Hope Notes 10/15/09

Dear Friends of Hope ~

With fall in full swing, we will soon experience the end (death) of one season and know that winter is coming.  But we also know that in a matter of months nature will have a re-birth and spring will be upon us.  God never leaves us alone to deal with the "winters" in our lives without the promise of His re-birth in our hearts and the smell of spring in the air.

 

SUNDAY SERMON

10/18 – Growing through Hardships (Acts 14:21-28)

COMMUNION

Imagine life as a buffet.  As you go along with your plate deciding what to take, what section of the buffet line to you favor?  Maybe you'd choose lots from the leisure or pleasure section.  Perhaps you'd load your plate up with people and relationships.  Or maybe you'd start with the success section of the buffet.  But how much would you take from the hardship section?  Probably none at all – or at least very little.  As Paul and Barnabas help believers grow in their faith, they make an amazing statement: "We MUST go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."  If God's call on your life is hardship so that you can grow and God's kingdom can grow, are you ready to accept hardship as a part of your diet?  We have an example of Someone who willingly endured hardship for our sake.  Let's remember Him and be ready to walk through pain and struggle so that we can be all that God knows we need to be.

 

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.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

POTLUCK LUNCH

Sunday November 8^th

Our annual Potluck will begin after our morning service. This is a great time to share all kinds of wonderful food with all kinds of wonderful people!  Please sign up to let us know how many are coming and what dish you will be bringing.  Sign up sheet is on the back table.

 

SMALL GROUPS

Our first small group study sheets are out!  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 before your small group meets to 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.

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

MANGER NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

We need to build a stable and manger for the Christmas program.  The stable should be about 6 feet high.  Anyone who would be interested in constructing, donating materials or helping in anyway should contact Anita Little ASAP.  You can find her at church, call her at 856-783-7168 or email her at alittle71@yahoo.com.

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Once again, we are filling shoe boxes for children in need around the world.  This is such a fun & easy way to give Christmas to a child who would never have one.  Brochures with complete directions are on the back table.  We will even have a few wrapped boxes all set for you to simply pick up and fill.  Deadline to return your box is November 8^th.  See Melissa McGinness with questions.

 

SONG SHOW PLUS MINISTRY

Please Help!  We have not had any volunteers as of yet!

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

Practice is after church from 11:45 - 1:15 and runs through December 13.  We will skip 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

These are a great way 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:   LaTosha Briggs & Sharon Sambucci (T)

                              Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)

                              Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens (C)

                              Kathleen & Jeff Toomin (P)

GREETERS:              Rick Mounce & Pat Roselli

COUNTERS:             Kathy Berry & Melissa McGinness

CLEANERS:              Kathleen Toomin

TOY CLEANERS:      TBA

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Lisa Landis

 

 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

Lynn Homan - For her son-in-law Allen to find a new job.  For her daughter Lynn who has been diagnosed with irreversible brain and nerve damage.  She now has to live with that pain and is unable to return to work.

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 

 

Wanting to Please Him,

Lois

 

The grace of God is not about the merit of man.  (M. Ott)

 

 

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