Hope Notes 02/25/10

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Communion Sunday at Hope is special for more than a few reasons, but here are my top two:  1) It sets aside time to purposely remember exactly what Jesus did for us at Calvary.  I know I don't think about that every day, even though you would think something that momentous would be at the front of my mind constantly.  We need that deliberate focus that Communions Sunday brings.  2) It brings us together as a family; we can gaze around the circle and see the faces of our brothers and sisters in Christ. It renews the love in our hearts for each other and reminds us that we are, indeed, all a part of God's family.

 

SUNDAY SERMON 

2/28 – What Really Bugs You About God? (Acts 19:23-41)

COMMUNION

OK – so this topic is a bit forbidden to discuss.  But that doesn't make it any less real!  We all can find ourselves frustrated with the Lord.   What is it about God and His work that finds a way to get on our nerves?  Maybe we can find some insight into our own feelings by looking into a story where an entire city is completely upset with God and His workers – including Paul!  As we look at what was bugging them, we may well be able to relate it to our own struggle.   We may even find that we've allowed certain desires or designs to stand in the way of seeing God's plan for us and our world as the RIGHT plan and better than our plan!

 

CD'S AVAILABLE

Please remember that Sunday's worship service is available on CD immediately following the service for FREE!  Pick up a copy for yourself or for anyone you would like 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. If you would like to participate, just show up!  Contact Jim Bradshaw at

spaceheadjim@yahoo.com with any questions.

 

BIBLE READING FOR FEBRUARY – MARK

The Gospel of Mark pictures for us the Son of God in all His power – complete with nineteen miracles – but also paint a very human portrait of the Savior.  We see that Jesus deeply felt human emotions:  disappointment, weariness, wonder, affection.  We also see Jesus as a servant, both of His heavenly Father and of the people around Him.

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

New Time 7:00 – 8:15pm

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

 

BOWLING NIGHT

Sunday, March 14 

5:00-7:00pm

Brunswick Zone, Deptford NJ

$8.00 per person, includes 2 hours bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soda, and the greatest fellowship money can't buy!

Please sign up on the back table at church.

 

SOFTBALL SIGN UP

Open to Men and Women.

Season starts in Mid April.

Must be 15 years old before the end of the season (Mid-July) to play.

Competitive, 15-Team League. Games played on week nights (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays).

Signup sheet on back table.

Get the old glove and cleats out and join in the fun!

See Lenny Little for details:

 609-634-9132 littlemanlenny@yahoo.com

 

YOUTH GROUP - NEW DAY AND TIME

Our Youth Group (J.U.I.C.E.) will now be meeting on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30

 Note that this coincides with Bible Study.  This is a great mid-week touch point for our youth – a spiritual "shot in the arm" to get them through the week.  Please make every effort to get your kids here; you won't regret it!

 

SMALL GROUPS

Our newest set of study sheets are out; pick one up and get ready to rejoin your Small Group!  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.

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

BABY BOTTLES

Please remember to pick up a baby bottle and fill it with your spare change.  Those nickels, dimes, and quarters really add up! 

Choices of the Heart will use every bit of it to help their ministry. The filled bottles should be returned by March 7^th.  See Wendy Devereaux with any questions.

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS AT HOPE

Just a reminder to parents to please not bring your child to church if he/she is sick or if there is an illness running through the family. We know no one likes to miss a Sunday, but for the consideration of others please take every precaution to avoid spreading sickness.  Thank you!

 

HELP NEEDED FOR PRIMARY CLASS

We need of a teacher for the 1^st & 2^nd grade class as well as the 3^rd-5^th grade class.  Helpers are needed for both classes. Please see Anita Little if you would like to help.

 

UTENSILS & SERVING PIECES LOOKING FOR OWNERS

We have a stack of empty containers and serving utensils left over from the Cook Off (and a few other occasions).  Please come and claim your items – they are lonely and want to go home!

 

NEEDS TEAM MEAL MAKERS

The Needs Team is looking to compile a list of those who would be willing to make the occasional meal for families in situations where the delivery of a prepared dinner would be a tremendous blessing.  Just see Lorraine Otis or contact her at lorraineotis@comcast.net or call at 686-1557. You will be contacted to see if you are available when a need arises.  Meals can also be made at anytime as well and put in the pantry freezer. Just see anyone on the Needs Team (Bill Murray, Ken Blythe & Lorraine).

 

 HCF BOOK CLUB

"Healing is a Choice" – Steve Arterburn

This is a wonderful book about the ten choices we can make to find true and deep healing from the wounds of life and the ten lies that stop us from making these choices.  Steve Arterburn also wrote "Every Man's Battle" and is the found of Women of Faith.  He runs New Life Ministries and has touched the lives of countless hurting people.

 

 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:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       Denise Brion

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   LaTosha Briggs & Damon Ott (T)

                              Sharon Rainey & Son (I)

                              Kim Lawler & Erin Sweeney (C)

                              Melissa Angel & Emily Tambucci (1^st & 2^nd)

                            Anne Owens & Jess St.Petery (3^rd – 5^th)

GREETERS:             Lillian LaRue & Charlotte Zediker

COUNTERS:            Jeff Toomin & Ken Blythe

CLEANERS:             Charlotte Zediker

TOY CLEANERS:      Ken & Karen Blythe (February)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:          Judy Gotshall (Infant – Kindergarten)

                            Kathleen Toomin (1^st – 5^th Grade)

 

 HOPE'S PRAYER TEAM
If you have a prayer request, just drop it 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, 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

Youth Group – For the Lord's direction and guidance.  For our young people to make it a priority to come.

Building – For God to continue opening/closing doors as we seek to establish a permanent home for Hope.

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 

 

Our God is Able,

Lois

foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com

 

 

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. Any correspondence for Hope Notes goes to foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com.

 

 

Faith is a moment by moment decision.  (M.Ott)