Hope Notes 9-13-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

 

It's really beginning to feel like a fresh, new season this week. The air is just a little crisper, the leaves are just a tiny bit more yellow, and farm stands are showing off the first apples of fall.  Here at Hope it feels like a new season as well.  We had a great response to our Small Group Fair and are looking forward to beginning those programs.  Our children have "moved up" to the next grade level in their Sunday morning classes.  Thank you, God, for the changes you bring every season!

 

SUNDAY SERVICE

Thrown to the Lions (Daniel 6)

Ever had the fear that if you actually did everything God asked of you, your life might really be messed up, miserable, or lonely?  The Bible clearly shows us that where God leads, God feeds - meaning that if we follow God completely, we have no need to fear, because He will take care of us.  Daniel lived this truth in this story, choosing to face a den of lions with God as his protection and provide, instead of letting the fear of those lions stop him from following God.  No matter what you face, you are ALWAYS better to follow the Lord by faith than to try avoiding what you fear.

 

COMMUNICATIONS MEETING THIS SUNDAY 9/16

Immediately following the worship service, there will be a short meeting for those involved in the Salt & Light and Hope Notes.  If anyone is interested in finding out about being a part of this ministry, feel free to join us at the meeting!

 

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 THIS WEEKEND

September 14 - 15

Our ladies are making their annual trip to Philly for this amazing conference this weekend. This year's theme is "Amazing Freedom".  Contact Kathy Berry in regards to any remaining ticket availability and further details about the trip.

 

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 lorraineotis@comcast.net, and let her know your ideas. 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

Be sure to check out the Small Groups List at the end of Hope Notes!  IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR A SMALL GROUP - contact the group leader right away!

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY - GENESIS

At Pastor Mark's house 7:30 -8:30 pm

We start at 7:30 to give everyone a chance to make it from work, and we end promptly at 8:30 so that we can all head home and get the rest we need for the next day.  Don't plan your fall schedule without making time for this mid-week oasis!   Childcare is provided.

 

GIRLS OF HOPE BIBLE STUDY - COLOSSIANS

 Thursdays 7:30 - 8:30

At the Salayda's home in Clayton

Study for teen girls begins 9/13/07 - Contact Lois Hartwell 629-9572

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

LUNG CANCER DONATIONS

Did you know lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths?  Lorraine Otis is collection donations towards the annual SJ Lung Cancer walk that supports the Lungevity Foundation - the only foundation whose funds go SOLEY towards research for a cure.  Look for information on the front table and see Lorraine if you are able to make a donation.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT

For the month of August, we averaged $2113/week in offerings.  This is slightly below our goal of $2200/week as we save towards the purchase of land/building for our permanent church home.  As we head into fall, let's do whatever we can to exceed our goal and see our building fund grow!  

 

MEALS MINISTRY NEEDS

There are some families in need of meals due to medical situations, etc.  If you would be willing to pitch in and help ease their load, contact Sissel Salayda at (856)-881-0770.  This is an easy, practical way to show the love of Jesus to our church family.

 

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:        Wendy Wokoeck

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Anne Owens, Patti Tomasetti (T)

                                     Bill McGinness, LaTosha Briggs (I)

                                     Steve Jones, Steve Bradshaw (C)

GREETERS:                   Mike Elliot

COUNTERS:                  Bob B & Bill B

CLEANERS:                  Dana Ott

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Diane Darrah - On the loss of her father.

Karen Jones - For complete and speedy recovery from surgery.

Don Baysinger (Naidona Ott's dad) - For upcoming cancer treatments

Employment Needs - Mike and June Elliot - a full time job for Mike (one is pending at FedEx) and a part time job for one of them in the mean time! Doleen Pierce will need a job that she can physically do once her rehab is complete.

 

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

 

Molded by Him,

 

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:           Thursday - beginning 9/13

Time:          7:30 - 8:30

 

YOUNG JOURNEYMEN 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