Hope Notes 3/3/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
If you ever think that your attendance at worship isn't important, think again!  We really felt the emptiness in our congregation last week due to so many families being away at the marriage conference.  Not just the empty seats, but the sound of your voices during worship, the comfort of your presence filling the auditorium, and the fellowship we have normally would have together.  It just didn't feel "right".  So – for anyone who is thinking, "Oh it won't matter to anyone if I just sleep in and don't go this week"………..it DOES matter and we DO miss you!  See you Sunday.

SUNDAY MESSAGE
3/6 – Helping While Hurting (1 Samuel 22:1-5)

It seems like an easy concept for people to buy into – helping other people is a good thing.  And many of us even aspire to pour our lives out in doing just that.  If only our lives would cooperate and let us be helpful!  We'd like to give some money to those in need, but we can't seem to keep up with our own expenses.  We'd love to help someone's marriage get on the right track, but we're not sure how to bring life back into our own marriage.  We'd love to help in church, but we need to be on the receiving end until we can arrive at some spiritually healthy place.  But what if God's plan for us is to never feel like we're in a position to help?  Does that mean we will be sitting on the sideline for the rest of our lives?  As we look at David's story, we'll discover that God's plan is for us to help others even while there are gaping needs in our own lives.  And sometimes, the thing we need will be found as we step out in faith to give when we don't feel like we have anything to give.

 

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 MARCH - RUTH
The book of Ruth describes a young Gentile woman of faith, loyalty, humility, and wisdom, whom God chose to be adopted into His family and to become the great-grandmother of King David……and consequently a direct ancestor of Jesus.  Ruth's story proves that God isn't as concerned about bloodlines and family backgrounds as He is about faithfulness to Him.

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

FAMILY BOWLING EVENT
Sunday, March 28, 5:00-7:00pm
Get ready for an evening filled with fun, fellowship, and BOWLING at Brunswick Bowl in Deptford.  Cost is $8.00 per person which includes shoe rental, pizza and a pitcher of coke per lane. Money will be collected at the door of the bowling alley by Franne Harkin or Anita Little when you arrive.  Signup sheet is on the back table.

 

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

 

INFORMATION MEETING
March 20^th
The Leadership Team will be having an information meeting for the partners and friends of Hope on 3/20 after the morning service.  With all the renovation work on the building coming to an end, we wanted to update everyone on what was spent and what was accomplished.  We also want to share a little bit about the issues to keep in prayer as we continue to grow as a church.  There are some decisions ahead about which we'd like for everyone to join with us in prayer! 

 

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
We really need some freezer meals!  Please consider making a double casserole next time you make one for your family and bring the extra to Hope. If you are willing to contribute something, please contact Lorraine Otis at lorraineotis@comcast.net.  Thank you!
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	Naidona, Brian, & Katie Ott
TODDLER	Jim & Debbie Bradshaw
PRE-K THRU K	Tina & Greg Campana
1ST & 2ND	Melissa McGinness
3RD – 5TH	Kimmie Rice
GREETERS:	Al Lewis
	Lorraine Otis
	Charlotte Zediker
	Pat Schug
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 the family's peace and comfort as they say goodbye to his brother, Dave.
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

Made New in Him,
Lois
 

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