House-to-House
Family of Hope House Church February 2014
A thank you from Korea
At our 1/12/14 church business meeting we agreed to give $2000 of our budget surplus to the Daryl and Cindy Byler scholarship fund for international students at EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. We chose to do this in memory of 21-year-old Korean student, Doyeon Han, the only child of Young-Che Ki and Huang-Soon Kang, who died January 1 after being struck by several vehicles on Rt. 42. This is from her parents:
Dear Pastor Harvey Yoder,
I am Doyeon’s father. I was crying over and over holding my daughter with heartbreaking grief when arriving Harrisonburg. I was overwhelmed by sorrow and pain. The situation seemed too difficult for me to bear.
However, in virtue of encouragement and condolences from Park View church, the pastor of Korean church in Harrisonburg, the Korean community, and people at EMU, my family and I could find peace of mind. My family will never forget your careful concern and help.
My family members also appreciate the EMU’s scholarship in memory of Doyeon.
Thank you for your love. Thank you and thank you.
I believe Doyeon is now smiling beside Our Lord.
My family will remember your love forever.
Sincerely,
Young-Che Ki
Notes, prayers and praises
MINUTES OF OUR 1/12/14 church business meeting are posted at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com
BILLY MAY’s surgery was postponed until more tests can be done.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS Trish Levesque 2/23, at 17600 14th Avenue North, Apt. 127, Plymouth, MN 55447-2951.
KAREN CAMPBELL’S new email address is karenec88@gmail.com and her phone number is 540-244-5521.
Lectionary readings
2 Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 I Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12
9 Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 112:1-10 I Corinthians 2:1-16 Matt 5:13-20
16 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 I Cor 3:1-9 Matt 5:21-37
23 Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 119:33-40 I Cor 3:10-23 Matt 5:38-48
February services worship at 3:59, meal at 6
2 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr., K’town 908-0391 25th Anniversary celebration for Elly and Neal, with worship and sharing led by Lois Wenger and David Weaver and a Bible Study by Harvey Yoder Carry-in meal
9 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
Bible Study: Paul Swarr Carry-in Meal
16 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and sharing: James Stauffer
Bible Study: Dick Dumas Finger Foods Meal
23 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802 564-1524
Worship and Sharing: Susan Campbell
Bible Study: Elly Neal Carry-in Meal
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
FOH Annual Business Meeting and Worship Service
To read Harvey Yoder'st post, "A Business Meeting For A Small Church" check the 1/13/14 Harvspot blog.
Family of Hope Business Meeting
Guy and
Margie Vlasits
January 12, 2014, 4 pm
January 12, 2014, 4 pm
Members
present: Susan Campbell, Dick Dumas, Karla May, James Stauffer, Ruth Stauffer,
Guy Vlasits, Margie Vlasits, Harvey Yoder, Alma Jean Yoder, David Weaver, Lois
Rivera-Wenger, Josiah Dumas, Karen Campbell, Cathy Atwell, Karen Soich.
1.
Congregational singing, followed by Bible Study and prayer. Harvey
Yoder led a study on Acts 10:34-43 and what it means to be a "missional"
church and what might be a good "mission statement" (statement of purpose)
for Family of Hope.
2.
Last year's minutes were reviewed and approved.
3. Susan
Campbell gave a treasurer's report showing an income of $15,736.87 in 2013.
a. Agreed that $300.00 of our surplus funds be allocated to the Van denessems, missionaries to Asia, $500.00 to Open Doors (formerly HARTS thermal shelter) and $2000.00 for
a scholarship fund for EMU's Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (as advocated by CJP's Daryl Byler). The latter fund is to be set up as a
memorial educational scholarship in the name of Doyeon Ki, the 21-year-old Korean student at EMU who died in a traffic accident
on January 1, 2014.
b. An additional $500.00 is to be
allocated to the Vlasits for the purchase of four 6-foot and four 8-foot folding tables for the Lodge.
c. Susan was given approval to purchase new checks for the church's use with Susan's name and address imprinted on them.
c. Susan was given approval to purchase new checks for the church's use with Susan's name and address imprinted on them.
4.
The 2014 giving plan was adopted, with a total giving goal of $18,000.
5.
Susan Campbell was nominated and approved to
continue as FOH as Treasurer on the Leadership Team. Karen Soich will serve as
secretary on a volunteer basis.
6.
The Lord's Supper was observed with a family
style meal following the end of the business meeting.
Adjournment
Karen Soich, secretary (from notes by outgoing secretary Karla May)
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Twelfth Night Celebration at the Stauffers
 |
| Russian Krendl bread |
Traditionally, Twelfth Night has been a night of merry making, as in Shakespeare's play by that name. While we Mennonites are not known to be great at making merry, we did our best in belting out our favorite Christmas carols. Then after our prayers and Bible study, we enjoyed our weekly carry-in fellowship meal, always a part of our simple experience of church.
I told our little church that the Krendl was my personal Christmas present to each of them. With my good wife's indulgent permission, I braved using a recipe for for something I had never tried before. I must say I felt blessed going through the rather involved steps it called for as a kind of labor of love, an act of prayer.
Until next year, a Merry, Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
January 2014 newsletter
House-to-House
Family of Hope House Church January 2014
Notes, prayers and praises
OUR CHRISTMAS HEIFER INTERNATIONAL offering this year was $254!
RACHEL STOLTZFUS is recovering well from her recent spinal surgery (see her address on the reverse side).
JANUARY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to James Stauffer 1/8, Susan Campbell 1/17, Becky Morlan 1/28, Dick Dumas 1/30!
GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
Lectionary readings
5 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12
12 Isaiah 42:1–9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 2:13-17
19 Isaiah 49:1–7 Psalm 40:1–11 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 John 1:29–42
26 Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, 4-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23
(revised) January services worship at 4, meal at 6
5 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
“Twelfth Day of Christmas” Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
Bible Study: Paul Swarr Carry-in Meal
12 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr.,K’town 908-0391
Worship and sharing, followed by our annual business meeting.
Carry-in Meal
19 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr.,K’town 908-0391
Worship and Sharing:Lois Wenger
Bible Study: Dick Dumas Carry-in Meal
26 Location: Family Life Resource Center 273 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
Bible Study: James Stauffer Carry-in Meal
Family of Hope Directory (Not available online)
Family of Hope House Church January 2014
Notes, prayers and praises
OUR CHRISTMAS HEIFER INTERNATIONAL offering this year was $254!
RACHEL STOLTZFUS is recovering well from her recent spinal surgery (see her address on the reverse side).
JANUARY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to James Stauffer 1/8, Susan Campbell 1/17, Becky Morlan 1/28, Dick Dumas 1/30!
GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
Lectionary readings
5 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12
12 Isaiah 42:1–9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 2:13-17
19 Isaiah 49:1–7 Psalm 40:1–11 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 John 1:29–42
26 Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, 4-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23
(revised) January services worship at 4, meal at 6
5 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
“Twelfth Day of Christmas” Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
Bible Study: Paul Swarr Carry-in Meal
12 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr.,K’town 908-0391
Worship and sharing, followed by our annual business meeting.
Carry-in Meal
19 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr.,K’town 908-0391
Worship and Sharing:Lois Wenger
Bible Study: Dick Dumas Carry-in Meal
26 Location: Family Life Resource Center 273 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
Bible Study: James Stauffer Carry-in Meal
Family of Hope Directory (Not available online)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
December 2013 newsletter
House-to-House
Family of Hope House Church December 2013
Reflections on Gift Giving at Christmas
In his book, “Scroogenomics”, Joel Waldfogel of the University of Pennsylvania makes the case that gift giving, especially the kind we do at Christmas, makes no economic sense. It’s a form of wealth destruction, he says, in that if we buy a sweater for ourselves for, say, $50, we do so because we believe it has at least that much value, but if Aunt Minnie buys a $50 sweater for us it’s unlikely that it has that same value for us. We might just store in an already full closet and later haul it off to the local thrift store or sell it at a pittance at our next yard sale. So unless we know someone very, very well, he says, we’re better off giving them a gift card, or a gift to charity in their name. Or we might write or create something that can’t be bought at a store, or maybe put together a book of coupons that offer our time or some favors they might enjoy.
I’ve just read reviews of the book, so I shouldn’t pretend to understand it all, but I do know that as a child growing up (in a home in which my parents were poor and our Christmases meager), whatever simple gifts I was given, whether bought or homemade, definitely increased in their value in the giving. I was breathless with excitement over the kind of simple Christmas my grandchildren could hardly imagine. Yet I’m sure I enjoyed it as least as much as they, surrounded on Christmas morning by all kinds of battery powered gadgets and Fisher Price plastic and reams of torn wrapping paper. As an alternative, I’ve even proposed that our grandchildren might want to select from their rather ample toy collections something they would like to give one of their young cousins or a needy child as a recycled gift, carefully chosen and given a second life. Or we adults could agree to select a choice book from our libraries or from our collection of dishes or tools to give a friend or family member, something we no longer need but believe could add to someone else’s pleasure, and thus truly add value to the gift. - Harvey Yoder
Notes, prayers and praises
* WE WILL BE USING the lectionary texts during Advent.
WE WELCOME OUR HOUSE CHURCH FRIENDS to our annual Christmas Celebration and meal at the Lodge Sunday, December 15.
A DECEMBER BIRTHDAY BLESSING to Karen Campbell 12/26!
GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
Advent lectionary readings
1 Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44
8 Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12
15 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11
22 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25
29 Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23
December services worship at 4, meal at 6 (except 12/15)
1 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
Bible Study: Paul Swarr Carry-in Meal
8 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr., K’town 908-0391
25th Anniversary celebration for Elly and Neal
Worship and Sharing c/o Lois Wenger and David Weaver
Bible Study: Harvey Yoder Reception Carry-in meal
15 Annual Christmas Reunion Celebration with other house churches
4 pm Carry-in Meal at Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr., K’town 908-0391, plus a meditation by Dick Dumas, carol singing, a children’s story, and an offering for Heifer International.
22 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
Bible Study: Elly Nelson Carry-in Meal
27 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802 564-1524
Worship and Sharing: Susan Campbell
Bible Study: James Stauffer Carry-in Meal
Family of Hope House Church December 2013
Reflections on Gift Giving at Christmas
In his book, “Scroogenomics”, Joel Waldfogel of the University of Pennsylvania makes the case that gift giving, especially the kind we do at Christmas, makes no economic sense. It’s a form of wealth destruction, he says, in that if we buy a sweater for ourselves for, say, $50, we do so because we believe it has at least that much value, but if Aunt Minnie buys a $50 sweater for us it’s unlikely that it has that same value for us. We might just store in an already full closet and later haul it off to the local thrift store or sell it at a pittance at our next yard sale. So unless we know someone very, very well, he says, we’re better off giving them a gift card, or a gift to charity in their name. Or we might write or create something that can’t be bought at a store, or maybe put together a book of coupons that offer our time or some favors they might enjoy.
I’ve just read reviews of the book, so I shouldn’t pretend to understand it all, but I do know that as a child growing up (in a home in which my parents were poor and our Christmases meager), whatever simple gifts I was given, whether bought or homemade, definitely increased in their value in the giving. I was breathless with excitement over the kind of simple Christmas my grandchildren could hardly imagine. Yet I’m sure I enjoyed it as least as much as they, surrounded on Christmas morning by all kinds of battery powered gadgets and Fisher Price plastic and reams of torn wrapping paper. As an alternative, I’ve even proposed that our grandchildren might want to select from their rather ample toy collections something they would like to give one of their young cousins or a needy child as a recycled gift, carefully chosen and given a second life. Or we adults could agree to select a choice book from our libraries or from our collection of dishes or tools to give a friend or family member, something we no longer need but believe could add to someone else’s pleasure, and thus truly add value to the gift. - Harvey Yoder
Notes, prayers and praises
* WE WILL BE USING the lectionary texts during Advent.
WE WELCOME OUR HOUSE CHURCH FRIENDS to our annual Christmas Celebration and meal at the Lodge Sunday, December 15.
A DECEMBER BIRTHDAY BLESSING to Karen Campbell 12/26!
GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
Advent lectionary readings
1 Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44
8 Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12
15 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11
22 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25
29 Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23
December services worship at 4, meal at 6 (except 12/15)
1 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
Bible Study: Paul Swarr Carry-in Meal
8 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr., K’town 908-0391
25th Anniversary celebration for Elly and Neal
Worship and Sharing c/o Lois Wenger and David Weaver
Bible Study: Harvey Yoder Reception Carry-in meal
15 Annual Christmas Reunion Celebration with other house churches
4 pm Carry-in Meal at Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr., K’town 908-0391, plus a meditation by Dick Dumas, carol singing, a children’s story, and an offering for Heifer International.
22 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
Bible Study: Elly Nelson Carry-in Meal
27 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802 564-1524
Worship and Sharing: Susan Campbell
Bible Study: James Stauffer Carry-in Meal
Sunday, October 27, 2013
November 2013 newsletter
House-to-House
Family of Hope House Church November 2013
Tithes and Taxes: Very Modest Forms of Rent
In the Hebrew Bible, God's people are commanded to set aside ten percent of their produce and income for the support God’s work and for the benefit of the poor. The New Testament does not mandate a tithe, but promotes generous giving of the kind that helps bring about equality among believers.
It’s hard to imagine any North American Christians feeling justified in giving any less in light of how blessed we are in comparison to the majority of people in the world. Ten percent could be considered a most reasonable form of “rent” for the privilege of living on the most hospitable planet imaginable.
Think of all the benefits: enough food, water and fresh air here for all (providing we take proper care of the earth), along with the priceless gift of life itself--plus countless other examples of pure, unmerited grace.
We could also think of taxes as a modest and reasonable “rent” we gladly pay for living in a country that offers so many benefits and services we could never provide for ourselves.
For example, we have roads, schools, a postal system, police protection, health care for the elderly and most needy, plus a host of other blessings we regularly take for granted. Of course we can also find examples of waste and misuse of tax dollars that need to be addressed, but instead of complaining, we should seek to correct them and to be grateful for the fantastic bargain we are getting for our “rent payments”.
Lest we be guilty of a serious case of “Gratitude Deficit Disorder”.
- Harvey Yoder
Notes, prayers and praises
* “A LIFE HEALED AND WHOLE” is the theme of our fall Bible study series on I and II Peter.
OUR PENNY POWER OFFERING for the Relief Sale this year totaled $233.28 ($132.14 last year).
* NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Neal Nelson 11/2, Rachel Stoltzfus 11/5, Paul Swarr 11/10, Emily Zhou 11/11, and Guy Vlasits 11/21. Neal and Elly Nelson’s 25th anniversary is November 26!
* HARVEY’S BLOG is at http://harvyoder.blogspot.com.
* GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
November lectionary devotional readings
3 Isaiah 1:10-18 Psalm 32:1-7 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Luke 19:1-10
10 Psalm 98 Job 19:23-27a 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Luke 20:27-38
17 Malachi 4:1-2a Psalm 98 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19
24 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 46 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43
November services worship at 4, meal at 6
3 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
I Peter 5 “The Burden and Blessing of Leadership”: Overseer Roy Hange
Finger Foods Meal
10 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
II Peter 1 “Bright Light to Live By”: Paul Swarr Carry-in Meal
17 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr. K’town 908-0391
Worship and Sharing: Guy and Margie Vlasits
II Peter 2 “Living in Perilous Times” Harvey Yoder Carry-in Meal
24 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802 564-1524
Sharing, Prayer, and Renewing of Wedding Vows (Neal and Elly’s 25th)
II Peter 3 “Ready for Christ’s Coming” James Stauffer Carry-in Meal
Family of Hope House Church November 2013
Tithes and Taxes: Very Modest Forms of Rent
In the Hebrew Bible, God's people are commanded to set aside ten percent of their produce and income for the support God’s work and for the benefit of the poor. The New Testament does not mandate a tithe, but promotes generous giving of the kind that helps bring about equality among believers.
It’s hard to imagine any North American Christians feeling justified in giving any less in light of how blessed we are in comparison to the majority of people in the world. Ten percent could be considered a most reasonable form of “rent” for the privilege of living on the most hospitable planet imaginable.
Think of all the benefits: enough food, water and fresh air here for all (providing we take proper care of the earth), along with the priceless gift of life itself--plus countless other examples of pure, unmerited grace.
We could also think of taxes as a modest and reasonable “rent” we gladly pay for living in a country that offers so many benefits and services we could never provide for ourselves.
For example, we have roads, schools, a postal system, police protection, health care for the elderly and most needy, plus a host of other blessings we regularly take for granted. Of course we can also find examples of waste and misuse of tax dollars that need to be addressed, but instead of complaining, we should seek to correct them and to be grateful for the fantastic bargain we are getting for our “rent payments”.
Lest we be guilty of a serious case of “Gratitude Deficit Disorder”.
- Harvey Yoder
Notes, prayers and praises
* “A LIFE HEALED AND WHOLE” is the theme of our fall Bible study series on I and II Peter.
OUR PENNY POWER OFFERING for the Relief Sale this year totaled $233.28 ($132.14 last year).
* NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Neal Nelson 11/2, Rachel Stoltzfus 11/5, Paul Swarr 11/10, Emily Zhou 11/11, and Guy Vlasits 11/21. Neal and Elly Nelson’s 25th anniversary is November 26!
* HARVEY’S BLOG is at http://harvyoder.blogspot.com.
* GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
November lectionary devotional readings
3 Isaiah 1:10-18 Psalm 32:1-7 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Luke 19:1-10
10 Psalm 98 Job 19:23-27a 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Luke 20:27-38
17 Malachi 4:1-2a Psalm 98 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19
24 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 46 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43
November services worship at 4, meal at 6
3 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
I Peter 5 “The Burden and Blessing of Leadership”: Overseer Roy Hange
Finger Foods Meal
10 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
II Peter 1 “Bright Light to Live By”: Paul Swarr Carry-in Meal
17 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr. K’town 908-0391
Worship and Sharing: Guy and Margie Vlasits
II Peter 2 “Living in Perilous Times” Harvey Yoder Carry-in Meal
24 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802 564-1524
Sharing, Prayer, and Renewing of Wedding Vows (Neal and Elly’s 25th)
II Peter 3 “Ready for Christ’s Coming” James Stauffer Carry-in Meal
Monday, October 7, 2013
October 2013 newsletter
House-to-House
Family of Hope House Church October 2013
It Will Not Always Be As It Is Now
In his meditation in the July-August, 2013, issue of "Beside the Still Waters", James Baer tells about a Russian family he visited that had the words "It will not always be as it is now" written in large print on a placard on their dining room wall.
It turns out that many years before the father had spent years in a Soviet prison for refusing to enlist in the army because of what he believed Jesus taught about violence. It was then that the mother had written these words and posted them as a sign of hope for herself and for her children, trusting that one day their father would return and things would be better.
When the father was finally released and life greatly improved, some friends asked why she had not removed those words. Her reply was simply, "Because it's still true that 'It will not always be as it is now'."
Just as people in distress need hope, those of us who are doing well need to learn from history that all nations, economies and cultures rise and fall. We could all face hardships in our lifetimes like those of people in Syria today and in many other trouble spots in the world, past and present. Or as with the following:
• A major collapse of the worldwide economic system
• Destruction of computer systems on which we have all become
extremely dependent
• Major droughts and other weather events associated with climate
that could result in severe shortages of water and food
• Massive assaults by terrorists or by nations with atomic and other
weapons
Meanwhile, we need to have a heart that suffers with those already experiencing devastation and do everything possible to help them, just as we would have others do to us if we were in similar straits.
- Harvey Yoder
Notes, prayers and praises
* “A LIFE HEALED AND WHOLE” is the theme of our fall Bible study series on I and II Peter.
RACHEL STOLTZFUS is recovering well from her recent spinal surgery and appreciates our ongoing prayers and concerns. Contact her at 6516 Lone Oak Ct., Bethesda, MD 20817 (301-493-4470).
OCTOBER BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Elly Nelson 10/28, and a belated Happy Birthday to David Weaver 9/23!
MENNONITE RELIEF SALE will be at the Fairgrounds October 4-5.
GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
October lectionary devotional readings
6 Habakkuk 1-2:4 Psalm 37:1-9 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10
13 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Psalm 66:1-12 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19
20 Jeremiah 31:27-34 Psalm 121 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Luke 18:1-8 27
27 Joel 2:23-32 Psalm 65 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-14
October services (worship at 4, meal at 6)
6 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
I Peter 2:11-25 “This World is not Your Home”: Paul Swarr
Carry-in Meal
13 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
I Peter 3:1-12 “Beautiful, Everyday Love”: Harvey Yoder
Finger Foods Meal
20 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802 564-1524
Worship and Sharing: Susan Campbell
I Peter 3:13-4:6 “Blessed by Suffering” Dick Dumas Carry-in Meal
27 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr. K’town 908-0391
Worship and Sharing: Guy and Margie Vlasits
I Peter 4:7-19 “Living With the End in Mind” Elly Nelson
Family of Hope House Church October 2013
It Will Not Always Be As It Is Now
In his meditation in the July-August, 2013, issue of "Beside the Still Waters", James Baer tells about a Russian family he visited that had the words "It will not always be as it is now" written in large print on a placard on their dining room wall.
It turns out that many years before the father had spent years in a Soviet prison for refusing to enlist in the army because of what he believed Jesus taught about violence. It was then that the mother had written these words and posted them as a sign of hope for herself and for her children, trusting that one day their father would return and things would be better.
When the father was finally released and life greatly improved, some friends asked why she had not removed those words. Her reply was simply, "Because it's still true that 'It will not always be as it is now'."
Just as people in distress need hope, those of us who are doing well need to learn from history that all nations, economies and cultures rise and fall. We could all face hardships in our lifetimes like those of people in Syria today and in many other trouble spots in the world, past and present. Or as with the following:
• A major collapse of the worldwide economic system
• Destruction of computer systems on which we have all become
extremely dependent
• Major droughts and other weather events associated with climate
that could result in severe shortages of water and food
• Massive assaults by terrorists or by nations with atomic and other
weapons
Meanwhile, we need to have a heart that suffers with those already experiencing devastation and do everything possible to help them, just as we would have others do to us if we were in similar straits.
- Harvey Yoder
Notes, prayers and praises
* “A LIFE HEALED AND WHOLE” is the theme of our fall Bible study series on I and II Peter.
RACHEL STOLTZFUS is recovering well from her recent spinal surgery and appreciates our ongoing prayers and concerns. Contact her at 6516 Lone Oak Ct., Bethesda, MD 20817 (301-493-4470).
OCTOBER BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Elly Nelson 10/28, and a belated Happy Birthday to David Weaver 9/23!
MENNONITE RELIEF SALE will be at the Fairgrounds October 4-5.
GET FOH UPDATES at http:/familyofhopehousechurch.blogspot.com.
October lectionary devotional readings
6 Habakkuk 1-2:4 Psalm 37:1-9 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10
13 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Psalm 66:1-12 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19
20 Jeremiah 31:27-34 Psalm 121 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Luke 18:1-8 27
27 Joel 2:23-32 Psalm 65 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-14
October services (worship at 4, meal at 6)
6 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802 574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
I Peter 2:11-25 “This World is not Your Home”: Paul Swarr
Carry-in Meal
13 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave. 432-0531
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder
I Peter 3:1-12 “Beautiful, Everyday Love”: Harvey Yoder
Finger Foods Meal
20 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802 564-1524
Worship and Sharing: Susan Campbell
I Peter 3:13-4:6 “Blessed by Suffering” Dick Dumas Carry-in Meal
27 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Dr. K’town 908-0391
Worship and Sharing: Guy and Margie Vlasits
I Peter 4:7-19 “Living With the End in Mind” Elly Nelson
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