Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
I was rushing to get out of church on Sunday. I had a short meeting after the 10:15 worship service, after which I changed into my jeans to join a fellow Minnesota Viking fan at a bar to watch the game. Before I left, I noticed activity across from my office.  Duane Gilson and Steve Osterman were stripping the floor in the nursery and the adjacent room. I chatted briefly as we exchanged barbs, them noting that they planned on waxing the floors before they were done. As I walked to the car it occurred to me, how many invisible ministers we have in this congregation, meaning people who just show up to do whatever is needed. The day before we had confirmation, George Kuehn show-up with his hockey team & parents and with Duane Gilson's leadership, dug up the old plants. Late last week, we had lots of Christmas elves arrive who decorated the church. We have members who quietly scrub bathrooms, clean windows, mop floors, and polish the kitchen, and that's not to mention those who volunteer in the more obvious ways. I truly believe this is what God intended when the church started on that day of Pentecost 2000 years ago, when Peter was baptizing everyone in sight. For those who give so freely of your time, you know who you are, and I thank you! I join God today in smiling at these acts of love. 
 
It was great to see so many new faces in worship as we celebrated Friends & Family Weekend at church this past weekend. Let's keep the invitations going, believing that God is trying to reach out to someone through YOU! 
 
The baptisms keep on coming. Little Aubrey Goslin was baptized last Sunday. Aubrey is the granddaughter of one of our new members Eunice Ball. Unfortunately, Aubrey parents (Bryan & Amanda) live in the Miami/Globe area, so we probably won't see her as much as we would like, but please keep her in your prayers as she grows as one of God's children.


Rusty and I have been working on an original Spirit of Hope Christmas skit which will be performed by the highly talented youth of our congregation at the Christmas Eve Service at 4:30 p.m. It should be a lot of fun! This will be our family friendly service where we will involve as many of our kids as possible. Parents - please note that it's important to get your children to Nite Lite tonight and next Wednesday for practice. 
 
Don't be shy, take home a booklet of 2017 offering envelopes!  Please note that these envelopes have, no name, no date and no numbers on them.  We ordered them specifically this way to avoid the waste of the past. This means that you have to clearly write your name on the outside of the envelope before using . We also want to strongly encourage people to give electronically if and when possible. 
 
My very best Christmas wishes to you all, as we anticipate the greatest gift of all, "the Christ child".
 
Peace & love,
Pastor Glen
The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation on January 13-14, 2017 will be in Tempe!
 
Bishop Emeritus Mark Hanson will be the guest speaker, and will lead an exploration of the question: What's Great about Being Lutheran? He is a gifted speaker, and attendees will be challenged and blessed by his talks.
 
Attendees will gather Friday evening for a presentation, dessert, and Vespers, and will gather again on Saturday morning for a continental breakfast, presentations, and closing worship. Costs, details and contact info on how to register, can be found on the SOH Blog. 
The 2017 SOH Annual Rummage Sale to support our Outreach missions is set for Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th. Start collecting your household items to donate to the cause. We are looking for gently used clothing (kid's clothes in particular), household goods and furniture. Please do not bring your items to the church! More info will come on drop off dates/times after the first of the year. 

We will also be looking for LOTS of hands to help with set up of the sale from Monday, January 23rd - Thursday, January 26th. If you can give an hour or 20 hours that week, we'd love to have you. Sign up sheets will appear soon in the Narthex.
Numbers  For December 10-11, 2016

Giving                                             $ 6662
Attendance                                        342
 
Our Weekly Goal Is:                      $5340
 
For step by step instructions on how you can become an e-Giver, check out this  blog post on the SOH website.
Readings For This Coming Weekend
Rom 1:1-7 and Matt 1:18-25
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
8:45 Service Coordinator: Phil Troiano
10:15 Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox 

December 18th 8:45am
Altar Assistants: Jim & Karen Gowan
Communion Servers: Mary Dicks, Bob & Judy Crace, Judy Banta 
Greeters: Mike & Nancy Stark
Reader: Mike Stark   
Ushers: Clete & Gloria Larson, Karen Reil, Bob Germadnik
Sound Booth: Josh Keck  

December 18th 10:15am
Communion Servers: Eunice Ball, Linda Fraenkel, Judi Ofelt, Ardis Johnson
 Greeters: Darryl & Sherry Branham
 Reader: John Janezic
   Ushers: Mike & Chelsea Topete
Week At A Glance

Thursday, December 15
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbuck's Bible Study (Narthex)
10:00 a.m. - Memory Care Service
11:30 a.m. - Senior's Rock/Christmas Potluck (Narthex)
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study Christmas Party (Off Site)
Friday, December 16
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Saturday, December 17
5:00 p.m. - The Lift Service
6:00 p.m. - TAG
Sunday, December 18
8:45 a.m. - Blended Service
10:15 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Monday, December 19
Tuesday, December 20
Wednesday, December 21
9:00 a.m. - Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Stitchers (Narthex)
6:00 p.m. - Nite Lite
7:00 p.m. - SWAG
Thursday, December 22
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbuck's Bible Study (Narthex)
Friday, December 23
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Prayer Concerns For Dec. 10-11

Teresa K  improved health
Prayers to all members of SOH
Bill no pain
Jimmy, Dave T and all who need healing
Annette cyst in the spine
Ed, Carol, Tom H, Sandy B, Kevaleen, Horace H, Nikki H, Mark H, John P healing from cancer
Jim I, Darlene I, Connie M, Vicky K, Ruthie P, Don K, John P, Don B multiple health issues
Prayers to all who struggle with marriage issues
Paula S help finding an agent to get her book published
Becca healing from surgery and may God answer her prayers
Don B back surgery
Connie M & Kathy S recovery from surgery
Robert full time employment
Maggie healing for her back
Maddie recovery from kidney transplant and that it will be successful
Prayers for the children in the Tennessee school bus accident
Carl T for healing from surgery and his upcoming surgery
Herb that the pending report will be what we are hoping for
Mary comfort from the loss of her son
Fran, Norma, Martha, Lee strength
Charise, Becky, Paul, Kevin healing from cancer
Hannah comfort and healing for upcoming surgery
Rosa H's Family prayers as they struggle with personality changes from cancer and chemo
Spirit of Hope all who worship within its walls
Church Council that they make sound decisions that allow our church to thrive
Pastor Glen & Rusty as they serve the church community
All with terminal illnesses, will find comfort in God's love.
Naomi, Winona, Deb, Jim, Larry for healing
Lisa Marie for a job
Prayers for peace
For Christians suffering everywhere
Matthew prayers to you
Naomi surgery and recovery
Ron H readings
Cameron healing after surgery
Amy issues with eyes
Parents health
Brother-in-Law successful surgery
Mary brain tumor
Doris breast cancer
Kathee stroke
Bobby holding his own as his liver is still improving
Calaya is still working this week; her National Guard issues
Allen ankle
Safe Travels to all heading home for the holidays
Mary, Tom healing
Alice B health issues
Sally J thoughts and prayers
© 2016 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300