Hope Notes 5/27/10

Dear Friends of Hope~

Here we come up on Memorial Day weekend already – the beginning of the summer season.  That means the upcoming month of June will be jam packed with graduations, weddings, and all sorts of activities.  If you're a regular reader of Hope Notes, I know you know where I'm headed with this!  Please don't let all those activities crowd out your time with the Lord.  He still wants to meet with you during the week through prayer and devotionals.  And He still wants your presence at worship on Sundays. The times when we feel pulled in too many directions are the times we need to seek His face the most!

SUNDAY SERMON – COMMUION SUNDAY

5/30 – Defending Yourself With the Truth (Acts 24:1-21)

The defensive instinct in most of us is as natural a response as breathing.  If we feel accused or attacked, we will defend ourselves.  The desire to protect ourselves will even pull us toward doing or saying things that may not be true.  We somehow think that we should craft our words into whatever we think will help our cause – even if it isn't the truth.  But since the Spirit of God lives in us, we ought to be people who tell the truth.  Paul finds himself before a government official, basically on trial for his life.  But he simply defends himself with the truth.  It is a powerful statement of faith that Paul believes he should trust the Lord with His well-being instead of his own ability to talk his way out of the mess!

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 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 MAY – 1 JOHN

The apostle John wrote this letter to help his readers stay away from sin.  He tells us that our holy lives testify to our relationship with Christ and that we are to live to please God.  John also assures us that we can be forgiven when we blow it.  In other words, if you're a Christian, your life should show it – but you have a place to turn for help if you mess up.

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

CAMDEN RIVERSHARKS FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT

Saturday, June 26 @ 5:35 pm

Tickets:  $13.00 each - includes game ticket, hot dog, chips and soda.

Tickets are on sale NOW in the lobby at the visitor info table!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday July 10^th - Men's Chip N' Putt and Lunch

 

HOPE'S ANNUAL PICNIC – MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Sunday July 18^th Noon – 5:00pm

We're having our annual picnic right here on the church grounds.  You won't want to miss this!  There'll be plenty of food, fellowship, games, and a Moon Bounce for the kids!  Watch for signup sheets for side dishes, desserts, and helpers.

WOMEN OF FAITH

September 10 & 11, 2010

Wachovia Center in Philadelphia

MENS FALL RETREAT
September 19, 2010
Lake Champion, NY
Start planning for our fall Men's Retreat. We will have a great time of worship, seminars, and fellowship geared to having our lives Christ centered. We need to register under the same group name in order to lodge at the same building. Sign up online at www.priorityone.org and use Goeggel as the group name.

Cost: Early registration is $195 (postmarked by or registered on-line by June 30th). Middle price period is $215 (by July 31st). After that the cost will be $235. Saturday nights and all meals plus use of all facilities. Gift Shop and snack bar will be open periodically at extra cost.
A signup sheet will be located on the back table.

For more information contact Michael Goeggel and/or check online at www.prioityone.org.

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!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

WINDOW A/C UNIT NEEDED

If anyone has a 12,000-18,000BTU window air conditioner they would be willing to donate, it would be a tremendous help.  It would allow us to move some units around and cool all the classrooms effectively.  Please see Brian Ott if you can help!

 

BAPTISM SERVICE

June 13^th @ 1:00

We will be holding our Baptism Service at Calvary Bible Church in Deptford.  If you are interested in being baptized, there will be two classes you need to take in preparation.  Dates to be announced.  Signup sheet is on the back table.  See Pastor Mark with any questions.

 

WALK FOR LIFE

Saturday June 19^th

CAN ONE PERSON MAKE A DIFFERENCE?  YES!  Honor your Father by helping future generations to celebrate the gift of life. Sign up TODAY for the 2010 WALK FOR LIFE.  Two convenient locations:  Washington Lake Park Ampitheater and Burlington Center Mall Court of JC Penney.  Be a partner for life with choices of the Heart and together our steps will make a difference for women, families and teens in Southern NJ.  Pick up a WALK form and start asking family, friends, and co-workers to sponsor you.  See Wendy Devereaux for additional information, or call Choices of the Heart at 856-374-2833.

 

HOPE'S LIST CLASSIFIED ADS

NEW!  Hope's List Classified Ads Program is to start June 1^st.  Listing sheets are now available on the back table.  One sheet per 30-word listing.  Listings are for one month unless renewed.  Professional and Services and "forever" listings.  Listings are due the last Sunday of each month.  New Classifieds come out the FIRST Sunday of each month.  If you have any questions, see Wendy Devereaux.

 

RADIO MINISTRY UPDATE

 We are now considering whether God wants us to continue with the radio ministry as well.  That decision will come down to finances and man-power.  We would need to have about $450 per week available and the Lord would need to bring us someone who can oversee that ministry administratively for us to be able to move forward. We have signed on for one more month at the discounted rate. We will continue to trust that the Lord will lead clearly in this decision as He always does when we leave it in His hands!

HELP NEEDED FOR PRIMARY CLASS - URGENT
We are in need of one teacher and one helper for the 3rd-5th grade class. Please see Anita Little if you would like to help.

HOPES PANTRY DONATIONS REQUEST – MAY

Thank you for how generous everyone has been in giving to the pantry!

We are looking for pasta sauce, and side dishes like mac & cheese, instant potatoes, rice dishes, etc.  Please remember to check expiration dates. 
See anyone on the Needs Team (Lorraine Otis, Bill Murray, Ken Blythe or Bill Berry) for information. Please be sure to check expiration dates on all items. Thank you!

HCF BOOK CLUB
Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel
This is a phenomenal book with a wonderful outlook on how to parent like God parents us. Its great resource for parents with children of all ages.

THIS WEEKS WORKERS:
SIGN-IN TABLE:          Kara Ott
LAMB'S MINISTRY:     Chris & Stephanie Mulder (T)
                               Dwight & Becky Lein        (I)
                               Linda & Lisa Landis          (C)
                               Melissa McGinness           (1st & 2nd)
                               Bill Murray & Kylie Ott      (3^rd- 5^th )
GREETERS:                   Mickey Dariano & Dorothy Haines
COUNTERS:                  Bill Berry & Rob Devereaux
CLEANERS:                   Jess St.Petery
TOY CLEANERS:          Lenny & Anita Little
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
CHILD CARE:                Pamala Fein        (Infant Kindergarten) 
                               Kerry Crowly         (1st 5th Grade)

HOPES 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 A huge PRAISE to our Lord for bringing John home safely to his family!
Radio Program For Gods guidance as we work on making the decision about continuing the radio program or not.
Building For Gods 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

Arms High and Heart Abandoned,
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.

 

Don't let the wind of your emotions blow you off course from where God wants you to be.  (M.Ott)