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Volume 21, Issue 7 July 2013

Real

Peo

ple.

Rea

l Life

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Rea

l Hop

e.THE ANCHOR

A MINISTRY OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA

Thank you, Hope Community Church, for providing the fundsto purchase Bibles that were given to Kindergarten and 5th

grade graduates on June 9. Your donations are heartfelt in-vestments in the spiritual development of our children. Giv-ing these precious individuals a Bible that they can read athome is one of the best gifts we as a church family can give.Thanks for your continual support.

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Freedom of Another KindThere is something all of us want to be, need to be, and ought to be, but only a few really are. A very smallpercentage of those in God’s family can honestly and boldly declare, “I am _________!” Even though welove its benefits and we defend its value. Though it is available to enjoy, we won’t. It is biblically sup-ported, theologically sound, commanded by God, and desired by humanity . . . but rare is the Christianwho fully enters into it with enthusiasm.

What is it? Freedom, that’s what. All of us want to be free, need to be free, ought to be free. But wait,does God really say it is OK? You decide.

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to ayoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) “For you were called to freedom, brothers…” (Galatians 5: 13a) “ . .. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . .If therefore the Son shall make youfree, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:32, 36) “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of theLord is, there is liberty.” (II Corinthians 3:17)

Freedom and slavery, you see, are absolutely incompatible. Opposites. One is out in the open, the otheris behind bars.

But let’s come to terms with our struggle with freedom. It’s the risk involved. Misuse is another way to putit. You can hardly abuse slavery, but you certainly can misuse freedom. Many do. Which brings up thebasic question: “With such a potential for misuse, is it really wise to teach Christians that they are free? Isit safe to tear up the man-made lists and let out the rope? Isn’t it risky to promote freedom, living by grace,being free to become who we really are?

Safe? No. Risky? You better believe it.

The risk of freedom is that some people are bound to misuse it. There’s always the danger that some willdo the wrong thing, the destructive thing, and the sinful thing. It is like letting our teenagers go. Tossingthe car keys is a risk. Every time. But the alternative is not a valid option. No kid ever grew up to becomeresponsible and mature without mom and dad encouraging the freedom to grow.

It’s a difficult thing to do, but preserving and promoting the freedom of the individual believer to be respon-sible, to make decisions to determine choices (even wrong ones occasionally), and to live with the conse-quences of those actions is the key to developing a “freedom mentality” rather than an enslaved captive.We must encourage maturity with our brothers and sisters in the family of God. Since Christ has set usfree, we dare not imprison them behind the legalistic bars of our own opinions, traditions, or personalpreferences.

As our county celebrates its freedom this coming 4th of July, let us celebrate our freedom we have come toexperience in the body of Christ.

~PT

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Kingdom Enterprise Zone (KEZ) Informational GatheringTuesday, July 167:00 - 9:00 pm.

Hope Community Church4700 S. Folsom St.Lincoln, NE 68523

With a common faith, a common commitment to God’s mission, and a common heritage, an increasinglycollaborative vision has grown between the CRCNA (Christian Reformed Church in North America) and theRCA (Reformed Church in America). These two denominations are pooling resources in an innovativekingdom building movement that will spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by reaching out to more people andcommunities across the United States and Canada.

How is this happening and what role can we play in the kingdom building movement? Larry Doornbos,Church Planting & Development Leader, CRCNA and Ben Ingebretson, Regional Church MultiplicationSpecialist, RCA will be facilitating an informational meeting on Tuesday, July 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. atHope Community Church (RCA) to help us understand the KEZ movement and how we can get involvedin what God is already doing in the greater Lincoln/Omaha area. All ministry leaders are encouraged to joinothers from the area to better understand how we are better together.

The Lincoln/Omaha CRC & RCA Pastors have been in dialogue over the past year by meeting quarterly todiscern where God may be leading as we desire to work together in a kingdom missional community. Wewant to continue to build this base in discerning what new work God has called us to explore in this kingdommovement.

Please let Pastor Terry (pt@hopechurchlincoln.org) know that you plan to attend this CRC/RCA gatheringon July 16. We are better together!

Please pray for the following M.S. Youthgoing to Omaha, Sioux City, and Minne-

apolis on their summer mission trip:Matthew Andelt

Jenny EakerSeth Harlan

Chase JenkinsDominique Lenhoff

Cecily LiphardtKaylee MittelstadtGrace RittenburgCaleb Sandbulte

Katelyn WolfKelsey Wolf

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Murdock’s ‘Garden Junkie’ has herName for a Reason!

The garden statue made from terracotta pots that marks Melody Stohlman’s drivewaynear Murdock is wearing an apron embroidered with the words “Garden Junkie.”“There’s a reason they call me that,” she said and waved her arms at the land andbuildings around her. Stohlman loves finding other people’s junk and turning it into thetreasures that dot her rural landscape — metal sculptures, artistic stacks of gentlyused china, wooden garden art. She’s sells some, displays others, and uses them all asa background for her garden oasis and plant sales. But, organic gardening is the priorityon Stohlman’s green space. “It’s a passion. It’s a business. It’s a way of life.”

This is the third season for Stohlman’s enterprise, which sprouted on four, family-owned acres. “I started from zero,”she said about the original landscape. Now her vegetable garden is producing everything from green beans to rad-ishes. Herbs like chamomile and tansy provide natural pesticides, and she promotes environmental practices andcompanion planting. Some of her instincts came from her mother and grandmother, who were avid gardeners. Then,Stohlman took Master Gardener training in 1988 and has used that knowledge over the years to tend to her owngarden and offer instruction to others.

Stohlman’s conversation is peppered with favorite plants, such as “Sweet Autumn” clematis, favorite art projects,such as mosaic objects, and her love of butterflies; she has several mini-gardens to attract them. At age 62, she startsher days early and does everything from hauling 18-plus loads of mulch in her John Deere gator to painting, puttering,and planting. Family members — from her husband to her grandchildren — help when they can. Right now, the pace isfast and furious because she opens to the public Tuesday.

The charm of her destination spot comes from the pastoral setting and Stohlman’s ar-tistic background. She painted an unused out-building bright blue, nailed small woodenbird houses around the entry and uses the structure as a potting shed and workshop. Awhite, two-story farmhouse serves as her “studio” and is filled with growing plants,almost-done succulent-topped birdhouses, and totes of broken china. A metal buildingis being transformed with a concrete slab in one-third of the space. She has been col-lecting abandoned wooden doors to form a wall separating the area from the rest ofthe contents and plans on using it as a gathering spot for groups that come for herclasses and presentations.

Melody is not only a Master Gardner, she is also an artist. Notice the pictures of some of her art that is right there inher yard or garden - from a bottle tree (my favorite) to all the welcoming tiles and step-stones into her garden; as wellas the “quilt” tile beside her front door. As a master Gardner she does companion planting. The centerpiece of hernursery is a vintage camper trailer that she salvaged and, with the help of a nephew, remodeled the interior andpainted. Now the windows flip up, there are grow lights inside, and it is a perfect spot to sell bedding plants.

There is a motive to her entrepreneurial operation. Each season, she hopes to clear enoughprofit to fund a project on the grounds; last year, the money was used to re-roof thefarmhouse. If she has enough this year, her dream is to add a pergola and porch thatwraps around the house. There is no lack of ideas about what to do next. Adding bees ison the list, to buzz around her butterflies and pollinate the flowers, she said. She is col-lecting cast-off bicycles for another big project and can’t wait for more ways to show offsucculents.

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And next week, customers will come and go as she puts out the finishing touches.For one month, the season will be in full swing from Tuesdays through Saturdays.But from June to October, she is only open on the second Saturday of the month(except to pre-arranged groups).

And that is perfect for Stohlman, who will continue to garden and listen for themeadowlark who sings across the road.

PRAYER & PRAISEPraise the Lord Jim received great results of his heart cath. which only required an increased dosage of one heart med.; wethank you all for your prayers-Jim & family. Please Pray nobody in Van der Heijden Construction gets injured in the next fewweeks when we work on a two-story home. Thank you for your prayers for my grandson, Greyson; his surgery went well & heis doing great; Praise the Lord & again thank you Hope-John. Praise God the youth & sponsors made it safely to Tenn. & Prayfor a good week for them at their work sites & a safe trip home; Pray Zayne has a good week at camp with his friend, Evan-Connie. Pray for my niece, Aly, that she will be placed somewhere safe to get her life back on track & Pray for the weddingsnext week-Charlene. Pray for my niece who has developed a neurological disorder & that her rehabilitation is as complete aspossible & her family of three kids adjust to the changes ahead-Rick. Pray for my granddaughter who will be getting tubes inher ears this week-Mary. Praise God for the older men who joined the men’s group this morning; may God continue to bring allof us men together to strengthen this church as “Iron Sharpens Iron”-Matt. Praise God for the patriarchs in our church whoare a great encouragement in the men’s group. Pray for Dominique’s state tournament and for her to do good-Analisa. Praisefor God’s protection during the time five tornados hit the town in Iowa I was visiting last week-Lucille. Praise God my surgerywent well & I’m healing slowly but healthily-Shelley. Pray for Gerry’s shoulder problems & possible surgery & Pray for theH.S. kids in Tenn.-Kathy & Gerry. Pray for discernment & clarity for Rob as he faces decisions with his career. Praise God forpulling me out of a massive asthma attack yesterday without the benefit of a working inhaler; I’m glad to be here to worshiptoday-Cris. Praise God for my sister’s family’s safety from the Colorado fires-Jackie. Pray that with both the podiatrist’s andtherapist’s help I would have a good outcome for the right foot support and end to my pain. Pray for my cousin, Simon, as he isat Children’s Hospital in Omaha and needs God’s healing mercy-Jaina. Pray for the High School youth and sponsors who arecurrently on their summer mission trip to Tennessee. Pray for healing for Jim after a successful heart cath. last Tuesday.

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There is a VBS decorating partyafter the 10:30 a.m. worship service

on Sunday, July 7.

We will get the church looking likeGod’s Backyard! RSVP to MaryPlock (402-440-0319 or emailmary@hopechurchlincoln.org)

by noon on July 3 if you will be there.Lunch will be provided.

MISSIONS IN THE CLASSROOMThe Kindergarten-1st grade class spent fourweeks learning about the importance of mis-sionaries. They also learned how and whythe church supports missionaries. The classheard about the mission work of Jeremy, Su-san, Lydia, Eliza and Abigail Beebout inNiger. They made cards for the family andprayed for them.

BREAKFAST WITH THE TEACHER

Children with perfect attendance or nearly perfect attendance (ab-sent only once) on Sunday mornings throughout the school year(Sept. 9-May19) were able to join their teacher for breakfast atMcDonald’s.

K-1st grade students Bryson Plock and Joslyn Wolf had breakfastwith teachers Kala Smalley and Breanna Peterson. When askedwhat they liked best about class on Sunday mornings, Bryson sharedthat he really liked the crafts and Joslyn enjoyed the cookies. Bryson’sfavorite verse to learn was 1Peter 9:2b, and Joslyn’s favorite versewas John 3:16. Joslyn really enjoyed going on the stage to say John3:16 on Palm Sunday.

2nd-3rd grade students TommySvoboda and Jenna Wolf had break-fast with teacher Jenny Kaser. Jennashared that she enjoyed the crafts andthe story of David hiding from KingSaul. Tommy shared that he enjoyedhaving Jenny as a teacher and he likedthe parables.

ClubFour5 students Stephanie Elder, Aly Plock, and Jakob Wolfhad breakfast with teachers Nathan Vieth and Helen Beukelman. Asthey reflected upon the year, they discussed how much they enjoyedtheir teachers, learning Bible verses, acting out the stories throughplays (which helped them understand the stories better), learningabout Elijah, and discovering that God is always in our hearts andalways around us.

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Children’s Ministry Director: Mary PlockToddler Volunteer Coordinator: Lisa Wolf

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Service(arrive 8:50 & leave 10:15)

Nursery/Toddlers PreschoolJuly 7 No 9:00 Service No Classes due to lack of volunteers.July 14 No 9:00 ServiceJuly 21 Claudette SchmidtJuly 28 J’Marie Hansen

10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Service(arrive 10:15 & leave 12:00)

Nursery Toddler / 2s & 3sJuly 7 Judi Bouwens July 7 Madison Plock, Amy keysJuly 14 VBS Sunday - No Nursery July 14 VBS Sunday - No ClassJuly 21 Linda Elder July 21 Madison Plock, Amy KeysJuly 28 Arlene Geiger July 28 Madison Romjue, Brooke Romjue

Preschool 2nd - 3rd GradeJuly 7 Mary Plock, Aly Plock July 7 No ClassJuly 14 VBS Sunday - No Class July 14 VBS Sunday - No ClassJuly 21 Mary Plock, Aleni Stoakes July 21 Joanne Van der HeijdenJuly 28 Mary Plock, Sunni Harper July 28 Jenny Kaser

Kindergarten- 1st Grade ClubFour5July 7 No Class July 7 No 10:30 ServiceJuly 14 VBS Sunday - No Class July 14 VBS Sunday - No ClassJuly 21 Sara McCullough July 21 Discover Hope - BaptismJuly 28 Analisa Lenhoff July 28 Discover Hope - Profession of Faith

It is time to start thinking about teaching for the2013-2014 school year.

We need help in the following areas during boththe 9:00 and 10:30 services:

Twos and Threes helpPreschool teachersK-1st grade teachers2nd-3rd grade teachersSubstitute teachersAssistant teachers

All VBS donations need tobe at the church by

Sunday, July 7. Pleaseremember to put yourname on your donation

slip and returnit with your items.

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Leadership Selection with a PurposeAs our church family grows it becomes increasingly important that we are purposeful about identifyingfuture leaders.

In the past the Nominating Committee has been a rotating committee of a retiring elder, retiring deacon anda member at large. Under the Consistory approved change in 2007, the Elder Board will serve as theNominating committee—this provides greater consistency and spiritual oversight. Nominations will bereceived from the congregation during the month of June. Those nominated will be asked to complete aquestionnaire and be interviewed by the Nominating Committee in September. Nominees must understandthe Biblical standards for the offices, accept responsibilities, and agree with the mission, vision, and corevalues of Hope Community Church.

The individuals that serve as Elders and Deacons should be able to cast a vision for Hope, and to motivateand lead people. We believe it is important that they have an intimate, heartfelt relationship with JesusChrist, a life that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, desire for the Word of God and to apply it to his/her life,spend time in prayer and study, and understands Biblical principles of stewardship and follows them.

By the end of September, the Nominating Committee will provide a slate for the open positions to Consistory.Consistory will review and approve the slate of nominees at the October meeting. The slate of nomineeswill be communicated to the congregation, and voted on at the annual congregational meeting on the firstSunday in December.

We ask that you prayerfully consider individuals for the future leadership positions at Hope. Nominationworksheets with more detailed information and process questions have been distributed and available atthe Welcome Center. They are to be returned by noon on Sunday, July 7, 2013. Your participation inthe nominating process is very important in indentifying future leaders of Hope.

On Friday, July 12,the Gold Folks will…meet at 10:30 at Greenfields (Highway 2 across from the entranceto Walmart) to carpool to Nebraska City where we will have lunchat the quaint Johnny’s Café. From there, we will proceed to… EX-PERIENCE HISTORY AT NEBRASKA’S ONLY NATIONALLYRECOGNIZED UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORICSITE... (Mayhew Cabin & Historic Village and John Brown’s cave).

We will get to experience a crucial part of our country’s history,slavery, and the people that made this nation the more perfect unionthat it is today. Until it was opened to the public in 1938, theMayhew Cabin was nearly always used as a home. It has a well-documented history as a stop on the Underground Railroad. To-day, visitors feel they are walking into the cabin 150 years ago.

Admission to the museum is $3/person. Sign up sheets will be avail-able on 30 June and 7 July to reserve your spot. We encourage youto bring a friend.

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Julie Wondercheck, DirectorHopeland Childcare Center

402-423-4536Julie@hopechurchlincoln.org

The pictures to the right are fromthe Butterflies visit to the farm.

We were able to ride on the tractorand help plant soybeans! The kidshad a blast!

Below: Enjoying the summer heat and celebrating the sunshine with popcicles and spray bottles…fun, fun, fun!

All classes are full for enrollments at Hopeland Childcare Center!

Dear Hope Church,

I want to thank those of you who partnered with me in June with financial support of Make aDifference Magic. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a mission of the month! Also, thank youto all of you who have prayed for my ministry.

Thanks again to everyone who gave to Make a Difference Magic during "Give to Lincoln Day" throughthe Lincoln Community Foundation. With this giving I was able to receive a portion of the $200,000that they were offering. That day, there was over $2.4 million raised for over 250 local non-profits inLincoln. With my magic and your support and prayers, we really do make a difference. If you want tofollow what is happening in my ministry go to my Facebook page- Make a Difference Magic.

Blessings,Bruce Jacoby

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July Birthdays

Do you think God’s expectations are so high that you could never reach them? Do you feel like what’s the usetrying to live according to God’s standards? He knows everything about you better than you know yourself.God knows how to enable us to live a life that is worthy of Him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to look back on lifeand say, “That life I lived? It was worth living.” Not just that it was fun - although it’s good to have fun. Notjust that it was exciting - although it’s good for excitement to happen. But “I lived a life that was worth living.”We live a life where God looks down and smiles. It brings Him joy!

“Journey Through Colossians” will help us discover a life worth living. This 8-part message series willtake us verse by verse through this book for practical living.

Sunday, July 7 - “Putting Jesus In First Place” (Colossians 1:13-23) (One worship service only - 10:30 am. - 4th of July weekend)

Sunday, July 14 - VBS program (One worship service only - 10:30 am.)

Sunday, July 21 - “Heart Check Up For Ministry” (Colossians 1:24 - 2:7)

Sunday, July 28 - “Six Comparisons & Contrasts” (Colossians 2:8-23)

Valerie Marhenke 1 Ralph Van Vliet 12 Brett Zimmerman 21Claudette Schmidt 1 Matt Anderson 12 Judi Bouwens 22Josh Harris 2 Mary Henrichson 13 Paul Andringa 22Rose Scott 4 Melissa Jeffrey 13 Julie Duensing 23Malinda Jenks 4 Marlys Freese 13 Jessica Svoboda 24Carissa Martin 5 Matt Hansen 13 Jordan Wondercheck 24Erma Hartshorn 6 Ronny Aden 14 Gerry Tice 24Mark Freese 7 Courtney Jobes 15 Sierra Schmidt 25Russ Plock 7 Linda Elder 18 Jim Rhodes 25Roger Dys 9 James Boyce 18 Rayce Anderson 26Bryan Cederburg 11 Micah Sandbulte 19 Trevor Romjue 27Wendy Scott 12 Grace Sandbulte 19 Payton Cech 30Holly Romjue 12 Roger Vanderbeek 20 Glen Williams 31

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VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

4700 South FolsomLincoln, NE 68523

Sunday Schedule:Worship Celebration &

Hopeland Worship9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

4700 South FolsomLincoln, NE 68523-9331(402) 423-8855 (voice)

(402) 423-8858 (fax)www.hopechurchlincoln.org

Consistory

Sunday Celebration

CELEBRATEGod’s presence

in worship

CULTIVATE Personal growth

in Christ

CARE About one

another in Christ

COMMUNICATEGod’s Wordto the world

CALLPeople to service

and mission

Our Mission

Church Office

ELDERSMatthew Hansen

Analisa LenhoffKevin Loof

Rick McNeeseTim SvobodaBruce Weber

DEACONSJoe ArmstrongMark FreeseRuss PlockDoug Tice

GREETERSJuly 7 10:30 a.m. Ruby Russell, Diane Brogan, Gerry & Kathy TiceJuly 14 10:30 a.m. Glen & Monica Williams, Tom & Karen BarclayJuly 21 9:00 a.m. Bill & Audrey Jordan, Diane Essink, Irene Essink

10:30 a.m. Matt & Alana Osmond, Ardel & Shelley McVeyJuly 28 9:00 a.m. Claudette Schmidt, Dale & Bev Wismer

10:30 a.m. Keith & Judy Bouwens, Wes & Marlene Bouwens

WELCOME CENTER (NAME TAGS)July 7 Lucille DeYongJuly 14 Bob & Valerie MarhenkeJuly 21 Angie HartgerinkJuly 28 Evelyn VanEngen

HOSTSJuly 7 Kevin & Evelyn Loof, Chip & Holly Romjue, Nancy Ivey,

Dale Rood, Cal & Linda VanEngenJuly 14 Dave Beukelman, Anthony & Arlene Geiger, Matt &

Kim Mittelstadt, Diane Essink, Jan HemmerlingJuly 21 Kevin & Carrie Elder, Al & Val Eberspacher, Glen &

Monica Williams, Lucille DeYong, Joe ArmstrongJuly 28 Perry & Ruth Keys, Ric & Ranae Stoakes, Sharon

Kroese, Linda Rutz, Bob & Donna McCullough

PRAYER PARTNERSJuly 7 Valerie MarhenkeJuly 14 Helen BeukelmanJuly 21 Angie HartgerinkJuly 28 JoAnne Van der Heijden

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The deadline for the August Anchor isMonday, July 15th by 5:00 p.m.

Please submit allmaterials toDawn in theHope Churchoffice via emailat dawn@hopechurchlincoln.org.

MINISTRYOPPORTUNITIES

Children’s MinistryMary Plock423-8855

Youth MinistryScott Martin423-8855

Care Team MinistryMarlys Freese

421-1686

Multi-Media TeamMatthew Hansen

435-6505

Parish NurseGeorgia Kroese

(call for appointment)788-2795

Discovery ClassesJim Sandbulte

420-2320

Wedding CoordinatorDonna McCullough

421-2308

Hospitality TeamConnie Rood

499-7468July Mission

of the Month:

WinnebagoReformed ChurchWinnebago, NE

2013 Annual Budget: $392,920

As of June 23: Needed Giving: $188,904.00Actual Giving: $177,752.49 (94%)

We encourage every follower of Christ at Hope Community Churchto give generously to provide for the needs of the church. Financialcontributions may be placed in the offering on Sundays, sent to thechurch office, or processed electronically on our website atwww.hopechurchlincoln.org.

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Hope Community Church4700 South FolsomLincoln, NE 68523-9331Phone: 423-8855Fax: 423-8858www.hopechurchlincoln.org

Real People. Real Life. Real Hope.

Worship Celebration &Hopeland Worship - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Celebration &Hopeland Worship -10:30 a.m.

Sunday Celebration

4700 South FolsomLincoln, NE 68523-9331(402) 423-8855 (voice)(402) 423-8858 (fax)

www.hopechurchlincoln.org

Church Office

HOPELAND NURSERY (infant up to age 3) --Contact Mary Plock 423.8855

HOPELAND CHILDREN - (age 3-5th grade) --Sunday’s 9:00 & 10:30 --Vacation Bible School --Contact Mary Plock 423.8855

YOUTH (Middle School and High School) --Sunday’s 926 - Discovery Classes

WOMEN OF HOPE --Special events & studies for women --Contact Kari Foote 440.4206--Contact Beth Ivey 580.4241

MEN’s MINISTRY --Special events & men’s Bible study--Contact Matt Anderson 470.2045--Contact DustinBailey 308.991.2357

GOLD FOLKS (55+ age group) --Meet 2nd Friday of each month --Contact Ramona Rhodes 477.7706

A place to CONNECT

Staff

Cut along dotted line and give to a friend

PLEASE NOTIFY Hope Church Officeof address/information changes

Senior PastorTerry Maassen “PT”

pt@hopechurchlincoln.org

Director of Children’s MinistryMary Plock

mary@hopechurchlincoln.org

Director of Youth & WorshipScott Martin

scott@hopechurchlincoln.org

Office AdministratorDawn Bice

dawn@hopechurchlincoln.org