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,
Hope's property process is moving forward. After two years of discernment, research and conversation; after a congregational vote with strong support for moving ahead; after nearly one year of negotiating, Hope and the developer CA Ventures have reached agreeable terms and signed a Letter of Intent (LOI). CA has agreed to Hope's request for a larger church building, ample outdoor green space, environmentally friendly practices, and reimbursing some legal fees (even before a final sale), along with many other favorable parameters. This is good news and cause for celebration. Thanks be to God!
Still, this signed LOI-paperwork isn't entirely legally binding. Now Hope and CA are working on a Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA), which is legally binding. We will keep you posted as more develops, likely in the coming weeks and months.
Thank you to all the people and teams that have led Hope this far: All Congregation Councils starting in 2020 (with presidents Addie, Jeff, and JT), the Property Steering Committee (2021), the Space Study team (2022) and Negotiating Team (2022, 2023).
We continue to pray together, as we work and wait:
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the endings, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils and joys unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Peace of Christ,
Pastor Julie
Seeking Volunteers Supporting Holy Week services and events
Hope's Holy Week schedule is below. It takes many staff and volunteers to share this faith story. If you are able to volunteer, reach out to Pastor Julie (or just bring things to Hope). Here are some of the needs:
Read aloud in worship: We're seeking extra readers for Palm/Passion Sunday, April 2 at 10:30am and Good Friday, April 7 at 7:30pm, both in person at Hope.
Donate treats for the Egg Hunt: We're seeking food and non-food treats to put in eggs for children and hide around the yard. In the past, stickers, fake tattoos, ink stamps, tiny bubbles, and musical shakers have been popular. Bring things to Hope and put in a box in the entryway.
Help set up (especially for breakfast): Saturday April 8, 2-4pm we'll be decorating and setting up for Easter at Hope. Sunday morning, before 9am breakfast we're also seeking people to come early and start the coffee pot.
Still Supporting a Refugee Family give through Hope, online or by check
In 2021 Hope helped welcome an Afghan refugee family of 12 to the area. Since the initial months of settling in and getting established, members of the family have gotten jobs, started attending school, and connected to the wider community. Hope still hears from the family occasionally. Recently, Mary B was able to deliver several donated bikes to the family, just in time for spring riding.
The family has recently had to buy new tires and a mattress. Hope has received some donations to help with these costs, but is still seeking $415 more. If you would like to donate to support this family, you may give to Hope online or by check, designating "Local Refugee Resettlement."
Hope has a Penpal - Jimmy send a postcard Sunday after worship
Sunday March 19 and 26
A few months ago, Hope received a letter from a man named Jimmy. He is incarcerated, has been for years, and was reaching out for connection. A group from Hope replied to this letter, and very quickly, Jimmy wrote back. He shares how lonely life in prison can be. He shares how much it means to hear his name called aloud at mail time. So a small group from Hope has proposed that we send him a lot of cards and letters.
Sunday March 19 and 26, look for a table at Hope. There will be cards and postcards ready to go. Write a short note to Jimmy, maybe sharing a favorite bible verse or story of daily life. Hope will address, stamp and send these letters over the coming weeks.
Jesus instructs us to visit those in prison. With current regulations, most of us can never physically visit. But we can share some of God's care.
Joyful news from Alex and Bonnie baby expected in June
In June this year, Bonnie and Alex expect to welcome a baby girl into their family. We pray for a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and so much love for this growing family.
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."
This concert will be streamed with Hope's worship link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84055997546?pwd=SHdHTVFjalZpbjFmc0FaTzNKNVZjdz09
Meeting ID: 840 5599 7546
Passcode: 112233
Mar Lu Ridge Day Sunday April 16, 1-4pm, near Fredrick MD mar-lu-ridge.org
In a few weeks, Mar-Lu-Ridge is hosting Camp Day. This FREE event at our closest Lutheran summer camp is a great opportunity to visit Mar-Lu-Ridge and enjoy the views, meet the staff, make crafts, and try out the archery range.
Snacks will be available. If you have never been to Mar-Lu-Ridge, or if it’s been a while, they hope you’ll plan to join for the afternoon! No RSVP is needed, come join the fun!
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
Saturday March 25, morning, Living Water worships at Hope
Sunday March 26, 10:30am Sunday Worship in person and by zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84055997546?pwd=SHdHTVFjalZpbjFmc0FaTzNKNVZjdz09
Meeting ID: 840 5599 7546
Passcode: 112233
New: Sunday March 26, after worship Send a letter to Hope's penpal Jimmy B
Sunday March 26, 5-7pm, Humble Walk meal and worship for students only, at Hope
Wednesday March 29, 7:30pm, Turkish Earthquake Relief Concert at Hope, organized by Zeynep D
Streamed with Hope's worship link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84055997546?pwd=SHdHTVFjalZpbjFmc0FaTzNKNVZjdz09
Meeting ID: 840 5599 7546
Passcode: 112233
Sunday April 2, 10:30am, Palm Sunday worship at Hope in person and online as usual
Tuesday April 4, noon-1pm, Connections with Hope Topic Sabbath 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
New: Sunday April 16, 10:30am Sunday Worship Hope worship will be mask-optional; masks still encouraged
if you are sick or have been recently exposed to someone who is, please stay home
New: Sunday April 16, 1-4pm Camp Day at Mar Lu Ridge enjoy fun activities about an hour away
New: Thursday, April 20, Alex's Doctoral Recital
8:00pm at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at UMD
(Community Dinner at 6:30pm at Le Fantome in Riverdale)
New: Thursday, May 18, Bishop Leila Ortiz leads Town Hall
for Metro DC Synod Community
7:00pm on zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2408630251?pwd=bnhHOThrSmppbTY5MGYxc2tXSFkvZz09
Meeting ID: 240 863 0251
Passcode: 4005
New: Saturday, June 3, Metro DC Synod Assembly Pastor Julie, Lauren M, and JT R attend on behalf of Hope
