Hope Notes 3/12/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Don't forget about this being Potluck Sunday.  It's a great time to come out for worship and then stay for some food and conversation.  It makes a really easy way to invite a friend to come to church with you.  Who doesn't love a good meal?!  Just don't let the good smells distract you from listening to Pastor Mark's sermon. J

 

SUNDAY SERMON

3/15 – People React to You When You've Been With Jesus (Acts 4:1-17)

Being a Christian is more than some different set of religious rules.  It is a relationship that we have with the God of the universe!  Like most relationships, we are changed by the company we keep.  And when we spend time with Jesus, we are unmistakably different.  Think about people you know who received Christ and then were noticeably changed!   The disciples were no exception.  As the gospel spread, even their enemies had to acknowledge the impact that knowing Jesus had on these fishermen!   Sometimes people like the way we're different because of Jesus, and sometimes they don't.  But in either case, there is no denying that time spent with Jesus will shine out in our lives!

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

April 10^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 MARCH - HOSEA

In one of the more powerful life illustrations in the Bible, God used the prophet Hosea's straying wife to teach Israel that they were committing spiritual adultery.  Just as Hosea's wife lusted after other men, so did Israel lust after other gods.  Hosea scolded the people of Israel as an "unchaste wife" for taking part in idolatry and for approaching their relationship with God half-heartedly.  That message holds true today:  God isn't interested in our sacrifices as much as He desires 100% of our hearts.

 

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

 

POTLUCK SUPPER - THIS SUNDAY

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! If you would like to contribute to our Freezer Meals, just bring a non-returnable freezer container and we will pack up the leftovers and freeze them to use for a future need. Or make a double portion and let us freeze the extra dish!  Sign up sheet is in the back of church. 

 

SPRING FEST 2009 - FREE CHRISTIAN CONCERT

Saturday, April 18 @ 3:00

Christian Community Chapel presents a variety of bands, food, and fellowship for the entire family!  One of the featured bands is "Compelled" (with Bob & Carole Baumiester's son).  Event is being held at 211 US Highway 206, Hillsborough, NJ. 

 

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.

 

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

DIRECTORY UPDATE

 We've run out of directories and will be printing another batch soon. If there are any changes / additions, please get them to Rick Mounce by Sunday, March 22. You can email them to rick.mounce@gmail.com.

 

HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP YOUTH GROUP - J.U.I.C.E
Come join us for our first Youth Meeting! 
     Who:  Everyone in Grades 6 - 12
     What:  A time of Fellowship and Fun centered on God's word
     Where: At the Church
     When:  Saturday, March 21, 2009
     Why:  To know Christ and each other better!
     Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00pm
We can't wait to see you there!
Please see Becky with your addresses and phone numbers so that we are able to get information to you.  All youth group info will be distributed by announcements, newsletters and calls.  Thanks so much for your support!
Becky Lein  
856-521-4233
Fax 856-210-1887
bbfine2@yahoo.com

 

HOPE CLEAN UP DAY

Saturday, April 4, 9 am - noon 

Its spring, and time to get the grounds at Hope looking their best.  Many hands make light work - young and old!  Plans are to rake the property, mulch the flower and shrub beds, trim shrubs, and any other clean-up work that needs doing.  Bring rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and any other gardening tools you like to use.  Please sign up on the back table if you are available to lend a hand.  Any questions, see Glenn Johnson or Jeff Toomin.

 

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.

  

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       Denise Brion

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Joe & Lisa Anyzek (T)

                              Matt & Jennifer Headley (I)

                              Linda & Lisa Landis (C)

                              Kathleen & Jeff Toomin (P)

GREETERS:              Karen Blythe

                              Dorothy Haines

COUNTERS:             Bolser/Berry

CLEANERS:              Tracey Nelson

TOY CLEANERS:       Ken & Karen Blythe

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Kayla Gillin - For her grandmom who is in the hospital.

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. 

 

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 

 

He is Faithful,

Lois

 

 

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