VOICE OF HOPE

July and August Hope Lutheran Church – ELCA

Wautoma, WI Telephone: 920-787-3920

Web: www.hopelutheranwautoma.com Facebook: Hope Lutheran

Pastor: Mike Thomas Deacon: David Berndt

Admin. Assist: Barbara Fenner Worship Time: Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Holy Communion served 1st & 3rd Sunday Hours:

Mon. through Wed: 8:00 to 4:00 Thursday: 8:00 to noon

Friday: Closed

PASTOR’S JULY/AUGUST COLUMN

GONE FISHING! This was the sign on a door of the solitary general store, post office, and gas station in the small town of Dodson, Montana one sweltering (it was a record high temperature there) July day ten years ago. A second sign was draped over the gas pumps, indicating “Credit Cards Only. Pump your own gas.” Thankfully they were in working order, and while we had enough gasoline to go another 150 miles or so, in sparsely populated areas of the great northern plains, it is always wise to fill up when the gauge drops under half a tank. However, there would be no cool drinks or snacks or restroom visits, as the rest of the establishment was closed and locked down as the proprietor had GONE FISHING! The downside of this was that a mega sized ice filled Coke or Pepsi which would really have been welcome on that very hot day was not available. The positive aspect of this was twofold, first that I was unable to buy any M&Ms, which I would have absentmindedly opened in the car and found out that on 100⁰ degree days M&Ms do melt in your hand and everywhere else, thus saving a gooey chocolate mess from magically multiplying everywhere in the car. The second upside of the establishment being closed and the mega drink not being available was that as we ventured several hundred miles further without finding any other place open, my bladder was not under supreme duress as the journey continued. GONE FISHING! It was hard to imagine how much fun that could be on a day when the pavement seemed so hot that one might fry an egg on the sidewalk. But as the miles went past, I began to wonder, perhaps I was taking the sign literally, and maybe it was meant to be taken as a statement of faith. What if the proprietor was out because he or she was sharing their faith with someone else? What if the proprietor was busy making a casserole for a sick friend or for a surviving spouse of someone who had just died? What if they were providing a shoulder to lean on for a friend experiencing a difficult time? What would all those melted M&M colors look like blended in with the semi-molten chocolate on the steering wheel or dashboard? What if the proprietor was taking the time to share their faith and friendship with a teenager who was being bullied at school? What if they had gone fishing in the Gospel context of when Jesus said, “Come follow me and I will make you fish for people.” As summer 2018 continues, the membership at Hope will be many places, both locally and almost around the globe, as folks have shared many traveling plans with me. Wherever we go, may we remember the sign on the door in Dodson, Montana, and whoever we encounter, may our words and deeds reflect those of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. As we convey forgiveness, grace, kindness, compassion, love, and mercy to all, we too will be GONE FISHING as well. Respectfully in Christ, Pastor Mike

Musings

July/August 2018

Adult Sunday School The Adult Sunday School class will be offering a look at the video series “How To Read the Bible” beginning in September. This is a series of videos aimed at helping you read the Bible more wisely and with greater understanding. The series:

• looks at each literary style found in the Bible; • looks at how each style contributes to our understanding of the overall message of

the Bible; • leads us to discover the unified story of the Bible; • should help you understand what the Bible is and the story it tells; • will help you read the Bible by yourself with greater understanding.

By the end of the series, you will be familiar with every part of the Bible and how it uses language to communicate who God is, who we are, and the big, redemptive story that we are all living. The individual sessions are:

1. What Is the Bible? 2. The Story of the Bible 3. Literary Styles in the Bible 4. The Bible as Jewish Meditation Literature 5. Plot in Biblical Narrative 6. Character in Biblical Narrative 7. Setting in Biblical Narrative 8. Design Patterns in Biblical Narrative 9. The Art of Biblical Poetry

The series requires no previous Biblical knowledge although it will also be helpful for experienced Bible readers. This class is a safe place to bring your questions and doubts about your faith. And since it is the Word of God and the basis of our life together as Hope Lutheran I hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to study God’s word with your brothers and sisters of Hope! God’s peace be with you. In Christ’s service, Deacon Dave Berndt Home phone (920) 385-0345 NOTE: The phone number by our picture in the directory is incorrect.

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, May 8th, 2018

In attendance: Roger Charette, Trudy Mattice, Sandy Bartels, Mhari Gohlke, Gerry Warsek, Baird Stouffer, Lynn Gohlke (Treasurer), Pastor Mike Thomas, Kim Prindle and Donna Ball. Excused: Todd Klimke, Joanne Nelson and Stacey Gravunder

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Church Council Treasurer Lynn Gohlke

Spiritual Growth – Pastor Mike led us in spiritual growth. We discussed where and when we were confirmed. We agreed to reject the devil and all that leads us away from God. None of us have lived up to our confirmation promises. We are reminded that God is gracious to forgive, yet, reminds us of our promise.

Minutes – The minutes of the April 10, 2018 meeting were approved as written.

Property Committee Presentation – Carl Grisar and Paul Hendrickson of the Property Committee explained the committee’s recommendation to convert the church’s remaining pneumatic heating controls to electronic controls at a cost of $14,400. Following their presentation, they asked for Council action. Motion was made and carried to accept their committee’s recommendation, and accept August Winter’s bid of $14,400 with the stipulation that the $10,000 pledge of a special gift be used and the remaining $4,400 come from the Building & Maintenance account.

Financial Report – A motion was made to approve the treasurer’s report, motion carried.

Staff Reports – Pastor Mike’s and Dave’s reports were reviewed.

Committee Reports:

Personnel: Did not meet in the past month

Property: Altar lights have been installed. There was water in the boiler room; possibly due to a cracked pipe coming off Mt. Morris St. Stafford has removed the cement slab from church property.

Youth & Family: Motion was made to award a $300 scholarship to Jacob Schmidt, and a $155 from the Marilyn Rucks memorial scholarship fund. Motion was carried.

Worship & Music: Reviewed report from Deacon Dave.

New Members and Transfers: Motion was made to approve the transfer of Rick Bei to the Church Triumphant. Motion carried. A motion was made to accept Bob and Pam Alf from Grace Lutheran in Berlin, Dick and Judie Fjellman from Holy Trinity Dubuque, and Don and Sandra Gold from Trinity Lutheran in Redgranite as members of Hope Lutheran. Motion was carried.

Additional Business:

The next council meeting will be Tuesday, June 12, at 7:00. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 followed with the Lord’s Prayer and benediction.

August 2018 News

In Our Prayers For Our Members

Prayers for healing:

Nancy Radloff, Ramona Becker, Don Gold, Dorothy Pearsall, Jo Howard,

& members & friends of this congregation, experiencing medical or other difficulties,

& the Lois Thompson family. Special Prayers

Paul, Randy, Wayne, Dennis Brand, DuWayne, Pastor Paul Brinkman,

Chad Huntsinger, Bart, Deacon Paul, Gene & Joyce Heinz, Ken Keyes, Marilyn Chesbrough, Ken Riley,

Jessican & Travis.

As I head to China in July, I would like to thank the congregation for your financial support of the kids

at the Changchun Orphanage as the May Mission of the Month.

With your donations, I plan to purchase items that will benefit as many children thee as possible.

Mhari Gohlke

谢谢 Xièxiè Thank you

Thank you to everyone the “Girls Lunch Out”, a big

success!!

To the ladies who set-up and decorated the tables, made the delicious food, helped to

clean up, and to Joanne Nelson, for her program.

A Special than you to Barb for

all she does and her help! Nadine Warsek

Hope Lutheran donated 31 pounds of food, to theWaushara County Food Pantry on June 2.

Thank you to all who donated! Remember, you cando donate any non-perishable food items. Please put the food in the basket across from the church office.Thank you!

HLCW BOARD MEETING June 11, 2018

The meeting was called to order by President Nadine Warzek at 1:30 on June 11, 2018. In attendance were Marlynn Anderson, Karen Tschurwald, Penny Hendrickson, Peggy Klimke and Julie Stouffer.

Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $4704.20 in the checking account.

Secretary’s report was read and approved.

There was no correspondence.

Old Business:

Norwegian Fair was discussed in length making sure that all committees were covered. Set up will be on Friday, June 22, 2018 from 9:00-3:00.

New Business:

Karen reported on the Imago Dei Retreat on September 21-22 in Clintonville. It is open to all women. Contact Karen Tschurwald if you are interested in going. Scholarships are available.

Our next meeting will be on July 9, 2018 at 1:30. There will be no August meeting.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 2:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Stouffer, Secretary

Vision 2020Thank you for fighting childhood

hunger!

Dear Parishioners,Thank you for your generous donation to support the Vision 2020 Backpack Nutrition Program. We are currently providing weekend meals to 149 students, distributing 1050 items of food each week!Thank you for making a difference inn our efforts to fight childhood hunger!

Vision 2020 Backpack Nutrition Program Committee.

Autumn Powell, Barb Johnson, Jan Novak, Judy Harris, Lynda Warden,Mary LaBlanc, Mary Wythe, Peggy Hetzel,Ronnie Davidson, & Zina Soltis

Norwegian Fair Luncheon What a beautiful day for the Fair! We sold less lunches for people to eat at Church, but there were more take outs. I am sure that people wanted to enjoy the nice weather. The total numbers were down from last year but after church on Sunday, June 24, we sold out of just about all of the food leftovers. The bakery that was left I boxed up and sent to the Wautoma Fire Department for their meeting on Monday night, June 25. I did that last year and I think that they all enjoyed the treat. I appreciate all of the donations of food for preparing the lunch. I especially thank the “young people”, that gave up a Saturday to work with us at church. This year the young workers were; Sophie and Bria Klimke, Tim and Mike Roeske, and Emily and Jordan Stouffer, grandchildren of Baird and Julie Stouffer. Everyone worked while enjoying themselves, knowing that Hope Lutheran was represented very well. I had some friends attend that had never been here before, and both of them were so impressed with the friendliness of our church. They felt so “at home”, and welcomed. What a testament to Hope Lutheran!

Thank you,

Debbie Buchholz

Men’s Breakfast and Fellowship

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at 7:00 a.m. We meet at El Popo’s restaurant.

Men of all age are welcome! Come and share in Christian fellowship.

September 2018 News

Lutheran World Relief- Donations Needed! School & Layette Kits

School supply sales are here, help fill our LWR School Kits!

Give a child the opportunity to

go to school! LWR in desperate need of

school kits!

The items that are in bold are the items that we run out of first.

We Especially Need:• 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or

college-ruled paper approximately 8” X 10½”; no loose-leaf paper (4 needed for each kit)

• One 30 centimeters ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other.

• One pencil sharpener• One pair of blunt scissors (safety

scissors with embedded steel blades work well)

• Box of 16 or 24 crayons

Baby Care Kits are distributed as part of emergency and relief efforts, but they are also given

out as part of LWR health initiatives to encourage women to seek prenatal care. We hope you will join us in this effort!

Each Layette Kit will need the following items:

• 1 hand towel (new or used, dark color)

• 2 gowns and sleepers, no onesies

• 2 receiving blankets• 4 cloth diapers• 2 pair of socks• 1 jacket or sweater with

hood or baby cap

Sizes up to 24 months may be sent. (New or clean gently used items are okay)

Baby Care Kits are distributed

All donations can be dropped off in the church office, by Sept. 26, 2018

$$$ TREASURER’S NOTES $$$

Our church’s ministry is supported by it’s members. We thank you for your faithful giving and encourage regular and continued stewardship. Giving of your offering, as well as your time & talent joins us with other believers as witnesses to God’s work both here, and around the world.

Hope Lutheran faithfully supported World Hunger January through May with $4,759.84 in donations. All proceeds go directly to ELCA World Hunger.

‘Mission of the Month’ raised $1,379.52 through May.

At the end of May, Hope’s income was running below our annual budget outlook, and expenses were running over budget. We hope to see this trend reverse itself during the remainder of the year.

OFFERINGS: 2018 Budget $218,500 2018 Jan-May Actual $ 88,830

EXPENSES: 2018 Budget $245,372 2018 Jan-May Actual $111,043

If you wish to consider Simply Giving, please see Barbara in the office or Lynn. Feel free to ask one of several Simply Giving members, such as Baird & Julie Stouffer and Mary & Roger Charette, to ask what they like about being enrolled in Simply Giving.

If you have any questions about the state of Hope’s finances, please feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.

We should give willingly and cheerfully, with gratitude for God’s grace to us, according to our ability.

JOIN BOOK CLUB!We meet on the Third

Tuesday of the Month. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 17th , at 1:00 p.m., inHope Lutheran’s Library.

July: The Way We Were by Sinead Moriarty

Aug: The Whip by Karen Kondazian

Sept: A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L’Engle

On the first & third Sunday’s, we will need two ushers to help serve Holy

Communion. We ask that you decide amongst yourselves, which two ushers will

help serve Communion and which two ushers will collect Communion cards and

dismiss each pew. We thank you in advance, for your cooperation.

June 7, 2018 – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has convened ELCA ecumenical and inter-religious partners in a statement addressing concerns over a recent U.S. government policy calling for more stringent enforcement of federal immigration laws. The policy will most likely result in an increase in family separations. The letter, which we have been asked to provide as information is as follows:

“Recently, the Administration announced that it will begin separating families and criminally prosecuting all people who enter the U.S. without previous authorization. As religious leaders representing diverse faith perspectives, united in our concern for the wellbeing of vulnerable migrants who cross our borders fleeing from danger and threats to their lives, we are deeply disappointed and pained to hear this news.

We affirm the family as a foundational societal structure to support human community

and understand the household as an estate blessed by God. The security of the family provides critical mental, physical and emotional support to the development and wellbeing of children. Our congregations and agencies serve many migrant families that have recently arrived in the United States. Leaving their communities is often the only option they have to provide safety for their children and protect them from harm. Tearing children away from parents who have made a dangerous journey to provide a safe and sufficient life for them is unnecessarily cruel and detrimental to the well-being of parents and children. As we continue to serve and love our neighbor, we pray for the children and families that will suffer due to this policy and urge the Administration to stop their policy of separating families.” This statement is signed by over twenty Presiding Bishops and Presidents of many groups of faith including the ELCA, The United Methodist Church, The Episcopal Church USA, The United Church of Christ, The National Council of Churches, The Presbyterian Church USA, The Moravian Church, The Union of Reformed Judaism, The Islamic Society of North America, and The Mennonite Church.

A special thank you to everyone that helped set-up, take down, donated items to sell, and make baked goods for our Fair. We had a wonderful variety of everything! This all made our Country Fair a big success. This is the only fundraiser of the year, and the proceeds go to support Scholarships, Habitat, Missions, Prayer Shaw, Bible Camp, Bethany Home, and many other worthy causes in our Community and the World. Raising money for these causes, is very important. I am overwhelmed how all of you pool your resources of talent, volunteer your time, and are so generous with your help and your donations.

Thank you all, and God Bless! Nadine Warsek, HLCW President

POLKA WORSHIP SERVICE

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2018,At 10:00 a.m.

Music will be played by:The Larry Albright Band

1. That Waushara County is on of the poorest in Wisconsin? 2. One of every 6 Wisconsin children live in Poverty? “WE ARE” and Vision 20/20, will be sponsoring A Poverty Awareness Event, here at Hope Lutheran Church, on Sunday, September 9. Join us then – ok? Details to follow.

Submitted by: Mary Lou Thomsen

JULY BIRTHDAYS 1 Charles Dahlke 16 Neil Hart 24 Brice Weiland 2 Jay Klemann Richard Donelson Stina Peterson6 David Roeske Millie McComb 25 Mary Charette 9 Arlene Dahlen 17 Jacob Schmidt Eunice Stevens Nancy Radloff 18 Katherine Simanovsky 27 Richard France

Art Volkman 20 Paul Olsen 28 Gloria Schultz 11 Janice Grenier Kristen Dopp Sara Thomas Connie Odegard 22 Al Luebben 29 Karen Tshurwald (David) 12 Jo Howard Hayley Moore 30 Alexa Gravunder 23 Chase Caswell 31 Deborah Buchholz

*Please call the church office if your birthday is not listed, listed incorrectly, or you would like it removed.

Greeters Coffee Servers 1-Jay & Kathy Klemann, Barry & Bev Wilson 1 Karen Roeske, Debbie Buchholz 8-Hilda Voight, Audrey Dredske, Lou & Anne Dorwaldt 8 Pat Rose 15-Clyde & Barb Simonsen, Nancy Smith, Lora Stolz 15 Millie McComb, Deb Buchholz 22- Polka Service, No Greeters 22 Gohlke Family 29-Gary & Kay Christensen, Trudy Mattice, Jan Grenier 29 Kay Christensen Ushers Readers Assisting Ministers 1 Rick & Carol King 1 Karen Tschurwald 1 Kim Prindle Ron & Bev Yahnke 8 Sara Thomas 8 Jennifer Culver 8 Rick & Carol King 15 Janice Grenier 15 Barb Simonson

Ron & Bev Yahnke 22 Bev Yahnke 22 Marlin Carlson 15 Gerry & Nadine Warsek 29 Helen Grisar 29 Juanita Zernia Matt & Jill Wilbert 22 Rick & Carol King Communion Assistants

Matt & Jill Wilbert 1-Kim Prindle, Karen Tschurwald, Colin & Zephen Berger, 29 Jon & Jane Wilcox Anne Dorwaldt, Trudy Mattice & 2 Ushers

Ray Piehl, Joanne Nelson 15-Barb Simonsen, Janice Grenier,

Altar Guild Joanne Nelson, Cheryl Olsen, Caring Visitors Judy Christian, Arlene Eger, 2 Ushers I Adaline, Karen M Bev Yahnke Acolytes - II Cheryl, Donna

1- Colin & Zephen Berger

1- Beth Klemann 12- Roy Pomplun 19- Eric Tratar2 -Logan Johnson LuVerne Norlin 20- Rick Andersen3- Gerald Goldsmith Jill Wilbert 21- Sandy Bartels

Joanne Nelson Nancy McCaskey Julie WalkerLaura Micklitz 14- Dorothy Pearsall 22- Cynthia Norem

4- Joanne Carlson Peggy Klimke 23- Adaline robbins5- Axel Klieforth Leah Gohlke 25- Jennifer Weekly6- Jonah Hoffman 16-Shirley Johnson Bud Fenner7- Polly Miller Carole Olson 26- Tyler Person8- Peter Van Roo 17- Jeff Buchholz 27- Katie Hoffman9- Ron Yahnke 18- Dennis Wedde 29- Elmer Janka

31- Jamie Stock*Please call the church office if your birthday is not listed, listed incorrectly,

Or you would like it removed!

Acolytes Greeters5- Colin & Zephen Berger 5- Tom & Pat Rose, Orlin & Irene Lerdahl12- 12-19- 19-26- 26-

Altar Guild ReadersKaren Miller, Eunice Stevens 5- Jon WilcoxZella VanNatta 12- Barb Simonson

19- Mhari GohlkeAssisting Ministers 26- Sandy Bartels5- Joanne Nelson12- Anne Dorwaldt Ushers19-Gary Christensen 5- Gary & Kay Christensen,29- Jennifer Culver Chris & Christian Hawlish

12- Dennis & Darlene Wedde (Beau, Alexa)Chris & Christian Hawlish

Coffee Servers 19- Dennis & Donna Ball5- Karen Miller, Adaline Robbins Chris Hawlish, Julie Walker12- Darrell & Sally Roberts 26- Gary & Kay Christensen19- Jan Grenier26- Arlene Dahlen, Audrey Dredske

Communion Assistants5- Joanne Nelson, Jon & Jane Wilcox, Anne Timmel,

Colin & Zephen Berger, 2 Ushers19- Gary Christensen, Mhari Gohlke, 2 Ushers,

Paul & Penny Hendrickson

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 1 2 3 4

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9:00 AM Worship with HolyCommunion10:00 AM Fellowship Hour2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon 9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study10:30 AM TeamLeadership Meeting

Independence Day 10:00 AM AA6:30 PM PraiseTeam Practice7:30 PM AA

9:00 AM Praise Team Worship10:00 AM Fellowship Hour2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon1:30 PM HLCWBoard Meeting

9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study10:30 AM TeamLeadership Meeting7:00 PM CouncilMeeting

7:00 AM Men'sBreakfast &Fellowship Hour atEl Popo's9:00 AM LibraryKnitting Group1:00 PM Quilting

10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

9:00 AM Worship with HolyCommunion10:00 AM Fellowship Hour11:00 AM Heartland HouseWorship2:00 PM AA

9:00 AM LibraryKnitting Group12:00 PM Al-Anon1:30 PM Pieces ofHope Prayer ShawlMinistry

9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study10:30 AM TeamLeadership Meeting1:00 PM Book Club

10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

9:30 AM Keith Otis- Visitation11:00 AM KeithOtis - Funeral

10:00 AM Fellowship Hour10:00 AM Polka Worship Service2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon 9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study10:00 AM Anti-Human TraffickingMeeting10:30 AM TeamLeadership Meeting

1:00 PM Quilting 10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

11:30 AM LastSaturday Lunch atSt. Joseph's ParishHall

9:00 AM Worship2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon 9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study10:30 AM TeamLeadership Meeting

10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

11:00 AM JoanFregin MemorialService

JULY 2018

29 30 31 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31 1

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9:00 AM Worship2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon 9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study10:30 AM TeamLeadership Meeting

10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

11:00 AM JoanFregin MemorialService

9:00 AM Worship with HolyCommunion10:00 AM Education & FellowshipHour2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon 9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study1:00 PM TeamLeadership Meeting

7:00 AM Men'sBreakfast &Fellowship Hour atEl Popo's9:00 AM LibraryKnitting Group10:00 AMSalvation Army Mtg1:00 PM Quilting6:30 PM PraiseTeam Practice

10:00 AM AA4:00 PM PropertyCommittee Meeting7:30 PM AA

9:00 AMWautoma'sAugustfest

9:00 AM Praise Team Worship10:00 AM Education & FellowshipHour2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon 9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study1:00 PM TeamLeadership Meeting5:00 PM Music &Worship Meeting7:00 PM CouncilMeeting

10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

9:00 AM Worship with HolyCommunion10:00 AM Education & FellowshipHour11:00 AM Heartland HouseWorship2:00 PM AA

9:00 AM LibraryKnitting Group12:00 PM Al-Anon1:30 PM Pieces ofHope Prayer ShawlMinistry

9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study1:00 PM Book Club1:00 PM TeamLeadership Meeting

1:00 PM Quilting 10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

11:30 AM LastSaturday Lunch

9:00 AM Worship10:00 AM Education & FellowshipHour2:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Al-Anon 9:00 AM Pastor'sText Study1:00 PM TeamLeadership Meeting

10:00 AM AA7:30 PM AA

AUGUST 2018