Hope Notes 2/23/12

Dear Friends of Hope~
We have so many people attending worship now at Hope that it's getting harder and harder to put names with faces, or to remember little details about someone's life so that we can ask them how things are going.  Our upcoming Directory will help with the names/faces thing, but it's up to us to make the extra effort to connect with others.  I have a feeling that, inside many of us at Hope, there beats a heart that has been broken more times than we would care to believe.  We need to treat people with grace, with tenderness, and with a love that reflects God's unconditional love for us.  We just can't know the real reason behind someone's surliness or seeming lack of response to us, so we need to extend the grace and mercy so bountifully offered to us by God Himself. If we could do that at church, then perhaps we could extend it to our neighbors, our workplace, and all those we come in contact with.  It just seems like a much better way to live.

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE
2/26 – The Poison of Telling People What They Want to Hear (2 Samuel 15:1-12)

"Flattery will get you nowhere".  We recognize the truth that speaking only what people want to hear is empty and useless.  But in practice, we tend towards the ease of saying things that we know will be pleasing to our audience.  As we let go of honesty and candor, we embrace the damage and shallowness that results from speaking this way.  As we look at this story about the beginning of Absalom's rebellion, we'll see that he uses this type of talk to manipulate the people of Israel.  He believes that he is getting more power and influence by drawing people through insincerity, but he is deceived.  Our call as believers is to "speak the truth in love."  As we look at this story, we'll take it as a warning against embracing this kind of speech and as a challenge to guard what we say.

 

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 5^th graders.

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. 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

BOWLING NIGHT
Sunday, March 11
5:00 – 7:00pm
This is a great even we host every year – you can meet folks and make new friends, and get to enjoy time with your family!  Brunswick Lanes, Rt. 47, Deptford (near Wal-Mart).  $5.00 /person for shoe rental and two hours of bowling.  Sorry, no age discounts -- anyone who bowls pays $5.00.  Watching and cheering on is free!  Signup sheet is in the Resource Room. 

 

HCF SOFTBALL TEAM

If you can put on a baseball glove, a pair of cleats, and swing a bat – the HCF Softball Team needs you!  We have a co-ed team; open to anyone who turns 15 or older before April. See Lenny Little with any questions.  Signup sheet is in the back.

 

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.

 

HCF BLOCK PARTY

Saturday May 19^th

It's not too early to mark your calendars for this special day!  This is the first of two main outreach events for our community this year. 

We're going to need 'all hands on deck' to make this a success, so we wanted to get that date out to everyone right now so that we can save the date on our calendars.  In the next month, we'll be asking for help in all kind of areas, from food, to games, to give-aways, to vendor or crafter tables, to parking and setup and cleanup.  There is more to do than we've ever done before, but we are excited for what God is going to do as we reach out to our community on that day.  Keep watching for more information in the coming weeks!

 

SMALL GROUPS – STILL GOING STRONG!
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.

 

YOUTH RETREAT

April 20th-22nd @ Delanco Camp.
Early registration is $95.00.  Any registration within a week of the retreat will be $125. Students who attend five Wednesday night meetings from February through the retreat will receive $25 towards their registration fee and those who attend ten meetings will receive $50. More information can be attained through contacting Dave Hallahan (dmhallahan5@gmail.com or 856-340-8519) or from Delanco.org.  Be sure to register all students with Dave. A down payment of $45 will be required at time of registration.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

WEBSITE LUNCHEON

Sunday March 18^th

We are going to hold a lunch meeting after church on March 18th for anyone who is interested in helping us with our church website.  We want to make our website everything it needs to be in order to help those checking out our church get a good feel for who we are and what we're about.  If you have experience with websites, or are a writer or photographer or graphic designer, we'd like you on our team.  The lunch will be a chance for us to gather everyone interested and organize so that we can keep our website fresh and informational. Coming to the lunch doesn't mean you are committed, but we are praying that God will draw together the right team to work together on this powerful tool.  See Pastor Mark or Dana with any questions.

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES
This is our last full week to get those baby bottles filled with change!  If you'd rather keep it simple,
 you can just write a tax deductible check made payable to Choices of the Heart and slip it into the bottle.  The bottles are due back by March 4^th; however Wendy Devereaux will take them at any time and make a delivery to Choices herself. 

 

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.

 

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!

 

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 -                       Sue Quinn & Lucy Muhlbaier
Toddlers                        Judy Gotshall & Abbey Harkin, Lauren Maslinski
Pre K – Kindergarten    Bill McGinness & Isaiah Owens, Rachael Schweigart
1^st – 5^th                           TBA
Counters                        Bill Berry & Jim Bradshaw
Greeters                        John Brazelis
                                       Lucille Franchetti
                                      Lisa Fiorile
                                      Helen Mastalski
Wed. Evening Workers  (N) Lisa Minner & Linda Landis (4-5) TBA

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
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!

"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

Indebted to Him,
Lois

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