8070 Rowan Road Cranberry Twp, PA 16066

Hope Lutheran Church 8070 Rowan Road

Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 Phone: 724-776-3141

E-mail: info@hlc.church www.hlc.church

OUR MISSION Knowing God. Inspiring People. Transforming Lives.

OUR VISION Growing community through service, learning and worship.

For an electronic copy of the Spirit, please log on to our

website at: www.hlc.church. Hope is a Stephen Ministry

congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

in America.

Like us on Facebook Hope Lutheran Church, Cranberry Township

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER If you would like to submit to the Monthly Spirit please use the Communication Request Form found on our website: www.hlc.church. To be sure your submission is included in the Monthly the following deadlines are

listed below to assist you. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at info@hlc.church. Deadlines:

July 11th for the August Spirit August 15 for the September Spirit

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Service Times: Saturday’s at 5 pm Sunday’s at 9 am & 11 am

Fun Fact:

July is national ice cream month…

Oh, the Places You’ll Go We have read it on a boat. We have read it with a goat. We have read it here and there. We have read it everywhere. Who hasn’t read Dr. Seuss’ beloved words of wisdom? If you haven’t, come see me, I’ll lend you my copy! ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’ has achieved great heights in American culture. It’s the go-to-gift for anyone setting out for new adventures. In fact, every May during graduation season the classic soars back up the best-selling book charts selling over 800,000 hard back copies again this year alone. Why has this children’s classic been such a hit? Perhaps it’s because it speaks about action. It’s about doing. It’s about going places. ‘It’s a classic story that speaks to a lot of what many people would like to believe about the world now,’ one person wrote, ‘armed with your iPhone and Dr. Seuss, you can conquer the world.’

As I write this, I can’t help but think about the mission and ministry that lies ahead for Hope Lutheran Church. For the past year, staff and leadership have been in a time of intentional planning. Prayers were said. Surveys were conducted. Conversations were had. Strategies were made. In this newsletter you will read about the work that has been accomplished. Four strategic ministry initiatives have been identified in our work together for the glory of God. Each of these initiatives will help set our ministry on a path to thrive and grow into the future. I’m thankful for the work that has been completed and I’m excited about what God has planned for this place and the ‘Places We’ll Go.’ But with anything worthwhile the work ahead will not come easy and help is always needed.

Embarking on new ministry adventures I would ask that as a community of faith that we continue to be in intentional prayer asking for God to be a ‘lamp to our feet and light to our path.’ Collectively, as the Body of Christ, let’s pray for our staff, leaders, congregational family, and the community as we set out to be a Church of action, doing, and going places. ‘Oh, the Places We’ll Go’ will be in our hands, guided by the Holy Spirit, as we seek together the wisdom and direction of God.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Brown <><

Monthly Spirit of Hope

Page Title

2 Vision Update

3 Church News

4 Youth News

5 Church Events

6 Community

Events

7 Small Groups

8 Stewardship

9 Devotional

10-11 Golf Tournament

‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’ Psalm 119:105

VISION UPDATE 2

As you read in Pastor Ron’s article we have identified four strategic initiatives for Hope’s vi-sion. • We will invest in and take risks for diverse and high-quality worship. • We will practice stewardship through the missional use of our resources, including

our building. • We will engage members meaningfully in mission and formation through intentional

pathways. • We will increase flexibility through streamlined committee structures.

Whew! It’s a lot to process, think about and dream about. We are up to the calling to continue to grow together as God’s disciples in this place. The faithful folks who were present for our last retreat brainstormed goals and milestones for each of the initiatives. Those are currently being compiled. For now we want you to know that… …we continue to pray, dream and hope for the future of God’s church and ministry here at Hope. …we continue to need your help to pray, dream and hope with us! To help us put the results of the survey and the Holy Spirit’s work into action. …there are going to be some big changes. We as Lutherans are a church that is always reforming. Change can be a faithful response to God’s continued work in this world. And, as with any change or growth, there will be some growing pains. ...Some of what we try might fail, but that’s ok. God does not call perfect people to follow, God calls all of us, flawed, broken humans and equips us to love one an other and share the Good News. Thanks be to God! Please contact Les Aloi (lester.aloi@yahoo.com) if you are interested in the visioning process and lending your voice, heart and hands. Thank you for your faithfulness! Isaiah 43:19 19I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Psalm 32:8 8I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Taking a vacation over the summer offers us the opportunity for family time and hard-earned relaxation. Hope’s Church’s Ministry; however, does not take a vacation. Hope is currently busy planning events, ministries, and mission opportunities that will start up again in September—confirmation, small groups, bible studies, God’s Work/Our Hands and more. Because donations to the church slump during the summer, Hope has made giving easy

through online donations, text donations, and mobile giving. Go to www.hlc.church home page and click on “online giving” or “text/mobile giving” for more information.

TOURNAMENT OF HOPE 11

10

Are you passionate about learning, and sharing the stories of the Bible with youth? If so, you should consider being a Sunday School teacher this coming year at Hope! We are in need of the following positions for our next program year:

Co-teacher for the 3 year old Classroom Substitutes for Prek-4th and 5th-High School If you are interested or would like to be more involved with our Christian Education committee and Sunday School program please contact Ms. Carlie @ dyfm@hlc.church. All positions are for the upcoming 2019/2020 program year that runs from Sept. 8th-May 17th.

TOURNAMENT OF HOPE

NEXT PLANNING MEETING DATE:

July 9th at 6:30 pm at Hope Lutheran Church

CHURCH NEWS 3

Prayer Requests will remain on the prayer list for one month. Please resubmit prayer request

for additional prayers and or updates.

Hope’s Shut-Ins: Suzann Frishkorn Shirley Graf Ruth Grubb Aileen Keith Antoinette McCulley

Raymond Kathy Rich Carroll JoAnn Paul Chelsey John Gary Heidi Bob Tim Ed Doris Daryl Dolores Laura Erin Lynn Steve Jodie Leslie Andrew Luke Madison Danielle Julie Pete Jodie Peyton Betty Linda Al Josh

New Worship Opportunity at Hope

A Task Force has been formed with the goal of creating a new worship service here at Hope. Because our congregational survey results indicated a strong desire for a new

and unique worship experience, and knowing that our 9 am worship service is nearing capacity, this diverse group of people is excited to work to create another opportunity

for our church family and our greater community. We are continuing to seek input from YOU! Although we had meetings asking you to share your thoughts about Hope’s worship experience, we welcome MORE input! Please share your thoughts and ideas by emailing Karen at karens@johanknecht.com, contacting her directly at 724-272-1805,

or by placing your suggestions in her church mailbox in the folder labeled “New Worship” in the Volunteer Office. Thank you in advance for helping us!

Joined Church Triumphant: Doris Heyl

YOUTH 4

Notes from the DYFM… Happy July everyone! I hope that summer has been going well, and I’m happy we still have a little bit more of it left. June went very quickly with our first event being the Stay at Home Mission Trip with our HSYG. We spent 4 days assisting our surrounding communities and spending time together. The highlights were no doubt our trip to the Grove City Community Food Bank, Go Ape, the Butler Humane Society and the Pirates game against Detroit. For all of those who helped donate items, chaperone, drive or coordinate meals thank you for your help. We had a wonderful week and be sure to check in with the youth to ask about their favorite service project or to see the many selfies taken during the week. We followed the 1st mission trip of the summer with our amazing VBS program, ROAR! It was as usual a great week with over 60 students participating and another 25 or more student and adult volunteers. I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who helped make VBS such a wonderful week for our youth at Hope. Anyone who offered to help certainly went above and beyond expectations and our kids left at the end of the week so excited about what they learned! So again, thank you for dedicating the time to Hope this summer. July is a relatively quiet month for youth, with one final trip to Jackson, Ohio. We have 21 students participating so please send prayers for safe travels and a great week as we serve the community of Jackson. As July winds down, I will be starting to think about what needs put on the calendar for the Fall and all of the places we could go with the youth so if you have any ideas you’d like to share, please feel free to email me at dyfm@hlc.church. Also, I know that I’m not physically in my office much over the summer, but you can always catch me via email or phone if you ever need anything. I hope July continues to be a time of rest and relaxation and I’ll see you all very soon! *Ms. Carlie Bible Verse: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” ~John 12:26

All Youth Groups- We don’t have an event planned for July but check back in the August newsletter for our back

to school plans and mark your calendar now for our Outdoor movie night scheduled for August 25th from 6-9 pm.

Jackson Ohio

Mission Trip

July 14-19

DEVOTIONAL 9

Enjoy the Journey From: Denise Leonhart

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren’t old enough and we’ll be more content when they are. After that we’re frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on vacation, when we retire. The truth is, there’s no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It’s best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, “For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you share it with someone special, special enough to spend your time...and remember that time waits on no one. So stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or the fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you’ve had a drink, until you’ve sobered up, until you die, until you are born again...to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. You’ve got to work like you don’t need the money. You’ve got to love like you’ve never been hurt. You’ve got to dance like no one is watching. You’ve got to come from the heart if you want it to work. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

STEWARDSHIP 8

SUMMER STEWARDSHIP by Rev. Thomas Soltis

Summer Worship -- Summer is vacation time for most of us. Christian stewardship; however, never takes a vacation. It is an ongoing, joyous activity of managing all things for God, God’s way, every day. Vacations, however, have a tendency to rob God of the worship due Him. Worshiping in another congregation while on vacation can be refreshing. Beneficial ideas can be acquired for Hope. Daily devotions should not be

forgotten either. In fact, personal devotions could be an effective personal evangelism tool. Inviting newly found vacation friends to participate in devotions can offer an opportunity to share the Gospel.

Summer Church Support -- Some congregations experience a financial summer slump. While members vacation contributions are often known to drop. One congregation actually established a “Summer

Reserve Fund” to cover monthly bills and commitments. Such measures would be unnecessary if members engaged in Biblical giving which involves: Proportionate (percentage of income) Regular (every Sunday) First-fruit (funding God first) -- Biblical giving ensures congregational cash flow stability throughout the year. Some first-fruit, every Sunday, givers mail a monthly contribution at the beginning of each month to

cover the Sundays following. A growing number of Biblical givers are engaging in “electronic giving” where offerings are transferred automatically from bank, credit union, or savings accounts. This can be

arranged on a weekly, bimonthly or monthly basis. When worshiping in church, “advance” or “electronic” givers, nevertheless, place a dollar or more into the offering plate to participate in the worship act of

contributing. Hope has several options for electronic giving. Summer Teenage Jobs -- During the summer months, teens who obtain jobs have an excellent

opportunity to practice Christian financial stewardship. Earnings provide opportunities to learn how to wisely spend, save, and contribute. Church support should not be overlooked. The principles of

proportionate, regular, first-fruit giving should be put into practice. Tithing (10% of income) should be embraced. Once it becomes a lifestyle, it will never be abandoned. The satisfaction of loving God by giving

and His response with bountiful blessings are too compelling. Summer jobs also present great opportunities for exercising the Christian stewardship of talents. Wise teenagers seek jobs that in some

way will connect with a future profession or occupation. And, as Christian stewards, when they work, they do so willingly, cheerfully, honestly, to the best of their ability.

Summer Relaxation -- God never intended anyone to “burn the candle at both ends”. God has no pleasure in “workaholic burnouts”. He commanded one day in seven to be a day of rest in order to protect people

from overwork. Vacations are supposed to be extended times for rest and relaxation. However, a vacation could become a source of stress. Some return from a vacation more worn out than if they stayed at home.

Good stewardship involves properly managing a vacation so it ends up a source of relaxation instead of vexation.

Financing a Vacation -- Proper personal money management should determine the extent and style of a vacation. To abuse credit cards and overspend is a big mistake! A line item in the family budget at the beginning of the year should cover anticipated vacation expenses. Sensible planning helps remove the

stress and hassle of unpaid bills. As Pastor Ron encouraged us last month – this summer and vacation may we the take time to

reflect, so that we can hear God speaking to us and directing us. We will then be able to align our will to God’s Will. It’s during intentional reflection that we will come to know how we actually are doing in terms

of our walk with God and our service to God and God’s people. After a busy year and the slower days of summer ahead let’s take the time to rest and reflect. Let our life this summer be renewed and refreshed

through our time of reflection. Is God calling you to join one of our leadership teams at church or become one of our Sunday School teachers? May this summer be a time for reflection and spiritual growth!

Carol Flinn – member of Stewardship

CHURCH EVENTS 5

Our congregation will soon engage in service work right here for our community! We are

one of over 9,000 congregations participating in ”God’s Work. Our Hands.”

Sunday, September 8, 2019. Each year the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

(ELCA) organizes a dedicated day of service. This will be the first time Hope Lutheran

Church is participating.

Starting at 10 am, we invite you to participate in several outreach activities including our blanket ministry and gathering and assembling hygiene kits for

Butler Recovery Home. Items may be gathered at the church prior to this day in bins added to the usual collection area in the community hall. Items needed include: body wash, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush,

deodorant, comb, moisturizer, lip balm. Please contact Patti Black at pttblc@verizon.net or 724-453-0518 with any questions.

Keep your eyes open for sign ups. We hope you will join us in service to others.

4 X 4 Fellowship Group

We’re excited to offer our 4 x 4 groups again this fall! New to 4 x 4’s? It’s simple and fun – 4 house-holds get together once a month for 4 months.

September – October – November – December

It’s a fun way to get to know other people at church.

It welcomes newer folks.

It’s primarily social with a brief devotion each month.

It’s a short-term commitment. It’s only four months.

Sign up online at www.hlc.church. After signing up, you will be assigned to a group of 4 households. (A household is a single person, a couple, or a family.) You will receive a letter in the mail with contact information for the households in your 4 x 4 group. Along with brief devotions. Each household in the group takes a turn coordinating a get-together. It can be at your home or a public setting. Sign-ups will begin July 14th with a deadline of August 4th. Please contact Pastor Amy with any questions at pastoramy@hlc.church. We hope you’ll join us!!

COMMUNITY EVENTS 6

Interested in becoming certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid? Classes are now being held at Hope! Registration is available online

at Hope's website for the following class date: Sept 21. Class will run from 9 AM - 3 PM and

cost $30. No experience required. Questions? Please contact Alicia Demchak at

724-687-0306 or via email at ademchak@zoominternet.net.

THANK YOU to… **All of Hope’s Relay for Life Team Members who did such a great job raising awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society!!

**Everyone who came out to spend time at the event; celebrating and offering encouragement to our survivors, remembering those we’ve lost, and sharing special time with our participants!!

**Everyone who prayed for our team, our efforts, and for all those who are affected or will be affected by cancer! PLEASE continue to keep cancer researchers, doctors & nurses treating cancer, cancer survivors, caregivers, and anyone affected by cancer in anyway in your prayers. Our fundraising results will be published in next month’s Spirit of Hope.

Seniors in High School—Reality Tour is looking for one or two seniors interested in using Reality Tour for your Senior Project. Email karenj@candleinc.org for more information. Youth (grades 5-12) and Adults—Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you are able to volunteer a 1/2 hour a month, an hour, or even more, please email karenj@candleinc.org

SMALL GROUPS 7

**Need bike lights

for this ride—there

are 2 tunnels**