Official Publication of Hope Lutheran Church, Cedar Hill, TX

Church

972.291.7902

Fax 972.291.7902

Pastors

Joel & Wendy Berthelsen

pastor.joel@sbcglobal.net

pastor.wendy@sbcglobal.net

Choir Director

Andrew Trites

novelquest@yahoo.com

Organist

Sanctuary Choir Accompanist

Youth Choir Accompanist

Cathy Peterson

rpete123@flash.net

Secretary

Karine Samer

hopesecretary@sbcglobal.net

Heralds Editor

Karine Samer

hopesecretary@sbcglobal.net

Church Council

Officers

President

Ty Robenson - 972.723.9023

President-Elect

Steve Hawkins 972.672.0600

Secretary

Nancy Yedlowski

972.293.1179

Members at Large

Dwight Bengtson

972.515.8162

Tammy Hill - 972.617.7264

Raymond Luster -214.789.3030

Lezlie Pender-972.775.1065

Janice Wessa-972.617.7112

Appointees

Treasurer

Kathy Still - 972.293.8016

Financial Secretary

Joe Liberatore - 972.322.3047

Mission Statement: To discover and respond to our call

TO KNOW JESUS TO FOLLOW JESUS TO SERVE JESUS in unique ministries.

Volume XXVIII Issue 11 November, 2013

Thanksgiving Week

November 24th through November 30th marks Thanksgiving week, which is to say

Thanksgiving is no long tied to one day.

November 24th will be our annual women’s thank-offering day. On this day our

women will gather gifts and shape the morning worship service with prayers of

thanksgiving and praise. Then after the service we will have our annual Thanksgiving

pot luck meal.

On Thanksgiving Eve (November 27th) we will be gathering at Good Shepherd

Episcopal Church for our annual Thanksgiving service. This year First Methodist

of Cedar Hill will also be joining us, and Thanksgiving Tabernacle and Rock of Faith

have also been invited. The service will be at 7:00 PM.

Thanksgiving Day (November 28th) the office will be closed and you will be enjoying

food and time with your families. Many have elected to skip the Thanksgiving Ser-

vice before Thanksgiving Day. I have only one question. Do you actually give

thanks in a significant way on Thanksgiving Day? Or is it gather with family, eat,

watch football and plan your shopping strategies for Christmas sales? If you actually

have a history of giving thanks to God in more than a brief prayer, well and good. If,

however, you cannot honestly say God gets attentive thanks from the heart, then I

suggest this year you make your way to church and give God your heart’s attention,

praise and thanksgiving.

“Where are the other nine? Didn’t not they receive healing as well? And why is it

only this foreigner has returned to give thanks?”

“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

Pastor Joel

2

Adult Sunday School

Not a Fan

Adult Sunday School will read a book by Kyle Idleman. Kyle Idleman is a teaching pastor at Southeast

Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the 5th largest church in America.

Wendy and I were blessed to hear Kyle teach in Detroit at our LCMC annual meeting on October 6th –

9th.

Pastor Joel has ordered 9 books of Not A Fan. The book eloquently inspires us to move beyond specta-

tor Christianity. You may purchase the book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble on e-book or order the

book, or buy one from Pastor Joel for $9.00.

Inner Mission (for youth): Sunday evenings (as

noted), 6PM at the Berthelsen's. Food by Lezlie.

Singing by Pastor Joel. Explore the wide world of

developing an intentional and regular quiet time

with Jesus that fits you... we are on an “inner mis-

sion” to know Him better. Friends invited. Next

Inner Mission: Nov. 3

Timothy Project Bible Study: Wednesdays at

7:15PM. Study the Gospels. Learn an indepth

study method and listen for Jesus’ practical guid-

ance. No experience needed and open to anyone at

any time.

Quiet Worship: Wednesdays, 6-7:15PM (Holy

Communion at 7PM)

All women are invited to

meet Sunday mornings at

Panera in Cedar Hill, at

9:00 AM, for a spiritual focus and fellowship

group. We will discuss our thoughts on weekly

devotions from the book Jesus Calling by Sarah

Young. Feel free to bring the book if you have a

copy, but you don’t need it to participate in this

group. You’ll enjoy fellowship, coffee and good-

ies, and inspiration to help you through the week

ahead! Please call Janice Wessa (972-898-9217)

or Barbara Hawkins (972-841-6101) if you have

any questions.

3

To: Hope Lutheran Family

I wish to extend our grateful THANKS for all the joyful times, spirit filled worship and music,

friendship, and a few tears shared over the years. We are moving back to my hometown of Brenham and

hope to be out of our current home by end of October. As we embark on a new stage of life, we do so

both with a bit of trepidation and anticipation. We will be closer to family and scads of relatives and old

school friends but will miss the larger city, choices of shops, and of course, worshipping at Hope. I will

keep you in my prayers and ask the same for us in return. I pray God continues to bless Hope members

with his generous gifts and guidance. “Sing praises to the Lord, O You his faithful ones, and give thanks

to his holy name.” Psalm 30:4

Our new address is: 302 Laney Street, Brenham, TX 77833 (yes, BlueBell ice cream

city) Phone Number 979-421-8133.

Support Rev Dr. Gemechis Buba Media Minis-

try... now reaching 17 million per week includ-

ing the Islamic world. Make an extra offering of

$50 to $100 (supports one broadcast). Designate

to "Buba Media Ministry." Rev. Buba is the As-

sistant to the Bishop for Mission for the North

American Lutheran Church (NALC). Learn

more on our website.

Ethiopia Mission Trip: As a result of Gemechis'

visits to Hope, are you interested? A number of

people from Hope are. Let Pastor Wendy know of

your interest. Stay tuned!

UPDATED & NEW Custom Designed Reflec-

tion Guide (by Pastor Wendy & Steve Harr). A

reflection guide for prayerfully discerning Jesus'

call and how to incorporate it into all of life. As-

sists in answering: “Who am I?” and “What am I

to do?”

4

INVESTING IN THE KINGDOM:

Offerings minus Expenses…

Actual YTD: $4,118

Budgeted YTD Income: -$1,194

Overall Balance for operations: $25,806

(Cash less liabilities) (9/30/2013).

Chronological Bible Readings

Link for this month’s readings:

http://www.cmbconline.org/pdfs/2011%20Daily%

20Readings.pdf

Press on,

Pastor Joel

He is Greater

Than all Born of Women (Matthew 11:11)

Area churches are joining together under one theme this Advent: He is

Greater. (See the t-shirts available in this newsletter.)

As a unified witness to the world area churches are using one theme so the

world can be told and reminded about what Christmas is about.

Each church is shaping the message to their context. We, because we use a common lectionary with most

other Lutherans and main-line churches, are going to shape the message from the prescribed texts for the

day.

December 1 He is Greater than the extremes thrust upon us. (Matthew 24:36-44)

December 8 He is Greater than the spectacle all about us. (Matthew 3:1-12)

December 15 He is Greater than the Greatest. (Matthew 11:2-11)

December 22 He is Greater than the Everyday Miracles about us. (Matthew 1:18-25)

5

6

One of my favorite verses is John 15:16-17

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and

appointed you so that you might go and bear

fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever

you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Contributor: Lila Barnett

I insert my name and feel He is speaking to me; my children are the fruit that will last.

Faith Circle will meet

Tuesday, November 12th at 7:30 PM.

We will be studying Sermon on the Mount.

See you there!

LADIES---SAVE THE DATE

The annual Ladies Christmas Brunch will be held

Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 AM in the Hope

Fellowship Hall. The theme this year will be

“Christmas Memories”. If you have a special

Christmas memory or tradition that you would like

to share with the group, contact Valerie Peterson.

A silent auction will be conducted to raise funds to

support our missionaries. Contributions for the

auction such as baked goods, Christmas decora-

tions, works of art, and arts and crafts are welcome.

Please consider what special creations you can do-

nate to help the missionaries Hope Women have

been supporting continue their work. The Gaultney

family, who are members of our church, is cur-

rently in England where Victor is involved with

Wycliffe Bible Translators. Debbie Bunting is

headquartered in Colorado Springs where she pro-

duces educational Christian films. The Gerharts are

located in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

A brunch will be served and ladies may bring fa-

vorite finger desserts.

A sign-up sheet will be

on the bulletin board in

the narthex. Invite your

friends to join us in this

celebration of God’s

greatest gift to us.

7

November Anniversaries

David & Holly Bolduc 11/11

Mike & Kathy Purkiss 11/12

Clay & Barbara York 11/24

Keith & Diane Pleasants 11/30

November Birthdays

Megan Johnson 11/01

Kathy Longstreet 11/02

Alex Still 11/03

Clay York 11/04

Gene Janke 11/06

John Navarro 11/07

Wayne Wooley 11/07

Conner Hawkins 11/08

Megan Standerfer 11/09

Timothy Gaultney 11/18

Jack Trousdale 11/18

Bill Knoll 11/19

Michelle Clark 11/24

Carolee Juergens 11/24

Wendy Berthelsen 11/26

Dustin Slayton 11/26

Jeffrey Wooley 11/28

8

CHURCH PROPERTY

Property Coordinator: Joe Liberatore, his phone number: 972-293-2898

Indoor Lighting (inside light bulbs): Bill Knoll

Outdoor Lighting (outside bulbs): OPEN

Electric Systems/Fans: Wayne Wooley

Sanctuary Sound System: Scott & Kristine Clark

HVAC: Clay York

Change HVAC Filters: Clay York

Telephone: Carl Metzger

Appliances: Clay York

Furniture/Cabinet Repair: Bill Burleson

Small Engine Maintenance: Clay York

Gas/Oil Buyer: Clay York

Keys: Karine Samer

Computer Hardware/Software Maintenance: Carl Metzger

Carpentry/Handyman Tasks/Basic Maintenance: Leroy Linder, Clay York

(including playground)

Plumbing: Wayne Wooley

Piano/Organ: Cathy Peterson

Extermination/Bugs: Bob Wessa

Lawn Mowers/Edgers: Mike Purkiss, Jack Trousdale, Zelda Gates,

Ty Roberson

Touch-up Painting: Bill Knoll

Gardens: Cathy Peterson-front sign

Cathy Peterson-flowerbed by A/C units

Barbara York, Kathy Still, Mark Hill (Shrub

trimming)

Food Pantry delivery Grover & Lillian Radke

Organization of Clean-up Days (if needed): OPEN

Periodic Cleaning of Gutters: Ty Roberson (small section)

Carpet Cleaning: Lynn & Pat Foster

Kitchen: Mary Strand

Hymnal Maintenance: Zelda Gates

Attic: OPEN

Windows: OPEN

Choir Robe Cleaning: Diane Pleasants

Nursery Toys/Room: OPEN

Sanctuary Preparation (chairs/hymnals): Zelda Gates

Christmas Tree: Jill Heyerdahl & youth

Sunday School Resource Room: OPEN

A Special Thank You to Clay York for changing the a/c filter at the church this month.

9

Memorials and Designated Giving

Below is a list of designated funds at Hope used to pay for expenses or support ministries not included in our annual

budget. You may donate to an of the funds below by designating your offering or memorial to the appropriate fund.

Numbers below are as of 9/30/2013.

Fund Name Purpose Balance

Do-

nated

YTD

Altar Guild Extra expenses related to worship not covered in monthly operating budget.

Examples of items bought are new altar paraments and banners.

$ 1,614 $ 0

Bereavement Pay for food for funerals. $ 357 $ 0

Briarwood Sent directly to Briarwood Retreat Center, the camping ministry of our

synod, to support their ministry and operations. This fund balance is kept at

zero. Money is sent in as it is received.

$

$

0

$ 0

Cedar Hill Food

Pantry

Sent directly to the Cedar Hill Food Pantry. This fund balance is kept at

zero. Money is sent in as it is received.

$

$

250

$ 1220

Computer

Upgrades

Upgrade computer equipment, including the computer in the sanctuary used

for Sunday morning PowerPoint.

$ 14 $ 0

Council Used at the discretion of the Church Council. $ 0 $ 0

Council-

Outreach

Used at the discretion of the Church Council for outreach. $ 0 $ 0

Ethiopia

School

To establish a Bible School to train leaders in the North region of

Ethiopia.

$ 0 $ 0

Front sign Flow-

erbed

Maintain and improve the area around the front church sign. $ 622 $ 0

Library Purchase new books as needed. $ 9.45 $ 0

Lutheran World

Relief

Sent directly to Lutheran World Relief to support their ministry and opera-

tions. This fund balance is kept at zero. Money is sent in as it is received.

$ 0 $ 0

Rev Buba Me-

dia Ministry

Support Rev. Buba media ministry which reaches millions for Christ in Af-

rica.

$ 0 $ 3815

Ministry

Development

Develop new ministries at our church. For instance, this Fund was used to

send people to Stephen’s Ministry training.

$ 183 $ 0

Sierra Leone Sent directly to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone to support

their ministry and operations. This fund balance is kept at zero. Money is

sent in as it is received.

$

0

$ 0

Sunday School-

missions

Used to support Nedie, a thirteen year old girl from Haiti that we have sup-

ported for many, many years through Compassion International. Our com-

mitment is $38 a month.

$ 144 $ 0

Youth

General

General youth ministry expenses. Often used to give scholarships to youth

who cannot afford to attend certain events.

$ 0 $ 15

Youth

Mission

Supports the cost of the summer youth mission trip. $ 62 $ 1477

10

Prayers and Words of Encouragement Our love and prayers go to Jan and Paul

Koska in the death of Jan’s mother, Rose Lee Lueckeyer on October 15th. The Koses’ new address is: 302 Laney Street Breham, TX 77833

Our homebound members and friends enjoy

visits, calls and cards. Please take a few min-

utes out for those who can no longer get out

and about.

Homebound Residents

Recovering at home ~

Fran Christensen

Park Manor

207 E. Parkerville Road Rm. #211

DeSoto, TX 75115-6251

In the hospital

Carl Metzger ~ Baylor Dallas ICU

1144 Stoney Creek Drive

Cedar Hill, Texas 75104-3402

972.293.3988

ruddigore@sbcglobal.net

These members appreciate your prayers and

words of encouragement.

Marian Black Horizon Bay

355 W. Westchester Pkwy, #A207

Grand Prairie, TX 75052

214.235.0371

Marv Christensen

812 Vince Lane

DeSoto, TX 75115-4410

972.223.5172

Email address: marvinchristensen@att.net

Joanna Snow The Sterling House 1771 Country Club Drive Mansfield, TX 76063 Mailing Address: 21 Devon Court Mansfield, Texas 76063-4890

Newsletter Articles Deadline … The date is: November 18.

Please email your articles as an

attachment to:

hopesecretary@sbcglobal.net

11

Sunday Schedule:

Sunday School (For All Ages) ~ 9:00 AM

Ladies’ Spiritual Focus & Fellowship Group

At Panera ~ 9:00 AM

Worship ~ 10:00 AM

Wednesday Night Activities:

Wednesday Evening Prayer 6:15 PM

Chime Choir Practice 6:30 PM

Timothy Project Bible Study 7:15 PM

Adult Choir Practice 7:30 PM

No Wednesday night activities November 27th

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 Daylight

Saving Time

Ends

Inner Mission

6:00PM

4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11

Circle 7:30 PM

13 14 15 16

Katelyn

Johnson

Wedding in

Minneapolis

17 18

Newsletter

19 20 21 22 23

24 Women’s

Thank-offering

day.

Thanksgiving

Pot Luck Din-

ner

25 26 27

at Good Shep-

herd 7:00 PM

28 29 30

12

Hope

Lutheran

Church 917 Straus Road

Cedar Hill Texas 75104

www.hopelutheran.net

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