Hope Notes 8/27/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Through a series of events this past week, God has shown me the humbling experience of being dependent on others for things I normally do myself.  This, in turn, reminded me of how we need to be completely dependent on HIM first and foremost.  We are a prideful people; we like to be able to take care of ourselves, take care of business, take care of problems, and even just be able to take care of others.  But letting Him (or others) take care of US is much harder, isn't it?

 

SUNDAY SERMON

8/30 – The Great Escape (Acts 12:1-19)

Do we really believe that God hears and answers prayer?  That is probably a strange question, but it seems like there is a difference between going through the motions of praying, and really believing that God is hearing what you're saying and is ready to work in the situation.  As the early church prays, they have seen amazing things happen.  But in this story, they are having some difficulty believing that God will answer their prayer.  Maybe it is the history of what has been happening recently, or maybe it just seems to be too big of a prayer for God to answer.  In any case, when God does exactly what they are praying for, they are taken off guard and are reminded that God not only hears, but answers prayer!

 

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

7:30 - 8:30 pm

We are excited to have Bob Baumiester come and share what God has laid on his heart this coming week.  Be sure to come and support him as he follows God in obedience.  The following week we will get back into Genesis full time.  Childcare is provided.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

FREE MOVIE NIGHT - THIS FRIDAY !

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

Start praying NOW for God's leading in what group you should be a part of.  These groups will be more relationally driven and focused; not so much a topical study.  We need to bring others along with us to bind together as a group and so "fulfill the law of Christ".  (Gal 6:2)

 

WOMEN OF FAITH - A GRAND NEW DAY

There will be a brief meeting Sunday after service; meet Liz Johnson in the back of the church.

Money is due Sunday August 30^th.  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. 

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.

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

 

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 1^st & 2^nd or 3^rd thru 5^th 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.

 

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:              Karen Blythe, Dorothy Haines

COUNTERS:             Kathy Berry, Kathleen Toomin

CLEANERS:              Tracey Nelson

TOY CLEANERS:      Ken & Karen Blythe

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     LaTosha Briggs

 

 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

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 

 

Relying on Him,

Lois

 

God is always more concerned with our character than our comfort.

 

 

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