Hope Notes 10/22/09

 

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I know it's hard to believe, but Christmas is really not that far away - and we have enough Christmas activities already going on at Hope to prove it!  I decided to take all our Christmas info and put it in one place.  You will find it listed after the Announcements section.  Be sure to check it out for updates on rehearsals, needs, and simply for the fun stuff that is happening.

 

SUNDAY SERMON

10/25 – Defining God's Way (Acts 15:1-35)

Everyone has an opinion about what God is or is not like.  Even people who openly admit that they don't know Him have their ideas about Him.  But among believers, this can be a particularly sensitive topic.  One person thinks God works this way, while another thinks God works that way.  In the early church, they had this struggle as well.  Some thought God was bringing people into the church by asking them to become Jews first.  Peter and the apostles had to lead the church in a way that ensured God's will was being done.  For that, they needed to understand how God was working and what God was showing them.  So instead of just taking a vote or letting everyone give their opinion, they turned to God's Word and God's work and allowed God to be the One to define His way.

 

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 second cycle study sheets are out and on the back table.  Make sure to take one and work on it before your small group meets.  Watch for reminders each time a new cycle study sheet is put out.

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

 

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

Pamala Fein, along with the Hope Needs Team, is coordinating food baskets for families in need.  Family "nomination" forms are on the back table.  If you know of a family in need (families within Hope given first priority), complete a form and return it to Pamala Fein or Liz Johnson as soon as possible.  Baskets will be delivered in time for Thanksgiving Day.

Immediate Pantry Needs:  Stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkeys, hams, pie fillings, pie crust mixes (boxed), cake mixes and frosting. 

 

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.

 

OCTOBER PANTRY NEEDS

All kinds of cereal!

Immediate Pantry Needs (For Thanksgiving Baskets): Stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkeys, hams, pie fillings, pie crust mixes (boxed), cake mixes and frosting. 

 

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

 

CHRISTMAS INFORMATION 

 

CHRISTMAS FAMILY PHOTOS

As part of our Children's Christmas Program we would like to run a slideshow of photos from our Hope families.  Please give us one photo from a long ago Christmas and one from a recent Christmas. Digital photos would be best, but we can also accept hard copies to scan and return. 

Email any digital photos to Lisa Landis at lblandis@mail.widener.edu or Jess St. Petery at jstpetery@yahoo.com.  Hard copies can be given to them at church.  Please be sure to include your names with the photos.

Pictures need to be in by 11/22/09.

 

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.

 

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 8 & 29.

 

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.  Wrapped boxes are all set for you to simply pick up and fill.  Deadline to return your box is November 8^th.  See Melissa McGinness with questions.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       Wendy Lynch

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   LaTosha Briggs & Sharon Sambucci (T)

                              Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)

                              Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens (C)

                              Anne Owens & Jess St.Petery (P)

GREETERS:              Rick Mounce & Pat Roselli

COUNTERS:             Kathy Berry & Melissa McGinness

CLEANERS:              Sissel Salayda

TOY CLEANERS:      TBA

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                     Poppy Gillin

 

 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

Joan Roselli -Dave (brother-in-law) suffering with severe pain and internal bleeding. Readmitted to hospital. Pray for doctors to find out the cause and for healing.

Lillian LaRue - For peace and comfort as she grieves the loss of her mother.  For wisdom in making decisions.

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 

 

I Am Free,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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