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| Current News and Events at Hope Lutheran Church | |
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In less than a month children will return to school for a new term and all sorts of activities will resume. Around the church our ministries with children and teens resume during the weekend of September 11-12, and plans are underway for these important programs.
TEEN MINISTRY is the first program to get underway. An enrollment letter was mailed to all returning students and to nearly 40 teens who are eligible to begin the program this fall. The 3-year program is offered to our young people in grade six and older. Classes are held bi-weekly on Saturday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. They include a Large Group Presentation by Pastor Hill, small group discussions led by adult leaders, and a teen-oriented worship service led by the teens themselves. Following the service, teens are encouraged to stay for Teen Night activities that include food and fun, finishing up around 8 p.m. Parents are welcome to take part in both the worship and the Teen Night activities.
There are two Orientation Sessions for new students and their parents. The first is on Sunday, September 4 at 12:30 p.m. and another will be offered on Saturday, September 11 at 2 p.m. before the first Teen Ministry session which begins at 3 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL for children ages 3-10 begins on Rally Sunday, September 12th. Gathering Time for Sunday School begins at 9:15, and children join the congregation for the sacrament of Holy Communion following the Sharing of the Peace. Parents are urged to enroll their children right away so planners can be ready for them from Day One.
KIDS’ CHOIR CLUB is another learning program for children ages 5 and older. It meets weekly on Wednesday afternoons from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. “Club Time” includes a snack, a lesson, a craft activity, and singing, led by our Director of Music, Joyce Stahl. Parents are needed to assist as volunteers.
ADULT GROUPS led by lay group leaders meet at various times during the week for Bible Study and discussion, and this fall Pastor Hill will offer classes for adults who wish to grow spiritually as disciples of Jesus. Watch for announcements about these programs in coming weeks.
Although our fall programs officially get underway on Rally Weekend in September, everyone is invited to take part in an exciting “Kick-off Event” following services on Sunday, August 29th.
Ministry Fair
We will be having a ministry fair with displays of the programs that we have at Hope following the services. We will be accepting registrations for our fall programs at the fair.The fair is an opportunity for you to learn about the various ministries we have at Hope and ways in which you can support them.
BBQ
At noon on August 29th will be having a Barbeque for everyone with activities for teens and children. Sunday School teachers will be there to meet the children. There will be face painting, games and the pool will be set up so bring your bathing suits and towels. We’ll also have an Open Mike.
A sign up sheet will be posted for the BBQ. Please sign up if you are planning to attend.
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KICK-OFF BARBEQUE Sunday, August 29th 12:30 p.m. |
“Shifting my Focus”
Those of you who have been at services this summer may be aware of the fact that I attended a three-day seminar in Connecticut offered by the Alban Institute. The theme of the seminar was “The Power of Story to Transform Your Leadership.”
Throughout my life I’ve always had an interest in what it takes to be an effective leader, and in practice I have held many leadership positions, going as far back as my time in Elementary School. But this seminar taught me something about leadership that was different from everything else I had experienced before.
During the
seminar we spent a lot of time thinking about specific leadership roles
we have as pastors, and as I thought about myself
God helped me to realize that the time had come for me to shift my
focus as a leader. I realized that from nearly the very beginning
of my ministry about 37 years ago, I’ve been significantly involved in
the work of the Church “beyond the walls” of the parishes I
served. The experiences I had over the years have enriched my life, and
I hope they were helpful to others as well.
Most recently I’ve spent a great amount of time in service to our synod as Dean of the Peconic Conference, an office I was first elected to about 14 years ago. At the same time I’ve been heavily involved in synod work as the Chair of the synod’’s Commission for Evangelical Outreach.
Now, as I look to the remaining years I will be serving as a pastor, God has shown me that I need to shift my focus to the place where it is needed the most: our congregation. We’re at a critical stage in the life of our congregation. While our membership continues to grow, we have many members who have become less active in their worship and service. Some of the people who once exercised key leadership roles have stepped back, and new leaders have a very steep learning curve. They need the help of an experienced pastor to become the best leaders they can be.
Also, for some time we’ve known that our facilities need attention, and perhaps some new construction should be set in motion. Meanwhile, I am concerned that we have many younger (than me) members who might benefit from having a younger pastor working with them. (Remember that I was 35 years old when I started as pastor here.) This is a good time to see whether we are ready to step up our giving and expand our ministry in these significant areas.
So, here I am. I’m excited and ready to re-focus my vision as your pastor. I will need your prayers and your support in a variety of ways. But I’m convinced that God has a great future in store for us if we are willing to re-focus together on the mission that God reveals to us in the months ahead.
Pastor Hill
COUNCIL
SETS
2010-11
PRIORITIES
At their annual “Kick-Off Retreat” held August 13-14, our Congregation Council focused its efforts on identifying and defining its priorities for the coming year. Beginning with reflection on a passage from Revelation 21, the Council reflected on the question: “Using a single work, how would you describe our church to someone?”
After
sharing their reflections, the Council developed a list of “Issues and
Concerns” that they thought we should focus
attention on in the coming year.
On
Saturday morning Council members teamed up to brainstorm how they could
develop the individual areas of interest
identified earlier.
The
result of this process was a list of eight Council priorities that the
Council will work on. Each of them requires a team or
work group to implement them, so Council members will team up and
invite others from our congregation to join in the creative
process during coming weeks.
If you are interested in contributing to one or more of these areas please contact one of the persons listed below the priority.
The priorities chosen by the Council are listed below (not in order of priority).
1. Strengthen the connection between the Council and the congregation.
Barbara Barteau, Bruce Goelz, Leslie Rurup, Steve Swift
2. Provide leadership and direction for new committees and structures.
Bruce Goelz, Gerry Singh
3. Renew interest and participation in TLC (Total Life Caring) Ministry.
Roger Meyer, Kristina Nolan, Linda Hill, Kathy Krawcheck
4. Create a “Welcoming Strategy/Protocol”
Dan Clark, Barbara Barteau, Steve Gerlach
5. Develop Adult Education programs and
leadership.
Dan Clark, Brian Steck, Ron Homa, Chris Geiger
6. Re-focus attention on Ministry with Teens (from Hope and surrounding community)
Kristina Nolan, Leslie Rurup, Donna Haller, Laura Laza
7. Explore ministry to and with “the 30+ Generation”
Liz Hokanson, Dan Clark
8. Provide support for expanding our Food Pantry Ministry.
Roger Meyer, Brian Steck, Kathy Krawcheck, Heidi Thide
If you have a personal interest and gifts that can contribute to the implementation of these goals, please contact the Council members listed.
Beginning in March I added a feature to the ANCHOR that focuses on the work pastors do. Please share your thoughts about the ideas expressed here.
PLANNING A BAPTISM
Over the 37 years I’ve served as a pastor, I’ve been privileged to preside over the baptism of over 600 people. This is one of the most significant “achievements” I can point to as a servant of the Lord.
One of the
questions I’m asked occasionally is “How do we plan for a baptism?”
I remember a call I got one day from a gal named Debbie. She wanted to plan a baptism and asked me what she needed to do. When I learned she had never been to our church, I suggested that she might want to do that first. After all, baptism is a long-term commitment. It initiates a person into a lifelong relationship with God and the Church, and the local congregation is a key element in keeping a person related and growing as a child of God.
A second step is to meet with me (the pastor) to discuss the plans already being considered. Sometimes people have specific needs when it comes to scheduling the baptism itself, and we try to work with that as much as possible. We want as many family members as possible to share in the celebration at the church.
Planning a baptism includes filling out an “Application Form.” This form collects information that is placed in the official parish register, so it is very important.
Then it helps to review the actual liturgy we use for baptisms. The text of the liturgy is a powerful teaching tool, and it can help parents and sponsors (godparents) to develop a much fuller understanding of the sacrament and the responsibilities they assume in baptism.
If the parents are not members of the congregation, they should join their child’’s church at least at the same time he/she is baptized. If necessary, a parent may need to be baptized at the same time as the child. In either case, some instruction about the Christian faith and Lutheran teachings is probably needed. Parents from other denominational backgrounds usually appreciate this type of “personalized” instruction.
Is there a “fee” for a baptism? No. Members of the body of Christ are expected to support their congregation’s ministry financially and in other ways. Baptism is a sacrament, a gift from God.
Do we baptize “off site?” A family living in Coram once asked me to come to their “Christening Party” on a Saturday afternoon because their pastor from the church they used to belong to in Queens had recently had a heart attack. No. Baptisms are done in the church, among the people of God gathered in worship.
How far in advance should it be planned? Debbie’s child was due around five months after she called. That’s probably too soon. But in a practical sense, it helps to consult about specific dates so we can make the event fit well into the worship life of the congregation.
Any questions? Call me or send me an e-mail: hopespastor@gmail.com
NEXT ISSUE: Planning a Wedding
XTRA
YEARS OF
ZEST FELLOWSHIP
RESUMES
Our first meeting for the fall will be Wednesday, September 8. We will meet at 11 a.m. for bible study with Pastor Hill. Then we’ll have lunch at 12:30 to catch up with what everyone is doing and to plan future activities. Check the XYZ bulletin board for plans.
1. Wash cloths (dark colors)
2. Adult tooth brushes (in original package)
3. Sturdy combs (not with a tail)
4. Metal nail clippers with file (no emery boards)
Thank you for your help.
We invite all of you over 50 crowd to join us. We welcome new ideas and suggestions for activities.
In
October we hope to invite a speaker with information on Alzheimer’s
disease. I know we all want to know—is
it significant when we can’t find our keys!? Watch Anchor Lines for the
date–
HOPE’S MUSIC PROGRAMS ARE BACK IN FULL SWING!!!
JOYFUL RINGERS!
A NEW group is being formed for all teens from 6th Grade and up to learn to play handbells! This group will rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7:30—8:15 pm beginning September 21st. All should have a great time!
Our adult Handbell group will resume rehearsals on Monday, September 13th from 7:15—8:30 pm We just performed a concert at the Atria Assisted Living Community in August and plan more community based concerts. If you know of a place that would enjoy a concert let us know. All are welcome!
Dance and make music to the Lord!
It may seem
early to
be thinking of Christmas, but planning for worship during that time
begins early. We are seeking some new 
people
to join our Worship
Planning Team for the “Christmas Cycle” (Advent-Christmas-Epiphany)
which runs from November 28 through March 6. The team will meet a few
times
during October/November to discuss creative and innovative ideas for
these worship services.
Look for sign-up sheet or speak with Pastor Hill or Joyce Stahl.
Are your children receiving Holy Communion
yet?
Did you realize that there is no specific “age limit” for children to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion? Our policy at Hope is to welcome all baptized believers to receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To help children and their families to participate fully in the Lord’s Supper, we offer instruction for people who want to take part in the holy sacrament.
This fall Pastor Hill will offer some new teaching resources to children wishing to learn about Holy Communion. We will have two groups: one for children in grades 1-3 and the other for children grades 4 and older. (Parents with children in both levels may choose either one.)
Class sessions will be held on alternating Saturdays beginning September 25th.
Level 1 will meet at 1 p.m. and level 2 will meet at 2 p.m. A total of four hours of instruction will be offered at each level.
Parents
should speak with Pastor Hill if they have questions or if they wish to
enroll children for these
classes.
Spark Sunday School Begins its
JourneySpark Sunday school is getting ready to begin on Sunday, September 12th at 9:15. The theme this year is Journey through the Bible.
This year each child will receive a “Passport” that will be updated each time they attend Sunday School. As their passport pages are filled, children will receive special recognition.
This year’s Spark curriculum is very exciting and contains stories like Noah’s Ark, The Lost Sheep and many more. Registrations are now being accepted for this program.
Teachers
are already making plans using the exciting Spark curriculum and
looking forward to meeting
children on August 29th at our Fall Kick-off event.
Volunteers Needed
Sunday School teachers and substitutes are always needed. We also need people to help lead openings and teach the children great Sunday School songs. If you are interested in helping please speak with Leslie Rurup or Laura Laza. Materials and training will be provided.
Teen
Ministry
Begins
this
Month
Teen Ministry
will begin on September
11th at
3 p.m. Registrations are being accepted now for this
program.
Leaders Needed
Leaders will be needed for this program. Leading includes attending the large group session led by Pastor Hill and then discussing the session in small groups of 5-6 teens. Training and materials are provided. If you are interested in working with teens please contact Laura Laza.
Teen Nights
Teen Nights will be held following teen ministry sessions. Teen nights are held usually until 8 p.m. and include activities such as bowling, laser tag, lock-ins, movie nights, game nights and any other activities that teens are interested in. Teens may be asked to bring money to cover the costs of teen nights.
Teens
should check their emails regularly for updates to the schedule and
plans for teen nights.
Parents will be needed to help transport and chaperone teen nights. If
you are available to help please
speak with Laura Laza.
Confirmed Teens
Teens who have been confirmed are welcome to join us for teen ministry sessions and teen nights. Senior High teens who are interested in attending a Bible study group for senior high teens during teen ministry sessions should speak with Laura Laza.
AGAPE Concert September 26th
On September 26th we will be going to Ascension Lutheran in Deer Park for a BBQ and concert performed by Agape a Lutheran Christian Hip Hop Artist.
Agape has been a feature performer at many of the youth gatherings, youth quakes and events around the country. We will leave Hope at 5:15. There is no cost, just bring something towards a free will offering and a dessert. For more information visit www.hiphopoutreach.com.Senior High News
The ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in New Orleans again in 2012. This is an event for teens who will have completed grades 9-12 in 2012.
Although the cost is between $1,200 and $1,500 per teen, in previous years we have raised over 90% of the cost with fundraisers. In some cases we’ve sent as many as 17 people to the Youth Gathering.
Teens who are interested in attending should email Laura Laza at llaza@optonline.net. Fundraising will continue until the gathering and registration take place in September of 2011.
In 2009 10 teens and 3 adult leaders from Hope were among the 37,000 Lutherans from around the country attending the gathering in New Orleans. Teens gathered, worshiped, and served the people of New Orleans during our week long stay.
Video clips can be seen on YouTube.com by searching for ELCA Youth Gathering 2009.
WOMEN’S STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUP FORMING
A discussion group for women will begin on Thursday, September 23rd 12:30 to 1:30 p. m. This group will be led by Linda Hill. All women are invited to attend. We had interesting studies last year and are looking forward to more of the same. Watch for a sign up sheet in the narthex if you are interested. Books have to be ordered.
REGISTER NOW
FOR ANCHOR NURSERY
SCHOOL
Do you have a three or four year old? Do you think they’re ready for something more? Would you like to prepare them for school? Would you like to help them make friends?
Anchor will do all of that and more for your child. Come and see what we do at Anchor.
Anchor Nursery School is a traditional preschool which provides a nurturing environment that teaches three and four year olds appropriate social skills as well as kindergarten readiness skills.
Anchor Nursery School will be offering the following for the upcoming school year:
Tuesday and Thursday mornings for $175 per month.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for $195 per month
Classes are from 9:15-12:15.
Registration
is now taking place for the 2010-2011 school year.
Our food pantry has an extremely low supply of food at this time. Since NY has not passed it’s State budget, no money can be allocated to many charitable organizations such as our pantry. Even our main supplier, Long Island Cares, has a shortage of food supplies. Until the budget is passed and funds become available through Long Island Cares, we have to rely on our congregation’s donations.
Our pantry has been very fortunate and blessed to have such a generous congregation who has always helped during the holidays and whenever there has been a need at other times during the year.
We ask for your help again.
We need the following items: canned meats, canned fruit, canned vegetables, shelf stable milk (such as Parmelat), and cereal.
Please check that the dates on the items are not expired.
We do not have a refrigerator, but we do have a new freezer. Meats that can be frozen such as, hot dogs, hamburgers or meat, chicken pieces or whole, are appreciated. Please make sure that meats are wrapped, well labeled, dated and placed into the freezer located in the back of All Saints’ Hall.
HOPE’S
BOWLING
LEAGUE
RESUMES
IN
SEPTEMBER
If
you
are
looking
for
fun and fellowship, join our bowling league. All members,
family and
friends 12 years and up can join us every Friday evening beginning
September 10th, 6:45 p.m. at
Centereach Lanes. Cost is only $16. Sign up or contact Rich Wolff at
631-732-8828,
Hopebowlleague@aol.com.
OFFERING COUNTERS NEEDED
We need a few people to help count the offerings each week. We usually count on a Monday or Tuesday morning. It takes about an hour. I need two people each week. Right now only three or four so I need four or five more volunteers. If we have enough people you would only have to count once a month. Training will be provided. To volunteer contact Barbara Nugent at the church office 732-2511.
SEPTEMBER FOCUS GROUP TO DISCUSS
HOPE’S COMMUNITY MINISTRY
These two programs and others we have here at Hope touch the lives of many families in our local community who are facing difficult times.
The discussion will be held during and after the 11:15 service to encourage 9:30 worshippers to take part in the discussion. A child care service will be provided for children who need to hang out during the discussion.
For more information, speak with Kathy Krawcheck or Heidi Thide.
Mission Projects Team
Edythe
Budke, Ron Homa, Joan Swift, Jean Shaljian.
Building Expansion Team
Bonnie
Ciavarella (Recorder), Chris
Geiger,
Donna Haller, Gary Overholser, Sandy Reifel, Leslie
Rurup, Jean Shaljian, Steve Swift, John Montemagno, Rich Wolff
Pastoral Staffing Study Team
Eric Kopp (Convener), Carol Mauro (Recorder), Barbara Barteau, Diana deLeon, Kathy Krawcheck, Joyce Stahl, Rich Wolff, John Kelly
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