Hope Notes 12-6-2007

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Are you feeling the pressure of the holidays?  Are you already stressed over shopping, entertaining, and gift wrapping?  Make sure you stop and take time each day to plug into your best source of strength - our Lord.  Read His Word, talk with Him, ask Him to be in charge of your day.  Things will go along much better!

 

LADIES CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA- TONIGHT!!!!

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

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

Bring a dessert or an appetizer and a $5 gift if you want to participate in a Gift Exchange. That's all you need for an evening of fellowship with the females of Hope!

 

SUNDAY SERVICE

He is Our King  (Acts 2:36 & Phil. 2:6-11)

The Christmas story is more than a nice story about a baby born on a starlit night.  Babies often stir emotions of kindness and peace in our hearts.  But this baby was special - and the stories in the Bible clearly point this out!  He was born in a humble barn, but was greeted by angels and kings.  Have you come to worship and embrace the King of the universe that we celebrate at Christmas?  The Bible teaches that we ALL will one day - why not today?

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Sunday December 16 

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!  Who wouldn't want to see one of these precious children singing Christmas songs (or running off crying to Mom)?!  Contact Emily Hartwell eshartwell@gmail.com with any questions.

 

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 

 

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

SATURDAY December 15th @ 4:15 - Meet at Cardinal Village

Sign up Elementary Kids and Teens to join us!

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 19th at Hope

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

January 2        Annual Business Meeting (At the fire hall)

 

ACTIVITIES TEAM IDEAS

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

 

GIRLS OF HOPE BIBLE STUDY

There will be no girl's Bible study on Thursday 12/13.

 

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

 

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:    Anne Owens, Patti Tomasetti (T)

                                     Bill McGinness, LaTosha Briggs (I)

                                     Mike & June Elliot (C)

GREETERS:                   Pat & Joan Roselli

COUNTERS:                  Jim B & Mike H

CLEANERS:                  Lillian

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

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, as she recovers from surgery.  Praise God for the progress she has made; however she needs continued prayer for the infection in her incision.

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

 

Wanting More of Him,

Lois