The Messenger
& 2019 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1901 MIDDLEBOROUGH RD, ESSEX MD 21221
Bishop Gohl's Christmas Message …To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. – John 1:12-14 Christmas is my mother's holiday. Everything about Christmas – the decorating, the baking, the shopping and wrapping, the music and the movies – it feeds my mom's spirit and it gives her joy to make Christmas joy for others. Her example and experience have always inspired me to "keep Christmas" in my heart – and not just in December, but throughout my days and life of faith. As I look back over these last years, I realize that I don't remember too many of the Christmas presents I received; but I'm always reminded of the presence of God that I have experienced during the Christmas season. Whether it was the joy of preparing and serving a community Christmas brunch each year with my children, or the bitter tears of celebrating "last" Christmases with the people of Our Saviour (Lansdowne) or Emmanuel English (East Baltimore) last year, or feeling the charged excitement of our mission congregations who are celebrating Christmas together for the first time as a community of faith, the Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. That's the gift of Christmas — God's gift of Godself, in the birth of Jesus; God humbled in our humanity that we might experience God's divinity. We receive power to become children of God, the gift of Christ living in us and through us, for the sake of our neighbor. At Christmas then, fellow Children of God, we love as God first loves us. We love with our whole selves, and not just those easiest or convenient to love. Like Jesus, may our hearts bear the glad news of Christmas for the poor and the prisoner, the immigrant and the refugee, the sick and the sorrowing. In prayer and in thoughtfully sharing of ourselves, let us reflect the light of God's love born in us for the sake of this world God so loves. May our weariness be transformed into advocacy, may our seasonal generosity be sustained throughout the year, may the brittle places in our hearts be broken open by the healing love of Christ. This Christmas, may it give you joy to "make Christmas" for others, and through the grace and truth of Christ, may you know a bit of Christmas in your heart throughout the year ahead. With my love and prayers for you and yours, The Rev. William (Bill) Gohl Jr., Bishop Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA
Edgar Amos, Jr. Gail Anuszewski Connie Baker Robin Benny Dennis Berry Gail Berry Evelyn Blazek Mary Bodenschatz Bucky Bosch Tommy Bower Debbie Bryant Debbie Button Margaret Cain Julie Carl Sharyl Clark Shirley Cosgrove Joyce Craft Beulah Craig Patrick J. Curran Marlene DiPino Freddie Ditmar Gloria Eckles Robert Eberwein Lois Farber
Cassandra Fleckenstein Bobbi Floyd Matthew Floyd Ruth Gunn Daniel Hanke Sharon Harris Rocky Hartman Juliana Hasson The Hays Family Beverly Hoffman Karen Hoffman Karen Holzopfel Timothy Hostetler Loretta Jefferson Nancy Jones Leondra Jefferson Noah Kauffman Michelle Kincaid Jack Kincaid Shirley Klingenstein Laurie Koontz Mickey Koontz Joshua Kraeger Lynne Lake
June Leap Ron Lesko Mary Lindsay Lainey Loftus Ruth Massaroni Michael McCoy Buddy McLaughlin Melton Family Linda Moler Jim Nemec Laurie Nemec Frank Neukam Rick O’Dea LeRoy (Jim) Ogle Pat Owens Cailin Peluso Francesca Prado Mike Porter Inez Rasinski Cliff Rodney Reiva Robinson Lucille Rose Jeff Sanders Connie Sanders Jeanine Schenning
Debbie Schmidt Barbara Shelly Kevin Shields Vivian Smith Eloise Somogyi John Stiemly Peggy Talbot Penny Wallace Lucille Watson Bobby Williams Danna Williams Karen Williams Kiersten Williams Robert Williams Susan Yelton
Our Congregation, All First Responders and all active and reserve members of our armed forces. Please notify our church office if you want to add or remove any names from the Prayer List.
Worship Themes in January 2019 Date/Day
Scripture texts
Theme
January 6 Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12
Nations come to the light All kings shall bow down before him. The gospel’s promise extends to all Revelation of Christ to the nations of the earth
January 13 Baptism of our Lord
Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
When you pass through the waters, do not fear, for I am with you The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. Prayer and laying on of hands for the Holy Spirit The baptism of Jesus with the descent of the Holy Spirit
January 20 Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11
As bridegroom and bride rejoice, so shall God rejoice over you We feast upon the abundance of your house, O Lord. There are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit The wedding at Cana
January 27 Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21
Ezra reads the law of Moses before the people The teaching of the Lord revives the soul. You are the body of Christ Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah
For more Bible Study join us on Monday Mornings, Wednesday Evenings and/or Saturday morning breakfast.
Worship Themes in February 2019 Date/Day
Scripture Text
Theme
February 3 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30
I appointed you a prophet to the nations From my mother’s womb you have been my strength. If I speak without love, I am a noisy gong Jesus says a prophet is not accepted in his hometown
February 10 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13] Psalm 138 I Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11
Isaiah says, Here am I; send me I will bow down toward your holy temple. I am the least of the apostles Jesus calls the disciples to fish for people
February 17 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 I Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 6:17-26
February 24 Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 45:3-11,15 Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 I Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 Luke -:27-38
Blessed are those who trust the Lord, they are like trees by water They are like trees planted by streams of water. Christ has been raised, the first fruits of those who have died Jesus speaks blessings on the poor and hungry; woes on the rich and full Joseph forgives his brothers The lowly shall possess the land; they will delight in abundance of peace. The mystery of the resurrection of the body Love your Enemies
Bible Study and Small Groups At Hope Church we take seriously the Great Commission of the Risen Jesus to "go, make disciples of all nations... teaching them..." We offer a variety of opportunities for people of all ages to deepen their faith through small group Bible study. To register, call 410-686-7587 or email
[email protected]. Monday Morning Pastor's Class Meets Mondays 10 – 11:30 AM in the church office. We are currently studying the Books of James. All are welcome!
Wednesday Night Bible Study Meets Wednesdays 7 PM—8:30 PM in the choir room. We are studying “Our Love for God” from Augsburg Adult Bible Study Series.
Saturday Morning Breakfast Bible Study Meets 8-9:30 AM at JP's Restaurant on Back River Neck Road every Saturday. Follows the same curriculum as the Wednesday night bible study group.
Bethel Series Bible Study Is a two-year visually based overview of the central message of the Old and New Testaments. We are looking for people to form a new first year Old Testament group. Please contact Ellen Gollhardt (
[email protected]) or the church office if you are interested. You won't want to miss this wonderful opportunity to grow deeply in God's Word!
Food for Thought Update Thank you to all who faithfully supported our efforts during 2018! With the new year now beginning we are looking forward to trying new ways to continue providing nutritious weekend snacks and meals to food insecure students at Middleborough Elementary School including possible expansion to include summer support as well. We are grateful for a generous grant received from Lutheran Home and Hospital Foundation and from the Synod Hunger Task Force to help in this effort. Our most important support is from you, our congregation supporters. Please watch for weekly announcements in the bulletin for suggestions of food donations each week. Of course, any food on the approved lists in narthex or hallway are always welcome, as are financial gifts. Envelopes are now available in your offering envelope packet, or on bulletin board in hallway by choir room. Please contact Marge Carl (410-746-3037) or Denise McLaughlin (410-686-0199) if you have questions or ideas. Food For Thought Dedications in December 2018: 12/23/18—In honor of son, Destin Kahl’s birthday, given by Steve and Sharyn Kahl.
QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING OUR WORSHIP SERVICES?
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding any aspect of our worship services, please contact a member of our worship team. We are eager to make our services the best they can be. Members of the worship team are: Joan and Bob Schweitzer, Colan Kahl, Peggy Talbott, Colin Eversley and Pastor Meheret. You may also write questions/suggestions on the back of the yellow connection card.
All Star Learning Center Christmas Program Mary, Mary, what do you see? December 12, 2018
Hope Lutheran Ladies Christmas Dinner
Church Trivia How many can you get right? Answers will be published in March 2019. 1. How many Wise men (Magi) visited Joseph, Jesus and Mary in Bethlehem? a) The Bible does not say b) Three c) Two
d) Four
2. Which King of Israel wanted to kill the baby who would grow to become the Messiah? a) Caesar Augustus b) Herod c) Quirinius d) Flavius Josephus 3. Who wrote the text of the Epiphany carol "We Three Kings of Orient Are"? a) Phillips Brooks b) John Henry Hopkins Jr. c) Charles Wesley Mohr
d) Father Josef
4. The story of the visit of the Wise Men (Magi) appears in the Gospel according to whom? a) Mark b) Matthew c) Luke d) John 5. Which of the following is not a kind of Three Kings Cake? a) La Rosca de Reyes b) Dreikonigskuchen c) Galette des Rois
d) Kulitch
6. Whose poem "The Journey of the Magi" begins "A cold coming we had of it, just the worst time of the year for a journey, and such a long journey"? a) T.S. Eliot b) O. Henry c) Wiolliam Butler Yeats d) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 7. What is the origin and meaning of the word "epiphany"? a) From the Greek, meaning “to show forth” b) From the Latin, meaning “astrologers or magicians” c) From the Greek, meaning “before Lent” d) From the German, meaning “after Christmas” 8. What are/were the three traditional names assigned to the Wise Men (Magi)? a) Huey, Dewey and Louie b) Casper, Melchior and Balthasar c) Peter, Paul and James d) Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego 9. "The Adoration of the Magi" was commissioned in the late 15th Century as an altarpiece for the Augustinian monks of San Donato a Scopeto in Florence. It was unfinished and now hangs in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Who painted it? a) Andrea del Verrocchio b) Sandro Botticelli c) Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi d) Leonardo da Vinci 10. What is myrrh? a) The dried sap of an African tree used anciently in embalming ointments and burned at funerals b) Nutmeg c) The Arabic word for silver d) A mercurial compound used to treat flesh wounds
Here are December’s Trivia Answers 1. What is the meaning of Advent? Coming 2. How many Sundays are in Advent? Four 3. What is the traditional color of Advent? Purple 4. Which feast follows Advent? Christmas 5. What is not sung or recited during Sunday Service in Advent? Gloria 6. What is the contemporary color of Advent? Blue
7. When did Advent begin in the 5th century? 11 November 8. When was Advent reduced to its current length? 6th century 9. What do evergreen branches of Advent Wreath symbolize? Eternal life
Christmas at Hope
BIRTHDAYS 5
Tiffany Klingenstein
19
Lilah Crout
5
Jessica Cook
20
Jack Crout
7
Elouise Norman
23
Nancy Loeffler
8
Austin Faust
25
Trudy Grauer
10
Mike Carl
25
Mary Neewary
10
Cathy Bell
27
Mary Emge
12
Andres Buitrago
29
Brett Kroner
13
Frederick Neewary
29
Evelyn Frueh
16
Jim Ogle
31
Jennifer Faust
17
Amanda Scanlon
31
Denise Dotterweich
17
Hayley Hays
BIRTHDAYS 06
Debbie Cannon
09
Michelle Kroner
09
Charlotte Quante
09
Jaycie Ruggiero
11
Steve Kahl
12
Francis Kpadeh
18
Heather O’Donnell
18
Brianna Floystad
19
Carole Micklos
22
Mark Floyd
23
Gracie-Ann Smith
24
Queen Sackor
Please contact the office if you would like to add or remove your name from our birthday list. Thank you!
Duty Schedule for: January 2019 9:00 AM
Jan 6
Jan 13
Jan 20
Jan 27
Assist and lector
Bob Schweitzer
San Dee Koons Beth Haught
Colan Kahl
Joan Schweitzer
Server
Patty Horney
Brandi Miner
Robin Smith
Patty Horney
Usher/ greeter
Sue Alexander Frank Schmidt
Rick Calo Ed Klingenstein
Dora Price Carol Ogle
Ed Klingenstein Eric Eszes
10:30 AM
Jan 6
Jan 13
Jan 20
Jan 27
Assist
John Kelly
Colan Kahl
Lynda Frueh
Lori Comotto
Lector
John Kelly
Sharyn Kahl
Brian Frueh
Debbie Cannon
Server
Denise McLaughlin
Jess Kahl
Sharyn Kahl
John Kelly
Usher/ Greeter
Eric Eszes Linda Moler
Jeanne Faust Sandy Cincinnati
Mary Emge Linda Moler
Donna Smith Sandy Cincinnati
Altar Set Up
Bob and Joan Schweitzer
Colan Kahl
Robin Smith
Joan and Bob Schweitzer
Children’s Church/ KBZ
Brandie Sullivan
Carolee Calo
Marge Carl
Jackie Eversley
Carolee Calo
Brandi Miner
Denise McLaughlin
Lynda Frueh
Counters
Bob Schweitzer Trudy Grauer
Colan Kahl Jeanne Faust
Linda Moler Deloris Phillips
Donna Smith Steve/Sharyn Kahl
Duty Schedule for: February 2019 9:00 AM
Feb 3
Feb 10
Feb 17
Feb 24
Assist and lector
Bob Schweitzer
Colan Kahl Eric Carl
Joan Schweitzer
Brandi Miner Beth Haught
Server
Carol Ogle
Joan Schweitzer
Patty Horney
Robin Smith
Usher/greeter
Ed Klingenstein Frank Schmidt
Carolee Calo Sue Alexander
Eric Eszes Carol Ogle
Rick Calo Ed Klingenstein
10:30 AM
Feb 3
Feb 10
Feb 17
Feb 24
Assist
John Kelly
Eric Eszes
Sharyn Kahl
Lori Comotto
Lector
John Kelly
Debbie Cannon
Sharyn Kahl
John Kelly
Server
Sharyn Kahl
Sandy Cincinnati
Denise McLaughlin
Sandy Cincinnati
Usher/Greeter
Linda Moler Mary Emge
Jeanne Faust John Kelly
Mary Emge Linda Moler
Debbie Cannon Donna Smith
Altar Set Up
Bob and Joan Schweitzer
Colan Kahl
Bob and Joan Schweitzer
Robin Smith
Children’s Church
Brandie Sullivan
Marge Carl
Jackie Eversley
Carolee Calo
KBZ Counters
Carolee Calo Bob Schweitzer Trudy Grauer
Brandi Miner Colan Kahl Jeanne Faust
Lynda Frueh
Denise McLaughlin
Linda Moler Deloris Phillips
Donna Smith Steve/Sharyn Kahl
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday 1
Wednesday Thursday 2
3
Friday 4
7:00 PM Evening 7:00 PM Choir Bible Study Practice 8:00 PM Hope & Healing
6
7
8
9
Food For Thought bag packing Quarter Sunday 9:00 AM Traditional Communion 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone
10:00 AM Bible Study 6:30 p.m. ASLC Board Meeting
5:30 PM Confir- 7:00 PM Evening 7:00 PM Choir mation Class Bible Study Practice
13
14
15
9:00 AM Traditional Communion 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone
10:00 AM Bible Study Martin Luther King Day
5:30 PM Confir- 7:00 PM Evening 7:00 PM Choir mation Class Bible Study Practice 8:00 PM Hope & Healing
20
21
22
9:00 AM Traditional Communion 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone
10:00 AM Bible 5:30 PM Confir- 7:00 PM Evening 7:00 PM Choir Study mation Class Bible Study Practice 7:00 PM Congregation Council Martin Luther King Day
27
28
29
9:00 AM Traditional Communion 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone
10:00 AM Bible Study
5:30 PM Confir- 7:00 PM Evening 7:00 PM Choir mation Class Bible Study Practice
16
23
30
10
17
24
31
Saturday 5 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
11
12 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
18
19 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
25
26 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday 1
Saturday 2 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
3
4
5
6
7
Food for Packing Bag Day 10:00 AM Bible Quarter Sunday Study 9:00 AM Traditional Communion 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone
5:30 PM Confir- 7:00 PM Evening mation Class Bible Study
7:00 PM Choir Practice
10
12
13
14
Renewal of Marriage Vows 10:00 AM Bible 9:00 AM Traditional ComStudy munion 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone
5:00 PM
7:00 PM Evening Bible Study
Valentine's Day 7:00 PM Choir Practice 8:00 PM Hope & Healing
17
19
20
21
7:00 PM Evening Bible Study
7:00 PM Choir Practice
27
28
11
18
9:00 AM 10:00 AM Bible Traditional Communion Study 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone 12:00 PM Youth Group Meeting
24
25
9:00 AM Traditional Communion 10:30 AM Family Contemporary Communion 10:30 AM Kidz Bible Zone
10:00 AM Bible Study 7:00 PM Congregation Council
26
7:30 PM Lenten 7:00 PM Choir Worship Service Full Practice Comm. (confirmands att)
8
9 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
15
16 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
22
23 8:00 AM Breakfast Bible Discussion at JP’s
Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church Our Staff 1901 Middleborough Rd. Baltimore, MD 21221
Pastor Meheret Caruthers • Office 410-686-7587 • Cell 240-413-7515 E-Mail:
[email protected] Music Director: Colin Eversley • Cell 410-499-2291 E-Mail:
[email protected] Secretary: Shirley Gregory • Office 410-686-7587 E-Mail:
[email protected] Council President : Denise McLaughlin • Home 410-686-0199 Council VP: Colan Kahl • Home 410-292-2544 Council Secretary: Robin Smith • Home 410-553-9465 Treasurer: John Kelly • Cell 443-770-0127 Sharyn Kahl 410-574-3060 Linda Frueh 443-465-4275 Brandi Miner 410-391-7905 Eric Carl 410-391-5143
Articles for the March Messenger are due by Wednesday February 20, 2019
