Hope Notes 4/5/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

Easter Sunday is one of the most attended services at Hope.  Let's be sure to put on our "visitor friendly" hats and do some things to prepare for our guests.  We want everyone to feel comfortable during worship; if we all scoot up front and towards the inside, our visitors will not have to make that intimidating walk a-l-l the way to the front of the auditorium!  Plus, it makes it easier for our Greeters to see where the available seats are.  Most importantly, we need to scan the crowd for new faces and be sure to greet them with a smile.  We are a welcoming church, and Easter Sunday is just one more day to show the love of Jesus to all who enter in!

SUNDAY MESSAGE

4/8 - EASTER – Needing Proof to Believe (John 20:24-31)

All of us have doubts.  That is nothing new.  What do we do with the questions we have about faith and God?  The way we answer this question has a huge impact on our lives.  Certainly some of the stories in the Bible are unbelievable – and the story of the resurrection is at the top of the list.  Sitting here about 2000 years later, there is no way to prove that Jesus rose from the dead to someone who has doubts.  But one of his own disciples needed proof in the days following His resurrection.  Let's take a look at what Jesus did in response to one of His closest friends who struggled with doubt!

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE – THIS WEEK
Friday, April 6th at 7:00
Please join us for our Good Friday service this year.  It is a special time when we get together as a church to remember Jesus' sacrifice for each one of us.  We will have Communion and share for about an hour together in music, scripture readings, and prayer.  We will also be taking a benevolent offering for the needy. Don't miss this powerful evening on the weekend that we commemorate together the death and resurrection of our Savior!

 

BENEVOLENT OFERING / GOOD FRIDAY

As is our custom, we will be taking an offering during the Good Friday service for our Benevolent Fund, which helps families in our church body who are in need.

Please pray and see how the Lord leads you to sacrificially give.

 

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. 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.

 

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

 

WOMEN'S WEEKEND – LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

March 30^th – April 1^st

Calvary Chapel of Delaware County is taking part in the Women's Weekend at Sandy Cove in North East MD.  The program includes sessions led by Debbi Bryson and Sherri Youngward, workshops, activities, and prayer.

For more information, contact CCDC at 610-459-8111 or www.ccdelco.com.

 

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

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.  Registration forms are located in the Resource Room.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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.

 

FREE STAND UP FREEZER

We have one full size freezer in our kitchen that we don't need. It is free to anyone who would use it.  It is the one next to the double doors at the back of the kitchen.  Please see Bob Baumiester if you are interested.

 

 

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 -                       Brian & Naidona Ott
Toddlers                        Franne Harkin, Maurice Brazelis, Richard Bunnell
Pre K – Kindergarten    Kim Lawlor, Ryan Sweeney, Claire Orsino
1^st – 5^th                           TBA
Counters                        Karen Jones, Lois Hartwell
Greeters                        Tony Dariano
                                       Mickey Dariano
                                      Dorothy Haines
                                      Diane Beardsworth
Wed. Evening Workers  (N) Dana Ott (4-5) Ellen Boales

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

Good Friday & Easter Service – Please pray and prepare for our services as we work together to make sure our visitors feel like we are ready for them and happy that they came.  Also, remember our kids' workers for that day – the ministry to our children on Easter is unbelievably important!
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

The Tomb is Empty!
Lois

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