Monthly Newsletter of Mount Hope Lutheran Church / Preschool and Childcare May 2017

Spirit of Hope

New Life through our Risen Christ! Dear friends and members of Mount Hope, Have you ever heard someone complain that their life is in such a rut? Or have you ever expressed that about yourself? What a shame to feel that we are just spinning our wheels so to speak doing the same things that bring us no joy or satisfaction. As we bask now in the afterglow of our Easter celebration we have the opportunity to experience life in a new way. St. Paul wrote, “So just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father so we might live in the newness of life!” Romans 6:4 The newness of life that Paul is talking about is a life that is focused fully on God and dedicated with a heartfelt commitment to serving others. You see, when life is lived in a love relationship with God and then with His people, that’s when things become like new, fresh and exciting. It was for that reason that Jesus died and rose again victoriously. Jesus’ death enables us look forward because all our sins and shortcomings in life have been forgiven. His resurrection which we celebrated on Easter gives us a new and living hope to live in a new, fresh and exciting way. This year step through the open tomb into a new life; step into the life of loving God and serving others. Experience firsthand the power of His Holy Spirit. God love you, Pastor Dan

First Friday Book Club First Friday Book Club is welcoming spring with our May 5, 1:30 pm meeting on the screen porch at Renata Melby's home. Shirley Favorit will bring treats, and we will be reading the Christian classic, "Christy" by Catherine Marshall. All our welcome to join us at 10727 Zenith Ave. So. Also, check out the church library for delightful summer reading, and to see all our new books.

In-Home Women’s Bible Study

Congregational Voter’s Meeting A Voter’s meeting will be held Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30pm. This is an addition to the April calendar.

Financials General Fund March YTD Income 55542 165099 Expenses 51342 146688 ----------------------------------------------Total +4200 +18411 (includes Preschool and Childcare)

Chap 11- Tues, May 2 @ 6:30pm Dianne Ritter’s home 4320 Blakewood Drive, Shakopee

952 426 0273

Chap 12 - Tues, May 16 @ 6:30pm Kayla Kuhlman’s home 5005 W Old Shakopee Rd 952 888 5344 Pew Sisters is a Bible Study about: Real women, Real lives, and Real stories of God’s faithfulness. Our small group meets in intimate home settings where we gather as friends to study God’s word, deepen friendships and help one another with our everyday joys and hardships. Join us at any time! There is no need to have read the study ahead of time.

Sunday Morning Bible Studies Two Sunday morning Bible Studies are offered weekly. Both follow the Believe series. Paul Hinz leads a larger group in the Conference Room/Library, and Dianne Ritter leads a smaller discussion-based group in the Meeting Room behind the offices.

Bible Pastoral Transition Committee The Pastoral Transition committee will be meeting again May 24 to begin the preparations for Pastor Dan’s retirement and the Call of a new Pastor. Part of the process is to find out what Mount Hope truly values. Your input will be needed. Thank you ahead of time for your participation.

Memorial Day There will be one Sunday church service at 9:30am the weekend of Memorial Day. Enjoy the holiday and the start of summer.

YARN Mount Hope is in need of yarn for making prayer shawls. Any amount or color is greatly appreciated. A volunteer is ready to make more shawls as soon as more yarn is available. Donations should be placed on the top shelf of the coat rack outside the ladies’ restroom. Many Thanks!

Women of Hope Meeting Thursday, May 11 – 6:30 pm You are invited! Invite a friend! Enjoy a variety of salads for dinner. Have fun with our program: + What’s the Buzz? + Gardening demo + Springtime Thoughts-Game + All Things Bright and Beautiful

Bee a Gardener “…You will be like a well-watered garden.” Isaiah 58:11b ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Teacher Appreciation Week May 1-5 is Teacher Appreciation Week. A dedicated group of teachers work very hard to make our Preschool and Childcare a wonderful place for children to be cared for and educated. They represent us well in the community and are dedicated to Christian education. If you would like to leave a note or card of thanks to our Preschool and Childcare workers, please drop it off in the office the first week of May. The Preschool and Childcare Staff Eleanor Stewart, Jean Helm, Melanie Appelquist, Heather Ottum, Kevin Woebke, Josh Cornes, Rachel Cornes, Jessica Stender, Tracy Lamont, Heather Bielec, Charlotte Penn and Kim Woebke

`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Cancer Cruise Benefit for former member, Tim Spletzer On Saturday, May 20, a 5K Fun Run/Walk / Car Show and Cruise will take place with the proceeds being used to help with medical expenses associated with Tim’s cancer journey. Please see the flier on the board in the information hallway for further details.

M a y C e l eb r a t i o n Da y s Happy Birthday 1 Armand Boehnke 4 Joe Rosner 5 Anders Bielec 6 Josh Adamek 7 Grant Nelson 7 Gene Roehrick 7 Lorraine Wolden 9 Richard Hinz 9 Jack Jenson 11 Pauline Von Deylen 13 Linda Borgen 15 Wayne Markel 15 Cody Rosenlund 15 Fran Wallin 20 Paul Hinz 20 Dianne Ritter 23 Susan Moss 25 Faith Alt 26 Melissa Quittschreiber 28 Emily Woodhall 29 Marjule Boehnke 29 Chris Woodhall 30 Pastor Dan Ritter 31 Tyler Ashburn

Baptism Anniversary 1 Ramona Duncan 2 Kim Kunkel 4 Kathy Frank 5 David Moss 7 Sam Killam 8 Eileen Nelson 8 Grant Nelson 8 Pat Roehrick 11 Vivian Brantner 15 Nathan Moss 23 Brent Bielec 24 Susan Moss Lorraine Wolden

Wedding Anniversary 1 Dan & Jennifer Adamek 3 Mark & Melanie Appelquist 18 Dan & Orpha Radford 25 Steve & Kathy Sundseth 26 Ron & Shirley Favorit 28 Conrad & Marilyn Nelson

Membership Updates Births Emily Michelle Vogland 3/10 Edyn Faith Bielec 4/4 New Address Bryan and Wendy McCoy 530 Broadridge Drive Jackson, MO 63755

Church Attendance March 26 March 29 April 2 April 5 April 9 April 13 April 14 April 16

8:15 – 57; 10:45 – 73 6:30 – 71 8:15 – 56; 10:45 – 54 6:30 – 52 8:15 – 58; 10:45 – 90 6:30 – 66 6:30 – 76 8:15 – 78; 9:45 – 142

Jesus All Star - Sunday School The Case for Creation Fran Wallin Not to worry, and don’t let the title scare you. This is not going to be an evolution vs creation piece. It’s just that I’ve never been able to decide on a favorite season of the year. Each, in its own way, has some redeeming quality. Yet, this time of year speaks of life. Birds are migrating and nesting, trees are budding, and bulbs are beginning to sprout. All speak of life.

As I write this, Mr. Dave and I have just completed a 3-hour tour of Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s southwest home. As part of that tour, we walked for more than an hour enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the desert come alive in spring; blooming cactus, lots of green, and a family of deer to boot. Things one wouldn’t expect to see in an atmosphere that receives an annual rainfall of 8 inches, and ground so hard, ones needs a pickaxe to break it to plant the smallest of shrubs. Yet, I marveled that this is God’s creation. How anyone can argue against divine design is beyond my comprehension. As I reflected further I thought of the two newest creations God has brought into this world and who will become members of Mt Hope—Emily and Edyn—both fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. To emphasize this thought a bit more, let me share a few facts. We give birth to over 200 billion red cells daily We exercise 36 muscles when we smile. Babies start dreaming before they are born. A fetus acquires fingerprints at the age of three months. Children grow faster in springtime. In 24 hours, the blood travels a total of 12,000 miles Before age one, babies have dribbled 255 pints of saliva; by age two they will have crawled 93 miles. At birth, we have over 300 bones. As we grow, some fuse resulting in an adult with only 206 bones. In this season, let us give thanks and rejoice in our risen Savior, giver of life. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes (Psalm 118:23). Indeed, life abounds. And yes, we are all new creations in Christ. Blessings to you all.

JAM rd

th

JAM (3 -5 grade students) will be going mini golfing on May 21st from Noon-3:00 pm. The cost for this event is $8 cash. If you would like to attend, please sign up on the bulletin board in the information hallway.

A Letter to the Congregation The following is a note written by Kent Madsen, son of Bob Madsen, a beloved member of Laborers for Christ. Kent wrote this following his visit to Mount Hope on Palm Sunday, and Bob asked that it be shared with the congregation. This morning I visited Mt. Hope Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN. This was the church my dad was helping build when he had a fall and spent almost a week in the hospital. When I went to visit him in the hospital I did not get the chance to meet and thank the woman that selflessly rode to the hospital in the ambulance with my dad to make sure he was okay. Today I finally met her and thanked her personally for looking after my dad when no one else was there to look after him. She is truly a blessing to our family and her generosity will never go un-noticed. While I was there I met person after person that had so much to tell me about my parents and the service they have provided to the Lutheran church for the last 15 years. Today I really felt humbled by the love and support from a congregation that will forever be affected by the Spirit working through not only my parents but the Laborers for Christ. This also marked the first time I had visited one of my father’s projects after its completion. I always knew what my dad does is truly remarkable but I was able to actually see the fruits of his labor of love. More important than the building that he helped raise is the lives of those in the congregation that he has forever touched.

POBLO When you see the world inside Mount Hope Church, how do you feel? Are you excited, inconvenienced, or neutral? I am thrilled! John the Apostle says: “… before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7: 9-10) POBLO International Ministries is a Lutheran-affiliated ministry fulfilling the scene depicted above. The Ministry uses the church’s space as an “International Friendship Center” to offer free classes for internationals and refugees in order to build relationships and love them as Jesus loves them. You can volunteer one hour a week teaching English, Citizenship, Cooking, Sewing/Knitting, and other classes. These exciting opportunities create a hospitable, safe environment that makes people ask about the church, Christianity, and the hope we have in Christ. The Mission Field is here; the Time is now! Call Georgette @ (402) 889-6162 or email [email protected]

Lenten Meal Donation The profits collected during our Lenten meals have been donated to our POBLO ministry. A check for $500 was given to Nader and Georgette to further their ministry in the area. A small amount of money was also set aside as seed money for future Advent and Lenten meals.

Gerten’s Flower Pick-Up Gerten’s Flowers pick up is May 20th 2-4:00 p.m. If you have any questions please contact Melanie Appelquist.

Help Needed Parade Help! Mount Hope will be walking in Richfield’s 4th of July Parade. If you are interested in helping out please contact Melanie Appelquist. This is an amazing outreach event and fun for the whole family! Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be July 31st-August 3rd! We will be serving a free family dinner starting at 5:30 pm each evening. VBS will run from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This event is open to children 3 years old-5th grade. If you are interested in helping, please contact Melanie Appelquist at [email protected]. To register children, please visit our website at www.mt-hope.org or talk to Melanie. This event is FREE for everyone!

.

Youth Ministry One Way News

Mission Statement of One WayWe exist to bring youth into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, while encouraging them to share with one another, explore their ministry gifts, and praise God with their lives.

May 1st - 8th 20th 21st

Melanie on Vacation. There will be no Bible and Brew or SWAG during that time. Please join the Adult Bible Class on Sunday morning. Flower Pick Up 2:00-4:00pm Youth are needed during that time to load cars. SWAG 4:00-6:00 pm Mini Golfing

A BIG thank you to all the youth and families who helped with Palm Sunday Breakfast. You all did an amazing job. Thank you to all the members and friends who attended and supported the breakfast. We made $483 in profit which will support our program and our summer trips. SWAG Mini Golf Trip is May 21st 4:00-6:00 pm. We will be going to Dred Scott Links and having dinner after. The cost is $8 cash. This event is open to 6 th-12th grade students and friends. If you would like to attend, please sign up in the youth room. SWAG (Saved With Amazing Grace) will be on the 1st Sunday of the month from Noon-2:00 pm. and the 3rd Sunday of the month from 4:00-6:00pm. SWAG is a time of fun, food, and fellowship. It is open to 6th-12th grade students and friends. If you are interested in donating lunch or dinner, please sign up in the information hallway. Bible and Brew takes place every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. at the Caribou on France and Old Shakopee Road. Come enjoy some yummy coffee drinks and Bible Study. Youth Bible Class is held Sunday mornings (expect holiday weekends) starting at 9:30am. Melanie Appelquist teaches the 6th-12th grade in the youth room. Congratulation to Morgan Tait who received her first communion on April 13th. We are all so proud of you!

What Will You Do? Since the announcement of my planned retirement from full time ministry in June of 2018, many people have been asking, “What will you do when you retire?” That’s an interesting question for me to reflect upon. To give up doing the very thing that I have thoroughly enjoyed doing for over 30 years is for me both frightening and heartbreaking. Dianne and I don’t have all the answers yet but this much I can share with you. After taking some down time to unwind and rest from the daily workload of ministry, we would very much love to continue to be a part of Mt Hope congregation. I still plan to be available to do some ministry on a part time basis. Our district president has already asked me to consider doing some vacancy ministry and I have also considered being a speaker for Food for the Poor. Dianne and I also plan to purchase a motor home to be able to do some traveling; to see some things we haven’t seen or want to revisit, to see family and friends; maybe go south for a while in the winter, etc. This seems to be the best alternative for us given her current health limitations. We truly covet your prayers for us and for the Pastoral Transition Committee as we search God’s will and guidance. With love, Pastor Dan

VEAP Update MARCH FOOD DRIVE RESULTS: We surpassed our goal of 300lbs of food donations for VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) Our grand total was 577lbs of food and $120 in checks and cash. On March 20th I received an email from VEAP stating there was a “matching funds” option from the “Otto Bremer Trust Fund”. They would match every $100, up to $15,000, if donated in the following four days. At the time we had $100, so I delivered that to take advantage of the matching funds. The email also stated that for every $1 donated, VEAP is able to buy $10 worth of product. VEAP’s goal as a whole was $130,000, and they also exceeded their goal, as they received $151,000. Their lofty food goal was 100,000lbs, but only received 66,320lbs. With the dollars their received, they should be able to make up the difference. A huge thank you to all who participated in this worthy cause. I should mention some of our Preschool and Childcare parents also contributed to our March Food Shelf. Many thanks. Karen Mueller – Ministry Partner Representative

Thank you A big thank you to everyone who helped with the Egg Hunt on April 8th. Seventy children and their families had a wonderful time that day. They each went to six different stations, heard the true meaning of Easter and searched for 1000 eggs!

Family Night Family Night featuring the Teddy Bear Band will be May 19th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be a pizza dinner from 5:30-6:00 pm (Papa Murphy’s Gluten Free Pizza will be available as well). The Teddy Bear Band will be performing from 6:00-7:00 pm. This free event is open to everyone! Please RSVP with Melanie Appelquist if you would like to attend this event. You can speak to Melanie or email her at [email protected] to RSVP or to volunteer to help out that evening.

Those Who Serve in May Sunday Morning Coffee Kitchen / Reception Committee May 7 Elder Reader Greeters Ushers Counters Altar Guild May 14 Elder Reader Greeters Ushers Counters Altar Guild May 21 Elder Reader Greeters Ushers Counters Altar Guild May 28 Elder Reader Greeters Ushers Counters Altar Guild

Prepare & Clean-Up: Candy Frein Renata Melby & Marilyn Nelson

Dave S 8:15 10:45 Conrad N Karen M Rose K & Linda C Karen M & Betty S Helmuth S, Al B, Alts Joel S, Dave S, Ron F, Armand B Kirk V & Kirsten B Matt, Candy and Victoria Frein, Rev John and Sue Stern

Steve S 8:15 10:45 Paul H Betty S Conrad & Marilyn N Jennifer A & Linda Q Jerry B, Bob T, Orlan N, Glenn T Lloyd Q, Scott H, Steve Sundseth Jenny & Cody Rosenlund Matt, Candy and Victoria Frein, Rev John and Sue Stern

Matt F 8:00 10:45 Faith A Praise Team Pat & Gene R Shirley F & Eileen D Arnie B, Gene R, Mike R, Butch C Kirsten B, Steve Schmidt, Brent B, Betty S Schleifers & Kirsten B Matt, Candy and Victoria Frein, Rev John and Sue Stern One Service at 9:30 Al J 9:30 Renata M Pauline &, Sue H Macks & Nelsons Jerry B & Ron F Matt, Candy and Victoria Frein, Rev John and Sue Stern

May Daily Devotions May 1

Num 3:1—16, 39—48

Luke 14:25–15:10

May 2 May 3 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 11

Num 8:5—26 Luke 15:11—32 Num 9:1—23 Luke 16:1—18 Num 10:11—36 Luke 16:19—31 Num 11:1—23, 31—35 Luke 17:1—19 Num 11:24—29; 12:1—16 Num 13:1—3, 17—33 Luke 18:1—17 Num 14:1—25 Luke 18:18—34 Num 14:26—45 Luke 18:35–19:10 Num 16:1—22 Luke 19:11—28 Num 16:23—40 Luke 19:29—48

May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31

Num 16:41–17:13 Num 20:1—21 Num 20:22–21:9 Num 21:10—35 Num 22:1—20 Num 22:21–23:3 Num 23:4—28 Num 24:1—25 Num 27:12—23 Num 32:1—6, 16—27 Num 35:9—30 Song 7:6–8:14 Eccl 1:1—18 Eccl 2:1—26 Eccl 3:1—22 Eccl 4:1—16 Eccl 5:1—20 Eccl 6:1–7:10 Eccl 7:11—29 Eccl 8:1—17

Luke 20:1—18 Luke 20:19—44 Luke 20:45–21:19 Luke 21:20—38 Luke 22:1—23 Luke 22:24—46 Luke 22:47—71 Luke 23:1—25 Luke 23:26—56 Luke 24:1—27 Luke 24:28—53 John 6:41—59 John 6:60—71 John 7:1—13 John 7:14—31 John 7:32—53 John 8:1—20 John 8:21—38 John 8:39—59 John 9:1—23

Num 4:1–8:4

Luke 17:20—37

Num 15:1—41

Num 18:1–19:22

Acts 1:1–7:60 Esther 1:1–10:3

May 2017 Sun

Mon

Tue

Fri

2

3

5:00 POBLO 6:30 Bible Study at Dianne Ritter’s 8:00 AA Meets

9:00 Prayer Group 10:00 POBLO 6:30 Ministry Staff meets 7:00 Praise Team Practice

5:00 POBLO

10:00 POBLO st 1:30 1 Friday Book Club

9

10 9:00 Prayer Group 10:00 Bible Study @Applewood 10:00 POBLO 4:15 Bible & Brew 7:00 Praise Team Practice

11 5:00 POBLO 6:30 Women of Hope meets

12 10:00 POBLO

13 11:00 Salad Luncheon and Quilt Auction at Redemption

16 5:00 POBLO 6:30 Bible Study At Kayla Kuhlman’s 8:00 AA Meets

17 9:00 Prayer Group 10:00 POBLO 4:15 Bible & Brew 7:00 Praise Team Practice

18 5:00 POBLO 6:30 Governing Board Meets

19 10:00 POBLO 10-4 Bethesda Thrift Shop Work Day 5:30-7:00 Family Night Event

20 2:00-4:00 Flower Sales – Pick-up (8-4 Fellowship Hall)

23

24 9:00 Prayer Group 10:00 POBLO 10:00 Bible Study @Applewood 4:15 Bible & Brew 6:30 Pastoral Transition Team Mtg 7:30 Praise Team Practice

25

26 10:00 POBLO

27

Mother’s Day 14 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth Bible Study 9:35 Adult Bible Study 10:45 Worship

15 10:00 POBLO 5:00 POBLO

21

22 10:00 POBLO 5:00 POBLO

5:00 POBLO 8:00 AA Meets

5:00 POBLO 8:00 AA Meets

Memorial Day 29

9:30 Worship Service

30 5:00 POBLO 8:00 AA Meets

Church Office & Center Closed

4

Sat

1

8 10:00 POBLO 5:00 POBLO

28

Thu

10:00 POBLO 5:00 POBLO

Noisy Offering 7 8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School 9:35 Adult/Youth Bible Study 10:45 Worship

8:15 Worship 9:30 Sunday School & Youth Bible Study 9:35 Adult Bible Study 10:45 Worship 12:00 JAM 4:00 SWAG

Wed

5:00 POBLO

31 9:00 Prayer Group 10:00 POBLO 4:15 Bible & Brew 7:00 Praise Team Practice

Mount Hope Lutheran Church 952-888-5059 www.mt-hope.org

5

6

Sunday Worship Schedule

Staff at Mount Hope Lutheran

Sunday Worship Schedule

Dan Ritter Melanie Appelquist Kim Woebke

8:15am Traditional Worship Service 9:30am Bible Study and Sunday School 10:45am Praise Worship Service

Phone: 952-888-5059 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mt-hope.org

Mount Hope Lutheran Church 3601 W Old Shakopee Rd Bloomington, MN 55431

Heather Bielec Charlotte Penn Christina Brantner Candy Frein Steve Sundseth Sam Killam

Pastor Director of Youth & Children’s Ministry Preschool and Childcare Director Administrative Assistant Preschool and Childcare Lead Teacher Preschool and Childcare Lead Teacher Music Director Administrative Assistant Custodian Part-time Custodian