I found myself standing under a shady spot on a dirt road in the midst of an 1880's town soaking-in what was going to transform before my eyes. I was in Austin, TX officiating at Lee's niece's wedding last weekend. This old town (actually a movie set) with it's gazebo, held this happy occasion. It had all the trappings of a special day; a beautiful couple, a team of good-spirited groomsmen & bridesmaids, incredibly cute flower children, supportive parents, and enough story-telling to fill the evening. I spent much of the night chasing my two and half year old granddaughter, as she led a gang of short people, creating smiles and chuckles as they danced and ran in circles entertaining all who dared to watch. It was a great time and I was honored to be part of it. I want to thank our Youth Minister, Rusty Shaffer who filled the preaching role and Pastor John Rohwer who was kind enough to bless the elements for Holy Communion. 

 

The Trunk or Trick event led by Tina Gilson went off without a hitch in my absence. I want to thank all those involved as God gave us an opportunity to serve those in our immediate neighborhood.

 

It is going to be a busy weekend at Spirit of Hope! All Saints' Weekend stands before us, as we take time to remember family & friends who died in the past 12 months and who now rest in the arms of our Lord.  We will also be lifting up those of you who have served our country, as we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day on Friday November 11, 2016. It is November Kid's Birthday weekend, and o ur most recent new members will be installed. 

 

Our cereal box ministry starts with families encouraged to bring a box of cereal with them to worship each week until Thanksgiving Day. The cereal will be shared with local food banks. Our goal is 500 boxes of cereal.   

 

The month of November will start our Stewardship emphasis called, "Between God and you". We will spend the month investigating how each of us can become better managers of God's resources. We will be stealing some pages out of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. This emphasis will close on December 3rd & 4th with the "Walk to the Altar Weekend" where families will be asked to provide a sealed financial pledge (a pledge that will be unopened and mailed back to the giver) in November of 2017. Everyone will also be asked to fill out a "new" Time and Talent Sheet that will be submitted in a separate container. This program is built upon faith and we ask everyone to keep this program in prayer as we allow the Holy Spirit to speak into the hearts of our people.

 

May God's blessings be with each of you as we share the gift of God's love.

 

Peace & love,

Pastor Glen

Check out a few of the amazing photos, our Trunk R Treat Photographer Shari Karnowski, took during this event last Friday evening. With over 500 in attendance, the church was buzzing with lots of ghosts, goblins, princesses, pirates and cuties of all sorts, dressed up in their costumes, enjoying trick or treating, bounce houses, face painting, games, food and fellowship! Thank you to Outreach Committee Chair Tina Gilson and her fantastic team of volunteers, Rusty Shaffer and his TAG group, and all who came to make this annual event, one for everyone to remember!

 

We are collecting boxes of cereal for our local food banks, now through November 23, 2016 (Thanksgiving Eve). Please bring boxes of cereal to church, and during the offering at each service, the kids will collect the cereal boxes. Thank you in advance for your generosity!  

Flyers, details about the packages offered, coupon discounts and more info about this event, can be found on the SOH Blog.  

5:00 p.m. - The Lift Service

Sunday, November 6