Calendar of Events for This Week

Monday
- Knitting & Crochet ministry, 2 PM

Tuesday
- Men's Bible Study/Ellijay, 9 AM, Mike's Restaurant
- Ladies Bible Study, 12:15

Wednesday
- Food Pantry, 8 AM-1 PM
- Choir rehearsal, 6 PM

Thursday 
- Quilters, 10 AM
- Co-ed Bible Study, 2 PM


ANNOUNCEMENTS

2026 Annual Report
The 2025 Annual Report of the Congregation has been distributed by email to Hope members. Printed copies are available in the narthex. The document covers the ministries and activities of Hope Church this past year and a proposed budget for our next fiscal year, which began September 1st.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Our 2026 Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held today following the worship service. We’ll hear reports from the President of the Congregation, the Treasurer, and the Pastor, and we’ll vote on approving the Annual Report, the Treasurer’s Report, the Budget for 2025, and the new Council members who have been nominated to serve on next year’s Council – June Edgemon, Karie Rench, and Shela Huff. Council members who are stepping down are Ann Buehler, Billy Huff, and Doris Goplin. We thank them for their service to our congregation. After the meeting, please join us for a time of fellowship in Founders Hall.

Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis of Assisi is recognized as the patron saint of animals. Many Christians mark the feast of St. Francis of Assisi – October 6th – by having their pets blessed. We will again be hosting a Blessing of the Animals here at Hope on the following day, Saturday, October 7th, at 10 AM. You're invited to bring your pets that day and participate. We'll gather under the drive-through at the front entrance. There will be treats for the pets and a snack table for the proud owners! We'll publish this in the Jasper and Ellijay newspapers and invite the larger communities! Come join us!

Calling All Crafters, Knitters, Quilters, Woodworkers & More! Our Craft Sale will be held in conjunction with Hope’s annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 24th. Please have your handcrafted items ready and placed in the designated “Craft Room” downstairs by Sunday, October 11th. This will give our volunteers plenty of time to price, organize, and set up all the wonderful creations for the sale. Volunteers will also be needed on October 24th, so please mark your calendars and plan to lend a hand if you can! For questions Contact Bev Hiscox.

Christmas Appeal and Bike Blessing
As in recent years past, our community Christmas gift appeal this year will be held throughout October to support our local American Legion Christmas Toy Ride. We're looking for unwrapped toys with a minimum price of $10 for boys and girls aged birth to 14 years. Cash gifts will be gladly accepted! Make checks to Hope Lutheran Church with "Toy Ride" on the memo line. Our Evangelism Team and Men's Group are going to host a Blessing of the Bikes (and Bikers) on Saturday, November 7th to kick off the Toy Ride and deliver your gifts to prepare for the Legion Christmas party. Please know how much the folks at the Legion appreciate your generosity for the sake of the children in our community! Boxes for toys will be set up in our narthex to receive these gifts.

A Quick Reminder
As you wrap up your meeting or activity in the church, please take a moment to make sure the lights are turned off and the doors are securely locked as you leave. Thank you for helping us care for our church home!

Pastor Paula’s Office Hours & Contact information
Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – After Choir Practice Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: Day Off
— If you have an emergency, please call. Saturday: Working from Home

Pastor Paula wants everyone to know that she is available when needed. Please feel free to reach out to her outside of regular office hours for pastoral needs or emergencies. Phone: 865-719-1292
Email: Pastor.elca.ellijay@gmail.com