Hope Notes 11-23-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

 

Thanksgiving is a time when we typically take inventory of our blessings and all that we have.  But have you ever stopped to consider thanking God for all that we DON'T have?  Of course, all believers face certain trials; but we know God allows each hardship for a specific good purpose (Rom 8:28).  He puts limits on our troubles.  We don't have to worry about eternity.  As His children, we are assured that we will spend it with Him.  We know that we are never alone, for He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5).  This year, let's allow the gratitude to flow both for what we have and what we don't!

 

SUNDAY SERVICE-COMMUNION SUNDAY

A Pleasing Life - Part II  (1Thess 4:9-12)

Continuing with the idea that we studied two weeks ago, Paul points out several other areas where we can choose to live in a way that brings joy to the heart of God.  This time, he's looking at our interactions with one another, and with the world around us.  There are noticeable characteristics that we should have as Christians in these relationships.  Let's allow God to show us what needs to change, and encourage us to continue where we're already living "pleasing to God".

 

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.hopechristianfellowship.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 

 

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 .  

 

ICE SKATING AT PENN'S LANDING

FOR OUR 20-SOMETHINGS

Sunday, December 2nd 6:00 - 9:00 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 5:00 pm.  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.

 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

December 14th 6:30 - 10:30

Join us here at Hope for a catered dinner, games, and some wonderful fellowship as we celebrate the Christmas season!  We are having a contest for the best centerpiece.  Anyone interested in participating should make a table centerpiece & bring it to church 12/9.  We'll vote for the winner at the party.  The cost is $17/person.  Anyone who can't afford the "cover charge" is still welcome to come.  Just contact Pastor Mark so he can make arrangements.  For further details on the event, contact June Elliot at 384-7786.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 6     Ladies Christmas Extravaganza - Signup at church - 7 pm at Dana Ott's home - bring a $5 gift for exchange and the food you sign up for!

December 16    Children's Christmas Program

January 2        Annual Business Meeting (At the fire hall)

 

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

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!

 

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY

There will be no Bible study on Tuesday 11/27.  The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday 12/4 at Mike Hartwell's house.

 

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 

 

PARENT'S ALERT !!! / WARNING !!!

"The Golden Compass", a movie targeted at children, will be released 12/7/07.  This movie is based on the first book of a trilogy by atheist Phillip Pullman.  In the final book a boy and girl kill God so they can do as they please.  Pullman left little doubt about his intentions in a 2003 interview when he said, "My books are about killing God." 

The movie is designed to be very attractive in the hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie and that the children will want the books for Christmas. 

You can research this on www.snopes.com or Google.

 

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 THIS SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 25th.  Attached to this week's Hope Notes is the info sheet on our Deacon and Deaconess ministry.  If you are a partner and want to nominate another partner, 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, Steve Bradshaw (C)

GREETERS:                   Karen Blythe

COUNTERS:                 Karen J & Lois

CLEANERS:                  Dana Ott

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Emily Hartwell - For the family of Dan Houston, a nineteen year old who recently committed suicide.

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.

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

 

He Alone is Worthy!

Lois