LETTER FROM PASTOR NIETING
Letter from Pastor Nieting
It’s getting close……the end of the building process, that is. We have renovated over 10,000 square feet of space and it’s almost complete. The new fellowship hall will be under roof soon, as will our new kitchen and music rooms. Before long the Laborers for Christ, who have become very dear to us, will be leaving. Then we’re “on our own” to get it all finished. That will mean quite a few more Saturdays of work……but each day brings us closer to the goal. If you have a few hours ANY day of the week, come on out and work. We have painting, moving, sweeping, dusting, and all sorts of exciting and necessary tasks.
On October 3 we celebrated Miracle Sunday here. We asked God to provide $62,000 for furnishing our new spaces with chairs, tables, electronics, appliances and instruments, all necessary for ministry. He went above and beyond that, motivating us to give over $65,000 so that we can equip all our new spaces.
Finally, this October 31 will be the DEDICATION DAY for our new facilities. We won’t be completely finished, but it will be a wonderful way to celebrate the 493rd anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Our old friend the Rev. Dr. George Lobien will be our guest proclaimer and then he and Jane will join us for brunch in the new fellowship hall between services. We will have services at 8 and 11, and don’t forget to wear red!
We’ve suffered the loss of Kathy Weiss, our music director, this fall. She will be deeply missed, but true to God’s nature, He is already filling in the missing pieces with a number of incredibly gifted and talented people. Watch for continued great things from our music ministry team.
We also have great news from Hope Lutheran School. After more than 20 years of serving children, we have finally expanded our program to full day! That means we can take care of the children of working parents, a real service to our members and outreach to the community. We were able to do this through a grant received from Circuit 12 of the Southeastern District LCMS. Even better is that our program has been so successful that we are at the edge of ‘breaking even’ after less than two months!
Our Family Wednesdays have resumed, complete with meals at 5:40 and our “forum” series and new member classes at 6:30. Child care is provided.
In other words, Hope is a great place to be; exciting on Sundays and vibrant during the week. Join us…..please!
Pastor Mark Nieting
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