Hope Notes 1/27/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
The steel grey sky.  The soft charcoal of the bare tree branches.  The whitest white of the falling snow.  God paints the colors of winter in varying shades of black and white.  So very different from the pastel tints of spring, the brilliant greens and blues of summer, or the vibrant hues of autumn.  He gives us a totally different color palette with each season.  Try and enjoy the beauty that is winter.  I know it's getting old but, take heart; our God is getting ready to revive us with His springtime designs real soon!

SUNDAY MESSAGE
1/30 – Envy Is a Heavy Load to Carry (1 Samuel 18)

There are a few ways we can react when our heart desires something that isn't ours.  We can start plotting to find a way to get it for ourselves.  Or we can settle for just making sure that if we can't have it, no one can.  Of course, the healthy thing to do is to be thankful for what we DO have, and be happy for others who also have good things.  But that's hard to do – especially when we REALLY want something.  What we don't realize is that living in envy really adds weight to our life.  Looking at David's experience with Saul's family is a great reminder of what starts to happen when we hold onto a desire for what isn't ours.  We find our lives being pulled down into dark places and schemes.  On the other hand, we see that we can respond with contentment and grace.  Which will we choose?

 

MESSAGES AVAILABLE
Did you know 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.

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 Prayer Team with any questions.

BIBLE READING FOR JANUARY – PROVERBS
ONE CHAPTER PER DAY
The book of Proverbs is filled with some of Solomon's best wisdom, all of it spelled out in practical, easy-to-understand terms.  He covers friendship, controlling anger, knowing God, laziness, pride, temptation, money – just to name a few.  If you struggle with a particular temptation or have a question about living right, you will most likely find some real help in Proverbs!

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.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT KIDS PROGRAM
7:00 – 8:15
The adults aren't the only ones who could use a spiritual boost in the middle of the week!  We are thrilled that we now have a program currently running for ages 2-3 and 4-5. Classes meet in the same rooms as those age groups meet on Sundays.  The elementary classes will begin in January.  For more info, contact Jen Winstel at jenwinrn@comcast.net.

WOMEN'S PRAYER GROUP
Meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Prayer Room at church.  All women are invited to attend.

YOUNG ADULTS
Meets the 1^st Monday of every month at 7:30 in the Youth Room at church.  Anyone who has graduated high school up to their early thirties is welcome.  See Pastor Mark or Dana for more information.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

COMMUNITY OUTREACH / OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, February19
We are looking forward to introducing ourselves to our neighbors and reaching out to our community in February.  We will be hosting an Open House at 5:00, followed by a concert featuring the band Compelled at 7:00.  We will need lots of help in order to pull this off!  If you can help with distributing fliers throughout the neighborhood one Saturday morning, contact Tom Albright on our Outreach Team.  If you can help with getting things ready, setting up, and/or hosting the open house, contact Anita Little on our Events Team.  Please begin to pray about where God can use you!  More details will follow soon

SMALL GROUPS
It's time to get back in the groove and meet with your Small Groups again!  If anyone hasn't plugged in to one of these groups yet, just contact Damon Briggs at briggsd@mitchellandness.com and he will get you connected with a group. 

WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
February 25 thru 27, 2011
Pastor Mark & Dana would like to invite you to join them for this weekend of relationship building.  It's a wonderful time of connecting and improving your marriage.  If this weekend isn't good for you, there are still other locations and dates for the conference that can be found on their website.  Any of their conferences in 2011 can be signed up under our group rate ($159 per couple).  In addition to registering with Family Life online or by phone, each couple will need to make hotel reservations for the weekend at the hosting hotel (or another area hotel).  The contact info for the hotels is listed with the registration information on the website.
To register, simply log on to http://www.familylife.com/groups/hopenj  and signup as a part of our group.  Our group name is "hopenj".  You will automatically receive the discounted rate.  After you register for the conference, call the hotel and reserve a room as well.  .  If you sign up for the Hershey conference, we'll be having a meeting on the Sunday before we go to give everyone some idea of what to expect. Then, get ready to spend the weekend with the one you love, building your relationship as husband and wife!

 

MARRIAGE CONFERENCE MEETING
Sunday, 2/13

We will be having a short informational meeting for all couples going to the marriage conference after the service on 2/13.  We currently have 12 couples signed up for this conference, so we just want to get together with everyone going and talk about what to expect.  We'll give a few tips on planning for the weekend so we can all get the most out of our time away!

 

YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS – ROOTED
"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water." Jeremiah 17:7-8

YOUTH GROUP
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!  Contact Chris or Stephanie Mulder at cbmulder@comcast.net for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

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AVAILABLE FOR FREE
We have three pews and five 8' wooden tables left from the synagogue that are available for anyone who might like them.  If you'd like to take a look to see if you're interested, contact Bob Baumiester @ 609-458-7777.

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES
How full is your Choices of the Heart baby bottle? If you forgot to pick one up, there are still some left at Hope and you can write a check to Choices of the Heart or put some bills in the bottle if you do not have time to collect change. Many little babies are saved from abortion with the services from Choices of the Heart. They really need your help to continue this ministry. The babies THANK YOU!

 

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE
9:30 – 10:00 am
Be sure to come and join us for a good cup of coffee and some fellowship before services!  For this week's Hope Notes - can you put in that anyone willing to clean up the coffee table and coffee containers after service email me? I need to put together a schedule and list of volunteers.

 

FOOD PANTRY RE-STOCK
We need to re-stock our freezer with some main dish meals.  We are looking to get about five entrees.  If you are willing to contribute something, please contact Lorraine Otis at lorraineotis@comcast.net.  Thank you!

 

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS FOR JANUARY
How about some steamy hot liquids to chase away the chill?  Canned or dry packaged soups, hot chocolate mix, specialty teas and coffees?  Maybe even some hot mulled apple cider!  Of course, any other canned/packaged goods are always welcome.  Just be sure to check the expiration date.
Please Note:  Donations can be put in the wicker basket that's to the left of the kitchen door.

 

OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE

Do you want to truly feel like you are a vital and connected part of Hope?  Then find a place where you can serve!  Here are some ideas!

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Want to help us with the most effective and powerful ministry at Hope?  Join in as part of our Kid's Ministry!  Here's what to do:
          Nursery
                   Contact Brian or Naidona Ott
                   856-589-2047 or ottbriant@netscape.net
          Toddlers & Preschool
                   Contact Franne Harkin
                   609-458-2124 or fhark7@yahoo.com
          Elementary
                   Contact Anita Little
                   856-783-7168 or alittleshopper@yahoo.com
          Wednesday Night Program
                   Contact Jen Winstel
                   856-782-7798 or jenwinrn@comcast.net
Just pick where you would be most interested in helping and give that person a call. They will fill you in on the current needs and tell you whatever you need to know!

SOUND AND MEDIA TEAM
Our Sound and Media Team can always use more helpers!  Don't be scared; they will train you.  Contact Steve Jones for sound at jones.stephen.d@gmail.com or Jim Bradshaw at spaceheadjim@yahoo.com for media.

COFFEE BAR CLEAN UP
Are you enjoying our Coffee Bar?  Would you be willing to clean up the coffee bar and containers after the service?  Please contact Al Lewis at lewis@voorhees.k12.nj.us so that he can put together a list of volunteers and make a schedule.

COAT RACKS NEEDED
We need someone who is handy with wood working to build coat racks for the classrooms and the youth room. Please see Glenn Johnson if you are able to help.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
NURSERY	Brian & Naidona Ott, Katie Ott
TODDLER	Judy Gotshall, Damon Ott
PRE-K THRU K	Kim Lawlor, Erin Sweeney
1ST & 2ND	Kathleen Toomin
3RD – 5TH	Anne Owens
GREETERS:	Rob Devereaux
	Wendy Devereaux
	Mickey Dariano
	Lucille Franchetti
COUNTERS:	TBA
CLEANERS:	TBA
TOY CLEANERS:	TBA

HOPES PRAYER TEAM
If you have a prayer request, please fill out a prayer request card and drop it in the offering slot at the back of the church on Sunday or use the "Prayer Request Form" on our website. If you have any questions or would like to join the Prayer Team, please contact Jim Bradshaw directly at Prayer@hopechristianfellowship.org.

PRAYER REQUESTS
Dr. John Lawson -  He is a wonderful doctor and Christian. Please pray for him, his family and 2 young sons as he battles cancer.
For God to lead in finding us a Middle School Leader and a Kids Ministry Director.  Please pray that God to brings us to the right people at the right time and let Him have His work in all of this!
Young Adults – Please pray that God would give the young adults here at Hope a heart for our new ministry so that they can grow in the Lord and forge closer relationships with each other.

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

Rescued by the Savior,
Lois
 
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