Hope Notes 8/18/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
Our dog, Olive, has a habit that happens every time I take her for a walk through our yard and into our woods.  When we turn around to head back, she frantically searches for a stick and then carries it all the way back to the house.  I don't know why she does this; I doubt that she knows why she does this!  But it made me think about my own habits.  Usually, bad habits are mindless.  Good habits are mindful.  Bad habits are hard to break.  Good habits can slip away easily.  Bad habits seem to establish themselves overnight, while good habits take time and dedication to become ingrained.  Think about how easy it is to skip a Bible reading here and there, or to forget to pray and ask our Lord for guidance.  We miss church once, then twice, and then before you know it, a month has gone by.  Let's make a concentrated effort to be mindful of our good habits and see if we can't let some of those bad ones disappear!

SUNDAY MESSAGE –
8/21 – The End of a Grudge (3:22-39)

The idea of "getting even" seems to make so much sense.  Someone has wronged us, and we need to wrong them in return to set things right.  But the Bible tells us that this doesn't make us even – it makes us wrong.  Instead, we are instructed to turn to God for justice and healing from the hurts in our life.  This truth is illustrated in the story of David.  His general, Joab, is looking for revenge and finds a way to get it.  But David mourns the loss – instead of seeing this as justice, he sees it as wrong piled on top of wrong.  We need to let God open our eyes to the way He sees revenge so that we are not easily deceived into thinking it is something that will help us.

 

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 AUGUST – 1THESSALONIANS
We all need Hope.  In this book, the apostle Paul gives us a slightly different take on the word hope.  The ultimate hope is that Jesus is coming back.  Does that mean we hope He comes, but we're not sure?  Far from it! The kind of hope Paul talks about in this letter is a rock solid assurance that God always keeps His promises, including His promise that Jesus will return to earth in order to reward all those who live for Him.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
7:00 – 8:15 pm
Throughout the summer, we will be treated to a variety of speakers and worship on Wednesday evenings.  Next week – Bob Baumiester.
Note:  We will be meeting in the Youth Room so that our kids can practice for the upcoming Puppet Show.

 

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

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING PUPPET SHOW
August 31^st @7:00

In place of our usual Bible Study, the children's class will be presenting a Puppet Show!  Everyone is invited to attend – bring your family and your friends!  We will have our café tables and chairs all set up for your enjoyment.  Refreshments will be served after the show.  If you'd like to help, please sign up in the Resource Room to bring a treat to share

 

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.
Note:  Tickets are first come /first served and will be reserved once the 1^st payment of $30 is paid July 10^th.  Make checks payable to Hope Christian Fellowship and b ring your payments to Melissa McGinness.

If you have questions you may contact Hope's group leader Melissa McGinness at MelissaMcGinness007@comcast.net or 856-481-4364.

 

CHURCH PICNIC
September 18th
It's almost time for our annual picnic!  The festivities will begin immediately following worship.  Get ready for an awesome time of fellowship, games, food, and fun!  Hope will provide burgers, dogs, and beverages.  Sign up to bring a dish or dessert to share.  (Signups should be out 8/21 or 28)  We will also be looking for some volunteers to help with games.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ladies Fellowship Luncheon   October 8th

Baptism Ceremony                Early October

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

PUPPET SHOW REHEARSALS
Wednesday Evening, August 24 @ 7:00 in the sanctuary. First live rehearsal

Sunday, August 28^th from 12:00 - 3:00, Last and final rehearsal. ALL NEED TO ATTEND!  

We will have pizza and drinks for the kids and then begin rehearsal promptly at 12:00.

 

DOGGIE SHOWER
Sunday August 28^th
Kim Biglin will be getting a service dog in the near future and is in need of some supplies for her new helper.  We are asking your assistance in meeting this need for Kim.  There is a list of all supplies needed in the Resource Room.  Please sign your name next to the item of your choice and be sure to bring it to church Sunday August 28^th.  Kim has a driver who brings her in a van and that is the day the items will be able to be loaded into the van.  If you have any questions, please contact Kim at KimmiB@comcast.net or Lorraine Otis(Needs Team) at lorraineotis@comcast.net.

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 – JULY & AUGUST
We're collecting breakfast items for the pantry!  Please bring in things like cereals, hot cereal mixes, pop tarts, granola bars, pancake mix, maple syrup, bottled juices, 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!

HELP FOR THE PUPPET SHOW
If you are willing to lend a hand with our Puppet Show on Wednesday, August 31^st, please sign up in the Resource Room to bring a treat to share and/or to help clean up.

FESTIVAL HELPERS
Saturday, September 10^th
We will have a table set up at the Woodbury Heights Annual Anniversary Celebration with information on Hope Christian Fellowship.  We are looking for some volunteers to help man the table!  More details will follow.  There is a signup sheet on the back table.  See Ellen Lewis with any questions.

QUICKBOOKS
We are currently looking for anyone with some knowledge of QuickBooks who might be interested in helping our treasurer.  If you are interested, please contact Pastor Mark, Damon or LaTosha Briggs.

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	Dawn & John Brazelis
PRE-K THRU K	Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens
1ST -3rd	Melissa McGinness
4th - 5th	Pat Harkin & Kara Ott
GREETERS:	Al Lewis
	Lorraine Otis
	Charlotte Zediker
	Diane Beardsworth
COUNTERS:	Karen Jones & LaTosha Briggs
WEDNESDAY EVENING:	Bob & Kimmie Rice

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
Youth Group – Please pray for God's leading and provision for our Youth Group.
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

Pursued by a Relentless God,
Lois

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