May 2020

THE ANCHOR A NEWS PUBLICATION OF MT. HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH; GRAYLING, MI

VOLUME 39 NUMBER 5 www.mthopelcmsgrayling.org MtHopeLCMS@gmail.com

OUR VISION

By the love of Christ, our vision is to work together,

reaching out to all people, through the Gospel,

in our various activities and events. As we encourage each other to worship

and grow in God’s Word, we will be a Christian influence

in our community.

OUR PURPOSE

Glorifying God through WORSHIP

Reaching out to all with the Good News of salvation in Christ through EVANGELISM

Actively caring for God’s people in Christ through FELLOWSHIP

Creating a family of God by Word and Sacrament through MINISTRY

Equipping people of all ages for life in Christ through DISCIPLESHIP

WE VALUE

Bible-centered

Preaching &

Teaching

Dynamic Praise &

Worship

The Sacraments

Prayer

Evangelism

Christian Education

for All Ages

Loving Relationships

Strong Christian

Families

OUR MISSION

BUILDING TOGETHER SPIRITUALLY

FOLLOWING THE TRIUNE GOD

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When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4 ESV)

April 21st, 2020

Dear Church Family at Mt. Hope,

Christ is risen! That is the overwhelming good news that we celebrate this Easter season and all year-round. The disciples were not expecting the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning, and yet God still worked definitively to overcome sin and death on our behalf, so that we could have eternal life with Him. Even in this difficult time, God is still at work in and through us, continuing to deliver us from anything that would separate us from His love, and assuring us of our resurrected life that awaits us. I pray Christ’s resurrection brings you His everlasting peace, comfort, and strength.

The purpose of my letter today is to stay in touch with all our members and to provide some updates as we continue to be socially distanced, but not socially disconnected:

1) Services and Meetings. I want to let you know our group of Dual Parish Leaders from Trinity and Mt. Hope, which consists of our Chairman/President, Elders, and Properties/Trustees from each congregation, met via Zoom online on Monday, April 20th, which was our third time meeting since March 14th. We discussed many things, including any pertinent updates we had, how best to continue communicating with and caring for our members, how to best connect with our community, and our thoughts on when and how we might meet again in-person as a church.

Regarding church services and activities, we are continuing to offer weekly services and Bible Studies on YouTube and hope you have found those to be spiritually-enriching. As for in-person services, we are uncertain about when those might resume. We are paying close attention to state executive orders and guidelines, and also are considering the health and well-being of our own members. Those two factors, among others, will help us decide when and how we might resume some sort of gathering together. This group of church leaders is going to meet again in two weeks on May 4th, after the current Stay Home, Stay Safe orders are scheduled to end in order to discuss this more.

2) Communion. Something we are looking into in the meantime is providing a way for our members to be able to receive communion. This, too, we will continue to discuss, and determine if and when it will be possible. Two factors will be especially important for deciding how to provide communion to our members: 1) administering the Sacrament in the safest way possible with proper social distancing, etc. and 2) in a way that honors the holiness of the Sacrament.

3) Member Contact Info. We ask all members to provide Nicole in the church office (mthopelcms@gmail.com or 989-348-5921) with any and all up-to-date contact info (phone, email, mailing address). If you are on our current contact lists, you should be receiving emails from me every week with links to the online services and Bible Studies. We also have a prayer update email list, as well as the Word for Wednesday email list. As best we know, we are mailing anyone who does not have email with paper copies of sermons and church communications. If you are not receiving some or any of these, please contact the church office. (continued on page 10)

Notes From Pastor

Designation for Noisy Offering for April-June 2020 is to ??

MT. HOPE'S WEBSITE

Did you know that Mt. Hope has a website? If you go to http://www.mthopelcmsgrayling.org/ our website will come up. It is a multi page site with much information about our church, our congregation, our Pastor, what programs we are involved with and much more!

Although there is a "member log-in" area, this is just for those who work on the site. Nancy Hatfield is our webmaster who keeps our website updated and makes any necessary changes. Anyone who goes to our site can access all pages. So...check it out!

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Jamie Wohn will be handling the sign changes. Please text him at

(810) 965-1891 with any necessary info for the sign or email him at jackwohn3@gmail.com

Did you know that Pastor Joe sends out a weekly email called "Word for Wednesday"? He includes his sermon from

the previous Sunday as well as the readings and some thoughts for the upcoming Sunday. There are other helpful links and information. If you're interested in being added to

this list, please email Pastor Joe or the church office.

Does anyone need name tags? Contact Mary Heinlein at

989.348.4350 or mthopebookkeeper@gmail.com

March Attendance and Budget Income/Expenses

03/01/2020 58

03/04/2020 22

03/08/2020 63

03/11/2020 23

March YTD Jul-Mar

Budget Income 9,960.73 120,134.20

Budget Expenses -9,354.36 -103,836.29

Net 606.37 16,297.91

Noisy Offering N/A Noisy offering is designated to support

Crawford AuSable Day Care

Together in Missions 50.00

Christian Help Center N/A Plate coin

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Congregation Meeting Unapproved Minutes November 10, 2019 Mt. Hope Lutheran Church-LCMS There were 38 members and 2 guests in attendance: Members: Sharon Hopkins, Ken Bendick, Paul Mesack, Terry Tody, Renee Smith, Steve Koch, Salena Laskowski, Dave Mauro, Bob Lowe, Kathy Woodman, Bill Woodman, Dee Musselman, Mary Heinlein, Jim Heinlein, Gary Vedder, Kay Vedder, Roxie Chumack, Jack Owens, Pete Albright, Marj Kelsey, Shirley Koch, Pastor Joe Polzin, Lynn Bragg, Geri Methot, Nancy Hatfield, Alberta Sperry, Lee Sperry, David Jansen, Mike Shields, Carol Shields, Lydia Welser, Sherry Hanson, Frank Moore, Susie Moore, Patty Hanson, Judi Mesack, Claudia Albright, Mark Buchinger Guests: Martha Pregler, Jeff Pregler Meeting Called to Order by Chairman, Ken Bendick at 12:50 PM. Opening Prayer offered by Pastor Joe Polzin. Paul Mesack moved to approve the June 23, 2019 Minutes as presented, seconded by Mike Shields, approved. Steve Koch moved the reception of the following new members: Erin Wojcik; Jaimi Wicks; Bret, Erin, Colten & Audrey Krabill; Salena, Makayleign, Brooklynn & Gabby Laskowski; George & Susie Dougherty by reception, Lee Sperry seconded, accepted. Reports: Council and Boards based on 2019 Objectives: · Treasurer: Mitch Linendoll: o September 2019 Income: $11,120.45 Expenses: $8,077.44 Net: $3,043.01 o September 2019 YTD Income: $40,529.22 Expenses: $34,811.45 Net: $5,717.77 · Board of Education Dave Mauro o Adopt-A-Highway was completed. o Sunday school attendance is between 8-12 students each week. o Sunday school Christmas program is scheduled December 8th, 2019, featuring our students. o Christmas decorations will be put up on December 1st, 2019. o Possibly there will be a VBS in August 2020. · Board of Elders Jack Owens: o Attendance is down 6%, BUT there are many new faces at worship. o An elder has resigned. o Previous Elders are now assisting the present Elders during Holy Communion. o We have a great need for Elders. o We now have a new internet service provider. o The internet and phone service will be shared with CADC as well as the bill. o We are looking into broadcasting Sunday worship services as well as Tuesday morning Bible studies. · Board of Evangelism Terry Tody: Sherry Hanson gave the report for Terry. o In July we had a table at the “Kids Day in the Park.” o August we had a table at the High School Neighborhood Connection. About 150 people came to our display. o September was busy. First we assisted with the Church Food Truck. We distributed, along with LWML, 300 new coats as well as used coats and 98 pairs of boots as well as used for people in the Grayling area. o In October we assisted with another Church Food Truck. Also planned to do a Christmas tree for the Festival

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of Trees on November 16th in the mini-mall. Our tree will be a Kids tree. Also we hosted the coffee hour in Appreci-ation of Pastor Joe with pies. o On November 16th, we presented our “Kids Tree” to the “Festival of Trees”, there were 61 trees and 30 bas-kets entered and displayed. · Board of Stewardship Shirley Koch: o October 13th was Stewardship Sunday with guest speaker, Bill Burmeister. There was several attending. o We had a “Blessing Tree” in the Narthex for everyone to sign a leaf with ALL their blessings that they are thankful for. o The October Food Truck was attended and most enjoyable. · Board of Trustees Mike Shields: o There is a box in the Narthex for requests for things to be moved to resolve the much needed space issue. o Between now and spring we are re-configuring the garage space inside and we will need help moving things. o A big thank you to workers and volunteers who have assisted with various projects. o We are in need of additional Trustees. · Pastor Joe Polzin: o Thank you to all officers, committees and council members. o Holiday Worship Service times: § Thanksgiving Eve 5 PM § Advent Services 5 PM § Christmas Eve Service 5 PM § Christmas Day Service 10 AM with Holy Communion at Mt. Hope, Trinity will also be in attendance. Lee Sperry moved to accept reports as presented, seconded by Nancy Hatfield, accepted. Unfinished Business: · Day Care Committee Report: Steve Koch o Mary Heinlein will accept donations to CADC. o Thank you to Jack Owens, Pete Albright and Salena Laskowski for your daily support to stay on top of every-thing for the new building. o Occupation of the new building possibly the end of February. o April may possibly be start of functioning as a day care. o Steve spoke about added expenses. o Steve Koch moved a motion, see below, seconded by Paul Mesack, approved. · Mt. Hope/Crawford Au Sable Day Care: Salena Laskowski o Financial Report: § Oct. 2019 Income: $23,786.73 Expenses: $17,270.78 Net $6,515.95 § 2019 YTD Income: $163,193.13 Expenses: $151,981.14 Net $11,211.99 o Over 100 kiddos are on the waiting list. o Foster grandparents are more than welcomed to assist with the children. o We were selected for Giving Tuesday through the Community Foundation. o CADC board meeting was held on October 24, 2019 with Steve Koch representing Mt. Hope. o We will be receiving $2,000.00 from the Great Lakes Energy Grant to purchase items for the Infant & Toddler program. o 31 children and 2 younger siblings attended our Halloween Party as well as 36 adult family members in attendance too.

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o Future Updates: § CADC board meeting – December 19, 2019 at 6 pm. § 6 interviews will begin November 5th, 6th and 7th. § Field trip to the Grayling Fire Dept. on November 13, 2019. § Thanksgiving Family Feast is November 27, 2019. · Mt. Hope’s long term planning for the future o Ken Bendick is forming a committee. · 70th Anniversary o Ken Bendick is working on forming a committee and is looking for volunteers. New Business · Dual Parish meeting – November 14, 2019 · Council meeting – November 19, 2019 · Thanksgiving Eve Service – November 27, 2019 at 5 PM · December 4, 2019 begins Wednesday night Advent Services at 5 PM Open Discussion: · Secretary, Sharon Hopkins, asked if there could be a motion to destroy the ballots from the June 23rd 2019 Congregation meeting. o Dave Mauro moved to destroy the ballots from the June 23rd, 2019 meeting, Judi Mesack seconded, ap-proved. Attendance Report: 38 members and 2 guests Next Meeting: June, 2020 Adjournment: Moved by Jim Heinlein, seconded by Mike Shields, adjournment at 1:40 PM. The Lord’s Prayer was led by Pastor Joe Polzin. Respectively submitted by: Sharon Hopkins, Council Secretary

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Worldview and Culture For Life at the Movies by Pastor Michael Salemink

Faith doesn’t mean blind belief without any evidence. Rather, faith means particular past experiences influence future expectations. Faith means trust, and trust implies trustworthiness. The Heavenly Father earns and establishes our faith with His history of gracious overtures. Indeed, He has left evidences everywhere of His affection for humankind. As Romans 1:20 proclaims, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” And Psalm 19:1a, 2a, and 4a affirms, “The heavens declare the glory of God ... Day to day pours out speech ... Their voice goes out through all the earth.” Our Lord and God has put His fingerprints and footprints in time and space, most especially by the incarnation of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

His shadow and His signature fall also upon history and story. Any good story only gets its goodness from echoing and reflecting the great story of sin and salvation. Maybe a specific story doesn’t explicitly feature God or the Gospel, but its themes, characters, and plotlines parallel those of fall and forgiveness, iniquity and atonement, redemption and restoration. Using narrative to teach eternal truths didn’t originate with Jesus, but He did give parables a special place in communicating Christian grace and faith. So movies make a great way to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life. Here are a couple recommendations for experiencing life’s sanctity with family or neighbors. What would you add to this list?

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, PG): George Bailey’s life gets repeatedly interrupted by other people’s needs. He feels like a failure for never achieving his dreams. When he concludes everybody would be better off if he’d never been born, an unexpected intruder dramatically demonstrates how all human lives are inextricably intertwined.

2. Horton Hears a Who (2008, G): A Seussian elephant upsets the social order when he discovers a world of microscopic people living invisibly within a single flower. Though he risks losing everything by trying to help his skeptical friends hear the miracle, nothing takes away his cheerful enthusiasm that “a person’s a person, no matter how small!”

3. The Drop Box (2015, PG): South Korean pastor Lee Jong-rak has a heart for children with disabilities. He and his wife build a baby-sized compartment into the wall of their home where unwilling parents can anonymously deposit impaired little ones to be cared for rather than abandoned to the streets. This documentary captures how much—believe it or not!—compassion and happiness enter the pastor’s home and family through that small opening.

4. Awakenings (1990, PG-13): Dr. Sayers works with patients in a mental institution who are mostly unresponsive. Though the facility’s staff has become somewhat callous, Dr. Sayers remains caring and

persistent. His research leads to a miraculous medication that restores many of the residents to full consciousness and ability, but it soon manifests sinister side effects. Along the way, everyone involved learns that the worth of humanity can’t be limited to their physical or intellectual abilities.

5. October Baby (2011, PG-13): A series of medical mishaps sends teenager Hannah delving into her past for answers. The secrets she discovers—including an abortion—leave her feeling utterly unwanted. Little does she know that faith and the love of family will follow her into her grief until reconciliation brings healing.

6. Bella (2006, PG-13): Waitress Nina gets fired for arriving late to work. Chef Jose becomes concerned and follows her outside. As he walks and listens, she shares her anxiety about being unexpectedly pregnant, unemployed, and alone. She intends to abort, and he accompanies her to the clinic. Can his generosity and tenderness persuade her toward adoption? Will her needs raise him above his tragic past? Is there anything that the delightfulness of family can’t heal?

7. Arrival (2016, PG-13): Alien spacecraft descend around the world, and the American government enlists Louise, a linguist, and Ian, a physicist, to investigate. Their optimism contrasts with the skepticism of everyone else and enables them to decipher a powerful technology. Louise and Ian learn that even supernatural forces cannot achieve beauty apart from suffering, but that fleeing from grief also means losing goodness.

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8. Juno (2007, PG-13): Casual sex results in flippant sixteen-year-old Juno becoming pregnant. Though abortion seems the obvious answer, she finds her experience of the clinic distasteful and begins pursuing adoption. But even that arrangement begins to unravel, and it will take the love of her family, the support of her child’s father, a sense of humility, and a lot of humor to keep the situation from turning catastrophic for everybody.

9. The Nativity Story (2006, PG): This faithful dramatization presents the experiences of Mary and Joseph as they face her unplanned pregnancy. Though they encounter many more dangers and inconveniences than most, they receive parenthood as a holy calling. Herod’s attempts to use death as a solution also wreak more havoc, but through it all the miracle of new life is worth it

Worldview and Culture

For Life at the Library by Pastor Michael Salemink

Sometimes Gospel-motivated voices read children’s books. Saving lives can be as simple as reading children’s books. Think of it as inoculating the next generation against the devil’s deceptions. Bedtime stories, Sunday school lessons, grandchild visits, chapel services and children’s messages, commutes and car trips give you privileges no one else has. You fill and form hearts in early years with the sanctity of life. After all, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” And the good Lord promises, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). These ones are my favorites:

1. The Ugly Duckling (I like Disney’s version [Buena Vista Distribution Co., 1987] because it goes along with their cartoon.): Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale shows it doesn’t matter what you look like or what you can’t do, there’s no such thing as an unwanted child. Our Heavenly Father and His holy household (as well as adoptive parents!) love everyone He has created, redeemed, and called—even when it seems nobody else does.

2. Love You Forever (Firefly Books, 2001): Robert Munsch captures the beautiful truth that every human being depends upon others, however old we are. A son grows to help and hold his mother – and his daughter—just as Mama loved him through all the stages and challenges of his life. Whether tiny babies or aging bodies, we are all blessed “burdens” to each other and all the more precious for it.

3. I Loved You Before You Were Born (HarperCollins, 2001): Anne Bowen describes a grandmother’s anticipating the arrival of a little one. Accompanied by Greg Shed’s warm paintings, the story echoes Jeremiah 1:5 and memorably relates what gifts the unborn—and the elderly—bring to our families. Listeners learn that love comes not from age, appearance, or abilities but from the relationships God places us in.

4. Just Because (Lion Children’s Books, 2010): Rebecca Elliott writes about her children, Toby and Clemmie. Toby thinks his sister Clemmie is the best, even though she doesn’t act exactly the same as some other sisters. By the time we realize Clemmie has disabilities, we’ve come to appreciate the very special bond between a brother and a sister, no matter what. Elliott’s illustrations are more than a bonus—they display the wonder and love of life through the eyes of a child.

5. Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born (Joanna Cotler Books, 1996): Jamie Lee Curtis (yes, the famous actress!) portrays the excitement of an adoptive mom and dad (as well as the loving sacrifice of a birth mother). The child’s tickled refrain (“tell me again about ...”) powerfully expresses how a lifetime together sanctifies even the ordinary and unpleasant occurrences. Whose you are, not where you came from or how you got here, gives every life meaning.

6. I Love You, Stinky Face (Scholastic, 1997): Mama, what if I were a big, scary ape? Would you still love me then? Lisa McCourt’s little one has all kinds of “what-if?” questions to test the boundaries of a mother’s love. Mama responds by assuring her child that no age, appearance, action, or circumstance can impair her devotion, which heroically adapts to all of her beloved’s needs.

7. Now One Foot, Now the Other (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1981): Award-winning author and illustrator Tomie de Paola traces how Grandson Bobby helps Grandpa Bob learn to walk and talk again after his stroke—

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just as the elder had once taught the younger. It’s a touching snapshot of the privileges and opportunities we receive when we share in one another’s crosses, especially in the morning and evening of life.

8. Green Eggs and Ham (Random House Beginner Books, 1960): Perhaps the most familiar children’s book of all time, Dr. Seuss’s whimsical journey through a series of increasingly far-fetched scenarios lends itself nicely to an affirmation of life’s worth. Sam-I-Am’s friend loathes the thought of green eggs and ham because the dish comes in unfamiliar colors and uncomfortable locations—until he experiences it personally. Then his enthusiasm is relentless!

What other children’s books have given you and your family God’s love for life?

Abortions Worldwide in 2020 www.worldometers.info/abortions

Western Australia (WA) legalized voluntary euthanasia, making it the second state in Australia—and the 19th jurisdiction in the world—to do so. The new legislation is expected to take effect in mid-2021. Yet, there are already calls for it to be relaxed to allow people with a mental illness and those who are “tired of life” to access dying under its provisions. Once enforced, WA’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Act will permit a terminally ill patient with a disease that likely will cause death within six months (or 12 months for neurodegenerative diseases) to end their life with a lethal “voluntary assisted-dying substance.” Critics of WA’s law said it was the least safe euthanasia regime to be enacted by an Australian legislature. “It’s verifiably the case that this is the most dangerous legislation that’s ever passed,” prominent anti-euthanasia MP Nick Goiran said. He stated there was no requirement for a medical professional or psychiatrist to be involved in a patient’s assisted death, meaning the lethal substance could be self-administered. (LifeSiteNews, WA Today, 12/9/19; CLR LifeWire, 12/12/19) More human beings died in abortions than any other cause of death in 2019, a new report indicates. A heartbreaking reminder about the prevalence of abortion, statistics compiled by Worldometers indicate that there were over 42.3 million abortions world-wide in 2019. The independent site collects data from governments and other reputable organizations and then reports the data, along with estimates and projections, based on those numbers. When contrasting the abortion numbers to other causes of death, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, traffic accidents, and suicide, abortions far outnumbered every other cause. By contrast, 8.2 million people died from cancer in 2019, 5 million from smoking, 13 million from disease, and 1.7 million died from HIV/AIDS. Deaths by malaria and alcohol are also recorded. Worldometers estimates about 58.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019, but that number does not include unborn babies’ abortion deaths. Unborn babies are not recognized as human beings even though biology indicates that they are unique, living human beings from the moment of conception and they die brutal, violent deaths in abortions ... Each of those 42 million abortions represents a living human being whose life was violently destroyed in his or her mother’s womb ... In most cases, the unborn babies’ hearts are beating when they are aborted, too. (LifeNews.com, 12/31/19)

http://www.worldometers.info/abortions

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4) Hearing from You. We want to hear from you when you have prayer requests, concerns, or any spiritual need. Please contact Lynn Richmond (lynncarolmorris@yahoo.com) for requests for the prayer emails, and contact Pastor Joe with any other concern. Especially at a time when we are not seeing each other regularly, communication via email or phone is even more important. To my knowledge, none of our members have been diagnosed with COVID-19, though certainly there have been many prayer requests about other joys and difficulties in our lives. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer.

5) Financial Update. We want to provide a monthly update on the finances of the church, and given our normal reporting methods aren’t widely accessible at this time (bulletins, newsletters, etc.), we decided my letters would be a good place to provide a “snapshot” of where we stand. The full financial report has been given to Council and will be reflected in those official minutes.

Mt. Hope’s Expenses in March were $9,354.36 (budgeted $12,891.42) and Income in March was $9,960.73, giving us a positive net $606.37. Fiscal Year to Date our Expenses are $103,836.29 (budgeted $116,022.75) and Fiscal YTD Income is $120,134.20, giving us a positive net $16,297.91. While these numbers are encouraging, and we praise God for trusting us to steward His resources for use in His kingdom, Expenses YTD are well below budget. This is what is enabling us to have the YTD surplus we do. We also anticipate April to be a little more telling, as it is the first full month of not meeting in-person, especially not having Easter services.

6) Offerings. As we have expressed before, your decision for giving to the Lord during this time is a prayerful decision you and your family should make according to your own current situation. Some people, because of their financial position, may be able to give more, while others will necessarily need to give less. The Lord simply calls upon each one of us to be faithful stewards of that which He has given us.

You may continue to send in your offerings by mail. The mail is being checked on a regular basis by multiple people from church. The offering envelopes that members are given can be sent with a stamp, if you so choose. Also, you may contact Mary Heinlein (mthopebookkeeper@gmail.com) or Nicole in the church office if you would like to set up automatic offerings.

7) Encouragement. Finally, let me end with this bit of encouragement. There is no doubt that we are facing a challenging time and things are not “as they should be.” But we have been given faith in our Lord Jesus, who is greater than all things, for such a time as this. As Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” When everything else seems to be changing quickly every day, our risen Lord and Savior is our constant refuge to which we can always turn.

In the Name of Our Risen Lord,

Pastor Joe Polzin and Your Church Leaders

pastorjoepolzin@gmail.com

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During this pandemic remember Jesus is with each one of us.

From the book "Jesus Calling":

Though you walk in the midst of trouble, remember that you are not alone. I am with you. I am with you, and your brothers throughout the world who are experiencing the same kind of sufferings as you. Stay in communication with me as you persevere along this challenging path. My living presence will revive you-strengthening you and blessing you with peace.

1 Peter 5:9

"Resist him (the devil) standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

Cast your burden on Me, and I will sustain you. No matter what your circumstances may be, I can and will carry you through them. Sometimes you are weighed down by situations that seem too heavy for you. Do not try to cope with these burdens alone, Instead bring it into My Presence and cast it on Me, releasing it into My care and keeping. Although your circumstances may not change right away you can find real relief through this process.

Casting your burden on Me is a spiritual transaction. You acknowledge that I am in charge of your life and the out-comes are ultimately My domain. This lightens your load immensely, relieving you from feeling responsible for things beyond your control.

Psalm 55:22

“Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

Psalm 13:5

“I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Luke 1:37

“For nothing is impossible with God.”

He will see us through these times, trust in Him.

I think if I add the following it will be better.

Time, Talent, Treasure - the hallmarks of Stewardship.

Right now we all have TIME we can use in some way to help others in such need, even if it is just a phone call or to pray.

We all have TALENT that we have yet to discover. There are women sewing masks like crazy. One is determined to use up every scrap in her sewing room. cupboards. She has 50 years worth!

Any spare TREASURE is needed to feed those in great need, or maybe to help someone keep their heat on. And remember our church expenses continue. If you are able, please continue your offerings. Mail is being picked up twice a week from our church mailbox.

If we seek, we will find.

Your Stewardship Committee

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THE CHURCH STAFF

PASTOR Rev. Joseph Polzin

Pastor’s Cell Phone: 608-395-8029

Pastor’s E-mail Address: pastorjoepolzin@gmail.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Nicole Alma

Office Hours: Tuesday 9am-2pm & Thursday 9am-2pm

BOOKKEEPER Mary Heinlein (989) 348-4350

CUSTODIAN Marty Haskin

CHURCH COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN Ken Bendick (989) 387-8259

VICE-CHAIRMAN Paul Mesack (989) 344-0359

SECRETARY Sharon Hopkins (989) 786-3795

TREASURER Mitch Linendoll (989) 745-6413

BOARD CHAIRMAN

ELDERS Jack Owens (810)869-0944

EDUCATION Dave & Barb Mauro (616)260-1261

EVANGELISM Terry Tody (989) 344-1734

STEWARDSHIP Shirley Koch (231) 258-2808

TRUSTEES Mike Shields (810) 348-6692

YOUTH VACANT

MT. HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 905 NORTH I-75 BUSINESS LOOP

GRAYLING, MICHIGAN 49738 (989) 348-5921 (989)348-0166 (fax) MthopeLCMS@gmail.com www.mthopelcmsgrayling.org

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Mt. Hope Lutheran Church

(Missouri Synod)

905 N I-75 Business Loop

Grayling, MI 49738

3rd ~ David Mauro 3rd ~ Alberta Sperry

4th ~ Dollie Adolph

7th~ Cheryl McCarver

12th~ Colton Krabill

20th ~ George Fenton

25th ~ Bill Woodman