Thoughts From Pastor Glen

 
Wow...where do you find the words to describe this past weekend? I cried, I laughed, I ate and was deeply touched with feelings of gratitude. I wish every person could have this opportunity. The opportunity to sit in my seat. You have all been such an amazing blessing in my life, I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving. Just when I thought the tears were done, I started to read the pages of beautiful letters you wrote, gathered by Wendy Sontag. And then there was the craziness of John Janezic and his comedy troop. I loved every second of this talented cast. And then there was the food and the angels who prepared it with over 275+ served in a matter of minutes, thank you! The pictures, the fans, the decorating and the gifts. Oh my, the gifts - and for those of you who didn't know about my envy of St. Peter having a nicer cell phone than my own, (used to check in people into heaven through the pearly gates), now because of you, I own a new iPhone!  Yes, not even St. Peter has anything on me. 





My heart is full. God has given me the opportunity that few will ever experience. People like yourself gathered together as a community when we had no building, no history, no stability and no certainty as to where God was going to lead us. You were crazy enough to trust this balding old guy to lead you to the one whose love will never end, Jesus. It's my prayer for you that you will love the new pastor as you have loved me. I'm convinced that "good pastors" are made, not born. Be patient, be kind and never miss an opportunity to lift up our staff members and the leaders of this incredible congregation. Please know that God is at work in everyone of you and don't be afraid to unleash this endless power. You can view more photos and the video from this event on our website here. 

Here is a special message from the coordinator of this event, Wendy Sontag:
 
When Pastor Glen announced he was going to retire, so many things went through my mind, but the one thing I knew, was I wanted to send him off with a celebration of him. Instantly I thought of a Retirement Roast, so as I was putting ideas together for the menu and program, it all came together little by little, however without you, the congregation, none of this could have happened! I want to thank each of you for the delicious food you brought in to share, to the Seniors Rock Group and many others for their amazing assistance in setting up, serving, cleaning up, putting the sanctuary and church back in order and for a special angel named Larry, who washed all of our dishes, pots, and pans. Thank you to John Janezic aka Johnny J who was marvelous as our emcee for the day, for the two brave souls who came in to give a few laughs, to Jenni Janezic and her beautiful cake she made, to Rich Biesterfeld for taking photos, to Duane Gilson for videotaping the event and the list goes on and on. From the bottom of my heart - thank you! 
 
The Executive Church Council will be interviewing a candidate to fill-in as an Interim Pastor on Thursday. I've heard good things about this candidate and I suspect that the committee will bring this person before the Church Council Meeting later in the evening. If everything goes as planned, this Interim Pastor will start December 1st. Just so everyone is not confused, the Interim Pastor is temporary until Spirit of Hope's Call Committee finds a permanent pastor. Typically, the call process takes 6-12 months. Please keep this process in your prayers as God guides our leaders through this important time.
 
Let's Decorate! We are looking for volunteers to help put up the Christmas Tree and all the other decorations as we prepare to enter the Advent Season. The fun begins this Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.  
 
Too Big For Starbucks Bible Study will meet this Thursday at 6:30 a.m. This will be the last bible study that I will lead. Members of this group are planning to continue this study, so stay tuned for an update on time, dates and place.  
 
A Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held on Wednesday, November 22nd at 6:30 p.m. This will be the second to the last service that I will share with this community. A thanksgiving service seems to be an appropriate tribute after walking 18 years together.  
 
These last few weeks will be a little surreal for me. It is a time for me to say good-bye and thank you for allowing me to walk with you on this part of your journey. Some of you have asked if I will worship at Spirit of Hope, or be available for weddings and funerals, or other pastoral acts. The answer is no. History has revealed that a healthy transition requires a clean separation to allow new staff to be embraced by the congregation. Please know that even though I will not be physically in contact with you, YOU will always be in my thoughts and prayers.  
 
Peace & Love,
Pastor Glen
     Numbers For November 11-12, 2017     

Giving $10,784
Attendance 380
Our Weekly Goal Is: $7,490






Our Financial Numbers As Of October 31, 2017:
Budgeted Monthly Income 
$32,208
Actual Average Monthly Income
$28,448
Budgeted Monthly Expenses
$32,142
Actual Average Monthly Expenses
$27,265


YTD Income
$307,557
YTD Expenses
$303,322
YTD Net Profit
$4,235




Would you like to 
text us
a donation?

You can do so by simply
indicating the dollar amount
you'd like to donate.
Example: $10 and text 
480-725-1140


 

If you are interested in becoming an E-Giver, visit this  blog post  on the SOH website, for easy step by step instructions to set this up. E-Givers help Spirit of Hope to receive donations on a consistent basis to operate on throughout the year. 
Here Is An Easy Way To Support SOH While Shopping!
Shop for everyone on your gift list this holiday season at: smile.amazon.com/ch/86-0941012 and Amazon donates to Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church.
ATTENTION - Bakers at Spirit Of Hope! Just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Seniors Rock is having their annual Free Will Bake Sale on November 18th and 19th.  Please help by donating a baked good, and then don't forget to pick up an item or two during the Bake Sale. If you are donating a baked good, you may drop it off at the church on Thursday, November 16th or Friday, November 17th between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Thank you! 
Readings For This Coming Weekend
1 Thess 5:1-11 and Matt 25:14-30
 
This Weekend's Worship Assistants
5:00 p.m. Service Coordinator: Wendy Sontag
8:30 a.m. Service Coordinator: Dick Schultz
10:30 a.m. Service Coordinators: Sylvia Humleker & Linda Wilcox

November 18th 5:00 p.m.
Set-Up: TBD 
 
November 19th 8:30 a.m. 
Altar Assistants: Jack & Marylou Wilson
Communion Servers: Karen Gowan, Naomi Henson, Barb Landau, Darlene Zabel 
Greeters: Jerry & Jan Hefflinger
Reader: Brian Blad 
  Ushers: Keith Hackney, Donna Blad, Klaus Rapp, Wayne Schmidt
Sound Booth: Josh Keck

November 19th 10:30 a.m. 
 Communion Servers: Cal Schell, Connie Santwire
Greeters: Art & Crystal Zander
 Reader: Mike Stark
   Ushers: Michael Nicholson, Judi Ofelt
Week At A Glance 

Thursday
November 16th
6:30 a.m. 
Too Big For Starbucks Bible Study
9:00 a.m. 
Seniors
 Rock

1:00 p.m. 
Women's Bible Study
6:30 p.m. 
Church
Council Meeting





Friday
November 17th









Saturday
November 18th
9:00 a.m. 
Church
 Holiday Decorating

9:00 a.m. 
Worship Team
Meeting

9:30 a.m. 
MOMS Group 
5:00 p.m. 
The Lift Service
6:00 p.m. 
TAG

8:00 p.m.
The Forge
** Seniors Rock Bake 
Sale **





Sunday
November 19th

8:30 a.m. 
Blended Service
10:30 a.m.
Contemporary
Service
** Seniors Rock Bake Sale **





Monday
November 20th









Tuesday
November 21st









Wednesday
November 22nd

9:00 a.m. 
Staff Meeting
6:00 p.m. 
 Nite Lite & Confirmation  
6:30 p.m. 
Thanksgiving
Eve Service
7:00 p.m. 
SWAG

8:00 p.m.   
Young Adult Bible Study





Thursday
November 23rd
OFFICE IS CLOSED...
For The Thanksgiving Holiday! 






Friday
November 24th
OFFICE IS 
CLOSED...
For The Thanksgiving Holiday!


Marcia, David, LeAnn, Sandy S, Keith, Carol  prayers for healing from cancer
Lindsay prayers for healing and strength from epilepsy
Helen prayers for healing her back
Warren H prayers that medication can be regulated
Marc prayers for healing renal carcinoma
Emily prayers for successful knee surgeries
Pastor Glen & Lee prayers for improved health and happiness
Spirit of Hope prayers for a new pastor and love for him
Jim prayers for strength to do the best for his children
Shelly S prayers for relief from stress and financial difficulties
Shawn B prayers for my family and kids as we struggle through divorce
Margaret prayers for her to listen to God's voice instead of others
Mike B, Mike J prayers for healing
Becky, Kevin, John, Lee, Martha, Pam P, Nick prayers
Terry & Judy H prayers for their granddaughter who is out of ICU following a car accident. Prayers also for her friends on life support.
Ty prayers for healing his back pain
Kaity prayers for healing her headaches
Shirley prayers for successful surgery
Lori prayers for successful hip replacement
Brian prayers for healing his broken hip
Tanisha prayers for strength and comfort following the loss of her child
Brittany prayers for relief of pain from brain cancer
Lee, Kit, Dee, Barb, Vicki prayers for recovery from various issues
Joyce, Bill & Karen prayer of thanks for all their help
Sally J prayers for continued recovery from a stroke
Spirit of Hope prayers for all who worship within its walls/prayers for our church
Church Council prayers that they make sound decisions that allow our church to thrive
Pastor Glen & Rusty prayers of thanks as they serve the church community
Prayers for all those struggling to recover from cancer and multiple health issues
Spirit Of Hope Website Quick Links

© 2017 
Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church
(480) 396-8300
Are you following us on social media? Here are all the ways to connect with us!
Like us on Facebook     Find us on Google+     View on Instagram     Find us on Pinterest     Follow us on Twitter