Dear Friends of Hope~
Do you know the reason it was so unbelievably hot and humid this week? It's because it was VBS week at Hope! Looking back on many years of VBS it seems like that was sure to be the week the weather was the most swamp like! But our volunteers and our kids persevered and enjoyed all that God had for them despite the thick blanket of humid air. Thank the Lord that we have an air conditioned auditorium for us to enjoy our Sunday morning services! No one can say, "It's too hot to go to church". Don't let the oppressive weather hold you back from coming and enjoying what God has for YOU on Sunday mornings! Plus, this week we have the bonus of seeing firsthand the fruits of what's been happening all week at VBS!
SUNDAY MESSAGE
7/22 – VBS Program
This is the first time it has been our privilege at Hope to put together a Vacation Bible School program. There is a huge place in our heart for our children and for every child that walks through our doors. This Sunday, we have the privilege of bringing our VBS program to a close as our children present the music and the program they've been enjoying for the week. We'll take some time to celebrate together with them and to look at some of the big lessons they've learned this week!
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 Pat Harkin 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 JULY – COLOSSIANS
Paul wrote to warn the Christians at Colosse about the false teaching that was infiltrating the church. It said that Christ was good, but that to reach real spiritual maturity you needed to believe certain worldly philosophies or contact a certain angel. Paul rejected all of that. He warned the Colossians of the danger of trusting worldly wisdom or institutions and instead encouraged them to focus on Jesus Christ and His saving work. Jesus is the Creator, fully divine and fully the head of the church. He's all we ever need.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
7:00 – 8:15
Don't forget about coming out on Wednesdays just because it's summertime. We have a summer full of interesting speakers for our Bible Study – we even have a Worship Night lined up for August 29th! Nursery is provided.
Please Note: There will be no Bible Study July 18th (VBS week).
WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
PLEASE NOTE:
Uh-oh, looks like we need to clear up some confusion with our kid's program! We are not having any classes for our 3-5 year olds or 1st-5th grade on Wednesday nights during the summer. If someone is interested in taking these classes over the summer, please let Pastor Mark know. But we only have five weeks left of regular Bible study, so our plan has been to give our kids workers a much needed break. We will resume classes for both age groups in September. In the mean time, kids in these age groups should come into the auditorium with their parents (on evenings when the nursery is not packed, 3 year olds can go in the nursery). Kids should NOT plan to go into youth group - that group is for 6th - 12th graders. We apologize if any of this was unclear before. Thanks for your help in all of this!
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 BIBLE STUDY – SUMMER WITH SISTERS
Monday July 9th at 7:00pm
Our ladies' Bible study will meet every other Monday throughout the summer. There is a sign up and the first week's worksheet on the sign up table in the lobby for anyone interested in joining. The group will be meeting in the Prayer Room. See Kim Rice with any questions.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
YOUNG ADULTS BARBECUE – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday July 29th @ 3:00
Come out and join our young adults at the Hartwell home (1015 N. Main St. Williamstown) for a time of fun and fellowship! We'll be enjoying some yummy summer food and playing a bunch of outdoor games like football, badminton, horseshoes, and more! End the day with the perfect bonfire that is sure to be shared with lots of laughs and good company. Feel free to invite friends out to this event!
Please be sure to bring a chair so that we have enough seats for everyone!
If you'd like to volunteer to bring a snack, sign-up in the back of the church, or see Emily Hartwell.
NEW FAMILIES FELLOWSHIP
August 26th
Our Leadership Team is hosting a New Families luncheon here at Hope for families who have begun attending within the past year. So many new families have been visiting lately that we want to set aside some time specifically to get to know one another. We value relationships and are excited to have this opportunity to make these connections by fellowshipping with each other. A signup sheet will be out near the end of July; we're just giving you a head start to go home and clear your calendars so you don't miss out on this event!
WOMEN OF FAITH
September 7th and 8th
7-10pm and 9am-5pm
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, PA
Tickets are $60.00 – first paid, first served. Signing up on the sheet does not secure your ticket; paid-in-full receipt from Melissa McGinness does secure your ticket. Cost does NOT include lunch.
Checks can be made payable to "Hope Christian Fellowship" with WOF in the memo section.
All payments should be given directly to Melissa McGinness.
For those who wish to register for the conference on their own you may do so at the following website:
http://www.womenoffaith.com/events/philadelphia/
Tickets are $99.00 per person (less than 10 guests) and $89.00 per person (10 guests or more). There are many seats still available.
Do you have any questions? Please contact Melissa McGinness at melissamcginness007@comcast.net or via phone at 856-906-8742.
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
It's really not too early to start praying and think about forming a small group in September. Our church depends on the connections, caring, and spiritual interaction that happens in a small group. Our goal is for every adult to be a part of one! More specific info will be given at our Small Group kickoff on September 9th. In the meantime, we'd like everyone to be praying and seeking the Lord's direction in anticipation of this important part of our church family life!
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.
SR. HIGH & YOUNG ADULT HANG OUT NIGHT
July 27
We will meet at the church at 7:00. Kids can be picked up @ 9:15.
NOTE: The girls are meeting at the church and then heading to Leah and Dave's apartment so any girls should make extra sure they are on time.
SR. HIGH OCEAN CITY RETREAT
September 14 - 16
Our Sr. High will be going to Ocean City, NJ with Sicklerville UMC. The cost will be $90 (if a deposit of at least $30 is made before Sept. 1). Registration forms are on the sign-up table near the resource room.
JR. HIGH MIDDLER CAMP
Aug. 12th-18th
Leah and Dave will be out at Delanco Camp for their Middler Camp. This week is for 5th-7th graders. While this is not necessarily a church function we would love for our church to be represented. You can register @ www.delanco.org
DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
Aug. 16th
Mark your calendars! Details TBA
JR. HIGH GAME NIGHT
Aug. 24th
Mark your calendars! Details TBA
ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Cleaning banks in the Woodbury/Mantua area. For more information or any questions, please contact Becky Lein at 856-278-2717.
FREE PRINTER INK
There is a bag of HP02 ink on the table by the sound booth. Anyone who has a printer that uses this is welcome to take it!
SAINTS PRISON MINISTRY
Still have a need…………
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. Bill specifically still needs $400.00. Checks should be made payable to the individual.
LOVE & RESPECT MARRIAGE CONFERENCE
October 26-27
We're planning a Marriage Conference right here at Hope in October on Friday night and Saturday morning. It will be a low cost and powerful way to build each and every marriage in our church. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss out on. Mark your calendars now and look for more information to follow! "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Eph 5:33
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!
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE
Do you enjoy our Coffee Café on Sunday mornings? How about pitching in and taking a turn cleaning up the coffee after the service? It's a short job – just a few minutes – but it certainly helps us to have everything put away before we all go home! We could also use someone interested in being a backup for Pastor Mark in setting up for times when he's away. That way, we don't miss any weeks of being able to have our morning coffee! Please contact Al Lewis with any questions.
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
Our pantry is almost bare!!
The following is a list of our most needed items:
Canned fruit, tea bags, hot or cold cereals, pancake mix, pasta & sauce, mac & cheese, instant potatoes, peanut butter, canned veggies, soup, condiments.
Of course, any food donations are always welcome! See Karen Jones with any questions.
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, Chris Rainey
Toddlers Judy Gotshall, Abbey Harkin, Lauren
Pre K – Kindergarten Bill McGinness, Isaiah Owens, Rachael S.
1st – 3rd Anita Little
4th & 5th Kim Biglin, Kerry Crowley
Counters Bill Berry, Jim Bradshaw
Greeters Al Lewis
Lorraine Otis
Charlotte Zediker
Wendy Lynch
Wed. Evening Ryan Herrero, Katie Trotter
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 Pat Harkin directly at Prayer@hopechristianfellowship.org.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Mark Ott – For his nephew Aaron (14 yrs old) who has a brain tumor and is scheduled for surgery 8/10. The tumor is not believed to be cancer, but must be biopsied. His pituitary & thyroid functions have stopped as a result of the tumor and there is concern about his vision due to the location. They are a family of believers but will need an extra measure of faith for this journey. Please pray for God's presence to be known each day, and for a successful surgery and recovery.
Mariana Cowder – For her sister, who is a diabetic and in the hospital due to an infection.
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
Walking in the Light,
Lois
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