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| Hope Free Church | August 2016 Newsletter |
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A Note From Pastor Mickey
  Dear Hope Church family,
Our country has just finished political conventions where both parties and their candidates were trying to make a claim in the future of the American government and earn the trust of the American people. No doubt both of the parties find representation in our church, with some among us who do not know where to stand. Yet the Christian knows that the true King needs no person's vote, just as his kingdom is hardly limited by any nation, continent, or language.
As our country is seeks to determine which person is best able to hold our highest office, the Christian does well to remember that God already holds the highest office and alone stands worthy and able to bring true justice and peace. Listen to the corporate witness of God's Word. "But you, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures to all generations" (Lam. 5:19). "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness" (Ps. 45:6). "Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales.... Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? ... It is [God] who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness" (Isa. 40:15, 21-23).
God's Word makes clear that we are to be faithful servants of God's common grace and dutiful participants in our nation and community. For this reason you and I should participate in the forthcoming political process. Yet we should never forget that God and no other is the King of kings, the Lord of Lords, and the One who presides over all presidents - past, present, and future.
For God's glory,
-Pastor Mickey
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50 and Free! Capital Campaign
If you were present at our last congregational meeting you know that Hope is about to launch a debt-reduction campaign. Being debt free sounds wonderful to me but I had one question: Is the goal to pay off the mortgage simply to launch another capital campaign? If so, that seems counterproductive to me.
The answer I received from Pastor Brad was quick and clear. "We want to be mortgage free so that we can have more funds readily available to do more ministry. It is our desire to be debt free by our 50th anniversary in 2018."
A church that is debt free? That's exciting! Debt free for the purpose of having more liquidity for ministry is even more exciting!
In the next few weeks you will learn the details of "50 and Free" from your campaign leadership team - Ruth Kipp (Prayer Chair), Carolyn Scherrer (Communications Chair), Chuck Hundt (Special Events Chair), Ed Titcomb (Advance Commitment Chair), Pastor Brad (Stewardship Education Chair), Neal Neyer (Elder Board Representative) and Pastor Mickey.
Along the way you will be invited to participate in whatever capacity the Lord leads you. But first we are asking you to begin praying. Please pray specifically for several things.
First, that God would be at the helm of this effort. For the elders, staff and campaign leadership team to seek Him before all things. Secondly, that each of us at Hope will become faithful stewards of our time, talents and treasures so that our hearts will be in sync with the heart of God. And, finally, please begin asking the Lord how you can be a part of Hope's expanding ministries.
In My Utmost for His Highest Oswald, Chambers writes this about ministry opportunities:
"Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings-it means being God's very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us."
I am excited to see how the Lord is going to work to bring our body together so that we can be 50 and Free. Free to do more through Him and for Him.
Randa Noble
Campaign Leadership Committee Chair
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Adult Ministries
Ministry Fair August 21
Ministry is tough. But it is also very fun and rewarding and a huge blessing to the body of Christ. Isn't it time for you to "Get in the Game?" On August 23 we will be having our annual Ministry Fair with the theme of "Get in the Game." The challenge is for each of us to get involved in something. Come to Fellowship Hall during the morning and check out the various tables where ministries of the church will have representatives there to answer any questions for you as well as sign up for fall Bible studies, Small Groups and other things. Oh, and there will be FOOD! Stop on by and GET IN THE GAME!
We will be holding our next membership class on August 27 from 8 am to 3 pm with a lunch served. Pastor Brad will be teaching class where we go over the history of the Free Church, discuss what we believe doctrinally, and also discuss ministries within Hope you can get involved with. If you are interested in joining the Family of Hope in membership, contact the church office or fill out the Friendship Register to notify us of your interest. Space is limited.
 As a way to give you more options, Hope Church is providing an opportunity for online giving. This will give you many options in how you manage your giving to the church. You can have a checking or savings account debited or you can give via a debit/credit card. You will be able to fill out an application or you will be able to go online via our website where you will be directed to a secure server where our vendor processes online donations. Be looking soon for more information on how to get started. If you have any questions before you get started, please contact Pastor Brad.
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| Adult Bible Fellowship | | CURRENT Adult Bible Fellowship STUDIES:
If you have not tried out an ABF, what is preventing you from checking one out? It is a great time to get to meet people and build relationships with others outside of worship service
Adult Bible Fellowship Classes are available in the Fellowship Hall at
9 am and 10:45 am and they are studying the Apostle Creed.
Meets in Youth Room-Upstairs during 10:45 am service for 50's + studying the book of Hosea.
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Kids of Hope
A big thank you to all the VBS volunteers, leaders, decorators, and those that donated items to make our Everest VBS week a big success! We appreciate the support of our church family so much! The kids all had a blast, and we had almost 30 kids accept Christ!! PTL!!
Please be in prayer for the kids who will be coming to the VBS that we will put on at Rockford Rescue Mission August 1-5. We are anticipating a group of 50 kids from the Women's Crisis center and from the community.
If you lent items for us to use for VBS you may stop by the church office after August 7th to claim your items.
Kids Hope USA Mentoring
 Thank you to all who have donated school supplies for the backpack party which will be held on August 6th. It is always so fun for the mentors and kids to "go shopping" for everything they need for school.
Summer is the perfect time to prepare to mentor a child in our local schools. We will be holding a training meeting in August in order to be ready for the kids. If you are willing to give one hour a week to meet with a child that could use an ongoing relationship with a loving adult, please get in touch with Melissa Peshek, Jamie Anderson or Vera Juhlin.
Timber-lee
Please pray for these kids at Camp Timber-Lee duing August.
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Camp
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Name
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Attending
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Mikayla Peterson
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07/31/2016
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Trudane Peterson
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07/31/2016
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John McKenzie
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07/31/2016
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Lydia Nordgren
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07/31/2016
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Joshua Nordgren
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07/31/2016
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We are sorry to be saying goodbye to two of our Awana Directors, Jessica Zimbleman and Roger Glenn. Please be praying for Emily Gephart as she takes over for Jessica, that God will raise up a qualified T&T co-director, and for the whole Awana leadership team as they prepare for the start of Awana in the fall.
There will be an Awana training meeting on August 29th at 6:30 PM for all adults and teens who will be helping with Awana this year. Awana has changed the books and format of the T&T club. The changes are exciting and will help both kids who are new to their faith as well as those who grew up in the church. Come and learn all about it!
Nursery
 We are now using an online sign up service to do the nursery scheduling. If you are a regular nursery worker (or want to be one) and have not received an invitation to a site called "Sign Up Genius", please call Caroline Ahlberg or the church office
Preschool, Elementary SS & Worship for Kids
Believe it or not we are already preparing for the fall. There are openings at both the 9:00 and 10:45 hours for teachers (need to be a member) and helpers (no need to be a member). Contact Vera Juhlin for a worker application if you are interested.
Mov'in On Up
 The preschool and elementary departments will advance grade levels on August 28. Children who are attending 4-year-old Kindergarten will stay in the preschool area in the fall. Children attending 5-year-old Kindergarten will move to Drake Hall on Aug 28. Please note that this is a change of date from what was previously published.
Child Security
 We will soon be moving to a new computerized check in system throughout all of the Kids of Hope activities. This will be done gradually - one area at a time - so please be patient with us as we make the change. We need to tighten security in several other ways so we are asking that friends and relatives (except parents) stay OUT of all classrooms. In addition, once we are using the new check in system we will be very committed to not releasing a child unless the person has that child's claim ticket.
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Student Ministries
LA PAZ Our La Paz mission team which includes Pastor Jim, Audra Dobson, Nathan Rivers, Nathan Stevens, Austin Moore, Amanda Juhlin, and Amanda Stevens are finishing up their time in La Paz. Continue to pray that they will finish well . Please keep praying for effective ministry, travel mercies, and God's presence throughout the rest of this weekend. They are doing some sports ministry among elementary aged children and also some outreach in the community. Come into the Fellowship Hall August 14 during service times to hear all about what God accomplished in and through this team. Thank you for your generous support and prayer for this mission endeavor.
UPDATED YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
Some details are subject to change (but we'll keep you posted!)
Please join us for
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Women of Hope
Women of Hope Fall Gathering
Friday, September 23 from 6-9 pm
Saturday, September 24 from 8:30 am to noon
Sometimes our expectations can rule our lives. These unspoken and unrealistic desires can cause much pain. Women, won't you come join us for Friday night fellowship including games, crafts (if you want) and a movie at 9 pm. Bring a snack to share and your sleeping bag if you would like to stay overnight. Then Saturday morning we will have a breakfast at 8:00 am and at 9:00 am our speaker, Heather Dellameter, will be speaking on Disney is a Lie and Serving as a Lifestyle.
The cost is $10.
Registration will take place Sunday, Aug. 28 and Sunday, Sept 11 otherwise contact the office to register (815.623.6545) and ask for Carolyn
Women of Hope Fall Bible Studies
Children of the Day by Beth Moore
You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. I Thessalonians 5:5
Grocery shopping, strolling through a park, or grabbing coffee - you are never without His light. The New Testament believers carried the Spirit of God as they walked along the shores of Thessalonica, just as you carry that light today. Shine brightly as you study 1 & 2 Thessalonians with Beth Moore in this 9 session study.
AND
Open Your Bible by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible WIlliams
The Bible is sufficient and true. God's Word is for you and for now! Are you longing to hear from God, aching to know who He really is? The beautiful truth is this - we can encounter the living God today and every day in the pages of His Word. Whether you are a seasoned Bible reader or struggle to keep up with studying Scritpure, Open Your Bible will leave you with a greater appreciation for the Word of God, a deeper understanding of its authority, and a stronger desire to know the Bible inside and out. Seven session Bible study.
These two studies are offered Wednesday mornings,
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., beginning September 14.
Cost of study guide: $17 for Beth Moore and $16 for Open Your Bible.
Childcare is available study for newborn
to 5 yr olds. Please be sure to sign up your child when you register. Registration will begin at the Ministry Fair, Sunday, August 28 and ending Sunday, Sept. 11.
We're back on the Front Porch Friday, October 21 from 7-9pm in the Fellowship Hall. Join us on the porch for soup at 6pm ~~ make new friends ~~ put the cares of the day behind ~~ kick back and relax ~~ bring a friend!!
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Resource Center News
 This is the last month to play BINGO with us! Pick up your Summer Reading BINGO card at the Welcome Center or at the Resource Center. Read and mark off any five book categories in a row and you will earn a tasty prize from Culver's!
If you've never visited the Resource Center before, please come check us out! We have a huge selection of resources for all ages. We are located in the north-west corner of the church building, just follow the signs to the library. The Resource Center is open between and after Sunday services, and available to everyone who attends Hope.
Look for these resources on the New Arrivals shelf in August:
Non-Fiction:
Visual Theology: Seeing and Understanding the Truth about God
by Tim Challies
For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to
Modern Martyr by Duncan Hamilton
Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy
More Than to Make Us Happy? by Gary Thomas
Fiction:
Emma Rose Creations #'s 1-3 by Sandra Bricker
The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron
Forever Safe (Beacons of Hope #4) by Jody Hedlund
Pennsylvania Patchwork (Legacy of Lancaster #2)
The Dwelling Place by Elizabeth Musser
Searching for Eternity by Elizabeth Musser
Heaven Sent Rain by Lauraine Snelling
Christiansen Family series #'s 2-6 by Susan May Warren
The Shadow on the Quilt (Quilt Chronicles #2) by Stephanie Grace
Whitson
The Message on the Quilt (Quilt Chronicles #3) by Stephanie Grace
Whitson
No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer
Youth:
Believe Storybook: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus by Randy Frazee
(ages 4-8)
The Big Pig Stampede: And a Bunch More Amazing Miracles by Bob
Hartman (ages 8-12)
DVD:
Heart of a Hero (When Calls the Heart)
The Reckoning
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| Operation Christmas Child |
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We are entering the Operation Christmas Child Kick-Off Season! Beginning in August we will be collecting school supplies, as this is the best time of year to get crayons, markers, erasers, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, scissors, paper/notebooks, etc. at the best prices! There will be a collection barrel in the church lobby this month for you to drop your school supplies into for the shoeboxes. We will also have a table display in the lobby on August 21st and 28th, so that you can get a head start packing your own boxes as a family if you'd like. Stop by and pick up empty boxes and labels, OCC flyers, & important dates/times for the upcoming season.
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Upcoming Dates for Operation Christmas Child Events:
On Wednesday, August 3rd, from 9 am-noon in Drake Hall, a group of ladies will be meeting to sew dresses that will go in the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Mark your calendar. Come when you can and leave when you must. It is a good time of fun and fellowship working together to help others.
**We are still in need of more brightly colored, cotton, printed fabrics for the dresses.
Month of August School Supply Collection in Church Lobby
Sunday August 21st and 28th OCC Display Table in Lobby
Saturday September 17th Countdown Kick-Off Breakfast Party
Sunday October 16th - Nov 6th Donation Collection Weeks in Lobby for Packing Party
Saturday October 29th Prep Party
Saturday November 12th Packing Party
Monday November 14th - 21st National Shoebox Collection Week
**November 21st is the final deadline for all shoeboxes to be dropped off at Hope
November 28th - 30th Tentative Dates for Service Project Trip to OCC Distribution Center in MN
**New items to collect for the shoeboxes...items for sewing kits and fishing kits; bar soap, washcloths, and toothbrushes, plus plastic travel containers for soap/toothbrushes; hair combs/brushes/hair accessories; small toys and beanie babies; individually wrapped candy; school supplies; jewelry; shirts, socks, flip-flops; etc. Just NO chocolate or other candy that can melt, NO glass, NO liquid items; and NO war-related items.
**Remember to save your kids cereal boxes (with cartoon picture covers) for puzzles.
** Please also make homemade cards with personal messages for the kids, using markers, stickers, stampers, paint, etc.
Thank you for supporting this important outreach ministry!!
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