A message from Pastor Tony
My Father is greater than all, in what God has given me…”  John 10:29

O.K. I was going to write a little article on some of the issues of the country right now but, Jen, the church administrator talked me out of it. She said, “people want to hear something positive these days and are tired of hearing negativism.”  You are right Jen! Let’s talk about the hope that we have in who we are today. Since it is Father’s Day weekend let me talk about the love of our eternal Father in heaven.

This scripture quote is taken from a long dialog with the Pharisees in which Jesus uses the word “Father” many times over. I think it was Jesus’ favorite word! Now, I understand that most of us have had moments in our lives where we have had “daddy issues” with our own fathers, but Jesus tells us that our Father, the creator God, is so much more. Jesus wants us to talk the God who creates and is the source of all life. Yes, we love our parents of our youth, but throughout our lives we all search for the love of Father God who can always be strong, dependable, loving and forgiving. 

When we pray to Father, God,  we are realizing God is always in our life. In knowing this we can be a whole person who can see beyond our fears and anxieties. We can be feeling, sensitive, living, laughing, crying and loving people! We need to know God as our Father who we can say with Jesus, “My Father is greater than all… the father and I are one.” When this happens we all come alive! We can get in touch with those emotions that have become numb throughout the past months in isolation! 

When we know this, we know we are moving in the right direction with our lives in the midst of all the messiness. You can feel God healing you physically and emotionally and spiritually! So, when you say father this week, be sure to include our Father in heaven and say it with all the love we have for our God in the name of Jesus. Believe that the Father is greater than all, in what God has given you! 




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!  
Update from Duane Gilson

We are back to CHURCH! Can I get an AMEN! For two Sundays now we have been able to worship in our small but mighty church. Our members have been great throughout this pandemic. Helping in any way they can, volunteering to make sandwiches for the homeless, driving people that can’t drive themselves, delivering meals to those stuck in their homes. While the world is going crazy, we held to our mission; Make Christ Known. We have done it by staying strong in our faith, and being more like Christ in our actions. We have seen some of the worst in people all over TV and the internet. The worst seems to bring out the worst. It is hard to believe any person can treat another person the way their actions have been broadcast into our homes. At times, it can be overwhelming. We as Christians believe all people are children of God. But what can we do? I don’t have the answer for you; it is an answer that can only come from God. What is God telling you? 
Father’s Day Weekend!

Last weekend Jake and Lizzy sang Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin. I love that song. I first heard it on a Cursillo weekend and cried ever time it was played. Thank you, Jake and Lizzy. This weekend is Father’s Day! I am a big fan of Father’s Day and have a secret for you. I know, without a doubt, what every father wants for his special day. Even better, it cost nothing, no delivery charge, no COVID surcharge, and it doesn’t need to be wrapped. You ready? Every father wants to hear ‘You are a Good Good Father! That’s it. Just tell your father that simple statement and you will see him smile, and maybe even shed a tear. I wish I had said it to my father before it was too late. I can’t change that, but I can make sure other fathers know it before it is too late. So, for every father, whether it is a biological father, an adopted father, a step-father, or just a good friend/mentor to a child in need, you are a good good father. You have raised your children in the best way you could. You have played the protector, the monster slayer, the beauty queen make-up artist, and sometimes model. You may have sipped tea with your pinky extended or played hide and seek late into the night. How many hours did you spend trying to find the last firefly of the night, only to discover a hundred more the next time your blinked? How many fathers out there have had their nails done in shiny pink nail polish? How many have gone on camping weekends sleeping on the ground with bugs taking their pint of blood from you while you lay sleepless on the only rock in a 2-mile radius? Did you do what I did; sneak away to go home for a hot shower and a cold drink? Did anyone count the number of monsters you chased away with the plastic light saber? I had to stop when I ran out of fingers and toes. Any trips to the ER when the fun got a little too fun? How many stiches (you or the kids)? How many fathers’ day gifts that were ‘some assembly required’? You know the ones I mean; the swing sets you put together so you could spend hours pushing them. But you still remember the screams of ‘higher, higher’, and just one more time, please daddy, just one more! 
What about when they were older? How much sleep did you lose waiting for the car to pull in the driveway, and then quickly pretend you were sleeping? We had 2 boys. Did I ever tell you how glad we are to have had boys? I don’t think I could have handled a daughter and dating. I would have been the father with the shot gun rocking on the porch.
How many times did you console your kids when they were afraid? Did you ever use the term ‘Don’t be afraid’? If you did, you were repeating the words our Father used when he spoke to us. Don’t be afraid, fear not, and other versions are written in the bible 365 times. One for each day! Do you think that is a coincidence? Maybe, but you can still use it every day of the year for the rest of your life. You can get up in the morning and declare, I will not be afraid, God is with me!
When your father told you not to be afraid when you were learning to ride a bike, you were probably still afraid. I think the people that heard Jesus say don’t be afraid were still afraid. I mean, he never walked into a room where everyone was sitting around having fun and declared ‘don’t be afraid, I am here!’. No, normally it was some pretty dark times when he spoke the words. When Jesus told you to not be afraid, you knew something big was happening. But knowing someone has your back, whether it is your earthly father or your heavenly father gives you strength to face the challenge. Eventually you will learn to ride that bike, you will drive that car and you will find that special person. If you find that special person to spend the rest of your life with, maybe someday your kids will come up to you on Father’s Day, smile and tell you, Dad, you are a Good Good Father.
To my dad, Howard A. Gilson, you were a Good Good Father, and I miss you.
To Tina’s dad, Mike Zich, you are a Good Good Father and we love you.
Don’t get me started on Grandkids. Also known as the second best Father’s Day gift!
Duane
Council President.
EVENING BIBLE STUDY  - We’re Back… and we are also now online!

On Wednesday June 17 th at 6:00pm we will resume our Wednesday Night Bible Study here at the church and we will be also 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!
June 7, 2020 our Services began on a limited basis . 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.”

·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!
Youth Update

We successfully had our first in-person worship this Sunday, with successful safety measures. With this in mind, I'd like to find out if there is an interest in starting youth group up again, specifically NiteLite. My plan would be to keep it at about an hour. We would start with scripture and an activity and then have a snack that we could obtain that was pre-packaged instead of making it as an activity as we'd done in the past. However, I am flexible and open to suggestions. 

Please let me know what you think - a simple 'we're in' or 'not yet' to my email works. Reach out to me or Jen if you have any questions. I'd love to begin with any kids and families who are interested on the 17th.

Jake

602-832-4122

Thursday Morning Bible Study resumes June 18th 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


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.



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



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 May




5/31-6/7 $6,558
MTD (May 2020) $28,572
YTD (2020) $137,555
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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We pray for the spouses and families of those church members who have passed into the church triumphant this past month.
                                                                Frank Gursky (Pat and Alan – spouse and son)
                                                                Tom Perkovich (Susan-spouse)
                                                               Maxine Schmidt (Wayne- spouse)
                                                                Barb Zich (Tina Gilson – daughter)
                                                                Donald Fleming (Marcy – spouse)
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.

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 and is at home recovering
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.
Carl’s friend Jamie who is being tested for cancer in a tumor.
Virgil Aeneas , Ardis Johnson’s brother who is struggling with cancer and the affects of chemotherapy.
 And a few others who are currently recovering from surgeries in this past week.

Matt and Kari Stachoviak (Scheer) as Matt who is in the Long Beach police department working the riots in the area. Give Kari peace and strength to know you are present and watching over Matt.

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