Hope Notes 5/17/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

Well folks, this is it!  Our Block Party weekend is almost upon us.  It looks as though the Lord is going to bless us with beautiful weather, too.  I hope you are all planning on coming out, bringing friends, and getting ready to enjoy it!  It's exciting to anticipate all that God will do with this day!  I know that He has blessings galore just waiting to be poured out on all those attending, all the workers, and all the behind-the-scenes people. Please keep everything/everyone in prayer as we move forward to Saturday.

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE

5/20 – Passing On Our Mission (2 Samuel 21:15-22)

Every person wants to have a purpose in their life – something that they do or add to the world that makes their efforts and energies matter.  And that is a reflection of the fact that God created us to have a purpose.  He designed us with certain skills and personality traits and drives so that we would be perfectly suited for the plans He has for us.  But that doesn't mean that our calling is static or never changing.  It is a normal part of living this life that, as time goes on, our calling changes and adapts.  Some things we used to do are no longer part of what we can or should do.  David is coming to the end of his life, and we see that reality in his life as well.  But his new mission is to pass on the work that God had given him to the next generation.  Certainly, that is something that each of us need to realize that we are called to as well – taking the passions and work of our lives and handing the baton off to others around us.  It could be as we near the end of our journey – or it could just be a normal part of growing God's Kingdom as we serve Him.  But either way, we are to be infectious as believers – spreading God's call and power to those around us!

 

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 MAY – 1 SAMUEL
Samuel, the last of Israel's judges and whose name means 'asked of God', takes center stage in this book as both a courageous prophet and the man who crowned Israel's first two kings.  The book is full of adventure, misfortune, and victory, and also spotlights the early life of the greatest king in Israel's history – David.

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.  It's not too late to jump into a group!  See the teacher listed in order to get a book. 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.

 

 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

7:00 – 8:15
We currently offer Nursery (newborn– 2 yrs), Preschool (3-5 yrs), and Elementary (1^st – 5^th grade).  We will take a break from kids programs on Wed for July and August to make room for VBS and to give our volunteers a little break.

 

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.

 

VBS PRE-REGISTRATION

Saturday May 19^th

Look for the VBS table at our Block Party and get your kids signed up early for VBS!  There will also be information out on the different areas where volunteers will be needed.  You can look them over and begin thinking about where you would be happy volunteering.

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. 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 – THIS SATURDAY

Saturday May 19

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.

Pre-Registration for VBS

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

Damon Briggs – Inflatables / Really need some help with this one!
Bob Baumiester - Set-Up & Break-Down
Franne Harkin - Carnival Games
Jen Winstel - Kid's Zone
Steve Jones - Parking & Security
Anita Little - Food

 

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

 

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

 

 

COMPASSION FAST

Join us in a Compassion Fast during the month of June!  Here's the plan - we're asking anyone interested to set aside something for the month of June that costs them money - and instead to save that money toward giving to those in need.  On the first Sunday of July, we'll collect whatever people have saved and then find some needy families to help out.  In the mean time, fasting like this is a great reminder of how we've been blessed and a great opportunity to pray for spiritual needs in the lives of others.  So please consider being a part of this powerful opportunity to be a blessing to others by sacrificing.

 

SAINTS PRISON MINISTRY

Did you know we have our own prison missionaries right here at Hope?  Anne and Jim 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.

 

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 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!  Look for our VBS table at the Block Party and check out the information on the different areas where volunteers will be needed.  Contact Erin at ecl6292@comcast.net, Harriet at habrittingham@yahoo.com, or Anne at annemarie523@juno.com with any questions.

 

CHILDREN'S 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

It's time for breakfast!  We are running low on cereals – cold cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, instant oatmeal packets, etc.  Of course, any food donation is always greatly appreciated!

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                        TBA
Pre K – Kindergarten    Linda Landis, Linda Ellison
1^st – 5^th                           TBA
Counters                        Kathy Berry, & Carole Baumiester
Greeters                        Rick Ayusa
                                      Judy Gotshall
                                      Greg Corrado
                                       Katrina Mariani
Wed. Evening Workers  (N) Liz Johnson, Lisa Fiorile (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.

"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

This is Not My Home,
Lois

Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list. Any correspondence for Hope Notes goes to Hopenotes Email.