Hope Notes 11-29-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I can hardly believe that this Sunday is December 2nd.  How can it be that the Christmas season is already upon us?  Weren't we all just sweating in the summer heat???  Since it's the very beginning of the holiday season, let's make sure we get off on the right foot and make a promise right now to remember what the focus should be - the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  God coming down to earth as a baby.  For us.  To save us.  To die for us.  What a precious Christmas gift.

 

SUNDAY SERVICE

Christmas Message Series - What Child is This?

We'll be looking at some Biblical answers to the question of this Christmas carol.  What is the big deal about Jesus Christ?  Why do so many people in this world identify themselves as His followers?  Why is our history tied to His birth?  We'll see several roles that the Bible describes for this child in the manger.  Do you know who Jesus is?  What does He mean to your life? 

 

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 DECEMBER - 2THESSALONIANS

In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul explains what has to take place before Christ's return.  He reminds the church to continue praying, to live holy and godly lives, and to be patient.  It's a reminder we still need today.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP 

 

20-SOMETHINGS!  THIS IS IT!  THIS SUNDAY IS THE DAY WE GO ICE SKATING AT PENN'S LANDING!  

Sunday, December 2nd 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Don't miss this opportunity to get out and have some fun.  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)

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP THIS SUNDAY

Saturday December 8th @ 7:00

$15/person - Checks payable to "Hope Christian Fellowship"

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. 

We will meet at Hope at 6:00pm and leave promptly at 6:15pm.  We will be carpooling, so anyone who has a van and is willing to drive should let me know.   

Contact Lois Hartwell for more info (629-9572 or foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com.

 

LADIES CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

December 6th @ 7:00 at Dana Ott's House

Not just for ladies..........teen girls can come, too!

Sign up under "dessert" or "appetizer" and bring a $5 gift for a Gift Exchange.  That's all you need for an evening of fellowship with the females of Hope!

 

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 sign up, make a table centerpiece, and bring it to church 12/9. We only need ten.  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.

 

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

December 12th @ 4:15 - Meet at Cardinal Villiage

Signup if you are planning for your child to join us!

We will be bringing Christmas cheer to the residents of Cardinal Village.  No need to practice.............we will be singing all those familiar Christmas songs and handing out lyrics!  See June Elliot for more information.

 

CHRISTMAS CAFE

Wednesday December 19th at Hope

7:00 pm

Some see the fire hall transformed into an intimate Christmas cafe complete with music, decorations, tasty treats, and our friends from Hope.  Sign up sheets are out for those who are willing to perform, bake, setup or cleanup.  Contact Kim Biglin (881-4877)for more information.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

 

YOUNG JOURNEYMEN

Meeting this Sunday from 1:00 - 2:00 at the Elliot's home.

 

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!

 

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 

 

SOUND MINISTRY TEAM & INTERESTED PEOPLE

There will be a short meeting immediately following cleanup after church this Sunday, 12/2. 

 

LAMB'S MINISTRY NEEDS

We are in need of juice boxes, pretzels, animal crackers, cookies, etc. 

For parents of children in the Infant/Toddlers program - We will be placing your name on our rotating schedule of helpers.  If you have any specific needs as to when you are available, contact LaTosha Briggs (881-0299).  Remember, the more people we have helping in this ministry, the less of a time burden it is to those who serve.

 

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  

 

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.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:        June Elliot

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

                                     Bill McGinness, LaTosha Briggs (I)

                                     Mike & June Elliot (C)

GREETERS:                   Pat & Joan Roselli

COUNTERS:                  Kathy B & Carole B

CLEANERS:                  Lillian

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Ed Yost -  For personal needs.  For Sissy Rayer who is ill, in a nursing home, and feeling alone.  For Uncle George who has health issues.

Donna Marie Manall - For her daughter who just got married.  For Donna's upcoming surgery this month.   For the family as they mourn the loss of "Little Nicky". 

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. Pray for Mark's parents as they cope with the emotions and all the decision making.

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

 

Kneeling Before the Manger,

Lois