Hope Notes 12/23/09 Merry Christmas!

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Christmas day is almost here!  As believers, we know there is much more to that day than the gifts.  The world in general, however, usually excludes Jesus Christ from Christmas and is content with the presents under the tree instead of being satisfied with His presence. We believers should not be content until the world experiences the Ultimate Gift of Jesus Christ and finds the joy of Christmas in celebrating His birth and His presence here on earth!

 

SUNDAY SERVICES FOR 12/27

 9:30am

 Kids' Christmas Program – Mary's Treasure (Luke 2:8-19)

The gifts we give at Christmastime today are only reflections of the real meaning and purpose of Christmas.  The TRUE gift of Christmas was the baby in the manger that came from heaven to rescue each one of us from our own mess.  Mary gives birth to this baby, and then has some interesting visitors – sent by the angels from heaven!  As she sees how God Himself celebrates the birth of the Savior, she treasures this privilege and these events in her heart.  As we enjoy this season, we need to choose what we will treasure as well!

11:00am

Adult Cantata – Presents for Mary's Child (Matt 2:1-12)

As we close our Christmas season, it is quite fitting that we look at a story that is often included in the Christmas story, but actually happened a little while after Christmas.  Wise men came from the east in search of the new born king.  When they finally found the child, they presented him with valuable gifts.  As we have experienced, there is a deep and rich joy in giving – often exceeding the joy we get from receiving!  So, in honor of the King, and in keeping with the example of wise men, let's find valuable gifts that we can bring and give!

 

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

 

"SOUPER BOWL" SOUP & CHILI COOK-OFF

Sunday, January 31, 2010, 12:15 pm

Everyone

Wear your favorite sports team attire (any sport!)

Folks will vote for their favorite dish

Cook-off Entrants

Guidelines:  Soup or Chili

One entry per person or family, please (either soup or chili, not both)

(Cook-off sign-up sheet will be out Sunday, January 3^rd)

Must bring 15 copies of recipe to place with dish

Please mark crock pot with entry ingredients

Crock pots will be plugged in during service

Prizes awarded!

Other items needed:  breads, salads, kid's menu items. A sign-up sheet will be out Sunday, January 3rd for these items.

 

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 or mail.
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

 

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

 

CHILDREN'S CHURCH NEEDS

Donations of any flat bottomed juice boxes would be greatly appreciated.  You can give them to LaTosha Briggs.

 

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 12/27

Parents – Please have your child at church by 9:00am.  We know this will be difficult for some of you, but it is the best schedule we could do!  We appreciate your willingness to sacrifice.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       Denise Brion

                              9:30 CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

LAMB'S MINISTRY:    Carla Bittner & Damon Ott (T)

                              Sharon Rainey & Katie Ott (I)                                

                              Kim Lawlor & Erin Sweeney (C)

                              Anne Owen & Jess St.Petery (P)

                              11:00 CANTATA

                              LaTosha Briggs & Maurice Brazelis (T)

                              Bob & Lisa Mousley (I)

                              Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens (C)

                              Kim Biglin & Rick Mounce (P)

GREETERS:              Karen Blythe & Dorothy Haines

COUNTERS:             Karen Blythe & LaTosha Briggs

CLEANERS:              Charlotte Zediker

TOY CLEANERS:      Melissa McGinness

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:           No Bible Study

 

 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

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 the Manger,

Lois

 

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

 

 

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