Hope Notes 9/8/2011

Dear Friends of Hope~
Fall is coming.  How do I know this?  I know because God is giving me some signs.  The very first of the fall leaves are sprinkled across my backyard like confetti.  The birdbath now has a few golden leaves skittering across the surface every day.  At night the air has just the faintest whisper of cooler temperatures.  All these signs point to a predictable outcome – fall is on the way.  God always gives us signs of things to come; we just don't always pay attention to them!  Sometimes we ignore them on purpose because we don't like what they are pointing to.  Sometimes we simply miss the signs He is trying to give us because we are so involved in our busy lives, or so intent on making sure our plan is unfolding the way we want.  I am making a personal commitment to be mindful of the signs God is placing before me.  I don't want to miss what He has so graciously laid out for me.  How about you?

SUNDAY MESSAGE

9/11 – September 11^th Service

It is hard to believe that TEN years have passed since that unforgettable day.  You can probably remember many details from that day, from the unbelievably clear sky, to where you were when you first heard.  Hope is going to take this anniversary and remember together what we learned and what God did through that unbelievable tragedy.  We have the honor of having many who served their country through the military, and through public service such as police officers and firemen.  It is our privilege at Hope to have several of these heroes as part of our church, and a few of them will share their experiences from the terrorist attacks.  But this is not empty remembrance.  We will take a few moments to look at what God can teach us even today through the events of ten years ago.

 

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 – THIS WEEKEND
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. 

 

LADIES FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON
Saturday, October 8^th 12:00 – 3:00
It's time for our ladies to spend some time enjoying each other's company!  This is our opportunity to catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and just reconnect as the women of Hope.  Any "lady" ages 13 and up is encouraged to come.  We will be having a special devotion by Linda Phillips.  Linda is the sister of Joy, our missionary in Africa.  Bring a friend if you'd like and come prepared to be blessed with good food, good company, and a good word!  Please sign up in the Resource Room to let us know if you can bring a dish to share and how many we need to prepare for.  See Liz Johnson or Lois Hartwell with any questions.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 - SEPTEMBER
It's time to make some Back-to-School treats!  We are collecting baking supplies such as cake mixes, brownie mixes, flour, sugar, vanilla, cupcake liners, 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! 
Please contact Ellen Lewis if you are available.

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	Kathleen Toomin
4th - 5th	Kim Biglin & Kerry Crowley
GREETERS:	Mike Hartwell
	Emily Hartwell
	Matt Austen
	Lisa Minner
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
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

He is Faithful,
Lois

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