Hope Notes 4/28/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
No matter how hard I try, or how closely I watch, I just can't seem to capture that moment when the trees go from having tiny buds of green to being covered with vibrant green leaves!  Every year I tell myself that THIS year I will catch it!  Doesn't it always seem like they just appear overnight?  God does some amazing work in the cover of darkness!  Sometimes He does the same thing in my heart.  It is closed tight to something just like one of those little green buds.  I give it to Him in prayer, and then one day I realize that my heart has opened to that situation or person or whatever and I never saw it coming!  I try to track the steps forward, but God just does His thing in His timing and I am left wondering how I missed the process!

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE
5/1 – Swimming Upstream (1 Samuel 26)

Water in motion can do some amazing things.  From the gradual erosion of rock and stone to the sudden and powerful pull of rip tides at the beach, moving water can be an irresistible force.  If you were to go out and stand in a river current, you would feel the constant push of the water's flow on your body.  Just like that, there are forces in our lives that constantly push us in a direction.  But many of those forces are not pushing us towards God's plan or instructions for our lives.  When we try to follow God's leading, it can often feel like we're swimming upstream – fighting against the current.  As we continue with David's story, it will be obvious how life was pushing at David to do some things that he just knew he shouldn't do.  He refuses to follow Saul's lead or the advice of his friend.  Instead, David sets an example for us in being willing to go against what seems natural so that God can do the supernatural in 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 MAY – PSALMS BOOK ONE (1-41)
The Psalms are a collection of songs and poems written by various authors.  They give us a beautiful glimpse of the nature of God and His undying love for us.  Book One is composed mostly of prayers of faith in times of adversity. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Evenings 7:00-8:15

We are taking a break from our regular Bible study and offering four different workshop classes. We will have a marriage class, a parenting class, a basics of Christianity class, and a class on finding personal significance.  Each class will be based on a book study and Wed nights will be a discussion of what we are learning through our reading.  We'd like to invite everyone to choose one class, and sign up right away!  We need to order materials so they are ready for the class.  Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight, help and encouragement in these important areas of spiritual growth:

Marriage
Leaders:  Steve & Karen Jones and Damon & LaTosha Briggs

The Art of Marriage is a video-based program using biblical principles to help couples fully experience God's design for marriage.  You will find some of the most respected and influential pastors and experts on marriage and family all in one setting.  An added bonus will be a custom emphasis on finances in marriage, using the Briggs' extensive expertise in this area.

 

Parenting
Leaders:  Pastor Mark & Dana Ott

What parent doesn't want help in parenting? There are plenty of resources out there that give techniques and plans for raising kids. But which one is right? We want to take a look at the Biblical model for parenting. In Grace Based Parenting, Dr. Kimmel offers a revolutionary concept that focuses on using God's parenting as a model for our own.  We'll take these weeks and read through this book and discuss it together as we each work on becoming more like Him – even in our parenting!

 

Personal Value and Significance
Leaders:  Tom Albright and Pat Harkin

There is a desperate cry in the heart of every person to know that they matter – that they have value and significance.  The Search for Significance is a book that takes that need and examines it in light of what God says in the Bible.  Each week, you'll read some of the book and come prepared to discuss and share what God is teaching you as well as to listen to what the Lord is doing in the hearts of everyone else.

Basics of Christianity

Have you ever felt lost when people start talking about the Bible, or question you about what exactly does it mean to be a believer? Whether you are a new Christian who needs to learn the basics, or if you've been a believer a long time but need a "refresher course" on your faith, this is the class for you! We will be using the Bible as our guide to finding out what God has to say about things like Salvation, the authority of Scripture, Prayer, Baptism & Communion, Serving God & Giving, etc. The Bible is God's greatest resource for us to learn from and we will show you how to do jus

 

Note:  There will be no classes on May 25^th due to our Spring Café event.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT KIDS PROGRAM
7:00 – 8:15
During Workshop Wednesdays for the adults, our children will be in the auditorium enjoying movies, activities, and each other!  We need two helpers each week. (See Opportunities to Serve at the end.)

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. Be sure to check the weekly calendar in the Salt & Light for game dates and times, then come on out and support our team!

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

 

30HOUR FAMINE/LOCK IN –THIS FRIDAY
Jr & Sr High
Friday, April 29 – Saturday, April 30
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".

 

30 HOUR FAMINE DONATIONS

THIS WEEK our youth group is participating in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine -going without food for 30 hours so others can eat. We'll experience real hunger for ourselves while raising funds to help hungry children and their families. It's not too late for you to support us! Every $30 we raise can help feed and care for one child for a month. Visit www.30hourfamine.org/donate and search for HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - Team ID 002895407. As this weekend approaches, please pray that God would bless and transform us as we "love hungry."

Want to help with the Famine this weekend? Call Steph & Chris at (856) 226-3844 or cbmulder@comcast.net.
 "We are fools for Christ....to this very hour, we go hungry." 1 Cor. 4:10-1

 

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

 

SAINTS PRISON MINISTRY

SPM is a unique prison ministry that reaches inmates with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through athletics. Statistics show that the vast majority of prisoners will not attend a traditional religious program.  However, inmates will gladly attend sporting events at which a gospel message is shared. Our own Bill McGinness participates in this ministry every summer and needs to raise $1000 in order to do so.  You can help him reach this goal through prayer and/or financial contributions. Checks can be made payable to Bill McGinness.

 

SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY

 Handi*Camp (for people with disabilities) is looking for staff members (paid positions): Not all positions involve physical care for campers. They also need cooks, counselors, and prayer partners. 

Check out their website at www.hvmi.org.  Contact Brian Robinson for more information about any of these opportunities at brobinson@hvmi.org; 717-859-4777.  

 

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE
9:30 – 10:00 am
Come and join us for a good cup of coffee and some fellowship before services.  It's such a nice way to start your morning!

 

FOOD PANTRY
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!

WORSHOP WEDNESDAY HELPERS
While the adults are having their workshops in the classrooms, our kids will be in the auditorium having activities, watching movies, etc.  We need some volunteers to help the leaders keep a watchful eye on things.  Please sign up for whichever week you can help.  See Franne Harkin for more information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STREET FAIR
Friday, May 6^th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
 Hope will have an information table at the Lunch Munch Street Fair in Woodbury. We need people to sit at our church's table for one of two different shifts and talk to parents and children who stop by and ask questions. We would love to have groups of 2-3 people at the table at a time. If you're interested in signing up, please contact Ellen Lewis at 856-346-1978 or at ellenpjones@comcast.net.

 

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

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.

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!

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
NURSERY	Sue Quin & Lucy Muhlbaier
TODDLER	Matt & Jenn Headley
PRE-K THRU K	Linda Landis & Linda Ellison
1ST & 2ND	Lisa Landis
3RD – 5TH	Kylie Ott & Janet Welsh
GREETERS:	Greg Corrado
	Helen Mastalski
	Dorothy Haines
	Wendy Lynch
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
Janet Muhlbaier – For her nephew, Barry, who has just been told he has incurable brain cancer and only a short time to live.  He is a believer with a wife and five children.
Kathy Berry – For God's peace and comfort as Kathy and her family mourn the loss of her father.  Also for safe travel as her extended family comes together to celebrate his life in memorial.
Josh and Kelly Hallahan – For our missionaries as they prepare to leave for Uganda, Africa May 15^th.
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

Covered by the Cross,
Lois
 

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