Hope Notes 2/9/12

Dear Friends of Hope~
Do you like Valentine's Day? ♥♥♥ It seems to be a holiday people either love or hate.  Personally, it's one of my favorites.  I like being given an "excuse" to express my love in a tangible way for the people I care about.  Regardless of whether or not you have a sweetheart, you do have people you love and who love you!  Why not let that day be a reminder of how much God loves us (enough to die for us) and how His love never fails.  As Christians, we all know that God is love (1John 4:8).  We are also probably familiar with 1Corinthians 13:4-7, the "love chapter".  Go get your Bibles, read through that passage and insert the word "God" for every time it says the word "love".  Now THAT'S my kind of Valentine!

SUNDAY MESSAGE
2/12 - Heartache Multiplied (2 Samuel 13:20-39)

When you first learn your times tables in elementary school, it is quite amazing.  You move from simple addition to this high-speed math called multiplication.  Suddenly, small numbers can become large much more quickly.  But this is also a great way to describe what Satan likes to do with pain and heartache.  He likes to multiply it!  Of course, he won't tell you that he's doing that – instead, he'll talk to you about how someone doesn't deserve your forgiveness, or about how you've been wounded too deeply to ever heal or forget.  But the ultimate result is that pain continues instead of diminishing.  And then he tries to multiply it by pouring hatred, anger, bitterness, and frustration out from you to those around you.  Perhaps you feel they deserve it – or maybe they just happen to be in the way.  As we continue in the story of David (and his family), we'll see how the enemy did exactly this to Absalom and multiplied the heartache in David's family.

 

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

 

MEN'S BREAKFAST – THIS SATURDAY

Saturday, February 11^th @ 8:30

Bring a friend to come and share some good food and fellowship with our brothers-in-Christ.  Tony Dariano will be sharing.

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. 

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.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CARD SHOWER

Adria Colic is in a hospital in Washington DC and could use our encouragement and prayer.  Please send her a card to let her know we are praying for her and that we miss her!
 Her address is The Center, 4228 Wisconsin Ave, Washington DC 20016

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES
 Are you remembering to put your change into your Choices of the Heart baby bottles? You can even keep it simple by writing a tax deductible check made payable to Choices of the Heart and slip it into the bottle.  As women see their babies on the free ultrasound tests, the percentage who choose life is remarkably increased. Save the babies – fill your bottles and return by March 4^th.  See Wendy Devereaux with questions.

 

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!

 

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 -                       Brad & Karla Hopkins
Toddlers                        Dawn & John Brazelis
Pre K – Kindergarten    Beth Fox & Heath Gravenor
1^st – 5^th                           TBA
Counters                        Lois Hartwell & LaTosha Briggs
Greeters                        John Brazelis
                                       Lucille Franchetti
                                      Lisa Fiorile
                                      Helen Mastalski
Wed. Evening Workers  (N) Kristy Tomasillo (4-5) Katrina Mariani

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
Hartwell Family – For their friend Skip and his family.  He buried his father Tuesday and his sister also passed away later that same day.  They are all believers.
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!

"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

Belonging to Him,
Lois

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