Lent has begun and continues until April 4th which is Easter. Ash Wednesday starts the Lenten season with a service where ashes are usually placed on an individual’s forehead as a sign to recognize our mortality, repent of our sins, and return to our loving God. During this special service, we recognize life as a precious gift from God and realize our lives need to point to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us.
Due to COVID-19, we have done something different as we remain true to the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Instead of administering ashes, Spirit of Hope UMC handed out clay pots containing soil and seedlings as a symbol for Lent. As we journey through Lent, we are to remember, prepare and take care of this pot. Watch new life come forth through the watering of these seedlings that are buried in dark soil.
Many thanks go out to Judy Barber, Patti Cummings, Nancy Oyler, Jon Elvrum and Kathy Elvrum for handing out these pots throughout Ash Wednesday. Even though we wore masks and kept our distance, it was wonderful to see people in-person. Also thanks to all who came out and started their Lent journey a bit differently.
May God bless your journey through Lent -Pastor Deborah
This Week's Worship Opportunities
-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.
-Join with us Sunday mornings at 10 am on ZOOM just to "check in" with each other and share prayer concerns, followed by Bible study beginning at 10:30. This week we continue our journey through the Bible as we explore Deuteronomy with :"God's Wisdom on Display"
Click link below to join this Sunday morning Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82743326033?pwd=RmtKOTBhbGQrL1FXakxibHBDWGVxUT09
-Sermons will be posted on YouTube (video) and on our website (audio)
If you find yourself stuck in the waiting room for more than a few minutes after the scheduled beginning time, please call or text Pastor Deborah and let her know you are waiting.
In the continuing battle against the spread of COVID-10 as well as the mutations of the virus, we have been encouraged to exercise caution on opening our church for in-person worship and gatherings. We have developed re-opening guidelines, consisting of three phases, which have been approved by our conference.
For quite some time, we have been in phase one that basically calls for suspension of in- person activities on our campus. Since March 20th , the staff of Spirit of Hope UMC have been working from home, incorporating ZOOM meetings with leadership, recording worship services within our worship center (where only a few individuals are present) and practicing safe distance compliance (other than our custodian and gardener who are working on campus).
I realize many of you are wondering when we will come back together for worship as we see other churches around us doing just that! I try to track the statistics and keep a watchful eye on new scientific discoveries. The latest updates show that the number of people diagnosed with COVID—19 in Maricopa County has been decreasing, but our daily case count remains high (referenced listed below).
When we started this journey with COVID—19, I requested your input on a postcard. Your response basically said you would follow the guidelines we prepared and would be willing to come back for worship with guidelines in place. After almost a year in phase one, I need your input again by simply and honestly answering these questions.
1. If we move to phase two, will you support and attend in-person worship on
Sunday mornings? YES NO
2. Why yes? _____________________________________________________________
3. Why no?_______________________________________________________________
Questions 2 & 3 are optional, but your input (whatever it may be) will be held inconfidence and will assist in our decisions to more forward.
Although the Super Bowl Challenge is over, we are leaving one of the red tubs out in the breezeway for food donations for Hart Pantry and West Valley Community Food Pantry. Needs are ongoing and your contributions are appreciated.
February Birthdays
February 3 Judy Barber
February 3 Ken Wolf
February 7 Barbara Barcus
February 7 Skip Berryhill
February 8 Jane Kane
February 12 Linda Howell
February 12 Sarah Stefl
February 15 Kent Fleming
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.
Prayer for the First Sunday in Lent: Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Church: Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.
Prayer for Church Musicians and Artists: O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Families: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who places solitary persons in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech you, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in marriage, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be kindly one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pray for Western District Congregations
Ajo Federated Church, Ajo
Calvary UMC, Phoenix
Chino Valley UMC, Chino Valley
Surprise Us God!
may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Good morning God!
Surprise us.
Make our faith greater than our fears; grow us in the covering of your love.
February verse: Ephesians 1:16-17
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
