hope notes 5/14/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Our God is in the business of blessings!  Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, in the darkness and in the light, in the good times and in the bad.  Sometimes they come when we least expect them, but they always come at exactly the right time (God's time!).  Watch for them.  Listen for them.  And always remember to thank God for them.  After all, they are His calling card!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

5/17 – God's People Will Always Face Struggles – Moses and the Tabernacle (Acts 7:20-50) 

As Stephen continues his discussion of Israel's history, he turns to one of the most famous characters in all of Israel – Moses.  It was the writings of Moses that were causing these religious leaders to reject Jesus.  But Stephen wants them to see that Moses faced the same type of rejection and struggle that Jesus had just faced.  He wants them to understand that just because we know the truth doesn't mean we will always put our faith in it.  And when we choose to live on our own wisdom, we struggle needlessly!  So let us renew our passion to embrace the truth and live it in our lives each day!

 

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! 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Come and join us as we look through the book of Genesis.  Study is from 7:30 - 8:30 pm every Wednesday.  Childcare is available.

 

A NIGHT OF COMFORT - THIS FRIDAY

Friday May 15^th @ 7:00 pm.

Lorraine Otis' Home - 102 Mirror Lane, Deptford

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!

 

BAPTISMAL SERVICE - THIS SUNDAY

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".

 

J.U.I.C.E. NEWS

No Youth Group May 23rd

Hey - everyone is asking, "What does that stand for?!"  Wonder no more.

Join Us In Christ Everyday!   Except NOT Saturday, 5/23.  There will be no Youth Group for that one Saturday.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

WOMEN'S TEA - THIS SATURDAY

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!

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

WOMEN OF FAITH - September 18 & 19

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

THANK YOU FROM KEN BLYTHE

On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank everyone at Hope for their cards and prayers for my Uncle Andy. It was a tangible demonstration of God's love for him.  He was truly at peace when he went home to be with his Lord.  Thank you all.

 

TESTIMONIES NEEDED

Would you be willing to write a short testimony for our website?  It's a wonderful way to share what God has done for you and to bring encouragement to others. Think of all the people who click onto the site when they are looking for a church, or just searching for answers.  You never know how God will use your words to help others.  You can send your testimony to Rick Mounce at rick861@mac.com.

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART WALK

Saturday June 6^th

Join us in our annual walk for life. By participating in our walkathon you will help our ministry to continue serving women in unplanned pregnancies and their unborn children. The walk will take place June 6, 2009 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell. The registration begins at 8AM.

You can walk if you are able, cheer them on if you are unable, or simply sign up to sponsor a walker!  See Wendy Devereaux or Dana Baumiester for more information.

 

SAINTS PRISON MINISTRY

This ministry evangelizes and disciples inmates through sports.  Bill McGinness is an active volunteer of the ministry. While we may not all be able to go to the prisons, play softball with the prisoners, and share Christ with them, we can support Bill through our prayers and financial donations.  Any financial support needs to be turned in to Bill before the end of June.

 

A HEALTHY CHURCH

Let's do our part to keep illness from spreading at Hope.  Parents please do not bring your child into Children's Church if they have had a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or flu like symptoms over the past 24-48 hours.  We should all be smart about washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and above all staying home if we are feeling sick.

 

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:       LaTosha Briggs

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

                              Matt & Jenn Headley (I)

                              Linda & Lisa Landis (C)

                              Melissa McGinness, Anita Little (P)

GREETERS:              Emily Naylor

                              

COUNTERS:             Glenn Johnson, Jeff Toomin

CLEANERS:              Sissel Salayda

TOY CLEANERS:       Bill & Nancy Murray

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Lorraine Otis, 5/20

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Erin Sweeney - For her step mom's father; he has been taken off dialysis and hospice is with him.  Doctors say he has about three weeks to live.

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 the King of Blessings,

Lois

 

God's purpose and plan is not dependent upon us doing everything right!   (M. Ott)

 

 

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