Hope Notes 5/3/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

Every spring I vow that I am going to pick a tree branch and keep a daily watch on when the buds open.   And every year, no matter how vigilant I am, it just seems like one day they are closed and the next day they are open.  Does God have them open secretly at night??  I don't know why I am always so amazed by the transformation – seemingly dead bare branches now covered with lush green growth.  God makes the same transformation in our lives when we surrender to Him – all the dead dry regions of our hearts become fertile ground for His life changing power and love. "…until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest."  Isaiah 32:15

SUNDAY MESSAGE

5/6 – A Broken Vow (2 Samuel 21:1-14)

When someone makes a promise to you and doesn't keep it, we call it 'broken'.  The same word is used for vows that aren't kept.  It is interesting terminology – reflecting the reality that this does more than just change direction.  People and relationships and life get broken when vows and promises are not kept.  In our story of David's life, we see that David recognizes the importance of not only keeping a vow, but in setting right vows that are broken.  We'll see the grace and integrity with which he acts here, and how it has an impact on his own life and on the lives of those he rules over.  Let's take some time to be reminded of how important something is when we make a promise or a vow.

 

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
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. 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

 

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

 

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.

 

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 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.  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 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:

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 -                       Karla & Brad Hopkins

Toddlers                        Judy Gotshall, Abbey Harkin, Lauren
Pre K – Kindergarten    Beth Fox, Heath Gravener
1^st – 5^th                           TBA
Counters                        Bill Berry, Mike Hartwell
Greeters                        Rick Ayusa
                                      Judy Gotshall
                                      Greg Corrado
                                       Katrina Mariani
Wed. Evening Workers  (N) Katrina Mariani, Lisa Minner (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

Ken & Karen Blythe – Ken lost his job and Karen had her hours cut the same week. Please keep them lifted up in prayer.

For Fran Farrell's one year old great niece Leah, who has cancer. Pray for healing.

For Domenic Aquino (father of Frank Aquino and Laura Blake) and Stephanie Aquino who recently lost their jobs.
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

Made New in Him,
Lois

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