Thursday, November 17, 2005

Hope Notes 11-27-2005

Dear Friends of Hope ~
 
Don't we really have so much to be thankful for?  May we pay special attention to and "count our every blessing" as we begin this week leading up to Thanksgiving. 
 
Hope is having a very special THANKSGIVING PRAISE SERVICE this Sunday.  Plan to come early (10:30) to enjoy the delicious hot breakfast prepared by our Hospitality Team and to fellowship with each other.  Then, be prepared to be blessed by our time of worship, testimonies, and a time to reflect on the power of thankfulness.
 
WEBSITE NEWS
Asher, our "webmaster" has asked that people write out their testimony for our website and email it to him at ashermaximum@gmail.com or webmaster@hopechristianfellowship.org.  This will be a good evangelism tool and it will also help people to get a better feel for who we at Hope are.
 
CHRISTMAS DAY CHOIR
This is open to men and women Sr. High and up.  A sign-up will be out on 11/27 for anyone who is interested.  Practices will be at Pastor Mark's house on 12/11 and 12/18 at 7:00.  There is no babysitter, but if you need to bring your children, they can play in the basement while we practice.  We're aiming for two songs to sing on Christmas morning.  It will also involve getting to church early on Christmas day, so plan ahead for that!
 
LAUREN'S CHRISTMAS GIFT
We want to remember our missionary in Guatemala, Lauren Pupchick at Christmas.  Every week in November, we will have envelopes for giving to Lauren.  This will not be "support", but a direct gift to her! Simply put your gift in the envelope and drop it into the offering box.   We need to encourage those who serve the kingdom by leaving their homes to spread the Good News.  Lauren will be with us on December 4th, so we can tell her in person that we are praying for her, and that we are proud of her and her ministry!
 
IMMEDIATE NEED - PART TIME BABYSITTER
Kevin & Beth Hess need someone to watch their children at home while they are at work.  This is expected to be two evenings a week (from about 5:00 - 10:00 pm).  There is a possibility of occasional need at other times, also.  If anyone is looking for some extra income and would be willing to help, please contact them right away.  Phone 848-9432.  Email our3sons3@verizon.net.   Thank you!
 
MONTHLY BIBLE READING
Pastor Mark has designated the book of 1st John  as a suggested reading for us to do together during the month of November.  Since it is a short letter, we should try to read it all the way through at one sitting, or we could split it up over the month.  Here's a verse to whet your appetite:  "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God."  1 John 3:1
 
And let's not forget these opportunities to fellowship with one another:
 
CARE GROUPS
Care groups meet this weekend. We currently have two groups meeting on Sunday and one on Friday.  If you are not yet involved in a care group, If me encourage you to do so.  There is a sheet on the table at church that tells the locations and night for each care group.  Pick one up and plug in!
 
LADIES CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP & COOKIE EXCHANGE
Mark you calendars for December 8th at Dana Ott's house.  More details coming soon.
 
ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY (Sr High & Up) coming up on December 16th. We will be having a catered dinner at a hall in Bellmawr.  The party starts at 6:30 and will go until 10:30 pm with dinner being served at 7:00.  We'll have some fun and games, too!  We're making the party open to everyone by only asking for a donation from those who can give one (suggested donation $17/person).  If you can't afford this, please come anyway - that's the very reason we set it up like this!  Don't miss this time to celebrate the season with our spiritual family.
 
ATTENTION ALL YOUTH (grades 6 - 12)!! 
 
GIRLS OF HOPE BIBLE STUDY HAS BEGUN !!
Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:15 at Lois Hartwell's house (629-9572).  For girls in 6th thru 12th grade.  We are studying the book of Philippians.  This is a great place to get to know God's Word and each other better.  Come join us!
 
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
"Becoming a Contagious Christian"  This is an awesome study you definitely don't want to miss!  Witnessing doesn't have to be scary.  Based on Matthew 5, this study helps you find your own personal style of evangelism.  You learn how to share your faith in a way that is normal, natural, regular and effective.  God created you a certain way to reach certain people.  Through this study you will learn how to be aware of the witnessing opportunities God puts in front of you and know that you are prepared to share.  We meet here at Hope from 7:00 - 8:30.  Childcare is provided.
 
ITEMS NEEDED
Our Children's Ministry is still in need of juice boxes.  The children greatly appreciate your donations!
 
DIRECTORY UPDATE
Our church directory is being updated.  Please fill out an information sheet on the side table if you would like to be included.  Our goal is to have the updated directory by the end of November.
 
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY SETS GOAL
Our goal is to have enough workers so that everyone need only teach once or twice per quarter!  Help us to attain our goal by volunteering to work with Infants, Toddlers, Pre-School, and right on up through 6th grade.  See Debbie Bradshaw or LaTosha Briggs.
 
THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:
KID'S CORNER                    GREETERS             HOSPITALITY
June Elliot         ( CT )               Pat & Joan Roselli                Carole Baumeister
Erin Sweeney     Helper                                                         Karen Blythe
As scheduled     (T)         
As scheduled     ( I )
 
Don't forget our Thanksgiving Praise Service this Sunday with fellowship and breakfast at 10:30.
 
Next Sunday, Pastor Mark begins a series called "The Gifts of Christmas".  Not the gifts you find under your tree, but the gifts of the heart that come from our Lord.  Pastor Mark will be looking first at Hope, then Joy, Peace, Love, and Life.  Be sure to invite anyone you know who is looking for real satisfaction during the busy holiday season to come attend a service.
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
  • From Lorraine Otis - My friend's 18 year old daughter, Angela Ionno, who left home with people of bad influence.
  • From Patti Chico - Carol Fuoco is doing well and is cancer free.  Pray for Helen Hawco (42), who is diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
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
 
Serving Him,
Lois

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