Hope Notes 08-21-08

Dear Friends of Hope,

Over the next five weeks, Hope needs EVERYONE to join us as we focus on what God wants us to be doing as a church. God has provided us with a wonderful place to worship and minister – now we have to examine what it takes for us to take full advantage of this opportunity. We all know that we're not near done in our mission – our world needs hope! In fact, we each need it on a daily basis. So where do we need to adjust – what is slipping by unnoticed – how can we see God's power unleashed in our church? Don't miss a minute of these next five weeks as God takes us on a journey, and we expectantly look for God to move in our hearts and in our church!

SUNDAY SERMON - COMMUNION SUNDAY

8/24 – Our Cause

Why does Hope Christian Fellowship exist? What does God want each of us to be doing? If we don't have a clear answer to these questions, we will never be effective at working as a team and as individuals in bringing real hope to this world. We will take this morning to look at the cause God has called us to and to revisit our mission as a church. This is such an important moment in the history of Hope – let's join our hearts and ask the Lord to really stir us to the deepest parts of our soul so that our mission is crystal clear, and our people are joined together as one so that the "gates of hell will not prevail against us!"

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/.

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 - GALATIANS

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

LADIES SCRAPBOOK NIGHT

A monthly scrapbooking night for ladies is being planned to begin in September. If you think you might be interested, or if you have any questions or ideas, contact Debby Bolser at 856-881-1445.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Small Groups Fair - September 7

Partner Vote - September 14 after service: 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

PASTOR MARK: GUEST SPEAKER

Thursday September 11^th @7:00

Pastor Mark will be speaking at the 5^th Anniversary Service for Straight-Line Church in Woodbury. This would be a great opportunity to meet another "newer" church, as well as supporting Pastor Mark as he delivers his message to their congregation.

PIANO AVAILABLE FOR SALE

See John or Dawn Brazelis (881-2566).

BABYSITTING SERVICES

Helen Mastalski is offering babysitting services in her home. You can contact Helen at 856-384-8353

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 15 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.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY WORKERS NEEDED

Help shepherd our little lambs. Preschool Class (3-6yrs) needs four adults and four more helpers. See Debbie Bradshaw for more info. Primary Class needs about two more helpers. See Anita Little for more info.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Carole Baumiester

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

Bill McGinness & Damon Ott (I)

Natalie & Justin Davis (C)

Karla Hopkins & Carole Baumiester (P)

GREETERS: Mike Hartwell

Mike Elliott

COUNTERS: Karen J & Lois

CLEANERS: Jess

PRAYER REQUESTS

Mike Elliott - For his grandmom while his grandpop is in the hospital. For many health problems.

Pastor Mark - Remember our promise to pray with him for all that God is laying on his heart in regards to our church and as he prepares to share this with us over the next five weeks.

Christopher Aaron Schnaars- A big PRAISE that he has now come home!

Building - For the Lord to direct us as to how to best use the building He's provided, including what work to do and where to spend money. Also, continue to seek God's direction in the search for a permanent home for us.

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

He Alone is Faithful,

Lois

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