As we approach the New Year, what are your hopes for 2024? Perhaps you have hopes of relief from pain; hopes of healing in a relationship; hopes of a positive test result. We all need hope in this life, which is fraught with so many challenges. The English poet Alexander Pope wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” But where does one turn when hope dries up?
The director of a medical clinic told of a terminally ill young man who came in for his usual treatment. A new doctor who was on duty said to him casually and cruelly, “You know, don’t you, that you won’t live out the year?” As the young man left, he stopped by the director’s desk and wept. “That man took away my hope.” The director replied, “I guess he did. Maybe it’s time to find a new doctor.”
Commenting on this incident, Lewis Smedes, the author and ethicist wrote, “Is there a hope when hope is taken away? Is there hope when the situation is hopeless?” That question leads us to Christian hope. In the Bible, hope is ultimately found in the person of Jesus Christ!
So, are you full of hope as we stand on the precipice of the New Year? If your hope has dried up or you are struggling, may you discover (or rediscover) the hope we have in Jesus. Author and pastor, Paul David Tripp stated that in Jesus “there is hope that sinners can be redeemed, and the world can be renewed. It really is true: hope is a person, and his name is Jesus.” He is our ONLY hope!!
Worship
In Pastor Glen’s absence, Pastor Bruce Hankee will be preaching for us this Sunday! His message is entitled “The Soul Felt Its Worth.” His Scripture texts are Hosea 1:1-3; 3:1-3 and Luke 2:8-20. Please read these texts in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Acts of the Apostles. This Sunday we will focus on Acts 10: Peter Reaches out to the Gentiles! Please bring your Bible.
Bible Reading Plans
If you are interested in reading the Bible in the New Year, I have attached a link to several Bible reading plans. This might be a great time to begin reading and studying God’s Word. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/
Exploring Hope Class
Come to our next Exploring Hope Class! Exploring Hope is a gathering designed to communicate a brief overview of what is important to us here at Hope, including our history, what we believe, our values, our focus, our direction, and how to get connected. Our next Exploring Hope Class will be on Sunday, January 14th, after worship. The two-hour class will include lunch in our main Sunday school room. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Glen. If you plan to attend, there is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center!
Parking
Since our parking lot on Sundays is becoming fuller (which is a wonderful problem!!!), we encourage members and friends who can park in the lots to the west of the church facility. There is a path with pavers to walk around the building to the main entrance.
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
November Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $18,153 YTD: $198,634.29
Expenses: Monthly: $5,947.24 YTD: $184,007.73
Capital Campaign: Monthly: $5,650.00 YTD: $49,035.07
Church Sign Donations: Monthly: $100.00 YTD: $2,900.00
Are You Receiving Church Emails
If you or someone you know would like to receive periodic emails, including This Week @ Hope and the weekly Prayer Requests and Praise Reports, please provide your first and last name, as well as your email address. You may give this information to one of our elders: Albert Danraj, Marty Porter, Tim Stewart, or Bob Simmons. Thank you so much!
Golden Oldies
Please mark your calendar, as Golden Oldies will have a fun Bingo party on January 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon at Panera Bread in the Community Room. Each person is to bring a gift not over $10 value for prizes. Come join the fellowship!!
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at 10:00 a.m.!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointments, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
Candi Brown shares her gratitude to all our folks who have donated various items to support families through Love INC! Beginning in October through December we will be collecting household cleaning products, including bathroom cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, sanitizing surface wipes, hand soap, and bar soap. We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
The Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
December Birthdays
Cliff Scott (12/28)