Hope Notes 1/21/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

It's getting pretty tempting to stay inside where its' nice and warm!  Don't let the colder temperatures keep you from the warmth of fellowship at Hope.  Let the fire of the Spirit ignite in your heart - that will keep you warm for sure!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

1/25 – Parting Words (Acts 1:1-11)

Perhaps nothing we say has more weight than the last thing we say.  Whenever you hear about someone's "final words," it just seems to have more significance than most other things that are said.  When Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection, He had a few final words for His disciples.  As we begin our study in the book of Acts, we want to see the instruction, the mission, and most of all the hope that Jesus gave to His disciples as He left them.  And we want to carry on the heritage of those final words that have been passed down through generations to us.  Let's reconnect with those important parting words of Jesus and live in the hope that they bring.

 

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 - EXODUS

Exodus describes how God freed Israel from slavery in Egypt and prepared the Jewish nation for the Promised Land He had pledged to Abraham centuries before.  It also introduces us to a remarkable man named Moses whom God would use in a way that nobody, not even Moses himself, was prepared to believe (anyone remember the Ten Commandments?).

 

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

 

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER- THIS SUNDAY!

January 25^th @ 4:00 pm

This is an opportunity to get to know a family from Hope by having a meal with them.  Everyone who wishes to participate will sign up as either a Host or Guest family.  Those who do not care which they are, host or guest, can leave both checkboxes empty on the sign up sheet, and then we will have some options for filling in needed slots.  Families and/or individuals will be paired up, and the Hosts will prepare a meal [or order pizza] at their homes for the mystery Guests.  Although they will be told how many adults/children they will be preparing for, no host will know 'who's coming to dinner', and guests will receive driving directions to their mystery family at church on 1/25. 

This is sure to be a wonderful time of fellowship with each other as we get to know new families and make new friends.  Be sure to sign up and be blessed!

Any questions, call Bill Murray (856-848-4295)

 

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.

 

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.  Look for Sign Up Sheet soon!

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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:       Wendy Lynch

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

                              Helen Mastalski, Jackie Salayda (I)

                              Bill & Nancy Murray, Kylie Ott (C)

                              Natalie Davis & Justin Incarvite (P)

GREETERS:              Charlotte Zediker

                               Mike Elliott

COUNTERS:              Karen J & Lois

CLEANERS:               TBA

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

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 

 

Warmed by His Love,

Lois

 

 

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

 

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