April 2017

THE

ANCHOR

HOPECHURCHLINCOLN.ORG 402-423-8855 HOPE@HOPECHURCHLINCOLN.ORG

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I had written a fairly lengthy, and quite good Anchor article. Some new friends who have been coming to Hope recently came over for dinner and asked me the question, “So how can we be praying for you in this season?”. I was somewhat surprised to say the words, “For Satan to stop trying to undo what we’re passionate about seeing in our church”. I then scrapped my words to write this article. Using the word Satan and spiritual things immediately turns off a percentage of persons who don’t believe in the supernatural, and ultimately creates a different group of persons to be hyper-sensitive. But it seems that after a fairly calm month of rejoicing, baptizing babies, new believers, and seeing 7 new “family members” at Hope along with several new guests…Satan noticed. In the past few weeks I have been distracted by a bad sewer line that keeps clogging and have had to unclog the line. I’ll let you catch up for a moment to that last sentence. Yesterday I climbed through the attic to place trays to catch water where the roofers unknowingly caused a gap in the roof. For the past several weeks, numerous marriages, confidences, and dissention have sprung up over a number of seemingly innocent things. I just can’t help but notice that Satan is sowing lies, dissention, and bitterness. Moreover, I see just a desire for the status quo or inaction as Satan’s tricks versus anything else. Beyond the life of the church, this happens in our lives individually. Countless times those who are close to God are duped in a single act of trickery to be back not only the valley, but on a plain of inaction. What is to be our response? Scripture constantly reminds us to pray. Pray diligently. Pray powerfully. I caution those who worry and fret over Satan’s next move, “He moves around like a roaring lion!”. In fact, Satan has no real power. He uses lies and discouragement and clogged septic lines to confuse us to not focus on the one who has ALL the power. And, yes, the line about clogged septic lines is a joke. But the end result of the lies he was trying to convince me of were the same. One of my main spiritual gifts is encouragement. I can naturally see the glass not only half full, but I can lead and cast vision for all to see it. Over the past several weeks while I have been tempted to let bitterness or anger get the best of me, many persons have stepped up. I’ve been encouraged so greatly by the friends over for dinner. By the Admin team. By specific elders and just members who have checked in on me. <continued on next page>

Dispelling Satan by Pastor Scott

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And it is through the encouragement and prayers of others that have most recently righted my spiritual compass. I strive to be that compass for Hope church and all our family as a body. Know that God may be calling you to be that type of person to someone who is under attack. They may be a co-worker, acquaintance, neighbor, family, spouse, or child. Satan’s number one goal is to deceive, and so he targets those who are either easily deceived or those who pose a great threat to his influence. Could you be a person of great spiritual encouragement? The first step is pray. And do not fear the evil one. Over and over we are told to not be afraid by Jesus himself. This is for good reason; He holds us all in His power. Pastor Scott

Hello Hope Church Family,

I can’t believe this is the last time I will write for the anchor I can’t even begin to tell you

how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to work at Hopeland these last nine years.

When I came to Hopeland, I was going through a very difficult time in my life and there is no

doubt in my mind that this is exactly where God wanted me to be. I NEEDED the people here,

and I’m so thankful for the friendships that I have made! I will definitely miss Hopeland, but I

am looking forward to what God has planned for me (this will include two new grandsons in

the near future)

Thank you for praying for the teachers, parents, and kids these past years! It has been such a

blessing to work with the Hopeland families, and to be able to show them the love of Jesus! I

have received several emails from parents thanking us for caring for and loving their children.

Hopeland will always have a special place in the hearts of so many people!

Hopeland will be very missed, but God is always good and His plans are always perfect! God

bless each of you!

Carrie

Hopeland Preschool/ Daycare Carrie Duke

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I wanted to communicate again regarding the closing of

Hopeland Preschool in May. As with any communication, lots

of translation and assumptions can occur.

Know that none of the church leadership, myself, or anyone

else at Hope wanted to see the ministry of Hopeland end.

Hopeland has touched hundreds of children’s lives through

the work of many tireless leaders and teachers. Many of our

church family members have tirelessly given to the ministry

and work done there.

I have loved working alongside Carrie and her amazing

leadership over my two tours of Hope. Her graceful

leadership, caring heart, and desire to do the right thing has

shaped my children and me personally.

I know Julie Wondercheck, the former director, was sad but also knew that the ministry had

run its season. Julie, along with Carrie, was a tremendous leader and has installed a spiritual

legacy in so many children.

So many teachers have attended and attend in our Hope family. The original director, Linda

Elder, Hope’s Children’s director, Mary Plock, and so many others have taught so well at

Hopeland. Some of our current members include Madison Plock, Emma Davis, and Kala

Smalley as just a few of a great number. I specifically want to highlight Jess Svoboda, the

current Hope member in all our prayers as she transitions to a new opportunity this May as

she loved serving as a teacher at Hopeland.

The confluence of so many

independent factors of staff leaving

due to jobs, pregnancies, and

retirements made it impossible to find

a new director.

<Continued on next page>

Hopeland Preschool/ Daycare By Pastor Scott

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As Hopeland finishes its ministry on May 5th, I

am hopeful and looking forward to the future.

Hopeland was such an unexpected ministry

and unexpected blessing to our church for over

a decade. I was able to chat with Pastor

Terry—the former pastor of Hope—and chat

about the ministry of Hopeland. While he was

certainly sad to see it end, he understood and

also began to dream about the opportunities

that our church could take a part in the future.

While many are still dreams, I know that our building can be a place to continue to bless our

congregation, the incarcerated, the hungry, widows, and orphans. We have a new,

unexpected blank canvas to draw upon as we move forward in 2017 and the decades ahead.

Let’s dream big and listen to God’s calling as we move forward.

As always, please feel free to contact me directly or stop me after church with any further

questions about Hopeland.

Blessings,

Pastor Scott

Hopeland Preschool/ Daycare Scott Martin

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Maundy Thursday we will have a church potluck with the Lord’s supper following. It will be family

friendly and not be your traditional church service at all.

Good Friday will be a solemn service focusing on the suffering and passion of Jesus.

Easter will have a traditional 7am Sunrise service on the “hill”. Transportation provided for those who

need it.

We will have full services with nursery available at 9 and 10:30.

Easter!

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Can you guess who this cute couple is? Jump to page 13 to find out!

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”—Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Children in preschool through 5th grade are having a blast on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm learning about

Abraham. The kids are learning that they can trust and follow God, even when He asks us to do things that are really hard.

Our last lesson in the Journey to Mars series will be April 5. It will also be our last Wednesday evening of the Spring.

APRIL 5: FINISH THE MISSION--We have a permanent home in heaven if we put our faith in Jesus. We will learn what

it means to accept Jesus as our Savior.

Children’s Ministry Mary Plock

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VBS is June 5-9 from 6-8PM for children ages 3 through 5th grade (entering 6th

grade in fall 2017). Join us for a week of fun as we learn more about who God is,

what He has done, and what He promises to do! Child and volunteer registrations

will be available starting in April both in the Atrium as well as online.

DAY 1: Victory through Courage

God’s Victory through Joshua

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”—Psalm 118:6

DAY 2: Victory through Obedience

God’s Victory through Gideon

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”—John 14:15

DAY 3: Victory through Faith

God’s Victory through David

“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”—1 Thessalonians 5:24

DAY 4: Victory through Unity

God’s Victory through Esther

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”--1 Thessalonians 5:11

DAY 5: Victory through Jesus

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 15:57

Children’s Ministry Mary Plock

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9:15 DISCIPLESHIP HOUR (Arrive at 9:00) Nursery/2s&3s Preschool & Kindergarten April 2 Lindsay Burkey Charlene Peters April 9 J’Marie Hansen April 16 (9:00 SERVICE) Carissa Martin April 23 Kate Sammons April 30 Jenny Kaser 1st-3rd Grade ClubFour5 Lori Jacoby Nathan Vieth April 16 is Easter Sunday. There will be no classes that morning. Nursery care will be provided during the 9:00 and 10:30 services, and activity bags will be available in the worship service for preschoolers and school age children. 10:30 SERVICE (Arrive at 10:15) Nursery/2s&3s April 2 Stephanie Guzman, Faith Peterson April 9 the Morgans April 16 Linda Elder, Aly Plock April 23 Helen Beukelman, Faith Peterson April 30 Julie Wondercheck If you are interested in helping in the toddler room (infants-age 3) once a month at 9:15 during discipleship hour, please contact Mary Plock at 402-423-8855 or mary@hopechurchlincoln.org.

Children’s Ministry Mary Plock

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Cowboy chicken Fundraiser April 3! Come support our youth and enjoy an evening out with your family.

The final midweek for youth during spring will be April 5th, where we will have one big party from 6:30-8:00, combined high school and middle school. Sign up for Immerse through our website at hopechurchlincoln.org and click on “Students” tab!

Youth Ministry Hayden Florom

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Sunday April 2nd Bonnie Schwahn Matthew Hansen Family Sunday April 9th Bonnie Schwahn Bruce & Beth Weber Nancy Harms Sunday April 16th Bonnie Schwahn Doug Tice Family Sunday April 23rd Bonnie Schwahn Ric Stoakes Family Sunday April 30th Bonnie Schwahn Justin McLachlan Family

Sunday May 7th Linda Elder Doug Ivey Family Sunday May 14th Linda Elder Scott Morgan Family Sunday May 21st Linda Elder Maggie Essink Bob & Diane Essink

Distribution: April 5/6-Jeff and Barb Jobes April 12/13-Ron Bouwens April 19/20-Charlene Peters April 26/27-Lorre Spencer

04/07/17 Friday Mary Spencer

Loree Spencer Linda Elder

04/13/17 Thursday Linda Elder

Christine Andelt John Hoffman

04/21/17 Friday Tony Geiger

Alane Obidowski ConnieZimmerman

04/27/17 Thursday John Hoffman

Breanna Peterson Renae Stoakes

05/05/17 Friday Tony Geiger

Linda Elder Kate Sammons

05/12/17 Friday Mary Spencer

Loree Spencer Connie Zimmerman

Roper Backpack Ministry Connie Zimmerman & Bonnie Schwann

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Prayerfully, the consistory has made several changes in the month of February in and through our retreat. First, we have reimagined how Hope gives to missions. This change focuses our missional outreach and invests missions more effectively and strategically. Over the past 7 years Hope has taken a free will offering each month which ranged greatly from $50 to $100 up to $250, except Christmas with Matt Talbot Kitchen which receives somewhere around $500. Our leadership will continue to strategically pray and support various ministries and we will soon have a mission map where various missions are taking place. Local: Make a difference Magic (May) Matt Talbot (Christmas Eve) RIP program Roper backpack program---Volunteer Marathon---Volunteer People’s City Mission---Volunteer RCA Winnebago Church F St. Neighborhood Church RCA youth Tennessee Habitat for Humanity and Middle High missions---Volunteer National: Daniel Pennings—missionary in Hong Kong Jeremy and Susan Beebout—missionaries in Republic of Niger Cup of Hope—Haiti Sponsorships

Why Family Member: In the past, Hope used the term "partner" to describe

membership. Membership implies an "Us" verses "Them" mentality where members are

owed something. Partnership implies a "All of us working together" mentality. However, as

with most English words and church history of over 150 years, it's difficult to use the word

partner effectively. Therefore, I'd like to use Family Member to describe those who have

committed to being a family member at Hope. We do chores together, share life together, are

joyous together, mourn together, and even party together. Just like a family. There are even

times when we are dysfunctional, but seek forgiveness and restitution together.

<continued on next page>

Missions Pastor Scott

New Family Members

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What does being a family member get me? I understand where this

question comes from. Especially from a new generation of people who are

weary of structure and "membership". However, when the church votes on important issues it

is important to show your membership. Moreover, it's standing up in front of the congregation

stating that I am committed to Hope Church--and Hope Church is committed to you! As in

joining any family, you certainly don't want to join with only the end of getting something--we

need to analyze our motives and seek out why we want to join together. In Hope, we join

together as a family to fulfill our church's vision!

When: 9-10am on April 9th.

Where: Atrium

Children? After grabbing coffee and something to eat (we will have donuts and coffee

available), feel free to allow your children to attend our Discipleship hour from 9:15-10:15 am.

Please RSVP with Pastor Scott at scott@hopechurchlincoln.org so we can get an accurate

participant count. The format will be interactive discussion, especially focusing on theological

distinctives, the past of Hope and the future vision.

Below are the bios of our newest Family Members:

Samuel & Laura Eastman

Sam is from Scottsbluff and Laura is from New Jersey. We met at Cornell University in upstate

New York through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in 2013. In 2014 Sam transferred to UNL due

to matters beyond his control. We married in August 2015 and Laura finished her degree in

Chemistry and Chemical Biology with a minor in Music in 2016.

Shortly thereafter Laura moved to Lincoln and worked as a nursing assistant at Lancaster

Rehabilitation Center. After resigning in January she has been enjoying tutoring and getting

ready for our first child who is anticipated to arrive in May. Sam is currently finishing his degree

in Microbiology with minors in Biochemistry and Plant Biology. He will be starting his PhD at UNL

later this year.

We fell in love with Hope because we have never felt so welcomed by a church family. We

love the music and the quality of the messages. We greatly appreciate the in-depth analysis

of scripture in its proper cultural setting and the application of Christian values.

Hayden Florom

Although I was born in and spent my elementary years in Missouri, Nebraska has always been

my home. My parents are both from Nebraska and we always went to one game at Memorial

Stadium a year; so when my parents told me we were moving to Lincoln, I heard them telling

me we were moving home. I have been here ever since, attending Southwest High School

<continued on next page>

New Family Members

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and graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

Music and leading worship has always been a part of my life, as well as leading youth in various forms. So, it is no

wonder that I felt my calling draw me here to Hope Church where I now serve as the Worship and Youth Director.

In the short time that I have been here, I have felt so welcomed, and absolutely love worshipping alongside you

all. Every week I look forward to the next opportunity I will have to share in ministry and share in building the

Kingdom of God together.

Scott & Melissa Loos

We were both born and raised here in Lincoln. We met in high school and have been

married 29 years. Scott is a fire captain, working there for 27 years, and Melissa works

part-time for City Impact teaching Pre-K Bible Club. We have three grown children and

seven grandchildren. We enjoy spending time with family (translated grandchildren

frequently spoiled), working in our yard, walking together, and are enjoying being “empty

Nesters.”

It’s interesting how God led us to Hope. We live less than five minutes away and drive by the church almost daily.

Late last summer, Scott came home from work and asked what I thought about visiting Hope. We had not talked

about it before and agreed it was a prompting from God. The first Sunday we visited we both felt the family

atmosphere of Hope. We both knew almost immediately it was the place for us. We look forward to continuing

to meet and build relationships with others at Hope and finding places in the church to encourage and work with

others. We are excited to walk alongside Pastor Scott and the leadership team so that Hope might reach those

that God is calling.

Brooks & Angie Rushman

Jacob Rushman

Brooks and Angie Rushman grew up in Gurley/Dalton, NE. We are

high school sweethearts that journeyed to Lincoln, NE for college.

Brooks received his Associates Degrees in Diesel Truck and

Construction Equipment Technology from Southeast Community

College-Milford Campus. Angie received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Nebraska-

Lincoln with a Human Development and the Family major.

Brooks and Angie Rushman grew up in Gurley/Dalton, NE. We are high school sweethearts that

journeyed to Lincoln, NE for college. Brooks received his Associates Degrees in Diesel Truck and

Construction Equipment Technology from Southeast Community College-Milford Campus. Angie

received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Human Development

and the Family major.

We married in 1995 and started our careers with Lincoln Public Schools and Cooperative Extension. We

are the proud parents to two boys, Jacob (Senior at Southeast High School) and Phillip (Fifth Grader at

Beattie Elementary), and two dogs (Jed and Max). Currently, Brooks works for Burlington Northern Sante

Fe as a machinist and Angie works for the University of Nebraska Extension as a project instructional

technologist. We are active in our Family Life Weekend to Remember Marriage ministry, Boy Scouts,

hunting, camping, sports and anything to do with our family/children.

What do we appreciate most about Hope Church? We appreciate Hope Church for their dedication

to the word of the Bible, welcoming reception and sharing God's mission here on Earth. We hope to

continue to spread God's love and message with others as we continue in our faith journey.

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Work day was taken to a whole new level by a few people from the Hospitality Team. Thank you so

much to Carrie Elder, Linda Rutz, Beth Weber, and Julie Wondercheck for coming in and spending

nearly an entire day here deep DEEP cleaning the Hope kitchen! It really needed it and these ladies

did an incredible job of making it all sparkly and clean! Thank you, ladies, for all of your hard work!

Apr TIME GREETERS WELCOME CENTER HOST TEAM

2017 SERVICE (NAME TAG TABLE) 2 10:30 Pam, Rod, Alex Wismer Bev Wismer Loof Team Dale Wismer Chip & Holly Romjue Mel & Nancy Harms Dale & Connie Rood Cal & Linda VanEngen 9 10:30 Roger & Shirley Vanderbeek Arlene Geiger Beukelman Team Tom & Karen Mouw Barclay Tony & Arlene Geiger

Twan & Joanne Vanderheijden Diane Essink Roger & Shirley Vanderbeek 16 10:30 Bill & Audrey Jordan Valerie Marhenke Svoboda Team Jim & Ramona Rhodes Joe & Rhonda Armstrong Bill & Linda Elder Ron & Judi Bowens

23 10:30 Rick & Diane McNeese Ruth Keys Keys Team Bob & Donna McCullough Ric & Ranae Stokes Linda Rutz Jim Sandbulte Rick & Diane McNeese

Assimilation Team

Thanks!

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4/2 Elizabeth Foote Rod Elder 4/3 Lizeth Gana 4/4 Delaini Harper 4/5 Dominique Lenhoff 4/6 Madison Romjue Sharon Kroese 4/7 James Martin III 4/7 T.J. Sammons 4/8 Darvin Guzman 4/10 Perry Keys 4/11 Lynette Elder Doug VanderBroek 4/13 Jane VanderBroek 4/14 Sabrina Waltz Alex Ivey 4/15 Derek Ivey

4/19 Dylan Svoboda 4/20 Adrian Huisman 4/21 Claire Unterseher 4/22 Linda Rutz 4/23 Connor Tice Emma Davis 4/24 Cooper Bice Evelyn Martin Beth Anderson 4/26 Benjamin Wondercheck Kendall Reeves Cindy Williamson Scott Zimmerman 4/27 John Howell Marisah Strasheim 4/30 Breanna Peterson

YOU WERE RIGHT! It was Bill and Linda Elder!

(see page 7)

The children and family of Bill and Linda Elder invite you to Bill & Linda's 50th

Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, April 2nd from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Hope

Church.

Congratulations to Bill & Linda on their Golden Anniversary!

Birthdays!

This is your opportunity to serve Lincoln and introduce HOPE to someone you know! Hope Community church is a group of people from all different backgrounds who love Jesus and love serving others. On Sunday, May 7th, we will be serving others as we volunteer at the Lincoln Marathon. We will assemble runner packets and hand them out to runners at the EXPO at the Cornhusker Marriott on Friday, Saturday, and early Sunday morning...really early :)

We will be giving directions and answering dozens of questions from runners and spectators. And, as course monitors, we will keep the street clear as the runners round the final corner and enter the stadium to cross the finish line!

We will clean up the grounds surrounding the stadium and in the stadium so that it is as spic and span as it was before the race. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to serve together!

There is a spot for everyone to serve – to connect with thousands of runners, spectators and other volunteers. This is a great opportunity to serve our community. We are the largest single volunteer group to serve at the Marathon. This year, we are challenging each of you to invite another friend, co-worker, family member or family to come along side you and serve with you.

Please pray about what station you would like to work at and who you want to invite to serve with you.

Sign up will be March 26, April 2, and April 9!

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9:15 Classes for All Ages 10:30 Worship Service with Communion

7-5:30 HCCP

5:00 Night out fundraiser at Cowboy Chicken

6:00 Re-Integration Program

7-5:30 HCCP

7:00 Troop #21

7-5:30 HCCP 6:00 Jr. High Youth Group 6:30 Children’s Programming 6:45 Sr. High Youth Group

7-5:30 HCCP

6:00 Elder and Deacons Meeting 7:00 Consistory

7-5:30 HCCP

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9:00 New Family Member Class 9:15 Classes for All Ages 10:30 Worship Service

7-5:30 HCCP

6:00 Re-Integration Program

7-5:30 HCCP 7:00 Troop #21

7-5:30 HCCP

7-5:30 HCCP 6pm Maundy Thursday All-Church potluck

NO HCCP 7pm Good Friday Service

ANCHOR DEADLINE

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 7:00 Sunrise Worship on the Hill 9:00 Worship Service 9:30 Men’s Breakfast 10:30 Worship Service 6:00 Troop #21

7-5:30 HCCP 6:00 Re-Integration Program

7-5:30 HCCP

7-5:30 HCCP

7-5:30 HCCP

7-5:30 HCCP

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 9:15 Classes for All Ages 10:30 Worship Service

7-5:30 HCCP 6:00 Re-Integration Program

7-5:30 HCCP 9:00 KEZ Meeting at Hope Church

7-5:30 HCCP

7-5:30 HCCP

7-5:30 HCCP

30 9:15 Classes for All Ages 10:30 Worship Service

April Calendar

Offsite for Church Staff

1. Check out our new and updated website at hopechurchlincoln.org

2. On our new website, see our new contact directory. Or, please feel free to stop by church and pick

up a paper copy of the new directory.

3. Please send any updates in contact information to hope@hopechurchlincoln.org

4. We will have our Church clean up party on April 8th in the morning. 8:30-10:30!

P.S.