Hope Notes 9/20/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

Yesterday I was outside picking up the remnants of the wind and rain storm we had.  Branches, sticks, and leaves covered our yard.  I remembered how all day long the wind was so strong; I kept going outside just to stand in it and feel its power.  I love hearing the sound of the leaves brushing against each other and the slightly scary feeling of knowing that there isn't anything I can do to stop the wind.  The Bible relates God/Holy Spirit to wind.  In Acts 2 it talks about how "suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind" on the day of Pentecost when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit.  In 1Kings 19, the Lord wishes to show Himself to Elijah.  There was a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire but the Lord was not in them.  Then Elijah heard a "gentle breeze" which proclaimed the presence of the Lord.  Isn't that cool?  Stand outside in a storm and feel God's power.  Let a gentle breeze caress your face and hear Him whisper your name.     

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE

9/23 – Live Holy (1 Peter 1:13-21)

How clean is clean?  Do you ever wonder about those ads that tell you this cleaner or that one will kill 99% of bacteria?   It seems like we'd be thankful to be rid of almost all of the dirt, but it is unsettling to feel like there's still some there.  In fact, when it comes to restaurants and our food, we are expecting 100% cleanliness – anything less is a disappointment and probably would disgust us to some level.   Peter talks about being completely clean – the word he uses is "holy".  This characteristic is God's natural existence – He is perfect all the time.  Peter calls us to emulate our Heavenly Father.  Basically, he calls us to pursue holy living.  We still live in our human reality, so our struggles and weaknesses will be with us as long as we are on this earth.  But Peter doesn't let us settle for that – he calls us to pursue holiness since we are children of God.  Are we willing to set our aim that high and embrace the mindset and accountability that comes with it?

 

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.

 

OVERFLOW ROOM

Our Youth Room is open as an "overflow" space in order to give us extra seating for any Sunday that is filled to near capacity.  The video feed will be live from the start of the service, so anyone who is willing or interested in using the overflow space can find a seat there as soon as the service starts.  As another option, everyone is welcome to join us in the auditorium for worship (since we're all standing anyway) and then those without a seat can make their way to the overflow room when the message begins. 

 

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.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Colossians 3:1-2

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

 

SEPTEMBER PRAYER PROJECT 

For our small groups – that God would bring together groups of people in our church who will learn together, share their lives, pray and care for one another – and that God would move those who are on the sidelines into action so that the work God has for each of us will be multiplied.

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

7:00 – 8:15

Be sure to come out and join us for our Bible study on I Corinthians.  Don't miss this mid-week spiritual boost; there's nothing like diving into the Word of God to keep you grounded in His Truths.  Childcare is provided.

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

7:00 – 8:15

Keep Jesus fresh in your child's mind and heart!  We have classes for children ages 3 – 5 and for those in 1^st – 5^th grades.  Nursery is provided for infants thru age 2.

 

YOUNG ADULTS

7:30 in Youth Room

First and Third Monday 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 provided.

WOMEN'S PRAYER GROUP

7:00 in Prayer Room

First and Third Monday of every month

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

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

Small groups are now forming!  Please prayerfully connect with those on your heart. Small groups are made up of 8-12 adults who meet together every other week.  They discuss the small group study sheet (available in the resource room or on our website) and pray for one another.  Find some people you are close to or some that you want to get to know and ask what their plans for small group are.  Then, start forming a group and meeting!   REGISTER your group (even if it isn't full) by 9/30 - fill out a registration form and get it to Pastor Mark.  If you make additions after you turn in your form, just let him know!

As you're forming a group - please stop at the signup table and take a look at the free agent list!  These are folks who want to be a part of small group but don't know where to start or can't find a group.  Look to fill up your group by adding some of these folks to your group!  Their contact info is listed on the list.

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.

Here's What's Happening This Week!

This Wednesday we will be wrapping up our series on Guardrails. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15-16 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Those words are as true for us today as they were for the Ephesians in the 1st century. Even if you haven't been out for the series yet, be sure to come on Wednesday as we recap what guardrails are, why they are important, and how we can apply them to all areas of our lives as we walk carefully in these evil days.

 

5th Sunday Prayer for Teens 

September 30th

A little over a month ago a large majority of the church promised to pray for our teens and our youth ministry. Those prayers have been felt and God is doing awesome things in the Rooted Youth Ministry. For those of you who have honored that promise for the last month, we thank you. This will be an opportunity for you to prayer for the youth in specific ways as well as get an updated list of the youth so you can pray for them by name. For those of you who have let that promise slip, this is a chance to reaffirm your commitment to lift up our teens and this ministry in prayer. We will meet in the youth room immediately following the service. Whether you have a minute to ten minutes to thirty minutes come out and take this opportunity to partner with the youth ministry.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LUNCHEON/MEETING

Sunday September 30th

Immediately following worship, there will be a meeting with Anita Little and Franne Harkin in the Youth Room for all Sunday School Teachers and anyone interested in learning more about this ministry.  We will enjoy some lunch together and then have our meeting.  There is a signup sheet in the Resource Room for food.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Attention Parents! Fall is back in full swing, which can only mean one thing here at Hope - it's time to start practices for our Kid's Christmas Program! This is a BIG day for our whole church family so mark your calendars now for Dec.16th! Beginning on October 7th, we'll be starting practices during the first half of class for our Toddlers and Pre-school children. Be sure to have your little ones in class promptly and as regularly as possible so they can learn the songs and scriptures well. The Elementary Class will also begin practices on Oct.7th, but will be practicing after service from 11:30 - 12:15pm in the youth room, ending promptly on time every week! Again, we'll be opening up the Elementary Class to include our 6th graders - so keep that in mind. More information will be coming in the weeks ahead, but if you have any questions please see either Dana Ott (Elementary) or Kara Ott (Toddlers/Pre-school) or email at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org.

 

HOPE'S PAPARAZZI 

Don't be concerned if you see a photographer lurking about over the next month or so.  It's just our very own Kristy Straub taking pictures that we can use to bring our website up to date.  We are revamping our website and it will be great to have some current photos posted. 

 

LOVE & RESPECT MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

October 26-27

We are hosting this event right here at Hope!  There will be desserts and snacks Friday night starting at 6:00 and a continental breakfast Saturday morning at 8:00.  This will be a great time together and an awesome way to build your relationship with your spouse. Cost is only $15/person if you register before October 15^th!  You can go to our website at www.hopechristianfellowship.org and click on the Love and Respect link to register, or simply contact Wendy Devereaux at robwendydevereaux@comcast.net. If you know of anyone who might benefit from a conference like this, please take a few cards and hand them out; this is not just for those who attend Hope.

 

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!

 

YOUNG ADULTS OUTREACH

Our Young Adults will be doing the Camden Outreach the last weekend of September.  If you can donate anything to help them with all the lunches they need to make, it would be greatly appreciated!  Water, bread, fruit, etc. Donations need to be in by Sunday, September 23^rd.   See Jess St.Petery with any questions.

 

TRASH SERVICE

If you're looking for an easy way to help at Hope, this is for you!  We need someone to take our trash cans to the curb on Wednesday evenings (perfect for anyone who comes out to Bible Study) and to bring them back in again on Thursday morning (perfect for anyone who lives nearby).  Anyone willing to help can contact Bob Baumiester at 856-228-3188 or coolbumsted@yahoo.com.

 

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 – FALL STOCK UP

We are most in need of canned chicken, tuna, soup, condiments, and canned "meals" like canned ravioli, spaghettios, chili, stew, etc.

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                          Brian & Naidona Ott

Toddlers                        Dawn & John Brazelis, Madison & Natalie
Pre K – Kindergarten    Bill McGinness, Isaiah Owens, Rachael S.
1^st – 3rd                         Kathleen Toomin

4^th & 5^th                            Kimmie Rice
Counters                        Mike Hartwell, Rick Mounce
Greeters                        Tony Dariano
                                      Mickey Dariano
                                      Dorothy Haines
                                      Diane Beardsworth
Wed. Evening                 Linda Landis, Lisa Minner

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 

Tania Avant – Her landlord has filed for eviction. Please pray for God to provide financially in order to avoid eviction and help with food until social services gets approved in Oct 2012.

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

In His River of Grace,
Lois

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