Newsletter of New Hope Lutheran Church Columbia, MD December 2014

A Year of Thanks

Some people might think that November is the month to say, "Thanks!" However, "Thanks!" is what comes bubbling to my lips this month. I am so thankful to have spent this past year with you, getting to know you as individuals and as a gathered people of God at New Hope. My heart is filled with thanks for your gracious welcome to me and my family. I have been delighted by your persistent desire to discern together God's direction for us in these days. I have been strengthened and inspired by your faithful witness and openness to change. You are a gift from God.

I'm reminded of the deep truth in the line of Ann Weems' poem in her collection, Kneeling in Bethlehem, “Christmas comes every time we see God in other persons...”. Surely, I've been experiencing Christmas all year long. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

— Pastor Ginny

Drinking from My Saucer

By John Paul Moore, as shared by Louise Lee

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.

But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough

But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank God for his blessings,

and the mercies He's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows I have hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough

I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed.

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Our November GIFT event was a great success! The theme of the evening was

“Waiting for the Lord”.

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Growing In Faith Together (GIFT)

Friday, Janary 2, at 6 pm.

Come for dinner,

fellowship,

fun & learning!

To register, place your reservation slip in the Educa-tion/Faith Formation mailbox in the volunteer room or email Jim Rossi (twolfe1456@gmail.com)

Come as you are even if you forget to register!

Remember, this event is for EVERYONE!

Do you shop at Amazon? Now you can shop there AND benefit the youth going to the National Gather-ing next summer! Sign up for Amazon Smile at smile.amazon.com, choose New Hope Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD as your charity and shop! A portion of the sales will come back to us and will be used to help fund the gather-ing trip. Two im-portant things to know: 1)There are a lot of New Hope Lu-theran Churches, so be sure to keep scrolling until you reach New Hope Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD and 2) New Hope benefits from this only if you start your Amazon shopping experience at smile.amazon.com. For your convenience, a link to Amazon Smile is on New Hope’s website (www.newhopelutheran.org) in the middle of the page under Quick Links. The youth thank you for your support!

Saturdays, December 6 & 13 Both days from 10-2 in the MPR

Drop off your youngsters and we’ll babysit while you go shopping. Please consider a free will donation for our services. All proceeds will go to help fund the youth trip to the Na-tional Gathering in Detroit. Feel free to bring your child’s favor-ite game or activity. We’ll have light snacks, but you can bring in a lunch for your child, too.

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Christmas Music Festival

Sunday, December 14 7:00 p.m.

Free-will offering for the Youth Trip to Detroit in 2015

Youth Sponsored

Italian Dinner @ 5:30 p.m. (prior to the festival)

Free-will offering will be collected at the festival for

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church (Baltimore City) to support its ministries to the community

Featuring the music talents of New Hope Lutheran Church

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Italian Dinner Night Are you looking for a great place to eat

prior to the New Hope Christmas Music Festiveal? Please join us for an elegant Italian Dinner.

Elegantly clad youth will greet you at the door, escort you to your table, then serve you a delicious Italian dinner in a candlelight setting.

Menu Includes

Spaghetti, Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce, or Lasagna With Meat Sauce Mixed Green Salad with Italian Croutons

Dinner Roll Dessert

Drinks* Includes Your Choice of Coffee, Tea or Soda

Sunday, December 14, 5:30 to 7:00 pm Dinner will be served in the Multi-Purpose room starting at 5:30 and ending right before the

Christmas Music Festival which begins at 7:00 pm.

A Free will offering will be collected at the door. Proceeds will support our trip to Rise UP,

the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit, July 2015. Please RSVP using the reservation form found below.

*(feel free to bring your own adult beverage)

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“Love Has Come” is a new Christmas text set to an old French tune (you may recognize it as the tune for “Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella”). It’s based on the Christmas story as told in the second chapter of Luke. Ken Bible wrote the words for “Love Has Come” in 1996. A few years later, he wrote this po-em – a reflection on the same theme.

Christmas Is a Story of Love Christmas is a story of Love. For hundreds of years, Love had whispered, “I am coming! I am coming to be with you to stay with you forever!” It was Love that celebrated that night in the skies over Bethlehem with angels, music, and shouts of praise. Love was the shining star high in the sky, sent to draw people from far away to come and worship the Baby. And Love has entered our hearts. We can feel it drawing us to love and worship God. We can see it gathering us together to celebrate His coming.

And we can sense it reaching out this Christmas to share with the needy all around us. Christmas is a story of Love, Love that has come to us, Love that has brightened our lives; and Love is Jesus. Ken Bible, © 2000 by LNWhymns.com.

“Love Has Come”— December’s Hymn of the Month

Sometimes “celebrating” is far from our minds and hearts as the holidays draw near. It may seem like our stress level is about to reach overload. Or we may be dreading having to get through the days ahead when our lives have been shattered by eco-nomic crisis, illness, or the death of someone close to us.

Stephen Ministry offers help in these (and other) sit-uations. Stephen Ministers are members of our con-gregation who’ve been trained to listen and provide support and understanding. Give yourself a gift – the gift of an empathetic, confidential, caring connection with someone who wants to help. Ask Pastor Ginny, Sue Biermann, or Sue Pumplin how this can be ar-ranged.

Dreading the Holidays? Give Yourself a Gift

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Midweek Meditation Services Wednesdays, December 10 and 17 @ 7:30 pm

Drop-N-Shop

Saturdays, December 6 & 13 @ 10 am

Youth Sponsored Dinner Sunday, December 14 @ 5:30 pm

Christmas Music Festival

Sunday, December 14 @ 7:00 pm

Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 21 @ 3:00 pm

Hanging of the Greens and Potluck

Sunday, December 21 @ 4:00 pm

Christmas Eve Services Wednesday, December 24 @ 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11 pm

(Nursery available 3, 5, 7 & 9)

Christmas Brunch with Daycenter Friends Thursday, December 25 @ 10 am

Service of Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 28 @ 8:30 & 10 am

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Annual Sunday School

Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 21 at 3:00 pm

All children pre-K through 5th grade are invited to participate. Practices will be during Sunday School If you have any questions, Please contact Harriet Oliver, (hkoliver1@verizon.net). Please bring gently used or new coats, hats, or scarves for children and adults.

Christmas Eve Services

3 pm — Organ led, nursery available

5 pm — Band led, nursery available

7 pm — Band led, nursery available

9 pm — Organ led, nursery available

11 pm — Organ led

Hanging the Greens and Potluck Supper

Right after the Christmas Pageant! Sunday, December 21 at 4 pm

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Great Expectations Newsletter Deadline

December 10

Send all articles and pictures to Carol Henderson (newsletter editor)

caroluna@comcast.net.

Bridges to Housing Stability

is having their 5th annual "Hotter Than Thou" Chili Cook Off!

Bridges to Housing Stability is a non-profit organization in Howard County whose mis-sion is to help those who are at risk of losing their homes or have already become home-less.

When: Sunday, March 8, 2015 (with an inclement date of March 15).

The place and time are yet to be determined e from 1:30 - 3:30 pm, subject to the venue we choose. The location will be here in Howard County, most likely in the Columbia area.

Interested in pitting your chili against others in Howard County?

Contact Kathy Piet (kampers1@verizon.net / 410-992-0645).

Hopefully we will feature our own New Hope cook off in February.

Pick up a New Hope Advent Devotional booklet

for yourself and a friend. They can be found in the Entryway

and Multi-Purpose Room or online at www.NewHopeLutheran.org

Feeling so grateful - my heart is overflowing! Today, I filled our truck with donations from my New Hope family to my other family at FIRN (and I only trans-ported half of the contributions today) for their Adopt-A-Family program! As President of the Board of Directors at FIRN, I wish to extend our most sin-cere thanks to everyone at New Hope for the gener-ous donations to many who would not have a nice Thanksgiving meal without you. As a "New Hoper," I am so grateful and inspired by you all - thank you so much for your generosity! Many thanks, Kathy Piet, for coordinat-ing this (amongst many) tremendous effort to serve our neighbors need.

— Jill Bussey

Thank You from FIRN

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As is our tradition at New Hope, we will be having a pot luck brunch on Christmas Morning, 10 am to 12:30. Come celebrate Christ's birth with New Hope friends and family and our friends from the Route 1 Day Resource Center. We are the only church in the area that provides something for those in need on Christmas. A sign up sheet will be posted in the Nar-thex just so we have an idea of how many people are coming. Can't come on Christmas morning but would like to help? We will need bags of cookies/candies for our guests as well as canned foods. Also, we serve breakfast at Route 1 on the 27th so we will need food donations and servers then too. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Piet, (kampers1@verizon.net).

Advent is the season when we wait and prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas-time. At the time of this writing though, it’s Novem-ber and Thanksgiving is still more than a week away. But I can’t wait for Advent to begin. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I’ve already started playing Christmas music on my smartphone and am looking forward to time with family.

Perhaps my preparation instead should be a time of reflection and an opportunity to see where I can be the face of Christ in my community. New Hope has lots of choices. Maybe grab an Angel Tree or Christ-mas stocking to fill for those less fortunate; or deliv-er food to a family in need; or serve breakfast to our friends from Route 1 on Christmas morning or any other day there is a need (after all, people don’t just eat at Christmas). Or, I can provide food for one of the 3 pantries we support. And our friends at Route 1 need blankets too; it’s really starting to get cold out-side.

I think God would much prefer I spend this time of Advent doing for others rather than thinking just about me and my family, and about all the presents I need to buy! I guess I had better get busy!

As I wait and prepare during this Advent season, I pray that God continues to bless you, your family, and each of us at New Hope. May the joy and peace that only Jesus brings be with you.

Perry Anderson, President, Congregational Council

Christmas Morning Brunch — At New Hope with Rt. 1 Friends

Children’s Corner

Have you noticed the Children’s Corner in the entry way? It is to the right as you enter the front doors to the church. You’ll find all sorts of goodies there to aid in our younger worshippers’ Sunday morning experi-ence. There are crayons, books, coloring books, etc. available for them to

use. Don’t forget to pick up a children’s bulletin, too!

Wednesdays, 7:30 pm December 10 and 17

Advent Midweek Meditation

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Progress to date has been largely research. We’ve hosted a visit from a representative of the ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund, who looked at the build-ing from the perspective of one who works with sim-ilar floor plans elsewhere. We are gathering data on a range of architectural firms, both local and regional. Our plan is to welcome site visits in the new year, and then down-select three firms to interview in a formal process. Our objective, again, will be to use the funds for their designated purpose, working with an architect to identify options and recommendations which will then be put to the congregation.

We welcome your thoughts and ideas for expansion, renovation and the like, however may best work for you. Engage with any of us on the team. Email us at BERT@newhopelutheran.org. Add comments to a hardcopy list we’ll post near the Council bulletin board to the right as you leave the sanctuary.

In short, help BERT!

Who and What Is “BERT”?

Those of you who were at the annual meeting have already met BERT. This article is a refresher for you, and an introduction for those who weren’t able to be there with us on Nov 30th.

BERT is not half of a famous puppet pair – at least not this BERT. The caps may give it away: BERT in this case is the acronym for the small group looking at how our church building functions, supports our mission, or how it could do so going forward, if we looked at some changes and enhancements. BERT = Building Expansion and/or Renovation Team. Mem-bers include Diane Batchik as lead, Chris Winslow for the Property Team, Alex Price, Charles Nicholas, Cindy Ranker, Pastor Ginny, and Lance Ernst as Council liaison.

As many of you will recall, the congregation re-ceived a significant gift a couple years ago, funds that were specifically dedicated for securing such professional services (architects, zoning legal review, etc.) as may be needed to assist the congregation in coming up with a plan for any architectural changes as may enhance New Hope's mission. Timing then would not have been ideal – engaging in such discus-sions while calling a new pastor wouldn’t have been productive. Timing is right for us now to move for-ward with some real planning.

You’ll notice that the group name reflects the fact that there are no pre-determined answers – recom-mendations to come could include some expansion, some renovation, some of both, or neither. We want everyone to have a sense of purpose and approach, and a voice going forward.

Save the dates for upcoming shows at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: (with discounted rates as part of a group

from New Hope)

The Addams Family – Friday, March 20 1776 – Friday, May 29

Into the Woods – Friday, August 28 Ragtime – Friday, October 16

It’s a Wonderful Life – Sunday, December 27

Save the date! Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Building Expansion and / or Renovation Team

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Birthdays

1 Perry Anderson Megumi Gardner Logan King 3 Linda Kamosa Sally Frekot 4 Ann Scholz Carolyn Le Sofia Montoro 5 Loryn Baglione Roya Shahegh Izzie Price Katie Hessler 6 Debbie DiBattista Harriet Oliver Nicholas Tindall Carlos O'Ryan 7 Kirk Nabors 8 Peggy Lauria Vicki Burns 10 Nancy Kalin David DiBattista Stephanie Beck-mann

11 Adrian Beck-mann Julia Howser-Doty 12 Jeremy Ogor-zalek 15 Scott Stacy Evie Howser-Doty 16 Larry Lassen Mary Thomas Karen Severson 17 Sarah Wheeler 18 Lois Bailey Sara Moore 20 David Bowman 21 Brayden Heim Carly Gruneberg 22 Kerry Ose Katie Schlueter 23 Lizzy David

24 Sharon Punte 26 George Groves Nicole Mazzei-Williams Evan Ketchum Melissa Guba David Rowe 27 Linda Thomas-McIntosh 28 Ralph Waters 29 Sue Pumplin Kenneth Kropf Griffin Riddler 31 Carly Zayac

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Kristy Schlueter

15

Sherry Phillips

Katie Heady

Sara Moore

18

Bethany Kelley

21

Brad Seider

23

Liam Bussey-Meaney

24

Matthew Fleming

Amber Wills

Eric Everett

1

Carolyn Stacy

2

Ezra Williams

5

Julie Clementson

6

Jason Burns

9

David Zimmer-man

Evi Struble

10

Emily Myers 13

Evan Ketchum

27

Evelyn Rose

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Hunter Curry

Ceili Thomas

Additional Baptisms

Beth Myers

Lori Best Kara Jordan

Baptism Anniversaries

4 Nancy & Maurice Kalin (98) 6 Charles & Janice Nicholas (03) 12 George & Elinor Kronmiller (98) 18 Doug & Linda Hanewinckel (71) 20 Ira & Pam Burcham (69) 23 Eric & Darleen Butler (68) 29 Don & Harriet Oliver (73)

Wedding Anniversaries

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DECEMBER 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Holy Communion served at all service times on Sundays and Christmas Eve

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7:30p Joyful Noise

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10a Staff Mtg 5:30p

Blutheran Reh

7:30p Joyful Noise

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10a Bible Study & Lunch

6p Venture Crew 373

7p Boy Scout Troop 373

7p Den 6 7:30p Advent

Midweek Meditation

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6:30p Handbells 7p Tiger Den 7:30p Choir

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6p Growing in Faith Together

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9a Blutheran Reh 10am Drop-n-

Shop 1p Joyful Noise 6:30p AA

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1:30p Worthy Life Bapt. 4:30p Mustard Seeds 6:30p GS 1009

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5:30p GS 1214

7p QiGong 7p Photo

Team

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10a Staff Mtg 5:30p

Blutheran Reh

7:30p Joyful Noise

7p BS Comm

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9:30a MOMs Club 10a Bible Study 5:30p Confirmation 6p Venture Crew

373 7p B Scout Tr 373 7p Cub Scout

Comm 7:30p Advent

Midweek Meditation

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6:30p Handbells 7p Webelos 7p Den 5 7:30p Choir

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13

9a Blutheran Reh 10am Drop-n-

Shop 6:30p AA

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Blood Pressure Pie Sunday 10a Sunday School 1:30p Worthy Life Bapt. 4:30p Mustard Seeds 5:30p Italian Dinner 7p Christmas Music Fest

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5:30p GS 1214

7p Quilt/Craft 7p Property

Team

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10a Staff Mtg 7p Cong

Council 7:30p Joyful

Noise

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10a Bible Study 5:30p Confirmation 5:45p Stephen

Ministers 6p Venture Crew

373 7p B Scout Tr 373 7p Den 6 7:30p Advent

Midweek Meditation

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6:30p Handbells 7p Webelos 7:30p Choir

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6:30p Pack 373 Mtg

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6:30p AA

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10a Sunday School 10a Pageant Rehearsal 1:30p Worthy Life Bapt. 3p Christmas Pageant 4p Hanging of the Greens 5p Potluck Supper 6p Youth Group 6:30p GS 1009 7p BS PLC

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7p QiGong

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7:30p Joyful Noise

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3p Christmas 5p Eve 7p Services 9p 11p

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Christmas Day Office Closed 10am Brunch @

New Hope

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Office Closed

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9:30a Meal at Rt. 1 Daycenter

6:30p AA

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8:30 and 10 Worship 1:30p Worthy Life Bapt. 6p Youth Group

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9a - 5p Girl Scout Camp

5:30p GS 1214

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9a - 5p Girl Scout Camp

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10a Bible Study 9a - 5p Girl Scout

Camp 7p B Scout Tr 373

Worship - 8:30 +10:00 + 11:30 Sunday School for ages 3 - High School - Adult - 10:00AM

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(410) 381-HOPE (4673) info@newhopelutheran.org www.newhopelutheran.org

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

(ELCA)

opposite Kings Contrivance Village Center at the corner of

Guilford Road & Eden Brook Drive.

Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 10:00 & 11:30 am

Holy Communion Served at all services

Pastor: The Rev. Ginny Price

Family Ministry Coordinator: Cindy Ranker, D.M.

Associates in Ministry

Music: Sue Pumplin, Sharon Punte

Parish Administrator: Sharon Punte

Great Expectations Newsletter Editor: Carol Henderson

New Hope Lutheran Church 8575 Guilford Road

Columbia, MD 21046 (410) 381-HOPE

Time Value: Please do not delay

December 2014

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Upcoming Events

Youth Sponsored Dinner and Christmas Music Festival

Sunday, Dec. 14

Christmas Pageant and Potluck Supper Sunday, Dec. 21

Christmas Eve Services 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 pm

For more activity info see inside