The Voice of Hope 1

The Voice of Hope

Hope Lutheran Church

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

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate

Deacon Susan Spee

Office: 772-335-4673

www.hopelutheranpsl.org

email-hopeoffice1@gmail.com

APRIL-MAY 2018

To the People of God here at Hope:

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor

Attributes of Good Leadership by Pastor Tate, Excerpts from Minute Motivators for

Leaders, Stan Toler-Part 3

• Good leaders don't just preach about excellence; they practice it. The qualities they

desire in their associates are · qualities they have modeled in their own lives. They have

a good work ethic. They're punctual and diligent. They keep their word and finish the

job they've started. They're efficient. Leaders share knowledge and experience by their

actions as well as their words.

• Leaders are never willing to settle for second best. They always believe that

something worth doing is worth doing well. They start a task thoughtfully, continue

it diligently, and finish it thoroughly. Each step from the inception to the benediction

is a commitment to excellence.

• Leaders delight in honoring individual achievements as well. They recognize the hard

work of an individual by a public and tangible commemoration of the effort. Leaders

have a heart for honoring others.

PASTOR’S PAGE

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• Leaders would rather work with people than paper. People are dynamic. They have the

capacity to give as well as receive. People need to be led. They are incomplete without

direction. A real leader longs not for an organization to run, but for a people to lead.

• Leaders listen to the ideas of their associates. They may not act on every suggestion they

receive, but they listen with an ear to hear fresh methodologies. They understand that a

concept that may propel them upward may very well come from a member of their team.

Leaders learn because they listen.

• Leaders are alert to see who produces and who doesn't. They study the process. They

are alert to the upcoming leadership in the organization. Very little escapes the notice of

a good leader. That's because good leaders have both eyes wide open.

• Leaders start meetings on time and end the same way. They set sensible borders to house

deliberations or planning. They don't use ten words when one will do. Their

presentations are well-planned, relevant, and interesting but also concise.

• The effective leader decides which of those tasks are truly important to the achievement

of a goal. Leaders set priorities. They ask, "If I can accomplish only one thing today,

what will it be?"

• Telling the truth is important; being believed is more important. Having a plan is

important; having followers to implement the plan is more important. Good leaders are

credible. They're known for getting it right the first time and every time thereafter.

Leaders know that when credibility speaks, the crowd listens.

• Leaders act courageously. Effective leaders are not afraid to wield the machete in the

jungle. They are willing to carve out new paths, to go where no one else has dared to

go. A leader's actions speak louder than words.

• Leaders don't procrastinate. When it's time to decide, they pay their money and get on

the ride. Leaders don't put off until tomorrow what they can decide today.

• What's the difference between a boss and a leader? The boss has employees. The leader

develops leaders. His or her followers know the leader cares about them, their families,

and their future. Leaders are inclusive, not exclusive.

• The best leaders aren't interested in taking credit, so they don't hoard responsibility.

They're interested in reaching the goal, so they involve as many people as they can.

They know shared responsibility involves learning and growing experiences for their

associates. Real leaders create an open system for involvement.

• Creative leaders are willing to use methods that haven't been proven. They delight in

merging new ideas and principles with people in a fresh coalescence to achieve their

goals. Leaders look at life through the binoculars of possibility. Pastor Tate

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STEWARDSHIP CORNER

The Truth of What We Bring

Submitted by Marcia Shetler on Mon, 09/11/2017

A person places a check or folded bills into the offering plate on Sunday morning. The usher

sees the hand drop some money into the plate, but what that usher cannot see is the intention

of the offering. That is known to no one but the giver and God. Yet the action is one of the

most powerful events of the worship service.

The offering is the point on Sunday morning when most people face the intersection between

God’s grace and human gratitude. Are we willing to freely give, even if it means giving up

money, which in our culture signifies power? Be it a tithe, a couple of one-dollar bills, or

nothing at all, giving is an outward sign of our inner spiritual intentions. The offering is a

unique time of truth in worship services. The truth of what we bring reveals itself in answer

to such questions as these:

• Do I give or not? Can I let go of that which is mine?

• Why do I give? Do I give out of fear, or duty, or to pay my part?

• How much do I give?

The answers to those questions produce an x-ray of one’s spiritual life. To most people the

offering is about fundraising. The church’s bills must be paid, so there is always tension

about money. But the offering should be a profound spiritual exercise. If what we possess is

a gift from God’s abundance, then giving back to God should be an act of gratitude. Consider

whether your offering is a time to pay a due or a way to celebrate a relationship.

This stewardship story is an excerpt from the article "Bring an Offering: Observations About

Offerings and Worship" found in the Giving: Growing Joyful Stewards in Your

Congregation magazine volume 5. Create an annual stewardship emphasis using this

magazine's theme "Let God Lead as You Gather and Give" using the magazine and

accompanying theme materials.

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Hope’s Library

The following books are on display on top of the bookshelves:

Diabetic Cooking

Philippians Bible Study,

Experiencing God’s Peace

Life of Martin Luther, Here I Stand

His Mysterious Ways (individual stories of God intervening in their lives)

How to Handle Adversity by Charles Stanley

How to Pray

At Home with Jesus, devotions For Children

Fiction Stories by Karen Kingsbury a Christian writer, displayed Angels Walking

If you are looking for a good devotional purchase Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. The cost

from amazon is under ten dollars. I would personally like to thank the person that donated a

copy to our church library. The devotional has helped me so much in dealing with some

health problems. Every day she writes a short devotion followed by bible verses that apply to

that devotion. All of them are reminders for us to continue to trust God whatever

circumstances befall us and experience His peace.

Jean Beldin

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Church Clean-up Day

SATURDAY May 13th is Clean-up

Saturday. There will be a light lunch following

. VETERAN’S BREAKFAST The veterans will be meeting at Perkins

Restaurant on May 26th at 8:30 a.m. Come and

join us for great conversation! Every veteran has

a story, what’s yours!

Mustard Seed Donations The Women of Hope is suggesting that families

bring a jar of peanut butter every Sunday to put in

the Mustard Seed collection basket between the

narthex and the sanctuary. Each month we will

suggest another item that Hope can contribute to

help Mustard Seed feed those in need.

Hope’s Community Garden There is a garden that is available and can be

adopted by one or two families. You will be able

to plant, maintain, and harvest healthy, nutritious

foods. If you want to learn about growing a

Florida garden or just dig in our dirt, Nan is in the

garden every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to

10:30a.m.

Memory Verse

You must decide in your heart how much to give.

And don’t give reluctantly or in response to

pressure. “For God loves a person who gives

cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all

you need. Then you will always have everything

you need, and plenty left over to share with

others.

2 Corinthians 9: 7-8

Castle comes to Hope Irene Cauwels, Program Director of Castle is bringing The Castle program to Hope, it is designed to strengthen families. The facilitators work with all ages in the family. This is an evidence-based program that teaches life skills to the parents, shows young people how the brain functions, mindfulness and a goal to bond the family. Castle plans to use our facility one day a week for a 10-week session, possibly continuing for a total of 40 weeks. will be starting on Monday April 23 at 4:30. Please contact Irene Cauwels at 772-461-0863 x 504 for details.

The Spring Tradewinds Conference

will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2018, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 295 NW Prima Vista Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier of Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Roswell, Georgia, is the special guest. Pastor Terri will be speaking about her work, “Clergy Effectiveness in Growing Churches”. A copy of her thesis is on the Pastor’s Display Board in the Hall adjacent to the Narthex. You can also find it on our website at www.hopelutheranpsl.org under the ministries menu. Leaders and potential leaders are encouraged to attend this Conference.

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May Tea Social & Hat Contest – All women of Hope are

invited to bring a friend, daughter and/or granddaughter

to enjoy tea, finger foods and fellowship. Celebrate spring;

wear a hat for the hat contest and bring your favorite

poem to share. May 12, 2018 from 12noon to 2pm

Celebrate Your Mother On Saturday May 5, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a fund raiser for the Youth Gathering in Houston. Share your favorite memories of your mother. Bring a picture and come and celebrate your mom. Sons and daughters bring your mom and enjoy a lunch and craft. Suggested donation $12

McKinney Vento Program

Homeless Student Outreach Program 1600 students are registered as homeless in St Lucie County. Brenda Newins is the liaison for

this project. We are collecting “hygiene kits”. A list is on the poster board in the narthex of

what is needed. These students need help, any kind of help. The last day for collection will

be May 15, 2018. These are the items needed:

Regular size shampoo, regular size conditioner, soap, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste,

deodorant, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, small first aid kit.

Call Brenda @ 516-313-7111

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Women’s Retreat “Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible” March 24, 2018

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“Clergy Effectiveness in Growing Churches”-Salient Points

Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier, Cross of Life Lutheran Church Roswell, GA

Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier has long dreamed of a sabbatical where she could travel around the country and

study the best practices of Lutheran colleagues. There is a deep concern for the future of the church,

particularly our ELCA. With only 202 congregations growing from 2009 to 2015 (as defined as an increase of

20 people in average worship attendance), that means that 98% of our congregations are not growing

numerically. Also, given the fact that 38.5% of our congregations have an average worship attendance of 50

or less (68.6% have 100 or less), and the consistent decline in membership since the inception of the ELCA.

Two caveats of the study:

1. Pastor Stagner-Collier does not believe that church growth is solely the result of the senior pastor. She

greatly values the work of the whole team: other clergy, staff and lay leaders who accomplish great

ministry. The senior pastor’s impact on growth, however, is often pivotal.

2. Pastor Stagner-Collier also does not believe that numerical growth is the end all and be all for ministry.

However, each number represents a person hungry for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grounded

in the Great Commission, numerical growth is a clear indicator of impacting lives with the gospel.

Results from some of the questions created were:

• Sermon Quality and Length

Each pastor in this study said that preaching is a major priority. Likewise, the sermon is the most sited

reason new members join a congregation. While sermon length varied greatly in the congregations

surveyed and studied, in the fastest growing ELCA churches the pastor preaches 25-40 minutes,

incorporating more teaching with proclamation.

• Attitude

Through both the site visits and the survey results, there was a striking difference in attitude among

the pastors of growing verses non-growing congregations. In most cases, pastors of nongrowing

congregation expressed a sense of bitterness, anger, and defeatism. While pastors of growing

congregations express a sense of energy, enthusiasm and joy – they also exhibit a great sense of humor

in their ministries. While this could certainly be a cause and effect situation (no growth leads to a

negative attitude), Pastor Stagner-Collier also found herself wondering which came first – the attitude

or the results? Do congregations perhaps, grow because the pastors believe they can grow, because the

pastors exhibit passion and joy for sharing the gospel, and because the pastors emphasize growth to

such a greater extent? She does not have an answer to that question, but it seems an important one.

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• The Relationship between Affluence and Church Growth

This is an area which needs further exploration. While all of the congregations Pastor Stagner-Collier

visited were in affluent, primarily suburban environments (similar to my own), she may have self-

selected those congregations because she was looking for geographic clusters of churches where she

would feel safe travelling alone. Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier encourages further exploration of the

economic demographics of the 202 growing congregations to see how great a factor money is in

relation to church growth.

• Conclusion

Pastor Stagner-Collier does not forward these learnings to higher levels of the church out of a sense of

grandiosity or self-congratulation. Instead, she sincerely believes that God can do all things. She is

inspired to pray and dream big, and to anticipate the great things that God can accomplish when we

give our best, flawed as it is.

On May 6, 2:30-5:00 p.m., I am encouraging you to attend the Spring Tradewinds Conference at St.

Andrew Lutheran Church, 295 NW Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL and participate in a round

table discussion on “Clergy Effectiveness in Growing Churches”

Pastor Tate 042718

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Current and Future Cell Groups HOW IS YOUR SOUL? Starting on April 6 there will be a 6-week study by Judah Smith at Brenda’s house. More details will be coming closer to the event or you can see Brenda Newins or Ellen King. Movie Night Last Friday of the month. Feature Movie May 25th - “Saved by Grace”- Potluck @ 6 p.m. movie at 7 p.m.

Six Reasons to Join a Cell Group – Credit to Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Juno • Relationships: A life group gives you the opportunity to get to know people at a more intimate level. Sunday mornings are an awesome time to worship with the whole family of God, hear a sermon, engage in fellowship, but a life group gives you a chance to build deeper friendships. • Learning the Word of God: Sunday's sermon is a great time to get a broad teaching of the Word of God. However, life groups provide time for one on one discussion. Your group can provide a time to clarify answers to questions that you have about the Bible, Sunday's message, etc. • Place to invite friends: A life group is a natural place to invite friends and family. Sometimes people are more comfortable going to a life group then attending a Sunday morning service. • Place to pray and share your needs: A gathering of a few people is a natural environment for prayer. A big part of prayer is conversation with God and life groups provide the perfect environment for communing with God. • Engage in worship: Gathering in a life group allows you to experience worship at a very intimate level. • Follow the New Testament teachings: Acts 2:42-47 gives us a blueprint of what the early church was passionately committed to. The early Christ Followers gathered in homes, shared meals, read the Word, prayed, and worshiped. When you participate in a life group you are following the New Testament teaching.

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Church Council

President - Bob Hanson

Vice President - Fred Heins Theresa Tasker \

Secretary - Nan Billings Joe Weber

Treasurer - Debbie Barr Brenda Newins

Financial Secretary – Ellen King Marty Frano

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – February 12, 2018

In Attendance: Pastor Tate, Bob Hanson, Fred Heins, Nan Billings, Joe Webber, Brenda Newnins, Theresa Tasker, Martin Frano and Debbie Barr. Meeting called to order: 6:04 pm Pastor Tate opened with prayer

New Business: Action Required – If there are any motions during the council meetings that require an action the council secretary will notify the office manager. Parking Lot/Storage Facility – discussion about renting space to store RV’s and boats, etc. with agreement that they will not be insured – need to research restrictions, size, space available, etc. Debbie will look into it. New meeting time – All agreed to start meetings at 6:30 to make it easier for those who are working.

Committee Reports: Secretary’s Report: A motion was made by Joe Weber to accept the January minutes, seconded by Martin Frano, motion carried. Helping Hands: Theresa said that she will be revisiting the auction as a fund raiser in late fall or early winter. Sunday, March 4th, there will be a committee meeting to set policies for fund raising. Bingo - after discussion a motion made by Brenda Newins to allow Theresa Tasker to spend $200 or less of Bingo income, which goes into the general fund, for advertising and supplies, with accountability and suppling reciepts, without council approval, seconed by Joe Webber, motion carried. Debbie Barr notified Debbie Pinto. Policy/Personnal Committee: Brenda reported that she will review that the constitutional by-laws C12.01 are adheared to – that council members call 24 hours ahead of meeting if they are unable to attend. She reported that all contracts are signed except the organist and reminded council that the secretarial contracts will be up for review April 1st. Women of Hope: Nan reported that the womens retreat, Slightly Bad Women of the Bible, will be March 24th. The women will request that the congregation start collecting specific items for Mustard Seed to help fill their pantry. The first food item is peanut butter.

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Sound System: Fred reported that they sent the last check out to Jennifer and that all of the work is completed. Financial Secretary’s Report: A motion was made by Nan Billings to accept the report, seconded by Theresa Tasker, motion carried. Treasures Report: A motion was made by Brenda Newnins to accept the report, seconded by Theresa Tasker, motion carried. President’s Report: Bob reported that the mortgage payment was made but was short $1377 to make payroll. Discussion about desire to keep major gifts for emergency only and how the shortfall was partially because of unexpected costs for repair of ice maker/air conditioner and low monthly giving. A motion was made by Debbie Barr to allocate $1400 from major gifts to cover payroll and for Bob to initiate a special giving request to the congregation to repay the $1400. Theresa Tasker seconded the motion, motion carried. Bob will be giving a temple talk to discuss giving, prayerfully commit to monthly giving and possibly give 15% more. Pastor’s Report: As well as his written report highlighting activities in January, Pastor brought a sample of the content for business cards for council members. Old Business: Organist contract- the organist is now not under contract because of numerous changes to contract and it is now past 90 days. Wheelchair/Handicap Parking – Bob will make an announcement to leave parking spaces for persons with canes or walkers free on Sundays until council comes up with a solution. Next Regular Council Meeting will be Monday, March 12, 2018 at 6:30pm Meeting ended at 8:00pm with the Lord’s prayer. Respecfully submitted by Nan Billings

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – March 12, 2018

In Attendance: Bob Hanson, Fred Heins, Nan Billings, Joe Webber, Brenda Newins, Theresa Tasker, Martin Frano. Absent: Debbie Barr, Pastor Tate. Meeting called to order: 6:30 pm Nan Billings opened with prayer New Business: Industrial Entry Carpet – Brenda brought requests for entry carpets and after discussion it was decided that more research should be done especially in regards to liabilities. Castle Sign – discussion that the Castle sign is too dark to read from the road. Suggestions were made and Brenda will contact Castle with suggestions. 6 more families are needed before initiating programs. Facebook Administrators – A motion was made by Brenda Newins to remove all current facebook administrators and add exclusivly the Pastor, the Director of Ministry, the Office Manager, and the Director of Fundraising, seconded by Nan Billings, motion carried.

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Committee Reports: Secretary’s Report: A motion was made by Brenda Newnins to accept the February minutes, seconded by Theresa Tasker, motion carried. Fund Raising: Discussion about increasing attendance and promotion for Bingo - $40 will be allocated for advertising. Nan will notify Debbie Pinto. Theresa said she would like to look into having the Quarter Auction in May. She also reccommended that persons whos business cards posted for free in our newsletter be charged an advertising fee. Women of Hope: Nan reported that the women will be hosting Slightly Bad Women of the Bible retreat on March 24th and that the they are asking the congregation to donate peanut butter (and jelly) to Mustard Seed to help stock their pantry. Policy/Personnal Committee: Marty Frano made a motion that council accepts the organists contract as revised, seconded by Joe Weber, motion carried. Secretary Diane Calain will be moving and Ellen will cover Thursday. Wednesday will be covered as needed. Policy Committee will construct a contract for Director of Ministry. Council member Jeff Treadway has had a job change and is unable to activily attend council meetings but would like to continue attending meetings when able as Director of Music for second service. Brenda Newins made a motion to remove Jeff Treadway from council and grant him the position as stated above, seconded by Marty Frano, motion carried. Fred Heins made a motion to have Emily Banks fill Jeff Treadway’s term until the end of the year, seconded by Brenda Newins, motion carried. Financial Secretary’s Report: see below. Treasures Report: see below. President’s Report: After discussion and review of the finances by Bob and the council, a motion was made by Joe Weber that in order to facilitate payment of salaries when there are not sufficient funds in the checking account to do so that funds from Major Gifts are to be used. Fred Heins seconded, motion carried. Bob will be working with Ellen King to put information in the bulletin once a month as to Hopes’ financial statis, i.e. if all bills are paid, etc.. Bob brought information to council about an issue with the old copier and our current contract. Bob will work with Debbie Pinto and will possibly donate a copier if need be. Nan brought up weddings at Hope, in the sanctuary and also the Chapel in the Woods, as a possible alternative to the school idea for generating income. Fred suggested we have an open house for wedding planners to initiate the offering. Other facility uses were discussed. Old Business: Next Regular Council Meeting will be Monday, April 9, 2018 at 6:30pm Meeting ended at 8:25pm with the Lord’s prayer. Respecfully submitted by Nan Billings

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April

Birthdays

04/07 Lee Danboise

04/08 Jim Billings

04/16 Micheline Berthaut

04/17 Judy Geske

04/20 Melissa Nelson

04/26 Brianna Sellas

04/28 Susan Spee

04/29 Kristie Billings

May

Birthdays

05/03 Cruz Gonzalez

Ellen King

05/04 Bill Weston

05/13 Lusell Duberger

Johnathan Barry III

05/14 Fred Heins

05/21 Karin Klause

05/26 Ana Bergerman

05/30 Nino Peterson

April Anniversaries

04/03 Tom & Mari Beth Jameson (42)

04/30 Bill & Sue Weston (52)

May Anniversaries

05/20 Richard & Eileen Zuber (46)

Altar Flowers

The flower chart is in the usher area. Pease select your favorite date. We have several openings for the next few months. Flowers can be sponsored for $30.00 per Sunday. If you want to pay for only one bouquet you can do so by contacting Diane in the office. The cost is $15.00. Two families can sponsor flowers on the same Sunday. Please place your money in the offering clearly marked for flower’s including your name, or turn it into the office. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Calain in the office on Wednesday or Thursday. •

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Salient points in the sermon

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor

John 2:13-22 on March 04, 2018

• Is anger an inappropriate emotion? Jerome, the early church father who was educated

in Rome, where he studied grammar, rhetoric, and philosophy, said, "The greatest

anger of all is when God is no longer angry with us when we sin." For God to give up

on us is a far greater fear than for him to show his anger toward us. We should be

grateful that "the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in

steadfast love" (Ps. 145:8 RSV; see also Num. 14: 18; Neh. 9: 17).

• Is anger a characteristic of God? Is anger the evidence of a healthy personality? I

believe that anger must be a disciplined emotion. Aristotle observed that it is easy to

become angry, but to be angry with the right person to the right degree at the right

time for the right purpose in the right way---that is not easy.

• Jesus’ anger flared at these temple thieves, for they not only exploited the people, they

were also content to allow things to stay as they were. When God's people see

injustice flourish and yet do not speak out, does that angers God? Some of the Jews

who watched this dramatic encounter in the temple might have had some sympathy for

what Jesus had done or at least wanted to know more.

• Today, is Jesus turning over tables, dismantling walls that separate us from God? Is

Jesus challenging our ways today? Anger is good when it connects us to the pain of

others. Anger is good when it pushes us to do something about the pain of others.

John 12:20-33 on March 18, 2018

• Why does the Gospel of John specifically record that they were Greeks? Was it because

Jesus is the Messiah not just for the Jews, but also the Gentiles. Whatever the reason,

they asked the question that reflected the deep longing of their spiritual soul. I am

reminded of Saint Augustine who years later said, "Our souls are restless until they find

their rest in Thee, O God."

• Do we want to see Jesus? Is that our desire today? To see Jesus, to believe in Jesus is

to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus; Quote John 3:16. If we truly want to

see Jesus we must serve him, John 12:26. If we truly want to see Jesus we must follow

him, John 12:26. I believe that Jesus is on the move, he is doing mighty works in our

lives every day. Have we ever notice what happens when we are following someone,

and we start falling behind, the farther ahead they get, the smaller they get?

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• We learn from Jesus that to be a light is to be concerned with giving rather than

receiving. We learn from Jesus that to be a light is to always think first of others and not

ourselves. In doing these things we not only serve Jesus, we are following Jesus. In

doing these things, we shine as lights to the world. Let us take up our crosses so that we

can follow Jesus, be like Jesus, and let people see Jesus through us. Let our light shine

before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in

heaven. Jesus loves us. Amen.

Mark 14:66-72 on March 25, 2018

• According to Daniel Webster, denial is when we avoid a fact by lying. This lying can

take the form of leaving out details in order to reshape our own story. Denial can be

when we falsely agree to something with a "yessing" behavior. Someone who is in denial

may be using lies to avoid facts that they think may be painful to themselves. When one

is in denial, they may be trying to avoid potential harm or pain by shifting the attention

away from themselves to others.

• All of us have failed at one time or another. Failing the Lord after making a commitment

to serve in a congregation, is often called “Backsliding.” Do we know that feeling of:

“No, this time I’m really serious about following Jesus when I leave the hospital? I’ll

never do this or that again!” Do we know the feeling when we resort back to our previous

behaviors?

• Does Peter’s life give us hope? Are we able to see the spiritual growth that Peter

underwent through his experience? Although Peter denied and failed Jesus, that did not

stop him from being one of the faithful apostles. It was Peter who stood up before the

multitudes on Pentecost and preached that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, whom

they crucified. The message of Peter is one of hope that we can turn back to God when

we discover that we have fail Jesus. Peter shows that there is hope for each of us when

we come up short of God’s grace.

John 13:1-17 on March 29, 2018 Maundy Thursday

• During our Foot Washing, the towel might symbolize the work we are to do for each

other. In a way, the cross serves that purpose, also. Jesus said, "He that taketh not his

cross, and followeth after me is not worthy of me" (Matt. 10:38). The self-sacrifice

implied in cross bearing, putting the needs of others above our own. As Jesus said, "If

I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's

feet" (John 13: 14).

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• There is a deeper meaning to what Jesus was doing, a spiritual meaning. We have to be

washed and cleansed by Jesus ...before we can become a part of Jesus. before we can

serve Jesus. Another way to say the same thing is this: before we can ever serve Christ,

we must be a part of Christ. Before we can become a part of Christ, there is a critical

prerequisite, an absolute essential: we must be washed and cleansed by Christ.

• The reasons for royal service are threefold. A believer is to serve because of Jesus'

example. It would be easy to wash Jesus' feet, but to wash each other’s' feet is where the

difficulty lies. Are there someone's feet we are unwilling to wash? Remember Jesus

washed even Judas' feet. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after

me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mt.16:24).

• We can embrace Jesus’ gift of love to us, we can embrace of that gift of love through

our own acts of love, or we can turn our back on Jesus’ gift of love. Yes, we can enter

into community with Jesus and with one another, or we can reject that community.

John 20:1-18 on April 01, 2018

• He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Many people are seeking Christ. They often seek Christ

in the wrong places or in the wrong ways. The wise men looked for Jesus in a royal

place; yet Jesus was found humble in a stable. In our text, Mary looked for Jesus in a

tomb; yet Jesus was alive outside of the tomb. Some may be seeking Jesus today. Jesus

is seeking us more that we are seeking Jesus!

• Do we seek a Jesus that fits our predetermined needs? Do we put Jesus on a shelf until

we need him? Do we want a savior based on our expectations, our terms, and with our

demands? If so, we are serving a dead Savior. He will make no impact on what we do,

how we behave, or our future plans.

• Have we experienced a new life in Christ? Do others see in us new life? Do they see the

same type of life in us that they see in everybody else? I believe that some folks are

flocking to churches to experience new life. Do they see evidence of a new life in us?

• I believe that the message of second chances and fresh starts should be proclaimed and

demonstrated to a lost and dying world. New life in Christ is a life anchored with the

promise of heaven. It is also a life filled with meaning, direction, and purpose in this

life. Have we experienced a new life? Jesus loves us. Amen.

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John 20:19-33 on April 8, 2018

• Do we want our lives to be free of suffering and pain so that we can believe in the

goodness of God? I am reminded that a proof is anything we have to have before we are

prepared to put our complete trust in God. Do we lose our faith when God does not

answer our prayers? Do we say, “If only God did that, how much easier it would be for

me to believe?” Jesus calls us to believe in the goodness of God even when the world

around us is evil.

• Do we shut doors to close relationships because we fear being hurt? Do we shut doors

to potential success because we fear that our efforts will not be accepted? Do we shut

doors to opportunities because we fear the unknown? Fear is cured when we put our

trust in God. Fear is also cured when we believe that God is in control of our lives. Do

we trust in God?

• The most pervasive of all fears is that of death. Sooner or later we all will face the

reality of death. We may dread death because of the pain that may accompany it. We

may fear it because in death we must face judgment, a judgment that we may have

evaded successfully in this life. We may fear death because it involves a plunge into a

mysterious realm. Uncertainty always brings with it its fear. There is no instant cure for

all our fears.

Luke 24:36-48 on April 15, 2018

• Have we ever asked someone “How are you doing?” and the response was,” “All right,

under the circumstances?” “Our circumstances can be compared to our mattress. If we

are under our circumstances or under our mattress, we will suffocate but if we get on

top of our circumstances and on top of our mattress, we can rest.” We have a choice to

make, we can either focus on our circumstances and constantly being upset or we can

focus on the promises of Jesus. Jesus promises never to leave us, never to leave us alone.

• A hymn that we may have sung prior to receiving Communion, goes like this, “Turn

Your eyes upon Jesus. Look full into His wonderful face. And the things of earth will

grow strangely dim. In the light of His glory and grace.” [Praise: Our Songs and Hymns.

(Grand Rapids: Inspiration Music, 1979) p. 284.] Will we allow Christ to turn our

negative circumstances into peace?

• Later in Luke 18:34 when Jesus had explained what was going to happen to Him to His

disciples, we read, “But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden

from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.” Are we focusing more

on ourselves and have forgotten our purpose as children of faith?

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• When the Spirit of God does not dwell in us (let’s be truthful), do we shake hands with

a clenched fist? Do we fail to forgive others? Do we lose our inner peace? Are we

irritated? Do we feel angry? Do we get headaches? I believe that it is better to forgive

than to feel sick physically, mentally, spiritually. Maya Angelou said that, "If you don't

like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Jesus loves us.

Amen.

John 10:11-18 on April 22, 2018

• In our scripture today, two caretakers are mentioned, the Good Shepherd, and the hired

hand… The hired hand had no connection with the sheep, no relationship with the

sheep… He thought of himself first and the sheep last… because he didn’t own the

sheep, they were not his… If a sheep was attacked by a wolf, the scripture says that the

hired hand runs away and lets the wolf snatch the sheep or scatter the sheep… Then

there is the Good Shepherd… The good shepherd is the owner of the sheep… He has a

special relationship with them…

• Frequently, the Bible compares us to sheep. That sounds nice, but we must realize that

is not necessarily a compliment, because sheep are among the dumbest & dirtiest

animals in the world. So, when the Bible says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray,”

is that good? When Jesus looked on people with compassion, the Gospel writers say

that He saw them “as sheep without a shepherd…” That’s not a compliment, either,

because sheep are so helpless…

• Mark 6:34 remind us that Jesus "saw many people and was moved with compassion

toward them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd." When Jesus taught of

God's love for the lost, He spoke of a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep while he

searched until he found the one that was lost. Then, carrying it back to his home. He

invited his neighbors to join in rejoicing (Luke 15:1-7).

• Our text challenges us to follow the example of the Good Shepherd. We must be willing

to step outside of our comfort zone, risk rejections, and to labor faithfully. Jesus loves

us. Amen.

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John 15:1-8 on April 29, 2018

• That which is dead and unproductive, should it be pruned away, cut back, so that new

life and new growth can come forth? Do we have a clear mission plan for our

congregation? Do we have a specific plan for recruiting new members? Do we desire to

be a better person? I sincerely believe that we want to be better. How do we become

better? If we read our Bible or hear the scriptures read,

• This oneness has an image of community that appears as a relationship in our reading.

To get the full sense of this relationship, it may be helpful to visualize what the branches

of a vine look like. In a vine, branches are difficult to distinguish one from another. It is

impossible to determine where one branch stop, and another branch starts. All the

branches run together as they grow out of the central vine. What this vine image may

suggest about community is that there is no individualism in a community; we are

surrounded by one another.

• Do we want to be around people that we can trust? Do we want recognition and

acceptance of others? We may not always want others to agree with our decisions, but

do we want them to accept us and not reject us? Do we feel being rejected by someone

can be very difficult to deal with? Sometimes when we feel rejected, do we become

defensive?

• Does that kind of environment complicate our relationships? Does that kind of

environment make it harder for us to receive love? Does that kind of environment make

it harder for us to give love? The good news in our text is that we need help and Christ

can be our source.

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Marine Science for

Early Learners

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Life Skills

11:00- 12:00 p.m.

Nature detectives,

cooking, back to the basics

To register or for more information nannette1b@aol.com

or call Nan Billings 772-812-1682

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Members in Residential Care Inge Brooks-Emerald Health Pricilla Carpenter- The Gardens

Members of Our Armed Forces SPC Cody Allen USA - Afghanistan Master Sgt. John King -USAF Reece Tucker - USMC 2nd Lt. Sierra McCrae – USA Ryan Killing - USAF

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Kathy Ann’s

8709 South Federal Hwy

Port St. Lucie

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`

Christine Antczak

Personal Assistant Grocery/Shopping Email & Computer

Light Cleaning Organization

Prescriptions Filing & Paperwork

General Errands Pet Sitting

Home – 772-800-7698 Email -

Cell – 772-302-4362 c.antczak@comcast.net

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We are asking anyone interested in singing with the CHOIR to please see Karen Keat or any choir member for information. Please come out and sing with us. We will start again in the Fall. Enjoy your summer!

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.

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1750 SE Lennard Road, Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952 772-335-4673 www.hopelutheranpsl.org

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor minet49@aol.com

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.

Click & go to www.hopelutheranpsl.org