Hope is growing and hoping to grow even more. Our council has decided to focus on growth as its priority for next year. The details will be worked out at our upcoming retreat.
But growth can only happen if the entire congregation is ready for it. Are you ready to grow? In order to grow we must know why we want to grow. What is it that we have to offer that is so important and urgent that people from the community should come and check it out. Quite simply, it’s the gospel, the Good News of God’s unfathomable love for creation that set us free to love and live free from the compulsions of sin and the angst of guilt. We must be ready to tell people: come to Hope and experience the healing power of the Holy Spirit, come and feel the freedom that comes from hearing the words of forgiveness that flow from the cross of Christ: you are forgiven, you are free! However, there is more! We want to invite people to join us in our mission to practice mercy and seek justice. In my experience people are hungry to make a difference in the world. Some want to practice love by feeding the hungry and helping the poor. Others are hungering for acts of justice that move our society towards more equity and peace. Let us invite our neighbors, friends, co-workers, relatives. Let us invite them to join us as we grow in mercy, in faith, in love, and in the practice of justice. Are you ready to grow? Carmelo, Your Pastor
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Thanks to everyone who came out to support and work on our Fall Garden Day (Sunday, September 30).
Thanks to all the students who came to help from different area schools. Your presence gave us energy and strength to make it through the day! Thanks to the superstar helpers who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen - preparing the soil, purchasing plants, setting up the food and organizing volunteers for the event. You are the engine of this operation! We accomplished a lot. We doubled the size of our butterfly garden (area facing Ravensworth Rd.) and redid the main entrance garden. We also planted the gardens next to the side entrance and added mulch. Lastly, we took care of important maintenance items like trimming back shrubs, weeding and mulching. All in a day’s work! Make sure to slow down next time you enter Hope. You might be instantly impressed by the change. Still, you might wonder, where are all the flowers? We are creating a beautiful garden that also supports our local pollinator, insect and bird population in Annandale. With some patience and care we will reap the benefits of our hard work next year. So, make sure to come back around in the Spring to enjoy the flowers. I really appreciate everybody for taking care of this community. We are excited about how our church grounds are looking. We are not the only ones excited, as we noticed there are some butterflies already visiting us! Sincerest thanks, Rosaura (Rose) Conde Care For Creation |
AuthorHope Lutheran Church shares the love of God with Annandale and the surrounding community via the nonprofits we support and weekly worship services. ArchivesCategories |