Hope Notes 11-15-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Always a favorite day at Hope, this Sunday is our annual Praise Service!  It is so refreshing to dedicate an entire service to recognizing and focusing on all that God has blessed us with.  Sometimes, in the midst of everyday life, we forget that He is always at work for our best, no matter how it may appear in the moment.  Listening to our brothers and sisters-in-Christ share what God has done for them is an uplifting experience you don't want to miss.

SUNDAY SERVICE

PRAISE SERVICE

Each year, we prepare together for the Thanksgiving holiday by taking this Sunday and devoting it to thanks and praise.  Each of us has much to be thankful for - in spite of the trials and burdens we may face.  This opportunity is encouraging to all of us as we choose to set our minds and hearts on God's goodness in our lives.  We'll have music and a time to give thanks together for what God has done in our lives!

 

UPCOMING COMMUNION SERVICES

November 25th 

 

CD'S AVAILABLE

Please remember that our services are available on CD immediately following the service for FREE!  Pick up a copy for yourself or for anyone they want to share Hope with.  Pastor Mark's messages are also available on our website, www.hopechristianfellwoship.org.    

 

BIBLE READING FOR NOVEMBER - NEHEMIAH

Nehemiah was a man of prayer who had great love for the Word of God.  He understood that faith, prayer, hard work, watchfulness, courage, and persistence were keys in completing the job given to him.  Nehemiah describes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the return of his people to their homeland.  He is a great example to anyone who wants to accomplish great things for God.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP 

GRIEF GROUP

Meeting this Friday 11/16 from 7:00 - 8:30 at Lorraine Otis' home in Deptford.  856-686-1557

 

IMPROVE YOUR MARRIAGE

The first meeting of our marriage small group at the Goeggel's home was a great success.  With only one meeting down, there's still time to join the group.  This Sunday, 11/18 at 7:00 pm, will be the second "Gathering at the Goeggel's".  See Stephen & Karen Jones, or Mike & Andrea Goeggle for details.

 

ICE SKATING AT PENN'S LANDING

FOR OUR 20-SOMETHINGS

Sunday, December 2nd 8:30 - 10:30 pm

How does an evening of skating outside by the river under sparkly Christmas lights sound?  If you'd like to be a part of this, sign up ASAP so that we can get a head count.  We will be carpooling so if anyone has access to a van and can drive, your help would be much appreciated.  We will meet at Hope Church and leave promptly at 7:30.  Admission / Skate rental is $9.00.  Any questions - contact Emily Hartwell at 308-6267 or eshartwell@gmail.com.  

 

KIXX CHRISTIAN NIGHT

FOR OUR YOUTH (6th - 12th grade)

Saturday December 8th @ 7:00

$15/person

Watch an exciting soccer game and then prepare to be blessed by Reggie Dabbs, one of the top youth speakers in the country and a gifted musician.  He challenges believers not to fake it, and speaks to the hearts of the lost and broken.  He puts on a dramatic, solid Christian event.  Check him out at www.reggiedabbsonline.com.  Please sign up ASAP.  Some chaperones may be needed.  Contact Lois Hartwell for more info (629-9572 or foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com.

 

MARRIAGE CONFERENCE - A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

Crowne Plaza in King of Prussia

11/30 - 12/2

This conference is an amazing tool to improve a good marriage, help one that's in trouble, or prepare engaged couples for marriage.  Cost is $158/couple at the group rate.  For those interested in staying overnight at the hotel, there is info on the registration forms for a special rate.  You can register online, by phone, or by mail using the group number listed in the pamphlets.  Contact Melissa McGinness for more details -  melissa.mcginness@bluebell.ppdi.com .  

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 6     Ladies Christmas Extravaganza

December 14   Adult Christmas Dinner

                        Volunteers needed to help plan event.  Contact Wendy Lynch (856-986-0478)

December 16    Children's Christmas Program

January 2        Annual Business Meeting

 

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

Note: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no study this Wednesday, 11/21.

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.  We all need this midweek boost!  Kids play in the basement while we study, so don't let a childcare situation stop you from joining us!

 

SMALL GROUPS

We offer a variety of Small Groups here at Hope.  We have groups for men, women, teen girls, teen boys, and an assortment of groups teaching on specific topics.  You can pick up a flyer with full descriptions on the front table, and contact the leaders with any questions.  NOW is the time to plug in and get connected!

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

All food for the baskets needs to be brought this Sunday, 11/18.  We're reaching out to those in need during this holiday season - bringing food and encouragement!  Our plan is to try to provide a Thanksgiving meal for 10 families who could use a helping hand.  If you've signed up, please plan to bring your items to church with you!  If you haven't signed up yet, but want to be a part, we still have some items we need (a few turkeys, some stuffing, some cranberry sauce, a few pumpkin pies, some potatoes, and some corn and green beans).  Contact Pamala Fein at jasonandpamala22@comcast.net and let her know what you're able to bring - or with any questions. 

 

ALSO, if you are interested in helping to deliver these meals, let Pamala know as well!

 

BOY'S JACKET SIZE 12/14 AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS IT

Contact John Brazelis

 

BENEVOLENT OFFERING

We received the $800 needed last week in our Benevolent Offering.  What a wonderful testimony to the heart of the people at Hope.  A huge need met, but more importantly, the love of Christ shared!

 

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Once again, we need to update our Church Directory.  Praise God!  Anyone who would like to be added to the directory, or simply needs to update their information should fill out the Contact Forms available on the front table.  See Andrea Goeggel with any questions.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Our practice sessions are in full swing!  Since we have such a short time to learn the songs, please make every effort to have your child attend each Sunday.  CD's and some lyric sheets have been handed out so that your child can practice at home.  The more they listen/sing to the songs, the easier it will be for them!  If you have not received a CD, please let me know.  Contact Emily Hartwell with any questions -  eshartwell@gmail.com

 

DEACONS AND DEACONESSES

The DEADLINE for nominating partner for Deacon or Deaconess is coming up quickly - NOVEMBER 25th.  If you are a partner and want to nominate another partner, pick up an information sheet, make sure you are up to date on what this entails, and give your nomination to Bob Baumiester. 

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:        Delores Incarvite

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

                                     Chani & Chris Fallstick (I)

                                     Steve Jones, Moe V. (C)

GREETERS:                   Karen Blythe

COUNTERS:                 Bob and Bill

CLEANERS:                  Dana Ott

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Mark Ott - For his grandmother, Anna, as she recovers from surgery.  Pray for God's peace and comfort as she heals.

Peggy Kemp - Specifically for the insurance to cover a second MRI needed after her back surgery.

Debbie Bradshaw - For strength, wisdom, and discernment w/issues concerning the planning process for Stephen's life after graduation.  Also for his physical and emotional health.

For our church family - For spiritual conviction and being able to listen to the Lord's prompting in their lives above all the world's loudness.

Employment Needs - Full time job for Mike Elliott (one is pending at FedEx) . Doleen Pierce needs 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

 

With a Grateful Heart,

Lois