Hope Notes 12/4/08

Dear Friends of Hope ~

There's lots going on at Hope during this Christmas season and plenty of ways for you to get involved and begin feeling "Christamas-y". I have a feeling that pretty soon our sanctuary will reflect the sparkle of the season! Our Children's Program is coming up along with the Christmas Cafe and Party..............May you begin to feel the joy in your heart that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

SUNDAY SERMON

12/7 – Too Smart to Believe? (Romans 1:18-23, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

Christmas is a time of year that everyone enjoys, but not everyone believes. Many think that it revolves around a fairy tale of a baby born long ago whose life has been twisted from a normal one to a tall tale of miracles and deity. Our culture preaches loud and long that only a fool would believe that God exists, that He created the world, and that there is a life after this one. Yet, is it true that you have to check your brain at the door to believe? The Bible actually talks about the wisdom of this world and how it pushes against the truth. We each need to choose where we put our trust – basically whether we believe in the wisdom of man or God. It is a choice of faith, because no one will ever prove one or the other. So let's ask the question – am I too smart to believe?

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

December 24^th @ 6:30

We will be having a short service for everyone who wants to come and celebrate Christmas together as a church. We'll read the Christmas story, have some music and prayer. We won't be long (maybe 45 min), but it will be a great time to help us all keep Christ as the center of Christmas!

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 DECEMBER - 1 CORINTHIANS

Paul's first letter to this church tackles all sorts of problems - pride, sexual immorality, infighting, and drunkenness at communion services. Christians in the church there had continued to take part in some of those sins even after their conversion. Paul wrote to them to correct both their thinking and their behavior. They were like many of us today - they knew Christ, but they still needed His cleansing.

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 by phone or email -

(www.familylife.com/groups/HOPEHANDS). The cost is $89/person if using our group code 12332. This is good up until 10 days prior to the event (about 1/30/09). If you register 10 days or fewer, the cost per person is $129. See Melissa McGinness with 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

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS NEEDED

We're looking for some items to help decorate the sanctuary not only for the Cafe' night, but for the entire Christmas season (Dec 11 thru Dec 28). Here is a list of items needed. If you would like the items returned, be sure to put your name on them and we will return to you after Dec 28. Please bring the items to church on Sunday, Dec. 7 or Wednesday, Dec. 10. Set up/decorating will take place on Thursday night Dec. 11. Contact Liz Johnson at 856-287-5308 (cell) if you have questions or other suggestions. Thanks!

• Christmas lights -- preferably white, but will use colored lights also
• A tree topper (angel or star, no Santas, please)
• White "snow" blanket, for under the manger scene
• Green pine-like garland
• Wreaths, any size
• Bows
• Large Mason jars
• Red, green, white or gold fabric, or tablecloths if you don't need them until after Christmas
• Small votive candle holders (for tea lights)

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

CROSSROADS-THIS FRIDAY!

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!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPCOMING DATES

Annual Business Meeting - 12/28 after service

GIVING REPORT

We averaged $2735/wk for November, bringing our annual average to $2636/wk. We're closing in on our annual target of $2400/wk through the faithfulness of our church family at Hope! We have one more month to close that gap, so please continue to prayerfully sacrifice as God leads.

ROOM FOR RENT

For more information contact Judy Gotshall 686-2261.

HELP WANTED

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

Media Team - Looking for people with computer or video skills, some creativity, or just a willingness to learn! See Matt Headley or Dylan Albright for more info.

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!

NOTE TO PARENTS: All children in primary grades (2^nd - 5^th) should wear a nice pair of jeans and a long sleeved white shirt for both the dress rehearsal and the program.

See Dana Ott with any questions.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE: June Elliott

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

Bill McGinness & Damon Ott (I)

Mike & June Elliott, Drew Ott (C)

GREETERS: Bill & Nancy Murray

COUNTERS: Kathy & Carole

CLEANERS: Lillian

PRAYER REQUESTS

Rose Fien - In the hospital with pneumonia.

The Holmans - For Billie Ann & Rich. They had a difficult time getting pregnant with their first child and are now experiencing problems with the baby. She is due in March.

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 all families who are feeling hopeless during this season. May God provide a miracle for them and may they feel His love.

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

Placing my Hope in Him,

Lois

God gives the very best to those who leave the choices up to Him!

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.