Hope Notes 9/1/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
"What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the wave obey him?"  Mt. 8:27
We have surely had enough examples this past week of God's sovereignty and His power!  Here in Williamstown, we faced an earthquake, a hurricane, and a tornado!  Last week I mentioned how I was reminded of how little control I really have over anything.  This week, after experiencing all those events, I was reminded of God's protection and mercy.  It was almost embarrassing how little we really had to "suffer" during the storms.  It made me think of all those in Japan and Louisiana who truly faced massive devastation.  I am thankful that God spared us and brought us all through safely.  I am so ready to come to church this week and praise Him for His goodness!

SUNDAY MESSAGE - COMMUNION

8/28 – An Opportunity to Go Backwards (2 Samuel 4)

"One step forward and two steps back…"  No matter how familiar that saying is, it doesn't seem like a good recipe for making progress.  A net move backwards almost never feels like a good thing.  But as we walk through our lives as believers, we are continually offered (through temptation) an opportunity to go backwards.  Somehow, the master deceiver makes it seem like going backwards is desirable.  But of course, it isn't.  In this story, David is faced with a very similar situation to the death of Saul.  And he again has the opportunity to act in his flesh instead of acting by faith in the Lord.  A huge part of growing in our faith is facing these opportunities to go backwards and rejecting them!

 

UPCOMING SPECIAL SERVICES

9/11 Memorial

This will be a day to reflect and remember what happened to our country, as well as what God taught us through the events of that day.  Bob Rice will share his testimony about his own personal experience during the months he was at Ground Zero.  He has some items to display from NYC, the Pentagon, and Shenksville.

Many people may be looking for something of substance to do on this day to commemorate the events of 9/11.  If we keep our eyes open, God may use us to invite anyone who will need this type of memorial. And for all of us, it is a good time to remember how God walked with us through those days of chaos and turmoil.

 

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 SEPTEMBER
Psalms 42 – 72
The Psalms give us a beautiful glimpse of the nature of God, of His undying love for us, and of wht true love for God is like.  If you need comfort and encouragement, the book of Psalms is a great place to find it!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
7:00 – 8:15
You don't want to miss our study of 1Corinthians!  Gathering together midweek to dig into God's Word is just what we need to stay connected to our church family and to our Lord.  Childcare is provided.

BAPTISM CEREMONY
Sunday, October 2^nd @ 1:30pm
Anyone who has trusted Christ but still needs to be baptized is welcome to be a part of this service.  We'll be setting up two classes for those who want to be baptized.  If you want to be baptized, you will need to attend both classes.  If you're interested, please see Pastor Mark to get a book to be read before those classes begin.  Dates will be weeknights in the weeks before 10/2, with exact dates and times to be announced soon!

 

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 and 3^rd 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

 

WOMAN OF FAITH
September 9-10
We have lots of tickets still available for Women of Faith!  Spread the word among your family and friends to see if anyone would like to go.
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.
Make checks payable to Hope Christian Fellowship and bring 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 in the Resource Room to bring a dish or dessert to share. We will also be looking for some volunteers to help with games.

 

SMALL GROUP KICK OFF
September 18
Small Groups are vital to the body of Hope.  We are a family and need to stay connected with one another.  Since that's a little hard to do just seeing each other after church or Bible study, we need to get plugged in to a Small Group.  They are just one of the ways in which we can form deeper relationships as we learn and grow together.  We will be discussing and kicking off the group formation process 9/18. 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ladies Fellowship Luncheon   October 8th

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

DOGGIE SHOWER UPDATE
Sunday September 4th
Due to church being canceled last week, the Doggie Shower has been moved to this Sunday. If you signed up to bring an item to the Doggie Shower for Kim Biglin, please remember to bring it with you this Sunday and put it in the Resource Room.  Thank you!

 

GIVING UPDATE
For the month of August, we averaged $3797 for the first three weeks, and then had to cancel services for the fourth week.  That takes our giving average for the month down to $2848 per week.  Our target weekly giving is $4000 per week, so we have a little making up to do!  We're trusting God to provide for every financial need as we partner together at Hope for His kingdom!  For the year, our current weekly average is now $4223 per week.

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
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!

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	Karla and Brad Hopkins
TODDLER	Debbie and Jim Bradshaw
PRE-K THRU K	Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens
1ST -3rd	Lisa Fiorile
4th - 5th	Anne Jefferson
GREETERS:	Mike Hartwell
	Emily Hartwell
	Matt Austen
	Lisa Minner
COUNTERS:	LaTosha Briggs & 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
Youth Group – Please pray for God to provide the right youth pastor and the right team of people around him.
Kids Ministry Director.  Please pray for God to connect us with 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

Lost Without Him,
Lois

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