Welcome to the month of January, a new year and millennium; Wow and Praise the Lord! Many, who have been helping at Sanctuary of Hope, have had some major illnesses and broken bones. We ask you to keep them in your prayers and hearts as Jesus continues to work His wonders for all of us. We have been reading the Gospel of Mark in our Church tradition during Ordinary Time and almost each day there is a story about Jesus healing people. One of my favorite’s is: "Those whom Jesus cured, who were variously afflicted, were many, and so were the demons he expelled...when they found Jesus, they told him, ‘Everybody is looking for you!’" (Mark 1: 34-37) It’s my prayer that we each find "Jesus" in our own ways and hearts!

 

Dear Friends and Benefactors, You are invited to an Open House to review the results of your generosity to the Sanctuary of Hope! When? Sunday, February 11 from two to four p.m. Where? Sanctuary of Hope 2601 Ridge Avenue, Kansas City, KS

Invitation to the Sanctuary of Hope Open House (planning details)

SOH is planning an Open House February 11 from two to four p.m. to show appreciation for all the money (more than $45,000) and the many hours of volunteer help that people have given to redo the front end of the building.

We will begin with a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing for all who have so generously helped us and a prayer of blessing for the "new" areas of the building. Music will be provided by Ron McCorkle and Ronald Trimble. Tours of the building and refreshments will follow.

In the past year, the living room, office and conference room have been reorganized and decorated. Among the crew directed by Ralph Pruente, were John Van Goetham, John Newhouse, Al Rossi, Terry Gruenewald and Kenny Gilsdorf. Ralph even fitted beautiful leaded glass into new doors for the front doors so that we won't have to use the kitchen entrance anymore. Painting was done by Jay, Irene and Albert Narvice; papering by Fran and Jody Sheehan.

TRIAD Construction Company submitted a discounted offer to finish the Northeast wing so that Bernadine and Sister Mary Eugenia now have their own quarters—bedroom and sitting room for each with a common area between. Employees of the Forsythe Computer Company painted this wing and Nicole Nicoll and her daughter Mary Patterson have spent every Wednesday refinishing the woodwork. Gary and Joni Kusek enabled us to have matching wooden blinds throughout. Serge and Jess Guislain readied the closets, etc.

Truly God has blessed us through so many of his people!

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Coming Events

"Just what do you do at SOH?", is a question frequently asked me. "I know that SOH is an inter-faith, inner-city retreat house, but how do you go about that?", people ask. "How do you live out Micah 6: 'to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly before God' as your mission statement challenges you to do?"

My answer? "Only by the grace of God." We here at SOH are not qualified to write a "How to" book. Probably, we could better write a "How NOT to". Little by little, learning as we go, SOH is developing into a holy and busy place where thousands of people come for retreat and prayer. Last year, over 2000 paying guests stayed for a day or two or three, and at least that many more came and went via one of the four Prayer Groups, the retreats that the SOH staff directs, the second-Saturday Work Day (now in its 4th year), or just to share a meal or talk to a friend in the Chapel. The new millennium promises all this and more.

Open House on February 11, from 2-4 PM. Come see what your labors of love have produced this past year. The living room is finished, as is the northeast wing where Bernadine and Sister Mary Eugenia will move. Come to the open house, receive a blessing, and help us bless the new spaces.

TAIZE' Prayer, March 24 at 7 PM. Chanting prayer. Let the Spirit sing her songs in your heart this evening and long after the evening is over.

5K Run / Walk on April 7. See the photo of last year's race in Words of Hope today. It tells the story better than my words do.

Work Day, March 10 from 8AM to noon. Share your talents of painting, vacuuming, trail work, or whatever you like to do. It's fun and productive, and there is a good lunch at noon. Or, stay for the afternoon and finish your project. Or, come any weekday or evening. Just call us first so we can set a place for you at the table.

Praise on the Prairie, April 29. A Youth Fun Day at Richmond, KS on George Steinberger's 300+-acres in Richmond, KS. God in the big sky, God in the music and games and food and Mass with Father Dennis at the end. All young folks are invited.

Tree Top Ministries. Come to SOH and take a chance on a free weekend near Branson, MO at Tree Top Resort. Donated by Eugene and DeEdra Lipscomb for the benefit of SOH.

These are the "for sure" events at SOH - now for the "Wish List".

-We wish we had a part-time housekeeper. Paid or volunteer on a regular basis.

-We wish you'd visit our website and click onto ALL the possibilities:

sanctuaryofhope.org

-We wish we had $90.00 for a dehumidifier for our 70 year old Steinway piano. In fact, we could use one for the Baldwin piano, too. A generous person offered to install these devices for a reduced price.

-We wish you all a Blessed and Prosperous Year of 2001. May the God of all time and space bless you for your goodness.

Bernadine Asher

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