The Voice of HopeHope Lutheran Church

1750 SE Lennard Rd., Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate

Deacon Susan SpeeOffice: 772-335-4673

www.hopelutheranpsl.orgemail-hopeoffice1@gmail.com

December 2015

To the People of God here at Hope:

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9We rejoice in the Lord always for the goodness bestowed on Hope Lutheran Church. During the past 10 months, we have been blessed spiritually, physically, and financially.

Continued on next page….

Continued from previous page….

The Voice of Hope 1

PASTOR’S PAGE

Our Wednesday Ecumenical Worship Service with Saint Julian Catholic Church and Tabernacle of Praise Church has enable us to reach out to other denominations while sharing our testimonies, praying, singing, and hearing a message from pastors. To enhance our spirituality in the community, we have incorporated Saint Julian Catholic and Tabernacle of Praises’ weekly activities on our flyer. Our intent is to draw people into our Sanctuary. Our mission here at Hope Lutheran Church is called to spread God’s Word and to lead the community to Christ.Although our attendance is low during the summer months, we have seen an increase in our 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. We expect to see an increase in our 9:00 a.m. Service later in December. We have between 8 and 10 people attending our Bible Study on Tuesdays. We also have between 4 and 6 people attending our Bible Study on Sundays at 10:10 a.m. Our Wednesday Ecumenical Worship Service has between 15 and 20 people in attendance.Financially, we have been challenged by low attendance but we rejoice in the Lord always. September 27, 2015 through December 13, 2015 was an opportunity for us to share with the Finance Committee our commitment for 2016. Although the Committee has met and drafted a budget (45% financial commitments) for our Council to approve, we are still seeking financial commitments. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say.”Merry Christmas and Have A Happy New Year!

Pastor Tate

The Voice of Hope 2

Preparing for Advent

Advent begins this year on November 29. The lectionary readings of Advent all point us to signs of God coming—whether we are ready or not—of days and times advancing toward us, of hopes and expectations for a future held in the promises of God. It may seem by November 29 that Advent will have already begun somehow, considering that at the end of the previous church year we have already been considering our lives in God’s future. In early November we celebrate the saints who

have died before us, awakening in us questions of what our own death and life in Christ might mean. And November’s Sundays turn our eyes to final things, when God will bring to completion all that has begun. Even the festival of Christ the King at the end of the year can seem less like a culmination, given that Christ’s reign is an “already but not yet” reality. Perhaps we need a longer Advent, a full six or seven Sundays, without altering the calendar of readings, beginning in early November, acknowledging our need to imagine a future, living and dying while awaiting the fulfillment of promises, and wondering if the diminishing sunlight will ever fully return.

During the season of Advent in this year of the gospels of Luke and John we have a feast of rich readings. On the first Sunday of Advent, Luke’s Jesus points to the fig tree to see the signs (Luke 21), and on the second and third Sundays we proclaim the sequential narratives of John the Baptizer preparing the way with words of planetary reshaping–valleys filled, mountains lowered, trees felled, and wheat harvested (Luke 3). Only on the fourth Sunday of Advent do we begin the birth narratives from Luke (can we wait until then to mention a pregnancy?) with Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, leading to the canticle filled with the promises of God’s impending justice—Mary’s Magnificent (Luke 1). The first and second readings on each Sunday complement the gospel readings, with prophecy from Jeremiah, Malachi, Zephaniah, and Micah, and pastoral counsel and consolation from the epistles to Thessalonica, Philippi, and the Hebrews. Advent is not a four-week exploration of waiting only for a baby. Advent is rather an annual time to consider God’s coming in every way and time possible: in a meal, by a word, as a light, in the assembly gathered, as a complete surprise, following a long wait, suddenly, or as a child.

Continued on next page….

The Voice of Hope 3

Continued from previous page…..

The pressures on worship planners to abandon Advent and orient worship in December to the cultural Christmas of consumer excess and exaggerated happiness devoid of any true joy or honest lament seem to increase each year. Some may argue that the church becomes more irrelevant when we do not orient worship to such cultural trends. Others feel that the church is responsible only when it offers a countercultural critique of the crass commercialism pervasive during December and the absence of either Christ or the meaning of the mass in Christmas. The rush to celebrate Christmas before Christmas corresponds to our penchant to have things our way, nearly immediately, without the need for waiting, prayer, patience, or longing. Keeping Advent in at least the weekly Sunday assembly (if not each day of the season) forms us to live in a world where patient waiting, intense prayer, and hopeful trust are Christian practices we are invited to hone.

The Voice of Hope 4

Christmas Worship Services

Services for the holidays will be as follows:

Sunday 12/13/15 9:00 AM – Worship & Children’s Program11:00 AM – Worship & Children’s Program

Thursday 12/24/15 7:00 PM – Worship with ChoirChristmas Eve 9:00 PM – Worship with Band

Children’s Christmas ProgramOn December 13th the Sunday school will present “A Lego Christmas”, during worship. Please come see our children perform.

The Voice of Hope 5

Christmas Cookie Bake Sale

Sunday, December 20th between services, we will be selling cookies and tins. Please help by baking some cookies. Sign-up in the Narthex. This is fun as it gives everyone a chance to get a nice selection of home baked cookies just in time for Christmas.

Christmas Poinsettia Plants – order now!

Order form is included elsewhere in this issue of the VOICE OF HOPE. Please use it if you would like to order one or more plants for the Christmas season. Plants may be taken home after the 9:00 PM worship on Christmas Eve.

Memory Verse of the Month

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;” Hebrews 10:23

The Voice of Hope 6

Exploring Your Faith

This is a class that the youth, high school & college students, ask questions about faith and the Lutheran denomination. They meet on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Bible Study

Every Tuesday at 12 noon we will meet for Bible study. We will be following the lectionary in our Adult Bible Study.

Offering Envelopes . . .

Offering envelopes are back in the box for the year 2016. It has the same number as the monthly mail ones 2015. Please pick up your envelopes in the Narthex. If you do not have one, please contact the church office.

The women’s luncheon is December 12th at noon at Carabbas. The cost is $20.00 per person. All women are welcome. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. Please join us.

Council Members needed: There are 7 open Council seats, with 4 current members wanting to return. Fred Heins is the contact for first service members and Michelle Schnorr for second service. Intentions need to be known before the end of the month as the voting will take place at the annual meeting in January 10, 2016

We know people encourage us, and this pushes us on to good deeds. So try and think of ways to encourage your friends to do good. Do not give up on someone, and do not stop seeing each other.

*********************************************************Christmas Poinsettia Plants

ORDER FORMI wish to order ______(#of plants) at $15.00 each. Total donation _______________ In loving memory of: ______________________________________________ In honor of: _____________________________________________________ In thanksgiving for: _______________________________________________ To the Glory of God.Given by: _______________________________________________________

Please make check out to HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH: place order & money or checkIn the offering plate or return to the church office. Thank you.

*****************************************************************VETERAN’S BREAKFAST

The veterans will be meeting at Cracker Barrel on December 26th at 8:30 a.m. Come and join us for great conversation! Every veteran has a story, what’s yours!

The Voice of Hope 7

The 2015 Enjoyment Books are now available. They will be on sale on Sundays and will also be available during the week at the office. They are $35.00 a book payable by cash or check which should be made payable to Hope Lutheran Church. Hope gets $10.00 back on each book. Thank you!

The Voice of Hope 8

DecemberBirthdays

12/01 Anthony Scuderi Jr.

12/03 Bert Johansson

12/04 Mag Roma

12/06 Lisa Barry

12/07 Harry Kingsley

Jennifer Beauchesne

12/09 Cindy Kingsley

12/10 George Norgord

Grace Benway

Philip Bergerman

12/12 Martin Frano Jr.

Deborah Gahlhoff

12/14 Debbie Pinto

12/15 Sue Weston

Kevin Meehan

12/17 Fran Hendertilo

12/18 Winston Jackson

12/20 Herb Schaus

12/22 Cathy Byers

12/24 Carole Arcoleo

12/25 Beverly Koenitzer

Lynne Wiscovitch

12/28 Nina Baranski

Gary Billings

David Wagner

12/29 Diane Calain

The Voice of Hope 9

December Anniversaries12/04 Joe & Linda Gannon (55)12/14 Marc & Mary Bergerman (13)12/25 John & June Leighliter (16)12/27 Le’roy & Wanda Felix (41)

Altar Flowers Dedicating Altar Flowers is a wonderful way to honor or memorialize friends and family for special times, anniversaries, or events. At the same time you will be adding to the beauty of our Church during Sunday worship. Simply sign up on the chart in the usher’s area between the narthex and sanctuary for any available Sunday and indicate what event you are honoring. The month prior to your sponsorship you will be sent an envelope for your donation to the flower fund of $30.00. You may place this in the offering on any Sunday or mail the envelope back to the Church. Following the 11:00 service you may take the flowers home or deliver to a shut-in friend or member. If you would like the names and location of several members who are in the hospital, assisted living or nursing facilities who would enjoy and appreciate the flowers you can contact Pastor.

Come Worship With Us!

Pastor Earnest E. Tate

Sunday Worship Services

Traditional Worship 9:00 A.M.

Adult Bible Study 10:00 A.M. Contemporary Worship 11:00 A.M.

Weekly event

Tuesdays: Bible Study 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. Fridays: Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 P.M.

We also have openings in our singing choir & hand bell choir. Please call the Church office for rehearsal days/times.

Wednesday Ecumenical Service

6:00-7:30 P.M.Hope Lutheran Church PSL Tabernacle of Praise St. Julian of Norwich

Come & Experience

PSL Tabernacle of PraiseThe Worship & The Word

Bible Study Friday 7:30 P.M. Service Time Sunday 2:00 P.M.

Sr. Pastor, Dr. Bettin J. Greene 772-342-0554

St, Julian of Norwich Old Catholic Church

An Alternative Catholic Community

Sunday Mass 12:30 P.M. Saturday Mass 6:00 P.M.

Father Bernie Sheffield, DD, OSB 772-370-9885

The Voice of Hope 10

Wednesday Ecumenical Worship ServiceWith

Hope Lutheran Church Saint Julian Catholic Church Tabernacle of Praise Church

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Every Wednesday

The Wednesday Ecumenical Service is an opportunity for individuals affiliated with other denominations to meet on Wednesday Evenings to have intercessory prayer for their church and members along with sharing a vision for our community. We will move as the Holy Spirit leads us equipping those gathered with the Word of God through preaching, testimonies, and prayer. Our intent during our gathering is to be recharged, get equipped, and receive marching orders, so that there is a unity of the Holy Spirit throughout the week as we continue our prayer ministry. Come and join us on Wednesday evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You may come and go during the Service as the Holy Spirit leads. A tentative agenda for the evening is listed below:Fellowship (bring a snack)Music

PrayerScripture ReadingWord of God through preaching, testimonies, and/or prayer

Wednesday Ecumenical and Advent ServicesDecember 2-16, 2015

Soup and Bread 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.Advent Service 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.Ecumenical Service 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

We are seeking 4 volunteers each Wednesday to cook for the Soup SupperSign-up sheet in Narthex

The Voice of Hope 11

An excerpt form a paper written by Pastor Earnest E. Tate, “An Integration of Ministerial Activities, 2004-2005”, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

PREACHING

The value of Christian preaching of the Old Testament is a position that I based on salient points from “Preaching Christ from the Old Testament” by Sidney Greidanus. We should be aware of the importance of both the Old and the New Testaments in our scripture reading and studying. To preach Christ is to proclaim some facet of the person, work, teaching of Jesus of Nazareth so that people may believe him, trust him, love him, and obey him. In preaching Christ from the Old Testament, we can often link the Old Testament message to some facet of the person of Christ: the Son of God, the Messiah, our Prophet, Priest, and King. In preaching Christ from the Old Testament, we can often link the message of the text with the redeeming work of our Savior and the just rule of our Lord.

The teaching of Jesus is an indispensable component for preaching Christ from the Old Testament, for the Old Testament was Jesus' Bible, and he based his teaching on it. Jesus' teaching includes not only teachings about himself (Son of Man, Messiah), his mission, and his coming again but also teachings about God, God's kingdom, God's covenant, and God's law (e.g., Matthew 5-7). The value of preaching from the Old Testament is that the church has accepted this collection of books as part of its canon. To accept a document as part of ones canon only to let this "standard for faith and life" gather dust, does it makes any sense? If the Old Testament is part of the Christian canon, should it be used in the church? Paul instructs Timothy to "give attention to the public reading of scripture (that is, the Old Testament), to exhorting, to teaching" (1 Tim 4:13). The apostle Peter agrees with Paul that Christians are to use the Old Testament. He writes to the dispersed Christians, "It was revealed to them (the prophets) that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you. .." (I Pet 1:12). I believe that every Christian church today needs to hear the Old Testament for its function of teaching, reproof: correction, and training in righteousness, as well as for the hope it brings and the instruction it offers for "salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 3:15).The Old Testament reveals the long history of redemption, which culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament discloses God's acts of redemption in a history that stretches from the creation to just prior to the coming of Christ. It reveals how God, after the fall into sin, seeks to save his people and restore his kingdom(rule) on earth. It reveals God's redemptive acts over many centuries as well as God's promises and their fulfillments. We do not find this long history of God's acts of salvation in the New Testament; it simply assumes and builds on this history. Since only the Old Testament reveals this redemptive history, it is indispensable for the Christian church. Just as one cannot understand the last act of a drama without knowing the earlier acts, so this climactic act of God sending his Son cannot be understood without knowing the foregoing acts of God. Since these acts are recorded only in the Old Testament, preaching the Old Testament story is indispensable for the Christian church.

The Voice of Hope 12

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, PastorSalient points in the sermon, John 11:32-44 on November 01, 2015

All Saints Day is celebrated by Roman Catholics, the Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans. For Lutherans, this day is observed by remembering and thanking God for all saints, both dead and living. It is a day to glorify Jesus Christ, who by his life and death has made us holy through our Baptism and faith. When the question, "Who are the saints" is asked, our Lutheran Confessions response is that, "All believers in Jesus Christ, both those living on earth and those living in heaven." Both heavenly and earthly saints are confessed. The Church is a congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered"

In our text, Jesus said that Lazarus was not "sick unto death:' Lazarus was sick "for God's glory." Lazarus's affliction was an opportunity to dramatize the life-giving power of God. Are we using circumstances of our sickness to glorify God? Do we give testimonies of our sickness to God's glory? There is power in the name of Jesus. He has the power that opens every grave and gives life to the lifeless, because in Him is life, and from Him life proceeds. Jesus said, “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, or, ‘even though one dies,’ yet shall he live.” Believe in Jesus, not in the good things we have done in this world: Believe in Jesus. If we do not put our trust in Jesus, whom do we go to?

Jesus prays and calls Lazarus forth. Jesus is calling us out of our grief, our heart ache, and pain. Jesus is calling us out of our stuff. When we come out of our circumstances, are we still bound by our past? There are a lot of people that are alive in Christ but still bound by their past. Are we having difficulty working in the church because we are bound to our past? Are we not able to witness because we are bound to our past? Are we still bound to our past? Another church year ends today.

Continued on next page…..

The Voice of Hope 13

Salient points in the sermon, Mark 13:1-8 on November 15, 2015

On Friday, November 13, 2015, terrorists struck six locations in Paris with gunfire and explosions, killing 153 people and seizing hostages in a nation traumatized by a second massacre in less than a year.

Reading all the headlines just in the past few years alone, can we see evidence that this may be the day in which we are currently living? Will we be the generation to witness what John saw on Patmos 2000 years ago? Patmos is the Island in which the great vision of God’s wrath and anger will be poured out in ways never before seen on the entire earth takes place.

These events along with the destructions during the past 5 years; fires in California, oil spill in gulf coast have placed a lot of focus on biblical prophecy. Some may be wondering, “What is God’s purpose in all of this?” Jesus has instructed us to “watch and pray.” I believe that tragedies are going to happen in our society.

No one can predict the day of Christ’s return. To the disciples, Jesus explains the many things to watch for. Persecutions and trials will follow. Families will divide and turn against one another. Tribulations will occur; false messiahs will try to lead believers astray; the sun, moon, and stars will fail. But finally, the trumpet will sound, and ascend into the clouds to be with our Father in Heaven with the angels, 1Thessalonians 4:16-17.

When we see leaders in our country leading us farther and farther from our motto, “In God we trust”, do we ask ourselves, “Is this it? Are we near the end?” Do we want to know if “this is it”? If “this is it”, have our work on earth been completed. Have our work on earth begun? Listen to what Christ said, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age’" (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT).

Continued on next page….

The Voice of Hope 14

Salient points in the sermon, John 18:33-37 on November 22, 2015

Another church year ends today, November 22, with this festival, Christ the King. The church year is different from the calendar year, the academic year and the budget year. Christ the King is actually a new festival in the church year. In 1969, the Catholics moved Christ the King Sunday to the last Sunday of the church year. The church continues to create traditions and make liturgical history. It may be odd to think that the 20th-century church developed a festival centering on Christ's image as king. In America we are as distanced from the image of "kings" as we are from the image of "shepherds."

Do we perceive Christ's rule to be similar to the Queen of England's rule? If think in royal terms, we remember that "a king" is a political term. Kings rule a particular piece of land. They may rule over a particular ethnic group. They have subjects---they have "a people." What we declare on this last Sunday of the church year is that Christ has made of us “a people”. Those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. Christ has made us a people with his kingship. Our kingship is unique, unlike any earthly kingship that is bound by a geographical border. This kingdom is boundless. Christ's rule is not limited to a particular race or a national group. All are welcome, especially the unwelcome ones.

To say Christ is king implies that we are subjects. The heart of this relationship is our dependence on a ruler who holds our lives in his hands. We do not choose a ruler as we elect a President, members of Congress or a Bishop. We are Christ's people. We share the same bread and wine. We share the same story of faith. We stake our lives on the same hopes. At the end of our church year, after living through another cycle of hearing the story of Jesus' life, his teachings, miracles, and healings, we come here to give Jesus the praise. After another year of living our lives, burying our love ones, baptizing children, living our lives through struggles and accomplishments, we bring all of our year of experiences to a climax on this day. We lay it all back at the feet of the one who sits on the throne. We give God thanks. It's great to be “a people” ruled with love and mercy.

The Voice of Hope 15

GROWING HEALTHY KIDS @ HOPETUESDAYS

Story Time: 3pm to 4pm

Cost: Free Children gain confidence

reading to the Waggin’ Tail Therapy Dogs

Receive tutoring to increase reading skills Registration required to reserve a half hour Story time and tutoring also available

Horticulture for Beginners: 4pm to 5pm

Cost: Free

Children of all ages digging in the dirt

Planting and tasting healthy vegetables Planting Christian values Growing healthy kids!

To register or for more information nannette1b@aol.com

or call Nan Billings 772-812-1682

The Voice of Hope 16

The Voice of Hope 17

Nicky Nicola, Kristie Billings, Elise Gannon, Charlie McCracken, Tom Bacik, Chris & Carole Arcoleo, Debi Holland, Dan Trigg Jr., Tracy Hollipara, Jan Grassman, Rick Barth, John G. Prell, Eric Weston, Bob & Lucy Barnette, Thomas Spee, The Lamb Family, Koby Taylor, Wanda Felix & Mayson, Kathy Brogan, Donald Pendagast, Lusell Duberger, Harmony Geske, Judy Geske, The Luhrs Family, Marge Yager, Jean Carroll, Dom Aloise, Chelsey Olson, Eleonor Colon, Faith McCracken, Jimmy Back-Galpin, Pat Maranscio, Gloria Iaccabelli, Ed Forella, Bob Hendertilo, Kelly Kendall, Cynthia Oyola, Cynthia Ortiz, Bert Johanson, Josh Paradoa, Josef Glass, Nancy Larsen, Archie Rahn, Dolores Hart. Jeannie Hockley, Cathy & Herb Schaus, Karen Keat, Cody Jones, Jennifer Knight & Family

Members in Residential Care

Inge Brooks-Lakeforest Park

Pricilla Carpenter- The Gardens

Members of Our Armed Forces

LC Scott Stickler (Afghanistan)Reece Tucker (USMC)Tech Sgt. John King (USAF)

The Voice of Hope 18

`

The Voice of Hope 19

Phone-772-324-9472 Check out the web-site: http://cuisine256.com/E-Mail-Info@Cuisine256.com

We are asking anyone interested in singing with the ADULT CHOIR to please see Karen Keat or any choir member for information. Please come out and sing with us. We practice on Thursday’s, at 7:00 p.m.

For information please call Karen Keat: 772-237-5363.

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalms 100:2)

The Voice of Hope 20

If you would like to be in the BELL CHOIR, please see

Karen Keat for information. We practice on Tuesday’s at

6:30 p.m. If you are interested in learning about the

bells, please call Karen Keat, 772-237-5363.

1750 SE Lennard Road, Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952772-335-4673 www.hopelutheranpsl.orgRev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor

minet49@aol.com

If you do not have an e-mail address or access to online we will gladly mail you an issue. Please contact the church office.

Click & go to www.hopelutheranpsl.org

The Voice of Hope 21