Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
I have been deeply touched by the many kind comments and emails I have received from people after announcing my retirement. The decision came with a lot of mixed emotions. You have been my extended family, my flock. I have so many memories, experienced so many joys and have been blessed in so many ways. Spirit of Hope is as strong as it has ever been. We have a great staff, and our leadership is outstanding. New faces walk through our door on a weekly basis. So, why now? I'm old. I will be celebrating my 65th birthday in August. Our granddaughter will only be this age now, and I feel like God has given me a second chance to parent/grandparent.  
 
Some of you have asked if I will remain a member of the congregation. The answer is no. The policy of the ELCA is that the retiring Pastor sign a covenant agreement to disconnect with their former church so that the congregation can bond with the new Pastor. That means that after November 30, 2017, I will not be available to perform pastoral acts like weddings or funerals.  
 
One of our Sunday school kids (8 years old) asked me in the Narthex on Sunday, "My dad said you are leaving. What happens if we don't like the new Pastor as much as we like you?" His serious tone brought tears to my eyes. The new Pastor will be different, I can guarantee you that. But I believe that there is a secret out there. The secret is that the congregation can shape and mold a Pastor. It's my hope that you will pray and love your new Pastor, as much as you have me.  
 
The 10th Anniversary Of Our Building Task Force met last Saturday. The group picked a theme, "Look What God Has Done!" The proposed celebration will be on Sunday - October 1, 2017 with one combined worship service at 10:15 a.m. using our band & our pianist. Immediately following the service the sanctuary will be transformed into a dining room, while old photographs will be projected on the monitors. Others photographs will be displayed. A simple lunch will be served. I will give a brief PowerPoint presentation hitting the highlights of our congregation's history. The discussion has been that we will probably have a time where we will pass a microphone around, giving people the opportunity to share their memories.  
 
Rusty, our Youth Minister is at Campfirmation (NE of Payson) with our confirmation kids as I type this. Please keep them in your prayers as God uses this time to deepen their faith foundation. I haven't heard from Rusty, but my daughter Sarah called (she is there with her confirmands) and said the weather has been great.
 

Spirit of Hope now owns it's own van. The van is a twelve passenger 2006 Ford. It has a lot of miles on it, but is in great shape. The van's maiden voyage was this week when the kids left for Campfirmation. The TAGGERS will be using this vehicle on their mission trip next month as they travel to California. 

  
If you haven't dropped off a case of water yet, there is still time. We will be bringing this water to Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix, to assist them in their Heat Respite Program for the homeless. 

The church office will be closed on Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday, July 4th. On behalf of Rusty and Ginger, we wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July holiday.  
 
Jesus told his disciples in last week's lesson "Do not be afraid" - please allow these words to ring clearly in your life as we move through transitions, trusting that God will be with us every step along the way. 
 
Peace & love,  
Pastor Glen
** This Is The Last Weekend ** 
Bottled Water Needed For Heat Respite Program
Grace In The City Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix, ministers to the area homeless. They are looking for water for their heat respite program this summer and you can help! 

Please bring in packs of bottled water through July 2nd. The water will be delivered on July 3rd. You may leave packs of water under the giving tree in the Narthex. 
Seniors Rock Meals Of Hope
     Numbers For June 24-25, 2017     

Giving $3,211
Attendance 188
Our Weekly Goal Is: $5,540







Would you like to text us a donation?

You can do so by simply indicating the dollar amount you'd like to donate. Example: $250 and text 480-725-1140

To text a donation to a particular fund is also very easy to do. Simply indicate the dollar amount you'd like to donate and leave a space followed by the fund name. Example: $100 VBS or $50 TAG or $200 Mortgage Fund and text 480-725-1140 

If you are interested in becoming an e-Giver, visit this  blog post  on the SOH website, for step by step instructions.
Readings For This Coming Weekend
Rom 6:12-23 and Matt 10:40-42
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
5:00 p.m. Service Coordinator: Wendy Sontag
8:45 a.m. Service Coordinator: Phil Troiano
10:15 a.m. Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox

July 1st 5:00 p.m. 
Set-Up: Sue Ghan & Sandy Odmark
 
July 2nd 8:45 a.m. 
 Altar Assistants: Diana Duck, Rechinda Nelson
Communion Servers: Mary Dicks, Wayne Schmidt, Nancy Stark, Donna Blad
 Greeters: Michael & Nancy Stark
 Reader: Mary Myer
   Ushers: Joe Tedrow, Keith Hackney, Dick Schultz, Carl McCoy
Sound Booth: Josh Keck

July 2nd 10:15 a.m. 
Communion Servers: Ken & Linda Vandenberg
Greeters: Grant & Bonnie Klassen
Reader: Michael Stark
   Ushers: Art & Crystal Zander
Week At A Glance

Thursday
June 29th

6:30 a.m.
Too Big For Starbucks
9:00 a.m. 
Seniors Rock
1:00 p.m.
Women's Bible Study
6:00 p.m. 
Financial Peace University

Friday
June 30th





Saturday
July 1st
10:00 a.m. 
Stewardship Meeting
5:00 p.m. 
The Lift Service
6:00 p.m. 
TAG
8:15 p.m.
The Forge

Sunday
July 2nd
8:45 a.m.
Blended
Service
10:15 a.m. 
Contemporary
Service



Monday
July 3rd
OFFICE IS CLOSED...
HAVE A
SAFE AND
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY!


Tuesday
July 4th
OFFICE IS
CLOSED...
HAVE A
SAFE AND 
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY  HOLIDAY!


Wednesday
July 5th
9:00 a.m. 
Staff Meeting
6:00 p.m. 
SWAG
8:00 p.m. 
Young Adult Bible Study


Thursday
July 6th
6:30 a.m. 
Too Big For Starbucks
9:00 a.m. 
Seniors Rock
1:00 p.m. 
Women's Bible Study

 Friday
July 7th





Pastor Glen and Lee prayers for the next leg of their journey
Ernie R, Carol L, Pat B prayers for healing
Gayle T prayers for recovery and healing from knee replacement surgery
Sonny prayers for healing from heart surgery
Dolly, Nicki H prayers for comfort and peace from terminal cancer
Al M  prayers for safe travels
Darlene prayers for strength and comfort following the death of her husband
Pat G prayers for healing from arm surgery
Dee prayers for healing following surgery
Pat prayers for healing following hip replacement
Herb prayers for healing from health issues
Amy, Sharon prayers for healing from eye issues
Sally J prayers for healing from stroke
Tom H, Sandy B, Kevaleen, Horace H,  Mark H, John P, Heidi, Michael, Joe, Becky, Paul, Kevin, Arny G., Rex H. prayers for healing from cancer
Connie M, Vicky K, Ruthie P, Don K, John P, Don B, Mike S, Dennis D, Darlene prayers for healing from multiple health issues
Fran, Lee, Martha, Norma prayers for strength
Prayers for all  who struggle with marriage issues
Dee and Eddie F., Natalie C., Olivia C.,  Connie M & Kathy S prayers for continued recovery
Maddie prayers for healing from successful kidney transplant
Drew prayers for healing from addiction
Mike B. and Mike J. prayers for healing
Lindsay prayers for healing and comfort
Calaya prayers of thanksgiving for employment
Caiya prayers for wanting to receive scholarship to MCC
Ermal and Paula prayers for God's will in finding property in MO and booking more shows in the fall
Marc prayers for comfort and peace during time of grief
Amber prayers for guidance and peace with relationship issues
Kate prayers for her relief from back pain
Judy and Barry B pray for peace and understanding for loss of husband and father in auto accident
Savanah prayers for healing of severe injuries from accident
MJ prayers for newborn in NICU for healing
Annette healing from earache
Alex J. God's strength
Lee prayers for healing of ankle
Sherry prayers for healing from knee surgery
Maggie prayers for patience with her angry mother
Tom and Diane prayer's for God's strength
Kourtney and Michele prayers for getting a home and for grandpa to go and be with God soon
Mandy and other SOH worshipers prayers for safe travels
Spirit of Hope prayers for all who worship within its walls
Church Council prayers pray that they make sound decisions that allow our church to thrive and for the next steps and tasks in the journey ahead of them
Pastor Glen & Rusty prayers of thanks as they serve the church community
Spirit Of Hope Website Quick Links

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Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300
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