Hope Notes - Happy Easter 4/8/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I don't know about you, but I was so impressed by how "spiffy" the inside and outside of Hope looked last week.  Thanks to all who worked so hard to make our home look clean and cared for!  The warmth and welcoming feel of Hope will now begin for our visitors as they walk up the sidewalk.  Let's make sure it continues once they reach the inside!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

4/12- EASTER

Are You Dying of Thirst? (John 4)

What is your deepest need?  When you are struggling with life, and feeling like you are sinking under a flood, what would bring lasting answers and really throw you the lifeline you need?  Since we're a church, the topic of "religion" is often put forth as the answer to these questions.  But when we read through the life of Jesus, we find that He was not so big on religion.  In fact, He made it a point to demonstrate the weakness of systems of rules by which mankind hopes to reach up to God.  Instead, Jesus offers something truly amazing – a way for each of us to personally KNOW the Creator of the universe!   Jesus came and gave His life so that the deepest need of our heart could be met – not some system that we should live by, but a relationship that will change our lives!   On this Easter, God invites each of us into a powerful and genuine relationship with Him.  After all, we really are relational to our core, so it makes sense that a relationship at the center of our need!

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - THIS FRIDAY

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.

 

A REQUEST FROM PASTOR MARK

With visitors expected, we want to encourage our church family to be more aware of moving UP from the back of the auditorium, and IN from the ends of the aisles.  We need to have a sense of consideration for new folks, and we need to work together to make the chairs we have feel like more!  The only way we can do that is for us to move forward and to squeeze in as much as possible.  Thank you!

 

CHILDREN'S CHURCH CLASSES

We are expecting many guests this Easter Sunday.  So that you can easily help any visitors with children get to their proper class, the following is a breakdown of the groups:

                   Infants:   0 - 2 year olds

                   Toddlers: 2 - 3 year olds

                   Pre K:      Pre K thru 1^st grade (regardless of age)

                   Primary:  2^nd thru 5^th grade (regardless of age)

As always, parents are welcome to keep their children in worship if the choose to do so.

 

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

This is our last week learning what the Bible has to say about living in fear…….or living by faith. Before we get back to our study in Genesis, we will have Bob Baumiester sharing, then our Easter Café, and then a study led by Steve Jones.  After that short interlude, we will 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.  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

 

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.

 

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

Without you we cannot make our café a success!  We need singers,

performers, poetry readers, etc. to help make our Spring Café a wonderful evening of entertainment.  Please share your talent with us and sign up on the back table. Kim Biglin is in charge of coordinating talent.  See Liz Johnson 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.

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

WASHER & DRYER AVAILABLE

Gas dryer in good working condition.  Electric dryer needs a belt replaced and will work fine.  FREE for anyone who has a need.  Contact Natalie Davis:   cell (610) 496-9592 / home (856)227-5635 eaglesfan4ever@comcast.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 your neighborhood during the Easter season when many people are looking for somewhere to spend Easter Sunday. But there's no reason the signs can't stay up all year round as an invite to Hope! 

 

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:       Kim Lawlor

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Lenny Little, Katie Ott (T)

                              Sharon Rainey, Sharon Sambucci (I)

                              Bill & Nancy Murray(C)

                              Kim Biglin, Rick Mounce (P)

GREETERS:              Bill & Nancy Murray

                              

COUNTERS:             LaTosha Briggs, Karen Blythe

CLEANERS:              Charlotte Zediker

TOY CLEANERS:       LaTosha Briggs

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Nancy Murray      

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Lorraine Otis - Her step dad, Bill, is having a pacemaker implanted.  For her mom's peace as he goes through this process.

Doleen Pierce - Total knee replacement surgery 4/13.

Kaila Gillin - For Heyward, because his mom died.

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 

 

The Tomb is Empty!

Lois

 

 

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