July 2016 - Hope Lutheran Church

The Monthly Spirit of Hope
God be with you
Brothers and sisters, friends in Hope, this is my final article for the Spirit, as this
July is my final month as your pastor. In Douglas Adams’ science fiction trilogy, “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,” the world’s entire population of dolphins leaves the planet with
the message: “So long, and thanks for all the fish.” While I am not a dolphin, I can certainly
share in their sentiment.
We have grown together in these years, and I am certain that any amount of time
would have gone by just as quickly. Yet the transformation I have witnessed and experienced has been vast! You are a part of a community that has gone through great metamorphoses in the last few decades! Yet this community remains centered on the power of
Christ, who has given us the tools and abundance to do his work in the world.
I was called here to be your pastor in the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and
also to facilitate your growth as disciples, to walk with you through the events of your life,
and to help establish lasting tools to help Hope into the future. It has been my joy to do
these things and to watch you grow deeper in your faith, in your care for community – both
within and outside – as you are maturing into a large church that strives to hold onto that
personal feeling.
Now I leave for a different calling, a new type of role. We have all changed roles
many times in our lives, and this change impacts all of us. As I depart, I find myself flooded
with gratitude: I give thanks for you as people, for your love, care, and charity; I thank God
for the kindness you have shown, and all that you have been to me.
The one who calls us to different places at different times is faithful, and this same
God will care for all of us on our pilgrimages. Way back when, the common departure
phrase was “God be with you.” Over the years, that same phrase has been shortened into
one simple word: Goodbye – and I’m certain He will be.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
Verse-of-the-Month
May the God of peace himself
sanctify you entirely; and may your
spirit and soul and body be kept
sound and blameless at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one
who calls you is faithful, and
he will do this. –
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NRS
Inside this Issue
Meet Pastor Gago
Page 2
Building Hope
Page 3
Small Groups
Pages 4-5
Youth Events
Pages 6-7
Service Opportunities
Pages 8-9
Prayer Requests
Page 10
Join Us
Page 11
Stewardship
Page 12
Thank You Notes
Pages 13-14
New Members
Page 15
Golf Tournament
Pages 16-17
VBS
Pages 18-19
Peace,
Pastor Chris
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Let’s Celebrate Pastor Chris!
Potluck Lunch on Sunday, July 17 immediately following the 11:00 service
Hope Lutheran will have chicken, paper products and ice cream. Please bring a dish
to pass that will serve 8 people in a disposable container, or one that with your name
clearly labeled and drinks for yourself.
Please RSVP to Jessica Kavanagh at [email protected] to let us know the count
and the food item you are bringing.
Our Vision is...
Growing community through
service, learning and worship.
Our Mission
Knowing God. Inspiring People.
Transforming Lives.
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Pastor Gago
Dear Members of Hope,
With Pastor Chris’ decision to pursue additional
educational opportunities, I have been invited to assist
Pastor Brown in carrying out ministry on a part-time
basis during the interim while the congregation seeks a
second full-time pastor for Hope.
In preparation for my joining with Pastor Brown, I have
been asked to introduce myself to you and share some
of my personal background. I’ll try to be as brief as possible.
A life-long Lutheran, I was born and raised in Baldwin Borough a suburb in the South Hills of
Pittsburgh the middle child of four children. I have an older sister, an older brother, and a younger
sister. I graduated from Baldwin High School. I then attended California State College of Pennsylvania
receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a minor in music. I then graduated from the
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg with a Master of Divinity Degree. Following graduation
and receiving a Call, I was ordained by the Western Pennsylvania West Virginia Synod of the Lutheran
Church in America at Thiel College in Greenville to the Holy Office of Word and Sacrament Ministry.
During 38 years of ministry, I served the Church in three congregational settings: my First Call
was to St. James, Fairview and St. Peter’s, Millcreek both in Erie for 4 years, my Second Call was to
St. Matthew’s in Hunker for 10 years, and my Third Call was to serve St. John Mark in Homestead for
24 years. While at Homestead, I was married for 13 years but later divorced.
In June of 2015, I retired from active ministry, moved into my condominium at Freedom
Crossing, and began worshipping with you at Hope.
In retirement I continue to serve the Church and our Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the
ELCA as Chair of the Ecumenical Affairs Committee, a member of the Candidacy Committee of the
Synod charged with oversight of those pursuing ordination to the ministry, and as President of the
Board of Managers of the Lutheran Church Extension Society who grant no-interest loans to
congregations of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod.
During my years of being a pastor, I have been known by Pastor Gago, Pastor Bob, and
sometimes simply as PG. During our time together any of these name tags will suffice-whatever suits!
I look forward to being with you while serving in ministry for whatever time we enjoy
together; I also look forward to many years of my living with you and among you as a fellow disciple
of Jesus Christ and as a member of the family of faith at Hope called to love and serve God’s people.
Pastor Bob
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Come Together to Celebrate Change
Just as with anything in life that brings change – whether it’s kindergarten registration or college
applications; changing jobs or mentoring someone to take a risk and find a new career; making
renovations to your house or being part of a major construction project in your House of Worship
– planning is essential. The planning process may include paperwork, essays, trips to the
hardware store, blueprints, meetings, reading self-help books, any number of things to develop
the dream into reality.
Here at Hope, we have been planning for what may seem like a very long time. That process of
moving our dream into reality will continue through varied stages, and we are thrilled to report
that we are on the threshold of one of those crucial milestones – construction is slated to
start Tuesday, July 26!
Your various committees and staff at Hope have worked through much planning, paperwork and
layers of regulations to get to this point. In June, Cranberry Township issued the final approvals
for construction, and the final construction drawings were completed. The Guaranteed Maximum
Price for the build (GMP) is expected by July 12. Two weeks later, Hope House will be razed and
construction will begin.
Summer is a busy couple of months, and our attention spans are strained among a variety of obligations, activities and interests. During this special time in the life of our Hope family, think
about the words in Hebrews 10: 23-25 and come together to support and encourage one another:
“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is
faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to
meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see
the Day approaching.”
Since we have this hope, we boldly act! - 2 Corinthians 3:12
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HOPE’S SMALL GROUPS
BOOK CLUB
UPCOMING MONTHS:
August: Consecrated Dust – Mary Frailey
Join us this month as we read Someone by
Calland
Alice McDermott. A Publishers Weekly Best
Fiction Book of the Year, a Kirkus Reviews Best September: A Million Little Pieces – James Frey
Fiction Book of 2013, a New York Times Nota- October: One Thousand White Women – Jim
Fergus
ble Book of 2013,
November: Why Be Happy When You Could Be
a Washington Post Notable Fiction Book of
2013, an NPR Best Book of 2013. The story of Normal? – Jeanette Winterson
a woman's life – her time as a child, a partner, December: Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
a mother, stitched together in McDermott's
highly praised, lyrical approach.
Join us for light refreshments and great
conversation.
July 28th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Narthex
Join us and invite a friend as we study Beth Moore's Children of the
Day DVD Series. We will dive into scripture through the study of
1 and 2 Thessalonians while considering how the Word of God
Fall Study
applies directly to our daily lives. During this nine week study, you'll
learn how to let go of past mistakes and discover your circumstances are not coincidental - God's timing is impeccable! Whether
you're facing family crises, medical diagnoses, relationship troubles, doubts, or fears, you'll come away encouraged that even
though it may not feel that way, you are exactly where Christ wants you to be! "You are children of the light and children of the
day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Study Begins: Thursday and Friday, September 8 & 9.
Thursdays: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Fridays: 9:00 - 11:00 am
FREE childcare available on Friday mornings with advance notice.
Register: @ www.hlc.church OR directly to [email protected], 724-452-5665 no later than August 17th. If you register
after this date, you will be responsible for purchasing your own workbook.
Workbook Cost: $16.75 (including shipping)
Register by August 17th as workbooks need to be ordered in advance. You are still welcome to join us if you do not register by
August 17th, but you will be responsible for ordering your own workbook.
JOY is a small group ministry created for the 50+
age group. The purpose of the group is have fellowship with each other in a fun setting. Typically
we meet the third Wednesday of each month for
Game Day. We play cards and board games and
have a great time laughing and talking with each
other. July meeting will be July 20th at 1:00 p.m.
Hope you can join us!
We won't be meeting during the summer months, but will see you
again in September!
During the program year, we meet the third Tuesday of every
month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., and extend a welcome to all
mothers of all stages – new, and not so new! Now that the weather is warming up, get out of the house and join us! Bring your babies, compare notes, or just enjoy a cup of coffee with some other
moms. Grow your faith and community with us at our monthly get
togethers. Our next meeting is September 19th!
We meet in the nursery and hope to see you there!
Please email with any questions or for more information:
Amy Arrowsmith at [email protected] or
Elena Geil at [email protected]
Love Mom Groups? Think your preschooler might be
too old to join the fun? Please join us for
a new MOPS-style program, launching
this summer! Please email Heather for
more info at [email protected].
HOPE’S SMALL GROUPS
WELCOME TO WELCA!
On Thursday, June 9, seven women from Hope's WELCA traveled to Meadville, PA, to deliver items that Hope's
congregation donated over previous weeks and months. The "Spotlight" collection included diapers, baby wipes,
toiletries, office supplies, games/puzzles, 27 large fleece blankets, 8 small fleece blankets, 100+ articles of clothing
(hats, snowsuits, coats, assorted children's clothes, and donations from Toys R US/Babies R Us. Yes, donations
filled Cindy's truck and Ruth's station wagon! Also included were 885 "Box Tops for Education." What an increase!
(Last year's collection totaled 317.) "Box Tops" will provide needed school supplies. This is WELCA's on-going
project. Thank you for all of your generous gifts to Bethesda.
Bethesda Children's Home/Lutheran Social Services is an outreach of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
for more than 90 years. This thriving ministry is recognized as one of the most prominent agencies in instituting
innovative and effective programming for emotionally and psychologically troubled children and their families.
Kids grow and improve themselves and develop character values like self-discipline, integrity, respect,
responsibility and leadership. The Home also provides a positive structured family environment for kids who don't
have one of their own. The Right Start for Young Mothers Program provides a structured and therapeutic
environment where young mothers, or mothers-to-be, receive support, guidance, medical care, and the
skills to be self-sufficient for life.
Please continue to save your "Box Tops" and place them
in the plastic box on the window sill in the Narthex.
NOTES FROM JEAN: How has your day been? Happy? Have your God Moments become
longer? More frequent? What about your Thankoffering giving? Give thanks in all
circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -- I Thessalonians 5:18
The next WELCA meeting will be on September 14
HOPE’S DINNER GROUP —
Saturday, July 16th at 5:30pm
At Longhorn Steakhouse
1679 PA-228, Cranberry Twp
Questions? Call Paul Wunderlin at 724713-4722
MY MEN'S MINISTRY - Saturdays, 7:00 to 8:00 am — Summer Dates: July 16th and August 20th
Attention MEN of all ages! Men’s group is a good way to help guys discover their worth. It is also a good
way of linking guys with similar stories. The paths we take in life are different and we all come across
unique encounters every day. My Men’s Ministry provides a Christian space that can help with life’s
challenges. Join us and discover what the Holy Bible says so you can better apply God’s Word to your
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YOUTH NEWS
CRUISIN’ @ HOPE
To our Car Cruise Sponsors:
Bobby Rahal
Soergel Orchards
North Hills Toyota
Pat Whigham—Caldwell Banker
Ridge Erie Insurance
Skander Tire
Howard Insurance Corporation
Thrivent Financial
Gift Basket Donor:
All-State
Kidz Klub
If you have a child in grades 1-5 who's interested in having fun, learning about God, and creating amazing friendships,
Kidz Klub is the place to be! Monthly, thematic, meetings allow for ample learning opportunities while providing the
kind of lasting experiences that keep children invested in learning and being involved in the church!
Join us throughout the year as we explore what our gifts and talents are and how similar gifts are reflected in our
favorite biblical heroes! We've got talent, after all!
We'll see you August 28th for our program year Kick Off! 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.!
CHAOS (Christ Has All Our Solutions) Grades 6 – 8
Middle school is a time of growth and change. If you have a new teen who wants answers to tricky questions and a
space to create great friendships while learning and laughing, join us at our CHAOS meetings!
Join us September 13th for our first meeting of the 2016-2017 program year, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
HSYG
High School Youth Group is the place to be. If you're in grades 9-12, we'd love to see you at our get-togethers. Whether it's service opportunities, lock-ins, or a bite to eat with the Pastors and DYFM, we always have a good time! Don't
forget to sign up for our HSYG mission trip this summer, July 11th-14th, to Connellsville, PA. Open to all students going
into freshman year of high school up to those going into their freshman year of college.
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YOUTH NEWS
Notes from the DYFM….
Bible Verse
Psalms 113:3
What a fun and exciting summer we've had already! It's hard to believe
July is here when it feels like we just started June!
We've been having a great time saying farewell to our seniors and
hearing about their plans over the summer and for next year, end of the
year celebrations, and a stellar Cruisin' @ Hope – the third date's the
charm!
Now we're heading off to our first mission trip of the summer –
Charleston, West Virginia, here we come!
“From the rising of the sun
to the place where it sets,
the name of the Lord
is to be praised.”
We're looking forward to next month, when we'll be able to regale you
with many, many stories from Charleston, Connellsville, and Vacation
Bible School!
Keep Cool!
Ms. Heather
Youth Calendar
June 26th-July 1st
CHAOS YouthWorks Mission Trip to WV
July 11th-14th
HSYG Stay-at-Home Mission Trip to Connellsville
July 18th-22nd
Vacation Bible School
September 11th
RALLY DAY!
9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Stay-at-Home Mission Trip
July 11th - July 14th
Summer will be here before we know it and we know you have a lot of fun things on your
agenda! We hope the Stay at Home Mission Trip will be one of them!
Every year we spend time giving back to the local community, and this year is no
different. We invite high school students - incoming 9th graders to incoming freshman in
college - to join us this year as we serve the Connellsville community. There will be
fellowship, spiritual growth, service, and plenty of fun! Registration is available online at
www.hlc.church. Please consider donating non-perishable food items to help
support Connellsville Area Community Ministries, our partner for the High School Youth
Group Stay at Home Mission Trip!
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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STEPHEN MINISTRY IN OUR CONGREGATION
"Love one another--as I have loved you." John 13:34
Hope is a Stephen Ministry congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Stephen Ministry is your ministry.
Here's what you can do:
> Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
> Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
> Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about Hope's Stephen Ministry.
If you have questions about Stephen Ministry, please talk with Pastor Ron or Ruth Dobson, Stephen Leader.
there is a Council of Churches here in Cranberry? They have been meeting once
a month to come together as the Body of Christ and find ways to impact our
community.
The council is made up of different denominations and non-denominational
churches here in Cranberry. The Council of Churches is actively involved in the
Majcan project and currently working on other ways to impact the community.
If you would like to find out more about this group, they meet the first Thursday of the month for
lunch. The group is made up of clergy and church members. There are many, many needs that need
to be met in our community, we talk about them and how we can get involved. If you would like to
attend a luncheon or get more information, see Pastor Ron
Majcan Project
The Social Outreach Committee is working on getting the word out to
our members about the Majcan Project here in Cranberry Township.
Jordan Majcan, a student at Seneca Valley, was paralyzed from a car
accident last fall. The Community Cup, The Council of Churches and
local churches in Cranberry Township are working together to build an
addition on the Majcan home so that Jordan can get around easily in
his wheel chair. Volunteers will be needed at various times on the weekends to work on the addition
through June. Watch for announcements in the "Week at Hope" for details.
Relay For Life - Join Hope's Team!
Relay for Life - July 23 & 24th - Fun for the whole family!
Plan to bring your family and join Hope's Relay for Life team at North Boundary park. There will
be food, games, fun and laughter, time to honor our survivors and remember our loved ones
who lost their battle with cancer. It's a celebration and a remembrance that you won't want to
miss. Look for Hope's booth around the track and enjoy one of our fresh grilled hot dogs and
watermelon! Join Hope's team in advance and plan to sign up to walk for an hour or two, or
simply come the day of the event to see what it's all about. We look forward to having you join
us for fellowship as we raise cancer awareness.
For more information, go to www.relayforlife.org/pacranberry. Check out Hope's Team information and get a schedule of events closer to the day of the Relay.
What is Relay for Life??
On Saturday, July 23rd at 10:00 am through Sunday, July 24th, Cranberry Twp's Relay for Life will take place. The entire community is invited to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those that we've lost, and walk in support of fundraising efforts.
This family friendly event is something you won't want to miss!
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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We are looking for ushers for 9:00 am and 11:00 am services. This is a great ministry
to get to know our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ. Also, a great opportunity for
families. The kids love being involved. Please consider helping at either of these services. Please contact Emily Kroll at [email protected] or 724-601-4337.
Thank you
Invite to incoming 9th graders
If you are interested in becoming a paid Nursery
Worker for the church nursery on Sundays and
other activities throughout the program year,
please contact Yvonne in the church office by
August 1, 2016.
Must pass all background checks.
Just as you rely upon receiving income on a regular basis, Hope relies on your regular contributions. Hope appreciates the
efforts of congregation members to make consistent donations throughout the
year—especially during popular summer travel periods.
To assist you, we want to remind you that Hope offers electronic giving as a way to automate your regular weekly
offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for individual congregation members and provides much-needed donation
consistency for our congregation.
Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank
account.
Credit & Debit Card Giving allows you to make offerings automatically on a pre-determined schedule using a credit or
debit card.
Online Giving allows you to go to www.hlc.church at any time to set up an automatic donation plan, change your donation
plan, make a one-time donation or view your online donation history. As you contemplate future contributions, please
consider electronic giving. If you have any questions or need guidance for the online set up process, please contact Yvonne
in the church office.
PRAYER REQUESTS
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Hope’s Prayer Requests List
July 2016
Prayer Requests will remain on the prayer list for one month. Please resubmit prayer request for additional prayers and or updates.
Bruce – cancer
Ron Horanski – healing
Stephanie – in an abusive situation
Laura – health concerns
Miles – recent surgery
Darlene – brain cancer
Lauren – cancer / peace / healing
Dr.
David English – Choir Director for Circle of Friends Choir – Diagnosed with Cancer – Please pray for Dr. English and his family.
Kathy – Please keep in prayer – just diagnosed with cancer. Also pray for medical team treating her.
Marcia Salsbury – now home recovering—pray for a complete recovery
Isabel Nicolas – Nadyne’s 5-year-old granddaughter – recovery from Tonsillectomy surgery
Shannon – recovery from wisdom teeth removal
Peg Ellis – recently fell and broke hip; has developed c-diff, an infection that she continues to battle. If you would like to
IN THE WORD
send her a card, send to: Peg Ellis, C/O Debbie Lawther, 5454 Moonflower Court, Grove WOMEN
City, OH 43123.
Barb – Elena Geil’s mother – is in AGH, has fluid on her lungs, so far attempts to reduce it have not worked. She has right
sided heart failure and is very weak.
Jean—Kathy & Terry Seeman’s friend – started radiation treatments for breast cancer
Al Kramer—Linda Lauer’s dad – recovery from open heart surgery
Barb & Joe Dagata – friends of Alan Krohe – recently in serious car accident. Barb is in ICU with possible brain damage
Julie Withrow—surgery
Ron Orsulak—Alan Krohe’s nephew—melanoma cancer from his face has spread to jaw, began radiation treatments
Hope’s Shut-Ins:
Suzann Frishkorn
Antoinette McCulley
Katherine Rinehart
Looking to make a difference in
children's faith life? Consider joining our
Sunday School teaching team for the 20162017 year. We are in need of
substitutes and helpers. Please email Heather
for available opportunities in the Sunday
School program: [email protected]
JOIN US
Join Hope Friday, July 22, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at the
Comtra Theatre in Cranberry Township
Tickets are $16.75 each
Please register at hlc.church if interested
Deadline to order tickets is July 15th
LUTHERAN DAY AT
Monday, July 18th
11:30 a.m.—Welcome
& Morning Prayer in (Pavilion 5)
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the ELCA:
“Always Being Made New” Campaign
Tickets only $22—visit www.kennywood.com
for more information. Order by July 1st!
During our upcoming building
project please know that
the Sanctuary and all services
will not be affected by
construction.
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STEWARDSHIP
Summer Reading – The Smart Women’s Guide to Planning for Retirement by Mary Hunt
Of course, this doesn’t just apply to woman. Failure to plan is expensive and severely limits anyone. A person who wants to do
something -- will find a way; a person who doesn’t -- will find an excuse. Your financial health is as important as your physical health.
The sooner you start paying attention and taking care of both the better. Don’t waste a lot of years not taking care. Try not to make bad
financial decisions and make good decisions! Just do it. The sooner the better.
The 6 strategies at the heart and soul of this book:
Develop a money management system. It’s not what you earn, but what you spend. Spend less than you earn. You are the gatekeeper / steward of what has been entrusted to you. Try the 10-10-80 Solution -- 10% Giving (Church, charitable, non-profit organizations), 10% Savings (Long term and short term), and Live off the remaining 80%. When you make saving a habit, you’ll never be
broke.
Build an emergency fund. Human beings must have savings. It’s the difference between life and death, terror and calm. So start saving
right now, and don’t stop until you die. Ben Stein. An emergency fund can have a psychological effect – it can make you feel safe
and protected from danger – life is not predictable.
Get out of debt. If you are carrying unsecured (Credit Card) debt, it’s killing you – stress, worry, and cold cash. Those debts are stealing
your future. Do NOT strip equity from your home.
Maximize your retirement accounts. If your employer offers some retirement plan that they are willing to match – opt-in to the maximum of what they will match à this is free money, don’t pass this up. Do one thing every day that scares you – Eleanor Roosevelt.
In your 20s – the defining decade for retirement savings! Start saving now! Debt will impact your life severely and have long lasting
effects. You have time to build a solid financial life. Stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually fit!
In your 30s – If you’ve started saving – you’re on your way, if not à it’s time to catch up. Make savings a top priority. Set up automatic deposits to save. Your biggest challenge is to hold the reigns on your spending. Buy a home (buy half of what you can
afford) .. don’t succumb to consumer debt. If you have children – set a goal for college savings (check out http://
www.savingforcollege.com/ ). Your 30s matter because these are the years that you’ll make the big financial decisions of life
(kids, house, and career). It’s easy to lose sight of planning for the future.
In your 40s – If you have not started to prepare for retirement, this is your make-it or break-it decade. Do whatever you must to get
your debts paid off as quickly as possible. Be saving at least 10% of your gross income. Make retirement savings your main
goal.
In your 50s – This is a critical planning time. Play catch-up .. Downsize .. consider buying long-term care insurance .. pay off your
mortgage .. meet with a financial and estate planner.
In your 60s – If you haven’t begun saving, you may need to delay retirement as long as your physical and mental health will allow
you to work. Zero in on your living expenses (minimize them). Weigh your social security options. Figure out where you will
live. Apply for Medicare health care.
Own your home outright. Consider this – buy half the home that you could be approved for, but pay down your mortgage at a rate that
is the amount you could be approved for! This will save a mountain of money in interest savings and your home will be yours, free
and clear, sooner than you could hope for. Talk about having peace of mind!
Build your personal investment portfolio.
By reducing expenses now, ahead of retirement, you’ll free up money to save and invest. By going into retirement with NO mortgage, No rent, No debts, and low monthly expenses you can drastically reduce the amount you will need to live on once you stop earning
income.
Developing a plan will make you strong and improving your financial health will give you peace of mind. Make a commitment to
start now. If you haven’t started saving (seriously, 20s is not too early to start). It’s only too late if you don’t start now. Today – Start
Saving! Saving early is the nearly painless trick to building retirement security.
We know that God is much bigger than all our problems. He’s greater than any economic crisis and knows with certainty what lies
ahead. He promises never to leave us or forsake us, to be the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is why we should make reasonable retirement decisions and preparations and not obsess about them and trust God for our outcome. We row the boat, God steers our
boat. We each have a part to play. We must be faithful stewards.
In closing -- God is the Source of all we have and all that we are. Everything we have belongs to God, we are His entrusted stewards.
Money is to be used. What we do with money reveals our true character. Money is to be Saved and invested (Parable of the Talents).
Saving and planning are marks of a responsible and trustworthy steward and our response to God’s faithful provision. We honor God
when we make saving, investing, and planning for retirement a part of our stewardship.
Carol Flinn – member of Stewardship Committee
THANK—YOU
To My Hope Lutheran Family,
Please accept this as a thank you to everyone for your prayers, cards, support of my family, and your
generous donations. We have been through some tough days and you were always there for us.
I would love to thank each of you individually and write notes but my voice and my handwriting prohibit that at this time. I do want to give GOD the glory for saving my life time after time over these few
months.
And please know I could never thank you enough for your support and prayers. GOD answers prayers.
I am sure most of you know more about what I have been through than I do. I only regained consciousness on May 15. But I thank you for walking through this rough journey with my family.
For the short version, I had 3 EMTs who saved my life at work on April 8. (One of the EMTs had oxygen
in his car; which helped to keep my brain from being damaged. Another miracle! Who has oxygen in
their car at work?) I had 5 Lutheran pastors visit me. I had the best care in nurses and doctors as I was
admitted to 4 hospitals. I had the constant support of my family by my side; friends reading me Bible
verses throughout my 6 week stay in the hospital. I may not remember much but I do remember the
voices and the love that I felt. It helped me to fight every day.
My memory seems to be coming and going and some of my dreams seem to have been in part true, so
please forgive me if I don’t remember everything. The first day I truly remember is May 15; on May 18
I was moved into Mercy Hospital for rehab. May 20 was an awesome day; I was able to take a shower
and pass my swallow test so my feeding tube was removed. On May 24 I came home due to my success in rehab. I started out patient rehab on June 2; they were so impressed that I am only scheduled
for the next 2 weeks, twice a week for Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies. The doctor’s order
was for 3 times a week for 4 – 6 weeks. GOD is so GOOD! I can tell my steps are steady and my brain is
bouncing back.
I am very emotional right now and have a hard time expressing how deep my thankfulness runs.
Please know that Dave, Zane & I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are overwhelmed by
the generosity of everyone and are truly thankful to you for everything!
When I was in Mercy, I had a gentleman named Frank who was 104 and visiting patients while serving
the LORD. He prayed the verses from Numbers 6 over me; it was very touching. I pray I will still be
able to serve our GOD when I am 104 too! This is my wish for all of you…
May the LORD bless you and keep you;
May the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the LORD lif t up His countenance upon you;
And give you HIS peace!
GOD BLESS!!!
Marcia Salsbury
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THANK—YOU
NEW MEMBERS
Meet the Samson Family
Hi! We currently live in Cranberry Township, and were looking to join a
church a bit closer to home after the retirement of our long time
pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Wexford, PA. Beth grew up in Cranberry
Township, and is a Seneca Valley and Slippery Rock University
graduate. She has worked for the last nine years as a special
education teacher and transition coordinator for Butler Area School
District, and is looking forward to starting a new chapter of her
career at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV as a Supervisor of Special Education. Beth's hobbies include
reading, spending time outdoors, with friends, and with her boys. Jeff grew up in Gibsonia, PA and is a
graduate of Deer Lakes. Jeff currently attends Butler County Community College and is a retail manager
for Macy's in Robinson. Jeff's hobbies include golfing, watching the Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers,
working in the yard, and playing sports with his boys. We have two little boys - Connor is 3 years old, and
loves to be outside, play sports, and watch the Penguins with his dad. He is excited to start pre-school in
the fall. Parker is one, and loves playing with his big brother. We feel so blessed to be part of Hope's
church family.
- Jeff and Beth Samson
Here is a list of other new members!
Look in upcoming Monthly Spirits for profiles of our newest members at Hope!
Melinda and Fred Geiger
Sara and Aaron Jonasen
Peggy and Frank Kratz
Celene Manning
Stephanie and Bob Reese
Connie Shaffer
Lynne and James Pane
Elizabeth and Michael Woods
Krista and Jason Baumgartner
Jeneane and Kurt Sintz
The Reverend Robert Gago
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Consider donating to our tournament—Many types of sponsors are
needed and welcome! Go to Hope’s website to find the request letter
that details what is needed. Your support would be greatly appreciated!
Our next Planning Meeting will be Monday, July 11th at
6:30 p.m. at Hope
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
If you would like to submit to the Monthly Spirit please use the Communication Request Form found on our website:
www.hlc.church. To be sure your submission is included in the Monthly the following deadlines are listed below to
assist you. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at [email protected].
Deadlines
July 14 for August Newsletter
August 11 for September Newsletter
September 8 for October Newsletter
October for July Newsletter
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9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Registration Fee:
$35 per child with $80 max per family
Available in Narthex or online: hlc.church
Volunteers Needed!!!
Sign up at hlc.church
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Registration Fee: $35 per child with $80 maximum per family
8070 Rowan Road
Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
OUR MISSION
Knowing God. Inspiring People. Transforming Lives.
OUR VISION
Growing community through service, learning and worship.
For an electronic copy of the Spirit,
please log on to our website at:
www.hlc.church. Hope is a Stephen
Ministry congregation of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America.
Hope Lutheran Church
8070 Rowan Road
Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
Phone: 724-776-3141
Fax: 724-779-8914
E-mail: [email protected]