Hope Notes 11/26/08

Dear Friends of Hope ~

We live in a country of "overdoing it". We celebrate big and we thoroughly enjoy it. But we get to the end of the Christmas season feeling a little bit empty. Not physically empty – mind you – because we usually eat way too much. But something inside us just wonders why, with all we're doing, we don't really feel very good. The start of a new year brings some hope, but that is soon drained away by dark days and nights, and a sense that no matter how much we have, or how much we do, we can never have enough. We want to look at this issue in our lives during this Christmas season. Are you tired of TOO MUCH during the Christmas season? We'll start this week and look at a few of the ways we can get too much of something, and how to make sure we don't miss what we really need!

SUNDAY SERMON

11/30 – Too Busy to Enjoy? (Mary and Martha)

Is there ever an end to all that we need to do during the Christmas season? From holiday shopping, to decorating, to planning that big party (and fitting in all the parties we are supposed to attend!), we just have calendars crammed with too much to do! But isn't this supposed to be a time of year that we enjoy? How can we enjoy when we're so busy. Jesus addressed this topic to two of His best friends as they visited together. Let's learn from His words and see if we can find a way to enjoy this season the way we want to!

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

A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

February 13 - 15, 2009

Hershey Lodge

PO Box 446

Hershey, PA 17033-0446

1-800-437-7439

We are getting a group of married couples together to experience this amazing marriage seminar. You can register via phone, mail, or the web

(www.familylife.com/groups/HOPEHANDS). Our group number is 12332. Register by 12/20/08 and take advantage of the early bird rate of $99/person. See Melissa McGinness with any questions.

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.

CONTACTS: Carole Baumiester - food, Kim Biglin - performances, Liz Johnson - decoration & 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 (Thanksgiving Eve)

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

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

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.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: Dolores Incarvite

LAMB'S MINISTRY: Jim Bradshaw & Kara Ott (T)

Bill McGinness & Damon Ott (I)

Mike & June Elliott (C)

GREETERS: Mike Hartwell

Emily Naylor

COUNTERS: Damon & ?

CLEANERS: Poppy

PRAYER REQUESTS

Andrea Goeggel - Healing for her sister, Annette, who just had a double knee replacement. Also for her sister to find a job.

June Elliott - For Dr.Epple's family, his wife, his staff, and all the families he has touched by taking care of their children as they deal with the loss of Dr. Eppel

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

Knowing He Alone is Lord,

Lois

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

M. Ott

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