A message from Pastor Tony
  Genesis 7:15 (NRSV)
15 They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life.
Genesis 2:18 (NRSV)
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.”
Matthew 18:20 (NRSV)
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Last week I mentioned that the days seem to be getting longer and the word “bored” is starting to creep into my week. This is something that I never have been before…bored. Some of the things that have been able to keep me active and entertained are my animals. Don’t hear me say that my spouse, Carol, isn’t a great companion. Without her I would be lost and a mental mess. Our animals keep us both busy and give us purpose. We have rescued two cats and two small dogs. Our day rotates around their schedule. Not sure how that happened but we have adapted our lives around their needs. Yes, they are like a new set of children. They bring so much happiness and love. They bring companionship to each other. 

I am convinced that God not only did bring two of each animal of the world into the ark for pro-creation purposes but also for companionship. I love to watch our dogs play and laugh when the cats chase one another. It is adorable when all four of them nap together! Life is great when you have this kind of companionship. 

I know there are people who love to live alone and love the silence in their life. I know these individuals talk to God if they need to communicate. Thank God we know God is always with us! When I am alone, I spend a lot of time talking to God. We are designed to be in relationship with others and with God. Even Jesus spent his time being with others and took them with him to pray. He sent out disciples in pairs and told them he would always be with them in Spirit.

I pray that all of you have someone to visit with on a regular basis. If not be sure to talk to God… or you can always call me. I carry my phone with me at all times. And if possible, get a cat or dog. You will never feel alone if you do. May God always be with you in this time of Covid 19. May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy. May Christ send his grace and love upon you and remind you of Jesus’ presence now and forever.
 
AMEN 

Pastor Tony

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The Generosity Project is an expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Macedonia Project, with initial funding provided by Thrivent Financial Services. The purpose of the Macedonia Project is to grow faithful steward leaders.

Congregations across the ELCA that participated in a pilot for The Generosity Project reported that the experience changed the way they viewed and approached stewardship, opening up new and creative conversations between all generations. The hoped for outcome is for congregations to address the role and meaning of money in daily life, and to begin to equip all ages and households for the faith practice of generosity— year-round. Now, we at Spirit of Hope have an opportunity to participate in this project too!
This project begins with a congregational survey. We are asking each family unit participate in this survey by copying the link below and pasting it into your browser. Please complete the survey and it will then be sent directly to the greater church for statistics. Thank you in advance for helping us begin this project!

           htt ps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020CGC30439

 In the weeks and months ahead, we will be planning specific events that will be created for the Generosity Project. Please be sure to participate as much as possible to learn more about giving and being generous toward others and the world!  

This is an organization Spirit of Hope wants to become partners within the near future. 
Genesis Project is a coalition of churches in the Apache Junction area banded together for the common purpose of aiding the less fortunate.

Genesis Project is a faith-based 501c3 organization seeking to feed the hungry and the homeless by facilitating hot meals, showers, clothing, and medical services.

Right now the need for people that are in need is water. Water is something we can help with today. We will be collecting cases of bottled water here at Spirit of Hope and at the end of the month we will load up all the cases and bring it to Genesis to be distributed as needed. Please help as you are able and drop off a few cases at the church for this cause. 

Thank You for your volunteerism!
Your Outreach Team













Have you ever run out of gas? I remember the first time I did. I had just bought a 1974 Camaro. I picked it up from the used car lot, and had to go to work before heading home. At home there was free gas! We had a farm so we had our own gas pump for the tractors and vehicles. Dad was paying, so I was pumping. You know how it is when you get a new car; you are not really sure where the gas gauge points when the tank is empty. Is it just below the E, or maybe a little above that magic letter? I wasn’t sure either, but I hoped there was just enough to make it home. I almost made it; I was about 2 miles away when the engine shut off. Luckily I was able to get some gas and get home. I’ll tell you that story next week.

So now when my gas gauge gets close to E, I fill up. This is true not only for my vehicles tank, but my spiritual tank as well. With COVID and isolation, it is pretty easy for your tank get close to E. If it gets to close, you start to sputter and loose power. You find yourself in a bad mood even when you have so much to be thankful for. You might treat your loved ones poorly, or maybe you don’t appreciate them the way you normally do. Remember, they may be running low as well. With COVID and the shutdowns, your normal gas stations were closed. I am not talking about the Shell station, but the Soul station. Churches were closed, bible studies stopped. Stopping in to talk to your Pastor became a Zoom meeting. You couldn’t even sit with your extended families unless you had a wall between you. But your fuel (spirit) is still burned up; your spirit is drained with no pump in sight. Before COVID, Sundays would be your church day where you went to visit with Jesus and talk with others. You could get filled up! Over night Sunday service became Facebook Live and a You Tube video. It’s ok, but videos can’t fill you up like being in God’s house. There is something about the smell, the feel, the sound of a church that pushes the spirit back into you faster than watching a video at home; people praying together, voices reaching up to heaven. Donna playing the piano; leading us in song. Jake and Lizzy singing and playing guitar. It is like a rapid charger for your Tesla! You walk in, and 60 minutes later you have enough spirit to get you through another week. Walking out of church you find yourself so full of spirit, you are giving it away to others.

What if you can’t make it to church, or not able to get out during this pandemic? While fast charges are ok, sometimes a nice slow charge works just as well. You may need more than a single video to get fully charged. Pastor Tony has started few bible studies back up that you can attend either in person or as a Zoom meeting. Maybe click in or sit down at one of the gatherings for some biblical study. Another option is to listen to past services. Did you know we have services going back to February of 2016 on our website? We have some from Pastor Glen, Pastor Sarah, and quite a few guest Pastors that have preached at SOH over the years. We also have Pastor Tony’s since he started, and the service videos since March. Just Google ‘Spirit of Hope Mesa’ and you will find us. Go to the Sermons tab, and enjoy. A lot of times when you listen to an old sermon, you get a whole new message. If you enjoy the sermons, and feel your spirit tank getting filled, maybe you will feel the spirit of generosity come over you. You can always click on the donate tab and make a quick and easy donation to support our mission to make Christ known.

As always, your generosity is always appreciated. Remember, even though our services may have been reduced, our mission continues as we reach into the community to bring Christ outside our walls, and into the world.

Thanks
Duane Gilson
Council President  
Good Morning everyone from Senior's Rock
 
A couple weeks ago I gave the senior's a homework assignment. It was to send a card or letter to someone in the group. It would lift that person's day up knowing someone was thinking about that. A smile is worth a million dollars and that was the hope that they did have a smile when receiving it.

So on that note, I am giving everyone at Spirit of Hope the same assignment. It takes only a couple minutes but the result will last a lifetime for sure.
 Many things are possible for a person who has hope. Even more, is possible for the person who has faith. And still, more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues.

My hope is we will get back together sooner than later. My faith is we will find a cure for this virus sooner then later. My love is for all of you at Spirit of Hope. I am happy to say I do have all three virtues. As I am sure all of you do also. What is your hope, faith, and love?

Till next time, have a wonderful day.
Wendy Sontag

EVENING BIBLE STUDY  - We’re Back… and we are also now online!

We resumed our Wednesday Night Bible Study here at the church and we will be also remain on line through the ZOOM application using the same log-in address as we use for the Coffee time with Pastor. Pastor Tony will lead this Bible study throughout the summer we will be studying the scriptures that will be read at the next Sunday worship service. Everyone who is to be present at the church MUST be wearing a mask for everyone’s protection. Masks are available if needed. If you are not able to join us here at church, please log on to this ZOOM video call on your computer or phone at 6:00 pm.  Join us anytime!


Meeting ID: 640 106 1099
Password: 0jtiAH
See you there!


SPIRIT OF HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH WELCOME BACK!

Thank you for your cooperation with the following procedures and logistics that are designed to go above and beyond to keep everyone safe and in compliance with CDC/State guidelines while maintaining a reverent and prayerful atmosphere. On – line services will continue and you are asked to only come to Services if you are healthy and comfortable doing so.

Initially, there will be only one service offered and that will be on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

What you need to know:

·Although we have worked diligently to limit risk and exposure as we reopen our services, there is still risk in attending with others.

·Do not come to Church if there are any signs that you might be sick, or you are taking care of someone who is sick – don’t just assume its allergies or a harmless sniffle! Please act out of an overabundance of caution for the sake of all.

·Masks or other face coverings that cover both your nose and mouth are encouraged for the safety of others while attending Services. Water fountains are shut off, so if you need water, please bring a water bottle.

 ·Please consider bringing a personal supply of hand sanitizer and/or a disinfecting wipe for your area if possible.

·Be at Church no more than 20 min early as we are trying to limit the time you are exposed to others.

·Don’t be late, as we will not seat anyone once the service begins.

·Greeters at the door will remind you to wear your mask and your tithing envelopes can be dropped off just inside near the baptismal font or by the Hunger Baskets. We will not pass offering plates during the offertory.

·The ushers will be there to help with the Seating.  Seating has been carefully measured to ensure that there is at least 6 feet of distance between family groups. The ushers will be there during communion to ensure proper distancing as well.

·At this time there will not be children's services or nursery staff. Children attending will remain with their families.

·There will be no singing for a while except by Jake and Lizzie.

·Quietly and prayerfully recite prayers and responses as to not project your voice and increase droplets in the environment.

·Do not shake hands with others or hold hands during the “Our Father.” We will also be omitting the “sign of peace.”

·Upon entering the sanctuary, you will receive a prepackaged communion cup and wafer. At the time of the Lords supper, we will all receive together from our seats.

·At the conclusion of Service, we will dismiss people in a carefully planned manner, section by section, to encourage proper social distancing as we leave as well. Please wait to be dismissed.

·We know you will be glad to see many of your fellow parishioners, but please do not congregate in the narthex but exit the doors and visit outside if you want to or go directly to your cars.

·Be sure to wash your hands, sanitize, etc. as soon as you are able after exiting the Church!

·You are not responsible for enforcing the policies and procedures during the Service. If you have any issues, please report them to your usher or Pastor directly. They will handle it from there.

·Even with all of the planning and preparation, things will not go perfectly. Pray for patience, wisdom, understanding, and forgiveness!
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Coffee with the Pastor – ONLINE      
               Join me and others for coffee on
Wednesdays at 9:00 AM as we reflect on the social distancing and our lives during the covid-19 pandemic. We are all looking for some social interaction and this is your chance!   You are invited to join me on a ZOOM call… this is how you do this.
Open your internet browser
Copy and paste the link below into the address line.
  We will go live starting at 9:00am

https://zoom.us/j/6401061099?pwd=L1luVWlPcnRreDYzeTdMRks1ZEp1UT09

Meeting ID: 640 106 1099
Password: 0jtiAH
See you there!
Thursday Morning Bible Study at 6:30 AM. Bring your own coffee!!!!
Holy Land Trip
January 21-31, 2021  

The registration website for the Spirit of Hope Israel Trip is now available. Please follow this link, register, and pay your deposit as soon as possible so you can reserve your spot on the trip.


When you get to the site you will find a "Register Now" link on the lower right-hand side of the page. After clicking that link you'll be asked to fill out the registration form. Here are a few things to note:
If you are traveling with someone else you will register both people at the same time. 

  • You need your passport when you complete the registration. 
  • The deposit is $300 and you can pay by Credit Card. 
  • You will be asked to create an account with a username and password, be sure to note your selection as you will need to log in again to complete your payment(s) for the trip. 
  • Travel insurance is available at the time of registration. It is strongly encouraged that you purchase this. You MUST purchase travel insurance BEFORE you pay the deposit, you cannot choose to purchase travel insurance after you have paid for any portion of the trip, including the deposit. 

If you have any questions about the registration process please don't hesitate to ask!

Peace be with you!


Pastor Tony
Message from Jen


Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday texts, calls, emails and the blessings.



We will continue to accept food donations, however, please remember that the packages must be sealed, nonperishable items. We CANNOT accept open cereal, fruit, vegetables, pet food etc.

Please place your donations in the clear bin, located outside the church, next to the office window.








AmazonSmile
A quick and easy way to support SOH is when you shop at Amazon. Simply shop @AmazonSmile, look for SOH, and Amazon will make a donation to Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church! 
Help Support Causes in Your Community!

Did you know you can support nonprofit organizations in your community just by shopping at Fry's? It's easy when you enroll in Fry's Community Rewards! To get started, sign up with your V.I.P Card , and select a local organization you wish to support. Once you're enrolled, you'll earn rewards for your chosen organization every time you shop and use your V.I.P Card!
www.fryscommunityrewards.com
SOH organization number is 80606

Thank you 
Wendy and Senior's Rock
                
Numbers For July
Income contributions only


7/6-7/12 $2075
MTD $2815

YTD $135,842

Seasonal Weekly Goal Is: $6,250


The seasonal giving goal is a reflection of the 2020 budget prepared by the Council and approved by the Congregation and adjusted for the reduced attendance over four months of the summer.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission and ministry at SOH!
A word from our Financial Secretary

Although we are limited in our ability to commune in fellowship, Spirit of Hope continues to make its presence known through virtual services and through community outreach fulfilling the ongoing mission and ministry of Jesus in our community.

We ask that during this time of need, you continue to make weekly offerings. It is through the faithful, weekly giving of our members we continue to maintain our day to day and missionary obligations during this time.

How can members remain faithful in their giving responsibility and thus continue to invest in and fund the continued mission and ministry of our church?

1.        Continue giving weekly through your personal banking online bill pay service.
2.        Use the Spirit of Hope online giving option at https://https://soh.breezechms.com/give/online .
3.        Use the Spirit of Hope texting option at (480) 725-1140.
4.        Send your donation through the U.S. Postal Service at 2605 S. Signal Butte Rd., Mesa, AZ 85209.

If you need help with setting up or amending your current offering, please reach out to our Financial Secretary, Kianda Addo ( [email protected] ).
 
Did you know? 

Giving makes us feel happy - Giving activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust.
Giving is good for our health - It has been found that giving may improve physical health and help decrease stress which in turn increases longevity.
Giving promotes cooperation and social connection - The more you give, the more you’re likely to get back. These exchanges promote a sense of trust and cooperation while strengthening of social ties.
Giving evokes gratitude - Gratitude is an integral part of happiness, health and social bonds. Cultivating gratitude in everyday life increases one’s sense of optimism and personal happiness.
Giving is contagious - When we give, not only do we help the immediate recipient of the gift, we create a ripple effect by generosity in the community. 
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Prayers –
We pray for the family of Bob Germadnik, a long time member of Spirit of Hope, who passed into the Church Triumphant last week. Thank you for your commitment and love all these years Bob! We will have a memorial service at a later date.
We pray for Sandy Clark and her family upon the death of both her mother and father in the past few weeks. 
We pray for the spouses and families of those church members who have passed into the church triumphant this past month.
We pray for those church members who are struggling with many health issues this week:
Darr Stuke who is at home from the hospital, recovering from surgery.
Naomi Henson and her daughter Wynonna and her husband
Bobbie Edwardson and her mother Marilyn and her father and her brother, Marvin
Bill Zimmerman who is currently recovering from surgeries and is scheduled for a few more major surgeries in near future

Carl’s friend Jamie who is being tested for cancer in a tumor.

May the God of good health and happiness restore all who are struggling this week with the many situations people in our lives are struggling. Thank you for your presence and give us the joys of everyday life!

AMEN