Pastor’s Page January 2018

Sermon Notes

Dec 3-1 Cor. 1:3-9 Awaiting God’s Redemption: During the Advent season we remember Christ’s first coming, but we also look forward to His second coming. And we are not to await the coming of God’s kingdom passively, but with eagerness.

Dec 6-Deut. 7:7-9 Seeing God’s Redemption in the OT: From the very start of the Bible we see God’s redemption plan. Immediately after Adam and Eve sinned, God

announced His plan to win them back.

Dec 10-2 Pet. 3:8-14 Looking Forward to God’s Redemption: Peter warns on the last day that everything in creation will be destroyed – including those that reject Christ. However, he also says 3 times that we are to “look forward” to that day.

Dec 13-Gal 3:10-14 Seeing God’s Redemption in the NT: The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to redeem His people.

Dec 17 (Hope)-John 1:6-28 Preparing for God’s Redemption: John the Baptist was used by God to prepare the people for the coming of Christ. So, too, it is the Holy Spirit who bears witness to Christ through the Scriptures and prepares our hearts to receive Him as well.

Dec 24-John 1:1-9 Receiving God’s Redemption: In order to be redeemed, we need to first recognize who Jesus is and receive Him by faith. And in receiving Jesus, we also receive the right to become the children of God.

Dec 24 (FA)-At our candlelight service, Darold Bitterman encouraged us to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Dec 25-Isaiah 52:7-10 Rejoicing in God’s Redemption: At Christmas often rejoice in the love, peace, joy, and hope that Christ gives us, but in order to fully appreciate those gifts, we need to acknowledge that we have been saved from hatred, war, misery and despair.

All these sermons and more can be found on our website:

FAHope.org

The Faith Builder Building the Kingdom of God Together Build yourselves up on your most holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1: 20

Join us on our website at FAHope.org and/or Facebook

Don’t Grow Cold

This new year is getting off to a chilly start with freezing temperatures covering most of the country. And while the cold weather can be dangerous physically, there is another type of coldness that is much more dangerous and less easy to predict and detect. Jesus says in Matthew 24:12 that in the last days, “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” And it is interesting to note that in this context, Jesus is not speaking about the world in general, but He is specifically referring to those who claim to be His followers. For in verse 10, He warns that “many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” We see that as false teachings and wickedness increase, love decreases. So as Christians, it is vital for our survival that we guard against this bitter cold that can so easily grow in our hearts, for Christ also exhorts at the end of

verse 12, “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

So how do we keep the love in our hearts from dying in the bitter cold? We keep warm by walking in the light of God’s truth. This means living lives in obedience to God’s Word, no matter how difficult that may be. Jesus says when wickedness is tolerated, love grows cold and dies. John says in 1 John 2:4, “Whoever says, ‘I know him [Christ],’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.” Obedience is not always easy, but it is always necessary. It isn’t easy to forgive those who we feel have wronged us; it isn’t easy to love at all times; it isn’t easy to put the needs of others before our own; it isn’t easy to live a life of sexual purity – in our thoughts and actions; it isn’t easy to refrain from gossip or malicious speech; it isn’t easy to find time to spend in God’s word and in prayer, but it is necessary to do these things to keep love alive. Because God is love, and God is Holy. So to live a life of love requires that we live a life of holiness.

Now that doesn’t mean we are perfect, no, but our lack of perfection should never be used as an excuse to live in willful disobedience to God. For when obedience dies, love dies, and when love dies, faith dies. So I want to begin this new year with an encouragement to keep warm – not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. Don’t let your love die – stay close to Christ, walk in obedience to His word, and walk in the warmth of His love – and let His love radiate to all those around you. Blessings, Pastor Barry

A publication of First American Lutheran Church, Tripp, and Hope Lutheran Church, Delmont January 2018

In Our Thoughts & Prayers January 2018

In addition to our members in Care Centers, our nation and government, and the persecuted church, we offered prayers for the following members, family & friends last month:

• Wanda Anderson – member of Hope, hip surgery

• Reese Baier – son of Joel & Sandy Baier

• Kelley (Ziegler) Eggebraaten – member of First American

• Peggy Friederich – member of First American

• Dorothy Friman – member of First American

• Larry Furney – son-in-law of Loretta Bueber

• Arliss Hapney – grandmother of Shawn Bietz

• Zach Hotchkiss – member of Hope

• Leo Konstanz – member of First American

• Newton Mapes – uncle of Wanda Anderson

• Alisha McPartland – friend of Devin Kurtz

• Jayce Moege – Parkston Community

• Connie VanSky – sister of Bob Miller

• Dean Varilek – Tripp Community

• Steve Vermillion – grandson-in-law of Dorothy Friman

• Francis Vogel – sister of Roger Huether

• Billie Weerheim – granddaughter of Allan Hale

• Hebbie Wentzel – niece of Dorothy Friman

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We’ve prayed for these ministries & AFLC churches

Dec 3 – Ministry: Hutchinson County Angel Tree; AFLC Churches: Trinity Lutheran, Brookings, OR; Spruce Free Lutheran, Salol, MN; Emmanuel Free Lutheran, Williston, ND

Dec 10 – Ministry: Brian & Leeanna Lunn, our 2017 Adopt-a-Seminary-Student Family; AFLC Churches: Spencer Creek Lutheran, Eugene, OR; Faith Free Lutheran, Bertrand, NE; Bethany Free Lutheran, Sebeka, MN

Dec 17 – Ministry: Good Samaritan Society- Tripp; AFLC Churches: St. John’s Lutheran, Ambridge, PA; Faith Lutheran, Shakopee, MN; Abiding Word Lutheran, Deshler, NE

Dec 24 – Ministry: Union Gospel Mission, Sioux Falls, SD; AFLC Churches: Ruthfred Lutheran, Bethel Park, PA; King of Glory Lutheran, Shakopee, MN; Community of Grace Evangelical Lutheran, Elkhorn, NE

Dec 31 – Church cancelled due to extremely cold temps

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Corra Leanne Jensen was baptized on December 3, 2017, at First American. She was born May 10, 2016 to Christian & Caitlin Jensen. Corra’s sponsors were Logan & Amanda Roth and Peter & Hannah Barthal. “We welcome this new little one into the Lord’s family!”

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Congratulations to Dan & Cheryl Bones on the birth of their daughter, Lauryn Audrey, who was born Friday, December 22nd, 2017, and weighed 7 lbs, 6 oz., and was 20 inches long. Rejoicing at her birth are her grandparents, Wayne & Tammy Bietz, and her great-grandparents, Elmer & Carol Bietz.

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We are so blessed to be able to pray each Sunday for those members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Please contact the church office with any corrections or additions.

January Birthdays

2 Kelli Fink 3 Dianne Semmler 9 Lauren Soulek 9 Gabriel Nelson 11 Carol Bietz 14 Darin Ziegler 15 Lorene Jerke 16 Donna Konstanz 21 Tara Droppers

23 Declyn Schmidt 24 Jordan Ziegler 24 Anthony Walz 25 Connie Anderson 30 Pam Vetter 31 Tammy Bietz 31 Glenn Bueber 31 Becki Hauser 31 Devin Kurtz

January Baptismal Birthdays

2 Howard Friederich 2 Glen Batterman 5 Richard Bietz 7 Todd Bietz 8 James Bietz 11 Clara Bitterman 12 Austin Bitterman 13 Mary Miller

15 Candyce Mogck 16 Jon Bietz 17 Ernestine Konstanz 19 Wilma Herr 19 Lori Droppers 24 Bryan Bietz 29 Camden Ziegler 30 Carol Bietz

January Anniversaries

31 Glenn & Tammy Ziegler

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Andrew Hanson: member of Hope Stationed in Hawaii; Army Dan Bones: husband of Cheryl (Bietz) Bones Deployed to Kuwait; Air Force Paul Coleman: brother of Kyrie & Barry Nelson

Stationed in South Korea; Army Logan Fechner: grandson of Mike & Lila Fechner

Stationed in Italy; Army Joshua Hirsch: grandson of Heine & Rose Prien Stationed in Germany; Army Austin Lien: nephew of Glenn & Tammy Ziegler Stationed in Jacksonville, FL; Navy

December Meeting Minutes January 2018

Meeting Minutes - MSC=Motion, seconded and carried

Hope Council: December 6, 2017 at 8:40 pm

Hope Lutheran Church Council met Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 8:40 pm. Those in attendance were Dave Bitterman, Dale Bitterman, Russ and Barb Dozark, Mike and Lila Fechner, Doug Bitterman, Doug Gunnare, Pastor Barry, and Steve Bitterman. Visitor: Becky Hotchkiss

President Doug Bitterman called the meeting to order.

Becky Hotchkiss presented information about an electronic organ from West-Mor Music in Sioux Falls. Retail price is $3200, $100 for

set up and plus mileage and tax. Total approximately $3500.

Pastor led prayer.

Minutes were read. December 3 was to present the bylaws and not vote. Vote is to take place at annual meeting. MSC with correction. Treasurer’s report $25,773.63 balance. MSC to accept report.

Pastor’s Report: 1. 2 home visits.

2. 3 nursing home visits.

3. Good Samaritan services will be monthly, not every other.

4. Maurice will do service while on vacation. Will leave after

Christmas Service.

Old Business: 1. Discussion on term limits—Tabled

2. A new gallon of paint was gotten

New Business: 1. MSC to purchase organ from West-Mor with the funds

coming from the memorial fund.

2. Christmas gifts will be given to Pastor Barry-$400, Becky

Hotchkiss-$100, Becki Hauser, Cindy Schoenfelder, Kyrie

Nelson--$60. MSC

3. Eilene is donating Christmas sacks to Sunday School kids

and teachers. This is going to be her last year.

Next meeting will be January 3, 2018 at 7:30 pm. MSC to adjourn. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Barb Dozark, Secretary pro tem

First American Council: December 13, 2017 at 8:30pm

Members of the council met for their regular monthly meeting with the following members present: David Mogck, Mary Friederich, Dave Semmler, Allan Hale, Bryan Bietz, Becki Hauser, Wayne Bietz and Glenn Ziegler. Absent: Tammy Bietz. Pastor Barry led us in prayer.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: MSC to approve minutes from three meetings. TREASURER’S REPORT: MSC to approve the report as presented. As of 11/30/17: Nov receipts: $6,116.50 Nov disbursements: $8,114.75 Nov benevolence: $2,491.95 Nov balance on hand: $53,965.05 OLD BUSINESS:

1. A new lease was sent to Brad Gunsch for the rental of the land in Mercer County, North Dakota. No response as of meeting.

2. Update on cross project by Allan Hale: top of wooden part of cross burned at some point, by the charring as presented in pictures. More discussion on replacing tubes with LED lights. Wayne Bietz spoke with Pride Neon Signs in Sioux Falls regarding replacement. This is all part of an insurance claim. MSC to contact Pride Neon Signs for an estimate. Further discussion to have Richard Gall look at the cross for possible repair options on burned area/weathering. Allan will contact Richard Gall.

3. Willmer Herr, Jim Weber, Jan Jerke and Glendora Zeitner have volunteered to be on the 50th Anniversary Joint Parish Committee on behalf of First American.

4. Bryan Bietz looked into the office printer vs current copy machine. Price comparison was about equal to what we are paying now with A&B Business. Further discussion on the replacement of office printer; no action taken.

5. Two high chairs have been purchased. 6. TV for the sanctuary has been purchased. Discussion on a

new laptop computer for the sanctuary TV vs the office laptop computer. No action taken.

PASTOR’S REPORT: 1. Visits: four home, three nursing home, two hospital visits,

one new member class, GSS communion service. 2. Three weddings are planned next year: October 6 & 20,

here at the church and one at another location on September 8.

3. First American Annual Meeting is January 28, 2018. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Elections for Annual Meeting: Wayne Bietz, Deacon; Allan Hale, Trustee (both terms are up), Willmer & Wilma Herr Financial Secretary; Mary Friederich, Sunday School Superintendent. Becki Hauser has also resigned from the last year of the council secretary term.

2. There is a request for use of the church basement on Thursday, December 21.

3. Pastor Barry will be taking vacation the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Maurice Bueber & Happy Memories Band will be leading worship on Sunday, December 31, 2017.

4. Christmas Caroling will be Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 6:30pm.

5. Discussion on price paid to supply pastors.

December Meeting Minutes January 2018

6. Discussion on worship service DVDs, archives. Tabled until next meeting.

Our next meeting will be held at 7:30pm on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. MSC to adjourn. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Becki Hauser, Secretary

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Hope WMF: December 14, 2017

Pastor Barry led us in the study of Hosea Chapters 1-3. We will read Hosea

chapters 4-7 for January’s Bible Study.

Meeting Notes:

1. Pastor Barry will check on a coat donation which Barb Dozark will purchase if needed.

2. We will pack five cheer sacks Sunday, Dec. 17th after worship service. Rosie Grosz has made a donation of three bottles of lotion, also, to be given as a WMF Christmas gift.

3. Christmas donations of $50 each were mailed to DSU and USD campus ministries and Mitchell Area Safehouse.

4. Barb asked if anyone would like to be on a committee for the joint parish 50th anniversary service.

5. Our next meeting will be held January 11, 2018 at 7:30 pm.

We closed with the Lord’s prayer. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Kurtz, WMF Secretary

First American WMF: December 20, 2017

WMF of First American met on December 20, 2017 with ten members present. Opening with singing Christmas carols. Devotions and Program: Peggy Friederich dramatized the miracle of Christmas. Read the Tom Roberts books of the Wisemen and Christmas on the farm.

President Jan Jerke called business meeting to order. Secretary report read and approved. Treasurer reported a balance of $979.22. Correspondence: Thank you notes from Dorothy Friman and Peggy Friederich for the get well wishes

Old Business: Thank you for serving Christmas potluck and packing school bags.

New Business: Working on new program books for 2018. Committee 1 to serve January 18 at 2:00pm with bingo at Good Samaritan Society-Tripp.

No meeting in the months of January and February. Worship offering led by Carol Bietz. Meeting closed with Lord’s prayer and singing table grace.

Hostesses: potluck snacks by all WMF members.

Respectfully Submitted, Myra Weber, Secretary

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Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful

giver. — 2 Corinthians 9:7

Traditionally, the third Sunday of every month, the First American and Hope congregations collect a special offering for a different mission. The children gather the offering.

The December Noisy Offering at First American of $133.52 went to the Good Samaritan Society- Tripp. January’s Noisy Offering recipient will be announced.

The December Noisy Offering at Hope of $76.22 went to Mitchell Safehouse. January’s Noisy Offering recipient will be announced.

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Hope Annual Meeting

January 21, 2018

1:30pm

First American Annual Meeting

January 28, 2018

1:30pm

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P U Z Z L E

Giving

We are very grateful for the way the Lord uses many faithful contributors to meet the needs of our ministries and

missionaries. The office staff was recently reminded about what giving means

when they received a precious package in the mail. Inside was an envelope

(pictured) with $3.00 in quarters inside. A little girl wanted to give to AFLC World

Missions and asked her Sunday school teacher to send it in for her. The Lord

placed in this child’s heart a spirit of gratitude and a desire to be a part of God’s

work throughout the world. Has He put such a desire in your own heart? Giving

isn’t about who you are or how much you have. It’s not about you at all! Giving is

about allowing God to bless others through you. Especially during this Christmas

season, we reflect on the greatest gift the Lord has given each of us - His Son

Jesus Christ. It is THAT gift which compelled this little girl to give of herself to

others. Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Prayer and Praises:

-Praise the Lord for new life! Matthew and Ednay Abel are expecting in July 2018

-Pray for the Bergers and Michael Rokenbrodt as they prepare to return to Uganda after Christmas

-Pray for Pastor Del Palmer as he will be internationally traveling for an extended amount of time

-Pray for Jonathan and Tamba Abel as they travel to the U.S. for a short family visit

-Continue to pray for wisdom and guidance for the World Missions Committee and staff

-Pray for Jonni Sliver as she plans to come to the U.S. for furlough beginning in January 2018; she will spend the

first portion of her furlough on the east coast

-Pray for Jonni as she once again goes through the process of renewing her visa

-Praise God for how He works through people to provide for our finances and continue to pray that He will meet

needs as we near the end of the year

-Continue to pray for all our missionaries

-Praise God for giving us His Son, the very reason we have to share, and praise Him for changing lives through our

missionaries across the world

World Missions Resources

World Missions would like to challenge every church to have an

AFLC missionary of the month/week (whatever is a better fit for your

congregation.) Our goal is to get congregations better connected

with our missionaries and encourage regular prayer for our

ministries. God hears the prayers of His people! Please talk to your

Pastor about including a monthly (or weekly) missionary in your

Sunday bulletin or having prayer cards readily available. Our prayer

cards can now be downloaded and printed at a photo processing outlet of your choice or on your own printer. They

are a wonderful tools to help us remember to pray! Above is an example of one of our prayer cards.

In addition, the WM office has plans to provide a slideshow containing brief

slides about each of our missionaries and departments. If your church

projects announcements on a screen would you consider adding one of

these slides every month/week? To the left is an example of what the

slides look like. This feature can be found on our website!

[ https://www.aflcworldmissions.org/ and click on resources, then

Publications and PowerPoints] We appreciate your help and support in our

quest to share the Gospel with the world.

FYI - The resource tab on our World Missions website is where to go when looking for information. There you can

find prayer and news updates, vision and goals of World Missions, contact information for missionaries and staff,

approved special projects list, publications, prayer cards, missionary newsletters and websites, Mission projects for

Sunday School and VBS.

ALFC World Missions

3110 E Medicine Lake Blvd

Plymouth, MN 55441-3008

https://www.aflcworldmissions.org/

Email: worldmis@aflc.org

Pray for the Lee Family

Please pray for health and travel mercies in the coming months.We will be traveling to visit the grandparents for Christmas andthen a couple days after we return, we'll head to Asia for a littleover a week. May God Bless you all over Christmas and the NewYear. What a wonderful blessing it is that Jesus to came to earthto save us from our sins.

Pray for Partnership

"Every free congregation, as well as every individual believer, isconstrained by the Spirit of God and by the privileges ofChristian love to do good and to work for the salvation of soulsand the quickening of spiritual life"

Some are compelled by rules others by personality and others shame. Some seem tohave no motivation and do nothing! Let us be constrained and empowered by theHoly Spirit, "willingly ... eagerly ... being examples" (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Under the Holy Spirit's guidance with much prayer, we have been asked and areexcited to travel to Our Little Corner of Asia to hammer out a working agreementwith our fellow workers. We will be traveling January 7 - 17. So, please, pray for safetravel and that this working agreement would glorify Him.

Pray for Provision

We are sad to say our departure has been delayed toMay. Two practical reasons for delaying: first, weneed a solid working agreement and secondly,consistency in God's provision for our work.

 

We do not see this as a lack on God's part (it's His money) nor His people's (it's HisChurch) rather we see it as an encouragement to wait on His timing. We wait on theLord and invite you to pray for May with us. Until then, we visit the Midwest.

We trust our heavenly Father will supply every need for His kingdom. If you haveprayed, believe, and are called to reach the unreached through us, Give tangibly byPhone: 763-412-2013; Mail: 3110 East Medicine Lake Blvd, Plymouth MN 55441; orOnline: https://www.aflcworldmissions.org/online-giving-missionaries/ andDesignate: John and Hannah Lee

Culture Corner

In November, we enjoyed our visit to MissionLutheran in La Junta, Colorado. As with othercongregations we visit, Mission Lutheran is like afingerprint - a unique and special part of God'skingdom. They are a warm congregation andthrew open their doors for us, loving our childrenand feasting. And it was so fun to see their serviceand kindness toward one another. Glory to Godfor them. Hannah and I certainly were blessed tohear the Gospel and share our call.

Pray for Our Call

Receive our newsletter forbasics. Join Facebook orWhatsApp for more. Connect byemail Jelee89@gmail.com or call/ text 612-987-7815.

John and Hannah Lee have accepted a call from AFLCWorld Missions. They will serve in a predominantlyMuslim country in Asia where security is a concern.Therefore, the Lee’s exact location is not being publiclydivulged. They will spend the first year learning theculture and language. Following that John will beinvolved in planting and nurturing Lutherancongregations, and training church leaders. The WorldMissions Committee seeks to send others to this samecountry to work alongside of the Lees. Please be in prayerfor John and Hannah as they follow God’s leading in thiscall.

 

©2017 Association of Free Lutheran Congregations | 3110 E Medicine Lake Blvd; Plymouth, MN 55441-3008

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat First American Ushers Head: Allan Hale Steve Permann & Jerry Albrecht Substitute: Willmer Herr Video: Wayne Bietz

1 New Year’s Day 2 3 10:30am GSS Communion 7:30pm Hope Council

4 5 6 Epiphany

7 9:00am First Am. Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:30am Hope Sunday School 10:00am First Am. Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship w/ Holy Communion 7:00pm Bible Study at FA

8

9

10 7:30pm FA Council

11 7:30pm Hope WMF Bible Study: Hosea 4-7

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13

14 9:00am First Am. Worship 9:30am Hope Sunday School 10:00am First Am. Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship 7:00pm Bible Study at FA

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16 17

18 2pm BINGO at GSS FA Committee 1

19 20

21 9:00am First Am. Worship w/ Noisy Offering 9:30am Hope Sunday School 10:00am First Am. Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship w/Noisy Offering 1:30pm Hope Annual Meeting 7:00pm Bible Study at FA

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23

24

25

26 27

28 9:00am First Am. Worship 9:30am Hope Sunday School 10:00am First Am. Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship 1:30pm First American Annual Meeting

29 30

31 First Am.. Readers Jan 7: David Mogck Jan 14: Carol Bietz Jan 21: Glendora Zeitner Jan 28: Becki Hauser

Hope Readers Jan 7: Michelle Kurtz Jan 14: Albert Fink Jan 21: Rob Hotchkiss Jan 28: Barb Dozark

2018

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the

human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

Women of the AFLC Women’s Missionary Federation—FA

No FA WMF meeting until March.

Flowers—Norma Mogck

Committee #1 to GSS Bingo on Jan 18th

Acolytes

Hope:

Zach Hotchkiss Noah Hotchkiss

First American: Carson Bueber

Association of Free Lutheran Congregations Pastor Barry Nelson First American Lutheran Church Hope Lutheran Church PO Box 459 Tripp, SD 57376

First American Lutheran Church - AFLC Tripp, SD Phone 935-6941 Parsonage 935-6942 David Mogck 935-6781 President Glenn Ziegler 583-4543 Vice President Becki Hauser 935-6496 Parish Secretary Email: firsthope@santel.net Website: www.FAHope.org or find us on Facebook

Hope Lutheran Church Delmont, SD - AFLC Phone 779-2681 Doug Bitterman 779-3111 President Doug Gunnare 779-5261 Vice President Becki Hauser 935-6496 Parish Secretary Email: firsthope@santel.net Website: www.FAHope.org or find us on Facebook