Hope Notes 2/24/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
What a blessing it was to see so many people at the Open House last week!  It wasn't just seeing the new faces checking out Hope, it was seeing everyone from Hope strolling the halls, handing out food, answering questions and guiding the visitors through our church.  It is nice to know that we are all so invested in Hope and in what God is doing here!  I love my church and my church family and it just filled my heart to see all the activity in our building.

SUNDAY MESSAGE
Hand in Hand with the Hallahans
Joshua and Kelly Hallahan are Missionary Disciples with World Gospel Mission! God has called them to go to Uganda, East Africa.  It is their heart's desire that all the world would know the saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are in the midst of the Homeland Ministry Assignment and are making plans to be in Africa very soon. God has laid it on our hearts here at Hope to partner with them on this journey.  We are excited not only to have them come and share, but for God to have given us this opportunity to be a part of the mission field in Africa!  Learn more about Josh and Kelly at their blog - http://www.thehallahans.blogspot.com

 

MESSAGES AVALIABLE
 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 FEBRUARY -
The book of James is designed to prod Christians into loving out their faith, into behaving in ways that honor the Lord they claim to serve.  James doesn't go for secret believers or half-hearted Christians.  He says that if you say you belong to Jesus, then you had better act like it!  One thing's for sure:  if you say you belong to the Lord but live like the devil, James will be a mighty uncomfortable book to read!

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 running for our 2-3 and 4-5 year olds as well as our elementary (1^st thru 5^thgrade) children.  Classes meet in the same rooms as those age groups meet on Sundays. 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

SOFTBALL TEAM
Got an athlete's foot? Then the Hope Softball team could use you! The team is forming for the 2011 season. We will sign both males and females, age 15 and up to one year contracts. Sign Up sheets are on the back table. Please see Lenny Little for more details.

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.

 

YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS – ROOTED
"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Col. 2:7

 

Upcoming Events / More details to follow:

YOUTH SERVICE PRACTICE & PIZZA
Saturday, March 26th
Meet at church at 5:00 for pizza then practice for youth service

YOUTH SERVICE

Sunday, March 27th
Meet at church at 8:45am.

SR HIGH CAMP OUT

Friday, April 8
Boys at Mulder's / Girls at Angel's
30HOUR FAMINE/LOCK IN
April 29
Jr. & Sr. High
http://www.30hourfamine.org

 

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.

ROOM FOR RENT
Furnished room available.  Must be employed.  Share Expenses.  Contact Judy Gottshall at 856-686-2261 Monday or Friday

 

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!

 

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!

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.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
NURSERY	Sue Quinn & Lucy Muhlbaier
TODDLER	Patti Tomasetti & Maurice Brazelis
PRE-K THRU K	Linda Landis & Linda Ellison
1ST & 2ND	Lisa Landis
3RD – 5TH	Kylie Ott & Janet Welsh
GREETERS:	Rick Mounce
	Judy Gotshall
	Katrina Mariani
	Dolores Orsino
COUNTERS:	Karen Jones & Kathy Berry

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 sent home from the hospital with hospice and for their families as they deal with this difficult time.

The Brion Family – For peace and comfort as they grieve the loss of Ron and yet rejoice in him going home to the Lord.
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

Until the Whole Word Hears,
Lois
 

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