Hope Notes 4/7/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
I saw a piece of a plastic bag stuck in our forsythia bush the other day and went over to pull it out.  I soon discovered that it was NOT a random piece of trash, but that a bird had used it to weave into his nest.  He obviously didn't care what it looked like; he just knew it would be a nice addition to his nest!  That made me think about how many times we reject something God has provided for us because we don't like how it looks or sounds, or what it might require of us.  It might be a job opportunity, a chance to step out in faith, an act of service, or even something as simple as a material object that we need.  We examine it briefly and then quickly reject it as "not what we wanted" instead of being grateful His provision.  Next time that happens to me, I'm going to think about that little birdie and how he put an old piece of "God-provided" trash to good use!

SUNDAY MESSAGE
4/10 – Returning Good For Evil (1 Samuel 24)

Have you ever watched a movie where the bad guy seems to be able to do whatever he wants without anyone stopping him?  Something inside of us cries out for SOMEONE to administer justice – to make the evil-doer pay for his wrongs.  Or at least stop him!   If the movie ends without some resolution for the wrongs that have been done, it leaves an empty place inside our hearts.  But that same dynamic works inside of our real lives as well!  When someone wrongs US, we want some type of retribution.  If there is no one to stop the wrong or make the person pay, we start to feel a need for revenge.  Somehow, we think that payback will heal our hurts or restore our self-respect.  However, as we look at the life of David, we find that David (a man after God's own heart) did not pursue revenge.  We'll see that God gave him the perfect opportunity to 'set things right' by his own hand, but David chooses instead to leave the wrongs in God's hands and walk by faith.  It is a powerful challenge to each of us to 'overcome evil with good!'

 

BENEVOLENT OFFERING

We will be taking a Benevolent Offering this Sunday (4-10) for a need in the body.  Please pray about this and give as you feel led.

 

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. 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 – THIS FRIDAY

Friday, April 8th

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

 

DIRECTORY UPDATE
Denise Brion's phone number has changed.  The new number is 856-243-5573.

 

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!

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

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	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:	Bill Berry & Mike Hartwell

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

Grateful for His Provision,
Lois
 

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