Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
It didn't take long on Sunday to see the church transform into "A House of Rummage".  
Thank you to all who shared their household items, clothing, furniture and any salable items for the annual Outreach Rummage Sale. Don't forget the Rummage Sale is this Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 
We had 11 new families move through New Member Orientation last Sunday. It is always a thrill to be blessed with new families and the gifts they bring. With this bunch, it brings a total number of 30 new families who have been added to the church rolls in the past three months. Please make a special effort to get to know these saints as God unleashes them into our community. 
 
Our church stats tell us that our worship numbers dropped slightly in 2016 over 2015 from 301 per weekend to 297. This is not a dramatic change but I don't think these stats tell the whole story. 2016 has been a year of transition where long-term leaders have stepped away, while new leaders, new thoughts, and new visions have taken there place. There is always a growth mode when new folks step in, but I can't remember a time when I've seen people work together with such joy and excitement. I believe that our staff has never been stronger. The addition of Ginger Witherwax as Office Manager, and Dave Stumo as Choir Director, has made a strong staff even more dynamic. I'm excited to see what 2017 will bring!
 
I've been enjoying the many new faces I've been seeing at Spirit of Hope lately. We will continue asking each of you if we can take your photo. One vision I have, is to create a password protected online photo directory, where new & old members alike can connect names with faces. I believe that the sense of community is slipping away in so many aspects of our lives, and this simple addition to our website could reap endless possibilities.

The year-end Giving Statements for 2016 were sent out on January 19th. If an email address was in the Spirit of Hope database, the statements were sent via email. If there was no email, the year-end statements were mailed via USPS. If you did not get your statement, or you have any questions about your statement, please contact Dave Chapman, Financial Secretary at: davidchapman1@cox.net 
 
It's my hope this week that each of you will find a quiet place to enter into the waters of your baptism drowning the old self-centered self, to allow God to create something "new". Then, soak in the words of Jesus, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people". Then... Go Fish!
 
Peace & love,
Pastor Glen 
** Nite Lite/Confirmation Cancelled **
Just a reminder that our
Nite Lite & Confirmation Programs are cancelled this evening -
January 25th - as final preparations are done for the SOH Rummage Sale!
Both Nite Lite & Confirmation will resume on February 1st. 
It is Fundraising Time at Panda Express for SOH!
** The proceeds will benefit SOH Children's Programs **

When: ** TODAY **  Wednesday, January 25th
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  
Where: Signal Butte & US-60
1752 S. Signal Butte Rd.  
Mesa, AZ 85208

For this fundraiser, Panda Express requests that customers either bring this flyer into the store, or you can show it to them on your phone. 
The 2017 SOH Annual Rummage Sale is this Friday, 
January 27th and Saturday, January 28th from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
East Valley Men's Center Dinner
** Volunteers Needed **
We are looking for volunteers to serve at the East Valley Men's Center Dinner this  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
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 21-22, 2017       

Giving                                             $7,080
Attendance                                          399
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 1:18-31 and Matt 5:1-12
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
8:45 a.m. Service Coordinator: Phil Troiano
10:15 a.m. Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox

January 29th 8:45 a.m.
Altar Assistants: Jim & Karen Gowan
Communion Servers: Ernie & Marion Rud, Larry & Ellen Hoiberg
 Greeters: Klaus & Priscilla Rapp
 Reader: Linda Thomas
   Ushers: Collin & Elizabeth Engebretson, Allen & Diane Thompson
Sound Booth: Josh Keck 

January 29th 10:15 a.m.
Communion Servers: Linda Fraenkel, Judi Ofelt
 Greeters: Cindy Bailey, Mary Szymanski
Reader: Cal Schell
   Ushers: Art & Crystal Zander
Week At A Glance

Thursday, January 26
Friday, January 27
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Rummage Sale
Saturday, January 28
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Rummage Sale 
5:00 p.m. - Lift Service
6:00 p.m. - TAG
Sunday, January 29
8:45 a.m. - Blended Service
10:15 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Monday, January 30
Tuesday, January 31
Wednesday, February 1
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 2
6:30 a.m. - Too Big For Starbucks
9:00 a.m. - Senior's Rock
1:00 p.m. - Ladie's Bible Study
Friday, February 3
2:00 p.m. - Choir Practice
Prayer Concerns For January 21-22, 2017

Leaders of Our Nation prayers for reconciliation of our nation
Michael L prayers for healing and peace
Don prayers for peace, healing and acceptance
Cleo prayers for patience and peace
Michelle prayers that God's peace and love fill her heart as she lives with Alzheimer's Disease
Lee & Dana prayers for their daughter Linda in Hospice
Michael continued healing
Fran, Norma, John, Lee, Linda prayers for strength
Kate's Grandmother prayers her cancer treatment goes well/pain free
Dixie R prayers for a successful surgery (Jan. 24)
Eunice B prayers for guidance in deciding if she should stay in present job
Troy S healing from a recent kidney transplant
Travis healing for his knee
Ruthie, John, Jimmy, Mike B, Mike J, Greg, Lindsey, Naomi, Winona, Cindy B  healing
Rebecca healthy pregnancy
Karen prayer of thanks for successful surgery
Matthew continued recovery
Christopher M hospitalized with a lung virus--prayers that he will feel better soon
Ethel R recovery and strength after being hospitalized
Pam G prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery
Amy prayers for issues with eyes
Sally J healing from stroke
Tom H, Sandy B, Kevaleen, Horace H, Nikki H, Mark H, John P, Heidi, Michael, Carol L, Wayne F, Janie Y, Charise, Guy, Pat F, Lona, Becky, Paul, Kevin 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
Vicki K healing from a broken hip
© 2017 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300