Hope Notes 10/8/09

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I've always heard God's grace described as the "undeserved favor of God".  Well, I'd like to add something to that.  When I run into God's grace, it usually also seems to be unexpected.  Sometimes God just drops a blessing into your lap.  Totally undeserved, unwarranted, unmerited, but there it is.  He freely and lovingly gives to His children.  He knows what we need before we even know to ask for it.  Thank you, Jesus.

 

SUNDAY SERMON

10/11 – Mistaken for Jesus (14:8-20)

Did you ever have someone say you reminded them of someone else?  Maybe you look like another family member (a parent or a sibling), or maybe you even look like some famous movie star!  Obviously, we'd rather be mistaken for someone admired rather than some infamous criminal.  It all comes down to who you resemble.  Paul and Barnabas were mistaken for gods!  That's because they were allowing the power of the Almighty God to work through them.  The people didn't understand the distinction, so they were ready to offer sacrifices to them as gods.  Imagine if we allowed Jesus to work in us to such a degree that people mistook us for Him!

 

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 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.

 

MEN'S BREAKFAST - THIS SATURDAY

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

 

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.

 

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

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

First practice is this Sunday after church from 11:45 - 1:15

We will be holding our practices 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

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:   Carla Bittner & Damon Ott (T)

                              Sharon Rainey & Katie Ott (I)

                              Kim Lawlor & Erin Sweeney (C)

                              Kathleen & Jeff Toomin (P)

GREETERS:              Rick Mounce & Pat Roselli

COUNTERS:             Glenn Johnson & Jeff Toomin

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.

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.

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 

 

Blessed by His Grace,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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