A message from Pastor Tony
John 15:5 (NRSV)
5  I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
There are a lot of opinions about returning to in person worship. This graph demonstrates the unique perspective that I am in as a pastor. What I am interested in is the story behind the opinion.  Many of you have shared these stories about how life is with you as we all continue to self-contain within our homes.

 I enjoy hearing your stories and what you have been up to. In fact, this is part of what it means to be the church without being together! We have been pretty good here at Spirit of Hope in communicating with others, but I think it would be great to hear some more of your stories!  In fact, it would be wonderful if we could share some of these stories with the church family. I would like any of you to share a story with me about your life in these past months and how it has affected your faith life. In our collective telling, the story of Christ will endure!   

We all have questions or thoughts about returning to in person worship and this only helps enforce the fact that we all are connected through faith, like branches on a vine. We cannot accept these past months as a vacation from the church. The church’s work is to nurture human connections with God and with others – even in the times of physical separation. We all get lonely and need to hear how God is working through each other. There is a lot of power in a genuine testimony. Our testimonies re-enforce that God is present for all of us and support the need for us to be together as one. 

What makes the corona-virus pandemic such a weird situation sociologically is that we’ve actually been asked to push away from another. This is where our loneliness, fear, and uncertainty cause many people to look around for signs of hope.  So, when we come together again in worship, we will continue to be recording the services or even go “live” to those who feel they need to stay home and share with them the stories we have.  If you have a short story or a testimony that has changed your life during this pandemic, let me know and maybe we can share it to inspire others. I will share it for you if you don’t feel like personally sharing!  


SPIRIT OF HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH WELCOME BACK!

Beginning June 7, 2020 our Services will begin on a limited basis . Thank you in advance 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.”

·Pastor will distribute Communion using gloves and dropping the host into your hand being careful not to touch each person. Wine/juice will be distributed by helpers wearing masks and gloves and the cups will be in the trays placed apart to make it easier to get a portion without touching any other cups.

·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!









Need a spiritual moment with God?  


 

Walk the Labyrinth at the church! Call Pastor Tony to schedule your own private time to walk the labyrinth which is set up in the sanctuary now through June 1 st .  Groups up to 4 people are accepted. Please be aware of the appropriate social distancing procedures if coming with a group. 

What is a labyrinth?  It is kind of like a maze you walk through except there are no dead ends to get lost. There is a simple entrance that leads you to the middle and then the same path is walked to take you back out. This labyrinth is 42 feet in diameter and can take up to 15 minutes to walk to the center pending your walking speed. As you walk you are invited to talk or listen to God and pray as long as you wish. When you get to the center, stay awhile, and let God know what’s on your mind. Please remain silent as you walk through the path allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you.
Pastor’s phone number is : 909-435-5200




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


In order to protect our health, I ask that you don't visit the church at this time. We have a secured mailbox, just open the mailbox door and there is a slot inside of it to place your envelopes. Please feel free to place anything in the mail slot.


***Our counters will only be processing any offerings received at the end of the month. All checks received will be posted at the end of the month.***
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.




A message from Outreach

We delivered over 300 lunches again today for Grace Lutheran to serve the homeless! We learned that they are serving 60-90 of these sack lunches per day, so we would like to continue with this ministry. You can help! We've been funded by a donation through next week (thank you!!!!!!). If you would like to help, there are options.

Are you going to Costco or Sams? Our supplies include: Peanut Butter, jelly, bread, fruit (we've done fresh and fruit cups), granola bars and individual bags of chips, sandwich bags, napkins and brown bags. Drop off your donations to church between 8-noon (most days, best to call first 480-396-8300)

2. Donate oranges/grapefruit from your trees!
3. Donate money - make sure checks are made out to SOH and Outreach in the memo, or donate online using the Outreach menu item.
4. Volunteer - to make the lunches!




If you are interested in helping with any additional Outreach events, please contact Tina Gilson 414-517-6505.



Tina
~Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10



Numbers For April
We have asked our counters to not come in at this time. Any offerings received will be locked in the safe and counted at the end of the month.



MTD (April 2020) $21,826
YTD (2020) $113,536
Seasonal 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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This week we pray especially for the family of  Frank Gursky just passed into the Church Triumphant Monday. He died resting peacefully with his family surrounding him. We are going to miss our special friend… whom we lovingly called “Trouble.” His compassionate smile and sarcastic attitude toward getting old and slower in life demonstrated his drive “to just keep going” regardless of the speed he was moving. 

Pat and Alan have requested we have a service of remembrance in the future when they are able to be present with us here in Arizona. Please keep this family in your prayers as Frank will be greatly missed by all. 

We pray for the spouses and families of those church members who have passed into the church triumphant this past month. 

                                                               Tom Perkovich (Susan-spouse)
                                                               Maxine Schmidt (Wayne- spouse)
                                                                Barb Zich (Tina Gilson – daughter)
                                                                Donald Fleming (Marcy – spouse)
                                                                Lyndon Greimann (Mary Greimann)

We pray for those church members who are struggling with many health issues this week: 

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.
Larry Wilcox who is back at home from the hospital who has multiple health issues
Terry Scheer for comfort during his aggressive chemotherapy for Melanoma
Carol Scheer who had back surgery last week and is at home recovering
Dar Stucky as she recovers from surgery and is trying to control pain in her back and body… Lord give her strength.
Dee Wilson as she seeks help for a cardio issue that she has been very dizzy and lightheaded to the point off passing out.
Naomi Henson recovery from procedure and patience in healing.
               And a few others who are currently recovering from surgeries in this past week.

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