1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

OCTOBER 2014
The Voice of Hope
The newsletter of Hope Lutheran Church, San Mateo, CA
“Knowing and sharing the good news of Hope in Christ”
6-5-4-3 Ministry
O
ne of the
greatest
joys a
pastor can experience is seeing the blossoming of faith in the
life of our children. There
have been a
number of our
youth here at
Hope who have been excited for opportunities to be
involved in teaching and helping to lead Worship.
Among those is James Schulte, now headed off to
college. James is pictured with me when he recently
served as Assisting Minister. He wanted to serve as
often as he could before heading out to college and
is looking forward to being involved when he is home
on breaks. His parents credit his life with us, his
Hope family, as being a strong influence on his faith
and character.
This called to mind the 6-5-4-3 Ministry Frame
identified by Vibrant Faith Ministries -SIX PLACES for shaping faith
1. Children and youth, recognized and empowered
as disciples of Jesus Christ, use their God-given
gifts in purposeful ministry.
2. Families are equipped and strengthened by their
congregation to be the primary nurturers of faith.
3. Congregations are safe, inclusive, welcoming,
and nurturing for all children, youth, and adults,
as they live out their faith in the midst of community and the larger world.
4. Christians live their faith daily, experiencing
Christ in Community, learning from, as well as
serving the needs of community.
5. Children, youth, and adults experience God’s
presence, learning from people from a variety of
Cultures, while being part of God’s transformational work within culture.
6. Christians live in harmony with Creation, recognizing, receiving, celebrating, and caring for
God’s handiwork.
FIVE PRINCIPLES for passing on faith
1. Faith is formed by the power of the Holy Spirit
through personal trusted relationships – often in
our own homes.
2. The church is a living partnership between the
ministry of the congregation and ministry of the
home.
3. Where Christ is present in faith, the home is
church, too.
4. Faith is caught more than it is taught.
5. If we want Christian children and youth, we
need Christian adults.
1.
2.
3.
4.
FOUR KEYS for practicing faith
Caring Conversations
Devotions
Service
Rituals and Traditions
THREE CHARACTERISTICS of Christian Disciples
1. Authentic
2. Available
3. Affirming
As an “Authentic, Available, and Affirming” family
we want to do even more to encourage and nurture
faith in our children. To that end, we are asking for
volunteers to help us with a task force to develop
specific and personal ways to maintain contact with
our college students and volunteers willing to serve
as mentors/sponsors for our confirmation youth.
Please contact me if you are willing to be part of
these critical and vital AAA Teams.
God Bless,
Pastor Eric
For more information on Vibrant Faith Ministries go
to www.vibrantfaith.org.
Page 2
Pastor Paul’s Notes
T
here is an increased number of
members at Hope
who are either homebound or in need of different services. It does present an opportunity for
different kinds of ministries that others of us can
provide. Here is a list of
ways in which you can
serve. There will be a
poster in Nielsen Hall
where you can sign up.
 Phone check in
 Provide visits
 Shopping assistance
 Meal preparation
 Light housekeeping
 General handyman
 Transportation
 Assistance at medical appointments
 Enjoy an outing
If one or more of these ways to serve catches
your eye and “tugs at you” to serve, give me a call,
in addition to OR signing up on the poster board.
********************************
“SINGLE SENIORS’’ will meet on Tuesday, October 7 at 12:30. Plans are still being made as to
the specific activity. There will also be a “lunch out-
ing” on Thursday, October 23, place to be determined. Sunday bulletins will provide detailed information.
Special thanks to Phyllis Kilgore for her very
interesting ‘travelogue’ that she gave in September to the group. Also thanks to Pat Kennison
who coordinated and the “team” for a wonderful
array of goodies at CaféHope on 9/14.
********************************
The Evangelism Committee is sponsoring a
Halloween event on Sunday, October 26,
“A SPOOKTACULAR SUNDAY DINNER”, 5 TO
7 pm. Please see flyer in this newsletter.
********************************
We extend words of comfort and support to the
families of Asa Engelhardt and Brian Hunt, both
of whom passed away earlier in September. To
Jeanette and her family and Judy Hunt:
“For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be
able to separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-9)
********************************
On Sunday, October 5, we will celebrate the
baptism of Brendan Petersen Albright, son of
Cristine and Russell Albright. It is a reminder to
affirm our own baptisms, and to live as the Body
of Christ in the world today.
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
B
eginning Sunday, October 19 at 9am in the Education Building we are
offering a weekly time to dig into scripture together through the Book of
Faith Bible Series. Leaders for this 45 minute Bible study will Sandi
Kane and Pastor Eric.
This study is for all confirmed members and friends, High School and beyond. It is designed for all levels of Biblical literacy, novice to expert. You do
not need to make an every week commitment; come as often as you are able.
The 19th begins a look into Mark’s Gospel which is our Worship scripture
focus in the fast approaching new liturgical year beginning with the First Sunday in Advent. The Gospel of Mark is not just good news about Jesus. It reveals, sometimes in surprising and scandalous ways, how Jesus is God's
good news to us. This study takes 8 big questions based in the text and challenges participants to explore them thoughtfully together.
Page 3
from our Choirs Director
F
eeling stressed,
anxious or generally
down? I HAVE A
DEAL FOR YOU! This
treatment costs you nothing and has a guaranteed
result. Here are quotes
from an article called
"Singing Changes your
Brain".
Singing Changes Your Brain
Group singing has been scientifically proven to
lower stress, relieve anxiety, and elevate endorphins.
By Stacy Horn @StacyHorn
….When you sing, musical vibrations move through
you, altering your physical and emotional landscape. Singing takes something incredibly intimate,
a sound that begins inside you, shares it with a
roomful of people and it comes back as something
even more thrilling: harmony.
....Science has been hard at work trying to explain
why it has such a calming yet energizing effect on
people. What researchers are beginning to discover
is that singing is like an infusion of the perfect tran-
Social Concerns
L
ast month, we
stretched out helping hands to our
neighbors in need on
God’s Work, Our Hands
Sunday and at the Journey Home Walk/Run
Fundraiser for Home and
Hope.
On September 6th,
Pastor Eric, Hank Harper,
Skip Dahl, Ellen Leaf,
Debra Stucke, Jessica
Stucke, and I spent the
morning helping the Samaritan House with sorting
and distributing groceries and prepping for lunch
for about 75 people. Over pounds and pounds of
potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, we
flashed fancy knife skills (well, perhaps I’m exaggerating, but just a little!) while connecting with
other delightful volunteers and staff. It was fun,
quilizer, the kind that both soothes your nerves and
elevates your spirits.
....The benefits of singing regularly seem to be cumulative. Dr. Julene K. Johnson, a researcher who
has focused on older singers, recently began a five
year study to examine group singing as an affordable method to improve the health and well-being of
older adults.
....it turns out you don't even have to be a good
singer to reap the rewards. According to one 2005
study, group singing "can produce satisfying and
therapeutic sensations even when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality."
....Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier
than drinking, and certainly more fun than working
out. It is the one thing in life where feeling better is
pretty much guaranteed. Even if you walked into
rehearsal exhausted and depressed, by the end of
the (rehearsal) you'll walk out high as a kite on endorphins and good will."
For your free therapy session, come join the choir on
Wednesdays at 7:45 in the
choir room.
Shirley Fitzgerald
and we were made more joyful by sharing Christ’s
love.
On September 14th, Home and Hope had a
fundraiser walk/run at scenic Seal Point Park. Kris
Brooks, Jerry Brooks, Monika Hastings, and Elizabeth and I went out on a beautiful, sunny afternoon
to run and walk to the accompaniment of a lively
jazz band. It was a wonderful way to celebrate
God’s creation as well as challenge our fitness and
care for ourselves and our neighbors. Although we
missed all of you who could not participate, we appreciate the generous donations you made to
Home and Hope.
Thank you to all for caring for our community in
your special ways!
Helena Dummler
Page 4
Youth Activities
Preschool Corner
T
Grades 3-6
H
ey gang! Rockers will be gathering from 6pm
to 7:30pm on Sunday October 12 in the
Youth Room for some Kinder Bunnies card
game action -- pretty intense but you can handle it.
 6:00
 6:15
 7:15
 7:30
Welcome,Theme Song & Circle up time
Kinder Bunnies game
Jesus Time
Closing Prayer and departure
Hey in addition to great
fellowship there will also
be snacks. You DO NOT
WANT TO MISS THIS!
Friends are always welcome too!
Youth Extravaganza
Grades 6-12
ome join us on October 19th for an evening of
socializing, music, food and games with youth
being invited from Hope, Messiah, Trinity and
Immanuel. These events for middle school, Jr. High
and Sr. High youth from multiple churches around the
Peninsula are always great fun.
Friends are certainly welcome so invite a couple of
yours to join in. The more the merrier!
We leave together from Hope’s parking lot at 5pm
and will return at 8pm.
Please let Pastor Eric or the Office know by October 12 if you
plan to participate and
how many
friends you
are bringing.
C
ime goes so quickly.
Returning from the relaxation of summer vacation and the beautiful landscape of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks it is now
time to set sights on the young children and
families that are joining the preschool.
There is always excitement and challenges
as we navigate, educate, and mentor the little
ones (and their families) through their preschool years. A beautiful reminder that “Jesus
Loves the Little Children”
We head off this month to Lemos Farm for
our annual field trip –parents and siblings are
invited so it really is a “family affair”. We also
will participate in the Great California
Shakeout on10-16-14 at 10:16am. That said,
with the recent earthquake in Napa we are
reminded that we live where the earth does
shake. Our emergency supplies are updated
and located in the choir room. We are prepared.
I am blessed once again to have Jamie and
Tracy as my coworkers and friends. We enjoy
working together and are a very good team,
sharing the same beliefs and philosophy of
early childhood education.
If anyone is interested we will be having
Pizza night at Village Host Pizza, Belmont the
first Tuesday on each month. October 1st is
the kick off. A percentage of your purchase
comes back to the school. Sign in at ordering
desk.
Talbots Toy Store is another way to support
the school. If you are buying Christmas gifts
for little ones shop between November 22nd
and December 2nd. If you mention Hope Lutheran Preschool, 10% of your purchase
comes back to the school.
It is appreciated that you show support to
the preschool.
Happy Halloween and Blessings,
Jeanne
The Voice of Hope
Page 5
Page 5
October 12
Fall Fellowship, Feast and Worship Day
at Hope Lutheran
E
F
P
veryone is encouraged to wear casual clothes to the 10am Piano Worship Service using Setting 5 from With One Voice. Pastor Eric, with the children gathered around him,
will deliver his “Jesus Style” Message with the theme “Can You Hear Me Now.”
ollowing Worship will be a Barbecue hosted by the Worship Committee. Hamburgers,
Hot Dogs and drink will be provided. Please bring a salad or desert dish to pass.
astor Eric will lead some fun games for all the youth and young at heart while those
who prefer a more relaxed fellowship can continue to visit over coffee at their tables.
October 19 - Blessing of Animals
J
ake, Ipo and Jude invite all of our special family members (some
might refer to them as pets) to join them for our Annual Blessing of
Animals as the concluding liturgy for our 10am Worship on October 19. This tradition is observed usually on a Sunday near October 4,
the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi who is the Patron Saint of animals.
As we gather for this blessing, may we be mindful of how the loving
relationship we have with our pets is just one more of the many blessings our loving, heavenly father has graciously given to us.
Over the years we have blessed dogs, cats, tortoises, chickens, goats and horses (some of these
via their photo). Bring your pets to the Education Building before worship and members of our youth
groups will care for them until time for
the blessing liturgy. Please have dogs
on leash and all other animals in
appropriate carriers. You may also
bring a photo of your pet if unable to
bring him or her.
Following our Sending Hymn we will
all proceed to the Breezeway and
Office Parking Lot for the Blessing
and Dismissal.
Page 6
_ _ _ _ _ Stitches and Ties x x x x
D
x
o you recognize a Hope
Quilter when
you see one? Following is a list of
those actually seen
in Nielson Hall on
certain Tuesdays..
They are:
Alice Hogben
Angamma Prasad
Brenda Shields
Doris Childs
Elaine Dummler
Else Welch
Eva Landmann
Joan Ausman
Joan Cleven
Judy Hartnett
Lois Nieman
Louise Fischer
Marilyn Johnson
Marlene Pitt
Marlys Jungroth
Marjorie Hroziencik
Shirley Davanis
Verena Brauen
At home Marcia Coyne stitched 52 quilt fronts in
one year! Others quietly donated funds, fabric, quilt
projects to be completed, long-arm quilting,
suggestions and best of all, their prayers. They are
Hope Quilters, too.
Proceeds from the recent
unique quilt silent auction
make the gifts of more
quilts to others from Hope
congregation possible.
May we all thank God
for the blessings of resources, time and talent.
A
Are You HUNGRY??
t lunch time you think, 'I don't FEEL hungry; I had a banana an hour ago, BUT this
menu is irresistible....'
When too many in our city and county are constantly anxious about their next meal, we could be
sharing more of our food budget with local food
pantries.
The annual Thankoffering to help nourish the
disadvantaged families among us is scheduled for
the 3rd Sunday in November. Please fill some tin
cups with coins, bills or checks written to HLCW
Thankoffering to be brought or mailed to Hope on
or before November 16.
Thank you in advance for spreading your blessings to neighbors in need.
HLCW Circles
Priscilla Circle
What is Priscilla?? Priscilla is one of 3 women's
groups that meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
for Bible study and refreshments.
The study for September, Transformation and Conversion, is based on parts of Acts 7, 8 and 9 and is
printed in the current issue of Gather. Copies of the
study will also be available on the table in the church
narthex.
You are welcome at Priscilla Circle on October 21 at
9:30 in Nielsen Hall as well as every 3rd Tuesday
through the year. Contact: Joan Cleven 650-593-9896
Please note time change for this group.
Sarah Circle
3rd Tuesday of the month 10am
Location Varies
Contact: Elis Nielsen 650-341-8144
Mary Circle
3rd Tuesday of the month 9:30am
Location varies
Contact Martha Welch: 650-637-1475
Lydia Circle is open to women of all ages and
stages; Evening or weekend meetings;
Our schedule is flexible
Location: Hope Youth Room
Contact: Heidi Waters [email protected]
Page 7
Mission Support

WHAT IS MISSION SUPPORT?
Mission Support is your congregation’s regular offering that is shared with your
synod and the churchwide organization. It is an undesignated gift to ELCA
ministries that go beyond your congregation. These gifts are used where the need
is the greatest, and they also make it possible for the ELCA’s 65 synods and the
churchwide organization to maintain ongoing commitments to ministry partners.

WHAT GUIDES THE CHURCHWIDE ORGANIZATION IN ITS DECISIONS REGARDING MISSION
SUPPORT?
Voting members from across the ELCA meet as a Churchwide Assembly every three years to guide and
direct the work of the churchwide organization. The ELCA Church Council functions as the interim
legislative authority between assemblies. The churchwide organization’s two strategic priorities are to
accompany the nearly 10,000 congregations as growing centers for evangelical mission and to build the
capacity of this church for evangelical witness and service in the world to alleviate poverty and to work
for justice and peace.

HOW DOES MY CONGREGATION BENEFIT FROM MISSION SUPPORT?
Every congregation benefits as an active partner in the ELCA’s mission to share God’s love with the
world. This money funds the work of the synods, and some of the portion of Mission Support that is
shared with the churchwide organization returns back to your congregation and synod in the form of
services, programs, resources of grants.
Typically more than 90 percent of a congregation’s offering remains in the congregation to help pay for
its own ministries, outreach, salaries, utilities and the building - ensuring your congregation’s vital
presence in your community.

WHAT IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN MISSION SUPPORT AND ALWAYS BEING MADE NEW:
THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ELCA?
Mission Support is one way we act as a church together; we count on one another for the mutual work
that Mission Support makes possible. However, many ELCA members and congregations are called to
give in other ways as well, and this is what Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA
offers. The Campaign for the ELCA is a way for us to make designated gifts to the ministry priorities we
are most passionate about, above and beyond regular offerings through our congregation. Campaign
gifts are tracked and spent separately from the Mission Support budget. The Campaign for the ELCA is
an investment in the future of the ELCA and an extension of our mission and ministry together.
P
astor Bob Paulus continues his popular Church
History Class for two more sessions on The
“Heroes of the Faith.” This is a great adult fellowship and faith gathering that meets in the Youth
Room from 10am to Noon on the Second Thursday.
No experience or preparation is necessary. Come join
us for either or both sessions. Friends are welcome.
October 9: Dr. Billy Graham, World Evangelist
November 13: Mrs. Miracle - God’s Angel
Page 8
Page 9
Celebrating birthdays in October
Shirley Klemens
McKinnon Violette
Mark Dallman
Brian Fong
Joan Cleven
Timothy Strinden
Bonita Baker
Jay Fisher
Samuel Jung
Kristen Pang
Nathan Amarandos
10/1
10/2
10/3
10/3
10/6
10/6
10/7
10/7
10/9
10/9
10/10
Bryan Feige
Linda Harvey
Pr. Eric Ackerman
Mark Grimstvedt
Christa Basch
Shirley Davanis
Morgan Grimsby
Hermine Bauer
Henry Lin
Marilyn Gaal
David Hayes
10/10
10/10
10/11
10/11
10/12
10/14
10/15
10/18
10/20
10/21
10/22
Shaina Prasad
Elizabeth Dummler
Judith Hartnett
Randall Albright
Russell Albright
Kari Dahl
Jasmine Haas
Norma Henderson
Riley Sallander
Jeana Feige
Julia Henderson
10/22
10/23
10/23
10/24
10/24
10/24
10/26
10/26
10/27
10/28
10/30
Names in bold = brothers/sisters turning 90-90+ years!
Today, Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church helped ease the burdens of
hunger, poverty, and homelessness for San Mateo County’s most vulnerable
residents. On behalf of the board and staff of Samaritan House, I’d like to
thank you for your in-kind donations pf animal backpacks, received on
8/12/2014 from Amazon.com, and of 25 backpacks, received on 8/14/2014.
This year marks our 40th anniversary of supporting our neighbors with programs and services including temporary shelter, medical and dental clinics,
food distribution, counseling and referrals. We simply couldn't do it without
you. Because of generosity like yours, we are able to serve over 12,000 very
low income individuals each year.
Our clients face many challenges each day and we are here to help them
where we can, in whatever ways we can. Last year, we started our Financial Empowerment Program, and
today our participating clients are learning the skills and tools they need to achieve greater financial stability. Your generosity eases the burden of poverty and makes opportunities like this possible.
Thank you for partnering with us to provide support, care and hope to our neighbors in need.
Sincerely,
Bart A. Charlow, LMFT
Chief Executive Officer
CLASS A
Page 10
Spark Time Sunday School in October
Children from Kindergarten thru Grade 6
dismissed to Sunday School during Sending Hymn and
join parents in Café Hope after approximately 30 minutes of study and activity.
Date
Theme
Scripture
October 5
Parable of the Vineyard
Matthew 21:33-46
October 12
No Sparks Sermon nor SS
October 19
Paying Taxes
Matthew 22:15-22
October 26
The Greatest Commandment
Matthew 22:34-46
Ministry Assistants
Date
10/5
Assisting
Ministers
Don Hermansen
Communion
Assistants
Skip Dahl
Bill Hroziencik
10/12
Worship
at Hope
8:30am
———————
Worship
at the
Park
10:30am
Readers
Don Neumann
Spark
Leaders
Marsha Ackerman
Emma Worthge
Pat Duvall
(8:30am)
No Assisting Minister
No Assistants
No Sparks nor SS
TBA
(10:30am)
10/19
Sandi Kane
Carole Setzer
Eric Hoover
Hank Harper
Ken Struven
10/26
Bill Kannenberg
Jerry Brooks
Marlys Jungroth
Carole Setzer
Sandi Kane
Heather Hoover
Tue
20
21
9:30am Aerobics 9am Quilters
9:30am Mary
7:30pm AA*
Circle
Blessing of Animals
9:30am Priscilla
11am Cafe Hope
Circle
1pm Estonian
10am Sarah
Circle
Church*
5pm Youth
Extravaganza
26
27
28
9am Adult Bible
9:30am Aerobics
Study
7:30pm AA*
10am Worship
11am Cafe Hope
5pm Halloween
Party
19
9am Adult Bible
Study
10am Worship:
6 Home & Hope*
7 Home & Hope*
9:30am Aerobics 9am Quilters
7:30pm AA*
12:30pm Single
Seniors Mtg.
Mon
24
9:30am Aerobics
AA*
8pm
31
9:30am Aerobics
AA*
8pm
29
30
9:30am Aerobics
6:45pm Bells
7:45pm Choir
17
9:30am Aerobics
AA*
8pm
Notes:
*= Outside
Organization
25
18
7:30am Men's
Breakfast
10 Home & Hope* 11 Home & Hope*
9:30am Aerobics
AA*
8pm
Fri
Sat
3 Home & Hope* 4 Home & Hope*
9:30am Aero7:30am Men's
bics
Breakfast
AA*
8pm
22
23
9:30am Aerobics
12:30pm Single
6:45pm Bells
Seniors Outing
7:45pm Choir
8 Home & Hope* 9 Home & Hope*
9:30am Aerobics 10am Church
6:30pm Bells
History
6:45pm Choir
7pm Council
Meeting
12
13
14
15
16
9:30am Aerobics 11:15am
9:30am Aerobics 12pm Staff
10:am Worship
Meeting
Women
9:30am
11am Fall FellowPreschool 3pm Preschool
Chapel
Bible
Leader's
ship Barbecue &
Chapel
Study
6:30pm Bells
Pot Luck
AA*
7:30pm
7:45pm Choir
6pm The Rock
5 Home & Hope*
10am Worship
11am Cafe Hope
Sun
~October 2014 ~
Wed
Thu
1 Home & Hope* 2 Home & Hope*
9:30am Aerobics 12pm Staff
Meeting
3:45pm Pre7pm Evangelism
school Board
6:30pm Bells
6:45pm Choir
Page 11
Hope Lutheran Church
600 W. 42nd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94403
Address Service Requested
Presorted
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
San Mateo, CA
Permit No. 160
October 2014
Voice of Hope Deadline for November 2014 edition: Wednesday, October 15
Hope Lutheran Church
650-349-0100
Email: [email protected]
www.HopeLutheranSanMateo.org
Sunday Worship at 10:00 AM
Sunday School at 11:00 AM