Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
It was a preacher's dream. People, people everywhere, on the floor and standing up as our Lenten service unfolded last week. We have never done an event like this before, and I told Pastor Paul Oman, our artist, that our Wednesday evening Lenten services haven't been all that well attended. I thought we might get 160 or 200 people tops. 368 people jammed into the sanctuary to witness a service that many walked away from mesmerized. Pastor Paul Oman painted while Nick & Nikki led us in music, Mike Stark read Peter's story, and Ermal Williamson made the disciple Peter come alive. Behind the scenes were many volunteers including Dave Torgersen and team who built the frame and Joe Tedrow who constructed the stand. It was a night of many visitors, a night of surprises, and I want to thank our president Kit McCormick for coming up with the suggestion about bringing in an artist, which at the time I thought was crazy, but in reality, it was exactly what God called us to do! The painting will be hung very soon in the sanctuary, for all to enjoy. 

Be sure to  join us tonight at 7:00 p.m.  as our third Lenten service will take us to Germany and Rome as Rick Steves  reveals the heart of the Reformation which ultimately created the Lutheran church. This event will answer many questions of how this college dropout, Martin Luther , changed history and the church forever. Don't forget to come early for our  Soup Supper, which begins at 6:00 p.m.

476 people worshipped with us last weekend, which was the best worship attendance in 2017. Little Bennett Theodore Bracken entered the family of God as I sprinkled water upon him and then made the sign of the cross on his forehead saying, "Bennett Theodore Bracken, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross forever."  It's hard to have more fun than assisting God in expanding the family.


It melts my heart when I see our children march their way up to the chancel area for the Children's Sermon. These little theologians keep me on my toes. Parents, please be aware that our nursery has a new dynamic look where our kids will be taught a lesson on the same biblical theme as I'm preaching on that day. The new Nursery Committee has given some real spiritual energy to this opportunity. 
 
Man oh man, did you hear the choir on Sunday! They nearly knocked my socks off!  Choir Director Dave Stumo has transformed this group beyond a "joyful noise" to a new level of music excellence. If you haven't attended an 8:45 a.m. service lately, please do, and enjoy the gift of these talented musicians.
 
Please note the prayer concerns below, as well as those on the prayer wall of our website. We travel this road to the cross together. The journey involves laughter, tears, disappointments but also wonder. Please know that each of you carry part of God's story to one another and to the world.
 
Peace & love,
Pastor Glen
** Tonight ** Tonight ** Tonight **
Lenten Service - Luther and the Reformation
7:00 p.m.  
Soup Suppers

We invite you to join us as we dine on  Soup & Bread  each Wednesday, through April 5th at 6:00 p.m.   We can't do this alone, so sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. At least 6 crock-pots of soup will be needed each week. 
2017 Lenten Service Project

Our 2017 Lenten Service Project is collecting backpacks for low income students, mainly foster children, at the Jack Harmon Elementary School in San Tan Valley. 

Please bring new backpacks to any of our Services  through Easter Sunday, and the kids will collect the backpacks from you during the services. 
New Member Orientation
Our next New Member Orientation is March 26, 2017 at 11:15 a.m. If you are interested in joining this class, please contact the Church Office, so your name can be added to our roster. We look forward to having you join us! 
Numbers  For March 11-12, 2017       

Giving $7,646
Attendance 476
Our Weekly Goal Is: $5,340

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 5:1-11 and John 4:5-42
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
8:45 a.m. Service Coordinator: Phil Troiano
10:15 a.m. Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox

March 19th 8:45 a.m. 
Altar Assistants: Eunice Ball, Kim Hakes
Communion Servers: John & Christie Brandau, Cammy Corpron, Nancy Stark
 Greeters: Grant & Bonnie Klassen
 Reader: Mike Stark
   Ushers: Donna Blad, Judy Candrilli, Moine & Sharon Gates
Sound Booth: Josh Keck

March 19th 10:15 a.m.
Communion Servers: Kim Gordon, Cal Schell, Connie Santwire, Ardis Johnson
Greeters: Art & Crystal Zander
Reader: Mike Stark
   Ushers: Darryl & Sherry Branham
Week At A Glance

Thursday, March 16
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbucks (Narthex)
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock (Narthex)
10:00 a.m. - Memory Care Service
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study (Large Classroom)
Friday, March 17
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Saturday, March 18
9:00 a.m. - Stewardship Team Meeting
9:30 a.m. - MOMS Group
5:00 p.m. - The Lift Service 
6:00 p.m. - TAG 
8:15 p.m. - The Forge
Sunday, March 19
8:45 a.m. - Blended Service
10:15 a.m. - Contemporary Service
5:00 p.m. - Being Whole Again (Narthex)
Monday, March 20
Tuesday, March 21
Wednesday, March 22
 9:00 a.m. - Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Stitchers (Narthex)
6:00 p.m. - Soup Supper
6:00 p.m. - Nite Lite/Confirmation
7:00 p.m. - Lenten Service - ** Another Look At Prayer - Bobbi Edwardson **
7:00 p.m. - SWAG
Thursday, March 23
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbucks (Narthex)
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock (Narthex)
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study (Large Classroom)
6:30 p.m. - Church Council Meeting (Large Classroom)
Friday, March 24
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Prayer Concerns For March 11-12, 2017

Christopher M  hospitalized with a lung virus--prayers that he will feel better soon
Pam G prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery
Ethel R good health after hospitalization
Albert R strength, patience and comfort during struggle with alzheimer's disease
Joey prayers for football and path after college
Liz courage to have surgery
Ed M healing from back surgery (3/16/17)
Kayla C health and positive relationships
Gene R, Nick, All Children & Grandchildren, Frank S prayers
Tyler healing from brain cancer
Maria M guidance as her daughter and son-in-law buy their first home
Don A healing from cancer
Shirlyn S recovery from surgery
Ermal & Paula more shows
Calaya C success in getting the job she wants
Bobby C willingness to get his GED
Caiya C prayers for safety as she learns to drive
Kevin quick healing from surgery
Tom continued healing from treatments
Norma, Fran, Lee, Linda, John strength
Becky, Kevin, Paul, Sandy, Eddie C healing from cancer
Jamie guidance and peace of mind as she struggles with difficulty in her marriage
Ruthie, John, Deb, Jim W, Dave K strength and healing
Our Leaders prayers that they lead with care for all people
Barb C prayers for inner strength
Marie healing from a fall
Keiralee, Dalin guidance
Kit prayers for a speedy recovery
Ginger prayers of thanks for the awesome job with Paul and his art
Mary, Sherry prayers of thanks for your work in the office
Annette prayers for a successful surgery on her spine
Marianne healing after eye surgery
Alex prayers that he opens his heart to God
Hoy prayers that he sells his farm in Georgia
Sharon D prayers for back pain relief/cure
© 2017 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300
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