It was a memorable Christmas weekend where we worshipped well over 600+ people.  Many of you invited your friends and relatives which made the services even more special. "It was the best Christmas Program I've ever seen" said a worshipper after the Saturday 4:30 p.m. worship service. I thought the kids did a great job, but it couldn't have happen without Rusty rustling together his amazing volunteers including Dave & Karen Torgerson & Pam Richards for costuming, Tashia Zimmerman & Zach Bell on sound, Kat Lawson & Gabby Scott on kid's music, Patty Nicholson directing actor traffic, and the many other wonderful servants who freely gave their time to make our celebration of Jesus' birthday something memorable. I can't help but mention our talented staff, as the band played superbly, the choir did a great job as Dave Stumo and Michael Snyder continue to provide us with worshipful, but also entertaining leadership. We even had a delightful duet by Dave & Clarice Stumo on Christmas Day. Last, but not least, I want to applaud those behind the scenes players who provided all the servant tasks that need to be done (setting up communion, ushering, serving, etc.) to make the weekend meaningful to all. You all make me feel very proud to be part of this loving community.

 

This coming weekend, we have invited Missionary Todd Ellingson, to give us an update on his ministry in Rwanda (Africa) called City of Joy. Todd and his wife Andria, were with us last year, as they explained their dynamic ministry which includes a Christian school & a church. Our Hunger Jar Offering this coming weekend, will be designated for this remarkable ministry.  I invite you to learn more about the Ellingsons on  our blog .  

 

I continue to smile when I think of all the saints who make up the Spirit of Hope community. This morning I was thinking of Ron Vogel as he was pushing a mop in the Narthex as his side kick, Barb, was doing some general cleaning. What is extra special about this dynamic duo, is that Barb broke her hip a month ago, but it hasn't kept her down. Earlier this year, one of our confirmation members, George Kuehn, brought his hockey team to church to do some landscaping. They just shared some pictures of this group, and we wanted to pass this one onto you.  Thank you once again to all of you who quietly serve us in so many, many ways. 

I want to thank the many people who shared with me a Christmas gift this holiday season. Your love and care continues to overwhelm me.

 

Blessings to you all as you embrace "the perfect gift" in Christ Jesus.

 

Peace & love,

Pastor Glen

Please mark your calendars to join us on January 14, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. You, your friends and family are invited to the 6th Annual TAG Spaghetti Dinner. It will be a night of fun and great food. The Church will be transformed into an Italian restaurant. The youth group will seat and serve you. There will be auctions both silent and loud, and we will have a 50/50 raffle. This year's auction items are looking pretty good. Every dollar collected at this event will be used for the Youth Group's annual Mission Trip. Come and let us serve you, so we can go out and serve others!

Week At A Glance

Thursday, December 29

Saturday, December 31