Today is the last day to sign your child up for our First Communion Class. All children in the first grade and older are invited. The class will be held this Saturday, January 28th at 9 a.m. Parents are required to attend this class with their children. Please call the church office today if you would like to attend this event.

The Spirit of Hope 9th Annual Meeting is this Sunday, January 29th at 10 a.m. Among other things, we'll have the election of Church Council Members and the appointment of Ministry Team Chairs, Audit Team members and Synod Assembly representatives. Also to be discussed are the 2012 budget and the proposed amended Constitution. Plan to come to the Annual Meeting and take an active role in your church! 

Warmest Thanks - Blanket Weekend 2012 (January 21st-22nd) was a huge success with over 181 blankets collected and more still coming in! Your amazing generosity helped keep 181 people warm. In addition, 71 scarves, 12 mittens and 2 hats were collected by the Stitches group to be taken to the homeless. The blankets, scarves, mittens and hats were taken to Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix to be given to those in need. Blankets can still be dropped off and put in the large classroom at SOH in the designated box. Thanks to all who helped give a warmer night to someone who doesn't have a warm house to go home to.

Deadline is coming soon! Our next New Member Orientation is Sunday, February 12th. The deadline to sign-up is Tuesday, February 7th. The class is held in the large classroom, and includes lunch. Contact Pastor Glen, prglen@spiritofhopelutheran.com or call the church office, 480-396-8300, to have your name added to the list.

Mark your calendars - Installation of 2012 Church Council Members, Ministry Team Leaders, Audit Team and Synod Representatives will be Sunday, February 5th at the 8:45 a.m. service. Please continue to include Spirit of Hope in your prayers.

Make a difference. With so much changing, many are asking themselves what they can do. If you are, consider joining the small but faithful group of members and friends who clean our church. Just 2 hours a month devoted to varied tasks from light housekeeping to floor waxing and rug shampooing can enable you to really make a difference to all who worship here. Besides the many physical benefits, this ministry can bring you the absolute joy of being part of an extremely important task force. The need is great - but the rewards are greater. If you can help, contact Jerry Hansen at 480-292-9033.