Join the discussion on
this month’s Circle Bible Study!
“God’s Name, God’s Promise”
Miriam—Monday, March 9
Ruth—Wednesday, March 11
Lydia—Thursday, March 12
Anyone is welcome! Pick the date that works best
and join us at 9:30 a.m.
The Women of Hope are Marching on through winter….
The church kitchen upgrade is coming along nicely. We are working with the Board of Property and the flooring, cabinet design, stain and wall paint has been decided. Counter tops are in the works. Thank you, especially to Wayne & Angie who are tirelessly working to bring us samples to work with and on which to decide. Removal of all items in the current cabinets will be done by the Women of Hope prior to the new flooring. Watch The Herald or Sunday bulletins for specific dates.
Diaper Day on February 5th went very well. 15 ladies participated with 81 diapers being prepared for inclusion in the Newborn kits for Global Health Ministries. This year, four diapers are required in each kit rather than two, which were done last year, so we need to work double time to get diapers completed. Kits will be assembled at our summer conference.
Our main fundraising event in July (we are looking to rename it from Christmas in July) will be coming up quickly. The event is July 21st with setup on July 20th. Our first planning meeting will be on April 16th at 11:00 a.m. Mark your calendars to attend this meeting if you are in charge of one of the areas for this event.
Meri Mengis does a great job of organizing the silent auction and Buy-it-Now tables at our summer fundraiser, and is always looking for handmade items to add to the tables, so we encourage you to consider what you might donate. Check with Meri if you have questions on what is appropriate.
Coming up on April 11th is our Living Waters Spring Gathering to be held at St.Andrew’s in Grand Rapids. Silent Auction or Buy-it-Now items are needed for this event. Talk to Shirley or Ardyce if you have something to donate. A sign-up sheet will be posted shortly so that we can pool rides.
Up-coming Events:
June 15/16 N.E. Women’s Convention/Gathering - Zion, Grand Rapids
July 16-19 W/ELCA Triennial Gathering - Des Moines, Iowa
For many decades, the Women of Hope have hosted receptions following funeral services. Our thanks to the dedicated hands and hearts of those Hope gals who volunteer to work and provide cakes for the receptions. We encourage you to please respond when the call for help arises, and lend your hands in a final act for our siblings in Christ. If you have questions on how you can help, talk to Shirley Dowson.
Hope Card Makers meet on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall to make cards as a fundraiser for the Women of Hope. Anyone is welcome to help! All materials and instructions provided. Greeting cards for all occasions are available near the church office for $2 each.
Do you have a loved one or friend who could use the comfort of a prayer shawl? Stop by the church office and inquire!
HOPE QUILTERS meet on Thursday mornings. If you can tie or sew, we have a job for you!
The quilters also need bedsheets to use for backing on quilts. These can be any size, color or fabric (our quilters have magic in their fingers to make them work!!)
The Women of Hope are always looking for new ideas for fund raisers or activities that might be of interest to our ladies here at Hope. If you are a new member here (all women, whether in a circle or not, are members of the Women of the ELCA) and did a project or fund raiser in your former church, talk to Shirley Dowson or Ardyce Pederson, our Co-Chairs. It might be something that we would like to try here.
ALTAR GUILD prepares communion and the altar area for worship. If you’d be interested in helping, leave a message in the church office.
2026 Co-Chairs: Ardyce Pederson & Shirley Dowson
Secretary: Denise Waltz
Treasurer: Meri Mengis
Circle Chair Board Members: Pat Paulsen, Shirley Dowson, Deb Fischer