Hope Notes 02/26/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

As we approach the Easter season, the Communion service becomes even more meaningful.  Our thoughts turn more readily to what was actually happening over 2000 years ago when Jesus sacrificed His life for us on the cross.  The Last Supper becomes so much more real at this time of year.  Communion is always a special time at Hope; make sure you are here to participate!

 

SUNDAY SERMON - COMMUNION SUNDAY

3/1 – Looking for Less Than You Need (Acts 3:1-10)

We're not greedy.  We just want "enough".  Sometimes, we think we have a handle on what would be enough, and how we can get it.  But how many times are we missing out on all that God has for us?  Are we willing to settle for less than He wants us to have? Would we be willing to just stop fighting with someone when God wants to bring resolution?  Are we willing to just survive when God wants us to thrive?  In the story of Peter and John healing a lame man, we see that he was looking for less than what he needed – maybe believing that what he really needed was not possible.  Let's see how God goes beyond what he is asking for and gives him what he really needs!

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

April 4^th @ 6:00 pm

Join us for an hour of worship and communion, with a focus on the story of our Lord's sacrifice for us.  We will also take an offering for needy families (just like our Christmas Eve offering).  We want to take the opportunity to honor the Lord's sacrifice by sacrificing ourselves for the needs of others.

 

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE

Since we will be celebrating communion together on Good Friday, we will simply have our 10:00 morning worship service, which will be our celebration of Christ's resurrection! 

 

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

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH 

 

EASTER DEVOTIONAL BOOKS

40 Day Devotional books ("Blessings of the Cross" with several authors including Billy Graham and Max Lucado) will be available this Sunday for anyone who wants to spend the 40 days leading up to Easter preparing their hearts in remembrance of this powerful day.  In order to be finished your reading on Good Friday, you need to begin with the first devotional on March 2^nd. 

 

EVENING OF PRAYER

Monday March 23^rd @ 7:00

If you are in need of strength, healing, direction, encouragement, or whatever - take advantage of this evening to have our spiritual leadership pray with you and for you.  We will try and be as direct as possible with each person so that we can spend time individually with everyone that comes for prayer.  If you have any questions, see Pastor Mark.

 

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.

 

BAPTISMAL SERVICE

Sunday May 17^th  @ 1:30

Calvary Bible Church - Deptford

There will be a baptismal service for any believer who has not yet followed the Lord in believer's baptism. Liz and Glenn Johnson will host a lunch between the morning service and the baptism for all participants and their families.  Preparation classes for anyone who wants to be baptized are tentatively scheduled for Monday evening April 27^th and May 4^th.  This is a wonderful and special time in any believer's life.  Although we know we are a new creation in Christ when we accept Jesus as Savior, there is something powerful about feeling the water wash over you and make you "new".   Anyone who is interested should see Pastor Mark to sign up.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

5^TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE & BBQ - Sunday, July 19^th

 

POTLUCK SUPPER

Sunday, March 15^th after service

Be sure not to miss this chance to spend some time getting to know everyone at Hope AND the chance to eat some delicious food! 

 

SPRING CAFÉ

Wednesday, April 22 @ 7:30

We are looking for singers, performers, poetry readers, etc. to help make our Spring Café a wonderful evening of entertainment.  See Liz Johnson for more information.

 

2009 HOPE CO-ED SOFTBALL TEAM

Season begins in mid April and can run through August.

Games are played Monday thru Friday (excluding Wednesdays).

Game times are 6:30, 8:00, and 9:30 on Fridays only.

Slow pitch with 6'-12' arc.

You must be at least 15 years old before the end of the season in August.

Sign up sheet is on the back table.  See Lenny Little with any questions.

 

FOCUS ON MARRIAGE - THIS SATURDAY !

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: $40/individuals    $69/couples

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

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

PRIMARY CLASS (2^ND - 5^TH) AND COMMUNION

Parents please note:  The Primary Class will not be dismissed for communion.  If you would like your child(ren) to observe communion, please keep them with you during the service.  See Anita Little if you have any questions.

 

SOUND/MEDIA MINISTRY WORKERS MEETING - THIS SUNDAY

There will be a short meeting near the sound booth following the Sunday morning service. Please make every effort to be at this meeting whether you are new OR have been serving in this ministry for a while.  If you have any questions please see Dana Ott.  Thanks!

 

HOPE HAS A FREEZER!

Feel free to bring in some "heat-and-eat" meals for folks needing a helping hand (right now there are several pasta dishes in the freezer).  Please use the labels available on the door to label your meal with the date, ingredients, and cooking instructions.  Coming soon - shopping lists and grocery bags to help fill our food pantry.

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES - DUE THIS SUNDAY

Our baby bottles are due this Sunday, but if you forget - bring them in as soon as possible and leave them on the table in back of the sanctuary or give them to Wendy Devereaux.  Thank you all for your support!

 

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.  We also need a couple of vacuums for our clean up crews.  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:       Delores Incarvite

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Jim Bradshaw & Carla Bittner (T)

                              Ray & Poppy Gillin (I)

                              Julia Murray & Justin Incarvite (C)

                              Natalie Davis & Justin Incarvite (P)

GREETERS:              Pat Roselli

                              Larry/Rosetta Kemp

COUNTERS:             Briggs/Blythe

CLEANERS:              Sissel Salayda

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Melissa McGinness -  For her Aunt Kathy who is still in the hospital with infection. Pray for wisdom of doctors and healing.

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 while waiting on the Lord.

 

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 

 

At the Foot of the Cross,

Lois

 

 

God designed your life to need His power!   (M. Ott)

 

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