Hope Notes 7-31-08

Dear Friends of Hope,

Are you beginning to feel settled in here at the synagogue? The disco ball at the fire hall is but a distant memory. I know we haven't been here that long, but it really does feel like home. I guess it's because the "church" really isn't about the building, it's about the people. And we're still the same body of believers we were at the fire hall!

SUNDAY SERMON

The Truth has an Impact (Nehemiah 9)

Jesus said, "the truth will set you free". Obviously, the truth has great power. As we accept the truth, it will change our lives - starting with our hearts! Because of this powerful impact, our actions change as well. In the story of Nehemiah, the reading of God's Word has dramatically affected the people and they begin to turn their hearts to the Lord. Their prayer shows how the truth has changed the way they think and how they want to live.

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, http://www.hopechristianfellowship.org/.

MISSIONARY OUTREACH

August 10^th

We are looking forward to hearing from Linda Phillips, who is coming to share the ministry of her sister, Joy in Africa. We are looking to support Joy as she serves the Lord in the Sudan.

NEXT COMMUNION SUNDAY
August 24th

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER TIME

Our Sunday morning prayer time is open to everyone who attends. We will be starting at 9:15 am in one of the classrooms. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church.

BIBLE READING FOR AUGUST - GALATIONS

We can achieve our goals in life through many avenues, but when it comes to salvation, God says there is only one way: through the grace of God demonstrated in Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross. In his letter to the Galations, Paul deals with a church in which some had been deceived into believing they had to keep certain Jewish laws to be saved.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

FAMILY PICNIC AT ATKINSON PARK

Saturday August 16th 2 - 6 pm

This is the day to bring your whole family and enjoy spending time together! We have the baseball field reserved from 3-5pm. Pack a lunch for your family, and bring a dessert to share with everyone. Sign up on the back table.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Small Groups Fair - September 7

Partner Vote - For all partners of Hope regarding 10:00 service time

Harvest Crusade - October 3 thru 5

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

GENESIS

Join us at the synagogue as we pick up where we left off in the book of Genesis. For those who need to bring their children, they can hang out in a classroom while we meet in the auditorium. The study runs from 7:30 to 8:30 (sharp!). A small investment of an hour yields a great return for your week!

WOMEN OF FAITH - INFINITE GRACE

September 12-13

Cost of ticket $65.00

Join us for an unforgettable and inspirational time together at the Wachovia Center. The conference features speakers/singers Max Lucado, Nicole Mullen, Sandi Patti, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont and others.

For about an additional $40 (depending on how many sign up), you can plan on joining your sisters-in-Christ for a "pajama party" Friday night. We usually have post-conference coffee at a nearby diner and then head off to a hotel to "sleep" (talk…..laugh….). More specific info on the hotel will follow.

Sign up on the back table; we only have 25 tickets and they go FAST! To guarantee your seat, give Kathy Berry your payment ASAP.

MEN'S RETREAT

September 11-4 in Lake Champion, NY

Set aside this weekend to find better ways of dealing with the most important aspects in your life. Think over some serious life choices in a unique atmosphere. Cost is $235. See Mike Goeggel for more information. Register online at priorityone.org. Use Mike's name in the "Group Name" field to stay with our group.

HARVEST CRUSADE

Look for Harvest Crusade hand outs on the back table. Grab a bumper sticker (don't worry, they are easily removed) and put it on your car to advertise the crusade. We have magnets, bookmarks, and a devotional to use from now until the crusade begins. Invitations will be available in September. See Lois Hartwell or Karen Jones with any questions.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GIVING UPDATE

The monthly giving for July averaged $2110/week (annual average is now $2346), which are both below our target of $2400.

HOUSING NEEDS

If anyone has a room to offer to someone in need of temporary or long term housing, or if anyone knows of some reasonable apartments to rent, please give that info to our Deacon Team right away. It's good to have these resources available as they try to serve those God brings our way.

MISSION TRIP

We have 17 people going to West Virginia to serve the community. Praise God! Perhaps YOU wanted to go, but things just didn't work out this time. You can still participate - your prayers are greatly needed and if anyone feels led to make a donation to support this endeavor it would be a big help as well. You can just mark "mission trip" on an envelope and drop it in the offering box.

BATHROOM HELPERS NEEDED

Our list of helpers has gotten very small! Anyone who would be willing to come and clean the bathrooms before service can contact Jess St. Petery. (889-0182 or jstpetery@yahoo.com)

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY WORKERS NEEDED

Help shepherd our little lambs. See LaTosha Briggs or Debbie Bradshaw for information. Teen volunteers are especially welcome as helpers!

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Carole Baumiester

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

John & Jackie Salayda (I)

Damon Briggs, Norm Angel (C)

Melissa McGinness, Anita Little (P)

GREETERS: Mike Hartwell

Mike Elliott

COUNTERS: Kathy & Carole

CLEANERS: Lillian

PRAYER REQUESTS

Lorraine Otis - For Paul Halgy, who has cancer, and his wife Shirley

Christopher Aaron Schnaars- Aaron and Amee's tiny boy born prematurely. He is doing well, but faces a long road in Cooper Hospital before he's grown big enough to go home!

Building - 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

Ready for His Return,

Lois

NOTE: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, please respond to this email and we will delete your name.

Hope Notes 7-24-08

Dear Friends of Hope,

Oh boy, we are surely right in the middle of the "dog days of summer". It seems like, no matter how much I water them, my plants just keep drooping. It makes me think of how Jesus is our Living Water………He is the only thing that can keep us from spiritually drooping! Be sure to drink deeply from His Word every day so that you are continually refreshed!

SUNDAY SERMON

A Hunger for God's Word & Worship (Nehemiah 6)

It had been a long time since the Jews had "been to church". In this part of the story, Ezra the priest holds a service for all the people. Suddenly, they are reminded of all that made Jerusalem precious to them. A hunger that they didn't even realize was in their souls had been filled. In the busyness of our lives, we can often live starving spiritually for the truth of God's Word and for the time we need to be joined together in worship. Let's return to a passion for the food that our souls need.

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, http://www.hopechristianfellowship.org/.

NEXT COMMUNION SUNDAY
August 24th

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER TIME

Our Sunday morning prayer time is open to everyone who attends. We will be starting at 9:15 am in one of the classrooms. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church.

BIBLE READING FOR JULY - HABAKKUK

When they look around at the violence, the injustice, and the cruelty that happens, a lot of people wonder: Why doesn't God step in and stop it? Habakkuk complained bitterly about the same thing to the Lord. His book reminds us that God will not allow sin to go unpunished forever - but that only He has the right to decide when and how that judgment will fall.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

ADULT PICNIC AT THE BAUMIESTER'S HOUSE

THIS SATURDAY !!

Saturday July 26th @4:00

220 Landing Rd. Hilltop, NJ

Come join us for a day full of food, games, swimming, and fun! Anyone in high school and up is welcome. Call Bob or Carole with questions (228-3188).

CHRISTIAN BRASS CONCERT – THIS SUNDAY

Ted Zimmerman and The King's Brass [an excellent Christian Brass orchestra: http://www.kingsbrass.org/] is playing at the Ocean City Tabernacle [550 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City, NJ], Sunday July 27^th at 7:00 pm.

FAMILY PICNIC AT ATKINSON PARK

Saturday August 16th 2 - 6 pm

This is the day to bring your whole family and enjoy spending time together! We have the baseball field reserved from 3-5pm. Pack a lunch for your family, and bring a dessert to share with everyone. Sign up on the back table.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Small Groups Fair - September 7

Women of Faith - September 12-13

Harvest Crusade - October 3 thru 5

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

GENESIS

Join us at the synagogue as we pick up where we left off in the book of Genesis. For those who need to bring their children, they can hang out in a classroom while we meet in the auditorium. The study runs from 7:30 to 8:30 (sharp!). A small investment of an hour yields a great return for your week!

MEN'S RETREAT

September 11-4 in Lake Champion, NY

Set aside this weekend to find better ways of dealing with the most important aspects in your life. Think over some serious life choices in a unique atmosphere. Cost is $235. See Mike Goeggel for more information. Register online at priorityone.org. Use Mike's name in the "Group Name" field to stay with our group.

HARVEST CRUSADE

Look for Harvest Crusade hand outs on the back table. There is a guide you can use as a devotional to take your through the time until the crusade as well as bumper stickers, prayer cards, magnets, etc. Invitations will be available in September. See Lois Hartwell or Karen Jones with any questions.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLOOD DRIVE

Monday July 28th

The Beth Israel congregation has set up a blood drive at the synagogue. If you can participate, this would be a great testimony to those we are sharing the building with! We need a few helping hands on July 27th after the service to help put some of our stuff away to make room for the blood drive.

MISSION TRIP

We have 19 people going to West Virginia to serve the community. Praise God! Perhaps YOU wanted to go, but things just didn't work out this time. You can still participate - your prayers are greatly needed and if anyone feels led to make a donation to support this endeavor it would be a big help as well. You can just mark "mission trip" on an envelope and drop it in the offering box.

BATHROOM HELPERS NEEDED

Our list of helpers has gotten very small! Anyone who would be willing to come and clean the bathrooms before service can contact Jess St. Petery. (889-0182 or jstpetery@yahoo.com)

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Carole Baumiester

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

John & Jackie Salayda (I)

Damon Briggs, Erin Sweeney (C)

Melissa McGinness, Anita Little (P)

GREETERS: Dorothy Haines

Emily Naylor

COUNTERS: Karen & Lois

CLEANERS: Jess

PRAYER REQUESTS

Christopher Aaron Schnaars- Aaron and Amee's tiny boy born prematurely. He is doing well, but faces a long road in Cooper Hospital before he's grown big enough to go home!

Building - 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

Thankful for the Cross,

Lois

NOTE: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, please respond to this email and we will delete your name.

Hope Notes 7-17-08

Dear Friends of Hope,

Pastor Steve Smickley did a great job with the sermon last Sunday. The Lord was gracious in providing us with such a good "fill in" while our own Pastor Mark was away with his family. But, we sure did miss them! There was a little vacant spot in our hearts for Mark as our pastor, for Dana leading worship, and for the Ott children in the sanctuary. Welcome back!

SUNDAY SERMON

Plan B to Derail Your Progress (Nehemiah 6)

Those in a battle usually don't just face one attack – a motivated opponent will persistently try to win, using one tactic after another. We face the same problem in our spiritual lives. When one attack fails, the battle is not over. If the first tactic didn't work, we will face a different one, or a more intense one. Nehemiah had already overcome long odds to being rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, but now his enemies try to lie about him and intimidate him. His response shoes that he understood the need to consistently face opposition without allowing it to derail his progress.

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, http://www.hopechristianfellowship.org/.

NEXT COMMUNION SUNDAY
August 24th

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER TIME

Our Sunday morning prayer time is open to everyone who attends. We will be starting at 9:00 am in one of the classrooms. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church.

BIBLE READING FOR JULY - HABAKKUK

When they look around at the violence, the injustice, and the cruelty that happens, a lot of people wonder: Why doesn't God step in and stop it? Habakkuk complained bitterly about the same thing to the Lord. His book reminds us that God will not allow sin to go unpunished forever - but that only He has the right to decide when and how that judgment will fall.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

ADULT PICNIC AT THE BAUMIESTER'S HOUSE

Saturday July 26th @4:00

220 Landing Rd. Hilltop, NJ

Come join us for a day full of food, games, swimming, and fun! Anyone in high school and up is welcome. Sign up and let us know if you will be bringing a side dish or a dessert. Contact Bob or Carole with questions (228-3188).

FAMILY PICNIC AT ATKINSON PARK

Saturday August 16th 2 - 6 pm

This is the day to bring your whole family and enjoy spending time together! We have the baseball field reserved from 3-5pm. Pack a lunch for your family, and bring a dessert to share with everyone. Sign up on the back table.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Women of Faith - September

Harvest Crusade - October 3 thru 5

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

GENESIS

Join us at the synagogue as we pick up where we left off in the book of Genesis. For those who need to bring their children, they can hang out in a classroom while we meet in the auditorium. The study runs from 7:30 to 8:30 (sharp!). A small investment of an hour yields a great return for your week!

MEN'S RETREAT

September 11-4 in Lake Champion, NY

Set aside this weekend to find better ways of dealing with the most important aspects in your life. Think over some serious life choices in a unique atmosphere. Cost is $235. See Mike Goeggel for more information. Register online at priorityone.org. Use Mike's name in the "Group Name" field to stay with our group.

HARVEST CRUSADE

Look for Harvest Crusade hand outs on the back table. There is a guide you can use as a devotional to take your through the time until the crusade as well as bumper stickers, prayer cards, magnets, etc. Invitations will be available in September. See Lois Hartwell or Karen Jones with any questions.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOOD SHOWER – THIS SUNDAY

July 20th

We have a family in need who could use some help in stocking their pantry. They are unsaved and friends of someone at Hope. This would be a good way to show them what being a Christian is all about. God has already used their situation to open the door of opportunity to witness to them, and to invite them out to Hope. If you feel God leading you to contribute, please bring non-perishable items or food gift certificates to church. Thank you!

BLOOD DRIVE

Monday July 28th

The Beth Israel congregation has set up a blood drive at the synagogue. If you can participate, this would be a great testimony to those we are sharing the building with! We need a few helping hands on July 27th after the service to help put some of our stuff away to make room for the blood drive.

MISSION TRIP

We have 19 people going to West Virginia to serve the community. Praise God! Perhaps YOU wanted to go, but things just didn't work out this time. You can still participate - your prayers are greatly needed and if anyone feels led to make a donation to support this endeavor it would be a big help as well. You can just mark "mission trip" on an envelope and drop it in the offering box.

BATHROOM HELPERS NEEDED

Our list of helpers has gotten very small! Anyone who would be willing to come and clean the bathrooms before service can contact Jess St. Petery. (889-0182 or jstpetery@yahoo.com)

CHURCH DIRECTORY

It's time to update our directory! If you would like to be included, or if your information has changed, please fill out the forms located in the back of church and give to Andrea Goeggel. Information needs to be turned in by July 19th.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Carole Baumiester

LAMB'S MINISTRY: Chris & Leah Sparks (T)

Aaron & Amee Schnaars. (I)

Mike & June Elliott (C)

Melissa McGinness, Anita Little (P)

GREETERS: Dorothy Haines

Emily Naylor

COUNTERS: Bob & Bill

CLEANERS: Jess

PRAYER REQUESTS

Doleen Pierce – Waiting for word on receiving disability. Homeless and without a job.

Mission Trip - Please keep our "missionaries" covered in prayer as they make preparations and financial sacrifices for the trip to West Virginia.

Christopher Aaron Schnaars- Aaron and Amee's tiny boy born prematurely. He is doing well, but faces a long road in Cooper Hospital before he's grown big enough to go home!

Building - 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

Under His Wing,

Lois

NOTE: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, please respond to this email and we will delete your name.

Hope Notes 7-9-08

Dear Friends of Hope,

Don't you feel blessed to be in our new church home? Well, I know you'll feel a little MORE blessed when our new chairs arrive! But, hey, we have air conditioning, great music, a wonderful pastor, and lots of brothers and sisters in Christ to worship with. Make sure to come out every Sunday so that our new place will quickly feel like home to you!

SUNDAY SERMON

Pastor Steve Smickley

We are delighted to welcome Pastor Steve Smickley to share with us in our service. He is a pastor at Calvary Chapel of Delaware County, PA and a personal friend of several people at Hope. You will be blessed by his ministry in teaching and touched by the heart with which he serves. Please make him feel at home as he joins us this Sunday.

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, http://www.hopechristianfellowship.org/.

NEXT COMMUNION SUNDAY
August 24th

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER TIME

Our Sunday morning prayer time is open to everyone who attends. We will be starting at 9:00 am in one of the classrooms. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church.

BIBLE READING FOR JULY - HABAKKUK

When they look around at the violence, the injustice, and the cruelty that happens, a lot of people wonder: Why doesn't God step in and stop it? Habakkuk complained bitterly about the same thing to the Lord. His book reminds us that God will not allow sin to go unpunished forever - but that only He has the right to decide when and how that judgment will fall.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

ICE CREAM SOCIAL – THIS FRIDAY

Friday July 11th @ 7:00

Join us for an old fashioned ice cream social at Dolores Incarvite's house (217 Davistown Rd. Blackwood NJ). There's nothing better than eating ice cream.....unless it's sharing it with your friends and playing some fun games as well!

ADULT PICNIC AT THE BAUMIESTER'S HOUSE

Saturday July 26th @4:00

220 Landing Rd. Hilltop, NJ

Come join us for a day full of food, games, swimming, and fun! Anyone in high school and up is welcome. Sign up and let us know if you will be bringing a side dish or a dessert. Contact Bob or Carole with questions (228-3188).

FAMILY PICNIC AT ATKINSON PARK

Saturday August 16th 2 - 6 pm

This is the day to bring your whole family and enjoy spending time together! We have the baseball field reserved from 3-5pm. Pack a lunch for your family, and bring a dessert to share with everyone. Sign up on the back table.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Women of Faith - September

Harvest Crusade - October 3 thru 5

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

MEN'S RETREAT

September 11-4 in Lake Champion, NY

Set aside this weekend to find better ways of dealing with the most important aspects in your life. Think over some serious life choices in a unique atmosphere. Cost is $235. See Mike Goeggel for more information. Register online at priorityone.org. Use Mike's name in the "Group Name" field to stay with our group.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Note: Bible Study Now Meets at the Synagogue

Join us this week as we study God's Word together. We now meet at the synagogue, and for those who need to bring their children, they can hang out in a classroom while we meet in the auditorium. The study runs from 7:30 to 8:30 (sharp!). A small investment of an hour yields a great return for your week!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOOD SHOWER

July 20th

We have a family in need who could use some help in stocking their pantry. They are unsaved and friends of someone at Hope. This would be a good way to show them what being a Christian is all about. God has already used their situation to open the door of opportunity to witness to them, and to invite them out to Hope. If you feel God leading you to contribute, please bring non-perishable items or food gift certificates to church. Thank you!

BLOOD DRIVE

Monday July 28th

The Beth Israel congregation has set up a blood drive at the synagogue. If you can participate, this would be a great testimony to those we are sharing the building with! We need a few helping hands on July 27th after the service to help put some of our stuff away to make room for the blood drive.

MISSION TRIP

We have 19 people going to West Virginia to serve the community. Praise God! Perhaps YOU wanted to go, but things just didn't work out this time. You can still participate - your prayers are greatly needed and if anyone feels led to make a donation to support this endeavor it would be a big help as well. You can just mark "mission trip" on an envelope and drop it in the offering box.

BATHROOM HELPERS NEEDED

Our list of helpers has gotten very small! Anyone who would be willing to come and clean the bathrooms before service can contact Jess St. Petery. (889-0182 or jstpetery@yahoo.com)

CHURCH DIRECTORY

It's time to update our directory! If you would like to be included, or if your information has changed, please fill out the forms located in the back of church and give to Andrea Goeggel. Information needs to be turned in by July 19th.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Carole Baumiester

LAMB'S MINISTRY: Chris & Leah Sparks (T)

Aaron & Amee Schnaars. (I)

Mike & June Elliott (C)

Melissa McGinness, Anita Little (P)

GREETERS: Dorothy Haines

Emily Naylor

COUNTERS: Jim & Mike

CLEANERS: Jess

PRAYER REQUESTS

Doleen Pierce – Waiting for word on receiving disability. Homeless and without a job.

Mission Trip - Please keep our "missionaries" covered in prayer as they make preparations and financial sacrifices for the trip to West Virginia.

Christopher Aaron Schnaars- Aaron and Amee's tiny boy born prematurely. He is doing well, but faces a long road in Cooper Hospital before he's grown big enough to go home!

Building - 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

Relying on Him Alone,

Lois

NOTE: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, please respond to this email and we will delete your name.

Hope Notes 7-3-08

Dear Friends of Hope ~ Well, we did it! We managed to make the move to the synagogue without leaving anything precious behind (except maybe our disco ball!). Did you feel God's presence? I love how God is right there with us, no matter where we are. He promises to never forsake us and to never leave us. There is nowhere on earth that we can go where He will not be with us. Don't believe me? Read Psalm 139! SUNDAY SERMON We Drift Over Time (Nehemiah 5) There are bad people in this world - of that there is no doubt. But most of us, especially those of us at Hope, want to do the right things. We hear instruction from God's Word and we decide that we will do all that we an to follow Him. With good intentions we start. But our himanity gets in our way and we begin to fall away. Through the cares of this life or the distractions it offers, we slowly but surely drift away from the decisions we make to live by faith. Don't get discouraged! Understand that this is a natural part of growing spiritually. We'll see that Nehemiah's people faced the same reality, and were willing to refresh their committment to do what was right. 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. SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER TIME Our Sunday morning prayer time is open to everyone who attends. We will be starting at 9:00 am in one of the classrooms. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church. BIBLE READING FOR JULY - HABAKKUK When they look around at the violence, the injustice, and the cruelty that happens, a lot of people wonder: Why doesn't God step in and stop it? Habakkuk complained bitterly about the same thing to the Lord. His book reminds us that God will not allow sin to go unpunished forever - but that only He has the right to decide when and how that judgment will fall. OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP ICE CREAM SOCIAL - RESCHEDULED Friday July 11th @ 7:00 Join us for an old fashioned ice cream social at Dolores Incarvite's house (217 Davistown Rd. Blackwood NJ). There's nothing better than eating ice cream.....unless it's sharing it with your friends and playing some fun games as well! Be sure to sign up so we know how many to prepare for! ADULT PICNIC AT THE BAUMIESTER'S HOUSE Saturday July 26th @4:00 220 Landing Rd. Hilltop, NJ Come join us for a day full of food, games, swimming, and fun! Anyone in high school and up is welcome. Sign up and let us know if you will be bringing a side dish or a dessert. Contact Bob or Carole with questions (228-3188). FAMILY PICNIC AT ATKINSON PARK Saturday August 16th 2 - 6 pm This is the day to bring your whole family and enjoy spending time together! We have the baseball field reserved from 3-5pm. Pack a lunch for your family, and bring a dessert to share with everyone. Sign up on the back table. UPCOMING EVENTS Women of Faith - September Harvest Crusade - October 3 thru 5 OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH MEN'S RETREAT September 11-4 in Lake Champion, NY Set aside this weekend to find better ways of dealing with the most important aspects in your life. Think over some serious life choices in a unique atmosphere. Cost is $235. See Mike Goeggel for more information. Register online at priorityone.org. Use Mike's name in the "Group Name" field to stay with our group. WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY Note: Bible Study Now Meets at the Synagogue "Do I Have to Live Stressed Out?" Only a couple of weeks left in this powerful study - 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 FOOD SHOWER July 20th We have a family in need who could use some help in stocking their pantry. They are unsaved and friends of someone at Hope. This would be a good way to show them what being a Christian is all about. God has already used their situation to open the door of opportunity to witness to them, and to invite them out to Hope. If you feel God leading you to contribute, please bring non-perisable items or food gift certificates to church. Thank you! BLOOD DRIVE Monday July 28th The Beth Israel congregation has set up a blood drive at the synagogue. If you can participate, this would be a great testimony to those we are sharing the building with! We need a few helping hands on July 27th after the service to help put some of our stuff away to make room for the blood drive. GIVING UPDATE Giving for the month of June averaged $2626/week, bringing our annual average to $2383/week. This is still slightly below our target of $2400/week. With our move to bigger and better facilities, let's blow away our target and get on the fast track to having our own place! Please continue to pray and give sacrificially as the Lord allows. MISSION TRIP We have 19 people going to West Virginia to serve the community. Praise God! Perhaps YOU wanted to go, but things just didn't work out this time. You can still participate - your prayers are greatly needed and if anyone feels led to make a donation to support this endeavor it would be a big help as well. You can just mark "mission trip" on an envelope and drop it in the offering box. BATHROOM HELPERS NEEDED Our list of helpers has gotten very small! Anyone who would be willing to come and clean the bathrooms before service can contact Jess St. Petery. (889-0182 or jstpetery@yahoo.com) SPECIAL PROJECT: HELP IN OUR SEARCH FOR A PERMANENT LOCATION - Please do this ASAP! We'd also like to ask anyone who feels that God has done some wonderful things in their life through the ministry of Hope to please write a paragraph or two describing what has happened in your life through this church. We want to have a stack of them to show people we're dealing with (in particular, the sister in Christ that we want to approach about the land) what God is doing at Hope. Whether your story is dramatic or personal, it is one of many stories that we'd like to share to help Hope move forward. You can write it, send it via email to Hope Notes or Pastor Mark, or give it to him on Sunday. CHURCH DIRECTORY It's time to update our directory! If you would like to be included, or if your information has changed, please fill out the forms located in the back of church and give to Andrea Goeggel. Information needs to be turned in by July 19th. THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE: SIGN-IN TABLE: Carole Baumiester LAMB'S MINISTRY: Lenny Little, Kara Ott (T) Helen Mastalski, Megan T. (I) Steve Jones, Maurice Brazelis (C) Melissa McGinness, Anita Little (P) GREETERS: Dorothy Haines Emily Naylor COUNTERS: Kathy & Carole CLEANERS: Lillian PRAYER REQUESTS Mission Trip - Please keep our "missionaries" covered in prayer as they make preparations and financial sacrifices for the trip to West Virginia. Christopher Aaron Schnarrs- Aaron and Amee's tiny boy born premature last Friday. He is doing well, but faces a long road in Cooper Hospital before he's grown big enough to go home! Building - 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 Walking in the Light, Lois