HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
HOPE HIGHLIGHTS
JUNE 2015
Issue No. 05-15
PASTOR NIETING’S LAST PAGE
Inside this issue:
Vacation Bible School
2
VOTERS MEETING
2
Volunteer Opportunities
2
Summer Camp
2
Retirement Party
3
Language Classes
3
Summer Sunday School
4
More Opportunities!
4
Leisure Lutherans
4
Youth News
5
Our Confirmands 2015
5
Concert & Sundae Social
6
Social Ministry
6
Treasurer’s Report
6
After 9 years of articles, how do I say “goodbye, thank
you and….remain faithful?” Just like that, I suppose. My
retirement has finally arrived, and with it, the opportunity
to say those things one more time. As I have said earlier,
there have been a lot of “lasts” recently: last chapel service
(May 17), last Bingo at Luther Manor (May 27), last Council meeting (March
10), last sermon (June 7) and many others. I’ve said goodbye to previous ministries, but I was always moving on to other congregations. This time there is a
greater sense of finality about it all, one that is tougher for me to wrap my
arms….and my heart around. And as my dear Pam would tell you, I tend to
“diffuse” my emotions with humor. So….
Did you hear about the pastor who announced he would soon retire? After
worship, an elderly saint approached him with tears in her eyes saying, “Oh
Pastor, I’m sorry you’re leaving. Things will never be the same here again.”
Flattered, the pastor rose to the occasion with the perfect, Godly, pastoral response. He tenderly held her hand and said, “Bless you, dear Myrtle, but I am
sure God will send you a new pastor even better than I.” Myrtle choked back
the tears…..and as she walked away, she could be heard to say, “That’s what
they always say, but it just keeps getting worse!”
While you enjoy that, let me reflect on a few numbers, all of which represent real people who matter to God. While here at Hope, I have had the privilege of welcoming 115 people into God’s family through Holy Baptism, 19
being adults. Given that half of the LCMS congregations don’t baptize one
adult a year, we can all praise God that HOPE is welcoming not just children,
but all ages into the faith!
No matter what our culture says, Christian marriage as God ordained it and
as we define it will always be important. I have had the privilege of joining 41
couples here, with His blessing. Lately it’s been a joy to watch a number of
these couples producing baptisms!
My ministry motto has always been “Helping people get home safely.”
There have been 40 funerals during my tenure here as God continues to call
His people Home. I rejoice that death has not only separated, but RE-UNITED
(Continued on page 5)
Birthdays/Anniversaries
7
Lighting Project Update
7
June Calendar
8
VBS Registration Form
9
Happy Father’s
Day
June 21
1
ANNUAL
VOTERS
MEETING
June 7, 2015 (Sunday)
9:45am
The agenda items are:
2015-2016 Budget Presentation for approval
 2015—2016 Church Council Slate
Presentation for approval
 Call Committee-Presentation for approval
 Change in scope for the Music Coordinator
Ministry Team Lead
 Discussion of the Call Process

Get Ready For a BLAST at
SonSpark Labs!
VBS June 22-26
9am-Noon
God’s Plan 4 U = Jesus!
By: Carolyn Powell
HOPE SUMMER
CAMP 2015
By: Jennifer Rauch
It’s time for Hope’s Summer
Camp! It will be from June 22
thru Aug. 21 for ages 2½ to 10!
Weekly themes include America the Beautiful,
Aloha, The Artic, Pyramids & Pharaohs, Deep in the
Jungle, The High Seas, Wild Weather, Back to School
with Dr. Suess. Also, there will be weekly sports class
with STARZ. Sign up for one week or the whole summer. For more info, contact Jennifer Rauch (424-4894
or [email protected]).
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
By: Martha West
There are volunteer opportunities
in the church office you may be interested in on a temporary or a long term basis. Come on Friday mornings
about 9:15am each week and help the bulletin folding
crew prepare the Sunday worship bulletins. This takes
about 1 hour. Coffee and good conversation provided!
Smiling phone voices are needed on Tuesday
mornings. This volunteer answers phones and greets
guests during staff meetings from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Each volunteer works as little or as much as they like.
Coffee provided.
For more info, contact Martha: (424-4848 or
[email protected] )
2
At our amazing SonSpark Labs, children will
explore God’s life changing plan for them as they
find out the answers to life’s most important questions. They will discover that God loves them and
through Jesus they can be members of God’s family
and personally experience God’s plan for each of
us. There will be 5 sessions during the week:
Session 1 God’s Plan: 2 MAKE US!
Session 2 God’s Plan: 2 BE WITH US!
Session 3 God’s Plan: 4 US 2 KNOW HIM!
Session 4 God’s Plan: 2 SAVE US!
Session 5 God’s Plan: 2 LOVE US 4 - EVER!
At SonSpark Labs, all of our
friends will enjoy great Skits and Music by Captive Free!! Kids will be invited to visit each day in the following
centers: Great Bible Stories, Yummy
Snacks, Fun Games, Awesome Crafts, and this
year , we are featuring our COOL Science Lab. Our
VBS is designed for children who will be at least 4
years of age or will have finished 5th grade by
June 30. Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to be
guides and assistants! Registration begins after
Easter Sunday.
Call the church office @ 424-4848 or the
school office @ 424-4894 to find out more info.
Registration Form is included in this newsletter. We will also send a form home
with all the children from our Sunday
School and Day School, too!
See you in the science lab!!
INVITATION TO PASTOR NIETING’S RETIREMENT PARTY
All are warmly invited to a picnic-style luncheon in the fellowship hall following our worship
service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 14 for Pastor Nieting's retirement.
Please join us as we celebrate Pastor Nieting's 30 years of ministry.
Please note that there will be only ONE worship service at 10:30am.
3
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
May 31-August 30
9:45-10:45am
By: Carolyn Powell, Director of Children’s Ministries
Our Summer Sunday School schedule for the kids will be very relaxed. We
will meet in the Kids Kingdom from 9:45 – 10:45am. Please dress your child in
play clothes, as each week we will enjoy a Bible story, followed by outside time
on the playground! Occasionally, we will enjoy a craft activity! Children, ages 4 years–those who have completed 4th grade are invited to join this summer group. Children, ages 2 and 3 years, meet in the nursery. Kids
who have completed 5th grade move up to join the Youth Group, as they get ready to start Confirmation I classes in the fall. Summer classes will meet every week from May 31-August 30 for children, youth and
adults. Whenever there is an exception, you will be notified in advance.
Steve and I will take the responsibility of providing a fun Sunday morning experience
for the kids during the summer months. We believe the regular teaching staff needs time
to be in Bible studies with the other adults from our congregation. However, we could use
a break now and again to be free from responsibility as well, so I will have a sign-up sheet
available each week. In order to keep the summer running smoothly, adult volunteers will
be needed, so I am asking parents to consider taking a turn this year. It is so easy and very
rewarding! Your child will love having you as the teacher for the day!
SUNDAY MORNING
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR PASTOR’S
RETIREMENT PARTY
By: Dawn Oswald
We are still looking for the following help for Pastor Nieting’s retirement party:
 Ted would like more kitchen help
on Saturday, June 13
 Volunteers needed to help with
cleanup after the luncheon on June
14.
 We still need a lot more pictures
for the slideshow! Please check
your albums, etc. for photos that
include Pastor Nieting performing
or assisting in an event. Please
send them to Shawn White
([email protected]). He
needs them in digital form (JPEG).
Jim Hoeft or the church office can
scan regular pictures into that format, if needed.
If you can help with any of the
above, please contact Dawn Oswald
at [email protected] or 233-2506.
Desperately need some help to serve Tasty Fellowship on Sunday mornings. Please see Rex Bayman or Dawn Oswald for details. We are very shorthanded and any help would be greatly appreciated.
By: Carroll Bains & Linda Chappell
On Monday, May 18, twenty-four Leisure Lutherans met for lunch at Waterman's Restaurant (Atlantic Avenue location
at the Beach)! What a great variety of delicious seafood entrees were served up! We
highly recommend the place for its congenial and prompt service and
excellent food quality. We enjoyed some fine fellowship and conversations, as well as the pleasure of the company of Mal and Nancy
O'Neal's daughter, Jennifer, and her handsome 4 month old son,
Reed. Sorta changed the relative average age of our group for the day!
Our June and final luncheon for the spring season will be held at
El Camino Restaurant, June 15, at 11:30am. It is located next to
Walgreens on the corner of Kempsville and Indian River Roads. A
word to the wise, if you pick up a business card from them, you will
receive a discount on your luncheon! Looking forward to seeing each
of you at the luncheon.
One serious piece of business for this last meeting is to choose a
replacement Treasurer for the group, as Paul Johnson has expressed a
desire to take a rest from that job. Volunteers are solicited. We are also inviting any senior in the congregation, who has not tried out our
company to come to this meeting and meal--you may want to join in
full time, come September!
4
Youth Group News
By: Linda Muth
Summer Sunday school has started. Our high schoolers will meet in the TRUTH room at the end of the
green hallway. Our middle schoolers (including rising 6th graders) will meet in the Loft (up the stairs by green
hallway). Our summer classes are very discussion based and really help our youth to get to know each other
and their teachers in a way that will build friendships within the group while exploring their faith and how
God intersects into their lives. When you’re in town, please make a commitment not to take a “vacation” from
Sunday school!
TRUTH (including our new freshman!) will be having a fun day at Northwest River Park in Chesapeake
on Saturday, June 27. Meet at Hope at 2:30 and return at 8:00 (or you can meet at the NW River Park at 3:00).
Join us for water games, hiking, picnic and just a great day to hang out. Bring a friend!
After late service on June 28, BODY will hold a swim party to welcome our new 6 th graders to Youth
Group. We will meet at the Dyers’ house (5444 Todd St., VB, just down from church) at 12:30pm and end at
4pm. Bring a drink or dessert to share. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. In case of rain, we will
have a game day in the Loft.
Our May car wash was a huge success! Thanks to all who came. Our next one is scheduled for July 11. We are already gearing up for next summer’s National Youth Gathering!
Grab your tents and sleeping bags for the TRUTH camping trip July 24-26 to James River
State Park. We will leave Friday morning and return Sunday afternoon. The cost will be $40.
Sign up soon in the TRUTH room.
Activities at a Glance
May 31 Summer Sunday school begins (Everyone)
June 27 Day at NW River Park (TRUTH)
June 28 Swim party (BODY)
July 11
Car Wash (TRUTH)
July 24-26 Camping (TRUTH)
Congratulations
to our
Confirmands of 2015
Alea Barry
Milena Brown
Christian Eid
Douglas Flora
Lauren Hughes
Andrew Kumley
James Lee, V
Gracey Motley
Justin Spurlock
(Continued from page 1-Pastor Nieting’s Last Page)
three Hope couples at Jesus’ feet: Bill and Sandy Lee, Tom and Jeanette
Brown, and Dave and Millie Sullivan.
I also rejoice that we have been able to construct a wonderful Columbarium to better serve our church family. Daniel Shahayda, who went home at
age 15, occupies the very center of the cross there, and was the youngest
member I buried.
There have been a number of other highlights I will always remember,
foremost being our work with the Laborers for Christ as we greatly expanded our facilities for ministry. The lunch bell they used to ring should remain
in our “archives” for perpetuity, as they called together all the faithful volunteer church members for over a year. Our school, formerly morning only,
now is able to serve working parents with all-day care. And who could forget our year-long walk through the Bible through The Story! Your strong
commitment to adult classes on Sunday morning is a true blessing to us all.
I continue to be impressed by the young families, military and not, who
come to Hope and jump right in! Young and old alike, I thank God for each
person at Hope who uses their time, talent and treasure to make this a special place. It’s up to you to keep it this way.
Dear friends, we have shared a lot of our life stories and experiences
over the past nine years. I have been honored and humbled. I have been
blessed by the best, as my neighbor says, and I thank God for you. Now it
is time to say the last six things we all need to hear: I love you. Thank you.
I’m sorry. I forgive you. Goodbye. See you around the throne of Christ!
5
CONCERT AT HOPE—June 7 @ 6pm
By: Matthew Chadwick
Join us for an inspiring evening of great music—a Gospel Concert by the PromisedLand Quartet. The concert is Sunday, June 7, at 6pm. No tickets required. Freewill offering only. After the concert, enjoy a Sunday Sundae! Bring your favorite
topping to share. Ice cream will be provided.
Formed in January 2000, the PromisedLand
Quartet has enjoyed radio and chart success with
songs like: Brand New Heart, In the Morning,
Crown Him King, God’s Word Will Stand and
Carved in Stone. In 2008 PromisedLand was honored with a Dove Award consideration in the category of Southern Gospel album of the year for their
project entitled "Carved in Stone". Most recently
the group has appeared on Christian TV via the
Daystar Network NRB Network, World Harvest,
and Gospel Music Television, making multiple appearances on “Great American Gospel” and “Great
American Gospel Onstage”.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Total Income:
Total Expense:
Income Less Expense:
SOCIAL MINISTRY
By: Colleen Riley
As our Food Pantry continues, the need to provide
food is ever increasing. Many pantries in the area are
closed or work on reduced hors. Thanks to the support
of all of you we are able to remain open and NEVER
have had turn anyone away!
Currently, the pantry needs are:
Peanut butter & jelly
Box dinners
Can dinners
Can meats
Can veggies
Pasta & pasta sauce
Cereal
Pancake mix & syrup
Donations can be left in the big yellow wagon in
the narthex. We accept monetary donations as well.
Please make a note on your check: For Food Pantry.
Any monetary donations need to be left in the church
office. Thank you!
(April of Fiscal Year 2014-2015)
By: Linda Taylor
Actual
Year-to-Date Actual
$82,896.89
$759,389.76
-72,305.12
-719,274.12
$10,591.77
$ 40,115.64
For a more complete Financial Report, please pick up a copy in the church office.
6
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
Articles for the July issue of Highlights are due Sunday, June 21. Email: [email protected]
or leave a copy in Martha’s box in
the office.
June Birthdays
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
15
18
20
21
22
23
Delaney Anderson
David Kern
Chris Knoepfel
Nicole Jakimjuk
Leo Wiltshire
Michael Mallett
Matthew Chadwick
Stephanie Plummer
Paula Sexton
Hanna Vess
Michael Ziegler
Jean Harleman
Larry Larkin
Miriam Larkin
Krista Walz
Lake Gobble
Britta Rinehard
William Logan
Bob Brauer
Stephanie Hoppe
Evan Sweet
Christian Kaczmarek
Tom Knoepfel
Steven Stancy
Allen Sokolik
Michelle Walz
Dick Chipchak
Michaela Elmore
Madison Butler
Nancy Harrell
Lauren Hughes
Marlee Rauch
Jeff Vargas
Alexandra Harrell
Jack Hughes
Jennifer Schmidt
JoAnn Blaser
Ernie Hernandez
Mary Gebhardt
Nancy Monger
Suzanne Lung
Betty Leal
Susan Wydler
Tara Young
24 Doug Dugroo
25 David Hoppe
Emily Hughes
26 Anthony Doherty
Logan Holien
Kristen Johnson
27 Spencer Werner
29 Alexander Jakimjuk
Karyn Stancy
30 Nathaniel Brown
LIGHTING
PROJECT
By: Ken Carter,
Property Chair
ANNIVERSARIES
1
2
3
4
6
7
9
11
12
15
16
17
19
22
24
25
27
28
29
30
Thank you to
all who donated blood at our
last Red Cross
Blood Drive on May 20. We ended up with 24 units!
Rex & Sandra Bayman
Pastor Mark & Pam Nieting
Shawn & Sarah White
Mike & Christina Davis
Tom & Jean Harleman
Zachary & Emily Johnson
Rick & Linda Muth
Fred & Sharon Small
Ken & Tamy Carter
Carl & Marjorie Mallett
Rollie & Sally Soderholm
Jim & Karen Bleam
Rob & Rachael Dean
Rod & Paula Friedmann
Greg & Janet Swenson
Vince & Amy Riccio
Tim & Theresa Meinhardt
Bill & Sue Cashman
Carroll & Charlotte Bains
Dick & Holly Chipchak
Gus & Jean Hauser
Matthew & Nina Chadwick
Kenneth & Suzanne Lung
Stephen & Carri Folwaczny
Bob & Rivers Brauer
Justin & Natali Shultz
Casey & Sarah Smith
Jeff & Wendy Vargas
Ed & Claire Klavenski
Pete & Lynda Saia
Steve & Jodi Wroblewski
7
Hope Lutheran
Church Lighting project has been moving
forward in putting
new parking lot
lights, entrance bollard lights and other infrastructure lighting
and receptacles. The project is approximately 80% complete with the completion expected around the end of June. So far the
men of Hope have laid all the required outside conduit, completed the light pole foundations and the bollard lights foundations,
replaced the sidewalk that was removed for
construction and have setup a patio by the
kitchen for an outside grill.
This project will provide a well-lit parking lot, along with keeping receptacles for
RVs, adding receptacles for the youth car
wash services, keeping the lighting for the
Memorial Garden lights along with their
sprinkler system and will also add power to
the new shed for lighting and receptacles.
Along with these services it will bring our
property up to city codes with the removal of
the outside lighting panel, removal of the
overhanging electric cables (also provides
safety to the playground) and centralizing all
of the outside lights and receptacles to a new
designated lighting panel which will be located in the auxiliary food pantry storage
room.
If your birthday/anniversary is missing or
incorrect, contact Martha at:
424-4848 or [email protected]
Hope Lutheran Church
Vacation Bible School Registration
June 22-26, 2015
Ages 4 years thru rising 6th graders
9am to 12noon
Please complete one form per child.
PLEASE PRINT.
Thank you!
Last Name_____________________________________ First Name_________________________________
Age ________ Date of Birth: Month _________________________ Day __________________ Year _______
Child’s Grade (Completed 2015) _______________________________Male _____ Female ______
Child’s Address ________________________________________________________________________________
City / State __________________________________________________ Zip ______________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________________________________________
Phone _________________________________ Cell Phone ____________________________
Persons to be contacted in case of emergency:
1. Name _______________________________ Phone ________________ Relationship to Child: _____________
2. Name _______________________________ Phone ________________ Relationship to Child: _____________
Does your child have any medical condition(s) that we should be aware of? YES
(allergies, medications, etc.) If YES, please explain.
_______________________________________________________
NO
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Siblings who will also attend VBS at Hope ____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
I would like to volunteer to help with ________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have a home church? YES ___ NO___
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………
Cost: $10 per child or $15 for 2 children in the same family, or $20 for 3 or more from the same family.
Paid by: Cash_____________________
Church)
8
Check_______________________
(Payable to Hope Lutheran
9
Hope Summer Camp
8:15am:Worship Service
9:45 Summer Sunday School
11am: Blended Praise Service
with Holy Communion
12:30pm BODY Swim Party
29
28 5thSunday after Pentecost
Articles for July Highlights
are due!
5pm French Language
Class
Hope Summer Camp
(VBS week-special rates)
8:15am: Worship Service-HC
9:45 Summer Sunday School
11am: Worship Service
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
22
VBS
9am to Noon
5pm French Language
Class
11:30 Leisure Lutherans
Luncheon (El Camino)
15
5pm French Language
Class
8
5pm French Language
Class
1 Hope School
MONDAY
21 4th Sunday after Pentecost
10:30am
One Service of
Farewell to
Pastor & Pam Nieting
Luncheon after service
Mite Sunday
14 3rdSunday after Pentecost
6pm Concert & Sundae Social
The Promised Land Quartet
2nd Sunday after Pentecost
8:15am: Worship Service-HC
9:45 Summer Sunday School
9:45am VOTERS MEETING
11am: Blended Praise Service
7
SUNDAY
JUNE 2015
9::30am-Noon Staff
Devotions & Meeting
Hope Summer Camp
30
6pm Arabic Language
Class
Hope Summer Camp
VBS
9am to Noon
23
6pm Arabic Language
Class
9::30am-Noon Staff
Devotions & Meeting
16
6pm Arabic Language
Class
10am Bible Study
VBS
9am to Noon
6:30pm Oasis –Worship &
Bible Study
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
Church & School
Offices closed
Hope Summer Camp
10am Bible Study
July 3
July 2
12:30pm Bulletin Folding
Crew
Hope Summer Camp
VBS
9am to Noon
26
10:30am French Class
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
19
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
12
10:30am French Class
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
(Last Day – No After Care)
5 Hope School
FRIDAY
Hope Summer Camp
6pm French Class
Hope Summer Camp
VBS
9am to Noon
25
6pm French Class
18
7pm Adult Bell Choir
Rehearsal
6pm French Class
11
6pm French Class
6pm Board of Worship
Meeting
4 Hope School
THURSDAY
July 1
5:30pm Arabic Class
6-7:30pm Food Pantry Open
6:30pm Oasis –Worship &
Bible Study
10:30am Luther Manor
Hope Summer Camp
24
6:30pm Oasis –Worship &
Bible Study
5:30pm Arabic Class
10am Bible Study
17
6:30pm Oasis –Worship &
Bible Study
6-7:30pm Food Pantry Open
5:30pm Arabic Class
10
9::30am-Noon Staff
Devotions & Meeting
7:30pm Adult Choir
Rehearsal
5:30pm Arabic Class
6:30pm Oasis –Worship &
Bible Study
Hope School
10am Bible Study
3
WEDNESDAY
9
6pm Arabic Language
Class
6:30pm Council Meeting
9:30am Staff Devotions &
Meeting
2 Hope School
TUESDAY
July 4
2:30pm TRUTH at NW
River Park
10am Arabic Class
10-11:30am Food
Pantry Open
27
10am Arabic Class
20
10am Arabic Class
10-11:30 Food Pantry
Open
13
10am Arabic Class
6
SATURDAY
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-Missouri Synod
5350 Providence Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
HOPE HIGHLIGHTS NEWSLETTER
June 2015
No. 05-15
Published Monthly
Hope Lutheran Church
5350 Providence Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
10