The Voice of Hope 1

The Voice of Hope

Hope Lutheran Church

1750 SE Lennard Rd., Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate

Deacon Susan Spee

Office: 772-335-4673

email-hopeoffice1@gmail.com

May 2017

Pastor Tate's Corner

We are grateful for the 15 volunteers who attended the Pastor’s Weed Wacker Party, Saturday,

April 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Our next party is on Saturday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. to

11:00 p.m. Refreshments are served, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Pastoral Activities

Pastor Tate’s Weed Wacker Party, April 8th

Bible Study, Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. - 130 p.m.

Visited Homes/Care Centers, 4th Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ecumenical Service, Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Tradewinds Conference Clergy Gathering, 3rd Wednesdays, 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Port St. Lucie Inter Faith Clergy Meeting, 3rd Fridays, 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Christian Faith and Business Meeting, 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Community Garden, daily working

Deans Gathering, May 2-4, 2017, Lutheran Springs

Joint Good Friday Services with St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Service at Hope, 12:00 p.m.

and at St. Andrew at 6:30 p.m.

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Future Activities:

The Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will meet,

October 12-14, 2017 at Embassy Suites in Kissimmee, Florida. The Assembly shall convene

at 1:00 p.m. on October 12 for the purpose of:

• Conducting the election of a Bishop and conducting the election of synod council

members and other offices as described in detail in a letter from the chair of the Nominations

Committee. A copy of which can be found on the Synod’s website, www.fbsynod.com,

• Adopting the synod’s ministry spending plans,

• Receiving and acting upon reports from ministry areas and agencies of the synod, and

• Conducting other business as the synod council or assembly may deem necessary.

Hope Postal Prayer BoxWith the approval of the Council, I plan to have a Postal Prayer Box

installed adjacent to our Marquee (outside signage board). Individuals will have the

opportunity to place a prayer for themselves or for others in the prayer box. Pens and cards

will be stored in a waterproof area available for writing of prayers.

Liturgical Dance Ministry

With the approval of the Council, I plan to initiate a Liturgical Dance Ministry with the

assistance of Deborah Harris, a potential new member. The group will consist of adults who

have danced or have the dream of dancing. The dancing will be choreographed to the lectionary

text during our Worship Service.

Married Couple Cells

With the approval of the Council, I plan to initiate 2 married couple cells, couples up to 50

years of age and 50 above. Each cell will have a potential of 12 couples. The meetings will

occur twice a month. The first meeting will consist of fellowship, viewing of a video on

evangelism, tithing, etc., and reflections. The second meeting will consist of going to a movie,

club, etc.

Pastor Tate

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The 2nd phase of our Confirmation Class

The 2nd phase of our Confirmation Class began on Sunday, May 7, 2017. The students will participate in the study of

the New Testament during the months of May, June, September, and October 2017. Each student was given a copy of

all of the miracles in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the signs in Gospel of John. A copy of the

timeline of the bible was also shared with the students. The students are expected to share their understanding of the

miracles and signs performed by Jesus along with their understanding the four major groups in the New Testament.

There are several important pieces of background information on the New Testament. The New Testament is

comprised of 27 books written by Christians of the 1st century, many of whom were said to be apostles of Jesus. The

first to be written were produced about 20 years after Jesus' death; the latest, probably 70 years after. All of these

books were originally written in Greek (not Hebrew or Aramaic, as many people think). The 27 books of the New

Testament are organized into four major groups. First are the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These

are the books that describe the birth, life, activities, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Virtually all of the

stories that you may have heard about Jesus come from these books. These books narrate the beginnings of

Christianity.

The second division of the New Testament consists of only one book, the '" Book of Acts (or the Acts of the Apostles).

This is a historical account of the activities of Jesus' apostles and missionaries after his death. It is concerned, then,

with the spread of Christianity.

The third part of the New Testament contains 21 Epistles, 13 of which are ascribed to the apostle Paul, the others to

others of the apostles. These are actual letters written by Christian authors to other Christian individuals or

communities, instructing them in what to believe and how to act. These focus, then, on the beliefs and ethics of

Christianity.

The final part of the New Testament consists of a single book, the Apocalyptic Book of Revelation. This is a description

of the end times, when God brings all his promises to fulfillment by destroying this world and bringing in a utopian

kingdom. In contrast to the other portions of the New Testament, then, this book deals with the culmination of

Christianity. The New Testament, Professor Bart D. Ehrman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Glossary

Apostle: From a Greek word meaning “one who is sent.” In early Christianity, the term designated emissaries of the

faith who were special representatives of Christ.

Emissaries: Messengers

Epistles: Letters

Utopian: Supreme, Perfect

Apocalyptic: Warning about a disastrous future or outcome

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Confirmation Class 2016-2018

New Testament

In our Confirmation Class, students are required to read 5 of the miracles and 1 of the

signs listed. On June 4, 2017, they are to be prepared to share with classmates an

understanding of the readings. Their sharing can be in 1 word, a phrase, a complete

sentence, or more. They are requested to spend less than 2 hours on this assignment. They

are also to relax and have fun.

Note: In John, rather than rejecting the temptation to produce a sign for his onlookers, Jesus does miracles

precisely to prove his identity. In fact, in John, his amazing deeds aren't called miracles but signs. At one

point, Jesus says that his signs are designed to make people believe and that people won't be able to believe

without the signs (4:54). The Gospel itself indicates that the signs of Jesus are written to make people believe

(20:30-31). In the Synoptics, Jesus' miraculous deeds are done in response to a person's r faith; in John, they

are meant to generate that faith. In the Synoptics, Jesus refuses to do miracles to prove who he is; in John, he

does them for just that reason. The New Testament, Professor Bart D. Ehrman, The University of North

Carolina at Chapel Hill

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS CHRIST

MIRACLES MATTHEW MARK LUKE JOHN (SIGNS)

Healing the possessed man in Capernaum 1:23-28 4:33-37

Healing of Peter's Mother-in-law 8:14-15 1:29-31 4:38-39

Cleansing of a Leper 8:1-4 1:40-45 5:12-16

Turning Water to Wine at Cana 2:1-12

MIRACLES MATTHEW MARK LUKE JOHN (SIGNS)

The Miraculous Catch of Fish 5:1-11

Healing of a Paralytic 9:1-8 2:1-12 5:18-26

Cure of the Man with a Withered Hand 12:9-14 3:1-6 6:6-10

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Healing of Official's Son in Capernaum 4:43-54

Healing of Centurion's Servant 8:5-13 7:2-10

Raising of Widow's Son at Nain 7:11-17

Calming of the Storm at Sea 8:23-27 4:35-41 8:22-25

Cure of the Gerasene Demoniac 8:28-34 5:1-20 8:26-39

Healing of a Paralytic in Bethesda 5:1-17

Cure of Woman afflicted with Hemorrhage 9:20-22 5:25-34 8:43-48

Raising of Jairus' daughter 9:23-26 5:35-43 8:49-56

Healing Two Blind Men in Nazareth 9:27-31

Healing A Possessed Mute 9:32-34

Feeding the 5000 14:13-21 6:34-44 9:10-17 6:1-14

Walking on Water 14:22-33 6:44-52 6:16-21

MIRACLES MATTHEW MARK LUKE JOHN (SIGNS)

Healings at Gennesaret 14:34-36 6:53-56

Cure of Syro-Phoenician's Daughter 15:21-28 7:24-30

Healing of Deaf-Mute 7:31-37

Feeding the 4000 15:32-39 8:1-9

Restores Sight to the Blind Man of Bethsaida 8:22-26

Healing of a Man Born Blind in Jerusalem 9:1-41

Casting Out of a Dumb Demon 17:14-21 9:14-29 9:37-43

Healing a Possessed Crippled Woman 13:11-17

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Healing of A Man with Dropsy 14:1-6

Cleansing of Ten Lepers 17:11-19

Healing the Blind at Jericho 20:29-34 10:46-52 18:35-43

Healing of Servant's Ear during Arrest 22:50-51

The Raising of Lazarus 11:1-44

The Lord's Supper 26:26-30 14:22-26 22:19-20

1800 B.C.?---------------- Abraham.

1400 B.C.?----------------- Moses.

753 B.C--------------------- Traditional date for founding of Rome.

750 B.C.?------------------Homer

750-500 B.C.?-------------Prophets of Hebrew Bible.

587 B.C---------------------Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem.

510 B.C---------------------Expulsion of kings/beginning of Roman

Republic.

400 B.C---------------------Plato.

333-323 B.C.---------------Conquests of Alexander the Great.

145 B.C.---------------------Book of Daniel (final book of Hebrew

Bible).

140 B.C.---------------------Rise of Jewish Sects.

63 B.C.----------------------Conquest of Palestine by Romans.

44 B.C.-----------------------Assassination of Julius Caesar.

40-4 B.C.---------------------Herod, King of the Jews.

27 B.C.-A.D. 14--------------Octavian Caesar Augustus as Emperor.

4 B.C.? -----------------------Jesus' birth.

4 B.C.-A.D. 65----------------Seneca.

A.D. 14-37-------------------- Emperor Tiberius.

A.D. 26-36---------------------Pilate as Governor of Judea.

A.D. 30?------------------------Jesus' death.

A.D. 33?------------------------Conversion of Paul.

A.D. 37-4--------------------------Emperor Caligula.

A.D. 41-54------------------------Emperor Claudius.

A.D. 50--60?----------------------Pauline epistles.

A.D. 50-60?-----------------------Q Source.

A.D. 50-70?-----------------------M and L Sources.

A.D. 54-68------------------------Emperor Nero.

A.D. 56-117?--------------------Tacitus.

A.D. 61/62-113----------------- Pliny the Younger.

A.D. 66-70---------------------- Jewish Revolt and

destruction of Temple.

A.D. 69- 79--------------------- Emperor Vespasian.

A.D. 79-81---------------------- Emperor Titus.

and Luke, Book of Acts.

A.D. 80-100?----------------- Deutero-Pauline Epistles, 1

Peter, Hebrews, James.

A.D. 81-96--------------------- Emperor Domitian.

A.D. 85-105?------------------- Pastoral Epistles.

A.D. 90-95?-------------------- Gospel of John.

A.D. 95?------------------------ Book of Revelation.

A.D. 98-117------------------- Emperor Trajan.

A.D. 110-130?---------------- Gospels of Peter and

Thomas.

A.D. 120?---------------------- 2 Peter.

A.D. 129-199------------------ Galen.

A.D. 160-225------------------ Tertullian.

(death).

A.D. 249-251------------------ Emperor Decius.

A.D. 285-337----------------- Constantine.

A.D. 312?--------------------- "Conversion" of Constantine

Timeline

The Voice of Hope 7

President - Bob Hanson Emily Banks Jeff Treadway

Vice President - Fred Heins Theresa Tasker Steve Gambill

Secretary - Nan Billings Joe Weber

Treasurer - Debbie Barr

Financial Secretary – Ellen King

Church Council

The Church Council meeting was held on March 14th, and here are some highlights of

discussions and decisions.

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – March 14, 2017

In Attendance: Pastor Tate, Bob Hanson, Fred Heins, Jeff Treadway, Steve Gambill, Joe

Weber, Nan Billings. Absent: Emily Banks, Kim Bennett, Theresa Tasker

Meeting called to order: 6:15pm

Pastor Tate opened with scripture and opening prayer.

New Business:

Correction to December 2016 Minutes - Pens were purchased and donated by Diane Cain

and slots were purchased and donated by WELCA.

Request by Larry Zimmerman - after being approved, council minutes will be sent to Ellen

King to be posted in the newsletter

Committee Reports:

Secretary’s Report: A motion was made by Fred Heins to accept the minutes, seconded by

Joe Weber, motion carried

Policy & Personnel Committee: no report

Treasurer’s Report: Tabled – Bob and Debbie Barr are attempting to meet to resolve an

inconsistency in the restricted fund – deposits are correct

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Financial Secretary’s Report: RWCA payments up to date – they will need to make up the

$1300 owed by the end of the school year. A motion was made by Steve Gambill to accept

the report, seconded by Fred Heins, motion carried.

President’s Report: Bob reported that the lease for RWCA will be up for renewal in the

next two weeks. The current contract covers rent, utilities and copy machine use. Issues

they will discuss if the school renews include janitorial services, revised copy machine use,

notifying and clearing evening activities with church secretary, and the amount and uses of

the rental deposit (painting, carpet, etc). Bob suggested we should keep in mind uses of the

church in case they choose not to renew.

Major Gift Campaign: Fred reported that we have received approximately $47,000 to

date.

Music: Jeff Treadway and Karen Keats met and had good discussion about the music at

Hope

Helping Hands: Bob reported that Tuesday Bingo will have a hot dog vendor. In order to

help increase attendance, Bob is donating a half page add in the paper and free lasagna

dinner for the first 50 people for the March 28th Bingo.

Growing Healthy Kids: the 2017 Grant was submitted February 27 – it usually takes several

months to hear from the grant committee

Pastor’s Report: 7 new members received, an overview of the exciting Dream Leaders

weekend with Pastor Linman, request from the synod office to revise our Ministry Plan with

specific expectations, praise for the work on the Chapel in the Woods and the fun

fellowship involved with it, and a review of pastoral activities.

Old Business:

Update on Pre-School Possibilities – Emily Sellas will schedule a meeting in April to

continue work on possibilities. Steve suggested importance of beginning with assessing

feasibility and profit

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Council is still 3 members shy – Bob said new people were asked but declined

AC and Lattice Work for shed – not yet

Lawn Mowing – David Christensen may be able mow again and Nan will follow up on

another offer

Repair toilets in restrooms – were possibly repaired by volunteers, Fred will confirm

Outdoor Lighting – Steve and Joe plan to add a cluster of 3 LED lights. It was recommended

that they add more clusters for additional light and also see if they can install one or two

clusters in the drive thru for added light to be seen from the road when the church is in use.

Ice Maker - Not yet

Spring BQ Cookout - event cancelled

Doors not locking properly – Joe researched problem will find part or professional to repair

Fellowship Brunch: Glen agreed to sponsor the one remaining Men’s Group brunch on

October 15th. Council will provide the brunch on March 26th so an announcement can be

made Sunday and encourage congregation to invite friends and neighbors for fellowship.

Bob bringing French toast, Steve bringing spiral ham, others bring various dishes.

Memorial Garden – Nan will look into process to proceed – permits, laws, etc.

Next Regular Council Meeting will be April 10, 2017 at 6:00PM.

Meeting ended at 8:10pm with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted by Nan Billings

The Voice of Hope 10

05/03 Ellen King

Cruz Gonzalez

05/04 Bill Weston

05/13 Lusell DuBerger

05/14 Fred Heins

05/26 Ana Bergerman

05/30 Nino Peterson

May Anniversaries

05/24 Jim & Kristie Billings (14)

05/25 Herb & Cathy Schaus (60)

May Birthdays

Altar Flowers

The flower chart is in the usher area. Pease select your favorite date. We have several openings for the next few months. Flowers can be sponsored for $30.00 per Sunday. If you want to pay for only one bouquet you can do so by contacting Diane in the office. The cost is $15.00. Two families can sponsor flowers on the same Sunday. Please place your money in the offering clearly marked for flower’s including your name, or turn it into the office. If you have any questions please contact Diane Calain in the office on Wednesday or Thursday. •

Mothers Are For

Listening

Trouble rings the phone mother’s there

To listen to this call with patient care.

She offers prayer and tries to stem the tears

For this deep problem that she hears.

The years that she has lived all come to bear

To help her child, to show her loving care,

Putting her hand in God’s – the answer’s plain

Trust Him and He will lift your heart again.

Mothers are wise, they long ago have known

Our Lord is also listening to that phone

-Senta M. Kopf

The Voice of Hope 11

Florida Bahama Synod Global Mission Newsletter

Global Mission Updates

GUYANA/SURINAME The South American countries of Guyana and Suriname not only share a border and a

common strong Lutheran heritage, but are joined in one sub-committee of the Global Mission Committee that has

been headed up by Pr. Tom Unrath for the last 4 years. Pr. Unrath has decided to step down from this responsibility

due to health issues and is handing over the reins to Pr. Kit Robison of Miami Springs, FL. To help with the transition,

the 2 pastors are currently traveling together, with 4 others (Marcee Strickland, Chris Klafs, Steve and Leandra Rizzo)

from the Florida Bahamas Synod, visiting Lutheran churches and meeting clergy and deacons in Suriname and

Guyana, and attending the annual convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Guyana (ELCG) in New

Amsterdam, Guyana. Pr. Robison, a former ELCA missionary to Ecuador, is excited about this opportunity to become

more involved with Global Mission in the FB Synod.

The group flew out of Miami on April 24th and will be returning to the US on May 5th. Their “immersion” visit began

in Suriname where they’ve been hosted by the Lutheran clergy there, including Pr. Ken Kross and the recently

ordained, Pr. Danielle Dokmann. On Friday they crossed over the border to Guyana and are attending the annual

convention of the ELCG. A full story and photos will be submitted by Steve Rizzo when they return and will be

posted on the Synod website and included in the next issue of this newsletter.

WELCA Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO) continues relationship with ELCG Women’s Group

Judge Sandra Kurtzious, Vice President of the ELCG, has been asking for Leadership Training for the women’s

groups of the Lutheran churches in Guyana. When Marcee Strickland decided to go on this trip to Suriname and

Guyana, GMC Chairperson PJ May asked her to consider doing a workshop for the women during the convention

meeting time. Sandra, PJ, and Marcee conversed via “WhatsApp” and coordinated the 2 workshops that Marcee is

scheduled to lead on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. A full report and pictures are forthcoming!!

The exchange and sharing of resources are important activities that deepen our understanding and appreciation of

our respective cultures and church mission work. The Global Mission Committee is grateful for the commitment of the

SWO in pursuing and supporting these opportunities.

CUBA

The Cuba Team has held several phone conference meetings to review the status of La Finca (the Farm), the expense

reports and productivity reports of the past year, and the projected costs and productivity for the coming year.

Continuing support of La Finca is being carefully considered, especially in light of tighter restrictions Cuba has placed

on religious visas and recent developments throughout the Lutheran church in Cuba.

ELCA Global Mission is providing additional support and guidance in these matters.

FLORIDA BAHAMA SYNOD GLOBAL MISSION NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 ISSUE 4

HAITI

ELH Clergy with FB Synod Global Mission members and Rev. Dr. Raquel Rodriguez meet in Port au Prince, Haiti

April 4-8, 2017.

FB Synod GMC Chair PJ May, Haiti Task Force Chair Pr. Steve Winemiller, Assistant to the Bishop, Pr. Jaime Dubon

and Haiti Consultant Jim Noss, recently went to Haiti to strengthen relationships and have conversation about the

ongoing partnership between the synod and the ELH (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti). Pr. Anna Figuiero and

Pr. Steve Winemiller’s previous trip just a few weeks before laid the foundation for being able to move through the

agenda with a clear vision of how the ELH wants to position itself for the future.

Continued on next page…..

The Voice of Hope 12

Continued from previous page…

Dr. Raquel Rodriguez, from the ELCA Division for Global Mission, facilitated the agenda and conversations that

allowed the ELH to share the context of their ministry on their first day of meetings. The challenges of daily life in

Haiti are enormous and widespread and yet, the ELH continues, with God's help and guidance, to offer hope and

healing for their communities. On the second day, attendees from the US shared the realities of the ELCA, the FB

Synod, and the Global Mission Committee. The afternoon was spent coming together and developing a mutual action

plan and vision of accompaniment for the priorities identified by the ELH.

These project plans included an immediate desire for funding for seeds, plants and farming tools as the second phase

of the emergency response from Hurricane Matthew. The first phase involved funding for food and immediate

supplies needed in December. There is more work being done around this project proposal, but the need for seeds

before the end of the planting season is significant. As a result of the meeting and Project Concept Note submitted by

the ELH, a second grant of $25,000 was sent to Haiti the week before Easter to be used for seeds, plants, and small

farm implements in the areas of Les Cayes and Jean Rabel – which were hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew. The

money came from ELCA Disaster Relief money sent to the synod, and money donated by individuals and

congregations of the FB Synod for disaster relief. Pr. Livenson just confirmed on Monday, May 1st, that the first

distribution of seeds has been completed though the Les Cayes area has been hard hit with heavy rains and flooding

again, as the rainy season has commenced.

In additional conversations, Dr. Raquel brought up the status of the compound at Gressier which was built with ELCA

Disaster Relief monies and has not been used to its original potential. The ELH presented new information showing

that the school building is being used by Pr. Livenson and his congregation for worship space. Members of the

congregation are working to keep the grounds clear and the goats that used to wander the grounds are now penned up.

In addition, a family of the congregation is being allowed to live in one of the guest houses in exchange for providing

security at the compound. Lastly, Pr. Livenson shared the possibility of renter for the school and office building.

After 2 days of meetings, the FB Synod delegation drove to Jacmel to view the work of a mission group from St.

Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, MN. Over a period of 7 years, “Seeds of Support” has built a water tower,

installed solar panels, built an outdoor covered area for worship and meetings, and most recently, an additional

building that houses a portable machine for making peanut butter, and now, a bread bakery.

Overall, the visit to Haiti was a rich time of fellowship, conversation, visioning and planning. It was a joy to gather

with leaders who have become friends due to the ongoing partnership between the church and the synod. What a joy it

has been to walk alongside these brothers and sisters in the Gospel, and see the way the Spirit has used the resources

and relationships provided by the congregations in the Florida-Bahamas synod to strengthen and support the ministry

of the Eglise Lutherienne d’Haiti.

FLORIDA BAHAMA SYNOD GLOBAL MISSION NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 ISSUE 4

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGMs) Please be sure to check out the Synod website and the YAGM section

to read about the three YAGMs from the Florida Bahamas Synod!

Becca Williams (St. Stephen, Tallahassee) is serving in England, Ben Smith (Vero Beach) is in Madagascar. Kyle

Marie Jacobsen grew up in Panama City, FL and entered the YAGM program through Redeemer Lutheran Church and

the Campus Ministry program at Georgia Tech. Kyle is serving in Cambodia.

Please include these young people in your devotions and prayers for a safe and meaningful experience, especially in

these last months of their year of service when they will be completing their programs, saying tearful good-byes to

host families and friends and preparing for re-entry to the American culture. Consider contacting them on their return

and inviting them to speak with your congregation or youth group as they will be sure to have inspiring stories to

share!

The Voice of Hope 13

Karina Dupree, Tom Jameson, Lilly Zunja, Carmen Perez, The Konopa Family, The Schoel

Family, Josephine Vandermosten, Elaine, Debi Holland, Jeff Carlton, Dan Calik, Barbara Mahar,

Butch & Edna Piatt, The Gilbert Family, Wanda Davis, Rosemary & Jim Yellan, Dorothy Tate,

Rose Johansen, Barbara & John Mahar, Benjamin Raudenbush, Kathy Boyd, Ashley Smith &

Family, Karen, Phyllis Gillis, David Christensen, Ron Beldin, Lee Fowler, Kathy Bogan, Bette

White, Hella Cushing, Brooke Blake, Rita Mc Henry, Thomas Faillaci, Norman & Paula

Schultheiss, Kasten Family, Dom Aloise, Clemmie Vincent, Jennifer Knight & Family, Charlie

McCracken, Tom Bacik, Carole Arcoleo, John G. Prell and family, Eric Weston, Bob & Lucy

Barnette, Harmony Geske, Tom & Judy Geske, The Luhrs Family, Jean Carroll, Chelsey Olson,

Eleonor Colon, Faith McCracken, Jimmy Back-Galpin, Pat Maranscio, Gloria Iaccabelli, Ed

Forella, Bob Hendertilo, Josh Paradoa, Nancy Larsen, Dolores Hart..

Members in Residential Care Inge Brooks-Lakeforest Park Pricilla Carpenter- The Gardens

Members of Our Armed Forces LC Scott Strickler USA Cody Allen USA USA Tech Sgt. John King USAF Reece Tucker (USMC) 2nd Lt. Sierra McCrae – USA Ryan Killing - USAF

The Voice of Hope 14

Thank you so much for all of you who were

able to make the luncheon on May 6th at the

Cottage Grill. We had a very enjoyable time!

This is a reminder that WELCA is responsible

for the fellowship brunch at Hope on May 21.

Unfortunately, I will not be in Port St. Lucie at

that time. Others agreed to bake and bring fruit

salad, yogurt, brownies and maybe strata.

Our next WELCA meeting will be on Saturday,

August 5, at noon at Hope. It will be a brown

bag lunch.

Best wishes to you all for a wonderful

summer!

Margaret Eubank

Verse of the Month 30The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. John 9: 30-31 NRSV

Help with Homework Hope Lutheran is sponsoring a homework and date night on Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. Feel free to drop off school children while running errands to enjoy an early dinner out. The children will be welcome to study, with someone to help with school work if required or participate in wholesome activities. This service is free. The hope is to bring families a child free period to shop or bring couples some “together time” during the week. It is also hoped to bring the church families together

and provide a respite for busy couples.

Prayer Group

A Saturday morning prayer group has been

formed. They pray weekly at 7:00 a.m. They are

praying for the church, the people of Hope, and

our community. They will be praying the prayer

cards that can be found in the Narthex. If you

have a specific prayer you can drop it in the box

and they will be prayed over on Saturday

morning. There is a prayer booklet that was

written and you can download it here.

http://wp.me/P5Tlfl-98

Our next veteran’s breakfast will be on May 27th

at 8:30 at Perkins in Port St. Lucie. Everyone is

welcome to share their stories.

Marty Frano

Prayer Online Group

We have started an online prayer group

called Prayers for Hope. As a person who

prays, I enjoy reading the verse in James

5:16 as it reminds me that the prayers of a

righteous person can be powerful and

effective. “Pray First” in every situation,

whether good or bad, we try to pray before

we act. Many times people act first and then

want God to bail them out of that situation,

but prayer should be our first response, not

our last resort. Thank you for considering

joining us in lifting the people up in prayer.

All for God's glory! You can email me at

ellen0553@comcast.net or see me at church

if you would like to join us. Ellen

The Voice of Hope 15

Women of Hope Retreat “Rest & Laugh in the Spirit”

Six special ladies had a wonderful time resting and laughing in the Spirit! Nan, Fran, Dorothy

and Olga enjoyed Fran H’s yummy coffee cakes and Diane’s delicious fruit salad with coffee

and tea. The morning flew by as we got to know each other and discovered each other’s

Christian backgrounds and roots in the church. Inspirational readings and favorite scriptures

were shared. Interestingly three of the scriptures where from Philippians 4:6, 7; Philippians:

2:1-3; Philippians 4: 12-14. The other two were Ecclesiastes 13:9-15 and Psalm 23. Crazy

Bingo, a little crazy but not bingo at all, was re-introduced. It was a favorite fellowship game

at Hope in the 80’s and 90’s. The special morning of fun and camaraderie culminated with

Pastor Tate sharing communion. A delightful time was had by all! Save the date,

February 7, 2018, for “Inspirational Women of the Bible” Retreat! •

Poet’s Corner

To an Artificial Flower

Senta Kopf, 1994

Church Clean-up Day On the second Saturday of each month we will have a “clean-up day”. We are asking for volunteers to come to the church between 9 & 11 to help with jobs that need to be completed. We need anyone that can help. Come help on May 13th.There will be a light lunch following.

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Children ages 2 years thru entering 6th grade are

invited to join us for a week of crafts, games, lessons,

music and fun!

Cost is $10

Register online at:

http://hopelutheranpsl.org/vacation-bible-school-2/

July 10-14th | 9 am-Noon

Hope Lutheran

Church

Presents

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Seminars at St. Andrew

St Andrew Church 295 SW Prima Vista Blvd. Port St Lucie

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Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor

Salient points in the sermon

Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017

John 13:1-17

There is a tendency to begin and end one’s interpretation of this text with vv. 12 15. The

foot washing is held up as an example of humble service that those who follow Jesus

are called to imitate. There is no question that John 13:12 15 present the foot washing

as a model for communal service. Those verses are only one piece of a much larger

picture.

The call to service in this text cannot be separated from the call to participation with

Jesus. The call is to embody the love and service of Jesus for one another. In the

community’s enactment of Jesus’ love, the community reveals Jesus’ identity to the

world. Jesus does not simply issue a general call for service; he issues a call to give as

he gives and to love as he loves. When the faith community embodies Jesus’ love, it

not only reveals Jesus’ identity, but it also assumes a new identity for itself, shaped by

Jesus’ identity.

Jesus’ act toward us in love presents us with a choice: We can embrace Jesus’ gift of

love to us, we can embrace of that gift of love through our own acts of love, or we can

turn our back on Jesus’ gift of love. Yes, we can enter into community with Jesus and

with one another, or we can reject that community. Jesus loves us. Amen.

Good Friday, April 14, 2017

Luke 23:39-43

“Savior, Remember Me”

• "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42 , NIV). It was

not a very strong appeal, but it was directed to the right persona. Beneath this simple request

was an unspoken plea for forgiveness. In mercy, and in love Jesus answered, "Today you

will be with me in paradise" (v. 43 NIV), Today stood in contrast to a distant time in a future

kingdom. And the thief would be more than "remembered.'' He would be with Jesus in the

dwelling place of God. Jesus assumed responsibility for all of the thief's sins and granted him

full, free forgiveness.

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• Freeness of forgiveness makes it possible for all people to be forgiven at any place and

any time in life. Though the story of the thief does not encourage us to wait for deathbed

repentance, it does encourage us to believe that it is never too late to turn to Christ. God

forgives freely and fully.

• God is a God of forgiveness. In the death of his Son on the cross, God made full

provision for the forgiveness of our sins. Now he awaits our response. Will we, like the thief,

ask him to forgive our sins and become the Lord of our life?

Luke 23:46

“Father, Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit”

• Stephen's prayer was, "Lord, Jesus, receive my spirit" (v. 59). It was not a prayer of

panic or fear. It was not a prayer of desperation or bargain. It was a prayer of trust and

affirmation. He was saying, "I have always trusted you in life, and now I trust you in death."

Following the model of the way his Lord had died, he quoted a familiar Jewish children's

prayer found in Psalm 31:5: "Into your hand I commit my spirit." These are almost the exact

words of Jesus from the cross: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (Luke23:46).

He had learned that whether he lived or died, he was the Lord’s.

• Have we ever walked in on the middle of a movie? We did not see the beginning. And

the ending is still a mystery to us. All that we know is what we see going on directly before

us. And the cast is a jumble of unknown characters. The plot is confusing. The same is true

of our human predicament. We have walked in on the middle of a grand drama of sin and

salvation, death and deliverance, pain and progress. But we only see what is before us. We

missed the beginning of the drama. The ending is still a mystery to us. Like Mary, the mother

of Jesus, we stand at the foot of the cross and witness the awful bloodshed of innocent

suffering. The question that may be choking in our throats is: "God, why? Why does my

loved one suffer so? Why is my career ending my dreams for bigger and better things? God,

why? Why the pollution, the earthquake, the famine? Why cancer and car wrecks? God,

why?

April 23, 2017

John 20: 19-33

• What are our fears this morning? Tertullian, third-century church father, in speaking

of death, states “Keep your fears to yourself; share your courage with others.”

• We have many fears----fear of terrorism, fear of death, fear of being separated from

people we love, and fear of losing control. A news commentator once stated that people are

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hesitant to take vacations or sick leave on their jobs because they fear a lack of control, not

being in the loop, or losing their job).

• Do we shut doors to close relationships because we fear being hurt? Do we shut doors

to opportunities because we fear that we may not be accepted? Do we our shut doors

because we fear the unknown? W. A. Criswell once said that, "what worrisome fear does to

us. It hurts our health, it shortens our days. It clouds our vision. It saps our inner strength.

And it's easy to fall into." Church, God is in control. God can bring good out of the bad. 2

Timothy 1: 7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and

of self-discipline." God has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

• It was fear that brought the disciples together behind locked doors. Jesus enters the

room to give them the only thing that can take the fear away, "Peace be with you." What

were the disciples afraid of? Were they worried that those who killed Jesus, would kill them

also? Maybe they did not want to deal with the rejection of those who knew they had failed.

After all, they had failed to protect Jesus. Like the disciples, do we try to hide when we are

ashamed? I believe that fear can be cured when God is in control of our lives. Trust in God.

April 16, 2017

Matthew 28:1-10

• Do we try to keep Jesus in those places where we can control him? Jesus will not be

confined to the cubbyholes or on our shelves where we can use him at our demands. Nations

have tried to take him to the front lines on the battle fields. Some have justified God being

with them in their terrorist attacks.

• The guards could not control Jesus. We cannot control Jesus. So listen to what the

angel of the Lord said to the women, "Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from

the dead!" Why tell the disciples? Why, when Jesus has told them many times that He must

die and rise again? Did they forget? Tell them! Tell Peter (Mark 16:7)? Why? Peter wept

bitterly over the Lord he denied. Tell John? John was the one who took Jesus’ mother from

the scene of the crucifixion to his home. Tell Thomas? Thomas was the one who talked of

going to Jerusalem and dying with Jesus (John 11: 16).

• Pastor Tate, how can I encounter Jesus outside of these four walls? Well, just look

wherever we see someone who performs an act of mercy. Just look wherever we see

someone performs an act of love for another person in need without looking for something in

return. Look inside our own heart and see if there is a longing there to be close to God, to

love God, and to walk beside God. Can we image just walking in the garden of our life and

saying within, “He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And

the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has known”.

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• Faith in the resurrection of Jesus comes not through reasoned evidence, by some

tangible proof, but through trust, trust in the power of the risen Christ working in us through

various ways, according to our need. Jesus loves us. Amen.

April 9, 2017

Matthew 26:14- 27-66

• The Passover meal was well under way when Jesus said that He would be betrayed by

one of the disciples who was seated at the table; the one who He had chosen, taught, and

loved was rejecting Jesus. I believe that an enemy might oppose us, but only a friend can

betray us. When following Jesus, we may be betrayed by someone we love. If a family

member or a friend lets us down, I believe that Jesus understands our feelings. Jesus

experienced a similar hurt with Judas. Do we realize that when our selfishness is more than

our loyalty to Jesus, we may be at risk of betraying Jesus also?

• Disappointments come even from those who are very close to us. I believe that Judas

had heard Jesus teach about kindness, love, and forgiveness. Judas may have seen Jesus

feeding the 5,000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves. Judas may have seen Jesus when He held a

child on His lap. Judas was probably there during the healing of the lepers, raising of the

widow son, healing of the demonic, the giving of sight to the blind man. Would we expect

Judas to be loyal to Jesus?

• I believe that rationalizing expresses weakness, the refusal to make responsible

choices. Were we remorse in our actions? Did we repent? Remorse expresses regret and

sorrow for our sin. Repentance differs from remorse in that it is a change of mind that results

in a change of behavior. With repentance, do our attitudes and actions change? Jesus said,

"Unless you take up the cross daily and follow me, you cannot be my disciple." Our actions

which are done out of love, is what often brings about a resolution to our negative behaviors.

Love was expressed in trust. Jesus trusted Judas. Trust was betrayed. Love was expressed in

loyalty. Jesus was the loyal friend. Loyalty was betrayed.

April 2, 2017

John 11:1-44

• When our prayers are not answered immediately, should we work at removing factors

in our life that may delay the answer to our prayers? The delay may not be the result of

God’s unwillingness to help us. We do not know the reason for the Lord's delaying our

prayers. We can only speculate. We may be aware of God’s love. The tears of Jesus at the

grave of Lazarus give us evidence of God’s sympathy with our hurts. Jesus’ calling,

"Lazarus, come forth," shows God’s mighty power to help us.

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• Does believing in the resurrection have any impact on our life? Can we picture Jesus

standing before the tomb of Lazarus and calling out, "Lazarus, come forth!"? Can we put

ourselves at the scene, dead in our grave until Christ calls us to a new life? Does that picture

carry over into our attitudes and behaviors right now? Believing in the resurrection

distinguishes us from non-believers. I believe that if the resurrection is not reflected in our

daily life, it is just a philosophy.

• When we experience sorrow, we have not been abandoned by God. When the one

closest to us becomes ill or dies, we do not have to go through the dark valley alone? The

darkness may surround us, but Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus will shine his light of life

with His love upon us, if we trust in Jesus. (See John 8:12.) Because Jesus was victorious

over death and the grave, we can rest on His promise when He said, "I am the resurrection,

and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).

Jesus loves us. Amen.

-Pastor Tate

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GROWING HEALTHY KIDS @ HOPE

TUESDAYS

Story Time: 3pm to 4pm

Cost: Free

Horticulture for Beginners: 4pm to 5pm Cost: Free

Children gain confidence reading to the Waggin’ Tail

Therapy dogs

Receive tutoring to increase their reading skills

Registration required

Story time and tutoring also available

Children of all ages digging in the dirt

Planting and tasting healthy vegetables

Planting Christian values

Growing healthy kids!

With fun crafts & games, exciting experiments and journaling, kids will discover the

multitude of swimming creatures that were created on the fifth day, where they live,

adaptions, and current issues affecting their habitat. Curriculum follows the Apologia

Educational Ministries, “Exploring Creation: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day”

and local resources such as the River Kidz and South Florida Water Management.

Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 * Hope Lutheran Church, 1750 Lennard Road * 772-812-1682

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Kathy Ann’s

8709 South Federal Hwy

Port St. Lucie

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We are asking anyone interested in singing with the ADULT CHOIR to please see Karen Keat or any choir member for information. .

For information please call Karen Keat: 772-237-5363.

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalms 100:2)

If you would like to be in the BELL CHOIR, please see

Karen Keat for information. If you are interested in

learning about the bells, please call Karen Keat, 772-

237-5363.

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1750 SE Lennard Road, Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952 772-335-4673 www.hopelutheranpsl.org

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor minet49@aol.com

Called to spread God’s Word and to

lead the community to Christ

If you do not have an e-mail address or access to online we will gladly mail you

an issue. Please contact the church office.

Click & go to www.hopelutheranpsl.org