This week's Calendar
Prayer Requests

Invitation to Membership Become a member. Speak with Pastor Ed DuBose or contact the church office at 763-545-0239.

How do I reach Pastor Ed? Pastor Ed is honored to be the pastor for Spirit of Hope Church. Although he lives in Woodbury, he wants to be available to anyone in need of a Pastor. He will normally be in the office Monday through Thursday. If you would like to talk to him during that time, call the Church office at 763-545-0239. You may also call his cell phone at any time, 651-503-4279. If he doesn't answer, leave a message. You may also contact him via email.

Everyone is a Minister of the Gospel
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your acts of kindness, and give glory to your God. Matthew 5:16

Statement Of Call: We are called by God to be a radically inclusive, caring community of faith – offering personal and social transformation through Jesus Christ.

We are a reconciling congregation welcoming people of all sexual orientations.

2011–12 Worship Schedule
8:30 a.m. Chapel Worship with Communion and Singing
9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Adult Forum
9:00 - 9:35 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
10:00 a.m. Worship and Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship

Staff:
Ministers: Congregation
Pastor: Rev. Ed DuBose
Minister of Music: Jerry Rubino
Instrumental Music Coordinator: Paul David Stanko
Office Manager: Peggy Bocklund
Children’s Choir Coordinator: Jane Samsal
Administrative Assistant: Janine Hall
Quartet: Wendy Gennaula, Susan Hofflander, Tom Witry and Max Wojtanowicz
Website ideas or comments? Steve Rossi

February 2011 Edition Download the PDF version
The Voice is a periodic publication of Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church.

A Day of True Love

When Jesus began his ministry, he called 12 people to be his disciples. Mark’s gospel tells us about how they “immediately” left what they were doing and followed Jesus. In the case of James and John, they immediately walked away from their father’s fishing boats in order to follow an itinerant preacher. Luke’s gospel tells us a little more. First, Jesus goes fishing with Peter, James and John, and then he calls them to become “fishers of men.” Luke tells us “they left everything and followed him.” I can only imagine how their father Zebedee felt about his sons’ decision. I don’t know what I would have done if Jesus had called me to walk away from all of my responsibilities and be his disciple. There was nothing ‘immediate’ about the way I became a Pastor. There were years of seminary, then a year of internship in a congregation and many hours spent in interviews and committee meetings with church representatives.

I believe that Jesus is still calling us to follow him. Fortunately, most people can still answer God’s call without any obstacles. When we listen for the voice of the Spirit in our lives, it is still calling us to follow Jesus. Each of us needs to examine our own lives and think about how God has called us. Psalm 100 says: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands. Serve the Lord with gladness!“

One great way to serve the Lord with gladness is to volunteer at Spirit of Hope. We need your help. It takes a highly professional staff and hundreds of volunteers to make our ministries run smoothly. We need help in many different areas ranging from worship and music to finances, Sunday school, youth groups and building maintenance. How can you help? We have needs great and small at church right now that you could help with? I invite you to look at how the Lord has gifted you and bring those gifts to serve in our community.

Join us in worship on February 5. After the service, we will have our annual church meeting, and we are going to talk more about how you can help Spirit of Hope have another great year.

Peace and love,

Pastor Ed

Valentine’s Day! Help us celebrate Valentine’s Day this year by bringing a picture of you and your Valentine to church. You can scan it and email it to church or bring it to me and I will scan it for you. Remember the old pictures are the most fun! If you have given me a picture in the past, then I should still have it. I hope to see you in Church, where we celebrate God's love each week!

Wednesday Worship and Soup Suppers During Lent

Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 22, and continuing for the next five Wednesdays for our annual soup supper at 6 p.m. followed by a 30- minute worship service at 7 p.m.

New Hire: Youth and Family Minister

Spirit of Hope is excited to be in the process of hiring a Youth and Family Minister to work with our children and young families. This individual will coordinate activities within a Christian curriculum for youth from pre-school through 9th grade. Candidates must possess at least one year’s experience in teaching; youth ministry; or child, youth, or family services. A Bachelor’s degree in Christian Youth and Family Services, education, child/adolescent development, or other related field is preferred. If you know of a qualified candidate, please contact Pastor Ed or the head of SPR, Jody Grande.

United Methodist Women

By Joan Bernick

UMW invites all women of Spirit of Hope to join us for our mid-winter gathering. On Wednesday, February 15, we are planning to tour the Crisis Nursery at 11 a.m. and go for lunch afterward. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about our community Crisis Nursery and reconnect as United Methodist Women after two months of not meeting. Details are not final yet, so watch for updates in the bulletin in February.

Our Christmas-time gathering last November had about 35 attendees for our potluck luncheon. The food was awesome and entertainment by Sunshine Valley Childcare kids made for a perfect way to open the Christmas season. We love being with our Spirit of Hope sisters! Next big gathering will be in July.

Please continue to collect Campbell labels, Kemp product labels, and any pop top cans on soup, soda, pet food, etc. Our collection site is at the upper lobby bulletin board. The Education Foundation for Native Americans has benefitted from our collections as well as other worthwhile organizations, some local, some national. Thank you to Betty Crews for gathering these items and sending them off.

Annual Church Meeting Sunday, February 5

All members of Spirit of Hope are invited to attend the Annual Church Meeting Sunday, February 5, immediately following worship.

Investing in Congregations Grant

We are pleased to announce that Spirit of Hope has been selected to receive an Investing in Congregations Grant in 2012. This grant is from the Annual Conference and is awarded to congregations that have the potential, capacity, and commitment to reach new people. Our plans on how our church could utilize this grant was detailing in a rather lengthy grant application. This is not a long-term subsidy for ongoing ministry but rather seed money for a new venture. This grant money will support the addition of a new position focused on understanding the gifts of our church, the needs of our community and creating the necessary connections through leadership, marketing and new ways in which we make disciples for Jesus Christ. Information on the position requirements will be posted and we will be communicating other activities associate with the grant in the near future. —The Staff Parish Relations Committee

Ministry Trust Fund

provides a source of special funds for worthy programs and projects within the church and our community. The funds in the account are separate from the church operating budget and not available to use for the operating budget. The Ministry Trust Fund is managed by a Board of Advisors. The current members are: Steve Gunn; John Turrittin; Lisa Schroeder; Buzz Nelson; Ann Rest; and Eric Forsberg.

The Board makes grants based upon applications. Typically the grants have been between $500 and $1,000. Applications are available from the church office. The Board will consider applications at its next meeting in April. If you have questions about the fund or the application process, please contact one of the Board members.

Annual Flea Market Update May 17-19

As you are doing your spring cleaning, bring your donations for the flea market to the church. Please leave items in the lobby to the left of the entrance under the sign for “Flea Market.” Small items only are being accepted at this time. Do not bring TVs, microwaves, computers, software or small toys. Thanks!

 

Got Costume Jewelry?

Do you have costume jewelry you don't need or want any longer? United Methodist Women will be collecting jewelry for the spring flea market. This is a good fundraiser which allows us to support mission work. Please start setting aside your jewelry; and in March, we will let you know how you can donate your jewelry. Thank you!

My Visits to North Korea

On Thursday, February 9, at 7 p.m., Roy Kim will address Northwest Neighbors for Peace about “My Visits to North Korea” in the Fireside Room at Spirit of Hope. Mr. Kim fled the Communists in North Korea when he was 13-years old and has lived in Minnesota since then. He plans to give a brief history of Korea, the war, and the division of the country. After no contact for many years with his sisters who stayed behind, he now visits his family in North Korea once or twice a year. North Korea is such a mysterious place to most Americans, it will be interesting to hear from someone who knows what’s going on there. Please address your questions to Gloria Peck at gjpeck@yahoo.com. Everyone is welcome to attend this informational meeting.

March, we will let you know how you can donate your jewelry. Thank you!

A Letter of Thanks...

Dear Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church:

Dinner At Your Door would like to thank you for your total contributions of $270 to our organization during 2011. We’d also like to thank you for any volunteer drivers you may have provided to help us. These volunteers drivers are crucial to our organization and we cannot operate without them. Thanks to your support, 26,902 meals were delivered by volunteers in 2011!

Our clients receive a nutritious noon meal delivered by a smiling volunteer each weekday. We do not take any federal or state monies. We rely solely on the donations of organizations like yours and individuals to help us provide this important community service. Please keep our needs in mind when you are reviewing your giving budget for the upcoming year. The financial and volunteer support from your organization is vitally needed and appreciated!

Our Sincere Thanks!
Board Members of Northwest Suburban Dinner At Your Door

For more information, contact Deb Anderson at 763-522-5051 or nwsdayd@aol.com.

Emma Norton Services

ENS is a place for women and children who are in transition and/or crisis. It is supported, in part, by the Methodist church. We are collecting all sorts of paper goods and donations especially paper towels, tissue, toilet tissue, toiletries, cosmetics, baby diapers and baby wipes. Bring your donations to church and place them in the box labeled Emma Norton. Thanks!

Upcoming Events at Spirit of Hope…

February 5 Annual Church Meeting (immediately following worship)

February 12 Valentine’s Sunday

February 22 Ash Wednesday —Soup Supper (6 p.m.); Worship (7 p.m.)

February 26 First Sunday in Lent

Wednesdays in Lent Soup Suppers (6 p.m.) and Worship (7 p.m.)

 

Lower Lobby at Spirit of Hope; Footitt Conference Room door is left of center.