Hope Notes 3/25/10

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

In keeping with Pastor Mark's reminder about our guests during this Easter season, let me repeat:  We need to be thinking of those who will be coming to Hope and looking for a "safe" place to sit.  Most new visitors prefer to sit towards the back or around the outside edges.  Let's make sure we move ourselves around so that these seats are available.  We don't want anyone to walk out because they're too nervous to make that l-o-n-g walk up to the front of church!  Also, be on the lookout for those new faces so we can greet them with a friendly hello and answer any questions they might have.

 

SUNDAY SERMON 

3/28 – Heading Toward a Storm (Acts 21:1-14)

Most people drive with their eyes open.  If for some reason, you decided to try to drive with your eyes closed, you'd probably have an accident pretty quickly.  Seeing the obstacles and dangers that are around us allow us to avoid them safely.   In life, we assume that it is best to do the same thing – to see the struggles and problems that lie ahead and to do our best to avoid them!  But Paul does not do that in this story.  Instead, he heads directly into the storm that he knows is coming.  Why does he do that? We will take a look at what he says and discover when we need to be willing to face difficulties instead of avoiding them!

 

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

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!

 

COURIER POST SEDER ARTICLE & PHOTOS

Did you miss out on going to the Seder?  Want to know exactly what went on?  Or maybe you were there and want to see if a picture of you made it into the paper!  Just click on the link below:

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103230337

 

CAR SEAT AVAILABLE TO ANYONE IN NEED

Contact Lorraine Otis at lorraineotis@comcast.net

 

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.

 

HOPE'S FREEZER IS EMPTY

 If you are willing to make a dish in a freezable throwaway container you can be sure you to bless someone when the need arises!  Please see Lorraine Otis or e-mail at lorraineotis@comcast. You can also see anyone on the Needs Team (Bill Murray, Ken Blythe or Bill Berry) for information.  Food donations are always appreciated as well. Please be sure to check expiration dates on all items.  Thank you!

 

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:       Kim Lawlor

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:            LaTosha Briggs & Karen Blythe

CLEANERS:             Helen Mastalski

TOY CLEANERS:      Briggs (March)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CHILD CARE:                    Pam Fein (Infant – Kindergarten)

                             Terry Crowly (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

Edward Brazelis - For Ronald Sherman who suffers with severe kidney stones.  For Kathie & Joe Flanagan who suffer from alcoholism.

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

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 

 

 

 

He Paid it All,

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)