Hope Notes 10/20/11

Dear Friends of Hope~
Hey – have you checked out our new sign on the front of the building?  Our logo of the outstretched hands is displayed on a plaque that lights up at night.  It looks great during the day, but it really shines (no pun intended) at night!  Of course, the hands symbolize reaching out to others, lending a helping hand, offering support, extending compassion, and encouraging one another.  But the light that pours out from behind the hands at night, that warm golden glow; to me that symbolizes Christ's love and how we are to let our light "shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven". Mat 5:16   The sign also illuminates our walkway, so that we do not stumble and fall just as, you guessed it, God's love and His Word shines light on our path.  That's none too shabby of an accomplishment for one little sign!  Be sure and check it out before you walk into church this week.

SUNDAY MESSAGE

10/23 – Dream Big – 2 Samuel 7:1-17

Have you ever thought about how big God's plans are for you?  Maybe you are convinced that God doesn't have anything significant for you to do, or maybe you just don't care what God wants.  But the Bible tells us that God has amazing plans for each of us.  And it only makes sense, right?  Look at the vastness of what He created in our universe, and even in just our world.  And Jesus talks about giving life – but not just life – life 'abundantly'.  That means overflowing and uncontainable.  God really has huge plans for us.  But what about our heart for Him?  Do we have any passion or dream for God's kingdom?  David did!  And David expresses his desire to build a house for God.  God's response tells us so much about our gracious Heavenly Father.  Let's see how God responds to those who dream big for Him!

 

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 OCTOBER – JOHN
How would you respond if someone were to ask you, "Who was Jesus and what should He mean to me?"  If you're looking for answers to that question, look no further than the Gospel of John.  Written by "the disciple whom Jesus loved", the Gospel has one main purpose:  to foster faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
7:00 – 8:15
You don't want to miss our study of 1Corinthians!  The Christians at Corinth were like so many of us today – they knew Christ, but they still needed His cleansing! Gathering together midweek to dig into God's Word is key in staying connected to our church family and to our Lord. 

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Our Children's Program runs at the same time as Bible study.  We currently offer classes for 2-3 year olds, 4-5 year olds, and 1st thru 5^th graders. 

WEDNESDAY EVENING NURSERY
We now have a list of volunteers for our nursery.  Thank you to these ladies who are willing to step up and serve where there is a need!

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

 

SMALL GROUPS
Small Group study sheets are out and in the back of the auditorium.  At Small Groups, we'll take a look at how the Bible emphasizes God's plan for us to grow and be healthy through relationships within our spiritual family.  Anyone still looking for a Small Group to plug into can see Damon Briggs; he will help you get connected!

 

YOUNG ADULTS OUTREACH
Saturday, October 30

Our Young Adults will be making and distributing sandwiches in Camden.  See Jess St.Petery with questions.

 

YOUNG ADULTS SCAVENGER HUNT
November 11 @ 6:00

Awesome Scavenger Hunt and Pizza at church!  Get ready for a great time!

YOUTH NEWS

 

YOUTH GROUP - YOUTH PASTOR UPDATE

Please pray with us as we explore the possibility of having Dave Hallahan be our youth pastor.  We're asking our entire church to lift this in prayer during the month of October.  With our youth group on hiatus, we are trusting that God will lead in our church and in Dave's life as we look for His guidance in this situation.  It is exciting to think that God may be answering our prayers and moving us forward to a focused and powerful ministry to our teens.

 

SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICE & LUNCH

October 30th

We will have the privilege of having Dave speak for our morning service.  This will be an amazing Sunday, because in addition to having Dave share, we'll have the privilege of having Compelled come and lead worship for us that morning!  You won't want to miss a minute of the service.  Following the service, we're inviting everyone to stick around for a simple lunch together.  We're asking each church family to help us with this lunch by bringing a soup, a chili, or some sandwiches.  And of course, we'll need those desserts as well!  Make sure to mark your calendars right now so you don't miss out on the blessings (or the food)!!

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

MOVING HELP NEEDED
Saturday, October 29 – approx. 10:00 am

John and Dawn Brazelis are moving from their home in Glassboro to another home right in Glassboro and would be grateful for a few helping hands.  Strong men are appreciated!  Call John or Dawn at 856-956-6923 for further details.

 

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS MEETING
Wednesday, October 26^th @ 7:00

We're inviting anyone who has interest to find out what type of commitment is required and to pray about this opportunity to work with our youth. Dave Hallahan will meet with this group to talk through these issues and answer any questions.  If you are thinking about volunteering or offering to help, please make sure you're at this meeting!

 

NOMINATIONS FOR DEACON AND ELDER CANDIDATES
We need for our Partners to nominate Partners for these positions.  Nomination forms are in the Resource Room.  Informational sheets on Deacons and Leadership/Elder positions are located right next to the Nomination forms. Forms must be turned in to Pastor Mark by November 6^th.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Practice for our Children's Christmas Program is being held on Sundays during the worship service.  Once again we are inviting the 6^th graders to join our program to help us make it even better!  We all love to have the kids on stage for the program (which this year will be on December 18^th), so please make sure they are at church every Sunday to practice so that they can be a part of the program!

 

THANKSGIVING BASKET NEEDS
We are asking the body of Hope to be our eyes and ears in order to help the Needs Team come up with a list of families here at church who could use a little help with some Thanksgiving food.  If you know of anyone who could benefit from a Thanksgiving basket, please see someone on the Needs Team (Mike Hartwell, Lorraine Otis, Karen Jones, Al Lewis, Charlotte Zediker).  Thank you!

FOOD PANTRY
Thanksgiving Baskets
We are beginning to gather the makings of a yummy Thanksgiving Dinner for families in need.  Please bring cranberry sauce, stuffing, canned sweet or white potatoes, rice or potato side dish mixes, canned french fried onion rings, etc.  We already have plenty of vegetables.  We can also take some refrigerator/freezer items such as frozen turkeys or Pillsbury biscuits. 
Note:  Donations can be put in the designated spot in the back of the auditorium.  All donations must be brought in by Sunday November 13^th.

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!

JUICE BOXES NEEDED
We have thirsty children!  Please bring in donations of any (clear) juice boxes for the Toddler and Pre-K rooms.  See Franne Harkin if you have any questions.

MEALS MINISTRY
Needs Team is updating the Rotating Meals Ministry list.  We could use some other willing hearts to prepare the occasional meal for a family during a time of need.  Anyone who would like to be added to this list please see Lorraine Otis or contact her at lorraineotis@comcast.net

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 -                       Brian & Naidona Ott
Toddlers                        Ardra Jarvis & Natalie
Pre K – Kindergarten    Tina & Craig Campana
1^st – 5^th                           Christmas Program Practice
Counters                        Karen Jones & Lois Hartwell
Greeters                        Greg Corrado
                                       Dorothy Haines
                                       Helen Mastalski
                                       Wendy Lynch
Wed. Evening                Linda Landis & Lisa Minner

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 Pastor – Please pray for God's clarity and leading in our church and in Dave Hallahan's life as we move forward in acquiring a Youth Pastor.
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.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." Ephesians 6:18

Relying on Him,
Lois

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