September/October 2012
Transcription
September/October 2012
Hope-Line THE NEWSLETTER FOR HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WINTER HAVEN, FL Growing in Hope Christian Education Fall Kick-Off 2012 September 9—9:30 a.m. Also in this Issue… Choirs Resume Deacons Local Missions Care Ministries Women’s Circles Hope Creative School Sunday Coffee Fellowship Church Family News and much more! Adult Classes meet in Friendship Hall to help welcome new members. Children’s Morning Program and Children’s Church Youth of Hope (See Christian Education Section) Holiday Boutique Mini Bazaar 2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33884-1556 Saturday—October 13 8 a.m. until 12 Noon (Look for Bazaar New and Notes) Phone—863-324-6382 Fax—863-324-1096 [email protected] www.hopepreswh.org Dr. Thomas E. McGrath, Pastor Golf Tournament Saturday—October 20 8:30 a.m. until 12 Noon Willowbrook Golf Course S. R. 544—Winter Haven (See Deacons’ Desk article…) Worship Committee News 2012 WORSHIP CALENDAR THE WORD ACOLYTE is taken from an ancient Greek word that meant companion, attendant, or helper. Acolytes at Hope Church are responsible for lighting and extinguishing the candles on the Communion table before and after the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Acolyte rotation begins on Sunday, September 16 for Hope’s de-light-ful youngsters. Rising 2nd Graders through Middle School Grades: Young people (girls and boys) if you would like to participate as an Acolyte, e-mail Angela Herrington, [email protected] or Louise McMaster, [email protected] CHANCEL CHOIR RESUMES Following a well-deserved break from weekly rehearsals, the Chancel Choir resumed regular Wednesday night rehearsals on August 29 at 7p.m. in the Choral rehearsal room. We are all excited about making music together again! If you have a love of singing, can follow the music in the hymnal as it’s sung and can sing “Happy Birthday” well enough that others recognize the song – well, come join us! No audition necessary. The Choir will resume weekly participation in the Sunday services on September 9. BELLS OF HOPE Rehearsals Thursday evening 6:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. Speak to Karen Shafer, Director of Music or e-mail her at [email protected]. Worship Service times are 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise stated. SEPTEMBER Sunday, September 9—Fall Kick–Off Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Chancel Choir OCTOBER Sunday, October 7, 2012 – World Communion Sunday NOVEMBER Sunday, November 4 Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Sunday, November 11 Cornucopia placed on the Communion table Sunday, November 25—Christ the King/Reign of Christ DECEMBER 1st Sunday of Advent— December 2 Lighting of the 1st Advent Candle Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 2nd Sunday of Advent— December 9 Lighting of the 2nd Advent Candle Christmas Cantata presented by the Chancel Choir Deacons deliver poinsettias to members and friends of the congregation at Health and Rehabilitation facilities or at home. 3rd Sunday of Advent—December 16 Lighting of the 3rd Advent Candle 4th Sunday of Advent—December 23 Lighting of the 4th Advent Candle 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:30 a.m. Worship Scenes from the Nativity by the children and Youth of Hope Monday, December 24—Christmas Eve —7 p.m. Family Worship of Candlelight, Carols and a Joyous Celebration of the Birth of Christ Lighting of the Christ Candle Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Nativity Tableau by the Youth of Hope FLOWER CALENDAR —Karen King Shafer, Director of Music The 2013 Chancel Flower Calendar is available on the green stand in the Narthex. If there are special dates that you would like, now is the time to sign up In Memory Of, In Honor Of, In Gratitude For, or any Special Occasion. Cost is $50 for two arrangements. Please make checks payable to Hope Presbyterian Church and note on the memo section “Chancel Flowers.” FROM THE DEACONS’ DESK GOLF TOURNAMENT What? 2012 Golf Tournament When? Saturday, October 20, 2012 Tee-time 8:30 a.m. Where? Willowbrook Golf Course Why? To support community missions To have a chance to win great prizes To have fellowship and lunch provided by Swamp Boys Bar-b-que To have a fun day! Those who have participated in the past two tournaments know what a great day we will have on October 20. Please plan to join us this year by registering to golf as an individual or form a team of four. The registration fee will remain $55 per person and include a delicious lunch. Also consider sponsoring a hole for $50 (bronze), $75 (silver) or $100 (gold). Your name or business name will be prominently displayed on a sign. We are also seeking donations of gifts for door prizes. See any of the Deacons if you have questions, need a registration form, or would like to be a sponsor or provide a door prize. NEW DEACON Sylvia Montgomery has become our newest Deacon, filling the vacancy left when Lila Ptak moved. Sylvia is already hard at work. She is a native of Montreal and now loves living in Auburndale. She is active in community service. Please join us in welcoming her. MID-FLORIDA BLOODMOBILE Seven units of blood were collected at our July blood drive making the total units collected for Hope over 700. Please contact a Deacon or the Church Office if you need units of blood. The next blood drive will be October 14 from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A photo ID is required at the time of donation. Our community is very much in need of donations of all blood types. Thanks to all of you who have so generously donated in the past. HELP WITH USHERING Due to travel schedules and illnesses we have not had our full complement of deacons available this summer. We need eight ushers each Sunday! We have called upon some former ushers (as well as a few spouses) and we thank all of you who have helped with ushering. COMMUNITY MISSIONS With donations to the Deacons’ Fund and the golf tournament proceeds, we have been able to lend support to local charities as follows: Salvation Army $250 Family Emergency Services $500 Beth-El Missions $500 Polk Education Foundation $250 We also continue to deliver food to Family Emergency Services and personal hygiene and other items to Angels Care Center. We thank you for your continued support of these wonderful community missions. THANKS TO HOPE QUILTERS The deacons visit and correspond with Hope members in nursing homes and those unable to leave their homes to attend church. This spring the Hope Quilters made beautiful lap quilts for many of these shut-ins. They plan to contribute more quilts as needed. We were able give the quilters $250 from the Deacons’ Fund to help cover the cost of materials. The shut-ins love the quilts! Thanks so much to these ladies for their generous donation of time and talent. Deborah Anderson, Moderator GARDENS OF HOPE Thanks to the rains of summer, our gardens are lush and lovely. We have four different varieties of crape myrtles in our gardens now which blessed us with an array of color this summer. Our wildflowers have bloomed all season; and a real highlight was the off and on blooming of our native rain lilies, a bulb that produces a sweet pink blossom two to three days after a rain. Visit the Gardens of Hope—a lovely place to meditate, pray or just relax. The Gardens of Hope are supported by donations, memorials and volunteers. This autumn we have a couple of projects for which we need some strong folks, and yes - “chain saws!” If you would like to help, please call Molly Griner, 324-6098. PRAYER GROUP OF HOPE “Pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “.......and pray for one another” James 5:16 Prayer at Hope Church is vibrant and abundant! Our published Prayer Request List is now a stand-alone list, which can be found each Sunday in the Narthex. The Prayer Group receives prayer requests from pew request cards, phone calls, notes and e-mails. We also have a prayer request box in the Reception area of our Administration offices. All prayer requests are treated with utmost confidentiality; we do not share our prayer time information that is entrusted to the Prayer Group. Special thanks go to Marti Brightwell and Donna Phillips for their hours of gracious dedication in processing the many prayer requests received at Hope! The Prayer Group meets every Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Church Parlor. Anyone is welcome, even for one visit. You may join in praying out loud, or quietly to yourself. May God Bless you. —Prayer Group of Hope CARE MINISTRIES, A NEW PROGRAM OF HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH “ Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 8: 39b You are invited to visit CARE MINISTRIES of Hope. Our office located in the Education Building is open Tuesday - Thursday. We provide Community Service Information, Pastoral Counseling, Respite Care and Small Group Studies as well as a Casserole Ministry. Group Studies for the late Fall will include: When Your Parent Needs You: Caring for Older Adults in Your Home Grief and the Meaning of Significance Communication and the Art of Listening Watch for more information in your October bulletins! If you would like to contact us, please call me either at Hope (324-6382) or on my cell (221-2613). Lou (Bell) WOMEN OF HOPE MORNING GLORIES CIRCLE Morning Glories Circle will be meeting the first Tuesday of each month again this year. We meet at 10 a.m. in the Church Parlor. Our September meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4. Nancy Porter will be leading our discussion of the Lost Women of the Bible. We will continue our study at the October 2 meeting. We are always happy to welcome new members! —Nancy Reddout (318-9868) Nancy Porter (324-4837) CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Circle of Friends September meeting is at Sizzlin' Grill, 6 p.m. on the SECOND Monday, September 10, due to Labor Day holiday! RSVP: Jeanie Madaus (326-6056) or Barb Follett (875-0391). Circle of Friends meets for dinner, on the first Monday night of each month. Some months in restaurants we choose, and other months in members’ homes, with carry-in supper. This FELLOWSHIP circle helps us get acquainted with each other and with Hope Presbyterian Church. Our meetings include devotions and prayer requests. Circle of Friends supplies beautiful baby baskets which are given to church families with new babies. Our group supplies Angel tree Christmas gifts for children and supports Presbyterian Women with donations throughout the year. Members of our group have served Sunday Morning Coffee Fellowship for all the Sundays in December, and support the Presbyterian Women projects—Bazaars and Christmas Tea. This Fellowship is open to all women of Hope Presbyterian Church and friends. Come join us! —Jeanie Madaus (326-6056) Ann Wainscott [email protected] HIS GIRLS BIBLE STUDY All women of Hope Church and their guests are invited to our Bible study on the book of Esther which begins on Wednesday, October 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor. The only book you need to bring is your Bible. Questions? Contact Judi Randolph (324-9207). SAVE THE DATE! 2012 ANNUAL HOPE LADIES CHRISTMAS TEA Saturday, December 1, 2012 12 Noon - 2p.m. Our theme this year is ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.’ Our very special program this year will feature the Polk State College Women’s Chorus, directed by Professor Michelle Manzi. The ladies sang for us at worship on Sunday in May and were so amazing that we instantly invited them to come to the Tea! Tara Messieh will once again head up the decorating effort, transforming Friendship Hall into a starlit wonder. You are sure to be blessed by this special Advent celebration. Paid reservations for the Tea begin Sunday, November 4, and will be available until we reach our capacity of 200. Ladies’ reservations are $10 each, girls 18 and under may attend free, but everyone needs a reservation. Watch for more information in future bulletins and Hope-Line! BAZAAR NEWS AND NOTES The Holiday-Themed Mini-Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, October 13 8 a.m. till 12 Noon (The regular BIG annual Bazaar will be held in February) There have been some really nice holiday items donated already, much of it BRAND NEW, too. We have miles and miles of Christmas lights, and yep, they work. Plenty of collectible ornaments…not-too-scary Halloween decorations, and lovely things to decorate your holiday dinner tables. All hands on deck for another successful Bake Sale, too! Drop off your unpriced baked goodies on Friday, October 12 between 9 a.m. and 12 Noon. Make sure you label what it is and whether it contains nuts. Sugar-free items are also welcome! Please keep Autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas things you’d like to donate separate from your other donations. It would be helpful if we can easily sort Holiday vs. all other items. If you bring stuff packed together, we may miss the holiday items. We will be setting up for the Holiday Bazaar beginning on Wednesday, October 10, so if you have holiday things to donate, please get them to the church as soon as possible. As you prepare your donations we request a couple of favors of you, please. If you are bringing fragile items, like sets of dishes, please make an effort to loosely wrap them so they don’t get broken as we transport things. Small items may be left in the passageway in Friendship Hall known as the Service Area, but anything large or heavy requires a phone call to Nancy Porter (324-4837) to arrange delivery to the church. Please do not leave things outside. Reminder that we cannot accept clothing, shoes or toys. Thanks for your support. Hope Church Bazaar Committee HOPE’S QUILTERS Quilters will begin September 5 and will meet in the Christian Education Building, Room 204 (in the same room as last year). We meet from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and will continue our mission to quilt for Hope’s Shut-Ins. Also, we plan to make quilted place mats and table runners for the holidays. We had a wonderful time quilting and sharing ideas last year. Some of us quilted through the summer months and started working with geometric shapes. Ladies, please join us. You don’t need to be a great sewer to learn to quilt. —Judy Calhoun, Coordinator WILLOWS OF HOPE The Willows of Hope welcomes widows of all ages, whether you lost your husband this year, 30+ years ago, or any number of years in between. We meet each month on the second Sunday, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. We usually gather in the Sunset Room for a brief meeting and then head out to share lunch together. What else do we do as a bunch of widows? We get together and fellowship, we eat out, we go to the theatre... we have FUN! But most importantly, we support each other. If you are a widow and are interested in joining the Willows of Hope, we'd love to have you attend our next meeting on Sunday, September 9. We'll be discussing a number of activities for the upcoming months. Don't miss it! Also coming up soon: a. Friday, September 14, 6:30 p.m. – Willows Game Night at Ava Vanyo’s home b. Friday, September 28, 1 p.m. – Willows Bridge Club at Jan Carmichael’s home c. Saturday, October 20 – Boktoberfest and Plant Sale at Bok Tower Gardens (FREE admission!) If you have any questions about the Willows of Hope, please contact Ava Vanyo ([email protected] or 863-324-3172). —Ava Vanyo, Coordinator Christian Education Fall Kick Off 2012 Holly Dills, Director of Christian Education Sunday Mornings - 9:30 a.m. CHILDREN Nursery infant -age 3 (Room 246) is available from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Children’s Celebration of Hope 4 years grade 5 (Room 209) can look forward to lots of fun as they start with a snack, sing songs, then a craft. At 10:15 a.m. join their families for worship in the Sanctuary. During the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service children will have the opportunity to go to Children’s Church where they will continue the lesson for the day. Busy Bags are available in the Sanctuary for children to borrow during the Worship Services. Located in the Narthex. ADULT CLASSES Church Parlor Adult Church School This class will continue with informational and interesting video series as well as topical discussions. SHALOM Class for Adults, Room 234. Watch the bulletin for dates, times and subjects to be discussed. YOUTH Youth of Hope Grades 6-12. Watch the bulletins, read those text messages and e-mails to keep up with the latest and greatest fun events. Adult Library continues to receive new and gently used reading material. Please stop by and check us out or just check out a book. (Carol Stasiak, Librarian). Hope Book Club meets the third Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary Sunset Room. Come join us for coffee and snacks in a casual, fun atmosphere. Experience different authors and writing methods. Everyone is welcome. Questions, call Christine, 863-585-4218. If you feel you are being called to lead or assist with our wonderful Christian Education programs, please call Holly or a member of the Christian Education Committee. Polly Burkhart, Stacy Woodward, Pam Willis, Sandy McMaster, Glenda McDivitt, Lou Bell, Tom McGrath, and Holly Dills Sunrise Center (AKA Children’s Library) Sunrise Center Children's Library is ready for the kick-off for fall! Many new book titles will be on display and anxious to go home with the children! Thanks to all the donors, the volunteers who help out with Hope Creative School Storytimes, and especially to the parents for assisting the children in getting their books returned. The children are learning valuable lessons about sharing books by using the library here at Hope. This fall, those working with the children for story time will be: Sharon Mann, Denise Ragatz, Louise Short, Sherry Summers, and Ann Wainscott. Any questions? Call Ann: 439-2737 We NEED Yellow Smiley Stickers for our books! Youth Of Hope Save the dates: September 9, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Luncheon and Sunday Sundae September 23, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Luncheon Watch the bulletins for details regarding dates and times. SHALOM CLASS (A Bible Study of “Peace”) “Shalom,” the Hebrew word for” peace” means “good morning,” “good evening,” “may all be well with you” and “may you prosper.” We have no English word which conveys these exact meanings; however, in the New Testament, one of the meanings of “peace” is wholeness completeness in the Lord. During the month of September, the Shalom Class will begin its study of the Gospel of Mark. The class meets at 9:30 a.m. in the Education Building in the Care Ministries Room, Room 234. Questions? Call Lou Bell, leader, 324-6382. Cedarkirk News A Voice in the Noise A retreat for Young Adults in their 20’s ands 30’s Visit: www.cedarkirk.org, for more information Contact Info: Holly Dills Director of Christian Education 324-6382 or [email protected] So-long Summer... Dear Dr. McGrath: For the pa st 3 years , our gran attending ddaughter Hope Cre has been ative Scho garten this o l. S Fall so sh e has “gra he will start kinder was in the duated” f ca rom Hope. Hope, she r with me the other S d he said, “Th ay and as ere’s my s we went b statement chool.” W y said to me hat th wa I am writi ng to tell y s, “I love that scho at little ol. ou how wo The teach nderful yo ” ers and ca ur school regivers th tic. They is. ere are ab genuinely solute lov what you have is the e and care for the ch ly fantasmes ildren. To that you ca me n be very p sage of Jesus in act ion. I thin roud of w does. My k hat your s only wish chool is an is th complete th d eir entire ed at she and her siste r could ucation at I would g uess that H ope. bein frustratin g. Know th g a Pastor can som etimes be v is Christian ery message th : In Hope Creative School yo ere is loud Thank yo ur and clear. u again. G od congregati on. Kindes bless you and your t regards. VBS kicked off our Summer fun! Youth of Hope and volunteers helped the little ones make crafts, singing songs, dancing, and rejoicing in the Lord. A very BIG thanks to our many volunteers who served with a happy heart and spirit. We had a “Cool, cool summer! Save those Box Tops and Campbell’s Soup Labels! Hope Creative School News-Fall 2012 September 3 Labor Day-NO School September 17 Teacher Work Day Student Holiday September 21 Community Helper Day October 1—5 Scholastic Book Fair October 12 Hispanic Heritage Day October 22 Teacher Work Day Student Holiday October 31 Halloween Parties Halloween Parade-9:15 Holly Dills a.m. Trunk or Treat-12 Director of Hope Creative School NOON Hope Creative School is off to a great start once again. We are well under way to a great new year! As we move into fall, we are preparing for Community Helper day, Scholastic Book Fair and much more. So mark your calendars. Hope Creative School Staff Kim Gill-4 year olds and Music Yvonne Bates-3 year olds Stephanie Dean-3 year olds Liz Wood-3 day, 3 year olds and Staff Assistant Grace Vega-2½ year olds and Spanish Teresa Butler-2 year olds and PEP Debbie Dekle-MMO Teresa Butler– Early Morning Arrival and Extended Care Pam Willis—Bookkeeper Here at Hope Creative School, we try hard to use recycled material whenever possible. We have a recycle corner in our supply closet. We can always use the following items: Styrofoam trays Tissue and gift wrap Ribbon and yarn Crafting materials Egg cartons Containers Paper bags Scrap cardstock Stickers Glue Markers Buttons Ann Wainscott—Librarian Sherry Summers—Assistant Librarian School Volunteer and Substitute Holly Dills—Director WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Alex & Rhoda Huyah, Sydney, Abbigail and William 8 Lake Link Drive SE Winter Haven FL 33884 Phone 863-268-8538 James & Susan Kendall 3987 Jaclyns Jetty Winter Haven FL 33884 Phone: 863-299-2349 SUNDAY COFFEE FELLOWSHIP ON THE FRIENDSHIP HALL PROMENADE Hope’s Sunday Coffee Fellowship after the 8:30 a.m. and before the 10:30 a.m. worship services has always been popular at Hope providing a great opportunity for folks to meet and greet one another. Louise McMaster, Janet Combee and Don Combee have agreed to join Jackie Billo’s Fellowship Committee. They will concentrate on trying to breathe some new life into Coffee Fellowship time. They will try to recruit volunteers to host a simplified fellowship time consisting of coffee and juice (provided by the church) and a menu of cake, cookies, donuts and other pastries. Any other items such as fruit, cheese or candy will be entirely up to the host/hostess…but definitely not required. So you may be receiving a phone call to see if you can be a volunteer host/hostess on a Sunday convenient to you. You may also be contacted via telephone or by announcement in the Sunday bulletin to bake some cookies that will upon receipt be frozen and then later used on Sundays when we have no host/hostess. By doing this we hope to fill in when there is no host/hostess so we can have Sunday Coffee Fellowship 52 Sundays a year. That is the goal! And with your help we are confident that the goal can be achieved. —The Fellowship Committee Jackie Billo Janet and Don Combee Louise McMaster MARK YOUR CALENDARS WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP DINNER OCTOBER 17 - 6 P.M. - FRIENDSHIP HALL MUSIC MINISTRY “ANGELS” Sometimes there are those among us who go about the task of doing “what’s needed,” filling a role or completing a project - all without any expectation of recognition or fanfare, but simply because it’s God’s work, and it needs to be done. Such are the qualities of the two persons highlighted below who stepped in when there was a need in the Music Department at Hope Church. Ric Martin is a woodworker. He doesn’t sing particularly well and probably hasn’t ever held a handbell, but when asked if he could fashion a “bell tree” out of wood he said, “Let me see a picture of it.” He commenced fashioning the most beautiful and practical Bell Tree any of us have ever seen, and it was used twice in our worship services last spring. Then later in the spring, there was a need for wooden “sticks” with rounded edges to be used in a technique called “singing bells.” Again, Ric immediately said “yes”, and his bell “sticks” were used last Pentecost Sunday. Thank you, Ric, for your gift of time, talent and resources and for being an integral part of the Music Ministry. Ruth Berkey knows what she is good at: organizing, being able to complete a project and doing things with excellence. She long ago stepped up to the call to become the Chancel Choir librarian, but when asked if she could also catalog the entire choral library and put it on a computer disk, she agreed. Over the summer, with help from her husband, Alan, Ruth has put all 313 choral anthems on an Excel spreadsheet cross-referenced by title, composer/arranger, theme, voicing, and number of copies. This is an enormously time-consuming task and will be of great value to the Music Ministry of Hope Church for years to come. Thank you, Ruth, for your gift of time and talent, and for quietly completing your tasks with excellence. And, the Chancel Choir is blessed with wondrously capable and dependable volunteer choir officers. President is Ron Hatley; Secretary is Barb Follett who keeps weekly attendance records; Robes Chairperson is Polly Burkhart, lovingly known as the “robe nazi”; Social Chairperson is Nancy Porter. Nancy planned a great “end-of-year” party; Sunshine Fund Chair person is Irene Wolf. And kudos, too, to Barry Porter and Ron Hatley who tirelessly set-up and tear-down all the handbell equipment in the Chancel on the Sundays that the handbell choirs participate in worship. It takes many participants to keep the Music Ministry running smoothly, and although each one of them does their part for the heavenly “Audience of One”, we wanted to give them a little “earthly” recognition. Many thanks, too, to all the Music Ministry members who give of their time weekly, with joy and with great spirit, to make a Joyful Noise to our Lord. Blessings, Karen King Shafer Director of Music MEMORIAL BRICK PATIO BY CHURCH FLAG POLE The memorial brick patio by the church flag pole was a gift to Hope Church from the Men of Hope. All who have seen it up close agree that it is a beautiful enhancement to the church grounds. Today there are 55 engraved bricks in the patio. And there is room for many many more. Bricks can be purchased with a $30 donation. That includes up to 3 lines of engraving with room for 13 letters, spaces or punctuation on each line. Bricks can be engraved In Memory of a loved one; To Commemorate an important date such as a wedding anniversary, or just about anything you would like to have engraved. If you haven’t taken a close look at the patio, why not stop by some Sunday after worship to take a close up look. We think you’ll agree with all who have seen it close up that it is a wonderful enhancement to the area and the church flag pole. You can find orange colored Order Forms in the church Narthex literature racks. Just fill one out and get it to the Church Office or drop it in the offering plate on any Sunday morning. —Men of Hope DINING OUT TO EARN MONEY FOR HOPE CHURCH Hope Church participates in two local restaurant dining programs where by eating out you can earn money for Hope Church. PERKIN’S RESTAURANT DINE TO DONATE PROGRAM is available 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You do need a coupon which can be found on the church Narthex tables. When you pay your bill give the cashier your coupon along with your payment. Perkin’s Restaurant is located on Cypress Gardens Boulevard across from Legoland. RUBY TUESDAY COMMUNITY GIVE BACK PROGRAM is generally available 3 Sundays each month for lunch and dinner. Announcement of the specific Sundays will be included in the Sunday bulletin. There will be colorful flyers on the church Narthex tables. When paying your bill give your server a flyer. And if you forgot a flyer just tell the server that you are from Hope Presbyterian Church, a participant in the “Community Give Back” program. The Ruby Tuesday Restaurant is located on Cypress Gardens Boulevard near Legoland. BOY SCOUT TROOP 565 Support of the Pancake breakfast last spring by friends and members of Hope Church allowed 13 boys to attend Camp La Noche in Deland, Florida this past summer. The boys worked hard to increase their ranks and earn merit badges and had a great time in the process. Thank you! FUNDRAISING FOR SUMMER CAMP 2012 6 boys are eligible for Camp Philmont, New Mexico. Other boys will attend camp out of State, either Georgia or Virginia. Thank you, Pam Willis Troop 565 Fundraising Coordinator FINANCIAL UPDATE For the most part it can be said that Hope Church’s financial well being has gone exceptionally well in 2012. At the present time there are two campaigns under way. First, our regular Stewardship Operating Fund Campaign, “KEEPING HOPE STRONG” which was kicked off for 2012 back in November 2011. Second, our Mortgage Principal Reduction Campaign, “WORKING FOR A STRONGER HOPE” which was kicked off in May 2012 and will run through April 2013. SUMMARY REVIEW OF KEEPING HOPE STRONG SUMMARY REVIEW OF WORKING FOR A STRONGER HOPE Both pledged and non-pledged giving from members and friends of Hope has remained strong through the first 7 ½ months of 2012. Operating expense reductions achieved over the past several years have enabled us to put together a very lean budget for 2012 and the effort to find more ways to save are ongoing. At the same time gifts from members and friends have been wonderful. The combination of the two has resulted for the first time in recent memory that Hope has operated financially for the 7 months of a year without having to use Reserve Funds. We will have to use some Reserve Funds before vacations are over and the snowbirds return to Hope. Fortunately we do have the Reserves that will likely be needed. This Mortgage Principal Reduction Campaign is only into its fourth month and we have already prepaid $54, 000 in mortgage principal. This YTD prepayment has resulted in $10,000 of interest savings. The church mortgage will have to be refinanced on April 15, 2015. While we hope to keep this campaign going until that date we do not expect to have the same outpouring of gifts over the next two years. We are hopeful that by the refinance date that the balance to be refinanced will have been reduced enough to have the effect of reducing our monthly payment by $1,000+. The long term success of “Working For A Stronger Hope” will be the major contributing factor to our going from a “deficit” budget to a “balanced” budget and with God’s continued Blessings maybe even a “surplus” budget. CONCLUSION Your continued generous financial support to Hope Church is “KEEPING HOPE STRONG” as together we all continue “WORKING FOR A STRONGER HOPE.” Over the years God has Blessed us individually as well as a church family. Our prayer is that He will continue to do so as we fast approach the 55th Anniversary of Hope Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, Florida. The Finance Committee of the Session CHURCH FAMILY NEWS CHURCH REGISTER IN MEMORY OF DEATHS MEMORIAL GIFTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED Paul Thompson (husband of Sylvia Thompson) on Thursday, March 29. Elizabeth Knapp on Sunday, April 8 in Manchester, Connecticut. Odys Davis (Ron Hatley’s mother’s husband) on Monday, April 9 in Fresno, California. Ed Hecker (husband of Ann Hecker) on Tuesday, April 17. Mickey Crouse (wife of Bob Crouse) on Monday, May 21. Phyllis Seely (wife of Charles Seely) on Friday, June 8. In Memory of Mickey Crouse by Curtis & Zelma Bullock, Harold & Anna Dimmitt, Dr. & Mrs. Paul Grice, Millie Horkavy, Floyd & Martha Legler, Charlotte Neininger, Deborah A. Renz, Mary E. Renz, Mark & Nancy RogersonDebusk, Floyd, Jeff, Lori, Jan and Children, Staff of Winter Haven Library, Ava Vanyo, The Rev. Dr. William & Mrs. Sheila Weckerly In Memory of Ed Hecker by Henry Ford In Memory of Earle Holland by D. P. Willis Jim Knapp on Saturday, June 30 in Manchester, Connecticut. In Memory of Charlie Massey by Stanley & Denise Linder, W. C. Tunno, Jr. George Anglemyer (son of Nancy Cory) on Monday, July 9. In Memory of Phyllis Seely by Marge and Dan Drago Opal Littlejohn (mother of Wayne Littlejohn) on Friday, July 13 in Leesburg, Georgia. In Memory of Paul Thompson by Marilyn Bauer, James & Hope Brownlee, Frank Brownlee, James M. Brownlee, Marvin Burdette, Robert & Marie DeBusschere, Mr. & Mrs. John Fermanich, Harris Corporation, Eleanor Henderson, Earle & Mildred Holland, Robert & Betty Miller, Alan & Rosemarie Morehouse, Kay Musselwhite, Jim & Donna Phillips, Jack & Jackie Protheroe, Bryan & Marlene Reese, Ralph & Rebecca Silvers, Bill & Sela Swinford, Sylvia Thompson and family, Ava Vanyo, Don & Ann Wainscott, James Wanner, Gregory & Mary Weldon Dr. Frank Zeller, Jr. (husband of Shirley Zeller) on Tuesday, July 17. Earle “Bud” Holland (husband of Milly Holland) on Sunday, August 5 in Morgan, Vermont. Ruth Stevens (mother of Amy Stevens) on Thursday, August 9 in Champaign, Illinois. Barbara Pratt (wife of Bill Pratt) on Sunday, August 26. In Memory of Dr. Frank Zeller by Annabelle Dorr, M. L. (Pete) & Jean Snively Harman, Richard Simonds, Joyce Sweet, Shirley Zeller MEMORIAL GIFTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR GIFTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED GARDENS OF HOPE by Helen Herge, Bob & Lynn Lang, Dr. F. William and Mrs. Alice Ortolf. HANDBELL FUND by Jack & Ann Meadows BAPTISMS Kelly Marie Deskins, daughter of Ryan and Danielle Hartzler Deskins and great-granddaughter of Wayne and Doris Littlejohn, on Sunday, August 12. Ethan Ramsey Leuthold, son of Nicholas Ramsey and Erin Elizabeth Benjamin Leuthold, grandson of Norma and Randy Edwards, the late Michael Benjamin, and greatgrandson of Beulah Benjamin, on Sunday, September 2. BOY SCOUT TROOP 565 In Memory of John Clark by Friends and Classmates from Cynthiana, New York In Memory of Dr. Frank Zeller by Joy M. Barranco, Robert & Katherine Martin, Gordon & Ellen Jane McGinnis, Harvey & Mary Ann Snively, Suzann & Edward Threadgill, Jr. GARDENS OF HOPE In Memory of Bob Carter by Lou Bell, Molly Griner, Nancy Reddout In Memory of Michael Chelius by Ron & Florrie Ellen Hicks In Memory of Ed Hecker by Ron & Florrie Ellen Hicks In Memory of Ron Sullivan by Ron & Florrie Ellen Hicks HANDBELL FUND In Memory of Ed Hecker by Curtis & Zelma Bullock, Don & Ann Wainscott In Memory of Paul Thompson by Curtis & Zelma Bullock MUSIC FUND In Memory of Mickey Crouse by Charles & Phyllis Seely, Bill & Jean Adams In Memory of Trude Harris by Ed Harris Published by: HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2110 Cypress Gardens Boulevard Winter Haven FL 33884-1556 Phone (863) 324-6382; Fax (863) 324-1096 Website: www.hopepreswh.org E-mail: [email protected] Address Correction Requested Hope-Line Current Issue In an effort to conserve funds, those on our e-mail distribution list, received the color version of the September/October 2012 issue of the Hope-Line in their e-mail box. If you have not provided us with your e-mail address, you received the black and white version by mail as usual. If you would like to sign-up for the electronic version of the Hope-Line, just send an e-mail to [email protected] or call the Church Office (324-6382). If you did not receive the Hope-Line either by e-mail or by snail mail, please contact the Church Office. The Hope-Line is also posted on our website: www.hopepreswh.org. And please always remember to notify the Church Office when you have any changes to your address, phone number, or e-mail address.