Hope Notes 5-22-2008

Dear Friends of Hope ~
Last Sunday's service at the synagogue showed me yet again how God meets us where ever we gather to worship Him. It doesn't matter if we are in someones backyard, in a beautiful conference room, in a fire hall with a disco ball, or even in a Jewish synagogue. God is there with us. It pleases Him for us to come together as a body and worship Him. It doesn't matter one bit where we are!

SUNDAY SERVICE

A Heartbreaking Need to Build - (Nehemiah 1)

We are trying our best to build at hope. We have been praying for some time that the Lord would give us the opportunity to have a permanent home for our church. We have been saving each month and watching God bless our faithfulness in giving. But we are just as concerned with building our people and our church family. We're going to take some time to look at the stories in Nehemiah and see how God works in His people as it grows evident that it is time to build!

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 MAY - ROMANS

Romans is the apostle Paul's most theological letter and answers the question, "How can sinful man be accepted by a holy God?" The first eleven chapters offer the most straightforward, easily understood explanation of the plan of salvation that can be found in the New Testament. Romans can definitely help you explain to non-believers why they need to know Jesus and how they can receive His free gift of salvation.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

GRIEF GROUP- FRIDAY

May 30 @ 6:00

The last meeting of the Grief Group until September will be a dinner held at Lorraine Otis' home. Reminder: Anyone needing Christian grief reading material for someone can contact Lorraine at lorraineotis@comcast.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ice Cream Social - June

Adult Picnic - July 26th at the Baumiester's

Family Picnic - August

Harvest Crusade - October 3rd to 5th

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

"Do I Have to Live Stressed Out?"

Join us this week as we continue on with our 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 yields a great return for your week!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BILL McGINNESS

Now is the time to help support Bill as he ministers with the Saints Prison Ministry softball team. The prison mission field is ripe for the harvest; many of these young men have never been shown the love of Christ before, and every summer there is a great response to the gospel message. Please prayerfully consider supporting Bill financially as he needs to raise $1000 (and we've collected about $300 so far), and the deadline is quickly approaching. Just write Bill's name on the envelopes provided in the back and make the check payable to Hope.

HARVEST CRUSADE

October 3rd thru 5th

There are some wonderful opportunities available for us here at Hope to be a part of the Harvest Crusade. You can be a part of the "Follow Up Team" that receives all the cards for people who made decisions for Christ at the crusade in our local area. You will then have the opportunity to call these people and invite them to Hope. Al Lewis & Ellen Jones are heading up the Follow Up Team. If you would like to be a part of this, contact Al at lewis@voorhees.k12.nj.us with any questions.

In addition, there are classes available for those who would like to be ushers or counselors at the crusade.

A sign up sheet is in the back of the church for anyone interested in any of these opportunities.

Contact Lois Hartwell (foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com) or Karen Jones with any questions regarding the Harvest Crusade. We need to have these positions in place by June 1st.

WEST VIRGINIA MISSION TRIP

September 18th thru 21st

Make a difference in someone's life this fall. Consider a long weekend mission trip to Chestnut Ridge, WV. Cost of the trip is $225/person. This includes your meals, lodging, and construction materials. You will be helping a family or local church in need. See Mike or Lois Hartwell with any questions. Sign up sheet in back of church - please sign up by June 1st.

APARTMENT FOR RENT

1 BR - $650/mo - Glassboro

Contact: Dan Gracely @863-5627 or agracely@hotmail.com

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: June Elliott

LAMB'S MINISTRY: Jim Bradshaw, Kara Ott (T)

Bill McGinness, Damon Ott (I)

Damon Briggs, Maurice B.C)

Anne Owens, Sharon

Sambucci, Jess St. Petery (P)

GREETERS: Karen Blythe

COUNTERS: Karen & Lois

CLEANERS: Poppy

PRAYER REQUESTS

Mauricio V - His cousin Karina who is in the hospital with a fractured neck due to a car accident. Her 5 year old son was killed in that accident.

Building - For God's leading to be made clear as we at Hope pursue different options on a new church home. Please keep praying for God's direction with the synagogue, 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

Blessed Beyond Measure,

Lois