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2605 S Signal Butte Rd
Mesa, AZ 85209
480-396-8300
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May 6, 2026
Services: 5:00 pm Saturday
9:30 am Sunday
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What's Going on at Spirit of Hope?
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From Pastor Kevin's Desk
He is risen! We are in the season of Easter – a time of resurrection and the best of news: Jesus Christ lives!
On April 14, 15, and 16, I spent time at the Franciscan Renewal Center with 62 other first-call pastors, first-call deacons, and other leaders at our required First Call Accompaniment. The theme of our time together was Liturgy to Raise the Dead: How Liturgy Transforms Us and the Communities We Serve. We had conversation about what we do in worship and why it matters.
These conversations brought me back to the gifts God is giving us in worship. The liturgy is present in both our Saturday and Sunday services. The word itself means “the work of the people” and it is the Church’s shared and inherited pattern for public worship. It is inherited as the practices present today are tied to practices of the first church. In very early sources we hear of Christians gathering on the Lord’s Day, the were Scriptures read aloud, they prayed together, gave thanks, cared for the needy, partook in Communion (also known as “Eucharist”).
In our worship today, God Gathers people who have been scattered and makes us one body. The Word is proclaimed through the Scriptures read aloud, preached, sung, and prayed. We are gathered to God’s table to receive the Meal, a tangible means of grace. We are Sent through the power of the Holy Spirit bearing the good news of what God has done in thought, word, and deed.
Ultimately, we were challenged at our conference to consider our the core values of worship and how are they lived out in our corporate life of worship together.
Additionally, I had many conversations with other first-call pastors who are serving in both similar and very different contexts to hear what may be working and not working in other contexts. Bishops from 5 different synods shared wisdom and encouragement with the reminder that we are a part of a larger church, and God is at work in all kinds of ways.
We encourage you to ensure your contact information is up-to-date with Spirit of Hope.
Additionally, the Spirit of Hope office hours are as follows:
- Closed Sunday (Worship at 9:30AM with fellowship after service)
- Closed Monday
- Tuesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- Wednesday: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
- Thursday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- Saturday: 1:00PM – 4:00PM (Fellowship at 4:30PM and worship at 5:00PM)
Grace and peace,
Pastor Kevin Anderson
Office: (480) 396-8300
Emergency After Hours (call or text): (480) 359-7048
Email: prKevin@spiritofhopelutheran.com
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May Outreach Report
Our committee and the Senior Rock group will start the "Sack Lunch Project" which runs from May 14 through the end of August.
We are pretty well set on peanut butter and strawberry jam at this time.
What we can use is snack bars and individual serving chip bags.
Superstition Ranch Market has agreed to donate 100 apples each week. If you shop there, please tell them Thank You.
The Food Pantry donations are on-going throughout the year. Any food is needed.
Thank you for your generosity!
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From Diane Reinhardt:
Dear Congregation,
As we gather together each week to worship and fellowship, it's important to remember that the ministry of our church doesn't end when the doors close at the end of the day. In fact, a new and exciting ministry begins, reachin out to more than 400 people of all ages in our community.
Three vital groups meet regularly within our church walls: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA). Each group offers hope, support and healing to individuals and failies affected by alcoholism. If you or someone you know needs a meeting, please check the church calendar for times and details.
Let us keep all those who attend these groups in our prayers. May God grant them strength, comfort and encouragement on their journey toward recovery and wholeness.
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Women's Bible Study - Doing God's Work in the Community
The Women’s Bible Study has again cheerfully provided Mother’s Day gift bags to CAAFA.
The bags are filled with a variety of toiletries, feminine accessories, treats, a handmade Mother’s Day card for the children to sign, as well as project tablets & inspirational reading. Then the kiddos get to select a bag and give it to their moms on Mother’s Day.
This continues to be a project near and dear to the hearts of the bible study ladies. And we’re told it’s also a very special & fun event for the families involved.
CAAFA is “Community Alliance Against Family Abuse”. It’s a branch of the organization A New Leaf. CAAFA is located in Apache Junction. The organization provides shelter & services to women & children who are fleeing their living situation due to abuse or the fear of it.
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Mary Dicks
With sadness, we share that Mary Dicks, a beloved charter member of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 5th, at the age of 98. Mary was a treasured part of our church family, and her faith and presence will be deeply missed. Please keep Norm, Gloria, and all of Mary’s family and loved ones in your prayers as they mourn her passing and give thanks for her long and faithful life.
Let us pray,
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Mary. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints of light. Amen.
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Vacation Bible School – Mark Your Calendars
Our Vacation Bible School will be June 22nd – June 24th from 6PM to 7:30PM. Please mark your calendars! We will be looking for a few volunteers to help during those days.
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Saturday Evening Worship – Interested in Serving?
If you would like to help with serving communion, ushering or reading on Saturday Night please sign-up! We are always looking for help. There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex.
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ELCA World Hunger – Thank You for Your Generosity!
The dollars you generously share through the Hunger Jar, and the gifts given from the children (and those who help support their giving) are given to ELCA World Hunger. This is an incredibly important ministry of the churchwide organization, and we encourage you to read more by clicking here. Within the last year, we have donated more than $1,600 to this ministry. Below is a note from Pr. Daniel Rift, the Director of Congregational Generosity.
“Dear Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, thank you for your gift to ELCA World Hunger. As a church, we are empowered to love and serve our neighbors as Christ first loved us. Your gifts to the ministry of the ELCA help people around the world feel the power and hope that flow from God’s full, boundless love. Drawn together and guided by the Holy Spirit, we accomplish together what none of us could do along, grace upon grace. Your generosity is getting at the root cause of hunter and poverty in over 60 countries, including the United State. It provides access to clean water, health care, agriculture, livestock, and education, and it advances peace and justice for all people. Through your gifts, you join the whole church in working toward a just would where all are fed. Thank you for your gracious gifts. You make God’s love real.”
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Landscape Volunteers
Our facilities chair, Barb Kearns, is looking for help maintaining our campus. Below is information pertaining to the help she is looking her. Please contact her directly for more information.
“We are looking for folks to walk the property for trash and weeds growing in shrubs. Boundary to check is behind the church, playground, around the parking lot, along the North Casita wall and along the Morman wall. We have volunteers that spray the weeds by the playground and a gentleman weed eats the bigger area in the back but if you have a weed eater please let me know for the area you should work in. Barb Kearns 480-427-6776. This would be a huge help. Report any problems that you find to me.”
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Prayer List Updates – Please Help!
We would like your help in keeping our prayer list up to date. Please take a close look at the prayer list that will be sent out this Friday and let us know if you have updates on any of the individuals on the list, or if names need to be added or removed. We appreciate your help!
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Serving in April
Saturday PM Readers
May 2 - Craig T
May 9 - Daryl W
May 16 - Melody O
May 23 - Pete D
May 30 - Chris S
Saturday PM Sound Board
May - Steve O
Saturday PM Communion Assistant
May 2 - Sandy
May 9 - Wendy
May 16 - Sandy
May 23 - Wendy
May 30 - Sandy
Saturday PM Setup & Takedown
May - Chris S
Sunday AM Readers
May 3 - Linda W
May 10 - Greg C
May 17 - Margaret A
May 24 - Bill F
May 31 - Martee S
Sunday AM Greeters
May 3 - Art & Crystal Z
May 10 - Daryl and Cathy W
May 17 - Mike & Carol L
May 24 - Charles & Karen V
May 31 - Terry & Sandy C
Sunday AM Sound Board
May 3 - Eric S
May 10 - Eric S
May 17 - Eric S
May 24 - Eric T
May 31 - Eric S
Sunday AM Communion Assistant
May 3 - Becky B & Eric S
May 10 - Phil T & Karen V
May 17 - Viviane & Martee
May 24 - Greg & Colleen C
May 31 - Connie L & Deb S
Sunday AM Setup & Takedown
May 3 - Greg & Colleen C
May 10 - Greg & Colleen C
May 17 - Greg & Colleen C
May 24 - Greg & Colleen C
May 31 - Karen G & Linda W
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MAY BIRTHDAYS!
1 - Addyson Prada
5 - Jorja Shelbourn
5 - Bobbie Wiles
8 - Art Zander
11- Jo Frazier
12- Joseff Perrault-Spaulding
16- Tammy Lee Wallinger
18- Linda Miner
20- Judy Lynne
22- Eric Timmons
26- Debra Krikorian
26- Mary Skorheim
27- Kevin Hicks
29- Steve Crofton
29- Alice Tiede
29- Dar Stucke
31- Marie Renda
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Immerse Yourself in The Word!
Spirit of Hope currently offers 3 bible studies weekly. See below for your options and join us anytime!
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Bible Study with Pastor Kevin
Pastor's bible study meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM in the Large Classroom. We take a closer look at the Old Testament reading and the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday.
All are welcome!
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Bible Study – “Too Big For Starbuck’s”
Thursday Morning Bible Study on Summer Hiatus until September
Our Thursday morning bible study will take off for the summer. The last meeting for this group will be on 4/30/26. The study will resume on 9/3/26 and they will be taking a closer look at the book of Jeremiah.
Start your day off with us! Men and women are invited to join us on
Thursday mornings at 6:30 AM at Church. Bring your Bible and your coffee.
Led by: Bobbi Edwardson
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Women's Thursday Afternoon Bible Study
This bible study is held on Thursday afternoons at 1:00 PM in the church classroom.
New members are always welcome as together we grow in God’s GRACE and LOVE.
Led by: Dar Stucke
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The Grand Canyon Synod (which Spirit of Hope is part of) is a very active community of 89 churches in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. There is always much going on. The Synod has a website that posts all the news of the synod. The link to the website is here: Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA and if you click on "News" in the toolbar, you will find a link called "Get Our Newsletter". The Bishop's office puts out a weekly newsletter chock full of GCS happenings! And you can have it sent right to your email!
When you get a chance, take a look and see all the good things happening in Our Church!
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Spirit of Hope communicates electronically in many ways!
First - this newsletter is created weekly! You can receive it electronically via email or view the current newsletter on the Church Website www.spiritofhopelutheran.com on the Home Page. You can register to receive the newsletter on the main church website page - www.spiritofhopelutheran.com. Click on the "Click Here to Subscribe to Our Weekly E-Newsletter" button on the Home Page
Second - Our website has so much useful information and is a great source of all things Spirit of Hope. You can see what's going on, view the 9:30 church service live, or view past services, or find a list of helpful resources.
Third - Spirit of Hope has TWO Facebook pages! One is public and you can find it by searching in Facebook for Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church. Don't forget to click on "Follow". The other Facebook page is PRIVATE, meaning you need to request access or be invited. Search for Spirit of Hope and/or contact Tina Gilson with questions (tinag963@gmail.com).
Fourth- the church website has an app for your phone! In the Apple App Store or Play the Android Play Store and search for the "Our Church" app. Once downloaded you will be prompted to search for your church. You will have the church website in a phone-friendly format at your fingertips! Pretty cool, huh?
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