july august - hope lutheran church · ideas were discussed. since the future is unsure these ideas...

Advent Begins November 29th – No In-Person Worship

Hope Lutheran Church - ELCA PO Box 57

301 E. Mount Morris Avenue Wautoma, WI 54982

Pastor: Mike Thomas Deacon: Dave Berndt

Administrative Assistant: Mary Luebben

Worship With Us: Sunday at 9:00 a.m. & Wednesday 6:00

p.m. Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Contact Us Monday-Wednesday 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Thursday 8:30 a.m. - Noon Friday Closed

Telephone: 920-787-3920 Email: [email protected]

Follow Us Website: www.hopelutheranwautoma.com

Facebook: Hope Lutheran

All Saints Sunday – November 1st – Worship 9:00 am

Thanksgiving – November 26th – No In-Person Worship

Coronavirus-19 Service Update

Hope Lutheran Church, with direction from the Synod and Wisconsin Council of Churches, is suspending in-person worship.

ALL in-person worship SERVICEs after All Saints Sunday are

Temporarily suspended

see message that follows

NOTICE ABOUT IN-PERSON SERVICES BEING SUSPENDED

We received recommendations from the East Central Synod of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Council of Churches to strongly consider no longer having any in-person worship and returning to only virtual Sunday services due to the greatly increasing number of COVID cases and related deaths in the state and in our county. The Church Council has decided to follow the recommendations and therefore Hope will suspend in-person worship following the All Saints Sunday service (November 1). When we will resume remains uncertain. We will continue to have the services on Facebook Live and make them available on DVD until further notice. I know this news saddens us all, as it has been uplifting to see many of you on Sundays and Wednesdays. We will continue the daily updates and devotions via email. While I am confident and believe that we have taken as many precautions as possible to do our best to ensure the safety of those who attend either the Wednesday or Sunday services here at Hope, the increasing COVID numbers and related risks of continuing to gather made following the recommendations of our Synod and the W.C.C. appropriate, especially as we consider those most vulnerable in our midst. While I know that questions about Christmas Eve will begin to surface, and I do not have any answers right now, we will begin to formulate some options that would include in-person worship IF we believe we are able to safely resume that type of worship, and the virtual services if we are not. Respectfully in Christ, Pastor Mike

VOH 11.2020 St. Paul writes in his letter to the church at Philippi, “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Obviously, St. Paul hasn’t been living in 2020. Perhaps if he had, he would have written something different. After all, in 2020 we have COVID to deal with, we are bombarded with political advertisements, and there are plenty of other things that are causing anxiety. Loved ones have to be in the hospital alone, many retirement homes either stopped non-family individuals from visiting or greatly limited it, schools had to go virtual, travel and vacations were cancelled or greatly changed, and even Easter worship services suspended. Yes, 2020 has certainly been quite a unique year. As November unfolds, there are concerns about families trying to gather for Christmas and Thanksgiving in the midst of the pandemic. Then again, perhaps St. Paul would have encouraged us to do the same regardless of our circumstances.

So, how does all of this effect Thanksgiving? Usually we gather and celebrate family, food, football, and offer thanks to God for the blessings of the past year. Now before we immediately take the pessimistic view and suggest that there is a lot more to be unthankful for this year than to be thankful for, let us take a brief look at the history of Thanksgiving.

We are all familiar with the story of the Pilgrims in 1621 Massachusetts, and to a lesser extent the colonists in Virginia in 1619. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest, which the Pilgrims celebrated with Native Americans, who helped them get through the previous winter by giving them food in that time of scarcity. What we tend to forget however, was by the fall of 1621 over half of the Pilgrims who had traveled on the Mayflower to establish a settlement had died, including 78% of the women. And yet, they took time to offer thanks to God for their harvest and other blessings. The establishment of a National Thanksgiving holiday took place in 1863 when President Lincoln proclaimed there would be a day set aside to give thanks to God, and eventually Congress made it a National Holiday. 1863 was in the midst of the Civil war, and Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Shiloh, Sharpsburg, and Manassas had just become part of the national vocabulary as they were locations of terrible battles. Tens of thousands were dead and just as many were back at home severely wounded and scarred for life. And yet, a day was set aside to give thanks to God in the midst of the war.

Thus, while we could find many things to not be thankful for in 2020, (one TV channel showing scary movies near Halloween even suggests that 2020 has been like a horror movie) it has not been a year in any way that compares to 1621 or 1863. If they, in the midst of what they were facing felt it necessary and appropriate to tell God thanks for the blessings of the past year, we certainly can as well. Last year I suggested to begin with the letter A and daily write down something that began with that letter to give thanks for. This might be helpful again, as from November 1st to Thanksgiving there are 26 days, one for each letter of the alphabet. Maybe, as this year has been unique, you might try to list three or five things that begin with each letter, looking for some of the positive aspects of everything that has transpired in 2020, such as families doing more together or that you can add Zoom to the list when you get to the Z’s. Then on Thanksgiving Day, get your list out and offer a prayer of thanks to God, whether it is at the table with the food there, or some other time. God’s Peace, Pastor Mike

VOH 11.2020 [NOTE: This is a copy of my report to our congregation council.] The synod assembly was online this year. It was held on Saturday, September 26. I sat at my computer from about 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A calling of a Bishop was an important item of business. The first ballot for Bishop, which serves as a nominating ballot if no rostered pastor of the ELCA garners ¾ of the votes, was the first item on the agenda. Then we had a Bible study prepared by Reverend Louise Johnson, the immediate past president of Wartburg Seminary. She talked about how she was looking forward to her new position in a new city as 2020 began. Then the pandemic happened. She reminded us of Jesus’ words to his disciples as they prepared to face life in a world without his physical presence. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) We, too, can be assured that, even though the world has changed, Jesus will not leave us as orphans. He is still with us to guide us and comfort us. There was the usual business, elections, and reports. A highlight for me was the worship service. It was in celebration of women as pastoral leaders in ministry in our church. 50 years for women, 40 years for women of color, and 10 years of LGBTQI+. The Reverend Cath Mode of Oshkosh was the preacher and she had several women share their call stories. This is a reminder to me as to how God calls ‘normal’ people who often resist that call. It is always inspiring to me to see how God works and through the variety of variously gifted people through whom God works. We had three good candidates for Bishop after the third ballot: Bishop Mansholt, Rev Jim Honig, and Rev. Anne Edison-Albright. After a fifth ballot the new Bishop is Reverend Anne Edison-Albright who is currently Director of College Ministries at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. We welcome Bishop-elect Edison-Albright even as we say thanks to Bishop Mansholt who came to our synod in a time of turmoil at the synod office and provided steady leadership these past several years. We thank God for the blessings of all three of these servant leaders! Let me encourage any of you who have not attended a synod assembly to attend one in the future. It is a good way to see how the church operates. You will probably be inspired, perhaps at times a bit bored, and almost certainly stimulated by things that you will see and hear and experience. Especially if it is a live gathering, but even it has to be virtual next year, I would commend the experience of attending a synod assembly at least once in your life. Respectfully submitted, Dave Berndt, Deacon

VOH 11/2020 Tuesday, September 8th, 2020

In attendance: Trudy Mattice, Kim Prindle, Lynn Gohlke (Treasurer), Sandy Bartels, Roger Charette,

Al Luebben, Julie Berger, Paul Hendrickson, Deacon Dave Berndt, and Pastor Mike Thomas.

Meeting was called to order by President Trudy Mattice at 6:32 PM.

Approval of the agenda: Motion was made to approve the meeting agenda. Motion carried

Spiritual Growth: Pastor Mike led spiritual growth.

Approval of Minutes: Motion was made to approve the minutes from the July meeting as written. Motion carried. Motion to approve minutes for August meeting as written. Motion carried

Correspondence: None

Financial Report: Reviewed the financial report. Motion to approve the report. Motion carried.

Pastor/Deacon Dave Reports:

- Wednesday services have been small but dedicated group. - New Catechism class will start on September 20th - World Hunger week will be the last week in September. Buckets at the front and back of church. - Confirmation will be September 20; asking for only the confirmands and their families to attend that Sunday. - Dave is working on a 9-point virtual choir using Zoom.

Committee Report:

Personnel – Mary’s position will now include the duties of Financial Secretary.

Property – An electrician repaired the tower lights and replaced with LED lights

HFF Task Force –

- The parking lot and grounds project is going as planned. - Parking agreement with the auto parts store was reviewed with an attorney. - Paul clarified that there is no retention pond being created.

New Business:

Motion was made to accept offer from Buzz Coller’s offer to purchase a lot owned by Hope, pending vote at the annual meeting in January. Motion carried. Al Luebben will follow up with Buzz Coller.

Old Business:

Meeting was adjourned at 7:13 followed by the Lords Prayer.

Next meeting will be Tuesday, October 13th at 6:30 PM

Respectfully Submitted: Church Council Secretary – Kim Prindle

October Church Council Meeting was Cancelled.

Hope Lutheran Church Women VOH 11.2020

HLCW Board/Annual Meeting October 12, 2020

Present: Marlynn Anderson, Mary Luebben, Bridgette Tschurwald, Penny Hendrickson, Carol Schoenbeck, Peggy Klimke, Sara Thomas. Meeting called to order at 1:30 by President, Marlynn Anderson. A short devotion was shared: The Ripple Effect. Minutes from the September board meeting were read. No additions made. Treasurer’s report: current checking balance remains $6,847.73. With no fundraisers this year and next year uncertain the board revised the proposed 2021 budget, reducing many donations to 50%. Correspondence – None. Ministry in Action - No Report Synod News – No Report President’s Yearly Review – In March we celebrated Bold Women and honored Mary Lou Thomsen. Ava Gravunder was given scholarship funds. LWR kits are scheduled to be packed in October. All other events cancelled due to pandemic. Election of Officers – Marlynn Anderson (President), Mary Luebben (Vice President) and Sara Thomas (secretary) have each completed the first of a two-year term. Bridgette Tschurwald has agreed to another term as treasurer. Beth Stelter will join Jan Grenier, Sally Roberts and Peggy Klimke on the Ministry in Action committee. Old Business – LWR kits for 2020 School kit assembly: Tuesday, 10/20 at 1:00 and Layette assembly: Wednesday, 10/21 at 1:00. Kits delivered to First English, Wisconsin Rapids Saturday, 10/24 New business – Mary will begin including upcoming events in the body of weekly emails sent to Hope’s members. Sara will send out monthly meeting reminders to the board. Bring your HLCW handbook to the November 9th meeting for review. Meeting adjourned with The Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting is November 9, 2020. Respectfully submitted by Sara Thomas, Secretary.

Things to Note VOH 11.2020

September 27 $9,016 October

October 1 World Hunger $711.40 October 4 $4,061 October 11 $3,500 October 18 $4,146 October 25 $2,435

9/29/2020 To my dear church family, Many thanks for your love and support upon Katherine’s passing. Also, all of the cards and prayers toward my recovery are definitely helping me to heal quickly. Love, Millie McComb

10/19/2020 Thank you to everyone that called, made visits, sent cards, and sent prayers during Gerry's illness and passing. It was, and is, greatly appreciated. Through this difficult time, we have embraced the importance of appreciating our loved ones. Let them know you love them and give them lots of hugs. God's Peace,

Nadine, Raquel, Dalton, and Tucker


Flower Chart for 2021 Available • Birthday • Anniversary • In Memory of a Loved One • Other Occasion • No Special Reason

Interested in contributing flowers for the sanctuary on a Sunday sometime next year? Please sign up across from the church office. Flower contributions can be delivered prior to the Sunday service and removed after the service.

Thank you!

DIRECTORY 2021 Names Addresses Phone Numbers

Please send us your information. Example: Household Last Name, First Name(s) Children Names Street Address City, State, Zip Home Telephone Cell Phone – identify by name E-mail the information to [email protected] or stop in the church office.

A new directory is being compiled. If you don’t send information, the old information will be used (but it may not be accurate).

Thank you. Mary Luebben. Administrative Assistant

This directory is not pictural. Booklets will be available in 2021.


Join us to Knit or Crochet

Monday, November 16th At 1:00 PM

Please Join Us Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Time: 1:00 PM

Where: Fellowship Hall / Wear Masks

Book: Nickel & Dimed

Author: Barb Ehrenreich December Book: Christmas Sweater by Glen Beck

Please hold off on

Donations

until further notice The Food Pantry is not accepting donations,

due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you.


SALVATION ARMY'S WAUSHARA COUNTY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN CALLING UPON HOPE LUTHERAN PARISHIONERS TO

"RING THE BELLS" this Christmas Season.. DATES FOR HOPE: Friday and Saturday, December 11th. and 12th

LOCATIONS: Pick 'n' Save and StoneRidge Piggly Wiggly

This year will probably be the most challenging year yet, due to The pandemic, forcing some limitations and changes. We will be wearing masks, while bell ringing and using plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes (provided) at the stations.

More information to follow. A letter and sign-up sheets will be at the church, however, we will be making phone calls, as well, to ask for help.

Remember, the critical need for donations still exists, to fund assistance for families right here in Waushara County... So please, help as you can.

Thanks for your understanding, Roger Charette, Salvation Army Volunteer

Coffee with Jen Christmas Stocking Drive

For Heartland House If you would like to help… This group is working in conjunction with Heartland House to provide stockings for those residents who may not have family or friends visiting at Christmas this year.

If you want to donate, there will be boxes at each door at church. (Soap, combs, hand lotion, etc.)

Give anonymously or with recognition. Include your name, if you would like them to add your name to the card in the stocking. Thank you.


Congratulations Class of 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020

Pastor Mike Thomas

Alex

Stina

Ben


CONFIRMATION CLASS 2020

Michael – Alex – Ben – Braeden - Stina

You are the body of Christ raised up for the world.

Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!

Things to Note VOH 11.2020 More progress on the parking lot project:

Beautiful New Sign on Highway 21

Paving and Parking Lines were Completed

Added soil and graded

New Lights

H F F

1 Judy Marks 2 Cheryl Andersen Kriston Miller 12 Nathanial Hawlish 14 Toni Anderson Stacy Gravunder Anna Peterson 17 Florence Andersen Barbara Dahlke 18 Charles Simonson

19 Anne Timmel Juanita Zernia 20 Jerry Bellings 23 David Schoenbeck 24 Marlynn Anderson Stacy Borchardt 25 Wyatt McComb 26 Rosalie Dahlen Chandler Krueger 30 Carl Grisar

Please call the church office, if your birthday is not listed, is incorrectly listed, or you would like it removed.

2020 SUNDAY

Office HoursM-W 8:30-4

TH 8:30-Noon CALENDAR YEAR THE OFFICE IS OPEN.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

9:00 AM Worship & Facebook Live 10:00 AM Confirmation Class2:00 PM AA

10:00 AM AA 7:30 PM AA

08 09 10 11 12 13 14

10:00 AM Confirmation Class2:00 PM AA

1:00 PM Coffee with Jen1:30 PM HLCW Board Mtg

6:30 PM Council Meeting 10:00 AM AA 7:30 PM AA

15 16 17 18 19 20 21


1:00 PM Pieces of Hope ….....Prayer Shawl Ministry6:00 PM PAC Board

10:00 AM AA 7:30 PM AA

22 23 24 25 26 27 28


1:00 PM Coffee with Jen .. Deadline for Dec. VOH Articles

1:00 PM Book Club 10:00 AM AA 7:30 PM AA

29 30 01 02 03 04 05


06 07 08 09 10 11 12

NOVEMBERCALENDAR MONTH

EVENTS AT HOPE CONTINUE TO EVOLVE WITH THE COVID-19 GUIDELINES AND HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH GATHERING COVENANT. ATTENTION: In-Person Worship Services Temporarily Suspenced, due to increased Covid-19 cases in Wisconsin

Hope Lutheran ChurchP. O. Box 57301 E. Mt. Morris Ave.Wautoma, WI 54982

All Saints Day

1st Sunday of Advent

july august - hope lutheran church · ideas were discussed. since the future is unsure these ideas...

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