THE HOPEWELL HERALD
February 2012
“The Church on the Hill”
Hopewell Presbyterian Church
548 W 100 N Franklin, Indiana 46131
Pastor Brad Moger’s information: pastorbrad@hopewellpc.org (317-494-8461)
Pastor Brad’s Letter
February 2012
Greetings Hopewell Family,
As we work our way through winter, I pray that you are staying warm and safe, and that God
is filling your lives with his peace, joy and purpose. As we remember the blessings of
Christmas we know that our savior has come to bring joy to the world … through us.
In order for God to use us to be a blessing to others, we do need to stay close to God, and
let Him guide our lives. That principle is one reason we are working through our current
Sermon Series at Hopewell, “There’s An APP for That!” We are taking several weeks to
consider specific lessons from God’s word that are only useful if WE apply those lessons to
our lives. I’ll say a little more about the Series in a moment, but I want to particularly
thank Bill Liverett for all his efforts to record the Sermon at Hopewell each week and then
post it to our website. I encourage you to take the time to listen to any sermon that you
miss … God might have some specific word of comfort, challenge, or insight just for you, and
now those words are just a ‘click’ away. Thanks Bill, Mark and Howard.
In the first week of the Series we focused on James 1:22-25, where God tells us to “be
doers of the word, not merely hearers …” Applying the lesson of scripture makes all the
difference – or said another way “Application is everything”. As one of you said to me “Paint
that sits in a bucket doesn’t do any good to protect a house – It has to be applied!” It’s the
same way with God’s word and our lives. I have chosen five major teachings of God’s Word
that can deeply affect our lives if we apply them.
So in week two we considered the “APP” of Forgiveness. Taking a look at Romans 12:17-21,
we considered the command to “overcome evil with good” – to choose the path of
forgiveness. If you struggle with holding grudges, that would be a good message to listen to.
The next APP in our series was Confession, learning to break the power of the secret sin or
the untold story. Confession is God’s way of inviting us to ‘real change’ wherever our lives
really need to change.
As we move into February we will consider three other Life APPS: Rest, Trust &
Encouragement. I hope you can join us!
As a final word, I want to thank and honor all who are serving in leadership positions this
year. We are glad to welcome John Ditmars back on the Session, and Debbie Jones as a new
Elder in our midst. Please pray for them and for all the Elders & Deacons as they hold key
leadership positions. May God lead us all to Do and Be what He wants us to be, not more and
nothing less. The Session in particular cherishes your prayers for us to discern what new
initiatives God might have for Hopewell this year.
In Jesus’ Love,
Pastor Brad
Mission News
The King’s Daughters Circle and others support a missionary in Turkey, Ron Coody, with
prayer. Good news has been received from him. Ron and his family moved to a new part of
Istanbul six years ago, before it had even become an official municipality. They were the
only Americans and have worked diligently to bring in Believers.
After sharing their faith, holding meetings in homes and tea houses and asking God to open
more doors for evangelism and church growth, a new Turkish church has become a reality.
A month ago when the pastor went to the newly rented ministry center, he found a large
chain and pad-lock on the door with an official government seal forbidding entry. The
government did not want the church. After much praying and petitioning the government,
God opened the door and the seal came off. This Sunday the new congregation will meet for
the first time. Praise God.
***
"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car."
— Billy Sunday
Trustee News
Trees were removed from the church and the manse. Paul Harsch and his sons split most of
it. Stan and Cameron Poe cut and split wood and stacked it for the Mogers.
Fairhaven Christian Church took all the wood that we did not want. They have a ministry to
those who cannot afford to buy wood.
The upstairs bathroom at the manse now has a new shower and the new shower curtain was
installed this past week. The Mogers are now able to shower upstairs. We have Paul Harsch
and his “One Thumb Construction and Woodsplitting Company” to thank for that. Paul
mashed his thumb while splitting the wood and we are thankful it wasn’t more serious.
Thank you, Paul, for all your work.
Deacon News
Italian dinner for February 19th .
For 2012, each Deacon has a “mission” that he/she oversees.
Communion – Donna Harsch
Dinner main Dish – Mindy Shaw, Katrina Browning
Dinner – Activities – Michelle Plummer
Dinner set up – Ron Kelsay, Shelly Dougherty, Linda Mink
Dinner clean up – George Dow, Lily Dow
Helping Hands/Hospital Visits – Darci Wertz, Moyne Tackett
Supplies – Lynn Mathena
King’s Daughters Circle
The King’s Daughters Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:30 p.m. at church. The
study will be about John the Baptist. There will be a guest speaker to inform us of a local
mission cause that we might serve through Johnson County Services. All ladies of the
church are invited.
We are supporting, with food and encouragement, a ministry to inner city boys in
Indianapolis at this time. Achieve International is a not for profit, non-denominational
Christian organization that was started to promote and spread the amazing love story of
Jesus Christ to teenagers in urban areas. A large part of their methodology is concerned
with stopping violence and promoting Christ centered upward mobility amongst
disadvantaged youth. Four core areas are: RELIGION (anger management and Bible studies)
GANG INTERVENTION (replacing the gang community with a Christ Centered one)
ACADEMICS (tutoring and helping kids achieve academic success) COMMUNITY (peer and
mentor accountability). Their MISSION: Transforming the lives of urban youth through
Faith and Education! We are dedicated to supplying food and encouragement once a month.
If this mission appeals to you and you would like to help-- contact: Esther Gelfius, Carol Poe
or Melinda Frazier. Watch the bulletin board for information about our international
contact with a missionary in Turkey. We support his ministry with prayer.
Men’s Lenten Breakfasts
Presbyterian men have had Lenten breakfasts for more than 35 years and have shared with
about 6 churches in the area throughout the years. We look forward to a full schedule this
year.
Here is a listing for the Breakfasts this year so far. Attend one or all, all men are invited.
I will fill in the blanks as I hear from the other churches.
February 25, 2012__Hopewell
March 3, 2012___
March 10, 2012__Franklin
March 17,2012__
March 24, 2012__
March 31, 2012__Greenwood
April 7, 2011__
For our Hopewell breakfast, the time is 7:30 a.m. Mark Myers is arranging the meal, Peter
Jessen is speaking and Fred, and I, and his quartet are doing the music and program.
Come join us for good fellowship. Yours in Christian Brotherhood, Bill Liverett
Music News
Through the generosity of a member of our congregation, we have acquired a set of hand
bells for children. Amanda Meyer has graciously agreed to direct this choir. Children 4
years old and older may participate. They must know their colors. We are looking forward
to their first presentation on Easter Sunday. They will practice on Sunday morning. If you
are interested, please contact Amanda at amandaclarameyer@gmail.com
Jr. Church News
Our children have enjoyed learning about Paul and his journeys. They share with us each
Sunday morning in the main service and then go to their Jr. Church room. Each Communion
Sunday they will remain with us as Jennifer Doty brings them a children’s sermon.
Youth News
The high school youth group will meet on February 12th after church at the Mogers. Please
bring a sack lunch. Meeting will be until 2 p.m. The schedule will be to meet every other
week, so the next meeting will be February 26.
New Members Class forming
Pastor is forming a class for March. Please contact him if you are interested in joining.
Prayer Requests
Ben Kramer(mouth cancer)
Bill Frankel(kidney transplant)
Cara Kelsay(Grandparents Steffey)
Rev. Danny & Kacey Whitson(Fred B.)
Kelsey Hawkins(brain tumor)
Teresa Clark(lung tumor)
Cathy Zeiner(cancer)
Rev. Wayne Smith(wife died)
All who suffer from alcohol and substance abuse
Sandy Jarvis
Charles Henderson and family
Poynter Families
Jerry Kittle
Kaleb Buck
Carrie Kittle
Pat Zehr
Steve Morris (coma) (Brad)
Praises
Chris (Geneva’s grandson) survived a very serious traffic accident.
Prayer requests from fellow believers:
Anti-Human Trafficking:
24-Hour Prayer and Worship Event
7 p.m., Friday, February 3
through
7 p.m., Saturday, February 4
Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church
3100 W. Stones Crossing Road
Greenwood, IN 46143
Join us as we learn about the problem of human trafficking in the state
of Indiana and around the world. Engage with other believers in prayer
and worship to see victims of human trafficking set free and restored.
Hear God speak to us on how we can take action to stop the injustice of
human trafficking. Join us for a few hours or the whole event!
Donations of drinks and snacks warmly appreciated.
Bill and Carolyn Ann Woods of Franklin will celebrate their 60th wedding
anniversary on February 10th, 2012.
Mr. Woods and his wife, the former Carolyn Ann Swain, were married
February 10, 1952, in the Lizton Christian Church, Lizton, Indiana.
He is semi-retired from farming and she is semi-retired from the
Johnson County Public Library. The couple has three daughters: Connie
(husband, Glenn) McAlpin of Franklin, Cindy Greer of Franklin and
Catherine (husband, John) Shergi of Shelbyville. They have four
grandchildren: Jennifer McAlpin, Michael Greer, Stephanie Greer and
Nikolai Shergi.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM YOUR CHURCH FAMILY!
Worship and Pulpit
Missionaries--Heralds of the Cross--our February theme.
Missionaries spread the Gospel of Grace to people calling for help in their hunger,
privations, emptiness, unrest, and weariness of sin.
Acts 1:8 Witness.......to the ends of the earth. Matt. 10 (Jesus called His disciples)
Matt. 28: 18,19 Go ye....teach all the nations.
After one comes to Christ the next step is going into the world for Him. Missionaries and
laypersons need:
1. Knowledge of the Bible and mission challenges.
2. A heart that is converted to the needs of others.
3. Hands: enlightened minds and caring hearts that think of ways to raise funds.
4. Pockets converted: any amount can help, any idea is worthy of discussion.
5. Knees are humbled in intercession for those working to spread the message of the
Saviour's love
6. Knees are humbled in intercession for those experiencing oppression
7. Feet are converted to carry some into the field to work as our representatives, our
substitute. We support them with our prayers and gifts as we work together with them in
the Great Commission.
During February, let's investigate our ideas and possibilities as Heralds of the Cross.
Presbyterian Ponderings
Monday I must make a salad for Circle Number Ten,
Tuesday’s Bible Study—It’s our turn to serve again.
Wednesday night is Prayer Meeting, We’re in charge of chili.
Children’s Choir on Thursday—“Please send cookies down with Willie.”
Friday’s Women’s Meeting—I’ll take chocolate cake.
Saturday—must order doughnuts-- For post-sermon coffee break.
Sunday Eve. is W.F. They’ve begged for pizza pie.
And although you see me smiling, There’s more than meets the eye.
Because when day is over, I drop on bended knee.
I lift my voice toward heaven and pray most fervently:
“O Saint Peter up above, Those Golden Gates make wide,
So that paunchy Presbyterians can someday squeeze inside.”
Website News
Have you visited our church website recently? There have been some changes to it. If you
open the Calendar, and click on a past Sunday date, in most cases you will see an audio
recording of that Sunday's sermon. If you select that recording it will be played for you.
The quality of this recording has been enhanced by a new digital recorder. Mark Meyers and
Howard Krapf have manned the sound system and have done well in producing the raw
recordings. I have edited them and placed the file on the site. Sandy Ditmars has done a
great job creating the access to these recordings. They are archived on the media page of
the website. If you want to listen to a sermon from a previous month, they are available.
Our combined effort has led to your listening pleasure. If you miss a Sunday service, or just
want to hear again what Pastor Brad or another presenter has given, you can follow the
above steps to do so.
Bill Liverett.
Birthdays for February
Bev Doty
Maggie Doty
Tamara Green
Abigail Henderson
Austin Hendley
Howard Krapf
Jacque Hudson
Joe Hudson
Steve Leser
Cody Magar
Allison Mathena
Lynn Mathena
Pat Stevens
Sarah Setchell
Ross Shilts
Jack Tearman
Cole Van Horn
Ruth Walters
Heather Washburn
Halle Wertz
Richard Wertz
Announcements: From Debbie Myers: I have to close out the Discover Indy
(formerly known as ZooBooks) book fund Monday, February 6th. We still
have LOTS of books left, and I'd like to encourage everyone to think about
purchasing one of them this week, or Sunday. They are such a good deal, and
take very little effort on our part to bring in a little extra $$$ for the
church. They are $25.00. You can pick them up in the church office.
Newsletter/Herald Updates
Please send Sharon (hopewellchurch@juno.com) newsletter items throughout
the month. If you have any pictures or newsworthy items, please share. As
members of the Hopewell family, we would love to hear your news or
updates.
Sandy Ditmars will now be updating our web page monthly. If you have a
meeting, etc. you would like on the web calendar, please email Sandy at:
ditmars4@embarqmail.com
If you are interested in being a greeter or liturgist or providing
flowers, please see the sign up sheets on the board in the side
sanctuary room.
FEBRUARY 22, 2012