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

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