or call in: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID : 840 5599 7546
password 112233
5-7pm - Humble Walk student meal and worship
Dear People of Hope,
Our Metro DC Bishop Leila Ortiz recently traveled to the Holy Land. She's sharing photos and reflections throughout Lent. You can read them all on the synod's blog here:
https://metrodcelca.org/lent3/?fbclid=IwAR1sN38ujtFKlo2P-h3zPO9yAGrrOBqh1lPgn-87jBvu4_GaDloXCmyVdTQ
Or read this week's writing here:
----
Before we were to witness history in the making during the ordination of the first Palestinian woman ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, now Rev. Sally Azar, we sat with the first woman General Secretary of The Lutheran World Federation, Dr. Anne Burghardt. She reflected upon the work of this small Lutheran church in the Holy Land and how significant its presence is to the land of the living stones. Dr. Burghardt noted, “It’s not always the numbers that matter. What matters is the impact.”
In this season of Lent, I’m certain many of us are looking into our pews, hearts, and/or our daily lives and are praying for more. If you’re a deacon or pastor, you may be praying for more people, more families, more resources… If you’re a lay leader living out your vocation in the world, you may be praying for more certainty, health, ability, support…
We’re all praying for something more; more of the thing that is evidently lacking or not as prevalent as it once was. I dare say some of us may even be praying for more confidence and faith in the One who promises to provide and never leave our side. If this rings true for you, consider Dr. Burghardt’s insight. We may be in a season of highlighting the “half-empty” perspective of our lives and ministries and haven’t given ourselves the opportunity to change the vantage point and notice the fullness and possibilities of impact with less.
Here’s what I’ve learned and would like to share with you; God is active even, and especially, as we journey toward the cross; even as we experience pruning as loss and grieve what once was. It’s in this season that Jesus opens our eyes to what truly matters: not numbers, but impact; not just resources, but relationships, not certainty, but faith. It’s in this season that the Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers us for the inevitable impact of Her move in and through us. Yes, us. You and me; the ones also called to make history and have a significant presence among the living: the ones called to live and serve for such a time as this- of all times.
Once more I pray, may we grant ourselves permission to grieve unapologetically while we also believe God’s promises and boldly trust in God’s company along the way… with God’s help and in Jesus’ name. Amen.
En Cristo,
Bp. Leila
movies@hope presents "Three Minutes - A Lengthening" Friday March 10, 7:30pm at Hope
This Friday, movies@hope returns from a long hiatus with the recent documentary, Three Minutes - A Lengthening. In 1938, an American immigrant returned to his hometown in Poland with a home movie camera and shot a 3 minute snippet of 16mm film. Discovered decades later by his grandson, David Kurtz, this haunting glimpse into the lives of the unsuspecting Jewish citizens of the village at the precipice of World War II led Kurtz on an emotionally charged journey to uncover the fate of the town and its people. Join your friends and neighbors for the film and discussion afterwards!
The film will be shown at the church only; there will be no Zoom link. Masks are optional for this in-person showing and refreshments may be offered. Please contact Paul T know with any questions!
Hope to see you then, and invite a friend or neighbor! And, if you belong to a neighborhood listserv, please circulate the flyer to your email list. It's through efforts like these we've been able to get the word out to an ever-wider community.
Alex plays Brahms for his final dissertation recital Thursday, March 16, at 8pm, on campus
Hope's beloved musician, Alex, will perform for his final doctoral dissertation recital on March 16. This will include music from Brahms and a time of Alex discussing his written dissertation. This event is free and no tickets are required; just come to The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Glidenhorn Hall. We join Alex in prayer for his continued success.
Want to have dinner before the concert? Join others at Le Fantome in Riverdale Park (near Whole Foods) at 6:30pm., https://lefantomefoodhall.com/
Turkish Earthquake Relief Concert Wednesday March 29, 7:30pm at Hope
Join Hope and the wider community for an evening of music to support the millions of people affected by the February earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Zeynep D organizes this effort and will provide an hour of music. Everyone is invited to attend and to invite friends and neighbors. Donations will be split between Lutheran Disaster Response and Ahbap, a Turkish Organization (https://ahbap.org/disasters-turkey) that Zeynep has found reputable.
Can't attend in person or can't wait to donate - you may give to Hope anytime and designate "earthquake relief."
Holy Week at Hope Sunday April 2 through April 9
Holy Week tells the central story of our faith and we have extra opportunities to gather for worship, prayer and community. Join any or all of these services:
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 2
10:30am Worship at Hope includes celebratory palms and the passion reading. In person and online as usual.
Maundy Thursday, April 6
7:00pm Worship with our partners at St John Lutheran Church, 5820 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale Maryland 20737.
St John zoom info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82987643073
Meeting ID: 829 8764 3073. Pastor Jeff Wilson and the congregation will host a service including individual laying on of hands and absolution, hand washing (in lieu of foot washing), and holy communion. (note: this is a change from Hope's earlier plan for a zoom only dinner worship)
Good Friday, April 7
7:30pm Worship with Scripture, Music and Poetry, in person at Hope and on zoom Same Hope worship link as usual.
Holy Saturday, April 8
2-4pm clean and decorate the church
Easter Sunday, April 9
9:30am Easter Potluck Breakfast at Hope Bring food to share if you are able. Or just come, there is always enough food.
10:30am Celebratory Worship in person and by zoom as usual Same worship link as usual.
11:45am Children’s Egg Hunt at Hope Volunteers will prepare food and non-food eggs for all our kids.
Calendar and Links
Friday March 10, 7:30pm, movies@hope presents Three Minutes a Lengthening in person, at Hope, masks optional
Saturday March 11, morning, Living Water worships at Hope
Sunday March 12, 10:30am Sunday Worship in person and by zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84055997546?pwd=SHdHTVFjalZpbjFmc0FaTzNKNVZjdz09
Meeting ID: 840 5599 7546
Passcode: 112233
Sunday March 12, 5-7pm, Humble Walk meal and worship for students only, at Hope
Wednesday March 15, 7:30pm, Hope Council Meeting link shared with council
Thursday March 16, 8pm, Alex's Doctoral Piano Recital at The Performing Arts Center on UMD Campus Preceded by community dinner 6:30pm, Le Fantome Food Hall in Riverdale
Sunday March 19, 10:30am Sunday Worship, including individual prayers for healing in person and by zoom
Tuesday March 21, noon-3pm, serve lunch at PG Day Center contact Joan A to volunteer
Wednesday March 29, 7:30pm, Turkish Earthquake Relief Concert at Hope, organized by Zeynep D
Sunday April 2, 10:30am, Palm Sunday worship at Hope in person an online as usual
Tuesday April 4, noon-1pm, Connections with Hope Topic TBD https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87299067488?pwd=bVg3ZUp4SG1PcEFxM3IzOG5jQkx1dz09
Thursday April 6, 7pm, Maundy Thursday Worship at St John Lutheran Church in Riverdale
5820 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale MD 20737
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82987643073
Meeting ID: 829 8764 3073.
Friday April 7, 7:300m, Good Friday worship at Hope a service of music, scripture and poetry
same Hope zoom link as usual
Sunday, April 9, Easter Sunday
9:30am Easter Potluck Breakfast at Hope
10:30am Celebratory Worship in person and by zoom as usual
11:45am Children’s Egg Hunt at Hope
