Hope Notes 3/31/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
Have you checked out the bottom of Hope Notes where we list all the different opportunities there are for you to serve at Hope?  I know, I know – I bet many of you don't go that far!!  That's okay; just be sure to check it out this week.  As usual, there's the list of ministries that can always use your help, but we've added a few newer things that you can plug into.  Don't neglect that section – you never know what you might find that is a perfect fit for you to use your talents to serve God's kingdom!

SUNDAY MESSAGE
4/3 – Who is Giving You Input?  (1 Samuel 23:14-29)

Computers are a powerful tool and have really changed the world in which we live.  They can enable communication and connection in ways that were unthinkable only a few decades ago.  They can keep track of documents and records and help us search large volumes of information in just a few seconds.  But one thing that is really irritating about computers is that they only work right when they have the right inputs.  Try forgetting your password to some login and you'll quickly find that the computer will cut you no slack!  They are only as good as the inputs they are given.  What kinds of input are you receiving in your life?  Do you ever evaluate the people who advise you?  In the story of David and Saul, we see two separate kinds of input.  One brings encouragement and life, and the other brings pride and disappointment.  What's the difference between them?  Let's look at the story together and discover the difference!

 

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 APRIL – 1 PETER
The apostle Peter gives us some strong encouragement to stand tall for Christ, even when we have to suffer for it.  Chris suffered before us and far worse than us, he reminds us, and Christ will enable us to live godly lives even in awful circumstances.  In addition, Peter stresses the practical aspects of our faith, including holy living, love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and being a witness for our faith.

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

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME…..♫♫♫
Softball season is upon us!  Our first official game of the season is Monday, April4th @ 9:30pm at Atkinson Field against Joy Fellowship.  Be sure to check the weekly calendar in the Salt & Light for game dates and times.  THEN come on out and support our team!

SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups are meeting!  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

SR HIGH SLEEPOVER

Friday, April 8

Sr. High Sleepover at Chris and Steph Mulder's house, starting at 6pm. Girls are going to see Soul Surfer at the movies ($10.50 for ticket). Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.  Guys are going to camp out, enjoy bonfire, and play airsoft in the woods. Parents, please pick up youth by 9am on Saturday.

 

30HOUR FAMINE/LOCK IN
Jr & Sr High
Friday, April 29 – Saturday, April 30
Hunger kills another child every 10 seconds. Every day, nearly 8,000 kids under age 5 die because of hunger-related causes. Some starve. Some get sick — and their hungry bodies are just too weak to fight. Every year, thousands of students around the world unite and fast for 30 hours raising money for World Vision to save lives. The fast starts on Friday at 12:30 after lunch. Youth arrive at 6pm for Lock-In at church (games, fun, community outreach, and sleepover). Saturday night we will have communion at 6pm and "break the fast". For more info, check out www.30hourfamine.org. If interested in participating or donating, please contact Steph Mulder at (856) 745-0932 or cbmulder@comcast.net. Thanks so much!

 

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

 

MARCH GIVING

The giving for March averaged $5519 per week.  This is well above our target for weekly giving of $3900 per week and brings our annual average through the first quarter of 2011 to $4713.  We are so amazed by God's provision and are praying that, as we grow, the Lord will lead us for each decision.  Please specifically pray with us as we seek the Lord for answers concerning staffing and space to allow this growth to continue!

 

CAR FOR SALE

Ford Taurus, four door, car is in decent shape inside and out.  Asking $400.  If interested please see Glenn Johnson or email atliznglenn@verizon.net.

 

CALLING ALL PARENTS
We need your help!  Please be sure to keep your children (including teens) out of unsupervised rooms at church, especially during the services.  This applies to Wednesday evenings and any special events we have as well.   We appreciate everyone's help in this matter!

 

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE
9:30 – 10:00 am
You're all invited to come and join us for a good cup of coffee and some fellowship before services!

 

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS FOR APRIL
We are in need of some dry goods – cereal and pasta, to be exact!  Please remember to check the expiration dates on the packages before you drop them off.  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!

CHURCH WORKDAY
Saturday, April 2^nd 9:00-Noon (Rain date April 9^th)
It's spring cleaning time!  We need help to clean up our property, throw down some mulch, and plant flowers!  The more hands we have, the quicker the work will go.  See Glenn Johnson if you can help.

TEACHERS NEEDED
We are in need of two teachers for the 1^st and 2^nd grade Sunday morning classes.  If interested, please contact Anita Little at alittleshopper@gmail.com.

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.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
NURSERY	Sharon Rainey & Sharon Sambucci
TODDLER	Becky & Victoria Lein
PRE-K THRU K	Kim Lawlor & Erin Sweeney
1ST & 2ND	Kathleen Toomin
3RD – 5TH	Anne Owens
GREETERS:	Mike Hartwell
	Lisa Minner
	Linda Murray
	Lillian LaRue
COUNTERS:	Rick Mounce & Damon Briggs

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
Middle School Leader & 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

Pursued by a Relentless God,
Lois
 

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