Hope Notes 5/4/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
Since my own mother is no longer here on earth with me, on Mother's Day my heart always goes out to those who have lost a mother or a child.  Sometimes having a day set aside to honor something is simply a painful reminder of what you have lost.  Instead, try turning your attention to someone else who fills that role in your life.  God is always faithful to give us exactly what and who we need.  If you examine your life, I am sure you will find that person.  Honor them and thank them for who they are to you.  And for those of you who are blessed to have your loved ones by your side, rejoice in them, honor them, and thank God that they are still with you!

SUNDAY MESSAGE
5/8 – MOTHER'S DAY –Priorities that Simplify Life (Matthew 22:34-40)

There's a lot to juggle in life, and probably no role in life has more juggling to do than our moms.  Schedules are overloaded and there never seems to be enough time to do all that needs to get done.  With all the chaos swirling in our lives, it can be overwhelming to know what to do.  We want to take a look at what Jesus has to say about priorities in our lives.  Jesus is having a discussion with religious leaders about relationships and making choices based on loyalties and priorities.  The way He sums it all up can really simplify our decision making process and help us to know what MUST have our attention and what can wait until later.

 

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

YOUNG ADULTS – FIESTA de MAYO
Monday May 16^th @ 7:00
Don't miss this great time of fun, fellowship, and FOOD!! If you are a "Young Adult" (18-early 30's) and haven't been out to a monthly meeting, what are you waiting for? Our "Fiesta de Mayo" is the perfect time for you to jump in. If you're already part of the group, mark your calendar and bring a friend! See Pastor Mark or Dana with any questions.

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

 

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!

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	TBA
3RD – 5TH	TBA
GREETERS:	Greg Corrado
	Helen Mastalski
	Dorothy Haines
	Wendy Lynch
COUNTERS:	Carole Baumiester & Lois 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
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

At His Feet,
Lois
 

Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list. Any correspondence for Hope Notes goes to Hopenotes Email.