hope notes 5/6/09

Dear Friends of Hope ~

This Sunday is the day we celebrate Mothers.  All of us may not be mothers with children of our own, but we can all be a mother figure to someone.  Guess what?  It doesn't even have to be a child that we can "mother"!  Many adults are walking around hurting because of a lack in their childhood; they still feel the need for a mom.  Maybe their mom was not all she should be, maybe their mom has passed on, or maybe she simply lives far away.  Whatever their situation, ask God to lead you to the person who has that need, and then get to work filling it!  You will find yourself truly blessed.

 

SUNDAY SERMON

5/10 – Mother's Day  

Letting Go of Hurt (Genesis 50:20)

Hurt is all around us in this world.  And it has an impact on our ability to love and care and connect with one another.  On a day when we celebrate our mothers and the gift of God that they are to us, we are reminded of how God created them to give love and connection in a precious and powerful way to our children.  And yet, so many mothers – and so many others – are handicapped in their ability to be who God created them to be because of the fallout of hurt.  On this Mother's Day, we want to look at the hope that there is for the hurt in our lives.  We want to ask God to bring healing so that the love and concern that God wants us to share with one another can flow freely instead of being choked out by hurt.  We'll look at the life of a young man who suffered tremendous hurt, and the answer that he found to let go of that hurt and love freely.

 

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 look through the book of Genesis.  Study is from 7:30 - 8:30 pm every Wednesday.  Childcare is available.

 

A NIGHT OF COMFORT

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

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". Final class for those being baptized is Thursday May 14 at 7:00 pm at Pastor Mark's house.  

 

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

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

WOMEN OF FAITH - September 18 & 19

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

APRIL GIVING REPORT

Average weekly amount was $3848.  This is well above our target of $2700/week.  We are so thankful that the Lord has not only provided for our needs as a ministry, but is allowing us to save toward a permanent home for Hope.  Year-to-date average is $3141/week.

 

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.

 

BED NEEDED

Ray & Poppy Gillin are looking for a queen size or smaller futon or bed.  If anyone has one, please contact Poppy (912)856-6604.

 

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:       LaTosha Briggs

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Bill McGinness, Carla Bittner (T)

                              Ray & Poppy Gillin (I)

                              Linda & Lisa Landis (C)

                              Melissa McGinness, Anita Little (P)

GREETERS:              Emily Naylor

                              

COUNTERS:             Carole Baumiester &  Karen Jones

CLEANERS:              Sissel Salayda

TOY CLEANERS:       Bill & Nancy Murray

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Lillian LaRue 5/13

 

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 

 

Narrow is the Road,

Lois

 

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

 

 

Note:  If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list.