Hope Notes 5/19/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
Last week I was treated to a glimpse of glory from God.  He opened the skies to reveal one of His most beautiful and meaningful creations – a gorgeous rainbow displayed from one side to the other across the bay.  I'd never seen one so bright, so complete.  It literally brought tears to my eyes as I recalled God's oath attached to His rainbow – that He is faithful to His Word and will keep all His promises to us. (Gen 9:12-17)  What a loving God we have that He thinks to give us a visible reminder of His assurance!

SUNDAY MESSAGE

5/29 – Directed by A Closed Door (1 Samuel 29)

God gives us direction in our lives by many different methods.  First of all, there is the Bible that gives us the truth in reliable written form.  From God's Word, we can learn so many truths that will point us in ways we should go, and point us away from ways we shouldn't go.  There is also God's Spirit in our hearts as believers that speaks to us prompting us to follow His leading.  But one way that God graciously gives direction is by cutting off paths that seem to be the way to go.  We often call this a closed door.  When God stops us from going the way we were planning to go (or that others were planning for us to go), it can be frustrating.  But if we will know how to accept that closed door as God's direction, we can enjoy the security and peace that comes from allowing God to be in charge of our lives.

 

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! 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.  An added bonus will be a custom emphasis on finances in marriage, using the Briggs' extensive expertise in this area.

Grace Based Parenting
Leaders:  Pastor Mark & Dana Ott
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 to 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

The Search for Significance is a book that takes the need of every person to know that they matter – that they have value and significance 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 share what God is teaching you.
Basics of Christianity
Leaders:  Bob Baumiester and Mike Hartwell

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, and prayer, etc.

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

SPRING CAFÉ
Wednesday, May 25^th, 7:00 – 8:15pm
In place of our regular Wednesday Night Workshops we are having our Spring Café event.  This is a great time to get together and have some fun enjoying all the various talents shared by our friends at Hope.  Of course, what café is complete without yummy desserts and coffee?  Don't miss this opportunity to take pleasure in each other's company!

 

ROCK THE BLOCK
Saturday, June 4^th from 1:00-8:00pm
FREE!  Come join the fun!
 Sponsored by the Mantua United Methodist Church. Awe-inspiring music featuring Hope's very own worship team, Compelled, and Designed by Grace (Kylie & Kara Ott, and Jackie Salayda). Free food and activities for the kids, including an awesome skate park. 
We will need help for our part of Rock the Block. Set up will be at 9:00am and tear down will be at 8:00pm.We need to raise two canopies and set up the sound system. Any questions call Glenn Johnson at 856-287-5307.

 

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

 

30 HOUR FAMINE SUCCESS

All the 30 Hour Famine donations are in and we have raised $4181 for World Vision. We will be able to help feed 11 kids for 1 year. The top 3 fundraisers are Kara Ott with $756, Kylie Ott with $360, and Max Weidler with $230. We are ever so grateful for everyone's participation and donations. The youth did an amazing job stepping up and raising money and the church did an awesome job supporting us through it. Thanks again, Chris and Steph.

 

JR HIGH SLEEPOVER
Friday June 24 at 6:00pm
Come join us at Chris & Steph Mulder's house for a great time!  We will be swimming, eating, and having a bonfire.  Boys will be camping outside while the girls sleep inside.  Parents, please pick your kids up by 10:00 on Saturday morning.

 

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

 

CHILDREN'S CLASSROOM CHANGES
Attention Parents: Beginning this Sunday our Children's Church classes will be divided up as follows - 1^st thru 3^rd and 4^th & 5^th grades.  This will help to more evenly distribute our children.

 

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.

 

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 NEEDS FOR MAY
We are currently running low on canned meats such as chicken, tuna, ham, salmon, etc.
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!

TEACHER NEEDED
We are in need of a teacher for the 4^th – 5^th grade class.  If you can help, please contact Anita Little at alittleshopper@gmail.com.

 

ROCK THE BLOCK
We will need help for our part of Rock the Block. Set up will be at 9:00am and tear down will be at 8:00pm.We need to raise two canopies and set up the sound system. Any questions call Glenn Johnson at 856-287-5307.

 

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.

 

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	Naidona & Brian Ott
TODDLER	Patti Tomasetti & Maurice Brazelis
PRE-K THRU K	Tina & Craig Campana
1ST -3rd	Pam Fein & Denise Brion
4th - 5th	Kimmie Rice
GREETERS:	Greg Corrado
	Helen Mastalski
	Dorothy Haines
	Wendy Lynch
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
Michael Sambucci – For ongoing concerns regarding serious health issues.  For wisdom and clarity as the family discusses with his doctors what the next step should be.  For healing, for peace and comfort.
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

Overwhelmed by His Goodness,
Lois
 

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