Hope Notes 4-25-2008

Dear Friends of Hope ~

This is short and simple. This question was posed to me and I pass it along to you - "Are you in awe of our Creator more for what He has done or simply for who He is?" It all ties into your prayer life and thanking Him (for what He has done) and praising Him (for who He is). Think about it!

SUNDAY SERVICE

Get to Work - 2Thess 3:6-15

Being kind and generous is certainly right. But we've all faced times where our kindness and generosity started to feel like we were just being used. In fact, continuously "helping" someone who is not doing what they should is not actually helpful. Paul addresses a problem in the church along these lines. People were so convinced that Jesus was about to return that they quit their jobs. While they waited, the church was meeting their needs. However, Paul gives clear instruction about what to do when people in the church won't work.

OUTREACH SUNDAY

May 4th

Look what's coming on Outreach Sunday!

*The chance to sponsor one of our own for a missions trip this summer.

*The opportunity to sign up for a short term missions trip ourselves.

* A look at how we can be trained in sharing our faith.

* A chance to participate in a huge activity at the Wachovia Center

(for free!) in the fall with top name artists, a clear gospel presentation

and invitation.

Join us on this day as we look at many of the ways God has provided for us to be a part of building God's kingdom. This is something we all need to be a part of - come and see all the opportunities you have to share His love. Then, join in with whichever one(s) fit you best!

SAMPLE SERVICE

May 18th

Be sure not to miss this special Sunday as we "try out" our worship service at the synagogue (High & S. Warner in Woodbury). Details to follow. See Bob Baumiester 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 APRIL - 2 John, 3 John, Jude

2 John stresses that our love for one another and for God will show itself most when we obey God's commandments. It warns against false teaching and wordly thinking that wants to deceive us into walking away from our faith.

3 John is bit of encouragement for all of us to continue to live out our faith and to treat servants of God with the kindness and hospitality due them.

Jude warns the church against following immoral teachers and those who teach false doctrine. Jude calls us to persevere in the face of whatever opposes our faith, and he helps us to endure by reminding us of the promise of our final reward.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

TEEN MOVIE NIGHT

May 2 @ 7:00 pm

Join us at Matt & Jenny Headley's home theater for a great night of movie watching & fellowship! (1140 Stanton Ave. Franklinville, NJ) Space is limited, so be sure and get your name on the sign up sheet in the back of church. See Mike Elliott with any questions.

SOFTBALL TEAM

Be sure to check the Salt & Light weekly calendar for future games. Schedules will be available in the back of the church. See Damon Briggs for info.

SINGLES POT LUCK SUPPER/GAME NIGHT - THIS SATURDAY

Saturday April 26th @ 6:00

See Kim Biglin or Rick Mounce for details.

RIVERSHARKS FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT

May 10th 5:00 pm

Campbells Field in Camden

Payment of $11/person is due now! Please give to Wendy Lynch.

Fireworks pre & post-game. Christian bands pre-game & during 7th inning stretch. Rob Baumiester (Bob and Carole's son) and his band, Compelled, will be playing!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ice Cream Social - June

Adult Picnic - July

Family Picnic - August

Harvest Crusade - October 3rd to 5th

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Last night, we talked about how we get distracted from the most important things by responsibilities and good things. Unfortunately, that sometimes leaves out what we really need, and builds stress in our lives. We're working hard, but just barely keeping up. If this sounds like your life, join us next week as we continue on this discussion. We meet at Pastor Mark's house, and for those who need to bring their children, they can play in the basement while we study from 7:30 to 8:30 (sharp!). A small investment of an hour can mean so much to your week!

BECOMING A CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN

Monday evenings in May and June at Bob & Carole Baumiester's.

7:30 -8:30

Featuring all new material with training by the authors of the study on how to effectively share our faith. Whether you are someone who has never shared your faith, or never thought about what you would say, or if you are a veteran witness who just needs to take some time to refresh and get some new ideas - this course will be powerful! It fits in with our focus for our Outreach 2008 at Hope. We are all called to be witnesses; we want to be trained on how to be good at it! Deadline to sign up is 5/4 so that we can order books.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

UNEXPECTED EXPENSE/NEED

We have come across an unforeseen expense of about $2000 to register our church as an official non-profit organization with the federal government. This will help us in applying for grants and in making our status as a non-profit rock solid. We will spend that money "out of budget", but if anyone would like to contribute in order to help offset this expense, see one of our Deacons or drop your gift in the offering and designate it as "special project". Thank you!

APPLIANCES AVAILABLE

Norm Angel has a washer & dryer for anyone who needs it. He is even willing to deliver it to your door!

LAMB'S MINISTRY NEED

Our little lambs are thirsty! Please bring in donations of juice boxes (no red juice, please). Give to Debbie Bradshaw or LaTosha Briggs.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Natalie Davis

LAMB'S MINISTRY: John & Dawn Brazelis (T)

Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)

Mike & June Elliott (C)

Melissa & Marissa Angel (P)

GREETERS: Charlotte Zediker

COUNTERS: Karen J & Lois

CLEANERS: Jess

PRAYER REQUESTS

Ott Families - Mark & Brian's grandmother went home to be with her Lord. Pray for God's comfort and peace as they go on without her.

Building - For God's leading to be made clear as we at Hope pursue different options on a new church home. The meeting with the synagogue went exceptionally well - look for more info soon, and keep praying for God's direction here as well as with the land!

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

Needing Him Alone,

Lois