Hope Notes 10/29/09

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Okay, folks - this is the weekend!  Please remember to turn your clocks back an hour; God is blessing us all with the chance to get an extra hour's snooze time.  Even better, why not get up and use that time to spend an extra hour with your Savior before church?!

 

SUNDAY SERMON

11/1 – God Uses Disagreements (Acts 15:36-16:5)

Many arguments are destructive and leave marks on our lives long after the fight is over.  But surprisingly, there are times when God has a plan for our disagreements.  That would suggest that perhaps we can disagree with respect for one another and without anger, bitterness, or hurt.   For example, there is strength in a relationship where there are two very different people with very different perspectives on life who work together to integrate BOTH opinions without demeaning either one.  The story of Acts takes a sharp turn in this passage as Paul and Barnabas have a strong disagreement.  The way the tale unfolds, we see that God uses this disagreement for the benefit of the church and for the benefit of all those involved.  We need to learn to allow God to use our disagreements and act accordingly instead of letting them turn into devastating relational blows that cause damage to each person involved.

 

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 NOVEMBER - ZECHARIAH & MALACHI

The last two books of the Old Testament.  Zechariah tells of God's secret to our success - "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty.  Malachi pictures God as One who desires to communicate with His people. It gives a glimpse of OT history and how changes were needed to prepare the way for the Messiah. 

 

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 (on back table) to let us know how many are coming and what dish you will be bringing.  When you are planning what to bring, remember that we don't have use of the kitchen, so don't count on using the refrigerator or stove.  We do this out of respect so that the synagogue can keep a kosher kitchen.

 

SMALL GROUPS

Our third 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.  In addition, you can now go online and print out a study sheet from our website.

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 - NO YOUTH GROUP THIS SATURDAY!!

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

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NEW FEATURE – MARK'S BOOK CLUB

Forget about Oprah!  Beginning this month, Pastor Mark will be sharing with us books he has read that he feels are exceptionally well done and important for our spiritual growth.

The current selection is "The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller.

Keller uncovers the essential message of Jesus in his most familiar parable. Within the parable, Jesus reveals how God's grace is poured out on not only the morally bankrupt, but also on the morally upright.

                                

GIVING REPORT

Our giving for October averaged $3433 per week which is well above our annual target of $2700 per week and even above our annual average of $3063 per week. We are so thankful for the way God is richly providing for Hope and for the work He's called us to do for His kingdom.  Please continue to pray that God will abundantly provide as we seek His direction on where to invest the resources He has provided! 

 

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 - DUE THIS SUNDAY!!

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

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.

 

PANTRY NEEDS

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.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Sunday, December 20^th.

Be sure to save the date and invite your friends and families out to come and see Hope's kids perform!  Practices will be held on Sundays during church.

 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR CHILDREN'S 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.

 

ADDITIONAL ITEMS NEEDED

Tacky, Christmas themed men's ties.  Elf costume.  Old fashioned crocheted slippers. 

We need a picture of Yogi Bear & Boo Boo - maybe 20x20 - just large enough so that we can identify them.  Anyone willing to do a quick painting…….or maybe someone has an old poster??

If you have any of the above, you can give them to John or Sissel Salayda.

 

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:   John & Sissel Salayda (T)

                              Helen Mastalski & Jackie Salayda (I)

                              Linda & Lisa Landis (C)

                              Kid's Christmas Choir Rehearsal (P)

GREETERS:              Lillian LaRue & Charlotte Zediker

COUNTERS:             Sissel Salayda & Kathleen Toomin

CLEANERS:              Sissel Salayda

TOY CLEANERS:      Anita Little

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

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 

 

He is Still on the Throne,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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