Volume 15, Issue 5
September/October 2010

Hope Ev. Lutheran Church
1010 N. Road One E.
Chino Valley, AZ 86323

Service Sunday’s at 9 a.m.
Bible Class and Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.

Phone: (928) 636-2796
Fax: (928) 636-4171
hope@commspeed.net
http://users.commspeed.net/hope/

How can I be happy if I don’t take sides?

“Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Matthew 5:9

Who really wants to be a peacemaker anyway? A peacemaker in a marriage is usually the one who has to swallow his or her pride. Who wants to say, “You’re right, and I’m wrong,” to keep the peace in a marriage? A peacemaker amongst neighbors is the one who has to rake more, shovel more, and put up with more. Who really wants to do that to keep the peace between neighbors? To be a peacemaker can be a headache!

And yet, Jesus attaches the blessing of happiness to those who are peacemakers. Jesus can say that from his own experience. He was happy to bring peace to this world. After all, he is the Prince of Peace. This title rightfully describes Jesus because he made peace between God and all the people of the world.

Talk about a headache! It wasn’t easy. He had to resist temptation, he had to resist the urge to strike back, he had to put others first, he had to go the extra mile, he had to suffer, and ultimately he had to die. But all of his sacrifices were necessary to establish peace between his Father and the world. Jesus was a successful peacemaker, and he was happy to do it. And you can be happy that he did it too!

To be a peacemaker is not easy. It wasn’t for Jesus, and it won’t be for you either. It isn’t easy to be the peacemaker between quarreling siblings. It isn’t easy to be the peacemaker between angry neighbors. It isn’t easy to be the peacemaker in a contentious marriage. It isn’t easy to be the peacemaker when grudges are involved. It isn’t easy to be the peacemaker when that involves saying, “I’m sorry.” But Jesus never said it was going to be easy. He did say, though, that he will bless your peacemaking efforts. Just take one glance at all of the blessings attached to Jesus’ peacemaking—forgiveness, joy, and peace just to name a few.

How can I be happy if I don’t take sides? That’s the point. True happiness comes when you do take a side—God’s side. To be a peacemaker is to be a reflection of Jesus. To be a peacemaker is to take to the world the peace that Jesus has brought to you. And there is no greater joy than that!

How can I be happy when people attack me for doing the right thing?
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.”
Matthew 5:10

Parents who won’t let their teenage daughter go to R-rated movies might not win a “Favorite Parent” contest with their daughter’s classmates because they seem too restrictive. They are only trying to look out for the welfare of their daughter. A factory employee working at a fast pace may get a talking to by others on the job. He might hear, “Stop working so hard. You’re making the rest of us look bad.” He’s only trying to be a faithful worker and do his best. A freshman in high school has spent hours studying for the science test. Some of his classmates know that he’ll do well on the test, so they ask him to let them copy his answers. He tells them “no.” Those same classmates begin to make life miserable for him. He was only trying to be honest and not help others cheat.

Can any of these people be happy that they did the right thing? Is there any happiness in being looked at differently or having a reputation ruined? Wouldn’t it be better to do things that won’t cause conflict? It may surprise you, but Jesus says that people can have joy in their hearts for doing the right thing. “Blessed (happy) are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (doing the right thing), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

Jesus knew that it isn’t always easy to do the right thing. But with these words Jesus is talking to people who know him. They know who he is. They know he is God who came as the Savior to forgive their failures and guarantee a place in heaven for them.

People who know and trust in Jesus want to do the right thing. They want to be parents who look out for their child’s well-being. They want to use their talents and abilities as best they can. They want to live honestly. They do this even if they are attacked for doing the right thing. In the way they live, they want to thank Jesus because he’s promised them the gift of heaven.

Be happy knowing that there is someplace better waiting for you. It’s a place where there is no backbiting or peer pressure. It’s the place called heaven. Jesus promised it.

Bible Class and Sunday School started the school year session on Sunday, 8/22. The adult Bible class is meeting in the fellowship hall. We are studying Paul’s letter to the Christians in Galatia.

The Sunday School began looking at Old Testament Bible stories. The PreK-K class is being taught by Nellie Lord and is meeting in the small room, the old office, in the fellowship building. The 1-3 class is being taught by Phyllis Steffensen and is meeting in the entryway to the chapel. The 4-6 class is being taught by Christie Karow and meets in the front of the chapel, by the projector screen.

Look for the Wednesday morning Bible class to restart the Wednesday after Labor Day (September 8th). We’ll be looking at Mark’s Gospel. Again, please don’t hesitate to share any ideas for this class with Pastor. Please plan to join us for these studies Wednesday mornings at 9.

Catechism Classes will resume on September 9th. The class is for the children of Hope who are in grades 6-8. If your child would be involved please speak to Pastor Karow as soon as possible. The classes will especially focus on the creed and commandments this year.

Please continue to keep our Growing and Going with God program for toddlers and their parents in your prayers. We have been trying to extend its reach in the Fall. We have a couple of non-members joining us this year.

May the Lord richly bless our study of his Word!

From the Pastor

For most people our public worship services are the focal point for our congregation. They see what we do and the way we worship, and it does make an impact. Throughout the church year, currently the third year of the 3 year rotation of lessons. We continue to use the year C supplement readings. Our worship themes, hymns and readings all flow from the Gospel themes.

We have been using a series called Love Takes Time to refocus our attention on the stewardship of our time. It’s part of a 4-year series of materials following our synod theme, Christ’s Love, Our Calling. We have one Sunday left in the series.

Please remember to plan for our next Friendship Sunday. It will be a special Friendship Sunday / Reformation service on Reformation Sunday, October 31. The focus will be, Who are Lutherans?

Please continue inviting your friends to join you for worship. I also would like to thank you for the invitations you have shared with people regarding the Bible Information Classes. There are classes running Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights and Tuesday mornings with 7 people. Your encouragement to your friends, neighbors and our visitors are appreciated!

Please keep our shut in members in your prayers. Currently, our shut in members are Earl Beckwith (Grayson House), Warren & Elva Brubaker (home), Lorraine Sebok (home) and Diane Pepperd (home). Please keep Bill Wagner and Paul Mantek in your prayers as they continue their recoveries as well.

We have had a few subtractions from our membership. Carl Hinshaw has asked for a transfer to Star of Bethlehem in Winston Salem, NC. Landi Branham has asked for a transfer back to First Lutheran in Prescott and Margie Murray and Laurie Marley (along with her son, TJ) have asked for a release from their membership with us. Roger and Jennifer Spude are leaving Chino Valley to relocate to North Dakota where Roger has been working for about a year. On the other hand, we welcome Dan Ashcraft and Don and Shelly Lasky as new members.

In mid-October I have a District Pastors conference in San Jose, CA. The conference runs from Tuesday the 19th through Thursday the 21st. I will be leaving Sunday after church because I have a Circuit pastor training retreat the day before. I will be getting home late that Thursday night.

Please keep in mind that you might be getting a visit from me. I am making some every member visits to promote personal Bible study, Bible class attendance and worship attendance. I believe that's the bedrock for everything else we do. Without the Lord’s working in us through his Word we would not have faith, be able to function as his children or accomplish anything in his kingdom.

If anything arises and you need my help, I can be reached on my cell phone at 928-273-5819, and, as always, thank you for the help you give me and the privilege to serve you as your pastor.

Pastor Karow

President’s report

Now is the time to think about replacing some board members in January of 2011. Thanks to Roger Stock for the many jobs he has held to help our church grow, such as church treasurer, head elder, and many more. Thanks, Roger, for all that you do. The board positions we are looking to fill are someone to help Bill Price with elder responsibilities and church treasurer. Please check with Pastor or myself if interested.

Also, a thanks goes out to the people who visit shut-ins. The shut-ins truly enjoy the socialization..

The church council has gotten the message that we have not communicated to the Congregation enough to let everyone know how and what we are doing. John Houchins is now following each council meeting with a letter to the congregation informing everyone what we have been discussing.

Don Clark,
Church President

Board Of Elders:

It has been a busy summer for the board of elders. Under the leadership of Pastor Karow, Bill Price and I continue to meet every month. We have had good results as of late working with a few of our members who have misplaced the importance of regular worship. We encourage all of Hope’s members to enjoy worship and fellowship time together. Building ties and friendships with each other not only brings joys to our and others lives, it also strengthen our congregation.

Friends care about friends. When we don’t see a friend or loved one for a spell of time, we call to find out how they are? This is the same thing that should happen when you miss a fellow believer at Hope. There is usually a reason why they have stopped coming. Sometimes they don’t want to talk to Pastor or an Elder about it.

Making friends and becoming ‘YOUR BROTHERS KEEPER” is a God pleasing, church building and sometimes soul saving effort. Let’s not forget to look out for each other and reach out where you know you can.

We continue to make regular visits to shut-in’s (Brubakers, Lorraine Sebok, Diane Peppard, and Earl Beckwith) as well as making many hospital visits. Judy Fuller had a short stay, at YRMC, Paul Mantek had a slight fall and is spending an undetermined amount of time at Mountain View rehab hospital in P.V.. The big tragedy was learning that Bill Wagner had a bratwurst size brain tumor. After successful surgery Bill is undergoing continuing treatment in Phoenix returning to Chino on weekends. Please keep our shut-ins, Paul, Bill and Bill’s wife Leslie in your prayers.

Genie Clark has agreed to fill in for Leslie Wagner as a visitor to our shut-ins. Jeanie is paired with Marilyn Koch. A special thank-you to them and also to Karen Bond and Phyllis Steffensen our other team of visitors. A thank you to Leslie Wagner for her service of visiting our shut-ins over the last year.

Roger Stock
Head Elder

Grounds and Maintenance Report:

A work day will be scheduled for the first or second Saturday of October. Please help us prepare the grounds for the fall and winter season. Like everyone else, the weeds are a big problem and I do the best trying to mow and spray to keep our grounds looking good. A sign up sheet will be posted in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks for your help.

Richard Bond

Building Committee: Update

We agreed at the Voters Meeting that we must plan for the future. What will we need? Where will we build it? Remodel or reconfigure current facilities? Build new buildings? We asked if any of you were interested in serving on a Building Committee to answer these questions and several of you stepped forward: Otto Wille, Daryl Lassen, Phyllis Steffensen, Stan Vorce, Janice Antes (please forgive me if you volunteered during the Voter’s Meeting and I did not include your name here…my note taking is bad come any way!)

The initial planning meeting will be at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, September 22^nd Please join us!

Bob Steffensen/Don Clark
Building Committee Initiative

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERITY…coming soon!

In Financial Peace University the average family eliminates $5300 in debt and saves $2700…did I get your attention? Financial Peace University (FPU) is coming to Chino Valley in September…at Hope Lutheran Church!

During this life changing class you will learn to:

· Get control of your money – step by step process to get out of and stay out of debt; make a monthly spending plan; and set financial goals

· Stop Struggling to make ends meet – protect your family from life’s emergencies; eliminated the stress from financial problems; save and invest for the future

· Tell your money what to do - know what insurance to buy and what to avoid; get great deals on what you buy; buying and selling homes; plan for your retirement and make the right investment choices.

· Change you and your families future – utilize a good money plan to strengthen your marriage; unlock the power of giving to change your community

Radio and TV host Dave Ramsey will be your instructor via video…I will facilitate the follow on discussion. Dave devotes himself to helping ordinary people understand the forces behind their financial distress and how to set things right…financially, emotionally and spiritually.

The Preview is at 6:30pm Monday August 30. Classes begin at 6:30pm Monday September 13.

The cost of class materials will be $99 per family unit and may be the best $99 you ever spent. See me for details and/or make your check payable to: Robert Steffensen so that I can order them. You can register now on line at www.daveramsey.com Simply put your zip code in the search for classes block and register for classes (at Hope Lutheran Church of course). Invite your friends and neighbors to join us!

If you have already “graduated” from FPU…please bring a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker to the Preview.

Thank you for your support of this great program.

Regards, Bob
Chairman, Board for Evangelism

Growing and Going: We have increased our number students! Praise God for this opportunity to share His Word with the little children. With the increase we need more chairs. If you would like to contribute, the price per chair is $25.00 (we need 6 chairs). Just put the money in the offering plate and designate it for the 3G chair fund. Thank you for your support. Please pray for the teachers, students and moms.

A Cappella choir to visit Arizona congregations

ALA’s A Cappella choir has been holding rehearsals in preparation for several ALA Sundays at congregations early in the school year. The following are fall dates for ALA Sundays:

· September 26 – Good Shepherd, Phoenix
· October 3 – St. Thomas, Phoenix/Goodyear
· October 17 – Resurrection, Phoenix
· October 31 – Mt. Calvary, Flagstaff

Friday night gridiron action

The glow of Friday night lights will again be on display as the ALA football season kicks off. The following varsity games will be played on our field this season:

· September 17, 7:00 pm vs. Camp Verde
· October 1, 7:00 pm vs. Yuma Catholic
· October 15, 7:00 pm vs. Antelope
· October 22, 7:00 pm Homecoming game vs. Westwind Prep
Check ALA’s online calendar for other games .

Tuition Tax Credit Workshops

Instructional workshops are being conducted at ALA for our parents and anyone else who wishes to learn more about the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit program. Recent changes to the program will be highlighted. There is no need to reserve your spot; simply choose one of the following meeting times. Meeting locations will be posted on the ALA office door.

· Friday, September 17, 5:30 pm (Just before the first home football game—make it a night!)
· Sunday, September 19, 3:00 pm
· Wednesday, September 22, 7:00 pm

Dates to Remember

September 3: ALA Open House, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
September 17: Tuition Tax Credit Workshop, 5:30
September 19: Tuition Tax Credit Workshop, 3:00 pm
September 22: Tuition Tax Credit Workshop, 7:00 pm
October 18-23: Homecoming Week

Recycling

Please continue to bring your empty ink jet printer cartridges to church and place them in the box either in the entryway to the church or in the fellowship hall (boxes are under the coat-racks).

We are also collecting eye wear (glasses/sun glasses) to benefit individuals whose eyesight is “less than perfect” along with Campbell’s soup UPC codes. Both boxes are on the coat-rack shelf in the fellowship hall.

Just a reminder

If you’d like to have announcements in the weekly bulletin or newsletter, they need to be sent in to hope@commspeed.net or dropped off in written form to the church office. Please send bulletin announcements by Wednesday afternoon and newsletter announcements by noon on Tuesday, October 26th.