The purpose of the Women of Hope organization is to help spread God's Word and love in the following ways:

G Growing in Faith
R Reaching Out with Love
A Aiding the Congregation
C Caring in the Community and World
E Encouraging Each Other

To accomplish this, Women of Hope commit themselves to:

• Come together for study, support and action
• Participate in the ministry of the Women of the ELCA beyond the congregation
• Financially support the programs of the Women of the ELCA
• Designate leadership that communicates with the synodical and church-wide organization
  

Meetings

Women of Hope meet at the church on the third Thursday of the month from September through May at 9:00 a.m. for light breakfast and business. Our meetings include fellowship, devotions, a program of inspiration/education, and updates on all our ongoing projects and events. Sign the narthex clipboards if you would like the $2.00 light breakfast, so the hostesses know how much to prepare.

In June, July and August we meet at a local restaurant for "Lunch Bunch". Check newsletter and media boards for details.

Future Programs

Annual Retreat

"Journey with Jesus" was the theme for the annual WoH retreat held at Luther Springs in Hawthorne, Florida March 23-25, 2010. The women participated in Bible study, fellowship, prayer, and a campfire sing along. There was time for reflection, games, and recreation. What is on the schedule for 2011? Don't miss out!

Participation

We have no membership lists. Any member or friend of Hope can participate in Women of Hope activities. We care, we contribute, we collect. To keep posted, check the weekly church newsletter , the narthex media boards, and the information hallway for displays about our current projects and activities. Donations for projects can be left in the information hallway. 

Information

You are welcome to take one of the folders about Women of Hope that are in the information hallway. The folder lists current officers, contact names for projects, and ongoing activities. Bible Studies are publicized in the newsletter and on the media boards. 

Circles

There are four active WELCA Circles at Hope. Ruth, Esther and Naomi meet once a month for the purpose of fellowship, Bible/Book study and prayer. Each group has a membership of about 12 women ... the recommended number. The Deborah Circle was organized in October 2009 and is a smaller circle which meets on the second Monday of each month at 1pm at the church -- contact Marge Hopkins for more information. We hope to organize additional groups as interest dictates.

Mission Projects

The Women of Hope recognize that our abilities are gifts from God and that we have the responsibility of using them to bring honor and glory to God. Through the years WOH have been involved in numerous mission projects - locally, nationally and internationality, as the following list and photos display. Whatever your gifts might be, there is a place for you in the Women of Hope. Come and share it with us.

Aluminum can pull tabs are collected for Shands Hospital Children Dialysis. Place your tabs in the collection basket located in the information hallway.

Campbell's Soup Labels are collected for school equipment. A collection envelope is located on the bulletin board in the information hallway. We also collect General Mills Box Tops for Education coupons. Coupons should be trimmed and deposited at the display in the information hallway.

Stamps(cancelled) to benefit Habitat for Humanity: leave donations in information hallway display. 

Cards for church members on the prayer list. The Women of Hope write and send cards to those members who are on the prayer list.

Fair Trade Coffee: In response to the difficulties faced by millions of small coffee farmers throughout the world, Lutheran World Relief launched the LWR Coffee Project, a way for Lutherans to take action to alleviate poverty in developing countries. Women of the ELCA has always been a strong partner with Lutheran World Relief, especially in the LWR Coffee Project. You can support this by buying coffee, chocolate and tea available in our display rack in the narthex. (For more information, click here)

Lutheran World Relief: Sweaters, Quilts, Needlework Kits and "Good Gifts" (goats) -- that's right, goats! A precious gift to enable families to earn a little money and feed their children. 

Pregnancy Center of Leesburg: volunteers work there and financial donations are made.

Shepherd's Lighthouse Inc: Facility for mothers and children in need. 

Hands of Mercy Everywhere: Facility for pregnant girls, mothers and newborns. 

Homewood Care Center Visitations: Visiting patients in the nursing care facility.

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries

The Villages Elementary School: Fund raisers have provided undies and snack packs for kids.

Craft Group: The Craft Group meets on Tuesdays at 9:00. They make Sojourn Bears that are given to cancer patients, They also make small cloth bears for children in emergency rooms, newborn caps for local hospitals knit caps for women who have lost hair due to cancer, tray favors for local nursing homes, and other projects. For more information, see Hope Crafters. 

Quilting Group: Quilters meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. All quilts are sent to LWR for distribution.

Knit for Kids Sweaters Project: Knit and crochet patterns in are in a 3-ring binder and yarn for you to take home are in information hallway. Sweaters are shipped to Guideposts for distribution where needed in the United States and around the world. We invite you to enlist in the army of women who knit and crochet to provide needy children around the world with warm, bright sweaters. Don't worry, if you aren't an expert...the patterns are simple. (Click here for directions).

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