Thursday, June 07, 2012

Hope Notes 6/7/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

Just about every day I walk the pup down the back of our property and into our woods (I won't mention what it is she's doing back there!).  I've noticed that she never gets too far ahead of me without looking back to check and see if I'm still there.  Sometimes she will sit and wait until I get closer before she proceeds any further.  I guess she likes the security of knowing I'm nearby.  Aren't we as believers fortunate to have a God who is always right there with us?  A God who promises He will "never leave us or forsake us" (Deut 31:6).  A God who is right beside us whether we are "up to the heavens or in the depths" (Psalm 139:8) and whose eyes "saw us in our mother's womb" (Psalm 139:16).  There is nowhere we can go where He is not walking with us. We never need to check and see if He is there. We have the assurances of Scripture that tell us our God is omnipresent.

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE

6/10 – A Legacy Worth Leaving (2 Samuel 23)

What words would best describe your life?  The patterns we live and the reputations we hold resonate everywhere we go and in every life we touch.  Our influence can be positive, healthy and spiritual.  Or it can be negative, poisoned, and earthly.  As we get to the summary of some of David's life, this chapter really describes the legacy he leaves behind.  He is known as a man who did what was right and trusted God to deal with the results.  And his men had reputations for acting in uncommon bravery and valor.  Basically, David lived a life of visible and meaningful faith.  Is that the pattern people see in 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 JUNE – 2 PETER
Our time on earth is limited, and Peter challenges us to take seriously God's call to live a life pleasing to Him rather than the world's decree of "live for today – go for the gusto".  There's a good reason to do so – the day is coming when the heavens will disappear, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and everything in it will be laid bare.  "Since everything around us is going to melt away," Peter asks, "what holy, godly lives you should be living!  You should look forward to that day and hurry it along."

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS

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 (Mike Hartwell) – 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.

 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! 

 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. 

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

7:00 – 8:15
We currently offer Nursery (newborn– 2 yrs), Preschool (3-5 yrs), and Elementary (1st – 5th 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 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

7:30 in Youth Room

We've got an exciting summer coming up! For the months of June, July, and August, our group will only be meeting for the FIRST Monday of every month, but we'll have an activity the LAST weekend of every month!

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.

 

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

 

VBS PRE-REGISTRATION

June 24th

Beat the crowds!  Come to the Youth Room right after Sunday morning service and get your child registered for VBS.  We will be offering a free give-away for those who come and register early!  Don't miss this chance to get the paperwork out of the way so that the first day of VBS goes a little more smoothly.

 

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!

 

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!

Contact Erin at ecl6292@comcast.net, Harriet at habrittingham@yahoo.com, or Anne at annemarie523@juno.com with any questions.

 

VBS MEETING – THIS SUNDAY

Sunday June 10th

We are having a meeting immediately following service for those who have volunteered to help with VBS or for anyone interested in possibly helping.

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TEACHERS NEEDED

We are in need of two teachers ASAP for the 1st-3rd and 4th -5th grade classes.  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                          Nicole Babli, Mallory Pantaleo

Toddlers                        Ardra Jarvis, Joyce James
Pre K – Kindergarten    Tina & Craig Campana
1st – 3rd                         Melissa McGinness

4th & 5th                          Kimmie Rice
Counters                        Bill Berry, Mike Hartwell
Greeters                        John Brazelis
                                       Lucille Franchetti
                                      Lisa Fiorile
                                       Helen Mastalski
Wed. Evening                 (N) Naidona & Katie Ott (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!
"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

God is With Me,
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.

 

 

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