LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS, LIVING IN GRACE A Message of … · 2014-11-05 · This month the group...
Transcript of LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS, LIVING IN GRACE A Message of … · 2014-11-05 · This month the group...
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Dear Friends,
What a fun and glorious time we had on consecration
Sunday when so many of us made our pledges and
laid them on the Lord’s Table in an act of
consecration and faith. It was a very good worship
service with outstanding musical offerings from both
traditional and contemporary venues. This was
followed by an excellent time of fellowship with
delicious grilled burgers, hotdogs and salads. At least
a dozen mission vendors were also present to share
with us what they do and how we can express our
faith in action in the coming year. Thanks to all of
you who worked to bring this to fruition and I hope
everyone enjoyed that special feeling of community
as Christ’s family.
November is fast upon us and, as of this writing, the
weather is wonderfully warm and lovely. It invites us
to be outdoors to enjoy ourselves before winter cold
and precipitation hits. I, for one, hope November will
be as hospitable as October has been. Better get
those outdoor projects completed while you have the
chance.
Thanksgiving is the main holy day of November and it
is good to remember the bounty that God has
provided throughout our lives. We are fortunate to
live where we do and fortunate to have the
relationships we have. We have been blessed with
material wealth far exceeding the rest of the world
and it is good to remember how fortunate we are. We
have jobs that pay us and homes that protect us from
the elements and vehicles that allow us freedom to
travel and independence unheard of in other parts of
the world. We have grocery stores with more diversity
and abundance than whole villages see in years.
All that we have been given we did not earn. God has
blessed us beyond our worth and ability to earn. We
have been given these privileges as stewards over
God’s abundant resources including wealth, material
possessions, the environment, our physical and
intellectual capabilities and time itself. As we reflect
on the abundance of life that God offers us to share
with others, it is good to give God thanks and to plan
ways to intentionally spread God’s grace to others
through gifts, acts of kindness, donations of food and
funds, time assisting others, starting relationships
with people outside of church, and many other ways
your imagination can conjure up.
God is good and we, the people of God, can also be
good. Thanks be to God in all things and in all things
let us live fully, trusting in God’s grace for all people
and in every situation. I thank my God for you.
Blessings Abound!
Pastor Dave
A Message o f Ho pe LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS, LIVING IN GRACE
Nove mbe r 20 1 4
HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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Session Member
Committee Email
Paula Anderson Washka
Caregiving [email protected]
Lin Briley Fellowship [email protected] Lorri Brockman Finance [email protected] Brian Claus Mission [email protected] Linda Deegan Personnel [email protected]
Dave Fehr Children’s Ministry
Niki Frerichs Music & Worship [email protected] Kristi Richling Youth Ministry [email protected] Carol Rudesill Adult Ministry [email protected]
Terry Wiese Building &Grounds
Shawn Williams Outreach [email protected] Dave Matsumura Moderator [email protected]
Jayne Molacek Clerk of Session [email protected]
Staff Position Email Dave Matsumura
Pastor
Luke Furman
1st Service Director
Ulette Bonner
2nd Service Director
Kelly Toole
Admin Assistant
Leadership
The mission and ministry of the Presbytery of Missouri
River Valley are supported through the mission giving of
its 50 congregations within its boundaries. Congregational
support is vital to the presbytery's mission.
Your mission dollars are at work through the presbytery's
Faith, Education and Leadership Development committee
(FELD). Christian educators gather monthly for
conversation and lunch, provided by FELD. Resources
are shared and educators are supported. FELD also
provides scholarships for young people to enjoy camp at
Calvin Crest. Ministers and commissioned lay pastors are
supported by FELD through its financial support of the
Winter Pastors' School. More than a dozen pastors attend
each year. All this demonstrates that FELD supports "new
ways of being church across the generations."
With congregational support of the ministries of our
presbytery, faith education and leadership development
can continue to grow and enhance the ministries of our
church leadership. When your congregation gives to the
presbytery General Mission, youth, commissioned lay
pastors, pastors and educators are supported.
Submitted by Presbytery of Missouri River Valley
Your Congregation's Mission
Support to the Presbytery
WEBSITE
www.hopepresbyterianchurch.org
ADDRESS 5220 South 159th Avenue Omaha, NE 68135-3170
PHONE
402-895-4044
CONTACT US
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Thanksgiving is right around the corner with Christmas soon to follow! I am sure you are as busy getting ready for the
Holiday season as I am. Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. One way to give thanks is to
give back to our community. On Sunday, October 12, many adults and youth from Hope Church participated in the CROP
Hunger Walk. This is an annual event that raises money for food banks, pantries, community gardens and other local
efforts across the U.S. Up to 25 percent of what the CROP Walk raises can stay in our own community. I would like to say
“thank-you” to all the adults and youth who participated. Another opportunity to give back to our community occurs on
Sunday, November 9th. Youth are invited to participate in the annual Leaf Raking event. You have the opportunity to help
spruce up the yard of a person who has difficulty doing this work independently. As Thanksgiving Day gets closer, please
reflect upon the blessings in your life and think about how YOU can be a blessing in someone else’s life.
One final “thank-you” is needed for everyone who supported the Eileen’s Cookie Dough fundraiser. We raised $419.50 for
the youth mission trips next summer.
YOUTH Ministry Submitted by Ruling Elder Kristi Richling
“It is a good thing
to give thanks to
the Lord, and to
sing praises to
your name,
O most High”
~Psalm 92:1
Upcoming Youth Events:
Sunday, November 9 –
Leaf Raking for Middle School and High School youth following second service
Sunday, November 23 –
High School youth activity (scavenger hunt) following second service
Sunday, December 7 –
Shop for Needy Families Middle and High School youth after second service
Sunday, December 14 –
High School youth activity following second service
Saturday, December 20 –
Santa Day at the Open Door Mission from 8:00 am to 1:45 pm
Sunday, December 21 and Sunday, December 28 –
No Sunday school due to winter break
Sunday, January 1 –
High School youth activity following second service
Saturday, February 21 –
Annual Youth Dinner
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MIDWEEK
BIBLE STUDY
Thursday 10:00 am
HOPE Church offers opportunities for adults to connect through men’s groups, women’s groups and groups for
both. Please contact Carol Rudesill at [email protected] or 402-598-1890 if you would like information on any
of these opportunities.
PAGE TURNER
BOOK CLUB
November 11
10:30 am
This month the group will discuss “Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths” by Bruce Feiler. In this immediate and timeless non-fiction book, Abraham tells the powerful story of one man's search for the shared ancestor of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Traveling through war zones, braving violence at religious sites, and seeking out faith leaders, Bruce Feiler uncovers the defining yet divisive role Abraham plays for half the world's believers. In a provocative and uplifting way, Abraham offers a thoughtful and inspiring vision of unity that redefines what we think about our neighbors, our future, and ourselves.
Pastor Dave and friends invite you to join them as they study various books of the Bible. They are just beginning the book of Luke. Come learn with friends and enjoy great fellowship. They may even talk you into joining them for lunch sometimes!
Adult Education Submitted by Ruling Elder Carol Rudesill
All women are invited to grow in faith, fellowship, and friendship. This group is a great way to connect with and get to know other women at Hope Church. This year the women’s study and prayer group is discussing “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch woman who survived one of Hitler’s concentration camps and became one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century. Her gripping story is a witness to how God’s love overcomes, heals, and restores. The group will meet at the home of Mary Ellen Gumbert - 5601 South 163rd Ave. Call 402-896-3710 if you need directions. Please contact Julie Reeks at 402-880-0042 or [email protected] if you’d like more information. They will not meet in December. "Every experience God gives us . . . is the perfect preparation for the future only He can see." - Corrie ten Boom -
Chuck Bulger’s Bible Study class meets in the library. They recently began a study of the book of Joshua, which details how the Israelites conquered Canaan, the Promised Land given to the Jews in God's covenant with Abraham. It's a story of miracles, bloody battles, and dividing the land among the 12 tribes. The book of Joshua tells how a leader's obedience to God resulted in divine help in the face of overwhelming odds. Join the group on their Journey into the Promised Land!
EXODUS STUDY
Sunday 10:30 am
WOMEN’S PRAYER
GROUP
November 24
6:30pm
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MEN OF HOPE
Saturday 6:30 am
This group is well worth getting up early for! These guys care about each other and love learning together at Summer Kitchen Café in La Vista. The group is currently studying Philemon and Colossians? Come once or come often. Contact Josh Widman at [email protected] or 402-651-4366 for information
DINING FOR NINE
THANK YOU to those who hosted groups in their homes in mid-October: Roy & Kathy Andersen, Dave & Lil Fehr, Scott & Sarah Gensler, Everett & Avis Kelley, and Warren & Diane Snyder. A total of about 50 adults and children dined and fellowshipped together on three separate evenings. Everyone I spoke with had a great time and said they look forward to dining in groups again in the future. Look for another opportunity sometime in early 2015.
WALK A MILE (OR MORE!)
Monday 9:00 am &
Wednesday 1:00 pm
Walk at a pace that works for you! Bring your children and let them walk also or they can play with equipment we have. Hope is fortunate to have a wonderful gym where people can walk safely no matter what the weather. Walk, chat with friends and maybe stay for a study Wednesday afternoons.
Women are saying, “I LOVE THIS BOOK”! They enjoy learning about Women of the Bible while getting to know Women of HOPE! Join either group at any time; bring friends and come when you can. Each week we focus on one woman's life with short readings, a few questions and time for reflection. We also spend time sharing about and praying for joys and concerns of our lives. Let Carol Rudesill know if you need a book – 402-598-1890.
WOMEN ON
WEDNESDAYS
1:30 - 2:30 OR
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Avenues of communication have expanded at a rapid rate. You can now use your computer, Smart phone, I-pad or Notebook to read daily devotions at http://rickwarren.org/devotional. Or try google.com for other devotional options. You can be uplifted anytime by Christian music at 88.1 FM – KLOVE (klove.com or 100.7 – KGBI (thefishomaha.com) or on YouTube. Explore until you find encouragement for your day! Study God’s word using your favorite device and take time to pray often. Enjoy fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Goodness and Faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). Please contact Carol Rudesill at [email protected] or 402-598-1890 if you would like more information on any of these suggestions or any opportunities offered on these pages.
Dr. Ron Hampton, former business professor and department chair at UNL, has been studying and working in the area of Human Trafficking for several years. He will discuss what we need to know about trafficking at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church - 15005 Q St.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING is not just a global problem but also a problem in Nebraska. Women and children are recruited, broken, transported, and forced to participate in this evil. Everyone including parents, grandparents, and those who just care about kids should hear his words of wisdom. Child care will be available.
Monday, November 3
6:30 to 8:00 pm
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• Minutes of Regular Session Meeting on September 16, 2014 were approved. • September Clerk’s Report was approved. • Motion from Fellowship Committee to have coffee time between services only. Motion denied – coffee will
continue to be after both services. • Motion from Fellowship Committee to make sure the kitchen is locked at the end of each day. Seconded and
carried. • Motion from Fellowship Committee to have the Fellowship Tea on Saturday, April 11, 2015 with time to be
determined later. Seconded and carried. • Motion from Outreach Committee to start the November 18 Session Meeting at 6:00 pm to hear faith
statements and receive new members. Seconded and carried. • Motion from Personnel Committee to propose giving Pastor Dave a 3% raise based on his effective salary
and request that we determine the allocation of the staff salary increase. Seconded and carried. • Motion from Mission Committee to allow J.B. and Lisa Turner to have a table set up in the gym promoting a
fundraiser being held for a friend of theirs, Megan Zimmerman. Megan has cystic fibrosis and needs a double lung transplant. This fundraiser is at Faith Presbyterian Church on November 15th. Seconded and carried.
• Finance Report for September was approved. • Initial 2015 budget was presented. Approval will be addressed at the November meeting. • Motion from Finance Committee to open a second Schwab Account for investments with the money going
into the General Fund. Seconded and carried. • Discussion from Children’s Ministry on future of hiring a C.E. position. Carol Rudesill will be stepping in as a
part-time Interim Education Coordinator beginning November 16, 2014. • Lengthy discussion on what is the next step for Hope after Town Hall meetings. Personnel will begin to in-
terview in January for a full-time Christian Education Director. Session is deliberating on a full-time Associate Pastor to be hired a year from spring (recent graduate) or with an experienced Associate Pastor that might be available earlier. Session will make a decision in November and will take to the Annual Congregational Meeting in January.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS Submitted by Jayne Molacek - Clerk of Session
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FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE Submitted by Ruling Elder Lin Briley
As I am writing this the colors outside are changing and fall is in the air
which means pumpkin pie! Join us Sunday, November 9, after both
services for the annual pie feed. Choose from pumpkin, apple and cherry
pie. If you would like to donate a pie, contact Lin Briley at 402-660-6834.
The first card party was held at the church on October 9. It was a delightful
afternoon spent playing Pitch. We had both experienced players and first
time players. The group will meet on the second Thursday of each month,
with the next one held on Thursday, November 13, at 1:00 pm. Come and
bring a friend. It is a fun time to just laugh and fellowship together.
BUILDING & GROUNDS Submitted by Ruling Elder Terry Wiese
The painting in the lobby and hallways is complete! It is amazing the
difference a new coat of paint and some color can do for a building; walking
in the building you get a warm and clean feeling. One comment that I have
heard about the upstairs hallway is that the paint makes the hallway feel
wider. Thank you to everyone involved with the paint selections, donation
and the painting.
The elevator has been repaired and is working correctly now.
Alloy Enterprises will be doing the snow removal again this year.
New restroom faucets have been installed in the downstairs hall restrooms.
Now, about cleaning day, What a great turnout of volunteers!!!!
We had 22 volunteers that worked hard and had fun cleaning the church. It’s
incredible how nice the building looks after everything has been cleaned.
I would like to thank the volunteers: Mike & Jayne Molacek, Mary Ellen
Gumbert, Kurt Briley, Ron & Pat Stigge, Warren and Diane Snyder, Sara
Coughlin, Everett Kelley, Lorin & Joan Toman, Gordon & Marleen Gunder-
son, Dick Corwine, Carol Rudesill, Vic Hansen, Kristi Richling, Judi & Dylan
Wiese, Chris & Emma Ahrenholtz.
THE PANTRY OF HOPE Submitted by Mike Molacek
Your generous donations help those in need.
192 food items were distributed from September 19 – October 19, 2014.
Foods that you enjoy at your house are perfect to donate.
We make good use of all non-perishable items.
We are low on granola bars, and canned vegetables.
Thank you for your continued support in feeding those in need who come
through our doors.
Plans are underway for the 2015
Fellowship Tea/Luncheon. The date will
be Saturday, April 11 at 12:00 pm. If you
would like to serve on the food
committee, please contact Lin Briley.
Also, start thinking about being a hostess
for a table at the event. We have a great
program planned. More details will follow.
Enter his gates with
thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him,
bless his name
~Psalm 55:14
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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WINTER NIGHT WATCH 2014-2015
Hope Church is signed up to ride and serve on the Salvation Army vans for the Winter Night Watch Program for the months
of December, January, and February. We need two people for the first and second Fridays of each month. This is our
chance to be of great service to the needy. We hand out hot food, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to men, women, and
children who are less fortunate than ourselves. This is a great opportunity for parents who have a teenager that either
needs a community service credit for school or for a confirmation student who needs credit for their service projects. There
will be a sign-up sheet in the lobby the first of November. If you cannot participate in serving the hot meal, but would still
like to help we will have a bin in the lobby for any donations of socks, hats, gloves, scarves, and coats.
SOCK SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 23, 2014
What is this you ask??? During the years we’ve been involved with the Winter Night Watch many of you who have
participated in this mission project have come back to our Mission Members and reported how many people, especially
men come up to the van and ask if there are any socks available to give out. Most times they only have a few or none at
all. This winter we would like to be able to provide them not only with coats and hats, but warm socks for their feet. Please
bring a package of socks to Hope on November 23.
Siena –Francis House
Hope has an on-going ministry of serving meals at Siena Francis House on a monthly – look for the signup sheet in the
lobby. If you are interested in your family, friends or small group taking a month, contact Cheryl Sisk at 402-659-5344 or
email [email protected] to find out details. This is a very worthwhile and rewarding way to volunteer your time!
Siena Francis House Birthday Party
The monthly Birthday Party was held on Saturday, October 11. There were 13 women and one child that helped celebrate
birthdays for four women and the child. The women love to play Bingo where they can win small prizes. The volunteers this
month were Kellie Groetsema, Thelma Symanietz, Sydney Miller, Katie Carpenter & Kathy Andersen.
We still need volunteers to sign up to help with the Birthday Parties. They are always the second Saturday in the month.
Please check your calendar to see if you can provide just three hours of your time for this mission opportunity.
Fall Yard Work
It’s that time of year again when fall arrives and plenty of yard cleanup is necessary in preparation for winter. With the help
of many volunteers the Mission Committee will rake and bag leaves for members and friends of Hope that need help.
The schedule is November 9 and November 16 (fallen leaves permitting) from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. Our Youth Groups have
scheduled November 9 for this service project - they are fun to work with! Families and others are needed to help as well,
on November 16.
We are also asking for donations of yard waste bags. Please drop off bundled bags in the designated container located in
the lobby area. If you are interested in helping (no experience required – we will have on the job training) please sign up
and join in the fun plus get your exercise in with some friends!
If anyone needs help with yard cleanup, please contact Brian Claus (402) 861-6488, Lillian Fehr (402) 830-5454 or the
church office (402) 895-4044.
MISSIONS
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It is hard to
SWORD COMMITTEE Submitted by Members of the Sword Committee
CONSECRATION SUNDAY Hope’s SWORD Committee offers a sincere thank you to everyone who ensured Consecration Sunday was successful. It starts
with the people of Hope who submitted pledges of nearly $300,000. We are 83 percent of the way toward our $360,000 goal,
with numerous pledges outstanding. If you have yet to submit yours, please take time to prayerfully consider how you may assist
Hope in reaching its financial goal for 2015. Please turn in your pledge to the finance office or place it in a sealed envelope and
drop it in the collection basket during service.
Now, moving into the spotlight for their work during the post service celebration are those outstanding volunteers who helped
with Sunday’s lunch. Mark Jorgensen spent two and a half hours on the grill working those hamburgers and hotdogs. Two and a
half hours! He’s a beast! A true grill master! Lillian Fehr, Carrie Jorgensen, Jayne Molacek and Pat Stigge provided more than
their share of assistance in making certain things ran smoothly.
Sunday was a fun day for Hope, especially Ron and Judy Bruening who won Creighton basketball tickets. (Thanks to Michelle
Roberts for the donation.) The Bruenings weren’t the only ones in a festive mood. Everyone appeared to enjoy the celebration
and no one left hungry. The leftovers were donated to the Siena Francis House.
Hope Church 2015 Directory
Caregiving Ministry is preparing for our Hope Church 2015 Member
Directory! Pictures will be taken on Sunday, November 2 and 9 from
9am till Noon in the gym. Michelle Woitzel is graciously volunteering
her time and talents in taking the photos. Sign-up sheets are in the
lobby for both dates. Please select a time that works for you and/or
family. We will also verify and update information for the directory at
this time. You may also contact the church office anytime with your
changes.
If you have any questions contact
Janie Botsch (402-895-7124) or Lillian Fehr (402-830-5454)
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Kelly Klopp 11/1 John Onumbu
11/5 Karli Williams
11/12 Scott Gensler
11/15 Chris Crawford
11/24 Dylan Weiss
11/30
Lucy Cho 11/1 Amy Kaup 11/6 Hugh Carter
11/13 Ryan Lloyd 11/16 Nickolas Frerichs
11/25 Stephanie Miller
11/30
Savannah Lloyd 11/1 Maureen Zohlen
11/7 Ruby Thornwall
11/14 Jason Chatten
11/16 Sydney Frerichs
11/25
Lyle Meester 11/2 Matt Van Hook
11/10 Tyler Richling
11/15 Carrie Jorgensen
11/17 Everett Kelly
11/25
Warren Snyder 11/4 Lexi Gunning
11/10 Zach Richliing
11/15 Eve Watts 11/22 Gil Lovett 11/26
HOPE II Club Friday, November 14
noon
Hosts
Bev Betts & Beanie Huston
Program
Barbara Lieberknecht
Former Professional Ice Skater
skated with the ICE FOLLIES
Quilt Club
Monday, November 10
10:00 am
Bring your sewing machine and
sack lunch
Contact Marleen Gunderson
402-691-4589
Sunday, November 23, 2013, at 12:00 pm
Help get the church ready for the Advent Season.
The afternoon will start out with a light lunch
followed by decorating of the trees and the sanctuary.
Please sign up in the lobby so we can plan on how many for lunch.
Come join us in preparing Hope Church for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Hanging of the Greens
Sock Sunday November 23
We are collecting socks for
Winter Night Watch.
Bring striped ones, white ones,
or ones with polka dots,
whatever color or style -
WARMTH
is what is needed.
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9:00 A.M. WORSHIP 10:30 A.M. WORSHIP GREETERS Coordinator: Diane Huerta Coordinator: Thelma Symanietz
November 2 Roselyn Kenkel & Ruby Thornwall Warren & Diane Snyder
November 9 Diane Huerta Sandra Kay
November 16 Larry & Cheryl Palmer JB Turner
November 23 Bev Betts & Beanie Huston Lillian Fehr
November 30 Roselyn Kenkel Roy & Kathy Andersen
USHERS Coordinator: Diane Huerta Coordinator: Thelma Symanietz
November 2 Mark & Carrie Jorgensen Nancy Mittelbrun & Thelma Symanietz
November 9 Donelle Thomas & Diane Huerta Tracy Comba & Suzie Karnik
November 16 Ron & Judy Bruening Suzie Karnik & Cindy Williams
November 23 Sandra Kay & Diane Huerta Terry & Denise Kendrick
November 30 John Klopp & Kelly Klopp John Gunning
COMMUNION SERVERS Coordinator: Bobbie Geiger Coordinator: Diane Huerta
November 2 Bill & Barb Ryan June Denkinger & Jerri Schreiner
Thelma Symanietz & Nancy Mittelbrun
AUDIO/VISUAL Coordinator: Pam Purchase Coordinators: Nikki Frerichs
November 2 Chuck Lundquist/Rich Roberts Cheryl Sisk/No Information
November 9 Wayne Fry/Pam Purchase Dale Brewer/No Information
November 16 Chuck Lundquist/Pam Purchase Dale Brewer/No Information
November 23 Wayne Fry/Hugh Carter Cheryl Sisk/No Information
November 30 Hugh Carter/Rich Roberts Wayne Fry/No Information
LITURGIST Coordinator: Bobbie Geiger Coordinator: Thelma Symanietz
November 2 Bob Reeks Terry Kendrick
November 9 Rich Roberts Need Volunteer
November 16 John Klopp Shawn Williams
November 23 Sarah Martin Tracy Comba
November 30 Mike Molacek Need Volunteer
I would like to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, phone calls, cards, and words ; concern regarding my recent back surgery. I appreciate all ; you and your gestures. You made me feel so special. Hope’s family is truly a blessing. I now have six new pins in my back and feel like a new person. I’m so grateful to nk be in pain anymore. Thank you again. Diane Hue{a
Hospitality for the Month of November
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Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Omaha Nebraska
Permit No. 862
Hope Presbyterian Church
5220 So. 159th Ave
Omaha, NE 68135
895-4044
Phone: 402-895-4044
Fax: 402-895-1701
Website: http://www.hopepresbyterianchurch.org
9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
November 2, 2014 Communion
“Doing the Unthinkable” Matthew 5:43-48
November 9, 2014
“Treasure Hunt” Matthew 6:19-21
November 16, 2014
“Choose Well” Matthew 6:22-24
November 23, 2014 “A Reason For Thanks”
Matthew 6:25-34
November 30, 2014 First Sunday of Advent
“Father’s Good Gifts” Matthew 6:25-34
SERMON TITLES