hope notes 5/21/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Every time Communion Sunday rolls around, we get the chance to reflect on Christ's sacrifice on the cross and all that it means to us.  I don't know about you, but I am guilty of not really remembering that on a regular basis.  Sure, I thank Him for many things each and every day, but not the cross.  Not often enough.  That's why I love our praise song, "Thank you for the cross, Lord.  Thank you for the price you paid….." Come this Sunday.  Come and remember.

 

SUNDAY SERMON

5/24  COMMUNION – How Far Will You Go? (Acts 7:51-8:3)

Talk is cheap.  We hear that phrase all the time and know that it sums up many of the boasts and rants that fill our conversations each day.  We know what everyone else should do, but would we really do what we say if we had the chance?  Are we doing what we're supposed to do in our own opportunities?  Conviction comes when we are willing to not only know the right answer, but we're willing to put it all on the line.  Stephen's speech to the religious leaders ends with him holding nothing back.  He makes it clear that they have rejected God's Messiah – and he pays for this with his life!  Coupled with this story is another person who is willing to go all the way – Saul!  He is convinced that these followers of Jesus are wrong and he needs to stamp them out of existence.  God gets him pointed in the right direction later, but his willingness to go all the way never changed, and God used it for immeasurable eternal good!

 

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 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.

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

J.U.I.C.E. NEWS

Please remember that there will be no Youth Group May 23^rd, but we will resume on May 30^th.

 

ROCK THE BLOCK!

Saturday 6/6 from 1:00 - 8:00 pm

Hope's Worship Team kicks off the 1^st Annual Community Party (1:00-2:00) at Mantua UM Church, 201 Mantua Blvd, Mantua NJ.
Norris Street will be blocked off, Live Music outside all day! VBS Kickoff Table, Alex's Lemonade Stand, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Kid's Craft Table, Puppet Show, Skateboard Park (helmets must be worn). Free Food (hot dogs, popcorn, beverages) throughout the day. Pig Roast from 5-8pm. The sanctuary and McConnell hall will be open.

 

PRAYER NIGHT
Monday June 15^th at 7:00 pm

The Leadership Teams wants to invite you to an evening of prayer.  If you have a concern on your heart we would love to pray with you.  We will take people one at a time so that you can feel free to share.  Come and be ministered to as we focus our hearts together before the throne of grace.

 

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

 

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.

FREE ice cream cones, soft pretzels, and face painting for children.

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.

 

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:       Denise Brion

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

                              Matt & Jenn Headley (I)

                              Liz Johnson, Fran Harkin (C)

                              Kathleen & Jeff Toomin (P)

GREETERS:             

                              

COUNTERS:             Glenn Johnson, Jeff Toomin                                  

CLEANERS:              Helen Mastalski

TOY CLEANERS:       Bill & Nancy Murray

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Fran Harkin, 5/27

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Erin Sweeney - Her step mom's father passed away.  Please pray for her family.

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 

 

Kneeling Before the Cross,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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