Hope Notes 6/25/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Summer has officially arrived (although it was a chilly and rainy day when it did!).  We begin planning lazy days, special trips, and lots of fun activities.  But let's not allow those activities to derail us from coming to church and worshipping our Lord.  We especially don't want to miss a Communion Sunday; it's always a special and meaningful service!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

6/28 - Transforming a Life (Acts 9:1-19)

COMMUNION

How far gone do you have to be to be too far gone?  What line do you have to cross before there is no hope for you?  Humanly speaking, we think of lost causes all the time.  The line is different in one person's mind than it is in someone else's mind.  But down deep it seems to make sense that there is a point at which we are beyond help.  Yet the story of the gospel is a story of redeeming hopeless causes.  We see one such stunning transformation in Acts 9, when God takes one of the biggest enemies of the gospel, and transforms him into one of the most powerful missionaries of the gospel of all time.  Let's be awed by the transforming power and the unimaginable reach of the Redeemer!

 

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 JULY - 2 CORINTHIANS

2 Corinthians gives us a picture of what a heart for ministry is like.  Paul pours out his heart about his own ministry, his motives for that ministry, and the suffering he faced as a result.  In the end, it becomes clear that it is Paul's love for Christ and for the Corinthians that motivates him to sacrifice himself for the Good News.  This letter gives us a great example of the kind of motivation we need if we want to reach others for Christ.

 

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 - THIS SUNDAY!

Sunday, June 28, 12:30-4:00. 

If you've never been out to a youth event, this is a perfect time to "jump in" (ha-ha, get it? JUMP in?? Pool party??)

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

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART YARD SALE - THIS SATURDAY

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.

 

CROSSROADS

Anyone in the 20 something range (high school graduates through early 30's) be sure to see Melissa McGinness with your name, phone number, and email address.  We want to be sure to keep everyone in the loop about what's happening and start connecting with other young people at Hope. 

 

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 - UP AGAINST THE DEADLINE!

Help us get everyone's updated information and pictures!

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.

 

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.

 

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:   John & Dawn Brazelis (T)

                              Sharon Rainey, Sharon Sambucci (I)

                              Pam & Jason Fein (C)

                              Kim Biglin, Rick Mounce (P)

GREETERS:              Lillian LaRue, Charlotte Zediker

COUNTERS:             LaTosha Briggs, Karen Blythe

CLEANERS:              Lillian LaRue

TOY CLEANERS:       Anita Little

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Lorraine Otis, 7/1

 

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 

 

Unashamed of the Gospel,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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