Hope Notes 4/26/12
Dear Friends of Hope~
'A taste of Hope'. That's the phrase that keeps running through my mind when I think about the block party. We want our friends and community to have a 'taste' of what Hope Christian Fellowship is all about. How about on a smaller scale? When people come to visit on a Sunday morning, do they get a taste of Hope? What can we do to make sure they don't walk away without experiencing the true feel of our church? They need to know about our programs and what we offer, of course. But what most people who are searching for a church want is to feel welcome; to feel like their presence matters, that we notice them and care enough to walk over and say hello. Many people come to church simply just looking for (God's) love. It is up to us to point them to the Source of love and hope. We can't do that for them if they aren't here, so we need to welcome our visitors with open arms and encourage them to come back. Then they will truly have the opportunity to have that 'taste of Hope'!
SUNDAY MESSAGE
4/29 – Aftershocks (2 Samuel 20)
We don't get a lot of earthquakes here in New Jersey (although we did have one recently!), but we can imagine being shaken by the force of the whole earth moving beneath us. After the main quake, there are often what are called "aftershocks". The big traumatic event is over, but there is still the possibility of ongoing damage and more panic and shaking. It could almost feel like just when you've started recovering from the distress of living through an earthquake, the aftershocks hit and pull you back into the whole mess again! And that is very much like the traumas in our life. The main pain is finally over, but then there are these continuing wounds and messes to deal with. We'll see that exact scenario in our story of David's life today. He has lived through some major devastation, but even though the primary people are done inflicting pain, there is still more damage being poured into David's life. Let's look at that reality as we move forward in David's story and learn from his experiences.
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 APRIL – 2nd TIMOTHY
2nd Timothy is the last letter Paul wrote before being executed, and it reveals his loneliness and isolation. Through it all, however, Paul seems at peace with his plight – knowing that he has finished the work God sent him to do. Paul takes the time to remind Timothy of his responsibility to continue the work of God, and he shows that suffering (or even dying) for service to Christ is a spiritual honor. This letter reminds us that no matter how our lives end, or how we may be treated for our faith, by "fighting the good fight" we end up winners.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS FOR MAY & JUNE
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 – 8:15
We will be putting our study of 1Corinithians aside for spring and breaking into individual classes. The groups offered are shown below. We're looking for signups to be finalized this Sunday – not that the classes are 'closed', but we want to make sure we have enough books for everyone! Please see your teacher to get a copy of your book right away, since classes begin this coming Wednesday, May 2nd. Childcare is provided.
Men's Group (Damon Briggs) – Using the book The Christian Atheist, we will look at how we say we believe in God and identify ourselves as His flowers, but act like we don't believe He exists. This will be a challenge and a powerful call to courage and faith in the challenges we face as men.
Ladies' Group (Dana Ott and Lois Hartwell) - This group will be digging through the struggles and weights that face women who are believers and yet are challenged by the attacks on their hearts. The book we will be using is called An Untroubled Heart, which has already been a great blessing and resource to many of our ladies at Hope. This will be a time for real sharing and support together as Jesus calls each woman to trust Him completely.
Exploring the Faith (Bob Baumiester and Mike Hartwell) - This is a group for anyone who would like to learn how to find answers in the Bible for themselves. It will take you to passages in the Bible and teach you to see with your own eyes what the Bible teaches about some of the basic issues of Christianity. We will also have a time of sharing what God is teaching us as we explore His Word.
Defending the Faith (Steve and Karen Jones) - This group will be based on the book The Case for Faith and will explore the logic and 'proofs' behind our faith. For anyone who has ever wished that they could make a reasonable argument to those who question their faith, this class is for you! You will be equipped to think through some of the underlying reasoning for believing that could help you become stronger in your own faith, or help you lead someone else to a saving faith.
Real Christianity (Pastor Mark) - This group will be looking at the parable of the prodigal son through the book The Prodigal God. In this book, the difference between religion and real Christianity is explored. It will challenge your understanding of God's love, of the good things we do and of the bad things we do. In the end, it will truly bring to light the reality of what Christ meant by calling people to follow Him and trust in Him.
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.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Week of July 16, 2012
Mark your calendars and be a part of Backstage with the Bible, our first VBS event! Age levels for classes are Preschool through Grade 6. Make sure your kids don't miss out on this fun packed week! Invite their friends to come, too! Program begins Monday, July 16th and runs from 6:15 till 8:45pm.
For more information, contact Erin at ecl6292@comcast.net, Harriet at habrittingham@yahoo.com, or Anne at annemarie523@juno.com.
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. See Pastor Mark or Dana for more information. Childcare is available.
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
HCF SOFTBALL TEAM
The games have begun! Come on out and support our team! Look for the schedule in our weekly Salt & Light bulletin. See Lenny Little for a complete schedule print out.
HCF BLOCK PARTY
Saturday May 19
Rain Date Sunday May 20
You won't want to miss out on this fun and FREE day! It's a great way to kick-off the summer and enjoy a nice day outside with friends and family! Check out all the activities below:
BBQ: 4:00 – 6:00
Kid's Zone: face painting, sand art, balloons
Vendor Area: local hobbyists, authors, crafters with goods for sale
Carnival Games & Contests: horseshoes, water balloon fights, hula hooping, dunk tank, inflatables, and sumo wrestling
Carnival Food: funnel cake, ice cream, even a café station
Entertainment: puppet show, karate demonstration, live music from Hope's worship team and Young Adult band, and more.
BLOCK PARTY HELP NEEDED
We need all hands on deck to help our upcoming Block Party run smoothly! If you'd like to get involved and help out to make this day as awesome as it can be, see one of the following contacts:
Damon Briggs - Vendors
Ellen Lewis - Canvassing the neighborhood on May 5th
Bob Baumiester - Set-Up & Break-Down
Franne Harkin - Carnival Games
Jen Winstel - Kid's Zone
Steve Jones - Parking & Security
Anita Little - Food
ITEMS NEEDED FOR BLOCK PARTY
We are in need of several 10'x10' tents. If anyone has tents or information on tents, please see Pastor Mark or Dana.
BLOCK PARTY VENDOR FORM
Are you a crafter, or do you have a business that you would like to promote? Consider reserving booth space at our Block Party to sell or advertise your items. Pick up a vendor application in the resource room. Vendor application form will also be available soon on our church website (www.hopechristianfellowship.org) so that you can print one from there. Feel free to pass on this information to other vendors you may know. See Damon Briggs or Ellen Lewis with questions.
MEN'S BREAKFAST
Second Saturday of Every Month
8:30 am
Come and join us for a delicious breakfast and a good time of fellowship/sharing with the men of Hope. Feel free to bring a friend! Open to men 18 and older. If anyone would like to help set-up and/or prepare, we meet in the kitchen at 7:00 am. See Bob Rice with any questions
SMALL GROUPS
Our small groups are finishing up for this season. They run through the end of April - the last study sheet will be out on 4/29. Please make sure your small group is getting your last meetings in and that you're there! And then take these summer months to keep up with each other on a less formal basis. It is also a great opportunity to connect with a few others outside of your small group.
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.
NEIGHBOORHOOD BLOCK PARTY BLITZ – THIS SATURDAY
Saturday, April 28th @ 11:00
Come help us canvas our neighborhood and pass out fliers for our Block Party! After we're done, we will come back and have pizza for lunch. Pick up time is 1:00.
FIFTH SUNDAY PRAYER SERVICE – THIS SUNDAY
April 29th
Our youth and youth programs are important to us; whenever we have a 5th Sunday in the month we take that day and set aside some time to pray for them. Anyone wishing to come and pray with us should come to the youth room immediately following the service.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAINTS PRISON MINISTRY
Did you know we have our own prison missionaries right here at Hope? Anne and Jeff Jefferson, and Bill McGinness are actively involved in the Saints Prison Ministry. Their mission is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to prisoners through athletics and to provide them with opportunities for spiritual growth. They compete against inmate teams in softball, basketball, soccer and women's volleyball, and then present the Gospel to them right on the playing field. They need to raise their own support in order to participate in this ministry. Please consider helping them out with your prayers and any financial contribution you can give. Checks should be made payable to the individual.
REFRIGERATOR NEEDED
We are looking to replace one full freezer in our kitchen with a large refrigerator. If anyone has one that they would be willing to donate to the church, please let one of our deacons know.
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!
IMMEDIATE NEED
A Teacher/Team is need for the Toddler Class (2-3 yrs) for Sunday morning. Please contact Franne Harkin at fhark7@yahoo.com or 609-458-2124.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Our first VBS adventure begins the week of July 16th. Classes run from Preschool through Grade 6. We need plenty of teachers, helpers, and volunteers. There's something for everyone to plug into! For more information, contact Erin at ecl6292@comcast.net, Harriet at habrittingham@yahoo.com, or Anne at annemarie523@juno.com.
WEDNESDAY EVENING KIDS PROGRAM
Our Wednesday night kids programs are coming to an end for this year at the end of April and will restart in September. We have a plan in place for our kids on Wednesday nights during May and June. We still need a helper for our preschoolers (ages 3-5 years). If anyone is willing to help with this ministry, please let Pastor Mark know right away.
CHILDRENS' MINISTRY TEACHERS NEEDED
We are in need of two teachers ASAP for the 1st-3rd grade class. Please contact Anita Little if interested at alittleshopper@gmail.com or phone 856-373-2090.
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
We are in need of the following items:
Cereal
Pop Tarts
Applesauce
Cereal Bars
Coffee
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, Chris Rainey
Toddlers Dawn & John Brazelis, Madison & Natalie
Pre K – Kindergarten Bill McGinness, Isaiah Owens, Rachael Schweigart
1st – 5th TBA
Counters Bill Berry, Mike Hartwell
Greeters Tony Dariano
Mickey Dariano
Dorothy Haines
Diane Beardsworth
Wed. Evening Workers (N) Kristy & Jason Straub (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!
Block Party – For God work out the details of the block party so that we can reach out to our community and let everyone have a taste what Hope is all about.
Serving the Living & Eternal King,
Lois
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