gentlyused Pack 'n Play Playard. Pleasecontact the church office if you have aPlayard you could donate to the littleones who visit our church nursery.

Directory Update

Please make the following changes toyour church directory:

Leila Mahmoudi12745 Moorpark Street #314

Studio City 91604

From the Deacon:Summer Programs

Since springhas sprung (andby thetimemost of you read this, it will be afterEaster) it’s time to think about summerprograms. Dixie Burton and I have askedthe synod for a grant to try something alittle different, with a Summer of Servicethis year instead of a Week of Service.We will have at least six Wednesdaysfrom mid-June to mid-August wherechildren, teens and adults of all ages areinvited to take part in a Bible story, lunchtogether, do a service project at thechurch or elsewhere, and talk about theday a little, working on an art project. Itshould be fun and different, and a chanceto bring everyone together.

Want to put in your opinion aboutwhat we’re doing? Take a short surveyvia Survey Monkey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PGM2DGK

Blessings,Deacon Lynn

Risk Taking Mission andService Opportunities

Please check out our new "HelpWanted" section on the bulletin board in

the narthex. These are tasks andsupport projects we are in need ofhelp with. Some tasks may require aone day commitment while othersmay be 3-6 months, but all offer anopportunity for you to bring yourmuch needed skills and gifts to NewHope. Additional "Help Wanted"cards will be posted as needs arise soplease check back often. When yousee a card that interests you, pleasecontact the person noted on the cardfor more information. We thank youin advance.

Amplify Teachers Needed!

Weare currently looking for 2-3additional teachers for our Amplifyprogram. Amplify teachers have theresponsibility and blessing ofconnecting our youth to Christ, aswell as the congregation, throughgames, activities, Bible study, andsong! Volunteers are asked to leadAmplify ONE Sunday each monthfollowing the guidance of providedcurriculum/lesson ideas. Pleasecontact Kaily Vitt via email if you areinterested. kaileydvitt@gmail.com

The Love Wall

Because of all the generousdonations to the Love Wall, we wereable to raise $10,743. We are sograteful to all of you for making thisfund raiser such a huge success.

God bless,New Hope Youth Committee

The Daytime Book Club willmeet at 11:30AM in the church libraryon April 3rd - "The Gentleman fromMoscow" by Amor Towles. Pleasejoinus if youcan. The future booksweare reading are....

May1st - "GreatSmallThings"by JodiPiquoit

June 5th - "The Last Time She SawHim" by Jane Haseldine

TheTuesdayMorningBible Studymeets each Tuesday from 9:30-11:15AMin the social hall. Weare currentlyusing the study from the GatherMagazine from the Women of theEvangelical Lutheran Church.

Monday NightBible Study

TheWomen’sMondayBible Studyis open towomen of all ages. Wemeetin the New Hope Library from 7-8:30PM for prayer, study and fellowship.All women are welcome!

Prime Timer'sLuncheon

Come join us for lunch onTuesday,April 10th at 11:30 AM in the socialhall. There will be a speaker fromCLU talking on ancient religion.Please letRoseTopliss know if you areable to attend. Hope to see you allthere. All adults 50 years and older areinvited to join us.

The New Hope LutheranMen's Fellowship

Join us on Thursday morningsforMen'sgroup from7:30-8:30AM.Weare continuing in our stimulatingDVD series featuring Rev. AndyStanley from North PointCommunity Church near Atlanta,Georgia. His programs are fun,thought-provoking, and Biblicallybased. Come and help stimulatesome great conversations aboutcurrent issues involving life andfaith. Come when you can to enjoythe coffee, donuts, and fellowshipwith some great men of faith.

Sunday Morning AdultStudy

Join us at 9:45 AM inclassroom 2 when we will resumeour "Wired Word" study of currentevents and the life of faith.

ChurchNursery

This is just a reminder thatthere is a church nursery for infantsthrough 3 years old during bothworship services. If there isn't aperson in the nursery, please ask anusher and they will let the volunteerknow you need someone to watchover your child while you are inworship. We are happy to watchyour child and look forward tospending time with them.

Amplify

Preschool through5thgrade studentsare encouraged to attend our Sundayschool program, Amplify. It takes placeafter Children's Time each Sundayduring the 8:30 and 11 AM services andmeets in the Amplify classroom behindthe social hall. Amplify takes the place ofChildren's Church and Sunday School.

SundayMorningCoffee

If you enjoy a cup of coffee afterworship service, why not put in somemoney in our coffee can to help purchasethe coffee that we serve. The canwill beon the goodie table once a month.

CROP Hunger Walk

Fred Dunn would like to thank allthat participated in this year's CROPWalk. We had 11 walkers who raised atotal of $1,825. Thanks to all!

"Themeaning of life is tofind your gift. Thepurpose of life is to give itaway."

- Pablo Picasso

"If things don't work outthe way you want, holdyour head up high andbe proud. And try again.And again. And again."

- Sarah Dessen

Lay Ministry Community Connections

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Matthew 6:21

Thank you to all who volunteer to make our Church run smoothly

and your faithful participation in Sunday Worship.

Safety and Security Plan Developer – 3 to 6 months (See Gaye Khan)

Emergency Plan Developer – 3 to 6 months (See Gaye Khan)

Social Media Manager – 3 to 6 months (See Chris Chigaridas)

Handyperson – As needed (See Gary McGinnis)

Amplify Teacher – One Sunday Each Month (See Kailey Vitt)

Worship Service Volunteer – Once every 2 months @ 11 am Service (See Gail McGinnis)

Nursery Attendant – One Sunday each month (See Gaye Khan)

Carpool Driver – Rotation every 2 months (See Marsha Chew)

New Hope Inspirational Mugs!

As away towelcome our visitors and give thema continued reminderof the church family they visited, we are pleased to present the NewHope Lutheran Inspirational Mug. This mug provides Bible verses toinspire, motivate and focus our guests on Christ's love, while alsogiving them the information they need to contact or return to us later.We will be stuffing these mugs with handmade soaps or chocolates.And as an added bonus, our church family can buy a mug as well for$5 each.

Our greeters andusherswill have theseavailable, sowecan "gift" ourvisitors. We'll be announcing their availability as well during theservice in case we miss a visitor. Contact Laurie Scott, if you areinterested in having one of your own.

Conejo ValleyMeals Program

For the spring and summer seasons, theConejoValleyMeals Program returns to St.Patrick's Episcopal Church in ThousandOaks. Wewill be hosting the dinners on the3rd Sunday of eachmonth, which are April15th, May 20th, June 17th (Father's Day),July 15th, August 19th, September 16th,October 21st and November 18th. Pleasecheck the bulletin board for the monthlytheme and food sign-up sheet. Food willneed to be at the church by 6 PM and theevening concludes about 7:30PM. Wealsoneed dinner servers so please feel welcometo stay and help with this very worthwhileevening. If you have any questions, pleasecontact Merylee Blair at 805-490-1867.

Donation envelopes are nowavailable:Many of our church members sign up tobring the menu items that are served toindividuals and families who arestruggling in our community Anotherway you can become involved with thisworthwhile program is by donatingmoney. Donations will go towards themain entree or to augment the othermenuitems to ensure there is enough food toserve all guests. Pre-printed envelopesare available on the table in the mainhallway. Donation envelopes can be leftin the church office. If you have anyquestions, please see Merylee Blair.Thank you for your generosity.

MANNA FOOD PANTRY

The top items that MANNA needsare canned tomato soup, canned chickensoup, canned variety soup, canned stew/

chili, baked/refried beans, boxed potatoes,canned pinto beans, canned diced/stewedpotatoes, hot cereal, hamburger helper.

MANNA will gladly accept ANYunexpired (within 12 months prior to the“sell-by” date), non-perishable food itemsthat are unopened and in good condition.Home gardeners are also welcome to dropoff fresh fruits and vegetables that are ripeand in good condition.

Please leave any donations in thebox in the narthex.

Any questions, call AnnAshamallah at (818)-613-6818.

SUPPORT OURMILITARYTHIS SPRING!

We will begin in March a campaign tohonor and support our troops. Troops onthe front lines are often low or out of basicnecessities and treats as they keep us safe.As you travel, please save thecomplimentary personal hygiene items inyour hotel rooms. Also many stores nowhave a large selection of travel sizeproducts for purchase at minimal cost.Next timeyou are shopping, throw in a fewsoaps, shampoo, razors, lotions,deodorants, etc. for our campaign. Itemslike lifesavers, breath mints and hardcandies make wonderful treats. Acollection box is in the narthex at church.Let’s show our military how much weappreciate their efforts!

Merylee Blair

Building Keys

If at some time in the past you have beenassigned a key to the church building butfind you no longer have a need for it, could

you please return it to the churchoffice? This will help us with our keyinventory and help us avoid the cost ofpurchasing additional keys. Thankyou.

SCRIP/GIFT CARDS

Have you had your debit or credit cardcompromised? I have, and cleaning upthemess created by the hackers/thieveswas a nightmare. I much prefer to usethe gift cards sold by New Hope onSundaymornings. They have all ofmyregular stops: ARCO, CVS, Bed Bath& Beyond, Sprouts, Mimi’s Café, ElPollo Loco and many more grocerystores, restaurants/fast food, gasstations and retailers. You get fullvalue of the gift card and New Hopegets a percentage of the purchase price.What an easy way to support NewHope. If you aren’t alreadyparticipating, please consider buyinggift cards for the places you frequent.Last year we raised over $2,000! Justthink how much more we can raise ifeveryone buys gift cards! Havequestions about the program?Please ask me - Karen Ingram

"Hugs can do greatamounts of good -

especially for children."Princess Diana

Stewardship MusingsGiving was on my mind as I preparedmy 2017 tax filing and wondered if Ihad ‘given enough’ tomeetmygoal oftithing plus. When I was in my 20’sI worked with a single mother whoimmigrated from Belize to create abetter life for her two sons. Thiswoman taughtme somuch about faithand tithing. There were times whenshe wasn’t sure how she was going topay the rent or buy the shoes her sonsneeded, but she always gave 10% ofher paycheck to her church. Iquestioned her sanity and said ‘Godwill understand’ if she kept somemoney for her family this time. Shetold me I was wrong and proceeded torecount the many blessing in her life:her sons, living in America, having ajob and having the freedom toworship. She said that giving 10% toGod was the least she could do tothank God for these blessing….andthat God always provided for herwhen thingswere tight. So I followedher example and committed to giving10% toGod. Shewas right. Then andnow, God makes sure I have what Ineed, and I found that the more I give,the more I have to give – that’s thetithing plus. How do you thank Godfor the blessings in your life?

Karen Ingram

New Hope MessageNevermiss aNewHopemessage

again! All sermons given at churchare posted on YouTube at:w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / u s e r /newhopeagoura. Listen to messagesagain that impacted you - or better yet,share them with a friend.

Casseroles

The women of NHLC will once again bemaking and selling their deliciouscasseroles. These casseroles will be madeonMonday,April 9th at 7PMin the kitchenof Kathy Rogers. All women are invited tohelp assemble these casseroles. Nothing tobring, just yourself and maybe your apron.You'd be amazed howmany casseroles canbe made in 1 1/2 hours.

If anyone would like to make somedifferent casseroles other than the ones wenormally sell (tamale pie, chicken tortilla,chicken deluxe,mac and cheese, southwestand spaghetti), please feel free to makethem on your own. We can then sell themalongwith theothers.The frozencasseroleswill be sold on Sunday, April 22nd atchurch. Plan to stock up on these deliciousmeals and take a break from cooking onenight or bring them to a friend as a treat. Ifyou'd like more information on this, pleasecall Gail McGinnis at 805-523-7884.

ADULT CATECHISMAPRIL 9TH

Please join us on Monday, April9th at 6 PM in the sanctuary as wecontinue studying Luther's SmallCatechism reading the book By Heart.This month we will look at theSacrament of the Altar (HolyCommunion). We are excited to havethe author of that chapter, our ownsynod bishop, Bishop R. Guy Erwinlead the discussion.

Theprogramwill beginat six, andwill probably go a little longer than ourusual one hour as we listen to thebishop.

His Love

God sent His Son to take thepunishment

For all the thoughtless, sinfulthings we do;

Jesus gave his life because Heloves us;

His love is boundless, sweet,forever true.

On Easter morn He showedHe is our Savior;

His resurrection proves He isour Lord.

That is why we tell you,"Happy Easter!"

He secured our heavenlyreward!

- Anonymous

"Soul is aboutauthenticity. Soul is

about finding the thingsin your life that are real

and pure."John Legend

"Faith is like Wi-Fi:It's invisible but it hasthe power to connectyou to what you need."

Guideposts

President’s Corner

April showers bringMay flowers, but I’mpraying thatMarch showers bring April flowers sowe have abundant colorsfor our Easter Sunday service. This is a joyful time to be with family and church friends to break bread, talk, prayand thank God for the Risen Lord. What a gift He gave to all of us!

We have a significant change happening with our staff and that is the planned move for Elinor and Rick Martin toNorthern California to be near their daughter in the next couple of months. We wish them great joy in this newchapter of their life andwill miss them immensely. Elinor will continue bringing her gifts to us until her departure.In the meantime, Pastor will be working with the Worship and Music Committee to determine our going-forwardplan, with immediate focus on summer music. A God Speed event will be planned for Elinor and Rick as the timedraws near.

The job description for the Part Time Youth Director is complete and is being sent to schools, the ELCA Synod,LRCC and other organizations so that we can reach as many potential candidates as possible. In the meantime,the Youth Committee is holding it together and getting the youth ready for their Dallas experience where theywill gather with other Lutheran youth to grow in their faith together.

It is my goal to highlight one Council member each month so you can get to know them just a little deeper andthis month Leila Mahmoudi has shared a part of herself. She leads the Fellowship Committee which is responsiblefor Suppers 8, Christmas dinner, and most gatherings that happen at church. We are blessed to have Leila on ourCouncil as well as part of our church family and thanks to her for sharing. Here is what she wants you to know:

What a bless that I got this chance to be part of New Hope Lutheran Church family. Three years agowhen I moved to California and walked in to New Hope Church for the first time, I never thought thatI can be part of the church council. I’ve been tried and I will try my best to do what I have to do inthe Fellowship committee. The reason that I liked this church was the warm welcome and supportfrom these people. There is a lot of positive energy, and I need to get these energies to keep goingfor rest of the week. I moved to USA alone and all of my family member are back in Iran. Here is thechance for me to say thank you everyone to be my family in here and support me. I special thankpastor Craig whowas the first reason for me to attend NewHope Lutheran Church andwho is alwaysthere for us. Also, special thank for Gail that teach me and still support me in this position.

Blessing

Leila Mahmoudi

I wanted to remind you that the Council meetings happen on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 PM in thelibrary and all are welcome to attend anytime. It really is a great way to see how Pastor Craig, Deacon Lynnand the leadership team work together to keep New Hope humming.

Easter Blessings,

Gaye

FREE Income Tax AssistanceIn cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and sponsored by the Goebel Senior Adult Center in ThousandOaks, trained and certified volunteers will provide FREE income tax preparation fromMonday, February 5through Monday, April 16 for persons in either of these categories:

• Seniors age 60 or older at any income level

Or

• Persons of any age with an income of $54,000 or less

The service is available at these locations:

Wednesdays Only Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and FridaysNewbury Park Library Conejo Creek South Community Building2331 Borchard Road 1350 E. Janss RoadNewbury Park Thousand Oaks8:30 AM – 4:00 PM 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

No appointments are taken – 1st come, 1st served.

Taxpayers should bring relevant documents such as:• Photo ID

• Social Security Card (required for all persons on the income tax return).

• A copy of last year’s Federal and State income tax returns.

• Social Security Benefits Statement (SSA-1099).

• Wage and earnings statements (W2’s, 1099’s).

• Interest and dividend statements (1099 INT; 1099 DIV; 1099 B) as well as the cost of stocks andbonds with the date bought and sold.

• Property tax bill, medical expenses, charity contributions for itemized deductions.

• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit if desired.

• Any other relevant information about income and expenses.

• Relevant income and expense records for self-employment businesses (Schedule C). The service forself-employment is limited to those who are reporting a profit and have expenses of under $25,000.Tax returns cannot be prepared for self-employed businesses with a loss, home use, inventory ordepreciation.

• No rentals (Schedule E).

• No out-of-state returns.

• No Married Filing Separately filing status returns.

Contact Wayne Rickert if you have questions or desire additional information.

April Birthdays1 Vern Huntsinger2 Lorie Paulson7 Linsey Blair10 Emily Buelow15 Brent Blair

Sue KoonsValerie Lykes

23 Linda Barry24 Vega Wolf25 Sue Poulson26 Sarah Olelewe27 Katie Jo Ash28 Steve Frye

Choir practices on Thursdaynights from 7-9 PM in thesanctuary. Come join us andsing your praises to God. Wesing at the 11:00 worship serviceand practice at 10:00 on Sundaymornings. Comebe a part of thisfun group.

New Hope Lutheran Church29295 Agoura RoadAgoura Hills, CA 91301818-889-8700www.newhopeagoura.com

The deadline for all articles forthe May newsletter is April23rd. Be sure to email them togsmcginnis@roadrunner.com.

Volunteers Needed

We are in need of more volunteers tohelpout at the11:00worship service. At thepresent time, we have 3 in the nursery, 12ushers, 9 greeters, 3 guest greeters, 8communion assistants, 7 readers and 13bringing goodies. In a two month period,there are usually 9 Sundays, so some ofthese people have to do their duties twice inthat time. If you are able, please considerhelping out at the late service so thesepeople don't have to do it as often. This isanother way of serving God by being a partof the worship service. If you can help out,please let Gail McGinnis know at either805-523-7884 orgsmcginnis@roadrunner.com and she willsign you up.