Hope Notes 10/4/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

I have one of those puzzling questions that doesn't really have an answer but merely continues to bother me.  Why is fall the only season with two names?  I've googled it and found the meaning of both autumn and fall, but no real reason as to why the honor of having two titles has been bestowed to this one season.  I guess I will have to add that to the list of things I will find out when I step into eternity!  There are many things in Scripture that leave me puzzled or that I don't fully understand. 

"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." 1Cor 13:12  I have decided to simply live by faith recognizing that I don't need to know the answers to everything and instead wait patiently for the Father to impart His knowledge to me at the proper time.

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE

10/7 – Living Stones (1 Peter 2:4-12)

Building a house is a long and complicated process.  So many decisions get made each day, and the amount of work to get done seems never-ending.  But unless you get the foundation right, all of the hard work and careful planning will be for nothing.  Peter talks about our cornerstone – the person on whom our faith is built – Jesus Christ.  And he says that we are built on Him like "living stones".  Then he goes on to describe what he means, and how we are a part of the building that God is putting together.  This building and our role in it are incredible privileges and awesome responsibilities.  We'll take a look this morning at what it means to be living stones.

 

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

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen"

 

SEPTEMBER PRAYER PROJECT 

For our missionaries – real people who have left the comforts of home to travel somewhere that is 'not home' to see God's kingdom grow – for their personal spiritual welfare and growth – for God to meet their financial, physical, relational, and emotional needs – and for their work to be powerfully effective – for our church to be a real partner with them and not just monthly financial support.

 Here are our missionaries: Josh & Kelly Hallahan, Roberta Nagel, Joy Phillips, Lauren Pupchick, and Jeff & Lisa Sickler

 

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!

 For the next three weeks we will be taking time to hear from our new leaders (Ryan Herrero, Jim Jefferson and Jess St.Petery). Be sure to come out as we get to know our new leaders better and hear what God is doing in their lives.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

SEPTEMBER GIVING UPDATE

We averaged $5056 per week for the month of September, which is just above our annual weekly giving target of $5000 per week.  This brings our annual average to $4846 per week.  We are so thankful for each person who has responded to the Spirit's call to faithful and sacrificial support for the Lord's work at Hope.  Please pray with us that God will provide for every need and for His purposes as our church family goes forward together by faith.

 

DOES ANYBODY KNOW…….

Our missionary in Guatemala (Lauren Pupchick) is in the beginning stages of planning a fundraising dinner to benefit the Child Sponsorship program.  The last one they held was two years ago and the place they used is now closed.  Lauren is looking for "divine connections" for a caterer and a banquet hall.  How about it, Hope family, let's put our thinking caps on and see if we can come up with some connections for Lauren!

 

BAKE SALE

October 14^th

 Make sure you show up hungry the morning of October 14th. Along with our normal coffee and tea the youth will be offering an assortment of baked goods before church Sunday morning. All donations are appreciated as the money will be used to help alleviate the costs of future events.

 

NOMINATIONS

We are starting our nomination process for Deacons and the Leadership Team. It takes 12 nominations to put a man on the ballot for Leadership Team and 8 nominations to put a man or woman on the ballot for Deacon Team.  A man can be nominated for both Deacon and Leadership Team but will need to choose just one to serve on if elected. Please remember that only partners can nominate or be nominated. Be sure to pick up a (blue) form from the Resource Room for a complete explanation of not only the process, but also the requirements.  Forms are due on November 4^th and should be given to Pastor Mark.

 

DISTRACTION FREE ZONE

Let's try and keep our worship service as distraction free as possible.  Now that we have our Overflow Room available, any parents with young children who wish to keep their little ones with them during service can feel free to use the Overflow Room.  We have comfortable seating, a good sound system, and a big screen showing what's going on "live" in the service!  In addition, if you know you need to be getting up during service for whatever reason, perhaps you could sit towards the back of the auditorium.  Now that we have so many people attending (Praise God!), we have to work a little harder to keep disruptions at bay.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

December 16^th

Mark your calendars now and invite your friends and family to attend! 

Toddler/Preschool Classes will be practicing weekly during class time 10/7 – 12/9.

Elementary Classes (1^st thru 6^th grade) will be practicing weekly after church from 11:30 – 12:15pm, 10/7 – 12/9.

If you have any questions please see either Dana Ott (Elementary) or Kara Ott (Toddlers/Pre-school) or email at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org.

 

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!

 

PILLOWCASE PROJECT

Saturday November 17^th

We are planning to make special pillowcases for the girls of Proximos Pasos Girls School (our missionary Lauren's school in Guatemala).  Don't worry if you can't sew; you can still be a part by donating fabric (100% cotton) and thread!  A signup sheet is in the Resource Room.  More details will follow.  Contact Liz Johnson (856-287-5308) 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 – 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                          Sharon Sambucci & Pat Schug, Chris Rainey

Toddlers                         Judy Gotshall, Abbey & Lauren
Pre K – Kindergarten     Linda Landis & Linda Ellison
1^st – 3rd                         Lisa Fiorile

4^th & 5^th                         Kim Biglin, Kerry Crowley
Counters                        Lois Hartwell, Karen Jones
Greeters                        Tony Dariano
                                      Mickey Dariano
                                      Dorothy Haines
                                      Diane Beardsworth
Wed. Evening                Katrina Mariani, Jamie Wurst

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

Tony & Mickey Dariano - Please pray for their grandson, Dominic, who was injured in a serious motorcycle accident. He has a fractured hip, two bruised lungs and a head injury.

Love & Respect Conference – For God to pave the way for a successful conference and to prepare the hearts and minds of all those who will be attending.

Needs Team – For wisdom and discernment as they process the large number of needs being presented, and for all the families who are struggling financially.

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

Saved Through His Sacrifice,
Lois

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