June 21, 2024

Congratulations Deacon Linda Murphy

Linda Murphy was commissioned as a Synod Parish Deacon on Sunday, June 16, 2024. As a Synod Parish Deacon, Linda has been publicly affirmed by the synod and our local congregation to help provide vision and practical leadership for the congregation’s ministries.

She was presented with the deacons’ stole and cross as symbols of this special calling and a sign of her commissioning. Linda will continue in a liturgical role as “attendant to the presiding minister” and may now share some of the liturgical duties rightfully carried out by the pastor.

Congratulations Linda! We support you as you continue to serve the Lord and his people in this special capacity.

Exciting News for the Hope South Campus Building Project

We are excited to share that Mark Cook Builders, Inc. of Leesburg was approved as the Contractor/Construction Manager for our new Hope South Campus Worship Center at the June 18 Council meeting.

Mark Cook Builders has a devoted team known for delivering high quality buildings. The company has done extensive work in The Villages, including several churches, and has an outstanding reputation within the surrounding community.

As Contractor/Construction Manager, Mark Cook Builders will initially be working with our architect, Judd Dickerson, and his team of technical professionals to develop a detailed cost estimate, which is a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) within the constraints of our approved budget. Upon the Council’s approval of the GMP, Hope will enter into a binding agreement for both the guaranteed cost and construction schedule. The development of the GMP will take an estimated 60 to 90 days.

We’re on the move! The site plan has been approved by the City of Wildwood. The contractor has been selected. The construction contract has been signed. The contractor will now finalize a construction budget and construction timetable. Once these are determined and approved by the Council, the actual construction of the Hope South Campus Worship Center will begin!

Zentangle: Prayer & Meditation - God’s Hand in Art & Nature

With Laurie Miller 

Wednesdays - July 10 to August 14

1:00pm to 3:00pm at Hope Central Campus

H.O.P.E. University presents Zentangle! Zentangle is an easy-to-learn method of drawing that combines repeated, structured patterns for fun and relation. It is especially popular with non-artists because of its “one line at a time” and “no mistakes” approach to drawing.

Join Laurie Miller, Certified Zentangle Teacher, for a journey through old and new testament passages, using this mindful method of art as a way to meditate on God’s word. The theme for this 6-week class is “God’s Hand in Art and Nature.”

No previous experience in art or drawing is required. Beginners are welcome. Bible and ruler needed. Cost: $15. Registration required by June 28. For more information, contact Laurie at goodmill28@gmail.com.

Back-to-School Shoe & Backpack (with School Supplies) Drive 

There is a great need in the Lake Weir community to support local children as they return to school. Many do not have access to new shoes...and many will be forced to return to school with ruined or ill-fitting shoes. 

From now through July, the Hope Lake Weir Campus Food Pantry is sponsoring a Back-to-School Shoe & Backpack Drive to benefit the children who visit our Hope Lake Weir Campus Food Pantry.

If you would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to Hope Lutheran Church and indicate Shoe & Backpack Drive on the memo line. You could also use an envelope to direct a cash donation (please write Shoe & Backpack Drive on the envelope). 

We will use your donations to purchase shoes in the needed sizes, along with backpacks which we will pack with school supplies. Every donation counts as we continue to support these deserving children. Thank you for your generosity!

You're Invited - Journey INC Graduation

The second quarter of the Journey program is wrapping up Tuesday, June 25 with a graduation ceremony at 7:00pm at Hope Central Campus!

Please join us in celebrating what has been accomplished this term.

Journey INC is a life-skills education program offered by our friends at Love INC. Individuals in need attend a program of classes to help them set goals and, more importantly, reach them. It's very exciting to see lives begin to transform both physically, spiritually, and financially.

You are invited to celebrate with the participants and learn more about the success of the program.

You are welcome to join for the entire night (if you want to join us for dinner please RSVP so we can plan for you!) or for the celebration portion only. RSVP to (352) 245-8774.

25 Years of Hope Lutheran Church

As we look toward our 25^th Anniversary in October 2024, we are also remembering our history! We will look back on years' past and remember some important moments in the life of our church.

Back in 2005...

The people of Hope have always been known for their generosity, and this was true even back in 2005! That year, Hope was thanked by Resurrection House for our generous support of their children's ministry. Several children then offered a musical performance during worship. We also received thanks from Platoon Sergeant Scott Galindo for the care packages his platoon received from Hope.

2005 also saw the creation of Neighborhood Care Teams, or location-based small groups that united Hope neighbors throughout The Villages.

Hope member Hilde Lohrke was recognized in The Daily Sun for her creation of small crosses, which were then handed out as gifts to guests at Hope. This tradition still endures today!

Hope was also helping share the Good News through planting and supporting another ELCA congregation. Hope joined with St. John Lutheran Church in Summerfield and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Ocala to sponsor Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Wildwood, FL.

Worship Attendance for June 15-16, 2024

Hope Central Campus:

4:00pm - 166

6:00pm - 46

8:00am - 142

10:00am - 250

Online:

4:00pm - 106

10:00am - 235

Hope Lake Weir Campus:

10:00am - 105

Hope at the Everglades Rec Center:

8:00am - 64

10:00am - 116

In Memoriam

Charter Member Dale "Sye" Seiler passed away on May 29, 2024 in Tennessee, where he was living close to his family. Dale was born on November 29, 1933. He and his late wife, Maxine, joined Hope Lutheran Church on October 31, 1999. Dale was widowed in 2020.  

Dale’s family is planning a private interment in Hope’s Memorial Garden in the near future.

Please keep his family in your hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

Frank Wood passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Frank was born on March 21, 1939. He and his wife, Mary Ann, were married on February 14, 1976. They joined Hope Lutheran Church on December 11, 2010.

Arrangements are pending.

Please keep Mary Ann and their family in your hearts and prayers during their time of grief.

This Weekend's Worship Bulletin

Click the button to view this weekend's worship bulletin for traditional services.

Inform the Church of Visitation Needs

Do you know of someone who needs a visit from a Hope pastor? Please call the church office at (352) 750-2321 and let us know. Our Pastoral Care Team would love to visit with you or your loved one.

Submit a Prayer Request

Need Prayer? Submit a prayer request via our hope4all.church website.