Hope Notes 4/19/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

I'm sitting here staring at the computer waiting for inspiration to strike.  Nothing.  So I finish up the Hope Notes and come back to this paragraph.  Nothing.  Why isn't God giving me any ideas??  Then, I realize what the problem is.  I'm distracted.  The TV is on and I can hear the dialogue; I keep tuning into that without realizing it.  The next thing you know, I'm following the conversation!  Am I really that easily distracted?  How many times is God trying to get my attention and my focus is elsewhere?  It's a disturbing thought.  Especially when I am specifically sitting here trying to listen for Him and still missing it!  I'm sure I am not the only one with this problem.  Join me this week in an effort to try and keep the volume of the world's distractions turned down so that we can hear the still, small voice of our God as He whispers our name.

SUNDAY MESSAGE

4/22 – Selfish Service (2 Samuel 19:31-43)

Here in New Jersey, we don't have 'self-serve' gas stations.  Who knows what it is about New Jersey that causes the powers that be to hesitate to allow us to pump our own gas.  But that doesn't mean that we don't serve ourselves in life.  Just like everyone else, we have a tendency to ask "what's in this for me".  As believers, we are called to 'deny ourselves' in following Christ, and to serve others by love.  The struggle for each of us is to serve others selflessly instead of selfishly.  In this episode in David's story, we'll see that people around David who had served him were actually trying to serve themselves.  As we look at this story, let's allow God to challenge each of us to serve in sincerity and genuine love.

 

SUNDAY SERVICE APRIL 22^ND

Block Party Info

During worship this Sunday, Pastor Mark will be talking about the Block Party (May 19^th).  This day will be an opportunity to find out exactly what we're doing for the Block Party and what kind of help we need to make this a success. After the service, we will have people at various signup stations so that volunteers can pick the area they wish to help in and signup right there!

We want to encourage everyone to make an extra effort to come out for church this day so that you are here to know what's going on and to offer your much needed help!

 

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 – 2^nd TIMOTHY
2^nd 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

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.

 

BREAKOUT GROUPS 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.  Please be sure to sign up so that we can make certain we have enough space and books for each class.

 

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 5^th 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 16^th 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 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

 

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.

 

HCF BLOCK PARTY

Saturday May 19^th

It's not too early to mark your calendars for this special day! 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.

 

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.

 

YOUTH RETREAT – THIS WEEKEND

April 20th-22nd @ Delanco Camp

Drop off time is 6:00 – 7:00 Friday evening.  You can pick your children up at 2:00pm on Sunday.

Contact Dave Hallahan (dmhallahan5@gmail.com or 856-340-8519) with any last minute questions.

 

NEIGHBOORHOOD BLOCK PARTY BLITZ

Saturday, April 28^th @ 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

April 29^th

Our youth and youth programs are important to us; whenever we have a 5^th 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.

 

FREE WASHER

Contact Helen Mastalski at 384-8353 if you need a free washer.

 

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!

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Our first VBS adventure begins the week of July 16^th.  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.  The Leadership Team is working on a plan for the kids on Wednesday nights for May and June.  If anyone is interested in taking this ministry to our preschoolers (3-5yrs), please let Pastor Mark know right away.

 

CHILDRENS' MINISTRY TEACHERS NEEDED

We are in need of two teachers ASAP for the 1^st-3^rd 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:

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, Damon Ott

Toddlers                        Dawn & John Brazelis, Madison & Natalie
Pre K – Kindergarten    Bill McGinness, Isaiah Owens, Rachael Schweigart
1^st – 5^th                           TBA
Counters                        Damon Briggs, Jim Bradshaw
Greeters                        Tony Dariano
                                       Mickey Dariano
                                      Dorothy Haines
                                      Diane Beardsworth
Wed. Evening Workers  (N) Jess St.Petery, Franne Harkin (4-5) Anita Little

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

Julia Nolan – For her teacher to have a safe delivery of her baby.

Diane Beardsworth – Has a mass on her Achilles tendon and is waiting on test and X-ray of lungs. Please pray for healing, good health, and test results.
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

Listening for His Voice,
Lois

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