Hope Notes 02/03/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
For those of you who have been reading Hope Notes for any length of time, you know that Communion Sunday almost always receives a special shout out in the opening paragraph!  It is such a special time during worship and I just love the way we "do" communion at Hope.  Not only is it a time of commemorating what Christ did for us on the cross, but it brings a special feeling of family as we stand in a circle around the auditorium.  I love to look around the circle at all the faces of my brothers and sisters-in Christ.  Prayer requests and family situations come to mind as I see each one.  It's a good time to pray for everyone as we stand and wait.  Be there Sunday – don't miss it!

SUNDAY MESSAGE – COMMUNION SUNDAY
2/6 – The Lord as David's Shield (1 Samuel 19) -

Life is dangerous and can be quite scary!  We hear about new dangers every day.  Whether it is finding out about some new threat to our health, or a news story about senseless crime, we are all confronted with danger.  How do we deal with all of this without losing it or falling into a panic?  The Bible tells us that God watches over His children.  Have you ever seen His hand at work to protect you?  David knew God's watch care personally.  As we continue looking at David's story, we'll see how the Lord intervened for David on several occasions to protect him from the danger of losing his life.

 

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! 

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. 

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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MONTHLY GIVING
We averaged $4465 per week in giving which is well above our target of $3900 per week.  In addition, we received a special gift of $10,000.  God has richly provided for us as we start this year, and we are excited to see all that the Lord will do with what He has given!

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 – DUE THIS SUNDAY
Please remember to bring your baby bottles to church on February 6^th. Don't forget, you can write a check to Choices of the Heart if that is easier for you and slip it into one of the bottles on the table at Hope.

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 FREEZER 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 FEBRUARY
We are low on complete/one box meals (hamburger or tuna helper, etc), peanut butter and jelly, and canned tuna.  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!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH FLYER DISTRIBUTION
Saturday February 12^th 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Please come help us distribute flyers for our Open House to our neighbors.  This is a great opportunity to invite our community to come and see Hope Christian Fellowship.  Even if they don't come to the Open House/Concert, they will be aware of who and where we are should they ever feel the need to attend church!

FINGER FOOD SIGN UP
We need plenty of finger foods for our Open House!  Snacks, appetizers, and desserts that don't require utensils would be greatly appreciated.  Please add your name to the signup sheet in the back so that we can begin preparing for this event.

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@gmail.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	Karla and Brad Hopkins, Dustin Ott
TODDLER	Jen & Matt Headley
PRE-K THRU K	Bill McGinness, Isaiah Owens
1ST & 2ND	Melissa Angel
3RD – 5TH	Kim Biglin, Kerry Crowley
GREETERS:	Rick Mounce
	Judy Gotshall
	Katrina Mariani
	Dolores Orsino
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
Dan Rozinski – For his brother, Dave, who has been re-admitted to the hospital due to complications from cancer.
Lois Hartwell – For doctor's wisdom and God's healing with multiple nodules and cysts on the thyroid.
Middle School Leader and a Kids Ministry Director.  Please pray that God leads 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

No Longer in Darkness,
Lois
 

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