Spirit of Hope MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF MOUNT HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE * DECEMBER 2017

“Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!” Luke 2:11

Putting Christ into Christmas

“ Twas the night before Christmas, the eve of Christ’s birth:

Many people were resting all over the earth.

The shepherds were watching their sheep in the night, when

All of a sudden they saw a bright light.

And what to their wandering eyes should appear, but a beautiful Angel,

High up in the air. His face was all shining: his garment so bright,

That the shepherds began to tremble with fright.

But as he came nearer, the words that he said, soon gave them to

Know there was nothing to dread. He told them of ‘Peace’,

With no fear or danger, for their Wonderful Gift they would find

in a manger. So leaving their sheep they went into town,

to seek for this Gift; they would look all around.

They came to a stable, the covers they lift, and there in the

Manger, God’s Wonderful Gift.

So pure and so holy, so full of God’s love, they knew it

Was Jesus, God’s gift from above.

And so we think of this Savior again, may our worship this

Christmas not be in vain. Let us love Him and trust Him; there’s

None that’s too small: May the Lord richly bless you.

Merry Christmas to all!

Ritter Christmas Open House Pastor Dan and Dianne are looking forward to their 12th annual

Christmas Open House for the congregation. Please join them

between services, from 10:00-10:45 am on Sunday, December 17th,

to celebrate the joy and blessings of Christmas. Enjoy some great

fellowship time in the narthex with homemade goodies, breakfast

items and beverages. They look forward to this time with you.

Sunday Morning Bible Studies Our Sunday morning Bible Studies will follow the Case for Christmas during Advent. This is an addition to our Case for Christ series. Two Bible studies are available at 9:30. The first meets in the Adult Education/Library room and the second meets in the small conference room behind the office. Please feel free to join in at any time.

In-Home Bible Study Christmas Potluck Share the Christmas spirit as we gather at Karen Mack’s home at 3610 W 103rd St, Bloomington for our In-Home Bible Study Potluck. Bring a dish or appetizer to share on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 pm. Enjoy the good food, treats, drinks and fellowship at this fun evening. See you there!

Men’s Bible Study Mount Hope’s Men’s Bible Study meets the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 am at Mugshots in

Bloomington. Please considering joining this group.

Please join us for The Word and the Wonder at our midweek Advent services…

A light supper will be served beginning at 5:00 pm.

A Christmas craft is planned for 5:30 and Advent worship begins at 6:00.

Wednesday, Dec 6 – Zechariah

Wednesday, Dec 13 – Mary

Wednesday, Dec 20 - Joseph

The Word and the Wonder

…and on December Sundays and Christmas Day as we celebrate the birth of

our Savior Jesus Christ.

Sunday, Dec 3 Isaiah 7:14 – The Messiah would be born of a Virgin Sunday, Dec 10 Isaiah 40:3-5 – The Messiah would be preceded by a forerunner.

Sunday, Dec 17 Isaiah 9:6-7 – The Messiah would be Wonderful Counselor etc.

Sunday, Dec 24 10:00 a.m. Christmas Cantata.

3:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Monday, Dec 25 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day Celebration

Sunday, Dec 31 10:00 a.m. New Year’s Eve Day worship

You are invited to Christmas Step-by-Step as performed by the Center’s preschoolers on Saturday, December 9 at 9:30 and 10:30.

Thank you for your participation in the Operation Christmas Child collection, the collection for shut-ins and college students and the Toys for Tots drive. What a joy and privilege it is to bring the love

and message of Christmas to those in our community.

Youth Ministry One Way

Mission Statement of One Way We exist to bring youth into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, while encouraging them

to share with one another, explore their ministry gifts, and praise God with their lives.

December 1st-2nd Planet Wisdom 3rd SWAG-Rollerskating Noon-3:30 p.m. 17th SWAG- White Elephant Christmas Party 24th No Youth Bible Class 27th No Bible and Brew

31st No Youth Bible Class

Planet Wisdom is December 1st and 2nd. Planet Wisdom is a two-day, regional discipleship conference designed to challenge middle and high school students to dig deeper into the Bible and see their world from God’s perspective. Heather Flies and the Skit Guys will be there again this year. This is an amazing conference. One Way Youth will be offering this conference for FREE because we find it so valuable and want everyone to attend. Sign up in the youth room if you would like to attend. SWAG will be going to Rollergardens in St. Louis Park on December 3rd from Noon-3:30 p.m. The cost is $7 for admission and $3 for rentals. Friends are welcome to attend. Please sign up in the youth room if you would like to attend. White Elephant Christmas Party is December 17th from 4-6 p.m. This event is open to 6th-12th grade students and friends. We will be playing games, having treats, and exchanging gifts. Please bring a white elephant gift to exchange. SWAG (Saved With Amazing Grace) will be on the 1st Sunday of the month from Noon-2:00 p.m. and the 3rd Sunday of the month from 4:00-6:00 p.m. SWAG is a time of fun, food, and fellowship. It is open to 6th-12th grade students and friends. If you are interested in donating lunch or dinner, please sign up in the youth room. Youth Bible Class is Sunday mornings (expect holiday weekends) starting at 9:30a.m. Melanie Appelquist teaches the 6th-12th grade in the youth room. Bible and Brew is held Wednesday from 4:15-4:45 p.m. at the Caribou on France and Old Shakopee Road.

Come enjoy some FREE yummy coffee drinks or treat and Bible Study.

Children and Family Ministries

JAM

The “Jesus All Stars” have been learning a lot and

having lots of fun this past month. One of the highlights

was when they got to build a church for Martin Luther.

Check out the picture.

Also this past month the Jesus All Stars and their

families collected money for Operation Rice Bowl.

They did an amazing job. They collected $85.26. Way

to go Jesus All Stars!

Sunday School meets in the green classroom on

Sunday Mornings (expect holidays) starting at 9:30

a.m. Sunday School is open to 3 years old- 5th grade

students. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me…” Mt 19:14

JAM will be held on December 17th from noon-3:00 p.m.

We will be having a Christmas Party. This event is open to

3rd-5th grade students and friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you have any questions, concerns or are interested in helping with any of these events, please contact Melanie Appelquist, Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry. youth@mt-hope.org or 952-888-5059

Trip to Grand Slam

A Church for Martin Luther on Reformation Day

Mark Your Calendar!

Family Craft Night is

December 8th

from 5:30-

7:00 p.m. at Mount

Hope. We will be having

a pizza supper and then

making a family craft

together. Help is needed

for this event.

All women are invited to join the Women of Hope on Thursday, December 14 at 6:30 pm for candlelight and Christmas songs as

a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

There will be treats, punch, coffee and

beautifully decorated tables.

Come celebrate the joy of Christmas with your friends.

It’ll be a night to remember!

Women of Hope Christmas Celebration

First Friday Book Club meets the first Friday of each month at 1:30. at Renata Melby’s home. You are always welcome to join this group as they enjoy lively discussions and explore literature together. If you have questions, please contact Renata at 952 881 7160.

Sunday School Families,

YOU DID IT!

Thanks to you OPERATION RICE BOWL

was a success. Together, we raised $ 85.26 to send to Christian

orphanages around the world. So, CELEBRATE

God Bless you. Miss Fran

Book Club

Operation Rice Bowl Update

Those Who Serve in December Altar Guild Carol Tolzin and Linda Carstens Sunday Morning Coffee Prepare: Carol Tolzin and Linda Carstens Clean-up: Jennifer Adamek Kitchen/Reception Committee Karen M & Renata M December 3 Elder Dave S Counters Buelow & Favorit 8:15 10:45 Reader Faith A Greeters Linda C & Rose K Linda Q & Darlene W Ushers Jerry B, Orlan N, Glenn T, Bob T Armand B, Ron F, Joel & Dave S December 10 Elder Steve Schmidt Counters Kirk V. Kim W 8:15 10:45 Reader Bart K Greeters Arnie & Hope B Karen M & Betty S Ushers John & Karen M, Conrad & Marilyn N Scott H, Lloyd Q, Steve Sundseth December 17 Elder Matt F Counters Cody & Jenny R 8:15 10:45 Reader Orlan N Greeters Gene & Pat R Jennifer A & Betty W Ushers Jerry B, Orlan N, Glenn T, Bob T Brent B, Kirsten B, Steve Schmidt, Betty S December 24 Elder Al J Counters Schleifers & Kirsten B 10:00 3:00 PM Reader Greeters Conrad & Marilyn N Shirley F, Betty W Ushers Volunteers were taken by Eileen D December 31 Elder John M Counters Schleifers & Kirsten B 10:00 Reader Greeters Linda Q & Darlene W Ushers John & Karen M, Conrad & Marilyn N

Many of you are serving during Advent services as well. Thank you.

Financials Treasurer’s Report from October 2017

Monthly Income 54,623

Monthly Expenses 44,926

Year-to-Date Income 520,254

Year-to-Date Expenses 459,430

Does not include building project income or expenses.

Romans 15:5 “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.”

Worship Attendance November 5 8:15=59 10:45=67 November 12 8:15=50 10:45=52 November 19 8:15=68 10:45=57

Wedding Anniversary 16 Mark & Susan Moss 16 Pastor Ralph & Kathi Rokke 28 Matt & Candy Frein

Baptismal Anniversary James and Jonathon Hampton 5 Valerie Killam 6 Kim McDonald 8 Brenden Elling 16 Colin Alt 18 Rose Kitt 24 Andrew Nazy 28 Anne Duff 31 Will Herman

Celebration Days Happy December Birthday 2 Mark Appelquist 4 Renee Perelman 5 Ramona Moss 6 Linda Carstens 8 Will Herman 9 Ina Adams 9 Joe Jensen 11 Jane Johannes 14 Jack, Penelope & Charlotte Rosner 16 Ed Borgen 19 Cory Blauvelt 19 Sean Kuhlman 23 Orlan Narr 23 Dave Wallin 26 Micah Hinz 27 Kelly Lingen 30 Janice Elbert 30 Shannon Hinz 30 Karen Mueller

Daily Devotional

1 Dec Is 7:10–8:8 1 Pet 3:1—22 2 Dec Is 8:9–9:7 1 Pet 4:1—19 3 Dec Is 9:8–10:11 1 Pet 5:1—14 4 Dec Is 10:12—27a, 33—34 2 Pet 1:1—21 5 Dec Is 11:1–12:6 2 Pet 2:1—22 6 Dec Is 14:1—23 2 Pet 3:1—18 7 Dec Is 24:1—13 1 John 1:1–2:14 8 Dec Is 24:14–25:12 1 John 2:15—29 Obadiah 1—21 9 Dec Is 26:1—19 1 John 3:1—24 10 Dec Is 26:20–27:13 1 John 4:1—21 11 Dec Is 28:14—29 1 John 5:1—21 2 John 1—13; 3 John 1—15 12 Dec Is 29:1—14 Jude 1—25 13 Dec Is 29:15–30:14 Rev 1:1—19 14 Dec Is 30:15—26 Rev 2:1—29 15 Dec Is 30:27–31:9 Rev 3:1—22 16 Dec Is 32:1—20 Rev 4:1—11 17 Dec Is 33:1—24 Rev 5:1—14 18 Dec Is 34:1—2, 8–35:10 Rev 6:1—17 Micah 1:1–7:20 19 Dec Is 40:1—17 Rev 7:1—17 20 Dec Is 40:18–41:10 Rev 8:1—13 21 Dec Is 42:1—25 Rev 9:1—12 22 Dec Is 43:1—24 Rev 9:13–10:11 23 Dec Is 43:25–44:20 Rev 11:1—19 24 Dec Is 44:21–45:13, 20—25 Rev 12:1—17 Daniel 10:1–12:13& Isaiah 48:1—22 25 Dec Is 49:1—18 Matt 1:1—17 26 Dec Is 49:22-26;50:4-51:8, 12-16 Matt 1:18—25 27 Dec Is 51:17–52:12 Matt 2:1—12 28 Dec Is 52:13–54:10 Matt 2:13—23 29 Dec Is 55:1—13 Luke 1:1—25 30 Dec Is 58:1–59:3, 14—21 Luke 1:26—38 31 Dec Is 60:1—22 Luke 1:39—56

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

1:30 1st Friday Book

Club

Planet Wisdom

Youth Gathering

Planet Wisdom

Youth Gathering

8:00 Men’s Bible

Study at

Mugshots

Noisy offering 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

8:15 Worship

9:30 Sunday School,

Youth & Adult Bible

Study

10:45 Worship

12:00 SWAG

POBLO 10:00

POBLO 5:00

8:00 AA Meets

9:00 Prayer Group

POBLO 10:00

4:15 Bible & Brew

5:00 Advent dinner

5:30 Family actvity

6:30 Advent worship

6:30 Choir

7:00 Praise Team

POBLO 10:00

5:30-7:00

Family Fun night

9:30 & 10:30

Preschool

Christmas

Programs

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

8:15 Worship

9:30 Sunday School,

Youth & Adult Bible

Study

10:45 Worship

POBLO 10:00

POBLO 5:00

8:00 AA Meets 9:00 Prayer Group

POBLO 10:00

4:15 Bible & Brew

5:00 Advent dinner

5:30 Family event

6:00 Advent Service

6:30 Women of

Hope Christmas

Celebration

POBLO 10:00

10-4 Bethesda Thrift

Shop Work Day

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

8:15 Worship

9:30 Sunday School,

Youth & Adult Bible

Study

10:45 Worship

12:00 JAM

4:00 SWAG

POBLO 10:00

POBLO 5:00

8:00 AA Meets

POBLO 10:00

4:15 Bible & Brew

5:00 Advent dinner

5:30 Family event

6:00 Advent Service

6:30 Governing

Board

6:30 Choir

7:00 Praise Team

POBLO 10:00

Lifeline Screening

8:30-5:00

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Christmas Eve

10:00 Worship

3:00pm Worship

Christmas Day

10:00 Worship

8:00 AA Meets

Church Office

Closed

Church Office

Closed

Church Office

Closed

Church Office

Closed

31

New Year’s Eve

10:00 Worship

Mount Hope Lutheran Church

3601 W Old Shakopee Rd

Bloomington, MN 55431 Address Service Requested

Sunday Worship Schedule

8:15am Traditional Worship Service

9:30am Bible Study / Sunday School

10:45am Praise Worship Service

Phone: 952-888-5059

E-mail: church@mt-hope.org

Website: www.mt-hope.org

Staff at Mount Hope Lutheran

Dan Ritter Pastor

Melanie Appelquist Director of Youth & Children’s Ministry

Kim Woebke Preschool and Childcare Director

Administrative Assistant

Heather Bielec Preschool and Childcare Lead Teacher

Christina Brantner Music Director

Candy Frein Administrative Assistant

Steve Sundseth Custodian

Sam Killam Part-time Custodian