Hope Notes - 4/22/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Spring is softly making its way into our world.  The trees have that hazy green glow they get before the leaves appear.  I love this season of renewal (except for the birds that now make their mark on my windshield!). God knows just when to relieve us of the winter blues and refresh us with the beauty of spring.  Once again, He shows us how His timing is perfect!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

Special Guest Speaker John W. Groth, NJ & DE Director of Priority One Ministries.  Priority One exists to introduce Jesus Christ into the lives of men and to challenge them to make Him the foundation of their lives.

We are privileged to have John with us this Sunday.  He is a decorated Air Force (Lt.Colonel) chaplain currently serving on active duty at Dover Air Force Base.  He is a husband, father, pastor, and teacher.  John has taken his ministry into combat zones, prayer breakfasts, worship services, and retreats. 

 

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 APRIL - HEBREWS

Being a Christian can be hard.  If you have ever felt like giving up on your faith. or wondered if it wouldn't just be easier to go back to your old way of life, the book of Hebrews can help you find the strength to keep going

Many of the believers to whom the book of Hebrews was written had become Christians from a Jewish background, and they were surprised by how hard it was after they accepted Christ.  You can learn what they learned - the way of Christ is better in every way, even if it costs you a little in this present life. 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH 

 

COUPLES DEVOTIONAL BOOKS

We have a new devotional book for married couples out on the back table.  Pick one up for you and your spouse so that you can feel the benefit of spending time together in God's Word, being in prayer together, and making the Lord the center of your relationship. Invest some time in your marriage and in your connection with the Lord and watch how He blesses you!  You won't have to invest any $money$ because the books are FREE!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Come and join us as we pick up where we left off in Genesis.  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. 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".  Preparation classes for anyone who wants to be baptized are scheduled for Sunday May 3^rd at 6:00 pm and Thursday May 14 at 7:00 pm at Pastor Mark's house.  Participants should plan to attend both classes. Anyone who is interested should see Pastor Mark to sign up.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

WOMEN'S TEA

Saturday May 16^th 1:00 - 3:00 pm

All women, high school and up, are invited to join us right here at Hope for a special women's event. We have Hedy Negron as our guest speaker.  She is a mom and an educator with a passion for making God the center of our families. We will be serving tea (of course) and light fare such as tea sandwiches and desserts.  Best of all, we will be served by the MEN of our church!   So come, relax, and enjoy!  There is a sign up in the back for women and for men volunteers.  See Melissa McGinness with any questions.

 

PRIORITY ONE MEN'S WEEKEND RETREAT

September 25-27 in North Bay, MD

Early registration cost is $185 and must be completed by June 16.  We need to register with the same group name in order to stay in the same facility.  After June 16^th, registration cost will be $210.  This includes all on-site sessions, lodging for Friday & Saturday nights, and all meals plus use of facilities.  Our annual retreat is always a wonderful time of spiritual growth and male bonding!  Sign up sheet is in the back.  See Mike Goeggel for more information.

HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP YOUTH GROUP - J.U.I.C.E

Meets every Saturday from 6:00 - 7:15pm

Anyone in grades 6 thru 12 is welcome to come on out and get to know Jesus and each other way better!  We have lots of fun, so don't miss it! 

Contact Becky Lein with any questions (856-521-4233).

 

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.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

WOMEN OF FAITH - September 18 & 19

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CARD SHOWER

Ken Blythe's brother Larry and Uncle Andy are both brand new believers and are both dying of cancer.  Let's reach out to our brothers-in-Christ and shower them with prayers and cards.  Think what a blessing and encouragement it will be for them to hear from their new "family".  They don't have their own church family to support them during this difficult time.  Now is the perfect time to show the love of Jesus in a very tangible way.  You can send your cards to:

 

          Larry Blythe                              

          104 E. Madison Ave.        

          Clifton Hgts, PA  19018

 

          Andy Blythe/ In Care of Ken Blythe, Maint. Supervisor

          Delaware County Memorial

          501 N. Lansdowne Ave

          Drexel Hill, PA  19026

 

PRE-K THRU 1^ST GRADE WORKERS & HELPERS

There will be a short meeting immediately following worship on April 26^th.  Please meet in the classroom for updates and information.  We still have a need for two more workers/helpers.  See Franne Harkin with questions.

 

LAWN SIGNS

Please stop by the back of the church and pick up a lawn sign for you yard. This will be a great way to reach out to people in your neighborhood.  You never know who might be looking for a church home!

 

BUMPER STICKERS

Our bumper stickers are here!  This will be a great visual for people to be introduced to Hope.  Think of all the people you'll reach as your drive, sit at traffic lights, or even when your car is parked somewhere.  But remember…..you are an "advertisement" for Hope, so watch the road rage! J

 

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.  Look for our shopping lists and grocery bags to help fill the food pantry.

  

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       Delores Incarvite

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

                              Helen Mastalski, Jackie Salayda (I)

                              Pam & Jason Fein(C)

                              Natalie Davis & Justin Incarvite (P)

GREETERS:              Bill & Nancy Murray

                              

COUNTERS:             LaTosha Briggs, Karen Blythe

CLEANERS:              Kathleen Toomin

TOY CLEANERS:       LaTosha Briggs

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Lorraine Otis 4/29

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Lois Hartwell - For Jeff and Lisa Sickler (our West Virginia missionaries) as they face a difficult family situation.

Helen Mastalski - For Jeffrey McGrath, a 19 year old who was paralyzed in an accident and for his parents.

Peggy Kemp - In rehab for her back;  pray for continued progress and for patience as Peggy goes through this process.

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 

 

Serving a Merciful God!

Lois

 

Fear is a weapon of the enemy to keep us from getting what we need.   (M. Ott)

 

 

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