Hope Notes 11/20/08

Dear Friends of Hope ~

What has the Lord been doing in your life this past year? If you think back, I'm sure you will find many things to be thankful for. It's good to remember what God has done for us in our day to day lives. Not to mention the fact that He sacrificed His only Son on the cross just for us. This Sunday we will all have the opportunity to share the blessings in our lives with others. Even if you don't "feel" very blessed right now, come and listen. It is always uplifting to be reminded of God's goodness.

SUNDAY SERMON

11/23 – Praise Service

As we prepare for a time to reflect on all our blessings, we take time each year to celebrate God's goodness together. With Thanksgiving only a few days away, we want to fill this place with a spirit of gratitude and praise. We'll sing, we'll give testimony, and we'll lift our hearts to the Lord. This is always a wonderful Sunday each year, and a great blessing to everyone who is a part. Don't miss this precious time as we join our hearts together to praise the Lord!

*NOMINEES MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SERVICE*

See Announcements for details.

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. We start 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

CHRISTMAS CAFÉ AND PARTY

Friday December 12^th / 7 - 9 pm

Free of charge!

What an evening we have planned! Party games, good food & drink, café performances, and lots of fun! Everyone is welcome (kids, too) - but there won't be a nursery. We supply coffee and drinks - you can sign up to bring desserts or snacks. There is also a sign up for those who would like to perform (one performance per family, please). One last thing - we need people to volunteer to help with setup/cleanup.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

CROSSROADS

Beginning December 5^th, this Small Group will be meeting at Melissa & Bill McGinness' home (34 Bryant Rd. Turnersville).

856-481-4364

SPECIAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

December 17^th - "Expelled" movie by Ben Stein

Starting at 7:00 pm

This movie is a study on the Evolution vs Intelligent Design debate in American education. You will be amazed at some of the leading proponents of evolution. The movie is 95 minutes; don't worry if you can't get here exactly at 7:00, just pick up on the movie whenever you arrive. Come and see what passes for intelligence in our world's philosophical circles - and see where they say a belief in evolution takes you!

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

Annual Business Meeting - 12/28 after service

*NOMINEES MEETING*

Sunday November 23^rd after church

There will be a meeting for all those who have been nominated for the Deacon Team or the Leadership Team. We will try and answer everyone's questions and give some information to help nominees prayerfully decide whether they are willing to serve on those teams.

HELP WANTED

One more team for our Primary Class (2^nd - 5^th graders) is needed. If anyone can help, please contact Anita Little. 856-783-7168

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)

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: John & Dawn Brazelis (T)

Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)

Steve Jones, Norm Angel (C)

GREETERS: Mike Hartwell

Emily Naylor

COUNTERS: Karen J & Lois

CLEANERS: Poppy

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

Thankful for His Grace,

Lois

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

M. Ott

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