hope notes 6/18/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

We all have earthly fathers. Most of us would say we know our fathers fairly well.  We all have a heavenly Father. How well do we know Him?

The Lord's Prayer expresses God's fatherhood to His children.  The wording of that prayer guides us to develop transparency and intimacy in our relationship with God. If we want to know God as a Father, we need to follow the pattern of the Lord's Prayer in our daily time with Him.  As we open ourselves to Him, He will draw closer to us. 

 

SUNDAY SERMON

6/21 – FATHER'S DAY – Being a Man

What does a "real man" look like?  We all have ideas in our head, maybe planted by our personal experience, or by things we've seen in movies or read about in books.  But many of these ideas conflict with one another – and some just don't seem to fit us very well as men!  On this Father's Day, we want to unlock the mystery of what God created a man to be.  There are desires deep in every man to be strong, respected, and even to lead someone or something.  But the pathway to those desires being fulfilled is a little different than the ideas the world has for us.  We'll look at the Word of God and see how God tells us to become the man we've always wanted to be!

 

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 JUNE - 2 KINGS

Continuing the history begun in 1 Kings, this book lets us witness the spiritual deterioration of Israel & Judah.  Despite the miracle God worked through Elisha & Elijah, both Israel & Judah abandoned their faith and were taken into captivity by warrior nations.  The book ends with Jerusalem in ruins and Solomon's temple demolished - a far cry from the glory days when David ruled his people in godliness.

 

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

 

HOPE'S 5^TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE / BBQ

Sunday July 19

This is a special day for Hope Christian Fellowship as we celebrate five years together as a church.  We are planning a special service filled with lots of music, testimonies, and a PowerPoint show featuring pictures of Hope throughout the years. 

 

Immediately following the service, we will venture outside for a picnic.  Hope will provide hot dogs & burgers, rolls, and drinks.  We are asking everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share.  We're planning lots of games and activities, so get ready for some fun!

 

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)

Wanted: 

 One or two game coordinators for the BBQ.  We have plenty of space, and game items such as volleyball nets, badminton, bocce, and more.  Now we need one or two folks to coordinate the games at the BBQ (including for the younger ones as well).  If you're interested in helping in this way, sign up on the BBQ needs signup sheet on the back table.  Questions?  Contact Liz Johnson at liznglenn@verizon.net.

 

J.U.I.C.E. POOL PARTY

Sunday, June 28, 12:30-4:00. 

We will be meeting at the Angel's home (5 Hunters Creek Circle, Mullica Hill) after church for some fun in the sun!  Bring your suits and towels along with $5 for pizza, a 2-liter of soda and a snack (chips, cookies, etc.).  Don't forget your sun screen!  Hope to see you there!

 

WOMEN OF FAITH - A GRAND NEW DAY!

Friday 9/18       Day Session 10:00 - 3:30 / Evening Session 7:00 - 9:00

Saturday 9/19   Day Session 9:00 - 5:00

Cost                 $99.00 (includes all 3 sessions and box lunch on Friday                                                                                   

                        and Saturday.  Suggestion:  Share a ticket with a friend)

Special musical guest Steven Curtis Chapman. 

Speakers include Anita Renfroe, Marilyn Meberg, Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Lisa Harper, Nicole C. Mullen, Sheila Walsh, Lisa Welchel, Allison Allen.

Lower Level Seating in Section 120.    

Optional hotel room in NJ available for Friday night.  Four persons per room @ $38.25 each.

Sign up sheet on back table.  Contact Liz Johnson liznglenn@verizon.net for more information.                                

 

PRIORITY ONE MEN'S WEEKEND RETREAT

September 25-27 in North Bay, MD

Our annual retreat is always a wonderful time of spiritual growth and male bonding! Registration cost is $210. We need to register with the same group name in order to stay in the same facility. This includes all on-site sessions, lodging for Friday & Saturday nights, and all meals plus use of facilities. Sign up sheet is in the back.  See Mike Goeggel for more information.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

FREE COFFEE 'CONTEST'

Free to the first person to contact Liz Johnson at liznglenn@verizon.net or church:  Two boxes of Melitta One Java pods, medium roast "love at first sip."  The pods fit all coffee pod brewers (except Keurig).

 

LOST KEYS

A set of Nissan keys belonging to a member of the synagogue was lost somewhere on church property.  If anyone finds them, please contact Jeff Toomin at 848-5687 or jktoomin.98@comcast.net.

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART YARD SALE

Saturday, June 27, 8:00am - 1:00 pm

132 Gantown Road, Washington Township

If you have any items you would like to donate, contact Linda Arnao at 589-0099 or email development@choicesnow.org. Feel free to come browse and buy!  All proceeds will be used to continue helping women and their babies.

 

ROOM FOR RENT

Ray and Poppy Gillin have a large private room for rent in their house. It is currently furnished but furniture can be removed if needed...$600 includes all utilities, full use of the house and 3 meals per day.  This would be perfect for a college student, or perhaps a senior citizen who would enjoy not being alone.  Contact Poppy at qpoppygillin@gmail.com.

 

CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE

We're updating the Church Directory with the goal of having printed copies in hand for Hope's 5th Anniversary on July 19. There will be a sign up sheet in the back during the month of June for everyone to fill out and/or update their contact info. Bill & Nancy Murray will be taking photos before and after the service.

HOPE PANTRY UPDATE

The Needs Team is revamping the pantry plan.  Use the shopping list as a guide, but the team will now accept individual items for the pantry.  You can still fill a box if you wish, but individual items can be placed in the "Food Box" located in the back of the sanctuary.  This way, if you see a great sale, you can pick up an item or two for the Food Box!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

  

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       Kim Lawlor

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Sissel & John Salayda T)

                              Helen Mastalski, Jackie Salayda (I)

                              Pam & Jason Fein (C)

                              Kim Biglin, Rick Mounce (P)

GREETERS:              Lillian LaRue, Charlotte Zediker

COUNTERS:             Sissel Salayda, Kathleen Toomin

CLEANERS:              Lillian LaRue

TOY CLEANERS:       Anita Little

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Tracey Nelson, 6/24

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Lorraine Otis - For those facing job uncertainties and unemployment.

Dorothy Haines - Unspoken.  For Jim Fleming, who is doing well.  For Faith, who is still under watch and will be getting the help she needs in Trenton.

Tom Albright - For his upcoming surgery on 6/23.  Also, for God to lead him to a replacement vehicle for work.

 

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 

 

My Heavenly Father's Child,

Lois

 

God's plan always brings God's provision!   (M. Ott)

 

 

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