Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
I am always amazed when Tina Gilson launches her Outreach Ministry Team into a project. Her team blew me away as Spirit of Hope became a Marketplace of Rummage last weekend. I saw old veteran volunteers of past, but also many new faces who jumped into the mix transforming hours of gathering, pricing, and marketing into dollars for those outside of our congregation. How can I help but applaud these marvelous disciples? This ministry makes a preacher proud. I want to thank the many of you who gave of yourself to make this event memorable & meaningful.  I heard receipts exceeded $4,600+.
   
Last Sunday at the 10:15 a.m. service I found myself surrounded by the cutest and largest group of followers of Jesus that I can ever remember during the children's sermon. I think we had 14-15 children, many being infants, crowding around the altar praying to God. Parents, be aware that we are transforming our nursery into a dynamic vehicle for ministry. If you know of young families in the community who have small children, please share with them that we want them and their little people. 
  
  
Talking about little people, we had two beautiful young ladies enter the family of God through baptism last Saturday, Dahlia & Liliana Corona. It was fun to see these two little ones, coming with some apprehension to this watery event, and then relaxed even to the point where I could pick them up. Few things melt my heart as much as seeing God's grace pour over these little souls. Please keep them in your prayers, as their faith comes alive in their journey to the cross.

The Hunger Jar Offering last weekend was extraordinary for a member of our congregation who is struggling financially. $634.66 was shared in the Hunger Jar which gives hope to a soul who is down on his luck. Thank you!

Rumor has it that we might be knocking down a wall and building a new one as we expand one of our classrooms to accommodate a new ministry next to the nursery. For those of you who like to swing a hammer and hang sheet rock, please contact the church office to join the party.
  
Please keep in the mind our Annual Meeting on February 12th at 10:00 a.m.  This means that there will be no 10:15 a.m. service that morning.

I stopped by the office earlier this week, and I discovered a sealed envelope on my desk with my name on it. Inside the envelope was some money with this anonymous message, "Pastor Glen, please accept this small gift in appreciation of all you do. Not only at SOH, but in your life. You have influenced many people, and I hope you continue with the same joy and enthusiasm for the rest of your life. Enjoy life!"  Whoever left this note - thank you! It brought a tear to my eye.  
  
It's my hope that all of you are finding time to "count your blessings" as God's grace falls upon each us, revealing a love that will never end.
  
Peace & love,
Pastor Glen
Annual Congregational Meeting
Chili For Caleb's Cause
Please join us after our Annual Congregational Meeting on February 12th, as chili will be served in the Narthex, in honor of Caleb Gowan, grandson of members Jim & Karen Gowan. Caleb has a rare metabolic disease called Cystinosis. Only 500 cases in the U.S. and 2000 Worldwide exist, and there is no cure. Life expectancy is 27 years old. Chili will be served with 100% of the proceeds going to the Cystinosis Research Foundation. Please join us for chili and pray for a cure. For more information, you may visit this link:  www.cystinosisrearch.org 
Numbers  For January 28-29, 2017       

Giving                                               $6,229
Attendance                                          414
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
1 Cor 2:1-16 and Matt 5:13-20
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
8:45 a.m. Service Coordinator: Phil Troiano
10:15 a.m. Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox

February 5th 8:45 a.m. 
Altar Assistants: Kit McCormick, Kim Hakes
Communion Servers: Warren & Darlene Holzapfel, Roger & Karen Linder
 Greeters: Mike & Nancy Stark
 Reader: Kaitlyn Hakes
   Ushers: Terry Scheer, Wayne Schmidt, David Thompson, Lorayne Thompson
Sound Booth: Josh Keck 

February 5th 10:15 a.m.
Communion Servers: Connie Santwire, Kim Gordon
 Greeters: Jeanette Bailey, Cindy Bailey
Reader: Cal Schell
   Ushers: Marie Renda, Barb Schell
Week At A Glance

Thursday, February 2
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbucks
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study
Friday, February 3
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice
Saturday, February 4
9:00 a.m. - Lay Ministry Meeting
5:00 p.m. - Lift Service
6:00 p.m. - TAG
Sunday, February 5
8:45 a.m. - Blended Service
10:15 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Monday, February 6
Tuesday, February 7
Wednesday, February 8
9:00 a.m. - Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Stitchers (Narthex)
6:00 p.m. - Nite Lite
7:00 p.m. - SWAG
Thursday, February 9
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbucks
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock
1:00 p.m. - Women's Bible Study
Friday, February 10
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice
Prayer Concerns For January 28-29, 2017

Ellis Family comfort and peace during time of grief following the death of their daughter
Healing for all in need
Leaders of Our Nation wisdom
Naomi, Ron, Gloria, Our Country prayers
Pastor Harvey N healing from bypass surgery
Dana & Lee comfort and peace during time of grief
Edward C, Greg, Kate, Jim & Darlene improved health
Patty, Paula, Lisa, Tammy prayers of consolation
Elisa answers for her fainting spells
Mike prayers to become humble
Robert knowledge to understand his math class in college
Alex prayers of thanks for improved health and new job
Darlene prayers of thanks for new job
Annette prayers for a successful surgery (2/15)
Al answers to his knee problem
John safety during travels
Annette prayers for a successful spine procedure
Guy, Charise, Wayne comfort and healing
Hannah prayers of thanks for healing her legs after surgery
Mandy safety as a police officer
Jackie, Jimmy, Mike B, Mike J, Lindsey, Teresa, Merry healing
Ginger prayers of thanks for the wonderful work she does in the church office
Karen healing from heart surgery
Lois O prayers for healing of her toes following surgery
Rita comfort and strength
Claudia & Lo strength and healing
Matthew continued recovery
Mike healing from surgery and pain free
Caregivers and People with Alzheimer's/ Memory Loss prayers for patience and comfort
Phil prayers for positive MRI test results
Denise comfort and peace in Hospice
Maria prayers for her dying father/that he feels God's peace and love
Troy prayers for a successful kidney transplant
Christopher M hospitalized with a lung virus--prayers that he will feel better soon
Pam G prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery
Amy, Sharon prayers for issues with eyes
Sally J healing from stroke
Linda, Norma, Martha, Fran, Lee, Barbara strength
Tom H, Sandy B, Kevaleen, Horace H, Nikki H, Mark H, John P, Heidi, Michael, Sandy, Becky, Kevin, Paul, Jane, Eddie C, Wayne, Carol L healing from cancer
Jim I, Darlene I, Connie M, Vicky K, Ruthie P, Don K, John P, Don B healing from  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 healing from 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
Carl T 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
© 2017 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300