Hope Notes 01-29-09

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I can't believe its February already!  That makes me think of Valentine's Day, which makes me think of love.  And then THAT makes me think of the difference between man's love and God's love.  God's love is unconditional, unchanging, and unfailing.  So it really blows my mind that we are called to love each other in the same way He loves us. Yikes!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

2/1 – The Holy Spirit Fills Us (Acts 2:1-13)

There are a few life-changing moments for each of us.  They don't happen every day.  But when they do happen, everything is different – forever changed!  On the day of Pentecost after Jesus' resurrection, the disciples had a life-changing moment.  The Holy Spirit came from heaven and filled each one of them.  They started speaking in different languages, and what looked like little tongues of fire rested over their heads.  And their world was transformed.  When they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they were dramatically different then who they were before.  They had a purpose and a supernatural ability to accomplish that purpose.  They had been waiting for this promised event, but nothing prepared them for the power and the transformation that comes when God gives us His Spirit!

 

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 JANUARY - 1^ST TIMOTHY

If a young believer needs one thing in order to live victoriously for Christ, its instruction.  In this letter, Paul gives Timothy advice on everything from false teachers, to ministering, to widows, to the duties of church servants.  Most of the advice is designed to teach Timothy the importance of living a godly life - and who among us can't use that very same advice?!

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH 

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Join us as we take a few weeks to find out what the Bible has to say about living in fear…….or living by faith. The choice is ours to make!  Study is from 7:30 - 8:30 pm every Wednesday.  Childcare is available.

 

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.

 

FAMILY BOWLING

February 22 from 5:00-7:00 pm

Cost is $8/person. Toddlers up to age two are free.  Includes bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soda.  Be sure to sign up now!

 

FOCUS ON MARRIAGE

Saturday, February 28 from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

St. Matthew's Baptist Church in Williamstown is partnering with Focus on the Family for a LIVE Simulcast event that will allow participants to see their marriage through God's eyes.  The following speakers & performers are participating:

Dr. Gary Smalley, Dr. John Trent, Gary Thomas, Beth Moore, Dr. Del Tackett, Jeremy Camp (special music guest)

Prices to attend the event are as follows:

UNTIL JANUARY 16:    $35/individuals     $59/couples

AFTER JANUARY 16:    $40/individuals    $69/couples

For more information contact tfeggans@stmatthewsbc.com or call Tanya Feggans at 856-629-4614, X278.

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

YOUTH GROUP MEETING

Sunday February 22 - after worship

We are inviting our teens and teen parents (and anyone else who is interested) to join us for a meeting about a youth group for Hope.  We've been praying since we started for God to enable us to have a group for our teens, and this year we've made it our #1 goal.  God has led Dwight and Becky Lein to Hope and they have felt His prompting to take their 15+ years of youth ministry experience and use it with our teens.  We are very excited about this and want to start sorting out a plan with our teens and their parents.

 

PRAYER TEAM

Please don't forget to take advantage of our Prayer Team.  We have cards in the back for you to write your requests on and know that they will be prayed for.  We all need prayer, and especially in times like these where so many face difficult situations with jobs, finances, etc.

 

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The following is a link that may be helpful for those who are seeking employment or looking to change jobs.  A variety of positions are available.  www.umdnj.edu  Simply log on and then click on "employment".

 

CHILDREN'S CHURCH MEETING

Sunday February 1st

There will be a short meeting for all teachers and helpers involved in all classes of Children's Church immediately following worship.  Please meet in your respective classes for a brief 15 minute meeting.  Thank you.

 

HELP WANTED

Are you wanting to help out but don't know where to plug in?  Just let Pastor Mark know that you are available, and we will direct you to the places where we need you! 

For those of you running a team at Hope, be sure to let Pastor Mark know when you need help so that we can put people in place to fill that need!

 

NURSERY SUPPLIES NEEDED

A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED TO OUR NURSERY SO FAR!! Rocking or glider chairs would be greatly appreciated to complete our nursery.   If anyone has one that they could donate, see LaTosha Briggs.

 

THIRSTY LAMBS

Our Children's Ministry goes through juice boxes like lightning!  We would really appreciate any flat bottomed, clear liquid juice boxes for our supply.  See Debbie Bradshaw.

   

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       June Elliott

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   John & Sissel Salayda (T)

                              Helen Mastalski, Jackie Salayda (I)

                              Bill & Nancy Murray, Kylie Ott (C)

                              Kim Biglin & Rick Mounce (P)

GREETERS:              Pat Roselli

                              Larry/Rosetta Kemp

COUNTERS:             Johnson/J.Toomin

CLEANERS:              Nancy Murray

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Dana Baumiester - After a third admission to the hospital, the doctors are still trying to determine the cause of her severe stomach problems.  Please pray for healing, pain relief, peace, and wisdom for the doctors.

Billie Ann and Rich - (friends of the Homans) After much trouble conceiving, Billie has been admitted to CHOP trying to make it to 34 weeks for their baby to have the best chance.  Baby will need breathing machine and surgery immediately following birth.  Also, Rich has been unemployed for over a year.

Hope's Youth Group - Pray that God will lead us in every step as we sort out a program for our teens.  We need His direction and strength in order to make the right decisions.  Pray that the Lord would draw our teens into this group so they can fellowship and grow together in Christ.

Seeking Employment - Mike Hartwell.  Pray for doors to open for a job and for patience as they wait & search.

 

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 

 

Warmed by His Love,

Lois

 

 

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

 

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