Hope Notes 6/23/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
  I know I'm always writing about Communion Sunday being one of my favorite Sundays, but I can't help it, it is!  I love how we celebrate it at Hope – standing in a circle encompassing the auditorium.  There are no lines of first and last; we are all being served together and are all able to partake together.  It also gives us the perfect opportunity to look around at the faces and families, praying for each one as we see them.  I remember when our "circle" was just a horseshoe shape that only made it about halfway around.  Now, God has blessed us with so many people that not only do we go all the way around, we sometimes have to stand two deep to accommodate us all!  What a glorious representation of God's amazing work and His faithfulness.  See you there.

SUNDAY MESSAGE – COMMUNION SUNDAY

6/26 – A Strange Reaction (2 Samuel 1:1-16)

Many mysteries surrounding crimes are solved by police who know how to make sense of the reactions of people.  They interview various people involved in the case and watch how they react.  And those clues help the detectives determine who had a part in the crime.  But when we become children of God, we have more than just human reactions.  We now have the Spirit of God in us that reacts with His heart and His mind.  So we can sometimes react in ways that would seem strange to those who are looking on.  Standing up for what is right, or being willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ doesn't make a lot of sense to people around us.  Today, we'll see that David got what many would have considered "good news".  But David's reacts in a way that is surprising because he wasn't looking for what he could gain.  Are we willing to look strange in our reactions because we are willing to live our lives for God?

 

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 JUNE – EPHESIANS
Is it possible to have unity with those whose religious or ethnic backgrounds differ from yours?  When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians, he emphasized that it was the work of Christ on the cross that brought together Jews and Gentiles into the family of God.  As long as two people surrender their lives and give their loyalty to Jesus, they are one in Christ – no matter what their ethnic, religious, economic, or intellectual differences. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Evenings 7:00-8:15
Only one week left!  If you haven't come out yet, take this final opportunity and come join in!   
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

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.
Note:  We will not be meeting in July, but will resume as usual in August!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

WOMAN OF FAITH
September 9-10
We have purchased 31 tickets to attend the Women of Faith Conference at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.  Price of the (2) day tickets is $89.00 per person.  This includes admission to 2 full days of conference activities (speakers, drama and musical guests) and boxed lunches.  An information session will be held after church one Sunday in June to discuss payment and other information related to the event.  If you have questions in the meantime you may contact Hope's group leader Melissa McGinness at MelissaMcGinness007@comcast.net or 856-481-4364.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME…..♫♫♫
Our guys are doing great!  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 – THIS FRIDAY
Friday June 24 at 6:00pm
Come join us at Chris & Steph Mulder's house for a great time! Bring a friend! 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

 

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 needs a mere $250 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.  If you would like a receipt for tax deduction purposes, make your check payable to Saints Prison Ministry. Contributions (cash or check) should be given directly to Bill McGinness so that he can make sure they are properly credited in support of him.

 

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 JUNE
Because of the Compassion Fast during the month of June, we will not be asking for any specific donations.  This way, we can all save up our extra cash to give towards any needs in the body at Hope!
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.

 

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	Brad & Karla Hopkins
TODDLER	Becky & Tori Lein
PRE-K THRU K	Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens
1ST -3rd	Lisa Fiorile
4th - 5th	Anne Owens
GREETERS:	Rob Devereaux
	Wendy Devereaux
	Mickey Dariano
	Lucille Franchetti
COUNTERS:	Karen Jones & LaTosha 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
 Diane Beardsworth – Her daughter, Kelly, is being induced next week.  Pray for a safe delivery & healthy baby boy.  Also, her father Dominic's health problems.

 Tatyana Briggs –For her cousin who is having heart problems

Diane Fristch - For John Brazelis' sister who is in the hospital with pneumonia and liver trouble.

 Bruce Lindsay - That his children, Kristen & Ryan, would become true worshippers and lovers of the Lord.

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

Washed in His Blood,
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.