Hope Notes 8-28-08

Dear Friends of Hope,

Have you started the back-to-school frenzy yet? Buying school supplies, new outfits, lunch box treats, and calming nervous children seem to be top priorities right now. But don't forget the most important preparation - prayer! We can pray for our children as they head off to new classrooms, pray for their teachers, the administrators, for all the other children at school, and for all parents as they endeavor to get through another school year!

SUNDAY SERMON

8/31 – Fixing Where We're Leaking

A leaking boat is eventually going to sink – it's just a matter of time. And leaks that go unaddressed become bigger leaks. At Hope, we're not perfect. We're just people trying to be as faithful as we can be. But there are moments where God brings to our attention some issues and areas where we can stop leaking! Let's be humble and willing to closely examine where we need to change. The difference between some business sinking and our church sinking is an eternal difference! We can't afford to ignore our leaks!

UPCOMING COMMUNION SERVICES

September 28^th

October 26^th

November 30th

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 - TITUS

Titus is a compact book that reminds believers of the importance of connecting their actions to their faith. In this letter, Paul reminds a young minister that although Christians are saved through faith and not through good works, good works must still be a part of real faith.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

LADIES SCRAPBOOK NIGHT

Thursday, September 11^th 5:30 - 9:30

3 Marlowe Ct, Glassboro, NJ

All ladies interested are invited to come early for pizza, garlic bread, salad and soft drinks! If you can't make it that early, feel free to come at anytime! Please call Debby (881-1445) if you plan to attend and if you need directions.

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

MOVING DAY - IMMEDIATE NEED THIS SATURDAY

John & Sissel Salayda need help loading the moving van this Saturday, 8/30. If you can help, be at their house (21 Garwood Blvd, Clayton, NJ)

at 9:00 am. Contact for more info (856-881-0770)

AUTOMOBILE NEEDED ASAP

Dee Russell is in need of a car that would fit four adults as quickly as possible. It needs to be very reasonably priced; she is not being picky about anything other than that it runs well! See Mike or Lois Hartwell if you can help.

MUSIC MINISTRY MEETING

Sunday, September 14th

There will be a short meeting for all those involved (or wishing to be involved) in our Music Ministry immediately following the service. See Dana Ott with any questions.

THANK YOU

A big "thank you" to our congregation for your generosity this past Sunday in collecting for our family in need. God provides through His people!

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.

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. Our Nursery/Toddler group needs five helpers. (See LaTosha Briggs) The Preschool Class (3-6yrs) needs four adults and four more helpers. (See Debbie Bradshaw) The Primary Class needs about two more helpers. (See Anita Little)

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: Damon Briggs & ?

CLEANERS: Jess

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

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

Changed by His Love,

Lois

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