Hope Notes 10/01/09

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I'll tell you something I do every year when it begins to get colder (now you'll know how crazy I am).  For some reason, I wait to see when is the first time I can see my breath in the frosty air. I don't know why I get so excited about it, but I do. I saw mine last night.  It's like a hallmark of the new season, and it always makes me think of those pictures you see of God "blowing" His breath across the sky - making the wind.  I think of how He breathes the breath of Life into us.  Literally giving us the breath that sustains us physically every day. And of how the wind of the Spirit blows into our souls.  Maybe I'm not so crazy after all!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

10/4 – Fighting the Truth (Acts 13:42-14:7)

We all know the experience.  Something we don't want to hear – something true that we wish wasn't true.  Maybe we just want our own way.  Or maybe we're scared about what the truth tells us.  We find ourselves fighting against the truth.  The problem is that the truth is unyielding – it never gives way.  It has this persistent push on us that time doesn't take away.  As Paul and Barnabas continue to spread the truth, they find those who want to fight against it.  We'll see the tactics they use, and find warning to stay away from those in our lives.  We'll also see that the truth has an impact regardless of those who fight against it.

 

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 OCTOBER - EZRA

This book recounts the return of the Jews from Babylon to their homeland.  It describes the difficult task of rebuilding the Temple, even when faced with dangerous opposition.  It ends with Ezra's fierce denunciation of those countrymen who married pagan women in defiance of God's law.  In fact, the last few verses of his book list by name those who had disobeyed God in this way.  (How would you like to have your name remembered for your sin? Not me!)

 

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.

 

WOMEN'S EVENING BIBLE STUDY "SEEKING HIM"

The Ladies Study Group has been moved from Tuesdays to every 1st and 3rd THURSDAY starting Thursday, October 8, from 7-9pm. There is room for 4 more ladies. If interested, please sign up at church, call Wendy Devereaux 856-415-1445, or email godsgals@comcast.net.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

SMALL GROUPS

Our first Small Group Study Sheets will be out this Sunday for the first small group meeting.  Please get your completed registration form (even if your group isn't full yet) to Damon Briggs by Sunday and have everyone pick up a copy of the study sheet.  Then, take some time between Sunday and your small group and work on your answers.  When you get to small group, everyone can share what God has showed them!

NOTE:  The small group process is still going on.  There are new people who will be coming and others who haven't yet connected with a group.  If your group has room, be sure to include other people.  Keep targeting between 8-10 people for your small group.

 

YOUTH GROUP (J.U.I.C.E.)

All 6th thru 12th graders, here's something you don't want to miss!  In youth group on Saturday nights at 5 pm, we're talking about "Can we know that the Bible is true?"  This is a powerful question with huge impact.  If you've ever talked to someone who questions Christianity, or if you've ever had questions yourself, we're looking at historical and scientific evidence that will help you with those questions!  For more information, see Dwight Lein or Brian Ott.

 

ATTENTION JUICERS!

There will be no Youth Group on Saturday, October 31^st.

 

MEN'S BREAKFAST

Saturday October 10 @ 9:00 am

Cost:  $1-$2 for gratuity

Nifty Fifty's Restaurant (Across the street from the old Lone Star; shares parking lot with Carrabba's & Outback)

4670 Route 42
Turnersville, NJ 08012
856-875-1950 

GUEST SPEAKER Norman Yacko, who has been the chaplain for the Yankees and several other teams.

Sign up sheet on back table.  See Liz Johnson with any questions.

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

SEPTEMBER GIVING

Giving was $2780/week, which is just above our target for the year of $2700 but well below our average giving of $3025 for 2009.  Please pray that the Lord will provide for us abundantly so that we can see God's work grow at Hope!

 

ROOM FOR RENT

Judy Gotchall has a room for rent available immediately.  It is in the Woodbury area.  For information, call 856-686-2261.

 

SONG SHOW PLUS MINISTRY

Ever wonder how the words to our Praise Songs get on that big screen?  Looking for a FUN & EASY way to serve at Hope?  Well then, this is it!

It's a very simple process to get the lyrics, announcements, and Bible verses on screen. No experience needed. Hands on training is provided.  You can make your own schedule.  If you'd like to serve, you would simply come to the Worship Team practice at 5:00pm on Saturday to put things together, and then be at church by 9:00am Sunday to do a trial run.  Sign up sheet is on the back table.

Please contact Joe Anyzek @ janyzek@verizon.net or 456-2172 for more information.

 

NOMINATIONS

Once again it's time to begin praying about nominations.  Partners can nominate partners for Deacons (men and women) or Leadership Team (men).  We're asking all our partners to nominate everyone they feel should serve in these offices.  Ten separate nominations are needed for a man to be presented for a vote for Leadership Team, and five separate nominations are needed for a man or woman to be presented for a vote for Deacon Team.  On the back of the nomination form is a list of current officers; attached are a list of qualifications and roles of each office.  Nominations are due to Pastor Mark by November 1^st.

NOTE:  If you are not a partner and want to be, please fill out a partner form, read through our constitution, and give the filled out form to Pastor Mark. 

 

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!

 

ADULT CHRISTMAS CHOIR

Practices will be held after church each Sunday from 11:45 - 1:15 beginning October 11 through December 13, skipping November 18 & 29.

 

OCTOBER PANTRY NEEDS

All kinds of cereal!

 

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:       LaTosha Briggs

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Lisa & Joe Anyzek (T)

                              Matt & Jen Headley (I)

                              Kim Lawlor & Erin Sweeney (C)

                              Melissa McGinness & Anita Little (P)

GREETERS:              Rick Mounce & Pat Roselli

COUNTERS:             Glenn Johnson & Jeff Toomin

CLEANERS:              Charlotte Zediker

TOY CLEANERS:      TBA

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                      Fran Harkin

 

 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

Debbie Bradshaw - For her Aunt Pat, recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancerous tumors in her right lung. Not saved. Pray that God would give us opportunities to share with her and that she would open her heart to Him.
For Steve's emotional/spiritual/mental health needs. His circle of support has waned and we a seeking God's help to recreate this critical area in his daily life.

For her sister Kathy & husband John to sell their home so they won't be carrying two mortgages when they move.

For all women dying of cancer in hospice.

Erin Sweeney - For her cousin and new baby to recover after a long and difficult labor.

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

Small Groups - For God to lead and direct people to their various Small Group. For Small Groups 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 

 

Drawing Close to Him,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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