News for the Week of August 28, 2025
A Note from Angela
This wasn’t the way I wanted to start this week’s newsletter, but the news of a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis means that we are once again grappling with the horrors of violence in the first days and weeks of a school year. As a former teacher, this brings me to my knees. Again. And the desecration of a holy space during worship — it’s a profane act. Again. As a mother facing unanswerable questions, this puts me at a loss. Again.
For those of you who find yourselves answering questions from your own children — or from your own grieving hearts, I have a few resources to share which may be of help.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Talking to Children about Community Violence
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting
PBS Kids: Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News and Sesame Street: Traumatic Experiences
Save the Children: 5 Tips for How to Talk to Children About School Shootings
There are many more resources, too, including mental health resources and tips for community safety on the ELCASchools website.
And if this event is triggering for you or someone you know, please reach out. Talking with someone can be the most important first step at a time like this. Pastor Randy is on call, and Pastor Scott will be back on Sunday. And the church staff is here for you.
Connect with Pr. Randy
Notes for the Week
The Church Offices will be closed on Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. We give thanks for all who work to make this a stable and secure society. As you celebrate Labor Day this weekend, here’s a prayer for us all:
Most holy God, we give you thanks for days of rest and rejuvenation at the end of our busy summer. We give you thanks for time with family and friends, in play and in rest. In our labors, our hustle and bustle, we thank you for the gift of vocation and the ability to use our talents and time in service to you and your creation. However, we acknowledge that not all work is fulfilling, not all coworkers are kind, not all jobs are safe or fair, and not all workers are fairly compensated.
Where we find injustice, help us to be your voice for justice.
Where we find disparity, help us to be your hands for fairness.
Where we find discrimination, help us to be your hearts for equity.
Use us, we pray, as your instruments. Help us to fight the sins of greed, oppression, and injustice in the workplace and in the world.
All this we ask in your name,
Amen.
A Note from Pastor Scott+
I just wanted you all to see your giving dollars at work in the hands of Lutheran Disaster Response. They work around the world and across our country, responding to disasters and supporting long-term recovery efforts. This publication highlights just some of the ways that your gifts and tithes allow the people of LDR to be the face of Christ in dire circumstances.
Thanks be to God!
This Week in Worship
See you in person or online! Click for the Livestream link.
Want to sponsor the flowers for someone you love? Click here!
Click for the weekly bulletin.
Weekly Calendar Highlights
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Pastor's Day Off
Pastor Scott out of office | Pastor Randy on call
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9am | Worship
10:15am | Fellowship Hour
10:30 am | Oktoberfest Meeting
Pastor Scott out of office | Pastor Randy on call
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Church Offices Closed for Labor Day
9pm - Anchor & Bulletin Deadline to communications@lchope.org
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10:30am | Text Study
6:00pm | Boy Scouts Meeting
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7 pm | Chancel Choir Rehearsal
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8:30am | Workout Group
10:30 am | Office Staff Meeting
7 pm | Cancer Care Support Meeting
LCHope Calendar
Click the link to see all of the events on the LCHope Calendar.
A Note from Kelly
The deadline for submissions to the Announcements Page and Newsletter is now 9 pm on Monday Evening. Thanks for your support!
Kelly Marsh, Director of Communications
Cancer Care Support Group
Thursday, September 4 | 7 pm
A support group for those with cancer, cancer survivors, and their caregivers. Join us!
Join the Choir!
If you've ever thought about joining the Chancel Choir but felt hesitant, now is the perfect time! Our Chancel Choir is looking for new members to share in the joy of music. We welcome all who sing, regardless of experience. This is a wonderful opportunity to build community and contribute to the Worship Service. Come to our first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 3rd from 7:00-9:00 in the Nave.
Underwrite Oktoberfest Expenses & Volunteer to Help!
Check out all of the opportunities to get involved!
In Our Prayers
From LCHope | Jane Guberud, Maxine Farley, Pastor Ted Asta, Holly Pederson, Lew Moir, Nancy McNally, Ross Hesebeck
Friends of LCHope | Cody Brevik (son of Lori Brevik), Cathy Paterson (friend of Vernon Jones & Shirley Ross-Jones), Darlene Cook (mother-in-law of Greg Lowe), Lou Bonaiuto (friend of Christi Martin), Sheila Latimer (mother of Dawn Ambrosio), Jessica Wyatt (partner of Andrew Rath), Aaron Dees (son of Ken and Diane Dees), Maxine McDonald (aunt of Barb Stevenson), Julie Engel (friend of Wanda Hidy), Mary Walsh (cousin of Anita Shockey)
Those Grieving | Susan Arcese and family at the death of her mother, Norma Koch; Rich Nelson & family at the death of Cleone Nelson
Those serving in the Armed Forces | Syan Kinder, Nathaniel Crask, Kevin Goettsche, Travis Marx, Andrew Adamson
Our Bishops | Synod Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, and Presiding Bishop-Elect Rev. Yehiel Curry.
Prayer Requests
To add a name to our prayer list, click the link below and fill out the form.
Please note, other than congregation members needing continuing prayers, names appear for two weeks unless notified. For information about any of our prayers, contact Marie Glover.
Gratitude & Generosity
Thank you LCHope for sharing and transforming faith, hopes, and lives through your generosity and presence at LCHope.
Worship on Aug 24, 2025:
124 in person and 29 screens online
Giving Recorded for Aug 18 -Aug 24, 2025:
$14,247.13 to the General Fund
$1,862.02 to Building Hope for the Future
Coming Soon
Coming Soon | Fall Anchor House Donation Drive
Click the link for more details!
Paul’s Life & Words | Bible Study
Begins on September 17
Worship & the Arts
Lector Training Begins
Lector Training Sundays 9/7 in the Epiphany Room at 10:30
Tell me more about Lectors!
Mark Your Calendars!
First rehearsal will be Sunday, September 7 at 10:15 am after worship.
Polish Your Skills — and Learn Some New Ones
No experience required! Check out all of the details below!
This Week in Photos
This week’s photos come from Oktoberfest 2024 — just to get you in the mood for next month’s fun!
Congregational Notes
Submissions: due no later than 9pm on Mondays to communications@lchope.org
IMPORTANT Calendar & Scheduling Note: Please schedule all meetings of ministry teams through the church office.
Take a Photo: As you hang out at LCHope and you see a 'something about hope' memory or moving moment, take a photo with your phone and send it to photos@lchope.org! Thank you!