Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
It's Holy Week and it's my hope that you sensed the energy and excitement of Jesus' grand entrance into the city gates of Jerusalem. Here is a town ready to explode with pilgrims everywhere preparing to celebrate the Passover. My sense is that it was a carnival atmosphere with people coming together to share games, stories, and hopes - hopes & dreams about the day when everything would change. No longer would a foreign government rule their lives. No longer would they have to submit taxes to Caesar. No longer would they feel like second class citizens. Their hearts were pregnant for a Messiah - the promised one - the Son of David, who would save them.  And then, out of no where comes this young man from Narazeth riding on a donkey and the crowds light up. People unexpectedly reacted, doing what only their heart could comprehend. Tree branches were ripped down and thrown onto the road. Coats and jackets were layered on the path way. People were shouting & chanting, "Hosanna (Save Us) to the Son of David, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord". It was something - it was beautiful - it was magical. It was a dream come true, as people held their breath in anticipation wondering what would transpire in the coming days. Join us on Maundy Thursday at 7:00 p.m. as we reenact the Last Supper. Sit with Jesus and his disciples as the story unfolds into the painful experience of betrayal, denial and the crucifixion of Good Friday as shared by our members. Allow your hearts to be prepared for the resurrection - for the Easter surprise.
 
It was great fun to baptize one of the littlest in our community last Sunday, Ander James Navarro, the son of Tomas and Rachel Navarro. Ander had great support as family and friends (many from the Midwest) filled the north section of our sanctuary.  Please keep Ander in your prayers as he grows discovering a God who chose him to live forever.


I'm excited to about our Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. which will be held outside in the front porch area of the church. The Youth (Taggers) will be our worship leaders and preachers at this service as has been our tradition. Next month, we will be launching a new emphasis called, "The Experiment" which will occur on Saturday night (once every other month) which will be put together and delivered by our youth.   This is a changing point for Spirit of Hope where the youth are not only the recipients of God's grace, but proclaimer also.
 
Don't forget your backpacks this week as this special project will come to a close on Easter.
 
Easter Lily contributors, don't forget to take your Easter Lily home with you, after attending your Easter service.  
 
I hope to see you all this week as God reminds us of God's incredible love by allowing his own son to die so that we may live. It's the ultimate love story, we call Easter!
 
Peace & love,
Pastor Glen
Meet Our Newest Members
Welcome To The SOH Family Larry, Sonja, Todd, Alex,
Kaitlin, Kohl,  Sandi, Keith, Shirley, Bob and Marlene!
Larry and Sonja Snyder

Larry and Sonja moved to the Valley in December, 2016 from Davenport, Iowa.  They are both retired and have two adult daughters and four grandchildren. Larry enjoys target shooting and car shows, and Sonja enjoys bike riding and hiking.
Todd Berggren

Todd is originally from Minnesota but has lived in the Valley for 15 years. He has two adult daughters, three grandchildren and a 16 year old son, Alex. Alex attends Williams Field High School and is in the 10th grade. Todd plays drums on Saturday night and at the Sunday morning 10:15 service and enjoys 4x4 rock crawling, small arms target shooting and riding his motorcycle. He has worked for the University of Phoenix for the past 14 years as a Network Engineer. He is retired from the U.S. army after serving 23 years.
Kaitlin Berggren

Kaitlin moved to Arizona with her family 15 years ago. She is the Manager of Divaz Boutique and enjoys movies, work, school, teaching, and fashion. She recently received a promotion at work and is excited to become an auntie again!

Kohl Geisinger


Kohl works as a Financial Analyst for a private equity firm. He enjoys baseball, hockey, and spending time with friends and family. 

Sandra Richards

Sandi was raised in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Arizona in 1983. In 2008, Sandi retired from SRP. She has one adult son and enjoys golfing and anything active.  She enjoys traveling and is vacationing in England in June.
Keith and Shirley Hackney

Keith and Shirley are from Iowa and are retired. They each have several children and grandchildren. They both enjoy attending church and Shirley worked for 11 years as the church secretary at Our Saviors Lutheran Church Gold Canyon.  Keith enjoys spectator sports and Shirley enjoys traveling.
Bob and Marlene Fleck


Bob and Marlene are winter residents and call Bismarck, North Dakota home from April to November.

2017 Lenten Service Project

Our 2017 Lenten Service Project will be ending this weekend! We are collecting backpacks for low income students, mainly foster children, at the Jack Harmon Elementary School in San Tan Valley.  Please add a backpack to your shopping list and bring it to our Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or any of our services this Easter Weekend,  and the kids will collect the backpacks from you during the services. 
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Pancake Breakfast
For The Homeless 

We would love to have you volunteer for this Outreach Team Opportunity: 

Where: Grace Lutheran Church

When: Sunday, April 30, 2017

Time: 6:00 a.m. - Meet at Grace Lutheran

Families are welcome to volunteer! 

Sign up sheet is on the Narthex Desk.

Please call Tina Gilson, Outreach Team Chair, at 414-517-6505 with any questions.   

Financial Peace University Returns To SOH

Check out the return of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University coming back
to SOH each Monday from May 1, 2017 through July 3, 2017!  Visit our blog to learn
more about this class, watch an introductory video and find out how to register!
Class size is limited.
Upcoming SOH Community Event

You may also sign up online by going to: 
 
Click on Donate Blood, and under Search by Sponsor, enter
hopelutheran
in the "Code" field as shown below.



Our VBS 2017 registration is now open!
Sign up your kids (pre-school through 5th grade) to join us June 5-9, 2017 from
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for our Maker Fun Factory Vacation Bible School. 
Here is the link  that will take you to the registration page.

The MOMS Group will be meeting on April 15, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Topic: Positive Behavior Management 
Questions: Contact Faith Meyer at 480-320-8615
Numbers  For April 8-9, 2017       

Giving $8,047
Attendance 337
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
Act 10:34-43 and Matt 28:1-10
 
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

April 15th 5:00 p.m. 
Set-Up: Bob Jackson

April 16th 8:45 a.m.
Altar Assistants: Jack & Marylou Wilson
Communion Servers: Donna Blad, Judy Banta, Darlene Zabel, Wayne Schmidt
 Greeters: Larry & Ellen Hoiberg
 Reader: Mary Myer
   Ushers: Keith Hackney, Gloria Larson, Terry Scheer, Dick Schultz, Joe Tedrow
Sound Booth: Josh Keck

April 16th 10:15 a.m. 
Communion Servers: Ken & Linda Vandenberg
Greeters: Darryl & Sherry Branham
Reader: Mary Myer
   Ushers: Jeanette Bailey, Cindy Bailey
Week At A Glance

Thursday, April 13
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbucks (Narthex)
11:30 a.m. - Seniors Rock Easter Potluck (Narthex)
7:00 p.m. - Maundy Thursday Service
Friday, April 14
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
7:00 p.m. - Good Friday Service
Saturday, April 15
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, April 16
6:30 a.m. - Sunrise Easter Service
8:45 a.m. - Blended Service
10:15 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Monday, April 17
Tuesday, April 18
Wednesday, April 19
9:00 a.m. - Staff Meeting
6:00 p.m. - Nite Lite 
7:00 p.m. - SWAG
Thursday, April 20
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, April 21
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Prayer Concerns For April 8-9, 2017

Rebecca R, Bev B, Lois H safe travels
Phil healing from surgery (4/13/17)
Rechinda's Daughter healing from car accident
Military Personnel prayers
Ty, Walter healing for his back
Bert healing from leg pain
Brenda peace during financial difficulties
Kaity healing from headaches
Kassy healing from toe pain
Del peace and happiness
Debbie prayers for marriage problems
Jim & Sharon V prayers for safe return next November
Jim & Karen G peace for mom in hospice, healing for a friend and Jacob, praise for family unity
Marr prayers for peace in hospice
Col. Gene R prayers for continued improvement
Calaya prayer of thanks for her new job
Bobby C prayers that he gets a "yes" call following an interview
Ermal & Paula prayers for more shows and blessings for such
Dee, Kit prayers for recovery
Eddie and Barb C. recovery fromhealth issues
Sandy peace and God's healing during chemo treatments on her spine
People of Syria prayers for hope and peace
Ruthie & John, Deb & Jim, Larry W prayers for strength and healing
Baby S prayers for healing and strength from a heart defect
Fran, Norma, Linda, Lee, John prayers for strength
Gordon B prayers for pain relief
Rosemary B prayers that my son will have a personal relationship with Jesus
Sharon D prayers for more patience
Heidi continued prayers as she recovers from side effects of chemo
Fire Victims prayers for the family that lost everything
KTL prayers for wellness
Spirit of Hope Office Staff prayer of thanks for getting everything ready during lent
Ethel prayers for improved health and pain relief since returning home
Bobbe C, Ethel & Elenora healing from heart problems
Sissy prayers
Mike & Sue prayer of thanksgiving
Mike J prayers for positive test results
Lindsay prayers for healing
Holly's Grandson prayers for healing following aswimming pool accident
Pat G healing from arm surgery
Teresa  healing from viral infection
Ron  recovering from a heart attack
Helen  in Hospice
Dee  recovery from surgery
Herb  healing from gout and bursitis
Amy, Sharon prayers for issues with eyes
Sally J  healing from stroke
Tom H, Sandy B, Kevaleen, Horace H, Nikki H, Mark H, John P, Heidi, Michael, Kevin, Beth, Paul, Becky  healing from cancer
Jim I, Darlene I, Connie M, Vicky K, Ruthie P, Don K, John P, Don B healing from  multiple health issues
Prayers for all who struggle with marriage issues
Paula S prayer of thanks
Don B recovery from back surgery
Connie M & Kathy S continued recovery
Maddie  recovery from successful kidney transplant
Drew  healing from addiction
Becca  may she receive her heartfelt wish
Marc  comfort and peace during time of grief
Amber  guidance and peace with relationship issues
Spirit of Hope prayers for all who worship within its walls
Church Council prayers that they make sound decisions that allow our church to thrive
Pastor Glen & Rusty prayers of thanks as they serve the church community
Spirit Of Hope Website Quick Links

© 2017 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300
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