Hope Notes 11/25/11
Dear Friends of Hope~
I can't think of a better day to have Communion than the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Hopefully, our minds and hearts are still in a place of gratefulness for all that we have and all that God has done. Even if you feel that your life is such a mess you can't come up with one thing to be thankful for, let me just say, this Communion service should be a reminder that you DO have something to give thanks for! Actually, it's the most important thing you'll ever have to be thankful for. Come and celebrate with us this Sunday as we worship and remember the overwhelming sacrifice that God has made for us.
SUNDAY MESSAGE
11/27 – A Man of Honor – 2 Samuel 9
COMMUNION
November is generally a time of elections and politics. The whole process has become very tiresome in that most of what we hear is a lie, and we already know it before we even hear it! Politicians love to make vague promises or strong statements, only to hope that everyone forgets what they said a few months later after they've been elected. Are we those kinds of people? Do we say things we don't mean and hope no one remembers later? David wasn't that kind of man. He made a covenant with his friend Jonathan years before, and now he actively looks for a way to fulfill his word. The Lord gives David an opportunity to live up to what he said, and David grabbed it. As we see David's example, let's ask the Lord to make us people of our word and people of honor!
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 NOVEMBER – JUDGES
Although God had performed many miracles for Israel, somehow they forgot about God and fell into idolatry. They paid the price in the form of invasions and oppression. The book of Judges tells of a succession of leaders called "judges" whom God used to free His people from their harsh overlords. It reminds us that God loves to show compassion to His People when they come to Him seeking forgiveness.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Wednesday evening activities on 11/23, the night before Thanksgiving.
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. Childcare is provided.
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 5th graders.
YOUNG ADULTS
Meets the 1st and 3rd 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. We now have childcare available. We have a schedule so that everyone can volunteer to take a week and keep the childcare going. See Pastor Mark or Dana for more information.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, December 10, 8:30am-10:30
Food, good talk, and no women or children! If that sounds awesome--don't admit it out loud--then come out for our Men's Breakfast! Nothing fancy - no quiche or lattes, just a brief teaching/devotional and a chance for the men of Hope to get together for fellowship and to pray for each other and our families. Please email Bob Rice (riceiii@verizon.net) if you are planning to attend so that we can plan for food. Feel free to invite friends and family members.
SMALL GROUPS
Small Group study sheets are in the back of the auditorium, or you can print a copy right from our website! 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!
Please note that this week's Small Group Study sheet will be the last one for this year (since we take a break for the Christmas season). New Study Sheets will be out in January.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Christmas Café – Wednesday, December 21st
More details to follow.
YOUTH NEWS
YOUTH GROUP
Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30
This is a great mid-week boost for our teens to stay connected, grow in the Lord, and have a fun time with each other!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MISSIONARY UPDATE
Our missionary in Africa, Joy Phillips, and her sister Linda will be entering the Sudan on December 10th for seven days. In all of South Sudan there are only 3miles of paved roads (it's the size of New England), and there is no electricity or running water. It's also their hottest time of year; typically over 110 during the day and a "cool" 90 at night. Joy and Linda will be staying in tents. Yikes! Add to this the instability of being the newest country in the world (there is still a lot of fighting, bombing, and violence) and you can imagine the difficulties this trip poses. This is a journey that will push them way out of their comfort zones, challenging them emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Please keep them both in prayer as they minister to the people of Sudan.
DIRECTORY PICTURES
Make sure you come to church looking extra "nice" and get your picture taken for the latest edition of our Church Directory. We are blessed to have many new faces, and it will be a real help to be able to look people up and put a face to the name! You can take a minute before or after worship and have your photo taken.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Please take note that there will be no Christmas Eve service this year. With Christmas falling on a Sunday, it's just logistically too difficult to do a service like that on Saturday evening followed by another service on Christmas morning. We'll simply have one very special service on Sunday morning!
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM SECTION
PRACTICES
Practice for our Children's Christmas Program is being held on Sundays during the worship service. Once again we are inviting the 6th 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 18th), so please make sure they are at church every Sunday to practice so that they can be a part of the program!
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
December 7th – Toddler and Preschool practice in auditorium on Wednesday night. (Adult Bible study in Youth Room)
December 14th – Elementary program practice in auditorium on Wednesday night. (Adult Bible study in Youth Room)
NEEDS
We're putting finishing touches on our Christmas program and need a few items to make it complete. If anyone has a cut out lawn Nativity (those wooden looking silhouettes) that we can borrow for the program, please let us know. We're also looking for a park bench. If you have either of these items and are willing to share, please contact Anita Little as soon as possible. Reach her by phone 856-373-2090 or email (alittleshopper@gmail.com) by December 4.
PICTURES
Who has left their mark on your life? During the Christmas program this year, we'd like to honor those people who have left a godly legacy in your family. This could be a grandparent, aunt or uncle, parent or even a non-relative that has passed, but who has made a difference in your family's Christian walk. We're putting together a slideshow to be presented during one of the songs in the Christmas program and would love to include a picture of your loved one. If you're interested, please give a picture of your loved one to Melissa McGinness or email it to her at melissamcginness007@comcast.net. Deadline for pictures is 12/11.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
December 18th
At last! We finally get to see our children put on the Christmas Program they've been working so hard on. This is a great Sunday to invite your friends and family out to Hope. Who doesn't love seeing all the adorable kids singing and proclaiming the Christmas message? It's a surefire way to warm your hearts and get you in the Christmas spirit!
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!
CHRISTMAS DECORATING
Saturday, December 3rd
We will be decorating our church for Christmas from 10:00 till 12:00 – all are welcome to come out and lend a hand!
CHILDCARE HELPERS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Our Young Adults meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Those who have small children are often unable attend. Come be a blessing to these couples and this ministry – volunteer to take a turn in the Nursery! Let Pastor Mark or Dana know if you can help.
WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
We are looking for people who are passionate about children to help us staff our Wednesday night kids program for the upcoming semester (January - April). We need a teacher and helper for the 2-3 year olds, and for the 4-5 year old classes. We also need someone to coordinate our volunteer nursery on Wednesday nights. Contact Jen Winstel at jenwinrn@comcast.net or Pastor Mark to volunteer.
VBS PROGRAM 2012
Informational Meeting 11/27
Pastor Mark would like to have a meeting right after our morning service for anyone who might be interested in being part of the team to coordinate VBS next summer. Attending the meeting doesn't mean that you are committing to the program, but simply that you have an interest and/or some questions. If anyone is interested in attending this meeting, please let Pastor Mark know.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Saturday, December 10th
Represent Hope Christian Fellowship at a table at the Williamstown Santa Saturday and Craft Bonanza to be held at Williamstown High School (700 N. Tuckahoe Rd.) This huge Christmas craft fair attracts people from all over. Volunteer to man the table and talk to craft-goers about our church. We don't expect you to be an expert in everything, but just to be willing to come and talk to people about your experience with HCF. Volunteers can be teenagers and up! Sign up by one hour time slots on the sign-up sheet in the resource room. Whether you sign up for one hour or the whole day; any time you can give is greatly appreciated! Also looking for volunteers willing to set up the table and take it down. See Ellen Lewis with 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 atlorraineotis@comcast.net
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 - Sue Quinn & Lucy Muhlbaier
Toddlers Jim & Debbie Bradshaw
Pre K – Kindergarten Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens
1st – 5th Christmas Program Practice
Counters Bill Berry & Mike Hartwell
Greeters Rob Devereaux
Wendy Devereaux
Mickey Dariano
Lucille Franchetti
Wed. Evening No programs this week
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
Joy Phillips – (Our missionary in Africa, and her sister Linda) For safety and God's protection as they endure the hardships of the Sudan while sharing God's love with the Sudanese December 10-17.
Youth Pastor – Please pray for our new Youth Pastor, Dave Hallahan, as he beings the task of ministering to our teens, planning programs for them, and moving forward with God's call on his life here at Hope.
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.
Washed by His Blood,
Lois
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