Hope Notes 9-22-2005

Hi Friends!  Mark here!

 

I thought I'd give Lois a break and fill in for her this week.  She's doing such a wonderful job, I don't want her to get "overworked"!  Besides, I really enjoy touching base with everyone from time to time.

 

It is hard to believe that this Sunday is the last of September!  With the busyness of the start of the fall season, it is sometimes difficult to set aside time for your spiritual family.  But let me encourage everyone not to miss out on all that God wants to do in you and through you as you gather with us for worship, Bible study, and fellowship.  Martin Luther would always say that on especially busy days, he would have to get up several hours earlier so that he could EXTEND his prayer time for that day.  Our mentality is to look for things to cut from our agenda, and unfortunately, the thing that often loses out is our time of spiritual focus or our time with our spiritual family.  I am so excited about what God is doing at Hope - but I know that many forces want to derail those plans.  So let us each do all we can to make sure that our family at Hope is a vital part of our lives!

 

This Sunday, I'll be continuing our discussion of the Core Values of Hope.  We've looked at Integrity and Sacrifice, and now we'll take a look at Teamwork.  This isn't a one man show!  God called us together so that we would combine our abilities, personalities, and passions and work together.  It feels easier at times to work alone, but we lose the blessing of seeing God work in us as a team.  We want to see teams for everything possible in our ministry.  We have a prayer team, a leadership team, a kids ministry team, a worship team, hospitality team, and the list goes on!  Working together exemplifies the community that we are!

 

Speaking of community, our care groups begin tomorrow night.  I would encourage everyone to join one.  The groups meet on either Friday, Sunday, or Monday nights.  If you haven't signed up and want to, or if you have any questions about the groups, let me know or contact one of our care group leaders!  This will be a fabulous experience for everyone - bringing a more intense and intimate connection with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  For the weary, lonely, and discouraged - you can't afford not to be a part!  All of us feel that way at times, and when we don't, we still have the chance to encourage and uplift one another!

 

Don't forget about October 9th - our special service we're calling "Paths of Hope".  We will have several people sharing their testimonies about their spiritual journey.  It will be a way for us to learn more about one another, and marvel together at what God has done.  If you would like to share that day, let me know right away (Oct 2 is the deadline).

 

We have lots of fellowship activities planned for the rest of this year, so get out those calendars and set these dates aside!

October 1st - 2-6 pm - PICNIC AT BRIGG's HOME.  We couldn't rent a park, so we're going to do something even better.  Damon and LaTosha have opened their backyard for a picnic.  There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, and sodas provided.  We need you to bring a salad and/or a dessert.  The pool will be open (and heated).  All children who can't swim well must have a lifejacket or similar flotation device and all children must be supervised in the pool!!  We will have games like horseshoes and badmiton.  There's a play set for the kids.  And we'll see what else we can cram in!  Don't miss this time of fellowship and fun!

 

October 28th - 7:30 - 10:00 pm   Adult Fellowship at Ott's Home (Sr High and up)  We'll have a great night of fellowship at Brian and Naidona's home on this Friday night. Stay tuned for more details!

 

November 18th - 7-9  Adult Volleyball (Sr High and up)  We're arranging to use the Five Points Volleyball center for a time of fun and games.  They may even have a basketball court open for us that night.  There will be a minimal charge (a few dollars), but the memories will be worth every penny!

 

December 16th - Adult Christmas Party (Sr High and up) - Just set the date aside, and we'll get more details to you as soon as we can!

 

Whew - we'll be busy this fall, huh?  I can't wait.  These times of togetherness are priceless!

 

And join us on Wednesday nights as we finish Galatians and begin to move into a new study.  As an added bonus, we'll have some "guest" speakers in the next few weeks, so you won't want to miss a week!

 

I hope to see all of you this Sunday!  If you have any special prayer needs or any questions about the information in this email, feel free to reply to this email.  I pray that God is blessing each of you and filling you for all that He wants to do in your lives.

 

In Him

Pastor Mark

 

PS - I REALLY need a few more kids workers - if you are not involved yet, and would be willing to help - let me know!

 

 

Hope Notes 9-15-2005

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Why does the calendar say fall but the weather says summer?? Perhaps God is giving us a few more weeks of warm weather for us to enjoy our HOPE FAMILY CHURCH PICNIC scheduled for Saturday, September 24th! We are planning to go to Atkinson Park for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship. Bring a meal (grills are available) and come prepared for a good time! There are playgrounds and ball fields to enjoy. We will keep you posted as to the exact date and time. We are still waiting for confirmation from the park.

This is the weekend the ladies of Hope go to the WOMEN OF FAITH conference. Let's remember to keep them in prayer as they worship and listen to the various speakers that God would speak individually to each and every one of them. Pray that God will touch lives and change hearts throughout the conference. Maybe we'd better pray for the husbands left at home, too!

Our CARE GROUPS have been set up! This Sunday, the lists showing the breakdown of our three groups will be available again. Much thought and prayer has gone into assigning people to each group. However, please feel free to switch to another group if there is a conflict. Also, it's not too late to sign up. Just add your name to one of the groups (Let's be very careful not to "overload" a group!). Please pray that we follow God's leading in putting the groups together. He knows just "who" needs to be "where"! We are anxiously awaiting our kick-off weekend coming up September 23rd thru 26th. Hope to see you there!

The WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY meets every Wednesday night (obviously) right here at Hope at 7:00. We provide child care, and do try to end at 8:30 so that those of you with young children can get them home. We are continuing on in our study of Galatians. It's an awesome testimony to the power of God's Word when one verse, or just a part of one verse can fill the entire study time!

Do you have a SPONSORED CHILD IN GUATEMALA? Lauren Pupchick's (our missionary) mom will be going to Guatemala soon. She has offered to bring items to your child if you would like to send him/her something. They especially like to have pictures of their sponsor family. Anything lightweight and flat such as coloring books, little golden books, colored pencils or a letter would be great. Please get your items to Lois Hartwell by Sunday, September 18th so that they can be given to Lauren's mom.

WORKERS NEEDED

We are in great need of volunteers for our children's ministry. You can help with infants, toddlers, pre-school, and right on up through 6th graders! If teaching is not your gift, don't worry. We can always use helpers! (And who doesn't love rocking a baby??)

SUNDAY SERVICE

This Sunday is Communion Sunday. This is a very special time at Hope to remember what Jesus did for us. The message this week will focus on Core Value #2, SACRIFICE.

Just a reminder. Please remember to be sure your children are in the appropriate classes at church. Classes are as follows: Infants (up to 24 months), Toddlers (2-3 years), Pre-School (4-6 years), and Children's Church (2nd-6th grades). If you have any concerns, please contact LaTosha Briggs (infant/toddlers), Debbie Bradshaw (preschool), or Dana Ott (elementary).

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Karen Jones' father who has been diagnosed with cancer in his lungs, liver, and ribs. A biopsy was perfomed today to determine what type of cancer he has.
• Denise Burns' friend Daniel Gavin, Jr. who broke his neck in a swimming pool accident and is recovering from surgeries.
• For the victims of Hurricane Katrina that God will protect and provide for them.

Help us to remember to pray, Lord. Not just for these specific requests, but "in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."Ph 4:6

Captured by His grace,

Lois