11am-1pm - Living Water SDA Worships in person at Hope
Sunday
9:15 - Choir Rehearsal
10:15am - Doors and Zoom Open for Community
10:30am - First Sunday of Advent Worship
in person and on Zoom
Zoom info
online here: https://zoom.us/j/338100220
or call in: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID : 338 100 220
password 214341
1pm - Matthew and Aaron's wedding
Dear People of Hope,
Christian mystic Meister Eckhart is remembered to say:
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is "Thank you" it will be enough.
Contemporary writer and Christian, Ann Lamott says:
Here are the two best prayers I know: 'Help me, help me, help me' and 'Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Of course Thanksgiving is not a church holiday, and it has a pretty sticky origin story, but the celebrations this week can point us towards gratitude to God.
Peace of Christ be with you all,
Pastor Julie
Advent at Hope November 27 and beyond
Here is some of what's happening around Hope for Advent this year:
Wednesday night zoom prayer with St Andrew's Episcopal Church Wednesdays November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 8pm
more information forthcoming
Wednesday night Taize worship with Humble Walk Wednesday November 30, 8:30pm at UMD Chapel
Wednesday December 14, 8:30pm location TBD
Advent Petting Zoo for children, families and everyone Saturday December 10, noon-2pm
with a mini-Christmas service at 1pm
Christmas Decorating Sunday December 18
Stay after morning worship to decorate the church for the coming celebrations.
Christmas Eve worship Saturday December 24
[tentative 5pm family-friendly service]
7:30pm with candles and holy communion
Christmas Day Worship Sunday December 25
Hope doesn't generally have a Christmas Day service, but we DO have Sunday services. This year is a special treat with Christmas Day falling on a Sunday
New Year's Day Zoom Only Worship Sunday January 1, 10:30am
Stay home, maybe in your pajamas or with coffee. We'll all worship online this morning, giving us the rare chance to be one community, all seeing each other on screen (rather than partially in person and partially online).
Aaron and Matthew are getting Married THIS Sunday November 27, 1pm at Hope
Matthew and Aaron will be married at Hope on November 27, 2022. They are so excited to be married in this church that they consider home. They ask for your prayers and support as they take this step together. And the whole congregation is invited to the 1pm ceremony, no RSVP required.
Share Your Input: ELCA Social Message now through December 2
A draft of the social message "Earth's Climate Crisis" is now posted for public comment! Feedback of this kind helps the drafters know how the document could be more clear, helpful and faithfully Lutheran. Please read the social message draft and use this survey to share your input by Friday, Dec. 2.
Questions or longer responses can be emailed to draftsocialmessage@elca.org.
Hope is Hiring starting now!
Hope's wonderful Administrative Assistant, Beth, has to resign from the position due to family needs. We are grateful for Beth's 5+ years of faithful service and we pray for her transition. Hope is now seeking a new Administrative Assistant. Find the job description on Hope's website and share it with any people or networks who might be interested.
Hope's Fall Financial Giving
Each fall at Hope there is a special opportunity to donate to local, regional and international organizations. Local donations will be given to the PG County Plaza Day Center/Congregations United for Compassion and Empowerment (CUCE), regional donations to the Lutheran Immigration/Refugee Services and international donations to the Lutheran World Relief/Middle East Fund.
When you give, please specify which organization you would like your donation to be sent to; unspecified donations will be divided equally between the three. Checks may be placed in the offering basket or mailed in. You may also give online through our regular online giving link.
Thank you in advance for sharing your blessings!
Child Care during worship begins! now and ongoing
Families now have the option for childcare during worship. On Sundays, in the student lounge where children can participate in activities with the cleared/trained staff in the lounge.
Children also continue to be welcome in morning services, and welcome to be fully themselves.
Congregational Meeting
Sunday December 4, 1:30pm by zoom
Join others for Hope’s fall meeting. We’ll discuss and approve the Mission Spending Plan (budget), elect new council members and financial volunteers, and hear a bit about ministry at Hope. This meeting will be entirely by zoom to allow for wide participation. Watch for a draft budget and more information by snail mail, or simply save the date and join us by zoom:
Lutheran Campus Ministry hosts a Taize worship service on alternating Wednesdays from the now earlier 8:30-9pm, at the Memorial Chapel. (11/30 and 12/14). This worship service is open to all students, alumni, friends, young and old – everyone!!! Parking is free, behind the chapel in Lot Y.
Finals Kits for College Students Collecting treats now through Sunday December 11
Hope is collecting donations for finals kits between now and December 11th. These treats will support UMD students through what is always a stressful time on campus. Best loved treats are: microwave popcorn, individually wrapped tea bags, chewing gum, snack bars (granola/protein/nut), drink packets and cheese or peanut butter crackers. Then stay after worship on Sunday December 11 to pack the kits to give to students.
Thanks Mary C who is coordinating this program!
Alex plays Rachmaninov for his 2nd dissertation recital Thursday, December 8, at 8pm
Hope's beloved musician, Alex, will perform for his second doctoral dissertation recital on December 8. This will include a song cycle with a singer, a piano trio and a piano concerto (performed with his wife, Bonnie). 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.
Updating the Church Directory Send any updates to Beth
Beth is preparing for the annual print/release of the church directory. Please review your information and send her any updates. Send updates by email (office.hopecp@gmail.com), phone (301-927-5508) or leave a note in the office.
Calendar and Links
Saturday November 26, 11am-1pm, Living Water worships at Hope
Saturday November 26, noon game time, football parking at Hope contact Liz to volunteer
Sunday November 27, 10:30am, Hope worship in person and online
Sunday November 27, 1pm, Aaron and Matthew's wedding at Hope
Wednesday November 30, 7:30pm, Hope Council Meeting zoom link shared with council
Wednesday November 30, 8:30-9pm, Taize Worship UMD memorial Chapel
Thursday December 1, 2:30-5pm, CARing Kids After School Program at Hope
Sunday December 4, 1:30pm Hope Congregational Meeting zoom only, link forthcoming
Tuesday December 6, all day, CUCE fundraiser at Franklin's a good excuse to eat out!
Thursday December 8, 8pm, Alex's doctoral recital Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Gildenhorn Hall
Saturday December 10, noon-2pm, Advent Petting Zoo at Hope
Sunday December 11, after worship, pack finals kits for students at Hope
Wednesday December 14, 8:30-9pm, Taize Worship location TBD
Sunday December 18, after worship, decorate for Christmas at Hope
Tuesday December 20, noon-3pm, Hope serves lunch at PG Day Center contact Joan A to volunteer
Saturday December 24, 7:30pm Christmas Eve Worship at Hope
Sunday December 25, 10:30am Christmas Day Sunday Worship online and in person at Hope
Sunday January 1, 10:30am New Year's Day Sunday Worship Zoom only
