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LOTS OF “LASTS”
M AY 2 0 1 5
HOPE HIGHLIGHTS
From pastor nieting
While I am not expecting to end my working life as Elijah did, as my date of
retirement nears there will be a number of “lasts” in the realm of full-time
ministry. My “last wedding” here at Hope was 2 days after Christmas, when
Tuyet and Michael Dean married. Soon there will be a “last chapel service.” (It’s
hard to believe I started doing school chapels as a student teacher in 1968.) If
you all remain alive and well, I will have had my last funeral here! There are
some “lasts” in which I rather rejoice reaching….the last council meeting, for
instance, or working with budgets. Some things I will miss: my last Wednesday
morning Bible study. Change is a part of life, and retirement certainly brings
change.
However, paraphrasing from a retirement sermon I preached years ago for
Rev. Carl Napier (father of Rev. Paul Napier of our Circuit), one can look at the
word “retire” differently. I can “retire” an automobile by selling it, junking it or
donating it, OR, I can “re-tire” it by taking the tired, worn and weary tires off
and putting on brand new ones. Then the car, all other things being equal, can
run for many more wonderful miles! That, God willing, is what I hope to do in
the years ahead. After a season of rest, relaxation and plenty of fishing, I plan to
make myself available to pastors who “need a break.” Generally I anticipate
helping pastors who serve congregations where there is no one available to fill
their pulpits in their absence. Perhaps they desire to go on a mission trip, an
extended vacation or even a short sabbatical. It will be “have camper--will
travel” for the Nietings. Where will we go? Only God knows right now, and
really, as long as there are people who need to be served and pastors (and their
often long-suffering families) who need a respite, Pam and I will do what we can
to help.
The most common question we’re both asked is “are you going to remain in
the area?” The answer is yes. We love it here. We enjoy the climate and the
proximity to the beach(es). And of course, we have family here. So we’ll keep
calling Chesapeake home. The other question, where will we worship, is more
difficult. In case you have forgotten, as pastors retire in the Southeastern District,
we are required to worship elsewhere for “a season,” at least until the new pastor
(Continued on page 2)
MAY 2015
Issue 04-15
In this issue:
Special points of interest:
Leisure Lutherans
2
Preschool News
4
Youth Group News
5
LWML News
6





Council Request- p. 2
Treasurer’s Report– p. 3
Military Appreciation Day-p. 3
Vacation Bible School-p. 4
Summer Sunday School– p. 6
What is Oasis?
7
Birthdays/Anniversaries
9
 Food Pantry Needs-p. 6
 Southeastern District Convention-p.7
 Hope Summer Camp-p. 8
May Calendar
10

VBS Registration Form– p. 11
REQUEST FROM COUNCIL
By: Dawn Oswald
Search your photos, videos, etc. for anything that includes
Pastor Nieting. Make sure your name is on the back of the photo so it can be returned. You can also e-mail your photos
(JPEG format) by May 24 to Shawn White at:
[email protected].
We would like to include these special memories in a PowerPoint presentation for Pastor’s Retirement dinner in June.
We also need volunteers to stay for clean-up after the dinner which is after late service on June 14. Please see Dawn Oswald for more info or to volunteer.
LEISURE LUTHERANS
By: Carroll Bains & Linda Chappell
Monday, April 20, was a beautiful Virginia Beach Day and
24 Leisure Lutherans came together for a great Greek lunch
and hearty fellowship at Athens Pizza! Pastor Nieting updated
us on happenings at the church, and projects in process for our
congregation. Our Treasurer for the past ten years, Paul Johnson, announced his plan to step down from his position at the
end of June, so we are seeking a volunteer to assume that
job. Any takers? Please contact Martha West at the church office (424-4848).
Our next luncheon is May 18 at
Waterman’s Restaurant (5th Street &
Atlantic Ave., VB) at 11:30am. Please
sign up in the narthex.
June 22 will be our final luncheon
for this season. We will meet at El
Camino Real (near the intersection of Indian River and
Kempsville Roads).
Do you feel like a Senior, and want to gain a closer relationship with your age-related peers in the congregation, come
join us. We have a good time together and gain tremendous
mutual support through our fun, prayer, and fellowship.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
By: Rex Bayman
The following individuals will serve on
Hope’s Nomination Committee:
Pastor Cofer
Rex Bayman
Alison Hernandez
Michael Leveskas
Jennifer Rauch
Anyone interested in any of Hope’s
open (unfilled) Ministry Team Leads or
have recommendations for them, please
contact one of the Nomination Committee
members.
Thursday
May 7, 2015
Hope Lutheran
Sanctuary
will be open for
prayer during
business hours.
Come for a few minutes
during your lunch break
or before or after work.
(Continued from page 1-From Pastor Nieting)
becomes settled in office. For a while we will worship as the Spirit moves. Know this: Pam and I will grieve
our leaving Hope!
What about YOU and your relationship with Hope? I encourage every one of you to “take one step up” in
your spiritual journey. If you worship once or twice a month, commit to three or four times. If you worship but
don’t attend Bible class…step up to class! If you’re not volunteering on a ministry team, a musical group or a
lawn-care team or however God has gifted you, make this the time. Be active! Hope is a GREAT congregation
because God has brought to us people like YOU! Change, even as small a change as your pastor retiring, can
be upsetting to a congregation; and the best way to deal with it is to become more involved, not less.
Finally, pray. Pray for us. Pray for Pastor Cofer. Pray for the Council and the Staff. Pray for God’s
guidance in the Call process. Pray for the ministries of Hope as God directs you. And always, no matter what,
know that the grace of our Lord Jesus will be with you always.
Pastor (and Pam) Nieting
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By: Steve Wacker
The Bible contains plenty of information about serving in the
military. The first example of military service is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 14), when Abraham's nephew, Lot, was kidnapped
by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies. Abraham rallied to
Lot's aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household and defeating
the Elamites. Here we see armed forces engaged in a noble task; rescuing and protecting the innocent.
Later in history, the nation of Israel developed a standing army. The sense that God was the Divine Warrior and would protect
His people regardless of their military strength may have been a reason why Israel was slow to develop an army. The development of a regular standing army in Israel came only
after a strong, centralized political system had been developed by Saul, David, and Solomon. Saul was the
first to form a permanent army (1 Samuel 13:2; 24:2; 26:2). David continued what Saul had begun. He increased the army, brought in hired troops from other regions who were loyal to him alone (2 Samuel 15:1922) and turned over the direct leadership of his armies to a commander-in-chief, Joab. Under David, Israel also became more aggressive in its offensive military policies, absorbing neighboring states like Ammon (2
Samuel 11:1; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3). David established a system of rotating troops with twelve groups of
24,000 men serving one month of the year (1 Chronicles 27). Although Solomon's reign was peaceful, he further expanded the army, adding chariots and horsemen (1 Kings 10:26). The standing army continued (though
divided along with the kingdom after the death of Solomon) until 586 B.C., when Israel (Judah) ceased to exist as a political entity.
In the New Testament, Jesus marveled when a Roman centurion (an officer in charge of one hundred soldiers) approached Him. The centurion’s response to Jesus indicated his clear understanding of authority, as
well as his faith in Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus did not denounce his career. Many centurions mentioned in
the New Testament are praised as Christians, God-fearers, and men of good character (Matthew 8:5; 27:54;
Mark 15:39-45; Luke 7:2; 23:47; Acts 10:1; 21:32; 28:16).
The places and the titles may have changed, but our armed forces should be just as valued as the centurions of the Bible. The position of soldier was highly respected. For example, Paul describes Epaphroditus, a
fellow Christian, as a “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). The Bible also uses military terms to describe being
strong in the Lord by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), including the tools of the soldier—helmet, shield, and sword.
Yes, the Bible does address serving in the military, directly and indirectly. The Christian men and women
who serve their country with character, dignity, and honor can rest assured that the civic duty they perform is
condoned and respected by our sovereign God. Those who honorably serve in the military deserve our respect
and gratitude.
Hope Lutheran Church will honor the Armed Forces on Sunday, May 17. If you are serving or have
served in the military please wear your uniform to church on that day.
TREASURER’S REPORT
(March of Fiscal Year 2014-2015)
Actual
$89,311.89
-84,060.03
$ 5,251.86
Total Income:
Total Expense:
Income Less Expense:
By: Jim Hammond
Year-to-Date
$676,492.87
-646,969.00
$ 29,523.87
For a more complete Financial Report, please pick up a copy in the church office.
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Get Ready For a BLAST at
SonSpark Labs!
VBS June 22-26
9:00-12:00
God’s Plan 4 U = Jesus!
HOPE SCHOOL
NOW ENROLLING
2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
By: Carolyn Powell
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:
By: Carolyn Powell
Enrollment for the 2015-2016 school has begun. School will still offer preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten. There will be extended care hours, as well. Parents will be happy to hear
that our Kindergarten prices were substantially lowered for the new school year, and other programs
saw a small increase to no increase at all. That will
help families with their budgeting. And remember,
our kindergartners meet all day, from 8:30 until 2:30
Mondays – Fridays.
Class sizes at Hope are quite
small, averaging between 10 and
12 students per class with a
teacher and assistant teacher. This means each student will
receive a great deal of attention! So let us know if you
would like to have a tour and a day in which you
could observe in one of our beautiful classrooms. Hope School is just a great place to grow!
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!
BREAKING NEWS!
Red Cross
BLOOD DRIVE
Wednesday, May 20
1 to 6pm
See you in the science lab!!
Sign-up sheet on bulletin board in the narthex!
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YOUTH GROUP NEWS
By: Linda Muth
On Saturday, May 2, BODY and TRUTH will go roller skating at Haygood Roller Skating Center (1036
Ferry Plantation Rd., VB) for the Current FM Positive Skate Night. Skating is from 8 to 10:30pm. We will
meet at the skate center at 7:45pm. Cost is $6, which includes pizza, but bring money if you want a drink. Invite a friend.
As the pollen begins to descend you know the time has come for…TRUTH car washes!
Saturday, May 9, from 9am to 1pm will be the first one of the season. So bring your car to get
the winter grime and pollen removed inside and out. Proceeds will help support our Sr Youth
going to the National Youth Gathering in the summer of 2016. TRUTH members should be
here by 8:30am to help set up.
May is a very exciting time for our Confirmation III students. They have been learning
much in their three years of Confirmation classes and now it is time for them to publicly affirm their faith. On
Wednesday, May 20, there will be a Night of Witness practice from 6:30 to 8pm. It is very important that all
Confirmation III students attend. The Night of Witness service will be Saturday, May 23, starting at 4:30pm.
The congregation is encouraged to attend. Confirmation III students should be at church no later than 4pm in
order to get a class picture. Confirmation II students need to be there by 4:15pm to prepare for the passing of
the light portion of the service. After the service there will be a picnic for the Confirmation III students, their
families, and guests. Our tradition here at Hope is for the Confirmation II and I class parents to help with this
picnic. If you are interested in helping with the picnic, please contact Linda Muth. The Rite of Confirmation
will be held during the 11am service on May 24. Please keep these youth in your prayers that they will continue to grow in their faith.
Mark your calendars now for the TRUTH camping trip to James City State Park on July 24-26. More details as the date gets closer.
Activities at a Glance
May 2
Roller skating (BODY & TRUTH)
May 9
Car Wash (TRUTH and Conf. III)
May 20
Night of Witness rehearsal (Conf. III)
May 23
Night of Witness (Conf. II and III)
May 24
Rite of Confirmation (Conf. III)
July 24-26
Camping trip (TRUTH)
May 10
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Lutheran Women's Missionary League
By: Britta Rinehard
There will be one more meeting before the summer
break. We resume in September. All ladies, 18 years and older, are invited to join us on Saturday, May 16, at 11:30am at Braise (3333
Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite17, Virginia Beach). RSVP by May 10. Sign-up
sheet is on the LWML bulletin board in the narthex.
Thank you very much Tonilee (outgoing president) and Beverly
(outgoing treasurer) for volunteering as officers and sharing your gifts and
services. We also appreciate the support of the congregation. Your support
and contributions with the prayers shawls, the Mite Sundays and our fundraisers have made numerous mission projects possible.
Upcoming Events:
May 10: Mite Sunday
May 16: Last meeting before the summer break. We meet at 11:30am at
Braise Restaurant, Virginia Beach
June 25-28: Des Moines, Iowa Convention. Theme: "Bountiful! Sow
Nourish Reap". For more information please check out the LWML website: http://www.lwml.org/convention
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!
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We could use your help
with food donations and volunteers! There is a sign-up
sheet on the bulletin board
in the narthex if you’re interested in volunteering for
Social Ministry.
The Pantry always needs
the following items: Cereal,
Can Fruit, Pasta & Pasta
Sauce, Bisquick & Syrup
and Main Course Boxed
Items & Can meats. All donations are graciously welcomed and can be dropped
off in the big yellow wagon
in the narthex!
Our May Pantry Open
dates are Wednesdays, May
13 & 27, from 6 to 7:30pm;
and Saturdays, May 9 & 23,
from 10 to 11:30am.
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR DONATIONS! WE
COULD NOT OPERATE
WITHOUT YOU!!!
Next Social Ministry
Meeting is Tuesday, May
12, at 6:30pm. Come to discover ways you can help.
WEDNESDAY
OASIS
6:30pm
Did you miss church Sunday?
Come on
Wednesday for
Worship &
Bible Study!
Oasis continues
each week this
summer.
By: Pastor Nieting
On Thursday, May 14, our vice president, Rex Bayman, and I will attend the Convention of the
Southeastern District meeting in Greensboro, NC. Each of our 208 congregations and 45 other missions will
be represented as we work to meet the spiritual needs of the 30 million people who live within our five state
region. Updates will be available on the district website, www.se.lcms.org. A variety of resolutions will be
addressed, ranging from on-going support of our district missions in Peru to recommending standardized
training and licensing of lay deacons. One rather timely overture requests guidance to pastors when we are
requested to perform same-sex marriages!*
Finally, a new Circuit Visitor (the new term for Circuit Counselor) will be ratified for Circuit 12: Rev.
Hank Hollar of Resurrection, Newport News, will take my place as I have voluntarily resigned this office in
preparation for retirement.
*On a related note to the issue of same-sex marriage, the President of LCMS is one of three dozen or so
signatories of an open letter to ALL people in Positions of Public Service in America in defense of Marriage
and the Right of Religious Freedom. Available at www.lcms.org, I will quote one short portion for you here:
The redefinition of legal marriage to include any other type of relationship has serious consequences,
especially for religious freedom. It changes every law involving marital status, requiring that other such
relationships be treated as if they were the same as the marital relationship of a man and a woman. No
person or community, including religious organizations and individuals of faith, should be forced to accept
this redefinition. (Emphasis mine) Government should protect the rights of those with differing views of
marriage to express their beliefs and convictions without fear of intimidation, marginalization, or unwanted
charges that their values imply hostility, animosity or hatred of others.
While we as “conservative Christians” watch in dismay as our culture moves farther and farther away
from Biblically taught and held values, we are good to remember St. Paul’s words to Timothy: “For the time
will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather
around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3)
What is OASIS Midweek Worship?
By: Rollie Soderholm
An oasis is found in the midst of a dry, dull, dreary, dead and desert land. In a barren land, it is a place
where water is found. It is a place of green grass and fruitful trees. It is a fertile area, a place of life. To the
desert traveler the oasis is a place of welcome RELIEF. It is a marvelous thing to come upon an oasis. It is
there that one finds REFRESHMENT and REVIVAL and RENEWAL and REJUVENATION and REST and
RELIEF.
We live in a world that is very barren. It is very dry and dead (lacking
God’s life). There is a great need for an oasis. Spiritually, an oasis is wherever God is. It is a place where one can find the GRACE, GOODNESS, GLORY and GREATNESS of God. It is the place where one can find FELLOWSHIP and FRIENDSHIP with God.
Won’t you join us for a quiet time of Worship followed by a Bible study
each Wednesday night from 6:30 to 7:30 led by Pastor Nieting or Pastor
Cofer. If you can’t worship on Sunday or need a mid-week lift in your Spiritual life, give this a try.
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ANNIVERSARIES
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6
8
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MAY BIRTHDAYS
2 Beth Durnwald
Howard Spence
3 Kyle Strait
4 Mike Davis
Sarah White
6 Loni Ashley
Daniel Taft
8 Timothy Heath
Alexander Jakimjuk
Dana Reynolds
Bev Young
9 Amy Riccio
Sharon Small
10 Michael Montgomery
11 Aidan Connor
12 Carolyn Strait
Martha West
Eileen Wiltshire
13 Lynn Amann
Wolfgang Bosse
14 Jameson Roscoe
17 Rod Friedmann
Alison Hernandez
Emily Winter
18 Jacob Davis
Wayne Erber
Brent Holbeck
Nancy O’Neal
20 Michel Dean
Kris Holien
21 Rahel Teklegiorgis
22 Ruth Berry
Jennifer Madigan
23 Kimberly Brock
24 Ava Young
26 Darrin Barry
27 Alexandra Plemmons
28 Linda Muth
30 Miranda Blaser
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21
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Pat & Connie Plemmons
William & Jennifer Schmidt
Michael & Courtney Obland
Todd & Jennifer Stevens
David & Sherry Crissman
Nathaniel & Shawn Jesgarz
Wolfgang & Barbara Bosse
Arnie & Margo Birkett
Robert & Martha West
Spencer & Dawn Werner
Articles for the June issue of
Highlights are due Sunday,
May 17. E-mail articles to:
[email protected]
or leave in the church office.
Sunday, June 14
One service at 10:30am
Retirement Luncheon
for
Pastor Nieting
Volunteers needed for after-lunch
clean-up. Contact Dawn Oswald
([email protected])
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9:30am Staff Devotions &
Meeting
11:30am Leisure
Lutherans Luncheon
(Waterman’s)
8:15am Worship Service
9:45 Summer Sunday School
11am Blended Praise Service
31 The Holy Trinity
4:30-6:30pm Arabic Class
9:30am Staff Devotions &
Meeting
7:30pm Adult Choir
Rehearsal
6-7:30pm Food Pantry
6:30 Oasis Worship/Bible
Study
7pm Praise Team
Rehearsal
10am-Noon Arabic Class
10:30am Luther Manor
Church & School
Offices closed
9am Dress Rehearsal for
School Program
28 Hope School
7pm Praise Team
Rehearsal
10am-Noon Arabic Class
21 Hope School
7pm Adult Bell Choir
7pm Praise Team
Rehearsal
10am-Noon Arabic Class
14 Hope School
6-8pm French Class
7pm Adult Bell Choir
7pm Praise Team
Rehearsal
Hope School
11am School Closing
Program & Graduation
(Last day of school is
June 5)
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
29 Hope School
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
22 Hope School
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
15
10:30-11:30am French
Class
10am-Noon Arabic Class
(Sanctuary open)
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
8 Hope School
10:30-11:30am French
Class
9:15am Bulletin Folding
Crew
1 Hope School
FRIDAY
National Day of Prayer
7 Hope School
THURSDAY
9am Dress Rehearsal for
School Program
27 Hope School
8:15am Worship Service
(No Sunday School Class)
11am Confirmation Service
26 Hope School
25 Memorial Day
24 Day of Pentecost
(No Oasis)
6:30pm Confirmation
Rehearsal
1 –6pm Red Cross
Blood Drive
10am Bible Study
20 Hope School
6-7:30pm Food Pantry
6:30 Oasis Worship/Bible
Study
7:30pm Adult Choir
10am Bible Study
9am MOPS Meeting
13 Hope School
7:30pm Adult Choir
6:30 Oasis Worship/Bible
Study
10am Bible Study
6 Hope School
WEDNESDAY
7:30pm Adult Choir
4:30-6:30pm Arabic Class
19 Hope School
6:30pm Council Meeting
6:30pm Social Ministry
Meeting
4:30-6:30pm Arabic Class
12 Hope School
4:30-6:30pm Arabic Class
9:30am Staff Devotions &
Meeting
5 Hope School
TUESDAY
18 Hope School
11 Hope School
5-6:30pm French
Class
4 Hope School
MONDAY
Articles for June issue of
Highlights are due today!
Sunday of Easter
Military Appreciation Day
THE STORY:
What Have We Learned?
8:15 Worship Service-HC
9:45 LAST Sunday School
11am Blended Praise Service
17 7
th
Mother’s Day
MITE SUNDAY
THE STORY: Chap 31
8:15am Worship Service
9:45am Sunday School
11 Blended Praise Service-HC
10 6th Sunday of Easter
THE STORY: Chap 30
8:15 Worship Service-HC
9:45am Sunday School
11am Blended Praise Service
3 5th Sunday of Easter
SUNDAY
MAY 2015
8am Knights of Hope
10am-Noon Arabic
Class
30
4:30pm Night of
Witness
10-11:30am Food
Pantry Open
10am-Noon Arabic
Class
23
11:30am LWML
Luncheon Meeting
(Braise Restaurant)
10am-Noon Arabic
Class
16
10-11:30am
Food Pantry Open
10am-Noon
Arabic Class
9am-1pm Car Wash
9
7:45pm BODY &
TRUTH Roller Skating
(Haygood Skate Center)
10am-Noon Arabic
Class
2
SATURDAY
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HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-Missouri Synod
5350 Providence Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
HOPE HIGHLIGHTS NEWSLETTER
May 2015
No. 04-15
Published Monthly
Hope Lutheran Church
We’re on the web!
Hopevabeach.org
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