Hope Notes 4/30/09

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Wow!  What a taste of summer we had this week.  Just a tease………..Before you know it, it really WILL be summer and we will all be complaining about the heat.  Imagine how God must feel - He gives us these beautiful changing of the seasons, we enjoy the newer weather for a few weeks, and then we start complaining about it!  Isn't that so like our human nature to never be satisfied??

 

SUNDAY SERMON

5/3 – God's People Will Always Face Struggles – Abraham and Joseph (Acts 7:1-19) 

Years ago, there was a song called "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" by Simon and Garfunkel.  It was loved by millions of people because it promised that someone would be there to help us escape the troubled waters of life.  And many believers have the impression that trusting Christ is like this bridge over troubled waters.  So they are very disappointed when the troubled waters come anyway!  Jesus told His disciples in John 16, "In this world you will have trouble. . ."   As Stephen begins his speech, he refers back to Israel's history and the trouble that they have faced.   His point is that God has been with them through the trouble, and that God's purposes are accomplished in those trying times.  As we face lives filled with struggle, we need to be reminded that we aren't the first ones to suffer, and we won't be the last, but that God is able to strengthen us for whatever comes our way.

 

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 MAY - 1 KINGS

First Kings tells us about the reign of King Solomon and a split which divided the Jews into two kingdoms; Judah in the south and Israel in the north.  It also provides us with many critical spiritual lessons, often taught by the prophet, Elijah.  We learn what happens when God's people obey Him, as well as what happens when they don't!

 

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

 

J.U.I.C.E. VIDEO SCAVENGER HUNT - THIS SATURDAY

May 2^nd 6:00 -9:00 pm

Everyone from 6th to 12th grade is invited to come along to our FIRST BIG EVENT!   We will be traveling around in teams completing various tasks and catching them on video.  We will be meeting at the church at 6pm as usual but we won't be getting done until 9.  Please bring $5 for pizza and soda at the end of the event.  We are all sure to have a great time so come out and join in even if it is your first time!  We would love to have you! becky.lein6@gmail.com

 

A NIGHT OF COMFORT

Friday May 15^th @ 7:00 pm.

For all women of Hope and anyone they know who is in need.

Come be encouraged and comforted through the healing that Jesus provides.  See a brief video reminding us "Jesus Wept".  Be uplifted by sisters in Christ with scripture, sharing, Christian material, and fellowship time afterwards for those you can stay. (No children please)  Please contact Lorraine Otis (686-1557) or Charlotte Zediker (845-4273) if you plan to come or just show up and be blessed!

 

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.

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

Please continue to send cards to Ken Blythe's brother, Larry.  He is suffering with terminal cancer and struggling with anger.  He is a brand new believer.  We can extend the love of Jesus for him and his family by ministering to them through our cards and prayers.  His address is:

                    Larry Blythe

                    104 E. Madison Ave.

                    Clifton Heights, PA  19018

 

NEEDED FOR WOMEN'S TEA

We are in need of a hot water carafe.  If you have one, please let Liz Johnson know.  We would need to have it by Wednesday 5/13 and would return it to you Sunday 5/17.

 

NEEDED FOR 7/19 ANNIVERSARY SERVICE & BBQ

We are trying to locate the following items rather than renting them for our BBQ.

*Canopies and/or Carports

*Barbeque Grills

*Large Drink Coolers (like the ones sports teams use)

*Outdoor Games (volleyball & net, badminton, kickball, etc)

Contact Glenn or Liz Johnson if you can help @ liznglenn@verizon.net.

 

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)

                              Ray & Poppy Gillin (I)

                              Julia Murray & Justin Incarvite (C)

                              Natalie Davis & Justin Incarvite (P)

GREETERS:              Emily Naylor

                              

COUNTERS:             Carole Baumiester &  Karen Jones

CLEANERS:              Kathleen Toomin

TOY CLEANERS:       Bill & Nancy Murray

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Helen Mastalski 5/6

 

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 

 

His Love is Limitless,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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