Hope Notes 3/19/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Let's all remember to take a good look around us on Sunday to see if we're missing anyone and then reach out to them!  There are many reasons why someone may stop coming to church; sometimes they even stop coming because they believe no one will even notice if they aren't there.  So, give them a call, drop them an email, or write a short note.  Let them know they matter and that we feel their absence!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

3/22 – God Will Do Whatever It Takes (Acts 5:12-26)

How far will God go to get the gospel out to people?  We hear all the time how people have to seek God – and how hard it is to find Him.  But the Bible tells us that God is the One seeking us!  And He has gone to great lengths to make sure the gospel is known and clearly seen as authentic.  As the church begins, He works in powerful miracles to show His people and everyone else that this message is the one He wants them to hear and believe.  People are healed and the disciples are set free from prison.  There was no mistaking God's hand in all of this.  Let's remember how God has worked in our lives to make His way and His message clear to us!

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

April 10^th @ 6:00 pm

Join us for an hour of special music and readings focusing on the story of our Lord's sacrifice for us, followed by Communion.  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

This will be a service filled with music and a gospel presentation celebrating Christ's resurrection.  This promises to be one of the most powerful services we've ever had at Hope; you don't want to miss it!

 

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) are still available for anyone who wants to catch up on the daily readings and prepare their hearts in remembrance of this powerful day.

 

EVENING OF PRAYER - THIS MONDAY

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 scheduled for Monday evening May 4^th and May 11^th at Pastor Mark's house. 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

 

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
FIRST MEETING THIS SATURDAY MARCH 21

6:00 - 700 PM 
     Who:  Everyone in Grades 6 - 12
     What:  A time of Fellowship and Fun centered on God's word
     Where: At the Church

     Why:  To know Christ and each other better!
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 - INSIDE & OUT !

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. We will also be cleaning the floor, painting, and doing any other inside jobs to help spruce up our church!  Bring rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and any other gardening tools you like to use.  Don't forget cleaning supplies for the inside, too.  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:   Lenny Little, Katie Ott (T)

                              Matt & Jennifer Headley (I)

                              Liz Johnson, Fran Harkin (C)

                              Kathleen & Jeff Toomin (P)

GREETERS:              Karen Blythe

                              Dorothy Haines

COUNTERS:             Briggs/Blythe

CLEANERS:              Tracey Nelson

TOY CLEANERS:       Ken & Karen Blythe

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Dana Ott    

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Colleen - Thank you for the packaged food; I love it.  Thank you, Jesus!

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 

 

At the Foot of the Cross,

Lois

 

 

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