Hope Notes 11-8-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Here at Hope we strongly believe in connecting with one another.  No one should ever have to feel they don't belong, or don't fit in.  Even if YOU are the "new person" at Hope,  just reach out and say hello to someone.  You never know - the person you say hi to may just have walked in the door for the first time that morning!  Be sure to take advantage of our Potluck Supper immediately following the service this Sunday as a great way to connect to your brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

SUNDAY SERVICE A Pleasing Life / Part II  (1Thess 4:1-8)

We have the awesome privilege of bringing a smile to the face of God, of giving Him joy and pleasure as He looks at our lives.  Paul teaches here on some timely truths about our lives to help us understand our calling to live pleasing to God.  In this first part, Paul's focus is on sexual purity - a concept that is laughable to our world, but which the God of the universe tells us is important.  Let's examine our own lives to see how we are embracing this chance to be the reason for God's smile!

POTLUCK FELLOWSHIP DINNER - THIS SUNDAY

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

November 11

1:00 - 3:00 right after church

WE WANT EVERYONE TO JOIN US for this fellowship dinner right after the service - there is a sign up sheet in the foyer so that you can list the dish you are bringing. 

For those who are doing Operation Christmas Child, bring your filled boxes and together we will wrap them up.  A $7 donation is needed to cover shipping.

 

BENEVOLENT OFFERING THIS SUNDAY

Also this Sunday, we've become aware of a current financial need in our church family.  We would like to take a separate offering to help this family.  The total need is $800.  Besides your normal giving to church needs and building fund, we would ask you to sacrifically give to meet this need as the Lord provides!

UPCOMING COMMUNION SERVICES

November 25th

 

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

 

ICE SKATING AT PENN'S LANDINGFOR OUR 20-SOMETHINGS

Saturday, December 1st 8:30 - 10:30 pm

How does an evening of skating 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 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

November 18   Thanksgiving Praise Service

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

 

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.  Don't plan your fall schedule without making time for this mid-week oasis!   Childcare is provided.

 

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

 

MONTHLY GIVING

We averaged $1985 per week for October.  Our target is $2200 per week.  Please pray with us that the Lord will continue to enable us as a church to meet our target, and exceed it, as we save for a permanent home for Hope.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

PRACTICE BEGINS THIS SUNDAY 11/4

Since we have such a short time to prepare, please make every effort to have your children be at practice each week.  CD's will be handed out the first day of rehearsal so that your child can practice at home.  The more they listen/sing to the songs, the easier it will be for them!   Contact Emily Hartwell with any questions -  eshartwell@gmail.com

 

DEACONS AND DEACONESSES

We need to start praying about nominations for Deacon and Deaconess for the upcoming annual business meeting.  These are men and women who take the lead in serving the body, specifically in the physical needs of the church and its people.  Only partners of Hope can nominate or be nominated, and only partners can vote at the business meeting.  For those interested in becoming becoming a partner at Hope, see Pastor Mark or pick up a copy of our constitution bylaws on the info table.  Partner forms are due this Sunday, 11/11.  See Bob Baumiester with nominations.  Nominations are due 11/25.

 

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

We would like to put together Thanksgiving meals for families in need at Hope and for those connected to people in our church.  IF YOU HAVE NOT YET GIVEN PAMALA FEIN THE NAMES OF THE FAMILY YOU WANT US TO HELP, PLEASE CONTACT HER RIGHT AWAY (BEFORE SUNDAY).   Families in our church will be our first priority.  Then, if there is a specially needy family you know personally outside of Hope who would need this type of help, let Pam know about them too.  If we can, we will help them as well.  Starting this Sunday, we will put out a sign up for people to supply & deliver these meals. 

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Projector:    We need help with the words for the worship songs.  See Melissa  McGinness.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:            Delores Incarvite

LAMB'S MINISTRY:       Sissel Salayda, Kara Ott  (T)

                                    John Salayda, Katie Ott (I)

                                    Natalie Davis (C)

GREETERS:                  Karen Blythe

COUNTERS:                  Jim B. &  Mike H.

CLEANERS:                  Poppy Davis

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Peggy Kemp - For healing and  recovery after 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 will need a job that she can physically do once her rehab is complete, Dee Russell

 

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

 

A Sister-in-Christ,

 

Lois