-Gather with us anytime in our Facebook group "Spirit of Hope Friends and Family" Share your joys, concerns, and prayer requests with your church family. It's a private group, so anything you post will only be visible to members of the group.
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. MATTHEW 6:33
Once again we are enjoying the beauty of God's creation all around us as the transition is made from Summer to Fall, and then from Fall to Winter.
Even though we don’t live where the Autumn leaves fill the trees with brilliant colors making the hills look like gigantic multi-colored flowers, we still realize a transition happening. We aren’t experiencing triple degrees in temperature! Then, as the weather gets even cooler and the winds pick up, those same beautiful leaves fall as the trees are left to face the winter "alone".
I don't know about you, but this truly is one of my favorite times of the year as the temperatures are more pleasant and invigorating. Living in Arizona, we know don’t have to worry about a transition to cold winter and snow!
But even in our mild climate and COVID-19 in our midst, there is a preparedness that occurs in nature. It's amazing to me that God has built such a sense of preparation into the animals that even they recognize the value of being ready for upcoming needs.
We can all be assured and reminded that God knows our needs, yet it is still important for us to do our part in making sure we are obedient and prepare for the future. Yet, in all that preparation God has made it clear that we are to put God first in all we do. When we do that, God has promised that our needs will be met! That is the powerful truth of the scripture above from the Gospel of Matthew.
As we move closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus Christ will supply for our needs, and yes, I believe there are times we may be blessed even in greater ways than just for the things we "need". Yet, we are blessed to BE a blessing! We are all called to be givers, and I want to remind you that while the church "receives" from those who attend, we are thrilled to be able to give out, and give back in so many ways, both here in this community and around the world.
Thank you so much for continuing to remain faithful in the areas of giving and tithing. God has made it so simple, yet in a sense, so challenging! Even during COVID-19, we are not a church that survives on fund-raisers to meet our needs, but we continue to thank God for generous supporters like you who simply give because it's the right thing to do, and reflects the nature of God who gave His son Jesus Christ, and Jesus who gave His life for us!
Sign up to sponsor a child for Christmas. We (Spirit of Hope) have committed to provide Christmas gifts for 25 children from low income families. We'll have the list of children and their ages available at the Ash Sifter Build on Friday, or you can contact Lorraine (623) 512-6631 or Mike (623) 810-5600 or clnmwe@gmail.com. You'll have better luck calling Lorraine as Mike usually doesn't know where his phone is. Or you can call Lorraine and have her track down Mike's phone.
Volunteer Opportunity with SAWs DisAbility Ramp Ministry
David James, President of United Methodist Men for the Western Jurisdiction, is looking for west valley volunteers to assist with site surveys and wheelchair ramp installs of free ADA compliant ramps at recipients' homes for the Conference's SAWs DisAbility Ramp Ministry. Visit the ministry website at sawsramps.org or contact David James at (480) 800-9950.
Ash Sifter Build - Friday, November 27th, 9 AM at SOH
Ministry needs don't stop because of a pandemic. Members and friends of Spirit of Hope have an opportunity on Friday to construct "Ash Sifters" to be available to Disaster Coordinators in California, Oregon, and Washington. The fun will begin at 9 AM.
There will be plenty to do for any and all. Standing for long periods is not necessary. We'll be masked, distanced, and shaded. Our goal is to build 200 Sifters for the Cal-Nevada Conference Disaster Ministries. We'll have all materials and tools - although a drill/driver will be helpful in speeding the assembly.
November Birthdays
November 3 Brian Crow
November 5 Rilynn Yanes
November 10 Cherry Blue
November 11 Art Vermeire
November 15 Paul Simonsen
November 15 Vaughn Whalen
November 17 JoAnn Essary
November 29 Sherry Cooper
November 29 Ginger Wolf
December 3 Nancy Oyler
A Birthday Prayer: O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on these friends as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A Prayer For Reading the Bible: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A prayer for those in the armed forces of our country: Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pray for Sister Churches in the West District
Sunrise UMC, Phoenix
Willowbrook UMC, Sun City
.
Surprise Us God!
Good morning God!
Surprise us.
Make our faith greater than our fears; grow us in the covering of your love.
November verse: 2 Corinthians 1:11
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
