Hope Notes 03/18/10

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Now that we are into the Easter season, we may find we have a lot more visitors.  Let's make every effort to move up towards the front and condense our seating so that we leave the more desirable, less "scary" back rows open for those who are visiting.  Be on the lookout for new faces so that we make sure to greet everyone and answer any questions they may have.

 

SUNDAY SERMON 

3/21 – Keeping the Truth Pure and Clear (Acts 20:25-38)

Have you ever seen a wolf?  It may have been scary, but it probably wasn't as scary as it would have been if you were a sheep!  As Paul continues his discussion with the Ephesian leaders, he talks about the dangers awaiting the church, and he uses the picture of wolves coming into the church to destroy the sheep.  As he talks, it is clear that these wolves cause their damage by twisting and distorting the truth.  We will be reminded of the need to be on guard against specific lies that can destroy our church family.  And we will see the deep and close relationships that are possible when we are careful to keep the truth pure and clear!

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

April 2^nd at 7:00 pm

Please join us for this special service.  It will be a time of Scripture, music and communion together as a church body.

 

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 MARCH – 1^ST CHRONICLES

If you crave history about God's people, this is the book for you!  It was written after the Exile when Jews were allowed to return home from Babylon. The unknown writer (many think that Ezra the scribe was involved) wanted his people to understand why such hard times had overtaken them, so he used history to show how their forefathers' lack of faith in God led to disaster.  The book makes many crucial points regarding the sovereignty of God and how He oversees the order of history so that His will is done.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

 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

 

PASSOVER SEDER – THIS FRIDAY

Friday March 19^th 7:30

Our friends at the synagogue have invited us to join them for a model Passover Seder which begins at 7:30. They have also invited us to join them for a Sabbath service immediately before at 7:00 pm in the chapel.  Everyone is welcome to attend one or both services.  We would like to get an idea of how many to plan for, so please sign up right away in order for us to set up enough tables and have enough food for everyone to participate.

3rd FRIDAY NIGHT COFFEEHOUSE

Friday April 16^th at 7:30 pm

Mantua United Methodist Church will host Hope Christian Fellowship's Worship Team, opening with "Defined by Grace". Free admission and free refreshments. Come out and join us for a night of worship, praise and fellowship. Directions will be available soon on the back table.

 

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 (J.U.I.C.E.)

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

Study sheets are always 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

 

CHURCH GROUNDS CLEAN UP DAY

Saturday March 27^TH 9:00-12:00

All ages are invited to help out – bring your own rake and other outside tools you may need

Come out for a short time, or the entire time – meet new friends, and enjoy preparing our church grounds for Easter Sunday!

No sign up sheet – just come!

 

WATER FOUNTAIN

Please be aware that the water fountain is out of order until further notice.  It was disconnected when the Ladies Room toilets were installed.  The Leadership Team is working on the problem.

 

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.

 

NEEDS TEAM

Just a reminder that Hope has a food pantry for those in need. Donations of non-perishables or frozen meals are always appreciated. Please see anyone on the Needs Team - Bill Murray, Ken Blythe, Bill Berry or Lorraine Otis.

 

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.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS:

SIGN-IN TABLE:       Kara Ott

LAMB'S MINISTRY:   Patty Tomasetti & Maurice Brazelis (T)

                              Brad & Karla Hopkins (I)

                              Linda & Lisa Landis (C)

                              Melissa McGinness & Tori Lein (1^st & 2^nd)

                              Bill Murray & Kylie Ott (3^rd – 5^th)

GREETERS:             Rob & Wendy Devereaux

COUNTERS:            Bill Berry & Rob Devereaux

CLEANERS:             Jess St.Petery

TOY CLEANERS:      Briggs (March)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                    Denise Brion (Infant – Kindergarten)

                             Damon Briggs (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

John Salayda – For God's protection as John serves in Iraq and for God's peace over his family as they await his return.                                 

Bonnie Smith – Battling Multiple Sclerosis

Radio Program – For God's guidance as we work on making the decision about continuing the radio program or not.

Building – For God's direction and clarity of leading as we explore the options in establishing a permanent home for 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 

 

 

 

The Grave is Overwhelmed!

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)