Hope Notes 9-6-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

 

Well, summer is officially over and we're all getting back to our normal school year schedules.  Many of you have been away and traveling and we've missed you.  Now that we're all back, let's make it a point to be at Hope each Sunday, and not let the chaos of summer keep us from getting back into the swing of BEING THERE on Sunday mornings.  There are plenty of ways you can spend your Sunday morning, but none will have the spiritual and lasting impact of investing in your relationship with the Lord and in your church family at Hope!

 

SUNDAY SERVICE

This Sunday will be a time to look at why Hope is encouraging every person to become part of a small group.  Our service will be basically the same, with worship and then a time in the Word.  Our study will focus on the Biblical foundation for our small groups ministry.  We will also share some details of our current groups.  During the last 15 minutes of our service, we'll have an opportunity for each person to sign up for a small group.  Tables will be set up around the room with the small group leaders there to answer questions, etc.  At the end of this week's Hope Notes is a list of the groups we'll be able to have this fall - check it out and see where God wants you to be!

 

BENEVOLENT OFFERING THIS SUNDAY

Several small needs have come up for some folks here at Hope.  We will take an offering during our service this Sunday.  From time to time as needs come up, we pass a basket around and use whatever is given specifically for those needs.  This is a separate offering from the money you give to support Hope.  We can't afford as a ministry to everyone divert the money they are committed to giving to Hope over to the benevolent offering.  As a second collection, we would simply ask that you prayerfully consider if you are able to sacrifice and give BEYOND your regular offering to meet these special needs today.  Whether it is $1 or $100, every sacrifice is appreciated and used to help us "bear one another's burdens" in love.

 

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

This coming Friday and Saturday, our ladies are making their annual trip to Philly for this amazing conference.  This year's theme is "Amazing Freedom". Contact Kathy Berry for more details and for sleeping arrangements.  Payment should be made to Kathy THIS SUNDAY.  See Kathy about any remaining ticket availability!

 

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

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY - GENESIS

AT PASTOR MARK'S HOUSE - 7:30-8:30 PM 

All right everyone - we're back from vacationing and traveling!  Let's get back to Wednesday night Bible study!  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!

 

GIRLS OF HOPE BIBLE STUDY - CHANGE

Moving from Mondays to Thursdays

A Study in Colossians - 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  

 

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.

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY CHANGE

Children in 6th grade and up  will now 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:        Wendy Wokoeck

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

                                     Bill McGinness, LaTosha Briggs (I)

                                     Steve Jones, Moe V. (C)

GREETERS:                   Mike Elliot

COUNTERS:                  Jim B and Mike H

CLEANERS:                   Poppy Davis

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Diane Darrah - On the loss of her father this past week

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 recovery from surgery TODAY.

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! 

 

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

 

In the Shelter of His Wings,

 

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