Hope Notes 5/26/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching some baby robins being given a few life lessons from Mama robin.  They took tentative hops around on the grass while she flitted around them encouraging them.  She pulled worms from the ground and dropped them into the babies open mouths. Then suddenly one of them got into our bird bath and didn't know how to get out.  He literally sat down (I didn't know a bird could DO that) and waited for his mommy to rescue him.  And guess what?  She never did!  He eventually gathered up his courage and took off!  I, of course, related it to how God sometimes lets us wait for the "rescue" that doesn't seem to come when we want it.  He instead allows us to rely on Him for the strength to move forward in faith, even if we are scared.  Looks like God gave Mama robin the right instincts!

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 – Led by Steve & Karen Jones and Damon & LaTosha Briggs
Grace Based Parenting – Led by Pastor Mark & Dana Ott!
Personal Value and Significance - Led by  Tom Albright and Pat Harkin
Basics of Christianity – Led by Bob Baumiester and Mike Hartwell
If you haven't attended a class yet……………what are you waiting for?!  Come and join us!

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

NEW FAMILIES FELLOWSHIP
Friday, June 17^th at 7:00 pm

Our Leadership Team is hosting a New Families Fellowship here at Hope for families who have begun attending in the past 6 months or so.  We'd like to invite you to join us for a time of getting to know one another.  So many new people have been visiting lately that we want to set aside some time for each other.  Hope is a place where we value relationships, and this night is another opportunity for us to make these connections by fellowshipping with one another.  So if you're newer to Hope, please plan on joining us that night!

 

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

 

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

 

BUSINESS MEETING
Sunday June5th

We are asking our partners (and regular attenders who are interested) to stay after the service for a brief business meeting.  The Leadership Team is making some minor adjustments to our budget for 2011 and we need to present that to our partners and explain the reasoning behind it.  Praise the Lord that we have seen significant growth in our attendance and giving this year.  Much of the proposed adjustments address the reality and blessing of growth at Hope.  We are also thankful that we have seen the Lord bless us with more money towards savings in these first five months than we had planned to accumulate all year!  That enables us to look for even more ways to invest in our church's health and growth.

 

COMPASSION FAST
Join us in a Compassion Fast during the month of June!  Here's the plan - we're asking anyone interested to set aside something for the month of June that costs them money - and instead to save that money toward giving to those in need.  On the first Sunday of July, we'll collect whatever people have saved and then find some needy families to help out.  In the mean time, fasting like this is a great reminder of how we've been blessed and a great opportunity to pray for spiritual needs in the lives of others.  So please consider being a part of this powerful opportunity to be a blessing to others by sacrificing.

 

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 only needs $725 more 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.

 

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 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	Helen Mastalski & Pat Schug
TODDLER	Jim & Debbie Bradshaw
PRE-K THRU K	Franne & Pat Harkin
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
Karen Blythe's Children, Donald & Melissa – For peace and comfort in the death of their father, Don Heverly.
Michael Sambucci – For ongoing concerns regarding health issues.  For wisdom and clarity as the family discusses with the 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

Worshipping our Creator,
Lois
 

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