Hope Notes 8//6/09

Dear Friends of Hope ~

During the summer months there are plenty of opportunities to reach out and connect with those who are missing from Hope.  Many families are away or simply get out of the routine of regular church attendance with all the summer activities.  If you've noticed someone missing, give them a call.  Let them know they were missed.  Everyone likes to hear that their presence is important and that we feel the void when they are not here!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

8/9 – The Gospel is for Everyone (Acts 10:24-48)

Does God like some people more than others?  Are there some people that He'd rather not see saved?  There's no doubt that we are subject to feelings like that, sorting through people who are acceptable and people who are not with whatever criteria seems to make sense to us.  And for the early church, there was a similar struggle.  They were all Jewish believers, and there was some sense that the gospel was for the Jewish people.  But God uses this story about Peter and Cornelius to show that His plan is for the gospel to reach to EVERYONE.  No matter how bad they are or how far from God they've been, God has included them in the opportunity to become full fledged children of God!  How awesome is that?!?

 

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

 

SMALL GROUP KICK OFF

9/13

Mark you calendars!  More info to follow.

 

WOMEN OF FAITH - A GRAND NEW DAY

Money is due now - please make check payable to "Hope Christian Fellowship", 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

 

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 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!

 

FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT IS THIS SUNDAY

It's free and just for fun.  It's open to anyone who wants to be a part; you can team up or go solo.  Draft is planned for 8/8.  Sign up on back table.  See Jeff Toomin with any questions 856-848-5687.

 

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:       Denise Brion

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Lenny Little, Katie Ott (T)

                              Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)

                              Liz Johnson, Fran Harkin (C)

                              Jeff & Kathleen Toomin  (P)

GREETERS:              Karen Blythe, Dorothy Haines

COUNTERS:             Sissel Salayda, Melissa McGinness

CLEANERS:              Sissel Salayda

TOY CLEANERS:      Ken & Karen Blythe

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:           Dana Ott

 

 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.

Lisa Anyzek - For Byron Gartland, a thyroid cancer survivor who is scheduled for checkup/scans on August 6 & &.  For peace and comfort as he and his family wait for results.

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 

 

Washed by His Blood,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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