Hope Notes 10/30/08

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Don't forget - this is the weekend we set our clocks back one hour. Now, for those of you who have difficulty getting out the door on time for church………………….this Sunday should be a breeze. For once, Mark can look out on a congregation full of happy and alert faces!

SUNDAY SERMON

11/2 – Responding to Others (Titus 3:1-2)

America is the land of freedom – the home of the brave! We all treasure the gift of freedom that God has provided through the sacrifice of so many who have given their lives. Yet, subtly, our culture has taken this freedom and turned it in on itself. Our society has become obsessed with "our rights" and has taken on a very warlike tone. No one had better disrespect anyone else – or else! Yet, Paul teaches that as believers, we are to know how to submit to those who are in authority. We are to live humble and peaceable lives. Let's be reminded of our call as followers of Christ to a life that responds to those around us in a godly way!

UPCOMING COMMUNION SERVICES

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, 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 NOVEMBER - 2 SAMUEL

This book portrays King David as a "man after God's own heart" and shows him to be a humble man willing to submit himself to God when even his "secret" sins are found out. Despite everything, David never forgot his God and, in the end, found forgiveness and restoration through Him. So can we.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Café & Party - 12/12

Children's Christmas Program - 12/14

FREE CONCERT

November 8^th & 9^th - Faith City Auditorium

A group of young adults (20''s & 30's) are meeting at Hope around 6:30 Saturday night, 11/8, to drive together to the concert. A sign up sheet is on the back table. See Jess St.Petery or Anne Owens for more information.

LADIES SCRAPBOOKING NIGHT- THIS THURSDAY

Thursday November 6^th / *New Time* 6:30 - 10:00 pm

Come get together for a fun and crafty time! Call Debby Bolser if you are coming. (881-1445)

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

REVOLVE TOUR / ALL ACCESS

Event for Teen Girls November 7 & 8

Package Cost $85 (includes ticket & hotel)

Box Lunch $8 (can be ordered if desired)

MONEY IS DUE NOW TO LOIS HARTWELL; MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Bring a friend and come to the All Access event to get a glimpse of what it's like to have All Access to the love of God! Sign up sheet on back table. Please indicate if you wish to order the Box Lunch. See Lois Hartwell with questions (629-9572).

"You will have complete and free access to God's kingdom, keys to open any and every door; no more barriers between heaven and earth…" Mat 16:19

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

GENESIS

No Bible Study on 11/26

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!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPCOMING DATES

Deadline for Nominations (Elder & Deacon) - 11/16

Annual Business Meeting - 12/28 after service

WALK FOR LUNG CANCER - THIS SATURDAY

Saturday November 1^st @ Cooper River Park

If you are interested in doing the walk or making a donation, please see Lorraine Otis. Information is on the back table at church. If you would like to donate, please use http://www.events.lungevity.org.buddyspals/. Please pray for the success of the walk and for a cure!

2^ND ANNUAL GIRLS OF HOPE BAKE SALE - THIS SUNDAY!!!

Sunday November 2^nd before & after worship

This is it! We know you've all been waiting for the home baked goodies. Help our teen girls raise some much needed funds to assist them in purchasing tickets for the Revolve Tour, a Christian conference designed to bring them closer to the Lord. And remember, there are no calories when you are eating for a good cause!

UPCOMING DEACON & LEADERSHIP TEAM NOMINATIONS

Deadline 11/16/08

We need our partners to nominate men who are qualified to be on the Leadership Team - with a two year window to evaluate whether we

should present them to the church for appointment as elders. We also need partners to nominate men & women to be on the Deacon Team. There is an information sheet out (in addition to the nomination forms) to describe the function of Deacons as the Bible describes them and how they function at Hope.

GIVING UPDATE

Our weekly average for October was $2445, bringing our yearly average to $2320/wk. We are so thankful for the faithful sacrifice of God's people in these difficult financial times. We're still a little behind on our goal of $2400/wk, but we know that even being as close as we are is a blessing! Please continue to pray and seek the Lord on how to give and for God to provide so that Hope can continue to shine!

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Would you like to help with the Salt & Light? It's easy! Once every few months, you simply update the information in the pre-made document! See Rick Mounce for more information. (856-933-8191)

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Once again, we are preparing shoeboxes full of gifts to send to needy children all over the world. Pick up an informational flyer on the back table, and be sure to have your boxes in no later than Sunday 11/16. See Melissa McGinness with any questions

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

December 14, 2008

Rehearsals have begun for our annual Children's Christmas Program. Please make every effort to have your child be at church and attend all rehearsals. Any sixth graders are still welcome to participate! See Dana Ott with any questions.

THIRSTY LITTLE LAMBS

Juice boxes (flat bottoms, please) and snacks are needed for our Children's Ministry. Hint: Goldfish crackers are a HUGE hit! See LaTosha Briggs. Thank you for your generosity.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Dolores Incarvite

LAMB'S MINISTRY: Sissel Salayda, Drew Ott (T)

John & Jackie Salayda (I)

Natalie & Justin Davis (C)

GREETERS: Dorothy Haines

Emily Naylor

COUNTERS: Kathy & Carole

CLEANERS: Jess

PRAYER REQUESTS

The Ott Family - Mark's grandfather passed away Sunday; the funeral is Thursday. Please lift up Mark and his family during this sad time.

June Elliott - Her 15 year old nephew, Zac, just diagnosed with Celiac disease. Pray that he feels God's presence. For the new medication to help June's back w/no side effects and for God's provision in paying for it.

Lorraine Otis - For Judy with Stage Three ovarian cancer, for Jeanette with Stage Two breast cancer, for Shirl Haley for comfort in the loss of her husband, for Joanne Urbany who needs strength as she deals with work & school.

Jim Bradshaw - For Steve to find the right kind of job that would fit him. For God to deliver their daughter, Melissa, and heal her heart.

Debbie Bradshaw - Friends of Steve, Mike Nichols & Mike Moring - for salvation, physical & emotional protection. For God's direction in Debbie's life.

Mike Hartwell - In need of a job.

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

Bowing Before Him,

Lois

The power of God's grace is that our lives are changed by love, not fear.

M. Ott

Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list.