🕘 Office Hours & Notary Services
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Notary services are available during office hours. Please call ahead to confirm availability. Call 863‑324‑6382 to schedule an appointment with Maria M. Román.
Hope Church News & Announcements
🌸 2026 Flower Calendar The 2026 Flower Calendar is now available in the Narthex on the green stand. Flower Arrangement: $75. Please sign up and complete a green form. If you are unable to pick up a form, please contact the Church Office for assistance.
🌸 Chancel Flowers Celebration 🌸
The Chancel Flowers this Sunday are given to the glory of God in celebration of the installation of our new pastor, Pastor “K”. As a congregation, we give thanks for God’s guidance and faithfulness throughout this journey and rejoice as we officially welcome Pastor K to the Hope Church family. This special occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life and ministry of our church, and we look forward to the leadership, fellowship, and spiritual growth that lie ahead. May these flowers serve as a beautiful reminder of God’s abundant blessings and his continued work among us. Please join us in praying for Pastor K, our church leaders, and our entire congregation as we move forward together in faith, service, and love. “The Lord will guide you always.” Congratulations and a heartfelt welcome to Pastor K on this joyous milestone! 💐
🕊️ In Loving Memory of Lambert Akers 🕊️
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Lambert Akers on September 1, 2026. Please keep Betty Akers, David Akers, and their family in your prayers during this time of loss. May they find comfort in God’s love, strength in the support of family and friends, and peace in the promise of Christ’s eternal care. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 💜
🙌 Next New Members on September 13th
Ready to take the next step and become part of the Hope family? Join Pastor K for a 4-week New Members Class designed to help you learn more about our church, our mission, and ways to get connected. When: Sundays Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Duration: 4 Weeks Register Today! Text “JOIN” to 863-563-2494. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you discover all that God has in store for you at Hope Church!
🙏 Prayer List Information
If you would like to add or remove a name, please contact a member of the Prayer Group or Maria in the church office. Thank you for allowing us to pray with and for you.
⭐ Vote for Our Next Website Spotlight Volunteer!
As we honor Steve for last month, it is also time to begin recognizing another deserving member of our church family. Help us select our Volunteer of the Month for September by submitting your nomination. How to Vote: Vote in Person: Write your nominee’s name on a slip of paper and place it in the voting box located on the front table in the Narthex. 💻 Vote Online: Scan the QR code on the voting form and submit your nomination electronically. Every volunteer who contributes their time, talents, and energy helps make our church a welcoming and vibrant place of worship. Thank you for helping us recognize and celebrate those who faithfully serve our congregation. Your participation ensures that the dedication of our volunteers is appreciated and remembered.
📖 Bible Study Fellowship
Join Pastor K for Scripture study, discussion, and fellowship. When: First and Last Tuesday of each month. Next Bible Study: Tuesday, September 29th, Time: 10:30 AM. Location: Sanctuary Sunset Room Bring your Bible and a notebook. All are welcome! Sign Up: Text 863-563-2494
📺 We’re on YouTube!
Hope Church now has an official YouTube channel! Subscribe to Hope Church Winter Haven to stay connected with worship services, special events, inspiring messages, and church updates. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with family and friends! Subscribe here: https://youtube.com/@hopechurchwinterhaven?si=yVZrjI7YAsheKNtq
Pastor “K” Rev. Kundan Nasir Installation Service & Celebration Banquet
Join us this Sunday, September 13 at 4:00 PM as we gather with the Tampa Bay Presbytery to celebrate the official installation of our new pastor, Pastor K. This special service marks an important milestone in the life of Hope Church as we give thanks to God for His guidance and blessings. Following the installation service, everyone is invited to enjoy a delicious Banquet Dinner as we continue the fellowship and rejoicing together. This promises to be a meaningful and memorable day in the life of our church family, and we hope you will make plans to attend. ✨ All glory and honor to God as we celebrate this exciting new chapter at Hope Church!
📦 KidsPack Ministry Update
A heartfelt thank you to the 36 volunteers who helped launch our 2026-2027 KidsPack ministry! Together, volunteers unpacked food, set up packing stations, and packed 650 meals for local students. Thank you for sharing your time and talents to help us share Christ’s love in our community. This year, KidsPack will serve students at Eagle Lake Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, South Pointe Elementary, and Garden Grove Elementary. Need a delivery volunteer! If you have a large vehicle and would be willing to assist with Thursday deliveries, please contact Caroline Kaiser at (863) 241-5653. Upcoming Packing Dates. Friday, October 30: 9:00 a.m. to Noon (Unpacking) Saturday, October 31: 9:00 a.m. to Noon (Setup) Sunday, November 1: Following the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Thank you for supporting KidsPack! The Mission Committee.
🍬 Halloween Candy Donation
It’s that spooky time of year again! We’re collecting individually wrapped Halloween candy for our Trunk or Treat event on October 24. Donations can be dropped off at the church office or in the collection bucket located in the sanctuary. Thank you for helping make this a fun and memorable event for our children and community!
🏠 Room Reservations & Newsletter Submissions
Need to reserve a room at the church? Please contact Maria Roman at maria@hopepreswh.org or call the church office. If you send information for inclusion in the Hopeline and do not receive a response from Maria by Thursday, please follow up to ensure your request has been received. Thank you for helping us keep everyone informed!
💻 Laptop Donation Request for Fellowship Hall Announcements
As we continue to improve communication and keep our congregation informed, the church is seeking a donated laptop to be used for displaying daily announcements, upcoming events, prayer requests, ministry updates, and other important information in the Fellowship Hall. A dedicated laptop would help us provide timely announcements before and after worship services, during fellowship gatherings, and at special church events. This technology will serve as a valuable tool in keeping our church family connected and informed about all that God is doing through the ministries of our congregation. Please contact the church office if you are interested in donating or would like additional information.
🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of Care, Support, and Community 🎉
The Grief & Loss Support Group is delighted to celebrate five years of serving and supporting the Winter Haven community. Join us for a special recognition gathering on Wednesday, September 23, at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor as we reflect on our journey, honor those who have participated in and supported this ministry and look forward to the future. Guests will enjoy cake, coffee, water, and fellowship while connecting with the group’s founding members and friends. We are also excited to share a special announcement as we unveiled a new name for the group, marking an inspiring new chapter in our ministry. All members and friends of Hope Church are warmly invited to attend. Come celebrate God’s faithfulness, hear stories of hope and healing, and help us thank the many individuals who have supported our mission over the past five years. 📞 Please RSVP to Karen Duplisea by phone or text at 207-356-6857. We look forward to celebrating with you! 💜
📚 Hope’s Book Club Returns!
After a relaxing summer recess, Hope’s Book Club is excited to resume our monthly gatherings on Monday, September 14. We invite all book lovers, and anyone interested in engaging conversation to join us as we discuss our September selection, The Daughters of Yalta by Catherine Grace Katz. This fascinating historical work explores the lives and experiences of the daughters of three world leaders who accompanied their fathers to the historic Yalta Conference during World War II. It promises to be a thought-provoking discussion filled with insights, fellowship, and shared perspectives. 📅 Date: Monday, September 14 🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Parlor. Whether you have read the book cover to cover or are simply interested in joining a welcoming group for meaningful discussion and fellowship, you are warmly invited to attend. New members are always welcome! For additional information or questions, please contact: Marsha Long 863-651-6967 Come enjoy a morning of friendship, learning, and lively conversation. We look forward to seeing you there! 📖
👜 Sew Powerful Sewathon 2026
Thank you to Pastor K for the opportunity to share the ministry of Sew Powerful with our congregation. Sew Powerful empowers women in Zambia through employment while helping girls stay in school by providing purses filled with reusable feminine hygiene products, soap, and underwear. Our Hope Church family generously contributed $300 this past Sunday toward this life-changing mission. Thank you for your support! During September, I am participating in the 2026 Sewathon with a goal of sewing 60 purses and raising $3,000 by September 30. For just $10, you can help provide supplies for a girl, support employment for a woman in Zambia, and give a student the opportunity to continue her education. 💜 To learn more or donate, visit: http://www.sewathon.org/caroline-kaiser Together, we provide hope, dignity, and opportunity, one purse at a time. ✨
Upcoming Events, Gathering or Meetings
Sunday, September 13th 8:00 AM New Members Class (Sunset Room)
4:00 PM Pastor “K” Rev. Kundan Nasir Installation Service (Sanctuary) & Celebration Banquet (McGrath Hall)
Tuesday, September 14th 10:00 AM Book Club (Parlor)
Noon Worship Meeting (Parlor)
Wednesday, September 16th 6:00 PM HCS Meeting (Parlor Room)
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, September 13th
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Greet each other with the Peace of Christ
PRELUDE “Go Down, Moses” – arr. Fela Sowande
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God;
People: everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
Leader: Whoever does not love does not know God,
People: for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)
HYMN #65 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy Creator, we confess and acknowledge that you created us in your own image and likeness, so that in our whole nature no imperfection could be found. From this dignity and perfection man and woman have fallen, both conspiring against your sovereign majesty. We have shown ourselves hostile to you and have made ourselves servants to sin. And thus, everlasting death has power and dominion over us all, unless we are reborn from above. By the power of the Holy Spirit, work this rebirth in us, creating in our hearts the confidence of chosen ones, with assured faith in your promise revealed to us in your Word; by this faith we grasp Christ Jesus with the graces and blessings promised in him. Scots Confession, 3.02-3.03
(Please continue with silent prayers of confession.)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Believe the good news! God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17
CHILDREN’S TIME
CONCERNS AND PRAYER REQUESTS
INTERLUDE “Adagio (from Sonata in G minor)” – Clara Schumann
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
OLD TESTAMENT
Psalm 114:1-8 Page 756
114 When Israel came out of Egypt— when the house of Jacob came out
from a people who spoke a different language—2 Judah was God’s sanctuary; Israel was God’s territory.3 The sea saw it happen and ran away; the Jordan River retreated!4 The mountains leaped away like rams; the hills leaped away like lambs!5 Sea, why did you run away? Jordan, why did you retreat? 6 Mountains, why did you leap away like rams? Hills, why did you leap away like lambs?7 Earth: Tremble before the Lord! Tremble before the God of Jacob,8 the one who turned that rock into a pool of water, that flint stone into a spring of water!
ANTHEM “When In Our Music God is Glorified” – David Ashley White
NEW TESTAMENT
Romans 14:1-12 Page 1383
14 Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. 2 One person believes in eating everything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Those who eat must not look down on the ones who don’t, and the ones who don’t eat must not judge the ones who do, because God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? They stand or fall before their own Lord (and they will stand, because the Lord has the power to make them stand). 5 One person considers some days to be more sacred than others, while another person considers all days to be the same. Each person must have their own convictions. 6 Someone who thinks that a day is sacred, thinks that way for the Lord. Those who eat, eat for the Lord, because they thank God. And those who don’t eat, don’t eat for the Lord, and they thank the Lord too. 7 We don’t live for ourselves and we don’t die for ourselves. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God. 9 This is why Christ died and lived: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God. 11 Because it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.[a] 12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
SERMON Holy Diet Pastor K
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
OFFERING
HYMN #39 “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
THE BENEDICTION DOXOLOGY #609 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
POSTLUDE “Absoute (Op. 49, no. 1)” – Alexandre Guilmant