THE CIRCUIT RIDER

Worship In February

February 3

Exodus 24:12-18

Psalm 99

2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

Pastor Glenna preaching

February 6

Ash Wednesday

Pastor Glenna preaching

February 10

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

Psalm 32

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

Pastor Glenna preaching

February 17

Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 121

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

John 3:1-17

Pastor Glenna preaching

February 24

Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm 95

Romans 5:1-11

John 4:5-42

Pastor Glenna preaching

Dear Friends,

February is the month devoted to love, and love is the core message found in the New Testament. Our faith proclaims love frequently, my “concise” bible concordance contains four pages each divided into three columns that point to biblical references of love. Many of us are familiar with a few of these references. The often quoted John 3:16 passage and the analysis of Christian love found in 1 Corinthians 13 that is extensively read at weddings. But, how many of us have read 1 John 4: 7-21 recently?

In this passage the writer of 1 John reveals the priority of God’s love for us, which makes possible our love for one another. In other words, love is not known by our having loved God; rather, we know love by God loving us. This love is revealed in the sending of the Son.

As I read this passage, I am reminded once more of our task as Disciples of Jesus Christ. We are called as a community to extend mutual love to one another; this is our responsibility as Christians. Our love is evidence of God dwelling among us.

Hope UMC is a church that seeks to establish loving relationships. Hospitality, welcoming and generosity are present in the work of members and friends who care for one another and in our growing efforts to reach beyond our doors into the community. As a church we reflect the love of God through our interaction with others. This is important because many persons come to a church not only expecting to hear about God, but to find the evidence of God present within the congregation where they worship.

As people of faith we are aware that love is not confined to one month, it is the embodiment of who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. As we go forth into the year may we continue to nurture and serve others as we grow in our faith where love embodies the very character of our lives.

Love to you all,

Pastor Glenna

Hope Notes

Aluminum Cans – Please save your aluminum cans for the church. See Linda Hess if you have questions.

Volunteers are needed to clean our church. Please continue to sign up on the Volunteer Schedule which is in the Housekeeping mailbox. The job description is also available in the mailbox. Call Linda Hess for more information. Volunteers are also needed to mow the lawn. The sign-up clipboard in located below the housekeeping board.

The church is always in need of used ink cartridges. The office supply stores have changed their policies and now accept only name-brand (Dell, HP, and Epson) cartridges. These cartridges can be redeemed at office supply stores for paper and other supplies we need to run our office. Please leave used cartridges in Roberta’s mailbox.

Although it hardly seems possible, Lent and Ash Wednesday are just around the corner. The Lenten season begins on Wednesday, February 6 with an Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 p.m. The Imposition of Ashes will be offered to all who choose to receive it. All are invited and encouraged to attend.

There will be a Soup Pot-Luck Lunch on Sunday, February 17 at 12 noon. Please bring a pot of soup and the recipe to share. See Linda Hess with questions.

Lenten Study – Pat Michalik and Pastor Glenna will be leading a Lenten Study on seven consecutive Tuesday evenings, beginning February 5^th through March 18, at 6:30 p.m. We will be using “A Clearing Season” by Sarah Parsons. Please indicate your interest on the sign-up sheet in the narthex. Books are $12.00 each.

Children’s Sunday School - We are in need of Sunday School teachers for February, March, April and May. The sign up sheet is in the narthex.

United Methodist Women

Saturday, February 23, 2008, 8:30 to 12:00 Noon

at New Lenox United Methodist Church, 339 W. Haven Ave.

Registration fee $2.00 which includes breakfast, a book review,

resource table, books and pamphlets, Leadership Training for officers, etc.

Come along and experience fellowship and learning together. Registration by February 16th,

contact Harriet or Florence. After the meeting we may have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Upcoming Events at Hope:

February 5	Primary Election – Hope Church used as a polling place
February 5	Lenten Study “A Clearing Season,” led by Pat Michalik and Pastor Glenna. 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Concludes March 18.
February 6	Ash Wednesday Service, 7:30 p.m.
February 17	Soup Pot-Luck Lunch, 12 noon
March 8	UMM Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner, 3:30 – 7:00 p.m.
March 20	Maundy Thursday Service, 7:00 p.m.
March 23	Easter Sunday Pot-Luck Brunch, 8:00 a.m. Easter Celebration Service at 9:30 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, after worship
March 24	Pastor Glenna on vacation March 24-April 1
June 15-20	Vacation Bible School, 9 a.m. – 12 noon

Those Who Serve:	February 3	February 6 Ash Wednesday	February 10 Lent 1	February 17 Lent 2	February 24 Lent 3
Liturgist	John Wietlispach	Joan Crotty	Carol Becker	Sue Wietlispach	Sam Wietlispach
Greeter	Wayne Knight	Linda Hess	Shirley Zupancic	Linda Hess	LaDessa Chapman
Host(s)	Jana Knight		Sheryl Dyer & Nola Owen	JoAnn Hall & Nancy Mitchell	Jana Knight
Acolyte	Matt Kaspar or Dominic Larmon		Matt Kaspar or Dominic Larmon	Matt Kaspar or Dominic Larmon	Matt Kaspar or Dominic Larmon
Offering Counters	Harriet Luce and Carole Blackwell		Carol Becker and Carole Blackwell	Boomer Crotty and Carole Blackwell	Carole Blackwell and TBA
Communion Steward	Jill Genge