Hope Notes 12-13-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Christmas is quickly approaching! (A little too quickly maybe?) Let's not allow the stress of the season to overshadow the real joy this time of year can bring as we remember the incredible gift God has given us in His son Jesus. A gift that not only changed the world, but continues to change it one life at a time... talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

 

SUNDAY SERVICE:

This Sunday is our Children's Christmas Program!  Parents, please be sure to have your child at church by 10:30 for the final run through before worship.  This is a great opportunity to invite friends and family to church! Contact Emily Hartwell  eshartwell@gmail.com with any questions.

Pastor Mark will also bring a short challenge continuing his Christmas Message Series: "What Child is This?" 

HE IS OUR FRIEND  (JOHN 15:15)

Jesus came to be "God with us" – Emmanuel!  Last week, we saw that He is the King – to be worshipped and praised.  But this week, we see another profound truth from Jesus' very own words.  He came to be our friend!  It is God's very nature to reach out in love to each one of us.  So many in our world are scared of God and see Him only as the Judge who will hold us accountable for our sin.  Yet, Jesus came on that Christmas morning to show us that God wants to know us – and for us to know Him.  He wants us to share a relationship that fills every day with the friendship of our Creator!

 

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 - 2 Thessalonians

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.

Next Sunday is Christmas Sunday at Hope.  We'll be concluding our series on "What Child is This?" by seeing that He is our Savior.  WE WILL ALSO HAVE A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR ALL TEENS AND ADULTS!  Make sure you are here for this very special Christmas celebration!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP 

 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

THIS FRIDAY!  December 14,  6:30 - 10:30 @ the Fire Hall (where we meet on Sundays)

Join us for a catered dinner, games, and some wonderful fellowship as we celebrate the Christmas season!  If you didn't sign up, please come anyway!  The cost of $17/person is due at the party.  For further details, contact June Elliot at 384-7786.

 

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

THIS SATURDAY!  December 15 @ 4:15 - Meet at Cardinal Village

For Elementary Kids and Teens.

A great way to GIVE during this Christmas season!  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 19 @ 7:00 pm

Come 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:

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING: Wednesday, January 2  (At the fire hall)

BOWLING: (for all ages): Sunday, February 17 

5-7:00 pm @ Brunswick Zone in Deptford

The cost is $8 per person and includes 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soda.

FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT AT THE PHANTOMS: Friday, March 14

We are interested in getting a group together to attend this event. There will be a post game concert. We need 20 people to sign up. The cost would be $15 for adults and $10 for kids (14 and under). See Anne Owens on Sunday if you are interested. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Cancelled for the remainder of the year. But fear not, our mid-week fellowship will resume on January 9 where we will be taking a break from our study in Genesis to start a series entitled "Do You Have to Live Stressed Out?" Sound interesting? Plan to join us for what is sure to be a timely and challenging study.

 

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

 

FREE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS 

If you need on of these cards or would like more information about them, contact Dan Watson this coming Sunday.

CRIB NEEDED ASAP 

A young mother with a 6 month old baby is in need of a crib.  If you have one available, please contact Lorraine Otis at 856-686-1557.

 

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.

 

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:    Liz Johnson & Rachael Goeggel (T)

                                     Karen & Alicia Jones (I)

                                     Damon Briggs & Erin Sweeney (C)

GREETERS:                   Pat & Joan Roselli

COUNTERS:                  Bob B & Bill B

CLEANERS:                  Jess St. Petery

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Cheryl Mojta - for her sister, Elaine, who has had a heart attack and bypass surgery. Many complications, so she still needs prayer.

Erin - For her friend Jacqueline & her family who just lost a loved one.

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". 

Mark Ott - For his grandmother, Anna.  Healing and recovery from a series of surgeries.

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