Sunday Schedule

9 AM Worship 10 AM Fellowship 10:30 AM Christian Education

16898 Michael Ave Hastings, MN 55033

www.hopeofhastings.com Church: (651) 480-2273

Preschool: (651) 480-2417

pastor@hopeofhastings.com dce@hopeofhastings.com

preschool@hopeofhastings.com office@hopeofhastings.com

March 2017

Brothers and Sisters in Christ: March 1 was Ash Wednesday, the day we en-tered the season of Lent. Lent comes from the old English word from which our term “lengthen” comes. It refers to the gradual lengthening of days leading up to Easter. For the church, this has been a time of remem-brance and reflection on our sinfulness and our need for a Savior so that when Easter comes we are filled with overflowing joy. In the early church it was the time new members were taught God’s word so they could receive Bap-tism as adults and participate in Holy Commun-ion. The church has traditionally held special services on Wednesdays to help us reflect on the Journey of Jesus to the cross. Note that Sundays are now referenced as Sun-days in Lent rather than designated as Sundays of Advent, of Epiphany, of Easter, or of Pente-cost. Since every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, these days are not count-ed as part of the Forty Days of Lent, which be-gins on Ash Wednesday. It is my prayer that throughout this season we not only become better acquainted, but are also led by the Spirit to see more deeply how great is our need for a Savior, and thus be filled with special joy as we come to the celebration of the Easter Resurrection. Pastor Don Schmiege

Get Involved Volunteer to help in the classroom Lead Chapel time during the week for a

preschool class Help set up chairs in the fellowship space,

Congratulations to the Preschool for raising over $2,000 at their annual Chili Cook-off, held February 25th. There were 7 chili contestants and over 10 silent auction items. Stephanie Girgen’s mother was the proud winner of the hand made quilt. The fellowship hall was filled with joy and laughter as there were over 70 people in attendance. Thank you to the Pre-School board and all those who helped with this successful event.

As part of National Lutheran School’s Week our teachers

participated in “crazy hair and dress day”

Another highlight for the Preschool last month was “Preschool Sunday”. The congregation welcomed the joy that the little ones brought to the worship service on February 26th. The children opened the service with a song and led the congregation with the invocation. They sang ‘God is Bigger than Big’ and followed Kristi's lead with the Lord’s Prayer. It’s amazing to see all the won-derful things God is doing within the preschool program this year.

The past few months have been so busy. The confirmation students have been learning about

spiritual gifts. As part of that a panel of Hope members came to talk about how they use their gifts in their

profession to fulfill God’s vocation for their life. We also had a group of Concordia St. Paul students talk about

various church work professions. Thank You to all who helped.

Mark your calendar!

During Lent we need your help setting up and cleaning up after our Lenten Meals. Confirmation students can sign up in Kristi’s office to fill a 30 minute shift Confirmation Retreat: April 7th & 8th April 12th & April 13th Plan to join us at the church with plastic Eggs to stuff in preparation for the Egg Hunt on Easter Day April 16– Easter Service and Egg Hunt

Meet Our Members

Kim Nelson Member since 2012 Family: husband Chris, son Michael, dogs Mack and Abby Profession: accounts payable Education: legal secretary Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, fishing (ask Chris about "Bob") and going for walks at Nugget Lake. Church leadership or Involvement Com-munity Movie Night and National Night Out One thing some people don’t know about me: I'm interested in abandoned homes/buildings. A favorite Bible verse: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 One thing that has helped me grow in my faith: With each difficult experience we have gone though we have learned it's best to turn it over to God and not to be afraid to ask our Christian family and friends for help and prayer. Each time we come out stronger in our faith, knowing that God has placed the right people in our lives at the right time. He has a plan for all of us and He will always see us through the hard times.

John Ahrens Member since 2009 Family: Wife Staci, children Paige (19), Sierra (15), Cassidy and Trevor (13). Profession: Information Technology man-agement. Education: MBA from Keller Graduate school and B.S. in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Hobbies: Coaching youth sports (softball, baseball, soccer, basketball), golf, & outdoor activities, such as fishing & hunting. Church leadership or involvement: Currently VP of the church council, and also involved as worship leader, usher, evange-lism and church audit committee. Community involvement: Currently VP of Hastings Basketball Boosters; fastpitch coach for St. Paul Rookies One thing some people don’t know about me: In the early ’90s, I was on the team that invented the concept of digital maps used for navigation and hold the first patents awarded to the company for that technology. A favorite Bible verse: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel..” Romans 1:16. When I first read those words and looked at how passive I was in proclaiming my faith, I knew I had to change. Now I am proud to tell people at work, school, friends and neighbors about Christ's love for us.

Hastings Happenings

March 12th, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Miesville. Adults $12, Kids 6-12 $5, Under 6 are free. Purchase tickets in advance and save 651-437-3526

March 28th, 5:30 PM—8 PM Hastings Tastings at SEAS Church. A fundraiser to fight hunger. Your $35 ticket purchase helps feed a family of 5 for a week. Hastingsfamilyservice.org details on page 5

March 11th—Get Beachy at Afton Alps Spring Fling Beach Bash. guests will enjoy games on the runs & plenty of entertainment around the lodge. Put the spirit of competition to the test during Afton Alps 10,000 Lakes Rail Jam or just watch the jibbers pull off gnarly moves.

March 21st 4 PM—6 PM Join other Cartoon enthusiasts for an art demo at the Pleasant Hill Library.

March 30th, 6 PM—8:30 PM meet the author of the book “Jesus of Nebraska”. A novel that combines elements of A Prairie Home Companion, TV crime drama, New Thought philosophy, the New Testament, and a healthy dose of family and friendship. www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nebraska-Carl-Wergyn/dp/1436329140

March 24th & March 31st Zywiecs landscaping and garden center offers planting parties. 6 –8 PM (Check in starts at 5:30 PM) $10 PP, groups of 5 or more $5 PP. Cost includes appetizers, refreshments, door prizes, and caring for your containers in our greenhouse until you pick them up in early May. Email zlgarden@gmail.com

Spotlight on Service Ushers A church usher is a person who helps make sure the church service runs smoothly and who assists people in a variety of ways. They are there during worship to assist in our comfort and safety along with the important role of collecting the offering trays, assisting at the Lord’s Table (Communion) and being aware of who is present. Ushers stand ready to assist anyone in the congregation who might need help, to aid latecomers in finding a seat, and to inform those in the sanctuary of any urgent matters or changes.

We appreciate those volunteers who fulfill the position of Church Usher and look forward to hearing from anyone who may want to sign up.

Volunteers Needed at Hastings Family Service: Tuesday afternoon & Thursday morning shifts available. Call Maggie 651-437-7134

Hello Members of Hope, It is my pleasure to be here and by way of introduction, please let me share a few words about myself. I retired in 2012 after nearly 15 years as Administrative Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Eagan. Prior to that, I served congregations in Grand Rapids, Pine City, Hibbing and Moorhead. I am the son of a pastor who served churches in both Canada and the U.S. Being born in Canada with U.S. parents, I carry dual citizenship. I graduated from high school in Ely, was trained to be a teacher at Concordia University at Seward, Neb., and then continued my studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in

Springfield, Ill. I served as a vicar (intern) in Anchorage, Alaska. Throughout my ministry I have enjoyed working with all ages. As an administrative pastor, my joy was working with people and being involved with youth. I maintain a summer home in the Ely area where I enjoy swimming, kayaking, biking and hiking. In retirement I have become a reader of mysteries. I pray that God will use us as we work together during this vacancy. My prayer for you is that God would work through the calling process, leading to your receiving a new pastor to serve, lead and guide you as you, as the church of God in this place, continue to share the love of Christ within the city of Hastings and the surrounding area. I look forward to meeting you. I pray God will bless our time together, making it a time of growth in love, in service and in faith for all who gather together. Pastor Don Schmiege

“Team Hope” attended the Best Practices LCMS conference in Phoenix, AZ

Leadership met with Bishop Hardy to discuss pastoral call

Of

Stewardship Hope Lutheran has jumped into the electronic age by giving our members and nonmembers a chance to donate with their cell phone or online. The new 'Breeze" system will allow for a one-time or on going giving set up for you through your checking account or credit card. This allows you to give each week when on vacation or in the Northwoods fishing. If if you're interested in starting this program contact Adam Bauer or Greg Collins and Adam will send you a computer link which you control and activate or deactivate...it's just that simple. We have hundreds of community nonmembers who listen to our services on our computer pod cast...this will give them an opportunity to make a gift to Hope. This program replaces the former Vanco system which was more tedious to set up and difficult to change in a timely manner. For those of you who are sitting in the pews and like what you're hearing Adam has helped us set up a one time gift option through cell phone text...text to 651-401-7200 To donate by text, a donor simply: Texts the amount they'd like to give to your number (e.g. $50). If they've donated by text before, they'll receive a confirmation text in response that their gift has been received successfully and they're done If it's the first time they are donating by text, they'll be given a link and asked to supply their payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). This payment source will then be linked with their phone number so that, in the future, all they need to do is text in the amount and do not need to reenter their payment information. Electronic offerings now comprise around 30% of all offerings and electronic giving may someday outpace the old envelope and checks and Hope...if you do sign up for electronic giving you can still use your envelopes when you want...we just want to make giving to Hope as easy as we can. Greg Collins Stewardship Chairman

Hope Lutheran Church 16898 Michael Ave Hastings, MN 55033 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL INSIDE