Join the discussion on
this month’s Circle Bible Study!
“God’s Name, God’s Promise”
Miriam—Monday, May 11
Ruth—Wednesday, May 13
Lydia—Thursday, May 14
Anyone is welcome! Pick the date that works best
and join us at 9:30 a.m.
Just two ladies from Hope attended the Living Waters Spring Gathering at St.Andrew’s. Pastor Vicki Taylor presided at our opening worship/communion service to start out the day. Our speaker presented on “First Call - 211”, which is based out of Grand Rapids but they take calls for all of Minnesota. This is a service for non-emergencies to assist those in need with food or shelter; utility assistance; homeless services; substance use or mental health resources to name a few. Visiting with the ladies from the area churches in our Conference is always one of the high-lights of these gatherings. We are still working on filling open positions on the Living Waters board and the penny collections designation has not been determined yet.
We are fast approaching our summer Bible study/potluck luncheons in June, July and August. We meet at noon on the first Wednesday for a delicious potluck lunch followed by Bible study from the “Gather” magazine and conclude with a short business meeting to keep everyone in the loop on activities and fund raisers planned by the Women of Hope. All ladies are invited - you do not need to be a member of a circle - all are welcome - bring a friend!
Our summer women’s synodical convention/gathering will be held at Zion, Grand Rapids, June 15th & 16th. Alice Groth will be attending as our delegate. If you are interested in attending, see Shirley or Ardyce and they will get registration forms to you. Registration fee goes up after May 22nd. The theme is “Love Thy Neighbor”; in-kind focus is newborn kits. Living Waters attendees responsibilities are assisting with registration and hostessing at the registration area. We are also asked to assist with clean-up in the kitchen following the Monday luncheon.
Spark of Hope
the *New* Community Fundraiser
Tuesday, July 21 10:30 a.m. – 1p.m.
“Christmas in July” has been transformed into the “Spark of Hope!” It’s still a special community fundraiser, but we’ve changed the name to echo the spirit our country’s Independence Day holiday and 250th birthday.
Mark your calendars now! The fundraising event will be held Tuesday, July 21 from 10:30 – 1 p.m. All the money raised from the lunch and sale of baked goods, crafts, cards and the quilt raffle will go to community organizations, such as the Walker-area Food Shelf, food boxes, W-H-A youth programs, Akeley Women’s Shelter, Boys & Girls Club and more.
No change here: donations and volunteer help are always welcomed! The committee is sure to find a job for anyone who wants to pitch in that day. And your donations are definitely needed, such as:
¨ Desserts (cookies or bars especially) for the luncheon
¨ Items for the silent auction/buy-it-now tables.
¨ Several “higher-value” handmade items for the silent auction
¨ Baked goodies for the bake sale
Sign-up sheets will be posted on the bulletin board and available following many Sunday worship services.
The organizing committee meets on May 20 at 9 a.m. and June 25 at 11 a.m. Contact Angie Osatiuk at 612-310-6860, or aosatiuk@live.com.
Women of Hope thank you. Encourage your friends and family to come!
Card makers meet here on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Connie Kaylor & Linda Sylstad are the main workers. They would love to have more help - stop in and talk with them - all materials are provided; cards can be produced in your home if you cannot commit to Tuesday mornings. We have Mother’s Day cards!
Hope Quilters usually meet every Thursday morning around 8:30. It’s a fun group - stop in and check it out. We’ll find a job for you to do! During the month of May there may be weeks when we are unable to meet due to kitchen remodeling.
Blessing of the Quilts—Sunday, May 10th during 9:00 worship
May 6th - Women’s board meeting - 10:00 a.m.
June 3rd - Women’s board meeting - 10:00 a.m.
June 3rd - Bible Study/potluck luncheon - Noon Lydia Circle hostess
June 15 & 16 - N.E. Women’s Synodical Convention/Gathering
Just a reminder: Our kitchen and Fellowship Hall will not be available through much of May due to the remodeling project
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