Our Hope women’s “Be the Best Version of YOU” group is healthy & happening! All women welcome! We meet Tuesdays 5-6pm at Hope Rm 209. Some topics we’ve covered are: Mindful Eating (when, why and what); Top 20 Things you would like to do in the next 6 months, Healthy Snacks, Exercise, Intermittent fasting, Self-care and more. We laugh together share insight, and pray for one another. Feel free to contact Julie Toole with any questions at 320-420-2479 or julietoole@charter.net.

words of

MAY - JUNE 2018

https://hopecovvbs.myanswers.com/time-lab/

Congratulations

Graduates!

Anna Borgenheimer

Morgan Carlin

Marit Engevik

Nyamal Jang

James Kaczor

Cheyanne McClanahan

We will be recognizing High School and College Graduates during

the service Sunday, May 6.

Isaac Engevik

John Kaczor

Rachael Kaczor

Makenzie

Neupauer

Maja Noble

Evan Olson

Kira Salner

Elmer Snavely

Join us as we celebrate with our Confirmands on

May 6 10 a.m. Service

from Keith Meyer, Lead Pastor

You are invited to a Special Lunch Meeting this Sunday, April 29, after the morning service, called “Orientation to Hope Covenant.” First, it is for those new to Hope to learn about our church, denomination of churches (the Evangelical Covenant Church or ECC) and meet some other new folks at Hope and some veteran Hope folks. Second, it explains what a deeper commitment to Hope in membership looks like and you get free lunch! 2 Questions: Why become a member at Hope? How does membership process work?

1-public commitment to Hope as where you live life in the Body of Christ (no such thing as invisible, universal church-NT letters to churches have earthly address) 2-step of acknowledging greater intimacy & service as part of Hope team 3-priority of care and privileges so you can love the world with us 4-voice in Hope’s direction by voting & influence 5-mentoring for you as an individual, couple & family (Just starting to be developed) 6-access to Hope’s Curriculum for Christlikeness (7 areas of growth-also in development)

How does Membership process work? 1-attending orientation to Hope, 2-short interview with two elders to get to know you and your spiritual journeys, 3-congregational approval of names, 4-brief welcome in worship service. Spaces are still left for you! Contact pastor Keith 763-286-7587 or

Janelle at by Friday, April 27, hope@hopecovenant.org so we can get you lunch and materials.

Hope Youth Ministries News — May/June 2018

Youth Upcoming Dates:

April 29: Sunday School 9 am, Church 10 am May 2: HCY, 7-8:30 pm May 6: Confirmation Sunday & High Senior Graduation Sunday, Sunday School 9 am, Church 10 am May 9: HCY, 7-8:30 pm (Pastor Keith and his wife, Cheri guest

speakers!) May 13: LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 9 am, Church 10 am May 18 - 19: Confirmation Retreat May 20: Church 10 am, New 7th Grade Welcom

SAVE THE DATES:

VBS - June 10-13 CHIC - July 14-21

MUUUCE - August 2-4

Hope Worship Ministries News — May/June 2018

Happy Spring! Finally! …. Good job my fellow Minnesotans for doing what we do (survive) every single winter! (fist pump)

Also, thank you to many of you who filled out our brief worship survey in April. Our Worship Advisory Team and myself were grateful by your insight and feedback. We were also encouraged by the responses gathered as many of them pointed out aspects that we are currently working on. We are glad to know we are on the right track. Personally, I was thrilled to see how much worship meant to many of you. God has given us the gift of music to praise Him! Worship through song has always been so dear to my heart and is a unique way, among many, in which God chooses to meet with us and do His transforming work on our hearts. Often times, the physical action of singing/saying a lyrical line of God’s truth aloud allows our hearts to be shaped - even if we don’t fully “feel” it yet. Powerful!

I do put a lot of prayer and thought into choosing worship sets for each Sunday morning. Our congregation’s needs, God’s desire to reach out to everyone, and praising our Creator is always at the forefront of my mind. What’s wonderful, and can also be challenging, about being a diverse Body of Christ, is the diversity in preferences and musical taste. Challenging, because, not everyone will have it exactly the way they would prefer, but beautiful, in the fact that that’s not needed to worship our Creator together as a body!! Older songs from the past are great because they are familiar and remind us of how God has worked throughout time, His never-changing character, and connect us with the long standing tradition of our faith. New songs are also great and have a place in our worship because they directly follow the Psalmist’s direction to “Sing a new song to the Lord!” (Psalm 96:1) emphasizing that God is constantly empowering and equipping His people to be creators - bringing a freshness to spaces and situations.

It has truly been a privilege to lead alongside our worship teams these past 2 years. Thank you again for being open and honest about your experience worshipping at Hope. We are always looking for people willing to run the PowerPoint, help with the Soundboard, be an usher, or join a worship team. I love hearing from you all - please contact me with any questions, comments, ideas, etc.

With joy, Rachel

Sunday, May 27 - Worship 9:30 am

22001188 SScchheedduullee

Work Day ………. May 5 Check-in 8-9am Work 8:30am--leave when you must

Family Camp May 25-28

Family Camp June 29-July 2

Youth Camp Schedule

Frontier Kids #1 (1-3rd

) July 3-5

Jr. High #2 (6-8th

) July 8-13

Trailblazer #3 (3-5th) July 15-19

Heritage Girls July 23-27

Sr. High (9-11th) July 29-Aug 3

(grade completed)

Register at www.lbbc.com or call 320-732-3218.

Memorial Day Family Camp is approaching fast! Dates are May 25 - 28. LAKE BEAUTY BIBLE CAMP is located by Long Prairie (about an hour from St.

Cloud). Family Camp weekends are packed full of friends, family, wonderful guest speakers, and a variety of fun activities for all ages. Family Camp at Lake Beauty has become a tradition for hundreds of people each year, many with 2 or 3 generations sharing the time together in the campground, cabin or retreat center. From inspiring Chapel worship to cozy evening campfires, here is a time and place to reconnect with the ones you love, meet new friends and enjoy time in God's beautiful space. We hope to see you this summer at Family Camp! Please talk to Steve and Pam Schirmers with any questions. They have made this camp weekend a family tradition for the last 20+ years.

Below is a link to get to Lake Beauty's website to learn more or to sign up. http://lbbc.com/memorial-day-family-camp.html

Coffeepot Counselor……..…by Dr. Phil Godding

“How To Take A Nap”

Genesis 1 … And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

A few weeks ago Rachel shared a book entitled Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren. I got a copy for myself and was immediately drawn in by Rev. Warren’s keen observations and insights about the richness of an ordinary day.

One of her observations (really an ancient understanding) is that if you read Genesis carefully you will see that God measures days differently then you and I measure them. God assembled the world by resting and preparing and then doing the work of creating. First rest and then work. Notice the order of the words: “And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”

I like to reverse God’s order and charge into the day by tossing a prayer toward God in the morning and asking Him to help me do what I have planned. In fact, I like to squeeze as much sleep and rest out of my day as possible and insert as much productivity as possible. We know that humans who go without REM (dream) sleep have a harder time remembering and learning new information. We know that rest and relaxation is important because it is when the body heals itself. AND YET most Americans are sleep deprived. AND YET we Americans pride ourselves in working to the point of exhaustion. It is a badge of adulthood in many respects to be tired. We come by this naturally by the way. Most parents have had to teach our infants how to sleep – it is human nature to stay awake, even if it is bad for us in the long run. Rev. Warren thinks that we adults resist sleep because we hate limits. We don’t want to think there is an end to our energy and productivity. AND YET there is that picture of God resting and preparing before he created. I wonder which is the better way to function?

You get the picture – in God’s clock our day starts in the evening. Our day starts with rest. The Jewish sabbath starts at sundown, not after stuffing the kids in the car on the way to worship. I’m also reminded that many of God’s Old Testament miracles of deliverance happened in the evening or during the night. God was working and preparing while his people rested. Phones, entertainment and shopping 24/7 may not be what is best for us in the long run.

So, what would your day look like if you started it in the evening? What would you look like if you embraced rest? I recently, even before reading Rev. Warren’s book, challenged myself to see the evening as a time of growing close to God, without distractions. I’ve taken the following steps: Limit TV viewing; reading more good books; spending more time talking to Debbie or playing games (read, getting beat at Scrabble) or working on a puzzle; not working past 10PM (which was my old life) and inviting God into my evening by consciously praying and journaling. If I fall asleep while doing either I’m pretty sure God would approve. After all, He invented rest.

I’ve also come to appreciate that when I fall asleep into God’s provision I am allowing myself to communicate with Him at some basic molecular level as he heals my body and renews my

mind. If you want a good example of God pursuing someone into sleep read the conversion story of Anne Lamott* in Messy Spirituality. If you can’t trust God at any other time trust Him to protect you, to care for you and recharge your body in the night – as you give yourself over entirely to his love and protection You are never more vulnerable than when you are drooling into your pillow, but you are also never more reliant on God’s provision and protection.. David points out in Ps 127:1-2 “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” After a night of being recharged by God I have my “devotions” when I speak to God about my rest and how he has prepared me for the new day. Rather than start the day by saying: “God join me in my work” try saying: “God has already prepared me for today’s journey.” Isn’t that more restful? Relaxing? What I recommend for you is this:

Consider evening the start of your day. Consider your evening activities to be a restful gift.

Follow the advice you gave your kids: a regular bedtime, warm bath, good book, dim

lights, rocking and cuddling to reset the brain.

If you are feeling restless look at your recent sleep patterns. My disordered sleep

reveals a disordered love, idols of entertainment (think Facebook or some other social

media) or productivity.

If you lie awake worrying what does it say about who you are or what you trust.

Rest in God’s provision for the day

Make yourself vulnerable to God’s care

Begin your day by accomplishing nothing at all. That is how God did it!

My final piece of advice. Put down this essay and take a nap. You will thank me for it later. Then pick up Rachel’s book. You will thank her later. In Christ, Phil

A couple of my favorite Anne Lamott quotes are: “almost everything will work if you unplug

it for a few minutes, including you.”

And “You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”

Men’s Breakfast 2nd Sat.

May 12 & June 9

8-9 am Fellowship Hall

Cofeepot Counselor Continued

Adam & Jenny Roub have been serving 13 years on the field, (7 years with

Campus Crusade-Mid-MN). Although last fall was a very fruitful ministry,

Adam and Jenny felt called to ministry in a different direction. So they

recently applied and were accepted to Lake Hart Stint, a place to grow,

process, and develop for future ministry. The program lasts for 10 months

and is hosted at CRU’s world headquarters in Orlando, FL. In addition to

development, Adam will have the opportunity to help serve the ministry of

Campus Crusade around the world. At the Legacy Dinner in March they

shared the news with their campus partners and introduced them to Andrew

and Kristina Peabody who will be serving alongside Heather Fry as CRU

team leaders next year. The next 2 weeks will be final meetings and

goodbyes with a transition to Orlando on August 1. They realize this news

may be surprising and they don’t take it lightly. Adam states, “We can never

thank you enough for playing such an important role in our ministry. We

would be happy to personally connect with you over the summer and

answer any questions. Your continued partnership with us is vital. Please

pray for us as we walk by faith towards what God has in store for us.”

Campus Crusade Update

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Update:

Lake Beauty Chapel

Mark your Calendar! Pregnancy Resource

Center’s Annual

“Walk for Life”

Sat. May 5 at Lake George,

1101 7th St. S ~ St. Cloud

Check-in at 9 am. Walk starts at 10 am with

Food & great prizes to follow.

Lunch 11:20 am Register or make a donation

Online today at preghelpfriends.com/walk

Questions? See Pam Schirmers

293-8838

“Taste of St. Cloud” Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls

Fundraiser Mon. May 7, 2018

4:30-7:30 pm Kelly Inn ~100 4

th Ave. S-downtown

(new location this year)

For Tickets, Call Maggie Bjorklund 253-4126

Tickets: $25 ($30 at the door)

June Birthdays

1 – Georgia Noble 7 – Evan Olson, Lila Donlin 8 – Gary Noble 8 – Janelle Rudningen 8 – Krystin Sutherland 10 – Jessica Kerwin 12 – Daniel Nelson 13 – Haylee Olson 14 – Bob Koubsky 14 – Kristopher Neupauer 14 – Maja Noble 15 – Koryom Puoch 17 – Ruth Johnson 17 – Jessica Neupauer 18 – Jacob Olson 18 – Sawyer Skajewski 18 – Faith Sutherland 18 – Kami Ziebarth 22 – Debbie Godding 22 – Ethan Ronnei 26 – Gregg Brown 26 – Jenna Noble 27 – Audrey Kamphenkel 29 – Nancy Wasmund 30 – Jeremy Forsell

May Birthdays

2 – Julene Granberg 3 – Dave Kamphenkel 4 – Marshall Engevik 4 – John Theis 5 – Steve Sellnow 8 – Brea Skajewski 13 – Dave Laliberte 13 – Tom Borgenheimer 18 – Steve Schirmers 19 – Brandon Bares 25 – Keith Krueger 26 – John Kaczor 27 – Giles Roehl 30 – Jack Salner 31 – Nyamal Puoch 31 – Lare Puok

May Anniversaries

16 – Gregg & LuAnn Brown 19 – Eric & Jessica Kerwin 25 – Brandon & Donna Bares

June Anniversaries

1 – Pat & Lila Donlin 2 – Dave & Audrey Kamphenkel 2 – Rand & Rochelle Olson 4 – Ryan & Annie Salner 5 – Larry & Nancy Wasmund 6 – Janelle & Lyle Rudningen 7 – Phil & Debbie Godding 8 – Arlen & Ruth Johnson 8 – Ellis & Barb Scheevel 10 – Courtney & Aaron Bergee 11 – Jason & Emily Krueger 12 – Bob & Sandy Dopkins 14 – Ralph & Bev Kluball 15 – Daniel & Michelle Nelson 17 – Keith & Jan Olson 18 – Bernie & Mary Jo Wager

MAY-JUNE 2018 VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

GREETERS / USHERS

Date

Usher North

Usher East

Usher West

May 6 Carol Ervasti Mark & Limei Danzeisen Kirsten & Henry Wagenius

May 13 Andy Anderson Scott Bjorklund/Keith Olson Deborah Owen

May 20 Jess & Haylee Olson Jake, Evan, Ruby Olson Sandra Landwehr

May 27 9:30am

Sandy Dopkins Russ Simmons/Bob Dopkins Deborah Owen

June 3* 9:30am

Kelly & Claudia Warzecha

Mark & Limei Danzeisen

Carol Ervasti

June 10* 9:30am

Scott Bjorklund

Lori & Marshall Engevik

Deborah Owen

June 17* 9:30am

Keith Olson Dave & Kristi Laliberte & family

Jan Olson

June 24* 9:30am

Rosie Lommel

Russ Simmons Scott Bjorklund

Jerry Lommel

* 9:30 Worship from May 27--Sept 2

Thank you for serving during our worship. Please find a substitute, if needed.

NURSERY SCHEDULE

May 6 Hanh Overby, Beth Krueger, Makenzie N

May 13 Granberg Family

May 20 Ryan & Krystin Sutherland, Isaac Engevik

May 27 Noble Family

June 3 Jan Olson, Jess Olson, Evan & Haylee

June 10 Engevik Family

June 17 Michelle Nelson, Jess Kerwin, Stella & Althea

June 24 Cheryl Larson, Sue Heysse, Kira Salner

May 13 Last Day of

Sunday School

May 20 Last Day for JAM

JAM Schedule

May 6 OPEN May 13 OPEN May 20 Kathy Armbrust May 27 No JAM

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 5p Women’s

Group Rm209 6-8p N/A 6:30p Elders

7pm Men BSF

2 6:30pm Men’s Bible 7-8:30p Youth Group

3

9am Women Study

4

5 Work Day Lake Beauty 8:30am Ck-in

9am Walk/Life

6 9:00 Class 10:00 Worship Confirmation Graduate Sunday Communion/ Benev/Fund

7

6:30 Heritage Girls

8 5p Women’s Group Rm209

6-8p N/A

7pm Last Men’s BSF

9 6:30pm Last Men’s Bible

7pm Last Club56

7-8:30p Youth Group

10 9am Women Study

11

12

8-9am Men’s Breakfast

13

9:00 Class Last day of class

10:00 Worship

Mother’s Day

14 6:30 Heritage Girls

15

5p Women’s Group Rm209

6-8p N/A

16

7-8:30p Youth Group

17

9am Women Study

18

19

20

9:00 Class Last Day Class

10:00 Worship

21

22 5p Women’s Group Rm209

6-8p N/A

23

7-8:30p Youth Group

24

9am Women Study

25

26 10-2p Com Meal

27 9:30 Worship Lake Beauty

28 Memorial Day

Family Camp

29 5p Women’s Group Rm209

6-8p N/A

30 31 9am Women’s Study

1

2

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

3 9:30 Worship Benevolent Fund

Communion

4

5 5p Women’s Group Rm 209

6-8p N/A 6:30p Elders

6

7 9am Women’s Study

8 9 8-9am Men’s Breakfast

10 9:30 Worship

11

12 5p Women’s Group Rm209

6-8p N/A

13

14 9am Women’s Study

15 16 BURN Worship at Hope 9am-9pm

17 9:30 Worship Father’s Day Sudan PrayerDay

18

19 5p Women’s Group Rm209

6-8p N/A

20

21 9am Women’s Study

22

23 10-2pm Com Meal

24

9:30 Worship

25 26 5p Women’s Group Rm209

6-8p N/A

27 28 29

June 2018

May 2018

Covenant Annual Meeting—Minneapolis City Center

Confirmation Retreat

Lake Beauty Family Camp Weekend

Luke 24:4 - As they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.

following Jesus into God’s love ……………………………………………………….

STAFF Lead Pastor: Keith Meyer Christian Ed/Family: Kathy Armbrust Worship/ Youth/Family: Rachel Lassen Youth: Josh Brandon Facilities: Pam Schirmers/Jessica Kerwin Office: Janelle Rudningen Leadership: Pastor Keith Meyer Chair: Gary Noble Vice Chair: Renae Sternke Treasurer: Glenn Scuteri Recording Secretary: Jake Olson Members at Large: Michelle Nelson & Cheryl Larson Elder Chair: Barb Scheevel Elders: Keith Krueger, Keith Olson, Marty Toole, Audrey Kamphenkel, Cindy Owen Christian Education Hour 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am

Summer Worship 9:30 am (May 27-Sept 2)

Office Hours 9-2pm Tuesday through Friday

Hope Covenant Church 336 4th Ave. S St. Cloud MN 56301 hope@hopecovenant.org

May-June 2018

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Join us at Bible School 2018! Bring a friend!

Summer Worship Schedule Begins Sun. May 27 at 9:30 a.m.