May 2013 FOH Newsletter

House-to-House
 Family of Hope House Church             May 2013

One Flock, One Shepherd

Jesus: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  -from John 17

Paul: I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought... 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? ...For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. - from I Corinthians 1-3       
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. - I Corinthians 10:16-17            

I urge you then to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with each other in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all..  Eph.4                                                                                                                                                                       

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. -Romans 15:5-7

Notes, prayers and praises
* MAY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Margie Vlastis 5/1, Alma Jean Yoder 5/15 and Karen Soich 5/20!
* CONGRATULATIONS ON THE BIRTH OF JOSHUA ALLEN to Sophie May on April 14, weighing in at 7 lb., 11 oz.!
* “HEARTFELT THANKS to all of you who have supported me with your prayers, cards, visits, food and other acts of kindness during my recovery from knee surgery. You’re such a blessing!  - Alma Jean Yoder
* Follow the pastor's blog at http://harvyoder.blogspot.com

May lectionary readings
3   Acts 16:9-15  Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29
10 Acts 16:16-34 Psalm 97 Revelation 22:12-21 John 17:20-26
17 Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-35b Romans 8:14-17 John 14:8-27)
24 Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 Psalm 8 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15

May services (worship at 4, meal at 6)
5 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802   574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
Bible Study: Paul Swarr                           Carry-in Meal  

12 Location: Family Life Resource Center 273 Newman Ave   432-0531
Mimi Copp Johnson, representing MCC East Coast, will lead us in study
and reflection on our mandate to serve. Carry-in Finger Food Meal 

19 Pentecost! Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr. K’town 908-0391
Worship and Sharing:
Bible Study: James Stauffer                                          Carry-in Meal 

26 Location: David Weaver 1032 Smith Avenue 22802      421-4504
Worship and Sharing:
Bible Study: Harvey Yoder                                           Carry-in Meal

 I support the goals, vision and faith of Family of Hope, will attend weekly services as regularly as able, and will use my gifts and offer my help and encouragement to this church family to the best of my ability. I invite other members to support me--and to confront me as needed--in remaining faithful to this commitment.

Another Special Easter Service

Gathering for breakfast at the Vlasists' Lodge after Sunday's sunrise service

Our Family of Hope House Church celebrated its annual Easter sunrise service yesterday at the securely locked entrance of the once public Massanutten Caverns.

This was followed by celebrative singing together and an Easter brunch in the former Caverns Lodge, with the meal prepared by hosts Guy and Margie Vlasits, members of our church who operate the Old Massanutten Lodge Bed and Breakfast. 

A great time! 

(photo by Margie Vlasits)