November 22, 2009

For an electronic copy of the Spirit,

please log on to our website at:
www.hopelutherancranberry.org

The Spirit of

Dear Member of Hope:
As you may know from previous notes in the Spirit of Hope
and from things we have sent to you, we have introduced our
2010 campaign for the General Operating Budget and the
Building Campaign Fund. Our goals are:
 $350,000 for the General Operating Fund
 $150,000 for the Building Campaign Fund
People often ask me, “How much should I give?” Or,
“What’s the right amount to give?” The best answer I have
is to tell you to pray about your stewardship to the church.
You’ll know what’s right for you. We ask that you remember
there are ways to give of yourself through time and talent – in
addition to your financial commitment. God gives us many
avenues to follow in doing His work. You should feel
comfortable in giving an amount you believe is in keeping
with the rich blessings you receive in return.

To obtain our goals, we must rely on our membership. Rich blessings to you,
Without you, we cannot go forward with the same energy and
vibrancy that has been a hallmark at Hope for the past few
years. It is because of you, our faithful members that Hope Pastor Ron
continues to grow and do well. Your support means so much
to Pastor Rich and me. We hope that you will continue a
tradition of giving this Commitment Weekend.

I am hopeful that you will use our featured scripture passage

from Hebrews 12:1 to help inspire and guide you as you
consider your commitment: “Therefore, since we are
surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses … let us run
with perseverance the race that is set before us.” “Building a Foundation with Hope”
As a great witness of God, you are the key to helping us at Cottage Meetings:
Hope continue to spread His message through programming, Where We Were, Where We Are, & Where HOPE is Going
outreach and ministry. Please remember that on Commitment
Sunday, you are making an intended pledge to the upcoming You are invited to join Steve Smith and the Hope
campaign. From the time you submit your pledge to the time Building Committee on Thursday, December 10,
you begin to give, your financial situation may change. You
2009, at 7 p.m. or Sunday, December 13, 2009, at
are able to adjust your commitment at any time just by
notifying the church office. Your pledge provides us with 10 a.m. for more information regarding Hope’s
some of the parameters we need to establish the 2010 budget – future expansion project.
and that’s why it’s so important to give us an idea of what you
will dedicate to our work at Hope.

As we enter a new era of ministry at Hope, I lift up to you the

importance of pledging. Without pledges we are not able to
secure a loan. Our hope is that each family at Hope will make The Church Council minutes
a pledge, regardless of the amount. No pledge is too small.
are now available for member
Our goal is to achieve 100 percent commitment from our
members, and you can help us by providing your intended interest. If you would like to
pledge to us next weekend. receive a copy of the minutes,
please call the church office (724.776.3141) or
email the church to place your name on the
distribution list.
 Results from Hope’s Annual
Congregational Meeting:
During the offering this weekend, we would 2010 Budget Proposal:
like for you to come forward to present your 128 In Favor
offerings, pledge commitments, and/or
2 Against
yourselves at the altar!
3 Abstain
Constitution Changes:
125 In Favor

Christmas 2 Against
2 Abstain
Poinsettias Hope’s Newly Elected Council Members:
Yes, it is time once Dan Douglass, Marilyn Duke, Tim Kirsch, and
again to think about Dave Salsbury
ordering Christmas
poinsettias!

Members of Hope have long purchased the Pleasant Valley Shelter Christmas
poinsettia as a way to decorate the church in Dinner:
celebration of Christmas.
You may purchase a plant in honor of a special Just a reminder, we will once
person in your life or in memory of a loved one. again be collecting:
 Gloves
The signup sheet is located at the Welcome Table.  Hats
You may place your payment in the offering or send  Scarves
it to the church office. Checks should be made  Socks
payable to Hope Lutheran Church. Please wrap and mark what is in the
package, mark with size (if appropriate). We have a
Please specify Red or White. The cost is $7.25 for Christmas collection box located under the coat rack in
each plant. The last date to order is NEXT the Sunday school hallway.
Sunday, November 29, 2009. We ask that you wait
until after the Christmas Eve service to take yours We will also attempt to provide a very special dinner for
home. the men on December 20—menu pending.

Please remember to turn your cell phone

to “OFF” or “VIBRATE” only; if you
need to take a call, please exit the
sanctuary. and Sanctuary
Candles
If you would like to
honor or remember a
loved one…the new
REMINDER: 2010 posters for the
Altar Flowers &
10 minutes prior to service, the sanctuary is a place Sanctuary Candles are
of reflection and reverence. Thank you. behind the Welcome Table in the Narthex. Please
sign up today.
Christian Education Meeting
There will be a meeting on Tuesday, November 30
at 6:30 p.m. for ALL teachers and leaders. Please
RSVP to Donna Pfeiffer at
Donna.Pfeiffer@nrgenergy.com or 412.316.6476.
Sunday School News
Here is the schedule for the remainder of our year:
12.27.09 and 01.03.10 – Christmas Break
03.28.10 and 04.04.10 – Easter Break
05.23.10 – Last week of Sunday school
Christmas Program
We are planning our annual
program this year as a You are AWESOME!
combination of a reading of the
Nativity story along with many
Christmas carols. We need all of
our children to be a part of this
ministry. If you would like to
help, please contact Donna Pfeiffer at
Donna.Pfeiffer@nrgenergy.com or 412.316.6476.
Thank you for your support!
Nursery
For the safety of all children and
due to limited space, the Nursery
is limited to children under the
age of 5. Thank you for your
cooperation and understanding.
WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP:
NOVEMBER 29
DECEMBER 27
We need your help in the Nursery for any or all
of the Sundays listed above. Please call the
church if you would like to help: 724.776.3141.
The church office will be closed Thursday,
November 26 & Friday, November 27.
Enjoy the holiday with your family!
See you in service.
THANK YOU…to everyone who participated
in supporting the Samaritan Card Fundraiser. You
helped to raise $920 - whether you sold cards,
bought cards, or simply encouraged a youth to do
their part! All the proceeds will go toward our
upcoming mission trips.
Pastor Rich, Sheila Mack, and the Youth Committee
Our Sunday School Mission Project
for the Niagara/Smoky Mts. Youth Works
Mission received a BIG boost in our
November 1st collection. Thanks to your
generosity, $360 has now accumulated with
a split of $210 for Smoky Mountains and
$150 for Niagara. Thus far the classes with
the most contributions have been:
Oct. -- Grades 3 & 4 – The Soveks’ class
Nov. -- High School – Tim Reges &
Lisa Perdue
There is plenty of time to take
advantage of the 2 to 1 matching grant on all
monies remitted before the end of the year.
Although our project continues through
April 2010, to make our gifts multiply let’s
make our next collection on Dec. 6th record-
breaking! Envelopes are available in the
Narthex.
Blessings,
Yvonne Thickey,
Chairperson
HOPE'S HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
MINISTRY & RETREATS
January 8-9, 2010
Winter Retreat at Camp Lutherlyn!!!
Theme: “New Creation”
6:30p.m-3:00p.m
New Price $65! Friends welcome $75!
There's nothing like a winter overnight at our favorite
church camp in Prospect, PA! Grab your friends, a
snack to share, overnight stuff for camp and get ready
for an awesome spiritual experience in God's creation—
Lutherlyn style! Cost includes lodging, meals, program
material, and the chance of being snowed in at camp!
Snowball fights encouraged! Register at the welcome
table or email Aaron at aarondorondo@gmail.com
Hope Lutheran
Church mugs are on
sale: 1 mug for $6
and 2 mugs for $10!
Stop by the table in the
Narthex to pick one up today!
The Youth are selling them as
a fundraiser to help defray the
cost of various Youth Group activities and trips.
Thank you to the Youth and to the Youth Leaders
who volunteered this past weekend with Global
Links. What an amazing ministry to support!!
CANDY FOR OUR
TROOPS
Thanks to everyone for your help
and support in donating candy and other items to
send to our troops. Your donations were greatly
appreciated and we really appreciated your support
in helping us with our service project.
From: Kidz Klub and CHAOS
Parent Seminar:
Worries, Diets,
and Dread
What is normal adolescent behavior, and what
is cause for concern?
January 17, 2010
To register, call 724.776.3141 Presenter:
www.hopelutherancranberry.org Jennie Williams,
LPC
Christmas Giving Dinner
December 1st and 2nd Only
Freedom Square Diner will open its doors from
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a special Holiday dinner!
The proceeds from this special Christmas menu will
be donated to Gleaner’s Food Bank. Gleaner’s will
then provide Holiday meals for their ―clients.‖
Last year, this event resulted in a
$3000 donation to the food bank!
For more information, stop by the Welcome Table
and check out the flyer on the bulletin board.
 Hope’s Dinner Group—is going to The
Kaufman House in Zeli on Friday, December 11,
2009, at 6:30 p.m. Call Paul Wunderlin for more
information (724.713.4722 or 724.775.1977).
“Diners, Drive-Ins,
& Dives!”
The next fellowship for the
―Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives‖
Dinner Group will be meeting at
Alan Krohe’s home (163
Pinehurst Drive) in Cranberry on Saturday, December
12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. Join us for a night of Christmas
carols and enjoying the holiday spirit! Please bring an
appetizer or dessert to share. If you are interested in
attending, contact Alan Krohe (724.272.1916) or
akrohe@earthlink.net.
The Angel Tree is
coming…
The Season of Giving is approaching. Look for
our tree in the narthex the weekend of
November 28th/29th. We will again be supporting
the children and mothers at VOICe. Take an
angel and be a special person in a child or
mother’s life.
Contact Diana Munn (724) 272-1459 with any
questions.
Are you ready for
Kidz Klub?
Next Meeting:
December 13
4 to 6 p.m.
Calling all 1st – 5th graders! Everyone loves a party –
and we are having a party for Jesus!! Games, dinner and
LOTS OF PARTY FUN! You won’t want to miss this
one – and bring a friend!! Contact Diana Munn for more
information, drmunn@yahoo.com or 724-742-3868.
CHAOS
(Christ Has All Our Solutions)
Next Meeting Date:
December 13
Time:
6 to 8 P.M.
Grades 6 – 8 and their friends are
invited to join us for our monthly
gatherings. What are we all
about? We are about making friends, having a ton of
fun and learning how to follow Jesus. Join us each
month at Hope Lutheran Church. . . You won’t want to
miss it! Anything can happen here! Dinner included.
Sign up at the Welcome Table or RSVP to Karen
Johanknecht, karens@johanknecht.com
CHAOS Service Project:
“Light-Up Night at Passavant”
December 6, 2009
From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
(We will meet at Hope Church.)
Youth are welcome to bring their families, but it is
not required. We hope you can join us to help spread
some Christmas cheer this holiday season!
Please notify the church office if continued prayer is still desired.
Prayers will be listed for one month. Austin Ridge: Iraq; nephew of Bill Ridge
Jason job loss; friend of Tina Kramer Anthony Cerrone: Afghanistan; Nancy’s nephew
Lary Gilbert recovering at home Dean Weimer: Afghanistan; son of Larry and Linda
Dillan diagnosed with Leukemia (11 yrs.); Paul Jimmy Martin: Iraq; Alyson Morrissey
Wunderlin’s nephew
Randy Newson prostate cancer; Martha Klein's son-in law
Debbie Whitlock colon cancer/chemo; Joy West’s cousin
Brady Randall
Chris
5 weeks premature; Jamie & Jessica Randall
breast cancer; colleague of Dave Salsbury
ATTENDANCE & OFFERING:
Greg CHF (24 yrs. old); Jon & Jane Graf and Joan & November 14 & 15 Services
Dave McConahy
Josh Steele heart attack (23 yrs. old); acquaintance of Mary Attendance Income
Louise Mallow 5:00 Saturday: 60 Operating Income: $6,314.37
Kevin Conrad oral cancer; Tina Kramer& Diana Munn 9:00 Sunday: 195 Expansion Fund: $1,617.61
Eric Kline health concerns; from Dave Salsbury 11:00 Sunday: 69
Molly Banas recovery
Greg Stewart prostate cancer; Kurt & Karen Johanknecht Total: 324 Total: $7,985.98
Dick Sturman CHF; Jojo Drutarosky’s father
Adelle kidney failure Sunday School
Hazel Harrison stroke & knee pain; Michelle West’s Attendance: 117
Grandmother
Annette lyeoma (rare cancer); Alan Krohe’s sister
Offerings: $45.00
Harry Brunck terminal cancer
Gladys Brandt Judy Aiken’s mother
Keith Horton cancer; Kim Sainiak’s father
Mary Dedek health concerns; Pat Whigham’s mother
Phil Musick congestive heart failure; Kristi Miller’s dad
Jacob McCullough emotional healing
Pam Corzine health concerns; Fran Harbison’s daughter
Paul colon cancer; Nancy Keller’s father
Alex Brown H1N1 & other health issues; Marcia Salsbury
Wanda meningitis, Mary Jean Krohe’s sister-in-law
Gracie
Mary Lou
type I diabetes; Melanee Killian’s niece
friend of the Vogel’s “Hope’s Helpers”
Mollie Ginny Hill’s mother …needs your Help!
Martha Antal stroke: husband, Andy Antal
Lisa Martin leukemia
Steven McConahy broken collar bone; John & Jane’s Graf’s grandson What: We are going to decorate King - Sized
Joe Platt brain tumor pillowcases in Christmas theme for Childrens’ Hospital.
Chuck Olsen Michele West’s uncle
Marie Teets cancer When: Friday December 11, 9:00 - 11:00 am.
Cleo DeFiore cancer
Peg Ernst cancer
Bonnie Patterson cancer Who: Anyone who wants to eat cookies, decorate
Barb Fauth M.S. pillowcases and listen to Christmas carols.
Andy & Libby recurring illness
Grant Rowe anemic; Cathy Whitaker’s dad
Dale Wagenknecht speedy recovery; Karen Johanknecht’s father
Please bring - if you can - a pre-washed king sized
Richard Kluczowski friend of Darlene Black pillow case. Also - if you like - bring along things to
Kara (Thompson) Hawk lung cancer; Cathy Whitaker decorate the pillowcases. Supplies will be provided for
all to use.
Michael Hilf and Family
Donna Pfeiffer’s mother
Diane Koegler’s mother The following are the guidelines from CHP:
Lori McMunn’s niece
Jason & Natalie Menzl “We have found non-toxic fabric crayons, non-toxic fabric
Marilyn Duke brush markers or acrylic paints brushed on work well. Puffy
Roxane Crosby paints may be used only if brushed on. (If squirted on, puffy
Nicole Venuto
Jim Tolbert paints may peel off and become a choking hazard). Even with
Zita painting pillow cases, safety is our priority.”
Maddie, Alex, Brittany, and Erin for God’s healing
If you cannot attend - but would like to help, donations
of pre-washed pillowcases would be appreciated.
Women’s Bible Study:
Please remember that we will
NOT be meeting on Thursday,
November 26 or Friday,
November 27.
Have a wonderful
Thanksgiving holiday!!
VOICe News
Dear Friends and Supports of VOICe,
Victim Outreach Intervention Center is so fortunate
to be located in such a caring community. Many of
you have asked how you can help with gifts as the
Holiday Season approaches. Some suggestions are
as follows:
We can email you a general wish list that we
know adults and kids always ask for. The
list has been updated to reflect current
requests especially by our teens and
children.
You can request to A`dopt a Family. VOICe
will provide you a family, a single woman
or a single man that utilizes our services. We
will give you the gender and ages of the
children and a wish list of items they have
requested. The lists are suggestions and you
do not need to fill every item on the lists.
You can donate gift cards from local stores,
restaurants, gas stations, phone cards, etc.
Just send us an email with any questions and or
requests to margie@voiceforvictims.com. Thanks
for your interest in helping our families.
Sincerely,
The Staff of VOICe
P.S. – We can also provide suggestions to those
who have called asking specifically to buy items for
the shelter. As you know, we operate as a large
household and are always in need of keeping our
house supplied with items that make a house a
home.
Passavant Retirement Community
Christmas Gifts for Assisted Living
Residents
Could you give one gift this year and make this holiday
special for someone with limited means? We have
compiled a list of items that our Assisted Living
residents at Passavant Retirement Community (PRC)
could use:
• Tray Tables- especially needed.
• Hand creams
• Deodorants
• Slippers – sock-type with tread
• Socks – Ladies’ and Men’s
• Bathrobes
• Sweatshirts - Men’s Medium and Large
• Sweat pants-Men’s Medium and Large
• T-shirts- Men’s Medium and Large
• Better quality perfumes
• Ladies’ feminine styles (with pretty designs) jog
suits Medium and Large
• Women’s cardigan sweaters- Medium and Large
• Kleenex or other strong, soft, brand name tissues
• Steelers stuff- sweatshirts, t-shirts
We ask that the items are new and wrapped (except tray
tables!) Please mark on the package with a removable
tag, what is inside and the size. OR… Don’t like
shopping or wrapping? Here’s another way to give.
Consider Shop-n-Save, WalMart or Passavant
Retirement Community gift certificates of $10-25.
Passavant’s gift certificates are available in our Main
Street cashier’s office and can be used by the resident for
our beauty shop, bus trips, gift shop, and snack shop.
Gifts may be taken to the Volunteer Office or dropped
off at the receptionist desk in the main building at
PRC to the attention of the Outreach Office. Please
call 724.453.5414 with any questions.
Thank you for thinking of our residents.
 GLORIOUS
CHRISTMAS
MUSIC 2009 Advent and Christmas Schedule
of Special Services:
Here is a great
chance to block an November 29: 1st Sunday in Advent
evening on your calendar for some great Christmas
choral music! The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale's December 6: 2nd Sunday in Advent
“GLORIA" program is as good as you'll find this 3:30 pm - CHAOS Service Project
season.
December 12: Saturday
Come "Home for the Holidays," hear the harp and 10:00 am - Decorating the Parish
organ, join in carol sing-along's, and listen to a little 3:00 pm - Youth Group at Heinz Hall
"Jingle Bell Rock." In contrast, enjoy a beautiful for the “Messiah”
rendition of the Benjamin Britten "Ceremony of
Carols!" December 13: 3rd Sunday in Advent
Cookie Walk
Concerts will be performed at United Methodist
December 15: Tuesday
Church in Franklin Park on Friday Dec. 4 at 8:00
p.m. and Sunday Dec. 6 at 4:00 p.m., and at Fox 6:00 pm - “Drop-In” for Ministry
Chapel Presbyterian Church on Saturday Dec. 5 at Appreciation Night
8:00 p.m.
December 19: Saturday
General admission tickets are $16, students 12/over 5:00 pm - Live Nativity
$8, kids 11/under free.
December 20: 4th Sunday in Advent
You can reserve tickets from Christiane Majeski: 6:45 pm - Pleasant Valley Shelter
e-mail at ch.majeski@comcast.net or phone her at Christmas Dinner
724-371-0012.
December 24: Christmas Eve Services
4:00 pm - Family Service with Holy
Communion, Children’s Sermon,
Clean Up Day: Blessing of the Nativity, & Carols
7:00 pm - Service of Light with Holy
What a great job!!
Communion, Full Liturgy, Choir, &
Thank you to everyone
who joined together to Carols
make Hope more beautiful! 11:00 pm - Proclamation of Christ’s
Birth with Holy Communion, Full
Liturgy, Special Music, & Carols

COMING SOON: December 27: Service of Lessons & Carols

**The Church Office will be closed:

Special Speaker Series from
December 24, 25, 28, 31, & January 1.
Thiel College in January!!

Monday, January 11, 18, & 25, 2010

 JUNIOR HIGH WINTER RETREAT
Friday, January 29, 2010
from 7:00 pm until
Sunday, January 31, 2010 at noon

at

Theme: Survivor
Topic: Choices

Cost per person: $75

Includes lodging for 2 nights and 4 meals—breakfast,
lunch, and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.
Includes members of Hope and regular attenders of the
Junior High Youth Group; cost per friend is $90.

Deadline to Register: December 28, 2009

Contact the church (724.776.3141) for more information or sign up

at the Welcome Table in the Narthex.