Hope Notes 2/2/12
Dear Friends of Hope~
I cannot believe that it is February and we have green grass, buds on our forsythia, robins hopping around and dandelions in the yard! Our daffodils have foolishly sprouted about six inches above ground. I want to tell them "No – its still winter. Suck yourselves back into the ground!" I don't know what's going on, but I like it! I am thankful for God's delay of the harsher winter weather. Remember how much snow we were buried under at this time last year? It all reminds me that we can't ever predict what God will do. In the same way He can give us April's weather in February, He can shower us with unexpected blessings, take a broken relationship and bring restoration, or grab hold of a seemingly impossible situation and turn it around. That is why all our hope and all our faith should rest in Him.
SUNDAY MESSAGE
2/5 – A Family Devastated (2 Samuel 13:1-19)
People often ask, "How can God be loving and allow so much pain and hurt in the world?" But God's love is not diminished by the choices He allows people to make – even choices that bring unspeakable pain into the life of another. The good news is that God's love is the only hope for people facing those kinds of wounds. As we continue in the story of David, we will see more of the horrible repercussions to David's fall. The episode we will look at this morning is disturbing and almost unbelievable. But it isn't that different from what goes on each day in our world. We will take a hard look at the damage mankind inflicts on one another, and the healing that is available in Jesus Christ.
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.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY PRAYER TIME
All Sunday School and Nursery teachers/helpers are invited to come join us in the Toddler Classroom every Sunday from 9:40 – 9:45 for a time of prayer before the children begin arriving.
BIBLE READING FOR FEBRUARY – ESTHER
Here's a little Bible trivia for you – did you know that the book of Esther is the only book of the Bible in which the name of God does not appear? But make no mistake about it; just because God's name isn't mentioned doesn't mean He's not there! This book has been a great encouragement to persecuted Jews throughout the centuries because it underscores the ultimate deliverance and the survival of God's people. That is the kind of encouragement we ALL need sometimes!
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. 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
YOUNG ADULTS SUPER BOWL GET-TOGETHER – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, February 5th @ 6:00 pm
You're invited to Pastor Mark and Dana's for a great time of fellowship, food, and of course... the big game!!! The Otts will be providing meatball sandwiches, hoagies, and drinks, but please bring a snack to share if you can. (brownies, chips, etc.) And if you can peel yourself away from the game long enough, there will be ping-pong, pool, and foosball - plenty of fun for everyone! See Pastor Mark or Dana with any questions or contact them at ottzoo@gmail.com. You can also check out Hope's Young Adults facebook page for details and directions to their house. (6 East Avenue, Clayton, NJ 08312).
MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, February 11th @ 8:30
Bring a friend to come and share some good food and fellowship with our brothers-in-Christ. Tony Dariano will be sharing.
LOVE AND RESPECT CONFERENCE
March 2-3, Friday night and Saturday morning
The conference will be held at Calvary Chapel in Philly. The cost is $35 per person (before Feb 20th). You can register by going to www.loveandrespect.com and choosing the Philadelphia conference. Since this conference is within driving distance, it is a very economical way to build your marriage. Of course, there are local hotels available, so you can also make it into a weekend getaway if you'd like. But whether your marriage is everything you want it to be or not, it is always beneficial to spend a few days focused on one another. You won't be disappointed in what God does if you take this opportunity!
PS - the "Weekend to Remember" conference that we've attended the past several years is also available locally including Hershey Pa in February, the Poconos in March, and Washington DC in March and April... for more information about this conference, you can go to www.familylife.com and go to Weekend to Remember.
SMALL GROUPS
Study sheets are located 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!
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! See Dave Hallahan with any questions.
SUPER BOWL PARTY – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, February 5th
After church until 2:00 pm
Football – Food – Games – Snacks. What could be better?! After church until 2 pm. Contact Dave Hallahan with any questions either in person, (856)-340-8519 or dmhallahan5@gmail.com.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES
Pick up as many bottles as you, your family and friends can fill in one month. All donations will go to help women and men who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Choices of The Heart is a Christian non-profit in Turnersville and Burlington who provide free ultrasound testing, counseling, cribs, car seats, and layettes, abstinence programs, and community awareness information. Bottles are due back to Hope by March 4th See Wendy Devereaux with questions.
JANUARY GIVING REPORT
For the month of January, we averaged $4317 per week, which is well short of our new target of $5000 per week. We feel like the Lord has really challenged us this year in giving, and we're praying together as a church that each person coming to Hope will seek the Lord on how much they can sacrifice for God's kingdom in supporting Hope (just like Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:2). We're excited for all that God has for us as a church in this new year, so let's pray for God's provision and power as we go forward!
DIRECTORY PHOTOS
Prints of the church directory photos are available for those of you who are interested! To order, visit http://syllipsiphoto.smugmug.com/Children-Families/Hope-Christian-Fellowship-2011. You can also contact Kristy Straub for additional information at syllipsiphoto@gmail.com, or text/call 856-217-7233.
DO YOU "LIKE" HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ?
For those of you on Facebook, this is just a reminder to go on our Facebook page and "like" it so you can keep up with what's happening. It's a great way to stay current with all the activities at Hope. Don't forget our Young Adults and our Youth Groups pages as well. Even if you don't fall into that age category, it's fun to check them out and see what they're up to. Plus, fun pictures get posted!
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!
COFFEE CLEANUP CREW
The coffee cleanup crew could use a few more helpers! This is a quick and easy way to serve all of our church friends! Really – it will only take about 15 minutes of your time. Please contact Al Lewis at Lewis@voorhees.k12.nj.us
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.
FOOD PANTRY
Our food pantry has been given a good housecleaning and is ready to go! All expired food has been tossed and we find that we are low on the following items:
v Pasta Sauce
v Peanut Butter and Jelly
v Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
v Complete Meals in a Box
v Canned Fruit
Please remember to check the expiration dates and put all donations in the basket located outside the kitchen door.
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 Sambucci & Pat Schug
Toddlers Rebecca & John Jacob
Pre K – Kindergarten Kim Lawlor & Ryan Sweeney
1st – 5th TBA
Counters TBA
Greeters John Brazelis
Lucille Franchetti
Lisa Fiorile
Helen Mastalski
Wed. Evening Workers (N) Mary LeBeau & Lisa Fiorile (4-5's) Connie Matthews
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
Don and Alicia Heverly – For their friends whose daughter is a month and a half old and needs a kidney transplant in order to survive. Her parents are desperate and are doing everything they can to find a match. Please pray for baby Eva and her family that she finds a donor.
Dave Bolser – A PRAISE that Dave came home from the hospital this week; please continue to pray for healing and strength.
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!
Hungry for More of Him,
Lois
Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list. Any correspondence for Hope Notes goes to Hopenotes Email.
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6:03 AM
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