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Hope and Welcome Corners E-News: Week of February 27, 2022
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News from Pastor Kim
3/3/2022
Greetings Friends!
Thank you to those that joined us for the Ash Wednesday service - either in person or online. If you missed it you can find it on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
We have embarked on a Lenten Challenge based on this quote from St. Augustine:
“Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder which you do not require is needed by others. The extras of the rich are the necessities of the poor. Those who retain what is superfluous possess the goods of others."
What do we have that is "extra"? Set aside all your extras during Lent and then donate them during the week of Easter! Select categories of extras can be brought to the churches on Sundays and we'll stockpile them for you before we donate them en masse. Stay tuned for those categories. We will celebrate all of the donations in the April 24 worship services!
We wrapped up our discussion groups based on Season 1 of The Chosen this week. This has been a fun eight weeks getting a look at what Jesus' life might've looked like through the eyes of those who encountered him while he was on earth. Jesus told his apostles to "get used to different." How much more is that true for us today? We need to get used to different if we are to truly live as we've been called to live. Do the actions we take in our day to day lives tell those around us that we are a Christian? Will our communities know us by our love?
Love God! Love Others! The End!
~Pastor Kim
You ~typically~ have three opportunities to worship with us each week:
9am Sunday - Welcome Corners: 3185 N M-43 Hwy, Hastings
11am Sunday - Hope: 2920 S M-37 Hwy, Hastings
Online - Facebook and YouTube: Hastings Hope UMC
"This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters and so you will be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ. I pray that you will then be filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes from Jesus Christ, in order to give glory and praise to God."
Philippians 1:9-11 CEB
Thanks for reading...
...tell your friends that they want the latest and greatest
E-News, too! They can sign up here:
https://hastingshopeumc.org/news/.
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There will be black and purple balloons on Hope's light pole on March 6. The black balloons are to spread awareness of opioid deaths and the purple balloons represent that recovery is a possibility. All proceeds raised from this awareness campaign go towards the Barry County Serenity Club's overdose awareness concert taking place later this year.
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Barry County Serenity Club Purpose as stated in Bi-Laws:
1. To provide a much-needed facility for the use of members, centrally located, for fellowship and goodwill where Principles will rule over Personalities for continued sobriety.
2. This organization will aid the alcoholic in obtaining physical, mental health and lasting sobriety. BCSC shall provide an atmosphere based upon the therapy and restoration of human dignity. BCSC realizes the achievements of Alcoholics Anonymous and the design of healthy and sober living outlined by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and we pledge ourselves to work and cooperate with the Fellowship to any extent.
3. BCSC will have an outreach program designed to reach the still-suffering alcoholic/ addict and area teens. Hopefully, before they become alcoholics/ addicts, in an attempt to make our presence known to those in need.
4. BCSC will be a central place to house recovery related meetings; including, but not limited to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), and we will cooperate, but not affiliate with any outside agency.
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February 28, 2022
A Simple Life in Christ
In our last week of this series, Pastor Kim continued in Mathew 7: 13-29
It is so hard not to feel helpless and hopeless in this current state of our world. So many questions; What will happen to the people of Ukraine, how will this impact the world,
the United States, us? But, as Pastor Kim reminded us, we have the greatest power, the power of PRAYER. It is a power greater than no other. Let us lead the world in prayer, and show our LOVE. This also means taking stock of ourselves and the needs of those around us. When we free ourselves of all the extra “stuff” around us we are able to see everything so clearly. We can breathe better, work better, relax more, and have time to spend on the things that are truly important in life. I am all in for this Lent Challenge! Are you?
Have Blessed Week
Wendy Elliott, Ministry Assistant
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Be sure to read all the way to the end of this newsletter for information on:
- being a disciple in our communities;
- giving financially to God through Hope Church;
- connecting with United Methodists across the state, nation, and globe;
- prayers and praises;
- and upcoming birthdays and anniversaries.
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Each week the box below will include suggested readings and/or podcasts. I encourage you to use them as conversation starters, for individual reflection, and/or as the basis for a small group Bible study. -Pastor Kim
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MIConnect for February 23, 2022
Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church News & Information
https://tinyurl.com/MI-Connect-02-23-2022
MIConnect for March 2, 2022
Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church News & Information
https://tinyurl.com/MI-Connect-03-02-2022
MIFaith for February 25, 2022
MIfaith is a weekly e-publication of the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church.
https://tinyurl.com/MIFaith-02-25-2022
MIFaith for March 4, 2022
MIfaith is a weekly e-publication of the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church.
https://tinyurl.com/MIFaith-03-04-2022
The Chosen
Catch up on Season 1 and join us for Season 2 discussion groups in the fall!
https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen
The Good News Gang
Pastor Kim and/or her gang of pastor friends record weekly video podcasts where they discuss hot topics, cool topics, and everything in between. Tune in at the YouTube link below and be sure to subscribe while you're there!
The link to all of the episodes:
https://tinyurl.com/Good-News-Gang
YouTube Playlists
Pastor Kim is again curating playlists and will house them on Hope's YouTube channel. To see what songs are hitting her in the feels this week check out our YouTube channel and be sure to SUBSCRIBE while you're there!
https://tinyurl.com/Ash-Wednesday-Service-3-2-22
https://tinyurl.com/Pastor-Kim-Playlist-02-27-2022
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday March 8 (and every Tuesday): Community Meal at Green Street Church at 5pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with others in the community for a meal and short worship. Each week's menu items are typically posted by early afternoon in the calendar entry on Hope's calendar. You can access the calendar here:
https://tinyurl.com/Hope-Calendar
Friday March 18: LENTEN FISH DINNER - Let Them Eat Fish (and Chicken!)
Fish and Chips (and Chicken) Dinner at 5pm at Green Street Church.
There will be no set charge for this delicious meal but donations will be encouraged and accepted to support the Barry County Serenity Club. This event is sponsored by the Green Street Men's Club.
Friday April 15: Good Friday Service at Green Street Church At 7pm.
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LENT
Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is 46 days before Easter Sunday. Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The 40- day period represents Christ's time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him. Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ's life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection.
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Join the Lenten Challenge!
What 'extra' will you release each day between now and Easter?
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Let’s Do Life Together!
Pastor Kim is encouraging everyone to join a small group! In small groups, we form friendships with one another, grow in faith, offer support and encouragement, and have fun! Join a small group today!
We will be forming groups in the fall to discuss the Season 2 episodes!
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MARCH OFFICE HOURS
Wendy
Fridays 9am-3pm (working from home if driving conditions dictate)
Pastor Kim
Fridays (except 3/11) 1pm-4pm
Other days/ times by appointment
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WAYS TO BE A DISCIPLE THIS MONTH
Donate to the HAND 2 HAND collection for the benefit of Hastings area students
We are currently providing weekend food bags for 37 students at Northeastern Elementary and one student at Hastings High School.
Following is a list of kid friendly foods that are particularly needed:
shelf stable milk, canned chicken and tuna, and peanut butter.
March needs: Slim Jims, Snack Pack Pudding, Yoohoo shelf-stable chocolate milk, and Syrup (8oz).
Questions? Please email: Andi Schmidt : andijene@yahoo.com
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Thank you for joining in God's work through Hope Church by your faithful giving!
Gifts to this work may be made three ways:
1) in person on Sunday mornings (box in back of seating area)
2) checks may be mailed to:
Hope Church PO Box 410 Hastings MI 49058
3) electronically - https://hastingshopeumc.org/ (Online Giving tab)
THANK YOU!!
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Note that we're now including requests from beyond our congregation.
Please pray for…
...Ukraine
..Josh Boulter (chemo treatments)
...Sheila & Frank Purdy and parents (Dad John recent heart surgery)
...those grieving the death of loved ones (Piersons, Stantons, Stapors)
...Norm Stanton & caregivers
...those battling COVID and other maladies
...Joan Potter (health/ treatment)
...Gene Bushey (health) Margo & Rich (strength in the caregiving)
...Helen Vaught (health)
...Michelle Parker (healing after surgery)
...the Family & Friends of Ron Miller (died 3/2/22 - Carolyn Wilder's brother)
https://www.girrbachfuneralhome.net/obituary/ronald-miller
Ron Miller Service Information: Sunday, March 6 at Girrbach's Funeral Home: 1-3pm Visitation; 3pm Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
PRAISES:
*Births! Anniversaries of births and weddings!
*Pregnancies!
*Clarks' nephew's successful surgery (continued prayers for pain management & healing)
*Helen Vaught's brother is home and doing better!
*Osterinks' new grandchild!
Please continue to pray for:
Government Leaders ~ Missionaries ~ Churches & leaders ~ Hope Church ~ Those dealing with: surgeries ~ illness ~ grief ~ uncertainty ~ financial stress ~ poor physical, spiritual, and/or mental health, all the issues related to COVID19 and that the virus is brought under control
Our Faith Promise Missionaries:
David & Sheryl Olmedo - Spain
The Smith Family - Spain
Joel & Ana Schrader - CRU @ University of Illinois
Don & Marla Bettinger - Taiwan
Denny Brogan - InterVarsity @ Hillsdale College & beyond
Our Local Missions:
Family Promise of Barry County
Families ~ Volunteers ~ Staff ~ Program
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-14,17 (NRSV)
Pray without ceasing!
** If you have something you’d like us to add to our praise and prayer list, please contact Pastor Kim at hastingshopeumc@gmail.com (269) 223-9944**
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Hope Church has supported five missionary families through our FAITH PROMISE giving for many years. Any monies received by the church that indicate they are for FAITH PROMISE are sent to our supported missionaries monthly. On behalf of our missionaries we thank you for continuing to give to FAITH PROMISE!
In addition to the FAITH PROMISE missionaries, we support a young woman, Faustine (Ghana), through World Vision and a child, Chandu (India), through Child Fund. Donations to these missions should be noted as World Vision or Child Fund on the offering envelope or on the “other” line when giving electronically.
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