Hope Presbyterian Church Blog

Sermon Access Updates

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0600

We've made two "upgrades" to the sermon download aspects of our web presence we thought you'd like to know about.

First, we have set up our sermon audio feed as an iTunes podcast. If you don't know what that means, don't worry about it. Just take my word for it: it's cool.

What it means is that those who wish can have the sermons automatically loaded into iTunes as soon as they are posted on-line (by our ever faithful sound-guy Derek). They can be listened to on the computer through iTunes, or automatically synced with the users iPod or iPhone.

For more info on this click here.

And secondly, and less dramatically, we have added to the sermons an 'audio header' directing listeners to our web site for more information. We find that these messages end up being passed around in remarkable ways. The fifteen second header identifies the source of the message and links it with our church.

I mention this mostly to give thanks to Leslie Prieto of The JoyFM and of Starbucks (where I first met her). She is a delightful young woman pursuing her love of the radio business. She graciously agreed to do the voice work for us for free. Thanks, Leslie!

Missions Presentation / Fellowship Lunch

LoriDeitz — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Kathryn Brightbill will give us an overview of her work this past year in Vietnam with ELIC during the Christian Education hour this coming Sunday. Following Kathryn's presentation, we will have a Fellowship Lunch. Please bring a dish to share and plan on joining us for lunch.

Kathryn has a deficit on her account with ELIC for which we will be collecting donations to help her offset this amount.

Padilla Family Update - July 2009

LoriDeitz — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Click here to read the latest news from the Padilla family.

Picnic Help Wanted Ads

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:15:00 -0600

We are looking for a few good people to help out with the details of the upcoming picnic. If you think you are a qualified candidate for any of the following openings (basic job requirement: willingness), email Randy.

1. Grill master: to manage the grilling of a variety of hamburgers and hot dogs over a charcoal grill.

2. Host/hostess: to oversee the serving table, and to make sure all the supplies plates, napkins, condiments, etc. are on hand.

3. Bartender to plan, secure, bring, and arrange for the serving of a variety of drinks for dinner.

Thanks!

Mid-Summer Picnic August 2

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0600

Myakka State Park, for those unfamiliar, is a large area situated on the north side of SR-72 in Sarasota County. It's main feature is a lake, but it has many other recreational opportunities, including a fascinating canopy walk, a tower and bridge which allows one to walk through the tree tops. (The park does charge a $5/vehicle entrance fee.)

This park is a great place to have family picnics. So we have reserved a picnic pavilion (the South Pavilion) for all day Sunday, August 2. Families can come to the park whenever they wish and avail themselves of whatever activities appeal to them. We will not have any scheduled activities until the evening, but the pavilion will serve as a central base throughout the day. (Sunday morning worship will be at our regular building at our regular time, however.)

At 5:00 PM we hope that everyone can join together for dinner together. Hamburgers and hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Everything else is "pot luck." You only need to bring a dish or two to share.

At 6:00 PM, a ferocious game of kickball will be held, pitting teams gathered from those in attendance from young to old. Really. It'll be fun. I promise. (As long as my team wins, of course.)

Finally, at about 7:00 or 7:30, we will conclude the formal matters of the evening over dessert and an informal time of worship and singing.

Missionary News

LoriDeitz — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Here is the latest news from the Waldeckers, Dagers and Carla Stevens.

Missionary News

LoriDeitz — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Read the latest news from the Padilla family. Exciting things are happening in their ministry. Take a few minutes to read their latest news and pray for them.

Guest Speaker / Fellowship Lunch

LoriDeitz — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0600

This Sunday, June 21, we will have a special speaker during our Christian Education hour. Mr. John Freeman of Harvest USA will provide an overview of the organizations ministry. Harvest USA is an organization that partners with and equips local churches to bring the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those broken by sexual sin. Here is the link to their website www.harvestusa.org

Following, Mr. Freeman's presentation we will share lunch together. We realize it is Father's Day on Sunday, however, if you don't have plans, please bring a dish to share and plan on joining us for lunch after the presentation.

We will receive an offering in support of Harvest USA during the lunch. Their will be a Missions box at the end of the buffet table for you to deposit your donation should you wish to participate.

Good Reminder

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600

Bill Martin is known to some of you. He is a morning host on The Joy FM, he is an elder at Cornerstone of Lakewood Ranch, and he is a friend of this church.

I thought we all might be encouraged by Bill's very open and honest post about marriage on the occasion of his 18th anniversary. You can read that here.

Doug Has Arrived in Uganda

RandyGreenwald — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0600

This is from a blog authored by two missionary doctors in Uganda:

Hitting the pavement

The 'Doug' in the post is our own Doug Haus. I'd recommend following this blog through the summer while Doug is there as a kind of way to keep tabs on him and to know to pray.

June Prayer Guide

RandyGreenwald — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0600

We are not having Ora et Labora through the summer months (we restart September 7). However, that is no excuse to grow lazy about prayer. So, we have posted the latest HPC prayer guide. Download this and use it to pray for the church through the summer.

Click here to download it.

Congregational Meeting/Fellowship Lunch

LoriDeitz — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:00:00 -0600

We will have our annual Congregational Meeting this Sunday, following the morning worship service. After the meeting, we will have a fellowship lunch. Please bring a dish to share and plan on staying for the meeting and lunch.

Men's Night Out

LoriDeitz — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:00:00 -0600

Hey Guys...don't forget Men's Night Out on Thursday, May 28. Meet at The Wing Factor at 6:00pm for some great food and fellowship.

Response from Coffeehouse

GeoffHenderson — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:00:00 -0600

The Coffeehouse was well received by many who came. In attendance were all kinds of folks: artists, musicians, elderly, young adults, neighbors, families, singles, churched, kayak fisherman, skeptics, unchurched, youth, etc... Here are some quotes either said to me or written to me by a wide variety of folks.

"The art show was a blast. Good music and some good art. A good way to kick back enjoy some coffee and relax. I had a good time there. Thanks for letting me know about it Geoff.

"....BTW we had a great time. Great music! Thanks for the invite."

"Thanks so much for doing something like this."

(In reference to the show)"That is so cool. I'm sorry I didn't know about it until now."

"Would you be willing to talk to our church (CRC) about how to put something like this on?"

"We had a great time (playing music) Friday. Let us know if you want us to do it again."

"I've never had the opportunity to play before such a crowd....Let me know if ya'll do this again soon."

"It's great to see the Protestant church care about the arts."

Adult Christian Education

LoriDeitz — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 -0600

New Adult Christian Education class available this Sunday...

Conversations - led by Pastor Greenwald

"So, Why'd You Move to Florida?"

My family always joked that my mom was able to carry on a fifteen minute conversation with a wrong number. Many of us, on the other hand, are afraid of initiating conversation with new acquaintances because we are not sure how to maintain the conversation. Consequently, we rarely break out of our comfortable circles. Add to this the pressure (variously felt) to turn conversations to religious themes, and many of us run screaming for the covers hoping to wake up so that it will all go away.

So, the purpose of this class - which will span two Sundays - is to briefly address these concerns by suggesting some conversational models and methods designed to take the pressure off our encounters with others and open up the door to some hopeful spiritual conversations.

If this isn't your cup of tea, Tedd Williams will be continuing his class on Theology based on J.I. Packer's book Concise Theology.

Please continue in fellowship with us after the Worship service by participating in one of these classes.

Swine Flu Precautions

LoriDeitz — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Swine Flu Precautions

We are thankful that the recent outbreak of swine flu has not reached Manatee County. Even so we must be vigilant in our efforts to protect ourselves and others from the spread of this flu or other illness.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Here are a few simple precautions to follow:

Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

As much as we want to see our auditorium full of worshippers on Sunday morning, we ask that you stay home if you are not feeling well. For those who are at church, you will notice a few extra bottles of hand sanitizer on the tables in the foyer. Please make use of them. Also, it would be wise to limit our hand shakes, hugs, etc over the next few weeks until this flu outbreak is more under control.

Please seek medical attention if you have symptoms of flu as there are anti-viral drugs that can be taken to help alleviate the symptoms and limit the spread of the illness. Should you need help in seeking medical attention, please contact Lori Deitz in the church office at 727-3408 or speak with an elder or deacon.

Should there be an outbreak in Manatee County, we will follow the guidelines provided by the Health Department and Manatee County Department of Public Safety and will keep everyone informed.

Coffeehouse

GeoffHenderson — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0600

Hope Presbyterian Church is hosting its 4th annual Coffeehouse/Art show this Friday and Saturday night from 7-10 pm. There will be painting, photography, pottery, mosaics, carvings, and some other art forms. The music will consist of a variety of different styles but all will be acoustic in form. Come on out and support your community artists and musicans and grab some free Starbuck's coffee!

Ad Hoc Missions Committee

RandyGreenwald — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0600

As our budget year comes to a close and we begin to make plans for the next budget year, we need to address our missionary support and make some decisions regarding who we will support in the upcoming year and at what amounts.

For this, we need to call together an ad hoc committee of members interested in having input regarding our mission budget.

I imagine that this committee would not need to meet more than once, and probably for not much more than an hour. It would be best if the committee could meet before the next session meeting, which is May 13. (However, it will have until the end of May in reality to formulate recommendations to the congregation.)

If you are interested in serving in this way (and this is a very important need right now) email me.

Thanks!

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Don't miss the latest news from the Padilla's laboring in El Paso and the Smith's as they prepare to head to Grand Caymon. The needs are great, but our Lord is greater. Please remember the needs of our missionaries in prayer.

Maundy Thursday Service

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:00:00 -0600

This Thursday night, at 7:30 PM, we will have our annual 'Maundy Thursday' service. This is a special service during which we specifically remember the heart of the gospel, the death of Jesus Christ. We will celebrate the Lord's Supper with every participant sitting around tables. The service is deeply meaningful and we encourage all who are able to come.

The origin of the word 'Maundy' is open to debate. The most reasonable theory is that it was derived from the Latin word for 'command' and has reference to Jesus' 'Last Command', that of loving one another.

Our service is structured around a series of six psalms, as explained below.

We hope you all will be able to join us.

Following the last meal that Jesus had with His disciples, according to Mark 14:26, the disciples and Jesus "sang a hymn" before departing. What they did at that point was probably chant one of what are now known as the "Hallel" Psalms, Psalm 113 to Psalm 118. Of these, those "hymned" at the end of the Passover meal would have been Psalms 115-118. When Jesus arose from the table, he went to Gethsemane and eventually Calvary with Psalm 118 on His lips. It is to be assumed that God in His infinite wisdom, inspired this Psalm for just this purpose.

Understanding these Psalms to have been inspired by God to provide the context for the journey of Jesus Christ to the cross of Calvary, we have chosen to use them to provide the context for our own worship as we meditate upon the Lord's death, His resurrection, and His last command.

Gethsemane Prayer Event

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0600

During Lent we have been encouraging some special times of prayer for the church. Many of you have joined us (or intend to do so) in our prayer walks. Passion week brings us to the other planned prayer time, what we have chosen to call our 'Gethsemane Prayer Event'.

After His last meal with his disciples, Jesus called for a few of them to accompany him to the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer. So we are inviting you to take some time following our celebration of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday or on Good Friday to commit to prayer.

We have divided the time periods of 9:00-11:00 PM on Thursday, April 9 and 12:00-3:00 PM on Friday, April10 into twenty fifteen-minute blocks. We are asking as many of you as possible to commit to at least one of these blocks so that we might fill them all and have two unbroken periods of prayer. (If these twenty blocks get filled, we will gladly add more!)

If you don't know what to pray for, we encourage you to pick up an April Prayer Guide at the church. Or, you can download that by clicking here.

A sign up sheet will be provided at the church this Sunday (April 5). However, an easier way to do this is to pick a time slot by clicking HERE. This link will take you to a site where you simply enter your name, pick the time slot (either Thursday or Friday), and click 'save'. Do so now. It will be a great encouragement to us all to see these slots get filled.

(By the way, our Maundy Thursday service is Thursday evening from 7:30-8:30 PM. We hope to see you all!)

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0600

Read the latest news from Carla Stevens serving in Belize...

Church Family Snow Shower

LoriDeitz — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Just a reminder about the baby shower we're having for Keith & Kristen Snow this Sunday, March 29 at 5:00PM at the Henderson's. Please RSVP to gohope@gmail.com by tomorrow (Thursday) if you haven't already signed up. Bring a side dish or dessert, and a 2 liter of soda. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.

If you would like to give a gift and haven't already purchased something, Target gift cards would be much appreciated.

Wings Night - Guys

LoriDeitz — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Guys....don't forget Men's Night Out tomorrow (Thursday). We meet at the Wing Factor (SR70 just east of I-75) AT 6:00PM. Invite a friend and join us.

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:00 -0600

Read the latest news from Tracy & Joy Dager....

Men's / Women's Classes

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:00:00 -0600

This Sunday and for the next two after that, we will have two adult Christian education classes.

That's not unusual. What is is this: men will be directed to one and women to the other.

The women's class will be taught by Ruth Anne MacDowell and will consider the importance of community among women in their growth in grace and truth.

The men's class will be taught by Geoff Henderson and will consider what it really means to be masculine in our modern world.

I'm excited about these classes. I hope you make plans to attend one.

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A footnote: Remember that April 5 is our second Prayer Walk. If you've not signed up, I encourage you to do so. Click here for details. You can sign up by email here.

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:00:00 -0600

Enjoy the March prayer letter from the Padilla's serving in El Paso, Texas. There are exciting things going on in their ministry. Please pray for the safety of the Padilla family as they are just over the border from the surging violence inJuarez and other Mexican cities.

Time Change!

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:00:00 -0700

REMINDER!!

Clocks are to move ahead Saturday nigh / Sunday morning as we transition to Daylight Saving Time. Don't forget!

Also, don't forget the important congregational meeting which will begin at 5:00 PM on Sunday evening.

Prayer Walk

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0700

I'm working on plans for the prayer walk this Sunday. If you intended to sign up for this, but didn't, email me at rg7878@gmail.com. Remember, you can sign up for either March 1 or April 5, or both.

If you didn't sign up because the idea confuses you or intimidates you or frightens you or whatever, I understand. Sign up, anyway. If you can walk, you can do this. Seriously. And you might find it a blessing.

Wings Night This Thursday

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Once again, Geoff and I forgot the 'ole Wings Announcement yesterday.

So, here it is:

This Thursday, Wing Factor, 600 PM, Food and fellowship... AND an encouragement to invite your friends who have no church to come hang out with us.

BTW, to those who have not joined us before: The Wing Factor serves up way more than just wings. "You can get anything you want... at Alice's Restaurant" ... or at the Wing Factor, as the case is here.

Congregational Meeting

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0700

At two recent congregational meetings, January 25 and February 15, the session reported to the congregation on the church's financial situation and its current thinking regarding what steps might be taken to address that.

The congregation has expressed a desire to continue this discussion so that it might have opportunity to give its input regarding where things should go. The session is eager to hear these things and to answer whatever questions might exist.

To this end, a congregational meeting will be held on Sunday evening, March 8, at 5:00 PM at the church. We encourage everyone who is able to be at this meeting. Bring your ideas and bring your questions.

And in the interim, don't hesitate to talk to either pastor or to any elder regarding your thoughts.

No decisions have been set in stone. We continue to seek God's leading in all of this.

Opportunities for Prayer

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0700

God wants his people to be a praying people. We challenge you to involve yourselves in our regular prayer opportunities, and to commit to our very special prayer events scheduled during the upcoming Lenten season.

Ongoing prayer opportunities:

1. Community groups - We encourage our community groups, which meet twice/month, to spend good portions of time in prayer for many things, including the needs of the church. This is a great place to be involved in regular prayer with others in the church.

2. Sunday morning prayer - Every Sunday morning, all are invited to join with the elders in the youth room at 9:00 AM for a brief period of prayer on behalf of the church and the service of worship to follow. Don't be shy! Join us.

3. Ora et Labora - On the first Sunday evening of every month, we meet from 5:00-6:00 PM at the church for a time of singing and corporate prayer. This has been a blessing to all who have attended. The challenge is to make the commitment to be at the church for this. You will not be sorry (nor will we) that you made the commitment.

Lenten prayer challenges:

1. Prayer walks - We are challenging the whole body to commit to coming together on at least one Sunday afternoon, either March 1 or April 5 to join with others in a time of private prayer melded with a time of walking through a local neighborhood praying for those neighborhoods and for the gospel to have an impact upon the residents there. We will meet at 3:00 PM and will conclude with participation in Ora et Labora.

Though you need not sign up, we encourage you to do so on the sheets available on the literature table in the foyer, and to do so either February 22 or March 1.

2. Gethsemane prayer - We are calling on the church to a continuous chain of praying from 9:00 PM April 9 through 3:00 PM April 10, that is, from Maundy Thursday through Good Friday. We may modify the details of this slightly, but we want you to have in mind and plan to participate.

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The book of Acts is clear, as are many other portions of Scripture, that God wants his people to be a dependent, praying, God glorifying people. May he grant us the grace to be so!

Commitments to Giving

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0700

One of the ideas broached at the last meeting of the congregation was that those who were able could communicate to the church their intention to increase their giving.

This would be of immense benefit, both the increased giving and the notice that such would be forthcoming.

If you are able and willing to commit to giving over and above what you normally give, communicate this to the church office in one of three ways:

1. Put the information regarding your intentions in an envelope and place it in a normal Sunday offering.

(or)

2. Put the information in writing and mail it to the church office.

(or)

3. Email the information to gohope@gmail.com.

Only the bookkeeper and the treasurer will see this information, and the commitments will be aggregated to assess how close to our goals they bring us.

Keep in mind that what we need for decision making purposes are ongoing commitments which will extend through June 30, 2010. One time gifts are helpful as well. Whatever gifts or commitments you can give will enable us to make wise decisions.

There is no time frame for these gifts/commitments. However, a critical decision making date will be May 1. If commitments could be made by March 15, that could help us as we discuss the issues that evening.

Thanks!

Missionary Updates

LoriDeitz — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:00:00 -0700

News from Carla Stevens in Belize and the Etienne family, missionaries to Haiti are now available. Please take the time to read their news and keep their many needs in prayer.

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Click here for recent news from the Padilla family. Rejoice with the Padilla's as they begin to see the fruit of their labors and continue to uphold them in prayer as they seek to minister to their community.

Missionary Updates

LoriDeitz — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Updates from the Padilla's and the Dager's available. Click on the names to read their lates updates.

Also, please keep Peg and Allison Smith in your prayers as they travel north this week (New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio) to look at schools for Allison. Allison will be auditioning for placement with a couple of ballet companies that have year round training for aspiring young professionals and hopes to find one that will offer her a scholarship as she completes her final year of high school. Be in prayer for the Lord's guidance and provision especially as Ron and Peg seek to see Allison settled as they prepare to go to their new mission field of Grand Caymon.

Wings Night Reminder

RandyGreenwald — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Oops. We forgot to announce this Sunday. So...

Just a reminder that this Thursday evening is our monthly Wings Night for guys. This is a great time for guys to simply hang out, and we encourage that. But this is also a good time to bring people from outside the church so that we can get to know them and they us. We meet at 6:00 PM at the Wing Factor, just east of I-75 off of SR-70.

Update on Kathryn's Team Leader

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0700

This from Gail Brightbill:

Praise note: Kathryn's team leader, Nancy Farnum's cancer is confined to the breast and not anywhere else in her body. The doctors initially thought the cancer could have spread from elsewhere. She has to go back to the U.S. for radiation treatment because the FDA has not approved the seed type of radiation that is done in Thailand. Therefore, her ins. will not pay for it.

Thank you for praying.

Fellowship Dinner

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Just a reminder for everyone to plan to stay past the congregational meeting on Sunday for one of our periodic fellowship dinners. Bring food sufficient to feed your family and two or three others (people, not families!). This will enable us to share our food with visitors and those who are not able to bring food.

See you Sunday!

Important Congregational Meeting

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0700

As was mentioned last Sunday, this Sunday at 11:15 AM there will be a very important congregational meeting. There will be no votes taken, but we will discuss the state of the church and lay out some issues upon which the congregation will eventually need to vote. It is very important that members be here for this meeting, if at all possible. Thanks!

Church E-mail Glitch

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0700

For the past week and a half now the church secretary Lori Deitz has been in Canada tending to the needs of her mother. (Yes, Lori is an alien, eh.) She is not planning to return until this coming Sunday. This has many implications, but one is that the church email account (gohope@gmail.com) gets neglected. We are trying to do a better job with keeping up on it, but if you email the church, don't be surprised if you don't get a quick reply. Better to email Randy or Geoff directly.

Pray for Kathryn Brightbill's Team Leader

RandyGreenwald — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Please be in prayer for Kathryn Brightbill's team leader in Vietnam. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer, which itself may be indicative of cancer elsewhere. She is praying that the cancer can be treated without her having to return to the states. She asks for prayer to that end.

The Purpose of the Church

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Jack Miller was at the time he wrote the book (Evangelism and Your Church - no longer in print) from which the following quote is taken a pastor in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. The purpose of the WHOLE local church is his theme.

"We have seen throughout history that God's power and blessing have been most evident not on those who have assumed a defensive posture toward the lost of the world, but on those whose first concern is to see God save them. I do not wish to dismiss the church's responsibility to guard her sheep from wolves teaching false doctrine. My problem lies solely with the assumption that such concerns must have first place in the normal ministry of the church. I am persuaded that this protectiveness overturns God's standard order for the church and its ministry. God's first priority for his church is to proclaim the gospel to the lost, bringing them to salvation. This is followed by a cultivation of the life and unity which that gospel produces among the people of the Lord Jesus. And finally, in that context, as a living testimony to the power of the Word, the church defends herself against error." (page 6)

We must believe that this indeed is God's first order of business for all of us in the church.

Habitat For Humanity

GeoffHenderson — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Hope Church and some of its friends have had the opportunity to work on a Habitat for Humanity house in Palmetto. For all those who labored, it is a beautiful sight to see a house completed and another family blessed. Click here to read the article in the Herald and see pictures of the house we helped build. We will be serving again on Saturday, January 24th from 7:45 am-noon. Come on out and help even if its only for an hour or two!

Ora et Labora / January

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Those who gathered for the Ora et Labora prayer time Sunday night were once again blessed to enjoy good worship, close fellowship, and a wonderful time of focused prayer. It is such an encouragement to hear others pray and to pray with them.

If you were unable to attend, mark the first Sunday night of February, 5:00 PM, on your calendar and plan to join us.

By clicking here you will download the prayer guide we used. I encourage you to make use of this through the month. Download it and pray through it, perhaps weekly. We are so absolutely dependent upon God.

Where'd the Offering Go?

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0700

In a previous post, we noted that some changes were being initiated in the way we present our worship hymns during Sunday worship. One of the things we are shooting for here is the opportunity to sing more songs.

In order to make room for this, we have made a couple of other minor changes to the basic order of worship. We have not messed with its fundamental gospel structure, but we have moved a couple of things, the most notable of which will be the offering.

The offering will no longer be received during its own isolated and special slot in the liturgy. Rather, it will be received as a part of the response to God's word following the sermon. During the first verses of the hymn following the sermon, the ushers will distribute the offering plates among the congregation. We will remain seated for this portion of the hymn. When the collection is completed, those able will be asked to stand for the conclusion of the hymn.

This should not throw us off too much, but I wanted to give you a heads up.

"The Tunes, They Are A-Changin'"

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0700

It has been our goal for worship at HPC

to choose music that represents the best of the past and of the modern era and
to present that music in such a way that acknowledges not only the value in each, but also serves the desires of the diverse preferences of those in our congregation.

In this we believe that God is honored

when we sing to him and
when we sacrifice our preferences in order to stand alongside others to worship in a style they prefer.

The desire is that as a family we express our love for one another by enthusiastically participating in worship using forms that may not be our first preference, but which are preferred by our friends and neighbors. That is a beautiful thing.

Our ideal may be unattainable, but we want to do whatever we can to come close, and when able, to improve.

Beginning on January 4, 2009, we are going to attempt to improve what we have been doing musically by presenting the historic hymns in a style suitable and associated with them, and by presenting the more modern songs in a style more suitable to them. We believe that this will bring us another step closer to the ideal, if we can pull it off.

The changes will be slight, but will result in more singing (a desire which has been also expressed). In order to accommodate this, there will be a couple other minor alterations, but the heart of our worship will remain unchanged.

Please be in prayer for the music team, and especially for Keith Snow as he seeks to bring us all into the presence of our gracious God.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- Romans 15:5-6

Bible Reading Schedules

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0700

If you are not inclined to read through Calvin in a year, or if you would like a challenge in addition to that, I have posted a few variations on some bible reading schedules. By clicking, you can download a schedule that will help you

- read through the Bible in a year

- read through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in a year

- read through the Bible in two years

My philosophy on this is that such schedules can often become more a burden than a joy. And yet at times, we need the external discipline to keep our nose to the grindstone.

I set up the schedules so that there is no reading scheduled for Sundays. I encourage people to use the Sundays to catch up with reading they missed during the week. I also arranged them so that one reads through a whole book before moving to another. You do not read multiple books of the bible at the same time.

If you think these might be helpful, feel free to download one or all of them.

Oh... you still have time to start. These schedules don't begin until the first Monday of the year.

And Calvin? Several in the church are reading him this year. Let us know if you intend to join them!

Smith Christmas Letter

LoriDeitz — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0700

click here for the latest news from Ron & Peg Smith...

With Appreciation

LoriDeitz — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I just returned from vacation today and in opening the mail received a lovely thank you card from Randy & Barb to the congregation. The card will be on the bulletin board in the foyer, but in case you miss it, I wanted to share it with you...

We are always left with a sense of awe by the faithfulness and support that you all give to us year after year. Thanks once again for your generous Christmas gift, and even more deeply, thanks for the warmth of your grace, love and patience toward us. We pray that God may yet and still do great things as we serve him together.

We love you,

Randy & Barb.

New Year's Eve Worship Opportunity

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Every New Year's Eve, our friends at St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church hold a multi-congregation service from 9:00 PM until midnight at their building on Martin Luther King Blvd. in Bradenton.

Again, they have invited us to join them.

Here is an opportunity to bring in the New year in worship and in prayer. If you have questions, let me know.

Ora et Labora Input

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:00:00 -0700

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Our next monthly time of worship and praise mysteriously titled 'Ora et Labora' will be next Sunday, January 4, 2009, at 5:00 PM.

When we meet, everyone is given a prayer guide which lists requests focused upon the life and ministry of the church. You can see an example by clicking here. (And if you have not yet come, we highly encourage you to give it a try.)

In anticipation of this next meeting, I'd like to know if you see in this guide any glaring omissions. If you have some ideas of some church and ministry related requests that would be good for our prayer time, let me hear from you. Best way to let me know is to e-mail me here.

Thanks!

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

GeoffHenderson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0700

We will be having a Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 6 pm this year. It will include a bunch of familiar carols, the reading of the Christmas story, a short devotional, and of course candles. This is a great time to direct your hearts to the real meaning of Christmas. Come on out and bring some friends.

Great News from the Smith's

LoriDeitz — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0700

The Smith's will soon be on their way to Grand Caymon....here's the latest:

We've JUST heard that we will soon be on our way to ministry in the Caribbean, where we'll be pastoring and church planting on one island (Grand Cayman) while training and mentoring pastors and church planters on several others.

This is a most-wonderful Christmas present for us! Rejoice with us!

We praise the Lord and thank you all for sticking with us through some very difficult times of searching for how the Lord may provide the additional support needed to get overseas.

We are confident in the Lord that you will soon be seeing "dividends" on your investment in the Lord's work as we light the fires of church planting, growth and revitalization throughout the English-speaking Caribbean islands!

Please continue to pray for and support the Smiths! We'll be keeping in touch as we begin making plans for our transition to the field.

May God bless you all this Christmas season.

Your servants for Christ's glory,

Ron & Peg Smith

Allison Smith's Ballet Performances

RandyGreenwald — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Many of you know Allison Smith and her serious pursuit of ballet. We've received some information regarding some opportunities to see Allison perform and we thought that some of you might want to take advantage of that. Here is the info from Ron Smith, her father:

"Please share this information with the folks at Hope, as there are some who have expressed a desire to see her dance.

"The performances will take place at the Sarasota Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 20th at 7pm, and on Sunday, Dec. 21st at 2pm (matinee).

"Tickets are $25 each, and $15 for children ten and under.

"To order tickets, call the Sarasota Opera House Box Office (or order on-line). Since there are OTHER "Nutcrackers" being performed there, you MUST say, "I want tickets to the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet's performance of 'The Nutcracker.'" You can pay by credit or debit card over the phone.

"We hope many of y'all will want to come. Allison has two principal roles! She'll perform one of them in the Saturday show and the other in the Sunday show."

Plates, Teapots, and Mugs, Oh My!

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Last Friday and Saturday, Nigel and Cheyenne Rudolph hosted a pottery show and sale. Nigel and Cheyenne are an archeologist and teacher by day, but their love is working with clay. They are both well accomplished and regarded in this field.

The show revealed the great work they are doing. Here are some pictures of the show. Go to the site and click on a picture to see a larger view.

I'm sure that Nigel and Cheyenne have remaining pieces for sale if you are looking for that last minute, handcrafted, locally made piece of art.

State of the Gospel

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:00:00 -0700

Also beginning this Sunday in our adult Christian education period, we will examine for two weeks the 'State of the Gospel'. The first week we will listen to an audio and visual presentation given by a missionary with Operation World given in 2006 which gives an overview of what God has been doing in missions around the world. Hopefully we will gain a perspective very quickly of what and where the needs are. (Some of these slides were used in a sermon I preached a few months ago.)

The second week, we will spend some time considering the state of the gospel in our own area. Particularly we will consider the idea of new church planting and the prospects of church plants in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota/Bradenton area.

These seemed appropriate themes to consider and explore during the advent season, when our hearts are moved to consider the coming of the kingdom of God.

Reason For God

GeoffHenderson — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0700

During Christian Ed, we will be continuing to work our way through Tim Keller's The Reason for God. This can be a helpful time to learn how to engage the skeptical friend but also to help us as we struggle with our own doubts. We'll discuss "clues," not proofs of God's presence, the fact that knowledge of God is inescapable, the presence of sin, the uniqueness of the gospel and the cross and resurrection. You need not have read the book; however, we do commend the book to you and believe it will prove beneficial to both you and your unbelieving friends.

Christmas Dinner

LoriDeitz — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Don't forget our annual Christmas Dinner this Saturday, December 13 at 6:00PM. Bring a dish to share and plan on joining us. If you haven't RSVP'd, please contact Jerusha Greenwald at 538-0423 or at simplysweet1416@aim.com so she has an idea of how many to expect. This will be a wonderful evening. Please join us!

Salvation Army Food Drive

LoriDeitz — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Thanks to everyone for your support of the Angel Tree Program and the Food Drive in aid of the Salvation Army. This will be the final weekend to bring food donations to the church. _You may bring your donations to the Christmas Dinner on Saturday evening or to church on Sunday morning. All donations will be delivered to the Salvation Army next week. The needs are always great, but this year our community has been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn. If you are able to assist in this outreach effort, please do so.

Dager - December Update

LoriDeitz — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0700

click here for the latest news from Tracy & Joy Dager.

Ora et Labora Prayer Guide

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Last night we had a wonderful time of singing and prayer skillfully put together and overseen by Keith Snow. We were greatly served musically by Keith, Staci Thomas, Jessica Terry, Jerusha Greenwald, and Johnny Weichel who all did an amazing job. Thanks to you all!

The prayer time, as well, was very good. Thanks to all who came together to prayer together for the whole church.

For those of you who could not make it, I have posted the prayer guide from that service for your use. You can download it by clicking here.

Ladies Christmas Tea

LoriDeitz — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Ladies, don't forget our Christmas Tea at Ruth Anne's tomorrow, December 9 at 7:00PM. Please bring a plate of your favorite treats and join us. The address is 608 63rd Street NW, Bradenton.

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Click here for the latest news from Tito and Kim Padilla serving with BEAMM in El Paso.

Thanks from the Etiennes

RandyGreenwald — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0700

[We received this letter of thanks from Esaie Etienne a couple days ago and thought that you would like to see it. Members of HPC gave quite a bit of items to the Etiennes after their home flooded in the hurricanes. They are grateful.]

Dear Partners and friends in Christ,

It has been a little over a week since I came back from the medical mission trip to Haiti and it was a fabulous trip. The medical team had 4 people which includes one dentist, one nurse practitioner who is a specialist in women sicknesses, a male nurse and an architect. Over a period of 5 days and in two different places, they have provided care to more than 350 people. They extract teeth, saw children with malaria, women and girls with vaginal infections caused by the flood water in which they had walked to escape, hypertension, and many more kinds of diseases. This was again a very encouraging trip and the team also was encouraged. The architect, Mr. Perry Poyner is preparing a plan for me to build a pavilion in my yard to house the church that is growing rapidly. as to the cost of it I don't know yet, but I am asking for some help as soon as possible to achieve that because the worship services are taking place inside my house at the present and it too small and not comfortable. As soon as the architect finish with the plan, we will need the help of good carpenters to help us put it together, especially the roof.

Since I came back from the trip I have been working hard to load the container with everything that I have received from different individuals and churches in Florida. I have finally finished loading it today. I have received a lot of clothes and a boxes of shoes and other stuffs that will be distributed to the people in need. It will probably be in Haiti at the end December.

We are very grateful of all the supports that we have received from our brothers and sisters who have helped us through these difficult periods. Thank you very much and may you have a very blessed Christmas in the Lord.

FOR CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM,

Esaie Etienne,

Mission to the World, missionary to Gonaives, Haiti

Ora et Labora This Sunday Evening

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:00:00 -0700

On the first Sunday night of each month, we gather for a special time of singing and of prayer. That is coming up THIS SUNDAY EVENING at 5:00 PM.

This was a wonderful time last month, and will certainly be so again this month. However, prayer is work, and there will be a natural resistance in our flesh to something such as this.

So, I encourage you to persevere through that and join with us for this very important, and very encouraging, time.

If you are unfamiliar with what this is, you can read more by clicking here or here or here.

Sermon Uploading and Downloading

RandyGreenwald — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0700

For those of you who do not know, you can easily listen to missed sermons, and even download them to your computer, send them to friends, burn them to a cd, or whatever. You can get started doing this by going to our Sermon Audio pages.

You can even set your computer up to automatically alert you to when a new sermon has been posted, and even to download that sermon for you. You can find out more about that by clicking here.

Those of you who have already set up a subscription via e-mail or RSS will be surprised to find in upcoming days LOADS of old sermons showing up in the feed. I'm sorry about that.

Here is why that is happening: we have received requests for some earlier sermons that had not been added to the archives of the new web site. So, as we add them, the system treats them as NEW sermons and ships them out that way.

Sorry to clutter your inbox, but the pain should quickly pass, and the process be done soon. In the meantime, if you wanted to actually listen to one of those sermons, you may!

Thanks.

A Sample of our Thanksgiving Service

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0700

As promised, I've uploaded an excerpt from our Thanksgiving service with St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church. They brought their young people's choir, which reveals something of the mixed cultural character of this service. Click here to enjoy it!

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Click here to read the latest newsletter from Carla Stevens, Missionary to Belize.

If You Missed This...

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day with family and friends. Barb and I and the family did nothing, actually. We are waiting for Adria and Gama to get here to celebrate on Sunday. So for us, the Thanksgiving feast is still ahead.

However, we did feast, and if your travels, your schedule, or your reluctance kept you from this feast, you are the one who has lost out. We enjoyed a wonderful time of worship and thanksgiving with our brothers and sisters from St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church.

We can sometimes think that worship in heaven will be identical to what we most enjoy on earth, forgetting that heaven will include worship styles from every tribe and language and tongue. We had a taste of that Thursday, as St. Paul's shared with us their Young People's Choir. We could only applaud and say 'Amen'.

If you missed it, you missed something.

I hope when chance allows to post some audio from the service here. Stay tuned.

Christmas Dinner

LoriDeitz — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us on Saturday, December 13 at 6:00PM for our annual Christmas Dinner. This is always a wonderful time and this year promises to be very special. To aid our planning efforts, we would appreciate it if you would RSVP. You can either sign up on Sunday (sign up sheet is on the table in the foyer) or you may RSVP to Jerusha at simplysweet1416@aim.com. Please invite your family, neighbors, co-workers and join in the fun and celebration.

Fellowship Lunch

LoriDeitz — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Don't forget our Fellowship Lunch this Sunday, November 30. Please bring a dish to share and join in this wonderful time of food and fellowship.

Thanksgiving Service

LoriDeitz — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Join us on Thanksgiving morning at 10:00am for a service of praise and thanksgiving. We will be joined in fellowship with our brothers and sisters from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor James Roberts will be preaching. Nursery care will be provided.

Food Drive

LoriDeitz — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Please continue to bring in items for our Food Drive in aid of the Salvation Army. Our box is pretty empty after our recent delivery to their headquarters. If you're coming to the Thanksgiving service, please bring something with you or perhaps on Sunday if you are able. Thanks so much for your ongoing support!

Calling All Musicially Talented Folks

KeithSnow — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Do you play an instrument? Do you have an amazing singing voice that no one knows about? Are you looking for ways to serve and bless the church? Don't hide your light under a bushel! We're looking for any and all musically talented people who may be interested in serving on the music team. People of all ages, genders, and talents are welcome. Do you play the guitar? Drums? Accordion? Triangle? There's a place for you! Please contact Keith Snow to let him know of your interest and availability.

Welcome, Samantha!

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0700

This just in from Keith Snow, ('Uncle' Keith, actually):

Samantha Madeline Forssell was born at 12:12 pm! She is 8 lb 4 oz.

Rejoice with and remember in prayer, Erica, Dan, Riley, and Samantha.

Pray for Lakeland Church Family

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Vince Strawbridge was a key member in the original PCA church in Lakeland, Covenant, and his children have been a blessing in many ways throughout that community. His son Tim is an elder and on staff at Covenant's plant Trinity Presbyterian in downtown Lakeland.

So, it is with sadness that we hear of Vince Strawbridge's death in a fatal car accident yesterday. This will be a very hard loss to those churches and to the family involved. Please keep them in your prayers.

You can read about the accident here.

Wings Night Date Change

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0700

A heads up here: we've moved wings night up a week (to THIS Thursday) so that we do not overlap Thanksgiving. So, be at the Wing Factor at 600 PM (or so) Thursday, November 20. It's always a great time. We hope to see you there.

BTW, we will need to move this up in December as well. December's Wings Night will be December 18 in order to miss Christmas and NY day. January will return us to the old schedule of the last Thursday of the month.

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Click here to read the latest update from Tracy & Joy Dager.

Film Discussion: WALL·E

KeithSnow — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0700

On Sunday, December 7, we'll resume our film discussion class with Disney/Pixar's WALL·E, which was released in theatres earlier this year and comes out on DVD next week (November 18). The basic premise of the film is "What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off?" Click here to view the film's trailer. See you there!

Children as Members

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I don't make it a habit to 'cross-post'. But I am making an exception to that. Some of you may know that I have a personal blog. Though a number of the HPC family read that blog, not all do. The thoughts I posted there this morning, I wanted to be before those who do not read blog but read this one. My apologies to those of you who read both!!

*****

This past Sunday the elders of HPC interviewed people for membership. What we look for in those wishing to join is simply a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ. To discern this can be one of the hardest things we do. But not today.

Today it was a delight. We were able to interview three adults and seven children, including my son Colin, no longer sporting his Rayhawk (which, by his mother's orders, lasted no longer than about fifteen minutes). The children's ages ranged from 7 to 12.

Can a child understand this process? We've wrestled with that and have concluded that at times a child can understand it better than some adults.

Each of these children gave evidence of understanding what it means to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. But, you ask, will they still be committed at age 17? or 21? or 25? We can't say that. But do we prevent access to membership and to the Lord's table because we fear that one whose profession of faith today is tender and precious may prove to be spurious? Jesus said, Let the little children come to me. I'd hate to be on the other side of him on any issue, but especially that one.

If any come to us and demonstrate a love for Jesus, we receive them. If in time they reject the faith which they now profess, then their profession will be shown to have been false, regardless of the age they made that profession.

But this is the joy: I don't expect that from these children. Yes, they may struggle. They may go through a period where they 'experiment with unbelief', a time where they look upon the Christianity of their upbringing from the 'other side', so to speak. It may be a scary time for their parents. But the faith they possess now, nurtured as it will be by faithful parents, by the church, by the preaching, by the sacraments, I expect to grow and deepen and to be preserved by the gospel. I believe this because I've been assured and have seen God's faithfulness to his covenant promises.

The work of the parents, and the work of the covenant community of the church, has not changed. We are still charged with discipling these children to love and trust Jesus. We are still to be about guiding them to be faithful to the vows they take and will slowly come to understand as the years go on. But the God who claimed them as his from the womb will be the the God who preserves them through his faithfulness.

I am grateful to Him for his work among these young ones.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Food Drive

LoriDeitz — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0700

As mentioned in last week's bulletin, we are endeavoring to assist the Salvation Army in their ministry to the needy in our community by participating in their annual Food Drive. There is a box in the church foyer for donations. If every family could check their pantry on Saturday evening and bring an item or two with them on Sunday, it would be greatly appreciated. The box will remain in the foyer throughout the month of November. Thank you.

Ora et Labora Update

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0700

To those of you who joined us for the first Ora et Labora prayer time, thanks for doing so. We hope that you were blessed as many have testified that they were.

If you were not able to join us, remember that we will do this regularly on the first Sunday of each month. So, plan to join us again at 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 7. Encourage others to come!

By the way, at the end of the time Sunday, I made the mistake of venturing into talking about the Latin title. Of what I said, I got about 10% of it right. Ill try to stick to what I know next time!

Please continue in prayer. If you would like the prayer guide, click here to download it.

Missionary Update

LoriDeitz — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0700

The November update from the Padilla's is now available.

Memorial Service

LoriDeitz — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0700

The service for Ruth Shane, mother of Ruth Anne McDowell and John Shane, will be this Saturday, November 8 at 2:30PM at Shannon Funeral Home, 1015 14th Street West, Bradenton. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30-2:30PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Street Child, P.O. Box 116284, Atlanta, GA 30368.

Ora et Labora

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0600

Prayer together is a great blessing for Christians, and a great threat to the enemy of God. Praying together is a means through which God intends to bring his kingdom into greater existence, and is a way in which Satan is crushed under the weight of the churchs prosperity.

Prayer is a good thing, a vital thing, a delightful thing. But often, what our spirit longs for, our flesh resists. We encourage you to overrule your flesh this Sunday afternoon (November 2), and join us as we gather at 5:00 PM in the auditorium for a time of prayer preceded by a short time of song.

For more info, check out this previous post.

Daylight Savings

LoriDeitz — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0600

Daylight savings will end at 2:00am on Sunday morning. Please remember to turn your clocks back before going to bed on Saturday night.

Weekly Announcements

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0600

By popular request, we have resumed posting the weekly bulletin announcements on line. You will find these each week posted under the Resources category.

Pre-election Sunday School Class

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0600

As we've done in past election years, our adult Christian education class this Sunday (November 2) at 11:15 AM will be a consideration of the major ballot initiatives facing voters. Tedd Williams will lead us through the issues and will bring some thoughts regarding how we as Christians might look at the issues. The focus will be on information, and not on suggesting that there is one right and one wrong or one Christian way to vote. There should be some opportunity for some civil (!) interaction as well.

If you are uncertain as to what the ballot initiatives are this time around, you can get some information on them here and here.

On November 9th we will return to our study of spiritual gifts.

Ora et Labora

KeithSnow — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:00:00 -0600

Self-assessment in a church is always a critical need, and at Hope Church we are doing that, both individually, with our new class on spiritual gifts, and corporately, as we think of ourselves more self-consciously as a new church plant, asking what it means to be healthy and thriving like a firmly rooted tree. As we do so, we are reminded of our need to come humbly before the Lord and make our requests known to him. We pray because God listens and responds to the pleas of his people, and in so doing, he also reveals to us our own weakness and our need for his saving grace. And we pray together because that is the biblical model, and through corporate prayer we are encouraged and grow in prayer.

Along these lines, we'll be launching a new prayer and praise evening called Ora et Labora, to be held on the first Sunday of each month from 5-6pm. The first one will be on Sunday evening, November 2. "Ora et Labora" is a Latin phrase meaning "pray and work"; we'll have a time of corporate singing, followed by a time of prayer in small groups. Sheets will be provided with a list of suggested prayer topics, and coffee and tasty treats will be provided. So come be refreshed and encouraged as together we delight in God's goodness and sovereignty by praising him in song and seeking him in prayer.

Book List Now Up

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0600

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have posted a list of recommended books. If you happened to be looking for something to read to help you grow in your Christian life, here is a broad selection of a few titles to get you started.

We hope some day to expand this list, and to annotate it. But for now, we hope you find this helpful.

Click here to go to the list.

Class on Spiritual Gifts Starts this Sunday

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0600

Among the myriad mysteries of the faith lies this one, very personal, and rarely pondered question, What is my spiritual gift?

Some of us may be puzzled by the whole idea. Weve only remotely heard of a spiritual gift. Others of us may assume that these are things possessed by the professional class of Christians, but not by the ordinary. Still others know that the Bible teaches that all Christians have spiritual gifts, and they are curious what theirs might be.

This Sunday, October 19, we are starting a new class in our adult Christian education period which will explore these questions.

For these few weeks we are offering but one class because we think it is very important for everyone to take part. We hope that all those without other responsibilities from 11:15 to noon will make a point to join us.

But we must warn you the question of spiritual gifts takes us into dangerous territory. Gifts are given by Christ to be used in the church. Our hope is that once we capture this, and see that God determines to minister his grace to us through the administration of gifts to us all, we will pay our debt to one another by actively pursuing the use of our gifts in our church. So, this is dangerous you may find that with the gift God has given you work to do.

But we must encourage you as well. We equally believe that the lack of the use of our gifts may be one of the hidden cause of joylessness in the heart of a Christian. You may find through this study an open door to joy.

We hope you come.

Ladies Night Out

LoriDeitz — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0600

Ladies, don't forget out Night Out tomorrow (October 14). We will meet at Panera located at 1520 Cortez Road West at 6:30PM. Come on out and join in the fun as we share a meal and catch up with one another. Click here for a map of the area.

Missions

LoriDeitz — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0600

There are lots of exciting things going on in the mission field, both at home and abroad. Read the latest news from the Padilla's in El Paso and the Dager's in the Middle East...

Film Discussion: The Truman Show

KeithSnow — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0600

This Sunday, October 12, we'll be kicking off our film discussion group during the Education hour with The Truman Show, a 1998 fantasy comedy/drama starring Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, and Ed Harris, and directed by Peter Weir, whose other films include Witness, Dead Poets Society, and Master and Commander. "The film chronicles the life of a man who does not know that he is living in a constructed reality soap opera, televised 24/7 to billions across the globe... [It] has been analyzed as a thesis on Christianity, simulated reality and existentialism. Many have noted the film predicted the rise of reality television."

So, go and rent The Truman Show, and come Sunday morning having watched it and ready to discuss!

Bless Your Pastor

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0600

The picture to the right of this text is for real. It is the 'Bless Pastor's Holy Bear' available from a company called Berean Bears.

That's sweet.

(It has always struck me as somehow appropriate that my daughter once gave me not a holy bear but a statue of Don Quixote. Fitting.)

However, if you really want to bless a pastor, me, Geoff, or any under whose ministry you have profited, click and heed this advice from John Piper.

That is what blesses pastors!

Smith Prayer Letter

LoriDeitz — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0600

Ron and Peg Smith, MTW missionaries currently in the States, but hoping to move to the mission field soon, will be heading to the Caribbean later this month...read about their trip and be in prayer for positive results.

Help for the Etienne Family

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0600

Earlier we alerted you to the devastation in Haiti. (Click here to read.)

To read more about the Etienne family, you can visit here.

And for information from Mission to the World about the situation, click here.

Esaie will be here on Monday to pick up whatever there is that we can provide for them, either for their family or for general relief in Haiti.

Click here to see a list of items they need.

If you have anything to share from this list, bring it to the church on Sunday.

Missions

LoriDeitz — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0600

The PCA / Mission to the World has a special emphasis on Global Missions during the month of October and publishes a prayer calendar for October to help focus our attention on specific needs around the world. This prayer calendar will be included as an insert in this Sunday's bulletin. Please make use this calendar in your daily devotions as we seek to uphold our missionaries around the world. In case you miss it or leave it behind, please click here.

Guy's Night Out

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 05:00:00 -0600

Hey Guys, don't forget Guy's Night Out on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00pm. Meet at The Wing Factor on SR70, just east of I-75 (in the Sweetbay Plaza). Hope to see you there! (Click here for directions.)

Total Church

RandyGreenwald — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00:00 -0600

Click HERE to read an interview with the author of a book which seems to advocate a vision of ministry much like our own. If you are unfamiliar with what our vision for ministry is, reading this post should give you an idea of what we want to be about.

Ray's Game

LoriDeitz — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0600

A great time was had by the group from Hope that cheered the Rays to victory on Friday night. Enjoy the pictures... [Note: you may have to click here to see the pictures.]

Conference Opportunities

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600

We've been made aware of a couple of conference opportunities which we thought some of you might be interested in.

The first is a conference in Orlando taught by Dr. Richard Pratt looking at how Christians do business in the marketplace. Click here to see the conference info.

The second could do many of us a great deal of good. It is a marriage conference sponsored by Redeemer PCA in Riverview. Click here for details.

And while I'm on the subject, this seminar is coming to town. David Allen has his finger on a lot of

right things regarding personal productivity. This is not a 'Christian' conference, but I've gained, I think, a great deal from reading about Allen's ideas. Some of you (with corporate expense accounts – early registration is $545) might really benefit from this. I'd love to attend, but I don't have even the non-profit discounted fee of $350!

Blood Drive Postponed

RandyGreenwald — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Most probably already know this, but in case you missed the announcement, note this:

It seems that we picked the wrong weekend for the blood drive. Whereas we in the past have secured fifteen to twenty prospective donors, this time only four signed up.

Fortunately, the blood center was able to find an alternative sight for their bloodmobile, so they will get their blood.

If you had intended to give and this crimps your plans, you can still do so at any Florida Blood Services location. Go on the first Monday of the month and you will receive a free movie ticket. Barb and I will be at the Lakewood Ranch location sometime Monday afternoon, October 6, if you'd like to join us.

Pray for Haiti / Etienne

RandyGreenwald — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0600

As we watch the hurricanes skirt by us, not all our friends are spared.

Esaie Etienne is Haitian. He and his family lived for a time in Winter Haven pastoring a Haitian church there. Since, they have been led of God to return to Haiti, giving up the comforts of life in the US for ministry among the terrible poverty of their homeland. That has not been easy, as this latest note from him indicates. Please read it and keep them in your prayers.

This is Esaie. The past few days have been very for us in the city of Gonaives. My yard was literally transformed in a big (I mean big river). We lost everything. The whole city of Gonaives was transformed in a lake. The water was five feet inside my house, but in half of the city the water reached more than twelve feet high. I have my aunt, my cousin's house who went to the second floor of their house after the water reached the ceiling on the fisrt floor, and when they got to the roof after a few minutes there the water reached them and it got to their waist.

The whole city is a big mess at this time. There is water everywhere and the people don't have anything. There are people who have not eaten anything for three days on top of their roofs. Help is very scarce. The people need food, water, medical help, blankets and toiletries.

By the grace of God Mission to the world has contacted the US embassy in Haiti, and after much problems because they did not want to rescue us. They finally contacted the UN and they got us out from the city of Gonaives yesterday by Helicopter because access to Gonaives by car was almost impossible. We are now in Port-au-prince at my wife uncle's house and we have reservation to come to the US on Monday afternoon with Air France.

For news reports, click here.

Dave Ramsey in Tampa on Saturday

KeithSnow — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0600

Some of you may be interested to know that Christian financial expert Dave Ramsey will be speaking in Tampa this Saturday from 1-6 pm. His "Total Money Makeover" is based on Biblical teaching about stewardship and responsibility, and has helped many people to get out of debt and become more financially healthy. Click here to register for the event at his website.

Habakkuk

GeoffHenderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -0600

Associate Pastor Geoff Henderson will be leading a Christian Ed class on Habakkuk starting September 7th. Yep, that book that's hard to find, and even harder to spell. We'll spend 4 weeks looking at this Old Testament prophet who asked hard questions to God. And God answered some of his questions. Pretty cool I think. We'll spend the first week getting an overview of the book, and the next three we'll dive into the material. Like all of scripture, Habakkuk is true to life. Frustrated at the world, and frustrated at God, we can all relate to him. Yet even in this frustrated state, God does dialog with this minor prophet. And I believe he still speaks to us through this ancient but relevant book.

Christianity & Film Class

KeithSnow — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0600

This Sunday during the Adult Education hour we'll begin a 4-week look at Christianity and Film. Join us as we discuss questions such as: what relationship, if any, is there between our Christian faith and the movies we watch? How can we best interpet and understand films as Christians? What themes and issues are being raised in contemporary films, and how can we respond? This class is being facilitated by Keith Snow and will meet in the auditorium.

Baseball Game

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Join us on Friday, September 19 for an outing to Tropicana Field to cheer on the Rays as they take on the Minnesota Twins. The game starts at 7:10PM. Tickets will be no more than $12 per person. Friday is $1 hotdog night! Car loads of 4 or more people get free parking. Please contact the church office by Friday at noon if you would like to join in the fun. Visti the Rays website for more information http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=tb

Ladies Night Out

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Ladies, please join us for dinner at 6:30PM on Tuesday, September 9 at Panera (located at US41 & Cortez Road). This is a great time to catch up with friends!

Internet Resources

RandyGreenwald — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0600

Hi, everyone,

During my class this past Sunday I tried to show that there were some very helpful resources out there for Christians. I also used a couple of videos that were intended to help us understand things like 'blogs' and 'rss' and the like. Some of you may want to revisit those videos or take advantage of some of the resources I referenced. So for those of you who are interested, here they are.

The videos:

Blogs in Plain English
RSS in Plain English

HPC Resources:

Home Page
Audio Sermons
Blog

Downloadable Resources:

Covenant Seminary (articles and sermons on a variety of topics)
Covenant Worldwide (lectures and notes from actual seminary classes)
Redeemer Samples (twenty or so free sermons from Tim Keller)

Blogs:

by HPC people -
Be Thou My Vision (Geoff's)
Somber and Dull (Randy's)
Tulip Girl (Alexandra Bush)
Conservative Intelligencer (John Bush)
Snowbot (Keith Snow)

Recommended by HPC people (I've not 'checked out' all these things, so read with discretion, as always!) -
Between Two Worlds
Challies.com
The Resurgence
Monergism
Rocks in My Dryer
Paradoxuganda
Ransom Fellowship

Hope Presbyterian Church Blog

Sermon Access Updates

Missions Presentation / Fellowship Lunch

Padilla Family Update - July 2009

Picnic Help Wanted Ads

Mid-Summer Picnic  August 2

Missionary News

Missionary News

Guest Speaker / Fellowship Lunch

Good Reminder

Doug Has Arrived in Uganda

June Prayer Guide

Congregational Meeting/Fellowship Lunch

Men's Night Out

Response from Coffeehouse

Adult Christian Education

Swine Flu Precautions

Coffeehouse

Ad Hoc Missions Committee

Missionary Update

Maundy Thursday Service

Gethsemane Prayer Event

Missionary Update

Church Family Snow Shower

Wings Night - Guys

Missionary Update

Men's / Women's Classes

Missionary Update

Time Change!

Prayer Walk

Wings Night This Thursday

Congregational Meeting

Opportunities for Prayer

Commitments to Giving

Missionary Updates

Missionary Update

Missionary Updates

Wings Night Reminder

Update on Kathryn's Team Leader

Fellowship Dinner

Important Congregational Meeting

Church E-mail Glitch

Pray for Kathryn Brightbill's Team Leader

The Purpose of the Church

Habitat For Humanity

Ora et Labora / January

Where'd the Offering Go?

"The Tunes, They Are A-Changin'"

Bible Reading Schedules

Smith Christmas Letter

With Appreciation

New Year's Eve Worship Opportunity

Ora et Labora Input

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Great News from the Smith's

Allison Smith's Ballet Performances

Plates, Teapots, and Mugs, Oh My!

State of the Gospel

Reason For God

Christmas Dinner

Salvation Army Food Drive

Dager - December Update

Ora et Labora Prayer Guide

Ladies Christmas Tea

Missionary Update

Thanks from the Etiennes

Ora et Labora This Sunday Evening

Sermon Uploading and Downloading

A Sample of our Thanksgiving Service

Missionary Update

If You Missed This...

Christmas Dinner

Fellowship Lunch

Thanksgiving Service

Food Drive

Calling All Musicially Talented Folks

Welcome, Samantha!

Pray for Lakeland Church Family

Wings Night Date Change

Missionary Update

Mid-Summer Picnic August 2