Dear Members and Friends of Hope,
I look forward to our worship this Sunday morning. The scripture texts are Psalm 150 and Acts 16: 16-34 and the sermon title is "When We Sing."
There are some schedule changes to note for this coming Sunday. We were looking forward to a reception following worship celebrating the Music Ministry and Leadership of Pat Diehl, Hope's Director of Music. Pat is retiring from this position at the end of May. Pat was hospitalized earlier this week. As of Wednesday, her health was continuing to improve slowly. The doctors are working each day to help her feel better, and resolve some of the challenges that this week has brought to Pat. Right now, Pat needs to focus all her energy on feeling better. She feels all your prayers, and they are very important to her.
Because of these circumstances we will not be holding the reception following worship this Sunday. We are hoping to re-schedule the reception and will keep you informed. However, we are going to give thanks this Sunday for the Music Ministry which Pat has so capably led, and we ask that you please bring in your notes and cards with expressions of gratitude for all that she has done to help us grow in our faith and sing praises to the Lord. Please remember to write your expression of appreciation and bring it on Sunday. We will make sure that she receives every note. We would like to "flood" her with notes of appreciation. Think of a story you have about Pat and write it down, and remind her. Remember the time that she helped you through that solo or that instrumental piece or that reading. Remember the look she gave you when you were singing with the choir and you forgot to look at the director. Remind her how much the Hope community loves and cares for her and appreciates all that she did as Director of Music.
Pat is a member of Hope Presbyterian Church. Even though she is leaving her position as Director of Music, she is not leaving the Hope community. She will continue to in membership and that is a blessing for us.
There was also a Youth Fellowship scheduled for the Sunday evening, but this will also be re-scheduled for a later date. The Youth Ministry Council will keep youth and their parents informed about the next gathering.
Until Sunday,
Spirit of the living God, remind us that you are with us at every moment,
Keep us singing to the Lord at all times; times of joy and celebration, times of challenge and anxiety,
For you are ever present with us.
There is nothing that can separate from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
You are our strength. You are our hope. You are our peace.
Open our ears to receive your Word for us,
Open our hearts to receive your ways.
In Jesus name, we pray.
Amen!
Pastor Dottie