Dear Friends of Hope ~
Way, way down at the bottom of the Hope Notes are two little "blurbs" about our lawn signs and bumper stickers. I hold no illusions that everyone actually reads all the way to the bottom SO………..just a little reminder to be sure and take one of each if you don't already have one. As summer begins to wind down, many people start thinking about attending church in the fall. Let's point the way to a good one!
SUNDAY SERMON
8/16 – Catching Up With God (Acts 11:1-18)
Like we saw last week, the early church had some question about whether Gentiles were to be part of the church or not. It seems like they were lagging a little behind in the new direction that God was leading. And how often do we lag behind Him too? Maybe because we assume we know where He's going or what He's doing, we start to get our minds set on a certain outcome. That makes it hard to adjust our course when it becomes clear that God is moving in a different direction. We can learn to humble ourselves before God and submit to His plan – no matter what we thought it was before. The church eventually comes to embrace God's new direction, but not without some struggle first.
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.
PRAYER TEAM'S 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 AUGUST - ZEPHANIAH & HAGGAI
Two very short books in the Old Testament. Zephaniah gives a warning to those who are complacent and don't believe God will do anything about it. However, a judgment is pronounced against Israel from which only a remnant will escape. But the Lord promises to deliver His people from their sin; a reflection of our loving God who wishes to restore those who are repentant. Haggai rebukes the Israelites for neglecting to rebuild the Temple after their return from captivity in Babylon, but also gives encouragement and promises of blessings to those who undertake God's work.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
We will be taking a small break from Genesis as we enter the month of August, giving Pastor Mark a much needed rest. Be sure to come support those who are faithful in sharing what God has laid on their hearts. Each week we will hear a different message as God speaks to us through them. We will have Steve Jones, Rob Devereaux, and Damon Briggs coming up.
Study is from 7:30 - 8:30 pm every Wednesday. Childcare is available.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
FREE MOVIE NIGHT
Friday 8/28/ at 7:30
Hope is offering a special showing of "Fireproof" starring Kirk Cameron. Bring your own snack/beverage. No sign up is needed; just come in out of the heat and enjoy the evening!
JUICE EVENT - REVELATION GENERATION 2009!
Labor Day Weekend, Sept 5
Massive 5 Stage Concert, 50 Bands at Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, NJ. Mercy Me, Switchfoot, Relient K, Jars of Clay, BarlowGirl and many more plus the BFC Skate Team and Outcast BMX! Tickets are only $35. All day event! Come out and enjoy some great Christian music! We are packing lunches but you can bring spending money if you like. We will be there for two meals. We will be leaving the church at 7:30 AM and will be returning by 11pm. If you have any questions please talk with Becky 856-521-4233. Money due by Aug, 23rd.
SMALL GROUP KICK OFF
9/13
Mark you calendars! More info to follow.
WOMEN OF FAITH - A GRAND NEW DAY
Money is due Sunday August 30th. Any tickets not paid for after that date will be offered to other area churches for sale.
Please make check payable to "Hope Christian Fellowship" and put Women of Faith in the check note or write the name of who the check is paying for. Once you have paid, you will be contacted with more information.
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
MINISTRY FINANCIAL NEED
Please pray with regards to supporting Bill McGinness with his Saints Prison Ministry. He needs $500 for a crusade that is coming up this weekend. We need to collect the funds by this Sunday if possible. Give as the Lord leads; make checks payable to Hope Christian Fellowship and mark "Saints" in the memo. Thank you.
NEEDED
Anyone willing to donate an adult bicycle needed as a means of transportation please contact Anita Little or Bill Murray. Thank you.
PANTRY NEEDS
Hope's Pantry is in need of some canned fruit. Can you find it in your heart / budget to donate a few cans?? Many thanks!
OUR KID'S MINISTRY IS EXPANDING
Wow! God has blessed Hope with many "little lambs". We need to add a fifth class so that we can have more room in each class and better age groupings. Anyone interested in teaching the new 1st & 2nd or 3rd thru 5th grade classes can contact Anita Little (856-783-7168 or alittle71@yahoo.com ). Of course, we are always looking for help in the nursery, toddler, and preschool classes!
CROSSROADS
Anyone in the 20-something range (starting with high school graduates) 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.
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: Wendy Lynch
LAMB'S MINISTRY: Lenny Little, Katie Ott (T)
Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)
Bill & Nancy Murray (C)
Anne Owens, Jess St.Petery (P)
GREETERS: Karen Blythe, Dorothy Haines
COUNTERS: Sissel Salayda, Melissa McGinness
CLEANERS: Helen Mastalski
TOY CLEANERS: Ken & Karen Blythe
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
CHILD CARE: Helen Mastalski
HOPE'S PRAYER TEAM
You can have people praying for you and your loved ones throughout the week. Just drop your requests in the box near the door on Sunday or email Jim Bradshaw during the week at spaceheadjim@yahoo.com.
He will get your requests to the team. If you would like your request to appear in the Hope Notes, just let Jim know. If you want to be a part of this ministry, send Jim your email address and he will add your name to the team. Please remember, anyone is welcome to join us for prayer at 9:15 on Sunday mornings whether they are on the team or not.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Ed Yost - For God to provide all his needs as he waits for a liver transplant. For Dot Yost's health and hearing problems.
Donnamarie - For Aunt Lillian's heart problems.
John Brazelis - For John to find a job. Anyone who might be able to help, please contact him at 856-469-5034.
Small Groups - Please pray as the Leadership Team considers what, if any, changes or additions we should pursue. Small Groups need to be a powerful spiritual and relational force at Hope.
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
Humbled by His Faithfulness,
Lois
God is always more concerned with our character than our comfort.
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