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