Welcome to New Hope Lutheran Church

Gratitude to the congregation and Vicar Thania.  Donna and I went traveling for 49 days.

Four recent “Church” events for which you need awareness. 

1. New ELCA Presiding Bishop was elected at recent ELCA Assembly.  Bishop Yehiel Curry.  Recently served as Bishop in Chicago area.  Elected for six year term. 
2. Revised Common Lectionary which many denominations use for church year lessons is revised.  Lessons will reflect more inclusivity.
3. The ELCA Social Statement on marriage was revised by ELCA Assembly vote to remove reference to marriage being between a “man” and “woman”.  In my opinion and observation, our beloved ELCA has taken another step to recognize sacredness of gender diversity in marriage.  
4. The New Revised  Standard Bible has been updated to reflect new scholarly insights into ancient Biblical languages and modern English expression. 

Yikes….!

Beware of sophisticated scammers misrepresenting church and other trusted individuals.  I recently talked with a banker who helps about 30 people who get financially scammed per week! 

Also this week.....

God loves us all.  Thanks to our New Hope Council…and all...for going forth with God’s message, ministries, business and facilities of our congregation.

Humans find meaning in life because of our brains.  Other animals, likewise, find meaning and purpose.  However,  they are driven largely by instincts such as bird species building unique nests.  Animals are smart too.  Some have better senses than us.  But their brains are limited, compared to ours. 

Only humans can ponder with awe … creation and existence.   Our brain is the only item in the entire universe, that we are aware of, conscious of itself.  

At New Hope, we present our brains with uplifting music.  We offer contemplative messages.  We read aloud and ponder ancient scriptures.  We have study groups.  We meet to share food and converse.  We do goodness for ourselves, God’s world, and others.  We follow Jesus. 

We reach out beyond the farthest stars, to connect with the Creator, via prayerful praise, thanksgiving and petitions.  

Apart from spiritual reflection, and participation, we humans limit ourselves and forfeit a huge dimension to meaning. 

At New Hope, we do not presume to have all the answers.  But we have the spiritual energy and moral wherewithal to grapple with the questions.  

If you want meaning for life now and to contemplate God’s forever grace, then New Hope is for you!  Welcome. 

 Here we go!  

Interim Pastor Jeff Swanson