Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
It was a busy weekend as I attended the Synod Missional Conference with church council member Tina Gilson. Our eyes & hearts were reminded that we need to face our fears and invite people into our congregations who are different than ourselves. We heard speakers talk about the challenges of being non-white within the Lutheran body. It was heart-warming to hear about richness the Hispanic, Native American, and the Somalian culture can bring to our already rich Northern European traditions. Let's break through these barriers and make disciples of all nations. 
 
I thought I walked into Zombie Land as I entered the Narthex at my normal 6:40 a.m. on Sunday morning. It wasn't zombies at all, but TAGGERS who spent the night together playing games, sharing, and allowing God's grace to be absorbed into their bones. Many of these 25 youth went home to get a few hours sleep while returning to church a few hours later to assist in the Chili Feed. Teenagers continue to astound me.
 
The Annual Meeting was a delight, and I want to thank all of you who came. We passed a modest budget that included many of the youth ministries that have been excluded in the past. I, for one, felt like this was a huge step toward making ministry more multi-generational. I want to thank those leaders who finished their term, and applaud the courage of those stepping into leadership positions. I continue to remember that this is God's Church and God continues to trust us with God's precious sheep.
 
Great food was served in honor of Jim & Karen Gowan's grandson Caleb who lives with Cystinosis. This a rare disease and kids like Caleb have a life expectancy of 27 years, so research is of incredible importance. 

The Chili For Caleb's Cause & Hunger Jar Offering totaled $1,907.80 which will be sent to the Cystinosis Research Foundation. 


Thank you for your support as God uses you to transform today's challenges into tomorrow's miracles.

Thank you as well to the TAG Group for helping make this event a big success.

Job well done, Jim & Karen Gowan!

We received an invitation for the members of our congregation to attend the upcoming piano LOVESONG  concert with Bob Ravenscroft on Friday, February 17th  at 7:00 p.m. at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. It is a free concert and is open to everyone.  Click here  for more details. 

Tenors Wanted! Our great choir needs you! Dave is looking for a couple more tenors (male or female). Remember that practice is every Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Pictures, pictures, pictures! We want to take your picture for our database and we want individual pictures and a family shot. There is nothing to buy and there is no cost. Many of you had your picture taken for the old directory, but we didn't get individual shots. Shari Karnowski will be taking pictures outside the entrance of the church before the Saturday 5:00 p.m. service, before the Sunday 8:45 a.m. service and after the 10:15 a.m. service this coming weekend - February 18th-19th. The wonderful thing is that members can access these pictures online from our new password protected member directory on our website. Speaking of websites, have you looked at our new website yet? If not, take a peek when you have a moment. Members and Seasonal Members will be receiving an email soon with the password to access our new online Member Directory.     

I'm still looking for a few skilled carpenters to move an interior wall next week. We want to expand a classroom by moving a wall 5 feet. The project will begin next Sunday, February 19th at 1:00 p.m. and will hopefully be completed by Tuesday, February 21st. We are looking for two more people, so please call the church office at 480-396-8300, if you can help.

Artist & Pastor Paul Oman

Paul Oman, a Lutheran pastor and an amazing painter will be with us during Lent on March 8th. 

He will be painting while he reveals the gospel. Paul comes to us with rave reviews. Some people claim that he has changed their life through this media. Learn more about Paul in this blog post. 

Put March 8th at 7:00 p.m. on your calendars, as I want to pack the house.

This is one Lenten service you will not want to miss!
 
Peace & love,
Pastor Glen
VBS 2017 Planning Meeting
Thank You Note
We received this lovely thank you note from Feed My Starving Children, that we wanted to share with you. You may recall the Hunger Jar a few weekends ago, was collected for this organization that our MOMS Group helped out with back in January.
 
Soup & Bread
Starting March 8th Lent begins. Lent is a time of reconciliation with God and one's neighbors. This Lent, we invite you to join us as we dine on Soup & Bread each Wednesday, from March 8th through April 5th at 6:00 p.m. We can't do this alone, so sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. At least 6 crock-pots of soup per week will be needed. After dining, we will have services beginning at 7:00 p.m. each week. 
 
Numbers  For February 11-12, 2017       

Giving                                               $4,758
Attendance                                          315
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
1 Cor 3:10-11, 16-23 and Matt 5:38-48
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
8:45 a.m. Service Coordinator: Phil Troiano
10:15 a.m. Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox

February 19th 8:45 a.m. 
Altar Assistants: Jim & Karen Gowan
Communion Servers: Bob & Judy Crace, Karen Reil, Sylvon Pielach
 Greeters: Grant & Bonnie Klassen
 Reader: Donna Blad
   Ushers: Jerry & Arlyce Nelson, Judy Candrilli, Carl McCoy
Sound Booth: Josh Keck

February 19th 10:15 a.m. 
Communion Servers: Debbie Traynor, TBD
Greeters: Darryl & Sherry Branham
Reader: Mike Stark
   Ushers: Darryl & Sherry Branham
Week At A Glance

Thursday, February 16
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, February 17
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Saturday, February 18
5:00 p.m. - Lift Service
6:00 p.m. - TAG
8:15 p.m. - The Forge
Sunday, February 19
8:45 a.m. - Blended Service
10:15 a.m. - Contemporary Service
5:00 p.m. - Being Whole Again (Narthex)
Monday, February 20
Tuesday, February 21
Wednesday, February 22
9:00 a.m. - Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Stitchers (Narthex)
** NITE LITE, CONFIRMATION & SWAG - CANCELLED **
Thursday, February 23
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbucks (Narthex)
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock (Narthex)
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study (Large Classroom)
6:30 p.m. - Church Council
Friday, February 24
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Prayer Concerns For February 11-12, 2017

Mike B, Mike J, Teresa healing and comfort
Lafe & Mary M, Caleb, Nick & Nicki G prayers
Brianna & Brian B healing for their infant son who is in ICU with respiratory distress
Christopher M hospitalized with a lung virus--prayers that he will feel better soon
Pam G prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery
Ethel R good health after hospitalization
Lindsay healing from epilepsy
Karen prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery
Val improved eyesight for a loved one with glaucoma
Caleb G prayers that research will find a cure for cystinosis
Alex praise God she is healthy
Jan healing for heart issue
Barb C & Eddie C healing for health issues
Pastor Glen, Rusty, Ginger, Sherry, Mary prayers of thanks and blessings for all you do
Our Council prayer of thanks
Kali, Curtis, Wayne F, Carol L, Ruth healing from cancer
Dave & Laurie K safe travels
Troy prayers for a successful kidney transplant
Desiree M & Family prayers for strength to keep doing what we need to do
Koni O & Family prayers for comfort and peace as they grieve the loss of her father
Baby J prayers for a successful heart repair
Elle's Family prayers that Leo will be approved for adoption
Emily prayers that she is able to focus in school and delight in reading
Duane & Colleen L prayers for our Minnesota Church
Joe prayers for maturity and a successful school year
Our Nation's Leaders prayers
Prayers for world peace
Denise comfort and peace in Hospice
Jack's Family prayers that they open their hearts to the love of God as they celebrate his life
© 2017 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300
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