Hope Notes 12/10/09
Dear Friends of Hope ~
What a treat it was to come in and see Hope so nicely decorated! Who says a synagogue can't look like Christmas? Knowing that our own "Christmas elves" were busy making all that happen while we went about our own business makes me feel grateful for those who work behind-the-scenes in so many ways at Hope.
You know who you are………….thank you for serving in such a quiet way!
SUNDAY
12/13 – Mary's Song (Luke 1:39-56)
There are moments in our lives when something pops out of our mouths on its own. An event so startling or overwhelming just overrides our conscious choice and brings words to our lips that we didn't plan. Just think about the screaming riders on a rollercoaster, or the reaction of people to a cooing baby. Should it be so unusual for our relationship with God to bring words of praise and thanks uncontrollably to our lips? As Mary realizes what God is doing through her, she bursts out into a song of praise from a heart of humility. In fact, that is the only place true praise begins. As we anticipate Christmas, let's remember that it is a time to give glory to God – in the HIGHEST!
UPCOMING SERVICES
12/24 Christmas Eve Service
We will have our Christmas Eve service at 6:00. This is a shorter service with special music and readings from Scripture. It's a beautiful way to keep our focus on the birth of Lord.
Christmas Eve Offering
We will again be taking an offering at the Christmas Eve service (by means of a donation box) for needy families. All monies that are given at that service will be used on behalf of those in need during this holiday season!
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 DECEMBER – JOEL & AMOS
Joel had something to say about judgment on the people of Israel for their halfhearted attitude about God. But he also had a lot to say about the blessings God wants to bring to those who repent and serve God with everything they have.
Amos warned that, as God's chosen people, Israel faced more certain judgment than their pagan neighbors simply because they were called to live by a higher standard. Yet Amos also spoke of hope when he prophesied a future restoration for the people of Israel.
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.
NOTE: There will be no Bible Study on 12/23, or 12/30.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
WEEKEND TO REMEMBER MARRIAGE SEMINAR
February 12-14, 2010
Hershey Lodge
PO Box 446
Hershey, PA 17033-0446
1-800-437-7439
We are getting together a group of married couples to experience this amazing marriage seminar. You can register via phone, mail, or online.
Register for the conference by 12/30/09 and take advantage of the early bird rate of $89/person, or $178/couple. In order to make hotel reservations and receive the discounted room rate of $115/night, you must call the hotel directly at 1-800-437-7439. See Melissa McGinness with any questions.
Our Group Name is: HOPEHANDS
Our Group Link is: www.familylife.com/group/hopehands
SMALL GROUPS
No new study sheets will be coming out for awhile as we take a break to celebrate the holiday season. 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.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GIVING REPORT
Giving for November averaged $3158 per week which is slightly more than our annual weekly average of $3077. Let's finish out the year strong by remaining faithful in our giving and look forward to all that God will do with our faithfulness and sacrifice.
DEACONS/LEADERSHIP TEAM NOMINEES
The list of nominees is set for Deacon Team and Leadership Team. Please prayerfully consider God's leading as we prepare for our annual business meeting and vote on appointing these folks to these offices.
Leadership Team Nominees (need 90% affirmative vote by those partners present at the meeting)
Tom Albright, Bill Berry, Damon Briggs, Bill Murray
Deacon Team Nominees (need 67% affirmative vote by those partners present at the meeting)
Tom Albright, Bill Berry, Damon Briggs, Tony Dariano, Mickey Dariano, Rob Devereaux, Wendy Devereaux, Pat Harkin, Franne Harkin, Brian Rainey, Charlotte Zediker.
GREETERS NEEDED
If you are the friendly sort and would like an easy way to serve at Hope, this is for you! We have a monthly rotating schedule of teams. See Bill Berry to volunteer.
NEW FEATURE – HCF BOOK CLUB
"Fresh Start" by Doug Fields (Youth Pastor at Saddleback)
With the New Year approaching it's a good time to talk about getting a fresh start. This book examines how we get stuck in our lives and some of the relational steps we can take to get unstuck. By engaging the Spirit's work, each of us can have a fresh start no matter what we've faced! I believe it is a book with a ton of hope for anyone who is struggling in their walk. Although he covers some heavy topics, Doug Fields' writes with a light style so it's an easy book to read.
ISRAEL TRIP
There is an opportunity to tour Israel with other churches on April 12-20, 2010. The cost of the trip is $2650 including all taxes and fees; breakfast & dinner daily; 7 night's accommodations in four-star hotels, a fully guided tour of Israel with on-site Bible teachings, Communion & Baptism. On-site Bible teachings will be by Denny Barger, founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Southern Ocean County, NJ, along with other pastors from the area. At this point we're just looking to see the level of interest, so if you are interested or need more information, see Rick Mounce for the details.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Sunday – 1/03/10
Attention all partners – we need you! Immediately following the morning worship we will have our annual business meeting. We need to vote on the budget and officer appointment decisions for the upcoming year. Your input is valuable. Please don't miss this.
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 EVE SERVICE
We will have our Christmas Eve service at 6:00. This is a shorter service with special music and readings from Scripture. It's a beautiful way to keep our focus on the birth of Lord.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Sunday, December 20th.
We are excited about our Kid's Christmas Program coming up on Dec. 20th during our morning service! If your children are involved in this program please be sure that they are at the upcoming dress rehearsals. Since it will be the only time they are able to practice on the "big stage", these practices are extremely helpful and important! If you have any questions, please see Dana Ott.
Elementary Class (1st-6th Grade) Wednesday, December 16th at 7:00pm
Toddler/Preschool Class (3-5yr olds) Saturday, December 19th at 10:30 - 11:15am -
Elementary Class (Final Dress Rehearsal)
Saturday, December 19th at 11:30am - 1:00pm -
ITEMS NEEDED FOR CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
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.
THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:
SIGN-IN TABLE: LaTosha Briggs
LAMB'S MINISTRY: Carla Bittner & Damon Ott (T)
Sharon Sambucci (I)
Kim Lawlor & Erin Sweeney (C)
Kid's Christmas Choir Rehearsal (P)
GREETERS: Karen Blythe & Dorothy Haines
COUNTERS: Ken Blythe & Jeff Toomin
CLEANERS: Lillian LaRue
TOY CLEANERS: Melissa McGinness
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
CHILD CARE: Lorraine Otis
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
Erin Sweeney – For the family of Pastor Scheiber, who passed away last week.
Lorraine Otis – For her mom Mary's comfort and for a health issue.
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
Awaiting His Birth,
Lois
The grace of God is not about the merit of man. (M. Ott)
Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home