Hope Notes 9-11-08

Dear Friends of Hope,

The skies begin to darken a little earlier, the temperature dips a little lower, and the lush green of summer begins to fade. Soon we will have the burst of color that comes with fall. Just as God offers us a change of season, He offers us a change of our hearts. Ask Him to change your heart; He will get rid of the old patterns and replace them with attitudes more pleasing to Him.

SUNDAY SERMON

9/14 – Frozen in Place

Ever see one of those scary movies where someone is in danger and they just can't move? Their survival depends on beginning to move, but fear has frozen them in place! As a church, we've been looking at the cause that God has called us to – His kingdom spreading here on earth. Yet, at times, we are frozen in place. We know what we should be accomplishing and the direction we should be moving, but some issues just keep us right where we are. What are some of these issues at Hope? In our service this week, we'll be taking a closer look at some of the things that keep us stuck, and what we can be doing instead to get moving!

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 SEPTEMBER - 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 FELLOWSHP

PASTOR MARK: GUEST SPEAKER - TONIGHT !!

Thursday September 11^th @7:00

Pastor Mark will be speaking at the 5^th Anniversary Service for Straight-Line Church in Woodbury (1055 N. Broad St. Woodbury, NJ 08096). 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.

SINGLES TOGETHER KICKOFF – THIS SATURDAY

DINNER & GAME NIGHT

Saturday 9/13 @ 4:00

Join us for our fall kick off at Charlotte Zediker's house (603 N. Third St. National Park). We'll also present a few book options for our study on Friday nights. Invite a friend and come on out! See Rick Mounce or Kim Biglin for more info.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

SMALL GROUPS

It's not too late to join one of our Small Groups. We really need for everyone to find a group to support with their presence and their unique gifts. All you need to do is scroll down to the end of Hope Notes for a complete list and description of the groups offered. Contact the leader of the group you are interested in with any questions you might have.

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!

HARVEST CRUSADE

Our invitations have arrived!

It's time to begin thinking and praying about who to invite to the crusade. Make plans to bring the lost and the wandering – and then use that as a jump of to invite them to be a part of Hope. Ask the Lord to lay the names of those you need to invite on your heart.

See Lois Hartwell or Karen Jones with any questions.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GIVING REPORT

We averaged $2050/week for the month of August which is well below our target of $2400/week. That brings our annual average to $2304, so we are behind by almost $100/week for the year. As we head into the fall, and remember the importance of our cause, we need to ask the Lord to provide for the financial needs of Hope and be willing to sacrifice and support this ministry as we give our all for His kingdom!

HEBREW SCHOOL

Hebrew classes are starting this Sunday from 9:00 - 12:00, so we need to be as considerate as possible in sharing the building. They will be meeting in one of the classrooms along the hall, so let's make sure we're not having kids running around or being too loud before service. We don't need to be silent; let's just shine our lights for Jesus as best we can as we show His love and respect to our Jewish friends.

SYNAGOGUE YARD SALE

Sunday September 14 @ 11:00

Stick around for a bit after worship and check out the yard sale. Who doesn't love a good bargain?!

CHILDCARE FOR WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY

We have begun to set up a rotation for adults to help with childcare on Wednesday nights - just one adult each week to keep an eye on the kids. We have several people signed up, but will put out a signup sheet on Sunday just in case there are any others who would be willing to take a turn.

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.

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 three 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: Wendy Lynch

LAMB'S MINISTRY: Matt Headley, Katie Ott (T)

Jennifer Headley, Rachael Goeggel (I)

Steve Jones, Norm Angel (C)

Melissa & Marissa Angel

GREETERS: Charlotte Zediker

Karen Blythe

COUNTERS: Jim & Mike

CLEANERS: Dana

PRAYER REQUESTS

Lorraine Otis – For her sister-in-law, Jeanette, diagnosed with breast cancer.

Debbie Bradshaw – For God to provide a good day job for Steve and that he would get a better job coach.

Mission Trip - For those who will be traveling to West Virginia 9/18 - 21; for God's hand of protection as they travel and minister to those in need. That God's message of love and salvation would be shared with the people they come in contact with.

Joan Roselli – For relief of pain and for her doctors to determine the best way to treat her.

Peggy Kemp – Still in Cooper Hospital being treated for back pain as well as other issues.

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

Nothing Without Him,

Lois

HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

SMALL GROUPS

WOMAN'S STUDY / HOPE - THE ANCHOR FOR YOUR SOUL

Leader: Debby Bosler 881-1445

Location: 3 Marlowe Ct, Glassboro

Time: Thursday 9/11 @ 9:30 am. Meets every other week.

Life is a gift from God. It can be abundant and joyful, but it can also be uncertain, stressful, and painful. Life, with all its ups and downs, is enough to distract us from the one thing that makes life bearable - HOPE!

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY / 1^ST & 2^ND SAMUEL

Leader: Mike Hartwell 629-9572

Location: 1015 N. Main St, Williamstown

Time: Tuesday 9/30 from 7:30 - 9:00. Meets every other week.

Christian men are living in a corrupt world surrounded by temptations, lures, and attacks from the enemy. We need to "put on the full armor of God" in order to survive. We do this by studying God's Word and fellowshipping with our brothers in Christ. David was a man who struggled with the same issues we do. All throughout the good times and the tough times, God had His hand on David because he was "a man after my (God's) own heart".

THE PRACTICE OF GODLINESS

Leaders: Bill & Nancy Murray 848-4295

Location: 333 Harvey Ave, West Deptford

Time: Sunday 9/21 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Meets every other week.

Everyone wants to be more godly. We will glean from God's Word actual skills we can develop that will enable us to practice and accomplish more godliness in our lives. The more godly we become, the more like Him we become. We will start each session with some worship songs, prayer, and a time of sharing.

BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY

Leaders: Tom Albright 456-3580 / Steve Jones 728-8031

Location: Glenn & Liz Johnson's 234 High St, Woodbury

Time: Begins mid-October

This study is designed to help people look at the Bible and see what it says; to learn how to read and understand the Bible. It will help you to get rooted in the foundational truths of our faith - the Trinity, faith versus works, the gifts of the Spirit, and much more.

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN YOUR MARRIAGE

Leaders: Bob & Carole Baumiester 228-3188

Location: 220 Landing Rd, Hilltop

Time: Tuesday 9/23 from 7:30 - 9:00. Meets every other week.

God desires that every married couple have a good relationship.

Come and have fun learning how to improve the communication skills

in your marriage. Learn how to talk, listen, laugh and cry with each other.

LIFE'S GREAT ADVENTURE: BEWARE THE ROLLER COASTERS

Leader: Brain Ott 589-2047

Location: 1633 Whispering Woods Dr. Williamstown

Time: Sunday 9/21 from 7:00 - 9:00. Meets every other week.

We're going to look at the ups and downs that are part of life, and some promises and principles that God wants to teach us as we go through them.

CHRIST CENTERED JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF

Leader: Lorraine Otis 686-1557

Location: 102 Mirror Lane, Deptford

Time: 7:00-9:30 (fellowship at 8:30)

Dates: Fridays - 9/19, 10/17, 11/14, 12/5, 1/16, 2/20, 3/20, 4/17

A woman's Christian grief group to strengthen and support the immediate transitions that occur during the first year of the grief process. A focus on Christian encouragement, fellowship, spiritual growth, and working towards healing.

CROSSROADS (High School grads to early 30's)
SEARCH FOR SIGNIFICANCE

Leader: Mark Ott 881-4766

Location: Brad & Karla Hopkins 208 Landing Rd Hilltop

228-5845

Time: Friday 9/19 from 7:30 - 8:30. Meets every other week.

Did you ever say to yourself…."When I fail at something, I feel lousy about myself……When others don't approve of me, I can't get over it….Sometimes it feels like I will never measure up"? These are the universal lies that trigger the cycle of self doubt, robbing you of joyful living. Come and learn how to free yourself from the lies and discover your true worth through God's eyes.

TOGETHER (Fellowship group for singles 30+)

Leaders: Rick Mounce & Kim Biglin

Location: TBD

Time: 2nd & 4th Fridays 7:00-9:30

FALL KICKOFF: Saturday 9/13 @ 4:00

Join us for a short Bible study and a time of fellowship. We are all walking through life together; many singles are looking for other singles to share in this journey. This group is a time where we can have fellowship, study the Bible and just discuss the issues of life as a single person. Beyond the Friday night group, we get together for a variety of activities including dinners, game nights, and movie outings. Join us for our fall kickoff meeting... Dinner and Game Night: Saturday, Sept. 13 @ 4:00 p.m. at Charlotte Zediker's. We'll also present a few book options for our study on Friday nights. Invite a friend and come on out!

JOURNEYMEN (For boys 6^th - 12^th grade)

Leader: Mike Elliott 381-5200

Location: Church

Time: Wednesday 9/17 7:30 - 8:30. Meets every other week.

Journey through the Bible with a superhero who has the strength and power that comes only from God. You will create comic book stories that feature this superhero and all the adventures/situations he encounters in the Bible.

GIRLS OF HOPE BIBLE STUDY (For teen girls)

ROMANS

Leader: Lois Hartwell 629-9572

Location: 1015 N. Main St, Williamstown

Time: Sunday 9/28 from 7:30 - 8:30. Meets every other week.

Do you know how to tell your friends about God's plan of salvation? Do you struggle with what to say or how to say it? Maybe you're not even sure what His plan is. The first eleven chapters in Romans offer the most straightforward, easily understood explanation of the plan of salvation in the New Testament. We will go through Romans verse by verse with plenty of opportunities for questions and sharing.

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