Hope Notes 7/14/08

Dear Friends of Hope,

I had a glimpse of the magnificence of God last Sunday during that amazing hailstorm. Sometimes we need a little reminder of who He is, how powerful He is, and how the heavens and the earth are truly under His control!

SUNDAY SERMON

Steps to Stay on Track (Nehemiah 13)

Finishing what you start is such a difficult task. Even spiritually, we are often stirred to make changes, only to wilt under the pressure of time. Is it just impossible to keep going in the right spiritual direction, or are there ways that we can keep moving forward? Nehemiah finishes his story by describing several steps he takes to make sure that what has been started (both symbolically by rebuilding the wall, and in reality by the spiritual awakening of the Israelites) will continue on track!

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 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

FAMILY PICNIC AT ATKINSON PARK - THIS SATURDAY

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.

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

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. 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: John & Dawn Brazelis (T)

Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)

Debbie Bradshaw & Maurice Brazelis (C)

Karla Hopkins & Carole Baumiester (P)

GREETERS: Mike Hartwell

Mike Elliott

COUNTERS: Jim & Mike H.

CLEANERS: Lillian

PRAYER REQUESTS

Doleen Pierce - Still needing a place to live and facing possible knee surgery.

Debbie Bradshaw - For the many family healing needs in our fellowship. For Stephen to find a job.

June Elliott - For Chandler, who has been suffering from panic attacks. Chandler put in a request for "his nightmares".

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

Christopher Aaron Schnaars- Aaron and Amee's tiny boy born prematurely. He's getting close to coming home; just waiting for a few more tests and a little more growth.

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

God Knows Our Needs,

Lois

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