Hope Notes 8-30-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

 

Well, here it is folks!  Labor Day weekend.  For many, September marks the true beginning of a new year instead of January.  Let us be sure to remember all those who are returning to school in our prayers.  Some are going to school for the first time (scary), some are returning to a familiar grind, and some are leaving home and going to college (also scary).  Also, don't forget the teachers!  Let's keep them all covered in prayer as they rub shoulders with the world and face the daily challenges that await them.

 

SUNDAY SERVICE

The Writing on the Wall  (Daniel 5)

I'm sure you've heard the expression "the writing's on the wall".  Well, King Belshazzar literally SAW the writing on the wall and was afraid.  He called Daniel in to interpret it for him.  The writings were a warning and a judgment for the wrong that they were doing.  What is the Lord is trying to warn us about?  We all have yet another chance to listen to His warning before we face the trouble that is coming! 

 

NEWSLETTER MEETING THIS SUNDAY

There will be a brief meeting immediately following the service for those involved (or who might LIKE to be involved) with our "publications" - The Salt & Light and Hope Notes. 

 

IMMEDIATE NEED - LAST CHANCE TO HELP OUT!!

We have a family who recently moved and is in need of basic household items such as kitchen utensils, plates, cooking tools, bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.  Anything you can contribute to their need would help them greatly - AND show them the love of Jesus in action!  Please bring in whatever you can this Sunday.

 

BIBLE READING FOR SEPTEMBER - ECCLESIASTES

What is the meaning of your life?  King Solomon wrestled with this same question and this book contains his thoughts on what life is like without God at the center.  For a long time, Solomon was caught up in worldly, materialistic mind-set, and he tells us that such a life can lead to nothing but disillusion and despair.  He says that such a life is "meaningless" - if enjoying the moment is all there is, it's an empty life indeed.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP  

 

WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE

September 14 - 15

Each year, our ladies join thousands of women for this amazing conference.  This year's theme is "Amazing Freedom". Anyone interested in staying overnight as a group should indicate that on the sign up sheet.  Contact Kathy Berry for more details and for sleeping arrangements.  Payment should be made to Kathy as soon as possible.  Although all tickets have been sold, if you still want to go you can sign up on a waiting list in case someone is unable to make the conference and a ticket becomes available.

 

REVOLVE TOUR FOR TEEN GIRLS

November 2nd - 3rd

Wachovia Center

A fun, high energy environment where girls hear the message of God's love and grace.  Hot topics include "Keeping it Real; Inside & Out", "Secrets to Real Beauty", "The Truth About Guys", and "The Inside Scoop on Relationships".  Performing artists Natalie Grant, Hawk Nelson, and KJ-52 are featured along with other artists and guest speakers.  This is absolutely an event you don't want to miss!  Tickets go FAST, so be sure to sign up right away - friends are welcome!

Cost of package:  $80.00

Includes your ticket and an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn in Cherry Hill.  Please bring additional money to purchase lunch and any T-shirts, books, etc.

See Lois Hartwell for if you have any questions or need further information.

 

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Saturday September 22nd / 12:00

Olive Garden

We're BACK!  We are kicking off the new season with lunch at the Olive Garden in Deptford.  Be sure to put your name on the sign up sheet so that we can let the restaurant know how many are coming!

 

MEN'S RETREAT

September 28-30th

Elk Neck State Park, MD

If you are still interested in going - see Mike Goeggel and he will try and work something out for you.  256-2387

 

FALL FESTIVAL / HAYRIDE

October 13th from 10:00 - 3:00

Our fall festival begins at Duffield's Farm Market in Washington Township with a hayride.  We're off to the pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins!  Cost of the hayride is $6.50.  At 11:00 we'll be heading down the road to Washington Lake Park for games, crafts, and refreshments.  Contact June Elliot (384-7786) with any questions.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Activities Team is looking for your input!  If you have any activities you would like to participate in, contact Lorraine Otis at loraineotis@comcast.net, and let her know your ideas. 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

SMALL GROUPS FAIR

Sunday September 9th

Here at Hope we offer a variety of small groups that are designed to help us grow spiritually, connect with one another, and offer practical advice from God's Word on how to deal with life issues.  In order to introduce you to all of these groups, we will have tables set up with the group leaders, information on the groups, and sign up sheets.  Be sure to take a look at the end of Hope Notes for a sneak peak at what's available!  A hand out will also be available on the back table.

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY - GENESIS

AT PASTOR MARK'S HOUSE

7:30-8:30 PM 

Although these stories are from thousands of years ago, it is stunning how much we can learn from each story.  Of course, it is difficult to make it out on a weeknight, but it is worth the effort!  It is not too late to join us on our journey through the book of Genesis! 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS  

 

MEALS MINISTRY NEEDS

Congratulations to Chris and Leah Sparks on the birth of their new baby girl!  Anyone willing to make a meal for them as they adjust to their newest addition should contact Sissel Salayda at (856)-881-0770.

There are another couple families in need of some meals as well - see Sissel  for more information.

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY CHANGE

Starting THIS SUNDAY, children in 6th grade and up  will be staying in worship with their parents.  We have such a large number of children in the Children's Program (praise God!) that we made the decision to move the cut off from 7th grade to 6th. 

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Projector:    We need help with the words for the worship songs.  See Melissa McGinness.

Bathrooms:  We could use some help cleaning the bathrooms by about 10:00 am before the service.  See Jessica St. Petery.

Set Up:  We need more people to help set up the chairs, kids rooms, etc. for the service.  We'd like to set up a rotation so that you don't need to commit to EVERY week, but we need more volunteers to do so.  See Bob Baumiester.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:         June Elliot

LAMB'S MINISTRY:    Jim Bradshaw, Kylie Ott (T)

                                     Chani & Chris Fallstick (I)

                                     Natalie Davis, Michael S (C)

GREETERS:                   Mike Elliot

COUNTERS:                  Kathy B & Carole B

CLEANERS:                   Poppy Davis

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Doleen Pierce - As she recovers from knee surgery last week - praise the Lord for successful surgery, but pray for healing, strength, and provision of a job that she can physically do once her rehab is complete.

Debbie Bradshaw - For healing, to get a definitive answer as to what is wrong, and for her to have peace & comfort in the meantime.

Karen Jones - For upcoming surgery September 7th.

Don Baysinger (Naidona Ott's dad) - For recovery from a collapsed lung this past Monday, results of biopsy to be returned soon, and upcoming cancer treatments

Employment Needs - Angela Hickey (Communications), Donnamarie Mannall (Dental Assistant), Tom Hickey (Needs something that won't keep him on his feet for long periods), Mike and June Elliot - as they follow the Lord's leading in providing for their family!

 

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

 

His Mercy Reigns,

 

Lois

 

 HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SMALL GROUPS

 

BUILDING YOUR MARRIAGE

Marriage needs a biblical plan and a good foundation.  Learn sound, godly principles upon which to base your marriage and impart practical applications for everyday life.   Discover and apply God's basic blueprints for a strong, healthy marriage that will last a lifetime.  Accept your spouse as God's perfect provision for your needs.  Learn to defeat selfishness and overcome isolation in your marriage.

Leaders:    Steve & Karen Jones

                   728-8031

Location:   Mike & Andrea Goeggel's

                   3 Jupiter Lane

                   Sewell NJ 

Day/Time:   To Be Determined

 

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN YOUR MARRIAGE

This study is designed to bring husbands and wives closer to each other and to God.  Learn to recognize the barriers to good communication; learn ways to make your relationship a priority, discover practical steps for resolving conflict, and increase spiritual intimacy as you seek God together.

Leaders:    Damon & LaTosha Briggs

                   881-0299

Location:   1502 Biden Ave.  

                   Williamstown NJ 

Day:            Monday (meets every other week beginning 9/24)

Time:           7:00 - 9:00 pm (sharp!)

 

BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY

The basic teachings of the Bible are the foundational truths of our Christian life.  If you are a new believer or want to find out more about being a Christian, or even if you have been a Christian for awhile and just want to reconnect with these teachings, come join us every other week as we get to know more about God and each other in a relaxed setting.

Leaders:    Jim Bradshaw & Bill Berry

                   417-3242          854-3604

Location:   Ken & Karen Blythe's

                   37 Pinehurst Ct

                   Blackwood, NJ

Day:           Thursday (meets everyother week beginning 9/27)

Time:         7:00

 

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP BIBLE STUDY

An in-depth look at God's Word in a relaxed atmosphere.  Come and connect with other men who desire to learn more about God what His Word has to say.   We've also been known to throw a few horseshoes!

Leader:      Mike Hartwell

                   629-9572

Location:   1015 N. Main St.

                   Williamstown , NJ

Day:           Tuesday (meets every other week beginning 9/25)

Time:          7:30 - 9:00 (or so)

 

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY - CONTAGIOUS JOY

As women in today's world it is so easy to get caught up with life and, before we know it, we have lost the joy that God intended for us.  Would you like to hang out with some gals and refill your life with joy?   Are you yearning for a more joyful outlook on life?  If your answer is YES, we invite you to join us!

Leader:      Melissa Angel

                   417-3099

Location:   5 Hunter's Creek Circle, Mullica Hill, NJ

Day:           First meeting Saturday 9/29

                               Every other Thursday beginning 10/11

Time:         10:00 am - 12:00 noon

 

CHRIST CENTERED JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF

Women's Group - Adults Only

Christian based group to share, support, and pray together for those struggling with loss.  Learn how our dependence on the Lord is our main source of strength and peace as we travel this road through our grief.

Leader:      Lorraine Otis

                   686-1557

Location:   102 Mirror Ave

                   Deptford, NJ

Day:            Fridays - Once a month

                   9/21, 10/19, 11/16 (so far)

Time:           7:00 - 8:30

  

GIRLS OF HOPE BIBLE STUDY

For Teen Girls

We take an in-depth look at different books of the Bible and learn how to apply God's Word to our lives today.  Questions and discussions are encouraged.   We are currently in the book of Colossians.  Our next book will be James - a practical set of "instructions" on Christian living.

Leader:      Lois Hartwell

                   629-9572

Location:   John & Sissel Salayda's

                   21 Garwood Blvd.

                   Clayton, NJ

Day:            Monday

Time:           7:00 - 8:15

 

YOUNG JOURNEYMEN BOY'S BIBLE STUDY

Boys grades 6 - 12.

Need help dealing with the stress and pressure of being a teen?  Look to the Bible and find out what God has to say!  In addition to learning from God's Word, we will have some great activities that will help create the bond between brothers that God wants for us to have.

Leader:        Mike Elliott

                     384-7786

Location:     1307 Piccard Ct.

                     Deptford , NJ

Day / Time: "Get to Know You" meeting Saturday 9/29 from 2:00 - 5:00

Regular meeting time to be determined