Hope Notes 9/10/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Looking ahead to the Small Group Kickoff this Sunday makes me think back on how much we've grown since Hope since began.  The whole body of Hope was a "small group" back then!  Now, God has blessed us with so many people that we can have a variety of small groups.  As we continue to grow, small groups become even more important.  They are the place where you will make closer connections with those you see on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.  Don't miss out!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

9/13 – Small Group Kickoff

What is the value of a good friendship – what price tag would you put on it?  God's design for each of us is to have valuable close relationships that nurture our lives.  If God's plan were for us to just know Him One on one, there would be no need for fellowship or the church.  But that is not how God has chosen to work.  He uses people in our lives to show us His love and goodness.  At Hope, we try to be very deliberate about prioritizing relationships.  This morning, we want to turn our attention to small groups and the opportunity to be a part of one.  In small groups, we'll get to know one another, pray for one another, help each other, and even discuss what the Lord is teaching us in our lives.  The Leadership Team has a plan for small groups this year that is a clear shift from our small groups in the past, so let's open our hearts to God's leading in each one of us in developing and enjoying the spiritual connection that is fostered in small groups.

 

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 SEPTEMBER - REVELATION

This book, written by the apostle John while banished to the island of Patmos, contains some amazing and even frightening images but it also trumpets the promise of our final reward for sticking with Christ despite everything.  It also promises ultimate victory and points to a time and place where there is no more sin, no more death, and no more suffering.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:30 - 8:30 pm

Think the book of Genesis couldn't possibly relate to us and the world in which we live?  Think again!  Genesis means "beginnings" and that's just what this book is about.  It describes a loving God who made all things perfectly, but also tells about the beginning of sin and how it ruined what had been a perfect relationship between God and man.  Isn't that still happening today?  Join us as we continue our study on the book of Genesis. Childcare is provided.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

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

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)

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

Money is now due.

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.

 

MEN'S BREAKFAST

Saturday October 10 @ 9:00 am

Save the date!  We will be meeting at Nifty Fifty's Diner.  More details to follow.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

TO AIR OR NOT TO AIR?

Hope FM Radio Ministry

All of us who hear Pastor Mark preach on Sunday morning know how life- changing the messages are.  The question is do we want to share them with others?  We are coming to a decision point on whether or not Hope Christian Fellowship will go on the air with a 30-minute, weekday radio program of Mark's sermons on Hope FM.  But we still need to hear from you.  We also need your continued prayers and input as we choose to give this a six month try or let it pass by.  This Sunday we'll briefly hear more about the choice from Steve Jones. 

 

 

SAINTS MINISTRY SUMMER MISSION PROGRAM

Thank you for all your support. We had a great season with 456 FTD's (first time decisions for Christ), 26 wins, and 14 losses.  We had more FTDs and wins than the other two Saints teams!  The 107 FTDs in Morgantown were the MOST in ANY SPORT by ANY SAINTS TEAM at ANY ONE GAME in their 23 year history!!!  All glory, honor, and praise goes to our Lord Jesus Christ!

 

CHURCH CLEANING VOLUNTEERS

The Building Team is looking to put together a group of volunteers to come on the 3^rd Thursday of each month (after 6:30pm) to help clean.

Cleaning would involve dusting, dry mopping, vacuuming, and maybe cleaning the windows. We would like to have enough people so that we can have rotating teams.  That way no one would have to come every month.  Jess St.Petery will have a sign up sheet on the back table.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Hard to believe, but Hope is gearing up for our annual Kid's Christmas program!  Please be on the look-out for practice CD's and an information letter that your pre-school or elementary children will be bringing home on Oct.4th!  Save the date for Dec.20th to see Hope's kids perform!  The practices will be held on Sundays (during church) beginning on Oct.11!

 

SEPTEMBER PANTRY NEEDS

Canned Vegetables please.

 

KID'S MINISTRY MEETING

September 13

We will be having a meeting right after church for everyone who is involved in Children's Church.  We will have pizza for lunch.  Plan on about 1 ½ hours, including time to eat.  New schedules will be distributed the week of the 6^th. 

Note:  We are still in need of teachers for the Pre-K/Kindergarten class and for the 1^st & 2^nd grade class.

 

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:       Delores Incarvite

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   John & Dawn Brazelis (T)

                              Sharon Rainey & Sharon Sambucci (I)

                              Julia Murray & Justin Incarvite (C)

                              Natalie Davis & Justin Incarvite (P)

GREETERS:              Bill Murray

COUNTERS:             LaTosha Briggs & Karen Blythe

CLEANERS:              Lillian LaRue

TOY CLEANERS:      LaTosha Briggs

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Liz Johnson

 

 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

Mike Goeggel - For his friend, Edward Phillips, who has a brain tumor and is scheduled for additional testing in October.

Bill Murray, Fran & Pat Harkin - For God's peace and comfort to wash over them as they mourn the loss of their wife and sister, Nancy Murray.

Toni Zimmerman - She has been in the hospital suffering from pneumonia and diabetes.

God's Leading - We are seeking God's direction for our building situation and for the possibility of a radio ministry on Hope FM.

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 

 

In His Name,

Lois

 

God is never disabled by the plans of man. (M. Ott)

 

 

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