Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
Happy New Year! It was fun last weekend to have Todd & Andria Ellingson, missionaries from Rwanda with us. Todd reminded us to "Dream Big". Some of the things the Ellingson's have been able to accomplish in 7 short years are amazing in the development of a school for 163 children and a church with over 200 worshippers. Todd shared with us his dreams for the future and you could sense his enthusiasm for unleashing God's incredible power among the African people. He encouraged each of us to dream, to enter into God's plan, and walk as if there was no way to fail. The fun part of this weekend is knowing that our own Duane Gilson will join the Ellingsons at the end of this month. Duane will be there for two weeks entering into the Ellingson's Dream. Duane is taking care of his own expenses, but is encouraging everyone to join him in raising $3,500 for City of Joy - Rwanda. For those of you who would like to support Duane in this adventure, please visit this campaign link. Our Hunger Jar this past weekend was for the City of Joy - Rwanda, to which $893.50 was collected.
 
Rusty Shaffer is cranking up his Italian chefs as TAG (Senior High Youth Group) hosts their 6th Annual Spaghetti Dinner January 14th at 6:30 p.m. For those of you who have attended this event in the past, you know that this dinner includes more than food, but also dozens of items that will be raffled off including a Phoenix Suns basketball, and a case of fine wine. Please put this on your calendar, as you don't want to miss this event. All money raised will be used to fund TAG's Annual Mission Trip this summer.
 
Tina Gilson is seeking volunteers for the Outreach Ministry Team's biggest fundraising event - the Spirit of Hope Rummage Sale on Friday January 27th & Saturday January 28th. Besides volunteers (sign up sheet is in the Narthex), the team is asking people to set aside valuable goods (perhaps a car, a golf cart, furniture, clothing, your second wide screen TV), to donate the week before the sale. Remember how Todd told us to dream big - this will be a great opportunity to dream. Funds raised will be used to reach out to the needy in our community. 
 
I had a chance to take a few days off after Christmas, where Lee and I spent most of the time with our granddaughter Stella, hanging out at play grounds, feeding ducks, and enjoying this beautiful weather. It's my hope that you all are finding time to laugh, to play and to enjoy the gift of being a child of God. If you are struggling to do that, I suggest you find a two and half year old and allow them to teach you! 
 
Peace & love,
Pastor Glen
TAG Spaghetti Dinner
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!
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 be coming soon on drop off dates/times. 
We are looking for LOTS of hands to help with the 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 are in the Narthex.
East Valley Men's Center Dinner
** Volunteers Needed **
We are looking for volunteers to serve at the East Valley Men's Center Dinner on Sunday, January 29, 2017. Arrival time is 4:00 p.m. to serve dinner to 90 men. Leave time is approximately 7:00 p.m. Sign up sheet is in the Narthex! If you have any questions, please contact Tina Gilson at: 414-517-6505
Numbers  For December 31, 2016 - January 1, 2017       

Giving                                             $ 6,536
Attendance                                         295
Our Weekly Goal Is:                      $5,340
 
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
Acts 10:34-43 and Matt 3:13-17
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
8:45 a.m. Service Coordinator: Phil Troiano
10:15 a.m. Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox

January 8th 8:45 a.m.
Altar Assistants: Jack & Marylou Wlson
Communion Servers: John & Christie Brandau, Phyllis VanEvera, Cindy Duea
 Greeters: Ron & Barb Vogel
 Reader: TBD
   Ushers: Jerry & Arlyce Nelson, Carl McCoy, Bob Germadnik
Sound Booth: Josh Keck 

January 8th 10:15 a.m.
Communion Servers: Sylvia Humleker, Linda Wilcox, Debbie Traynor, Cal Schell
 Greeters: Art & Crystal Zander
Reader: TBD
   Ushers: Jeanette Bailey, Barb Schell
Week At A Glance

Thursday, January 5
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbuck's Bible Study (Narthex)
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock (Narthex)
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study (Large Classroom)
Friday, January 6
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Saturday, January 7
9:00 a.m. - Lay Ministry Meeting
5:00 p.m. - Lift Service
6:00 p.m. - TAG
Sunday, January 8
8:45 a.m. - Blended Service
10:15 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Monday, January 9
Tuesday, January 10
Wednesday, January 11
9:00 a.m. - Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Stitchers (Narthex)
6:00 p.m. - Nite Lite
7:00 p.m. - SWAG
Thursday, January 12
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbuck's Bible Study (Narthex)
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock (Narthex)
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study (Large Classroom)
Friday, January 13
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Prayer Concerns For Dec. 31-Jan. 1

Margaret prayers of thanks that a home was found
Kathy prayers that her stomach biopsy is benign
Rosa & Family strength and comfort as she struggles with terminal brain cancer
Lindsay & Family safe travel
Mike B & Mike J strength and healing
Karen healing and comfort
Dakota strength and healing
Hannah, Joy healing from surgery
Wayne, Brenda, Ron, Bob, Dave, Laurie comfort and healing from illness
Barb B healing
Pat F, Brooke healing from cancer treatment
Kevin T peace
Fran, Norma, Linda, Jim, Deb, Joyce, Lisa, Theresa, Ruthie, John, Naomi, Winona strength
Harold T healing from hip replacement surgery
Karina prayer of thanks for her job
Mike & Family peace and comfort
Heidi, Doris healing from breast cancer
Mary healing from brain tumor
Kathee healing from stroke
Rechinda's Dad prayers of healing from prostate cancer
Calaya prayers for asuccessful job interview 
Ermal success in selling extra property
Paula & Ermal prayers for guidance as you begin writing a series of children's plays
Duane & Colleen's Children & Grandkids prayers for good health and safety
Joe prayers for doctors treating his cancer
Amy prayers for issues with eyes
Sally J healing from stroke
Ron H. passed away/prayers for his family
Tom H, Sandy B, Kevaleen, Horace H, Nikki H, Mark H, John P, Heidi, Michael, Guy, Charise, Becky, Kevin, Paul healing from cancer
Jim I, Darlene I, Connie M, Vicky K, Ruthie P, Don K, John P, Don B multiple health issues
Prayers for all who struggle with marriage issues
Paula S help finding an agent to get her book published
Becca healing from surgery and her prayers are answered
Don B prayers for safe and successful back surgery
Connie M & Kathy S recovery from surgery
Maddie recovery from kidney transplant and that it will be successful
Drew healing from addiction
Marc comfort and peace during time of grief
Amber guidance and peace with relationship issues
Jeff prayers for finding a new job
Prayers for all those traveling this holiday season
Carl T for healing from surgery and his upcoming surgery for tremors
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 prayers of thanks as they serve the church community
Vicki K healing from a broken hip
Gloria L recovery from gallbladder surgery
© 2017 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300