Hope Notes 11/29/12
Dear Friends of Hope~
"Wow! What are all those white chairs doing in the back of our auditorium? They don't even match our regular chairs!!" That's what you might think when you come to church this Sunday. Well, those chairs are a testimony to God's work and the Spirit's presence at Hope. We have been so packed for Sunday morning service that we had to do some fancy figuring and add chairs up front and in the back. No time for ordering chairs that match and waiting for them to arrive! Praise God for His faithfulness in bringing people to Hope! As we grow, it becomes even more important to make the effort to reach out to those new faces. It's so much easier to get 'lost in the crowd' when there IS such a crowd! So, don't let the large number of people deter you – make it a personal goal to reach out and find at least one new person to say hello to this Sunday!
SUNDAY MESSAGE
December 2 – A Place and A Family (Is 11:1-5; Micah 5:2)
Have you ever heard of someone finding out they were adopted and going on a search to discover their roots? Even those without the questions of adoption can go looking into their ancestry because where we come from really matters. It can influence your style of relating, or your accent, or your view of the world. As we dig deeper into the back-story of Jesus' birth, we'll see that his birthplace and family were well known long before He was born. And we'll see that where He came from didn't impress the religious leaders of Israel. In fact, they decided that Jesus didn't measure up because of His heritage. Let's take a look at how God used both Jesus' family and His hometown in the story of the Messiah.
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.
Please Note: There will be no overflow room on Dec 9th - the elementary kids will be out for the entire service that morning (they will start in their classrooms) to practice for the Christmas program and they will be using the youth room for that practice. Teachers should plan to be in their classrooms for the lesson at the start of the service (rather than after worship with the normal dismissal), and the kids will go from there back to practice after the worship music is over in the auditorium.
PRAYER HUDDLE
9:30 – 9:35
The prayer huddle is open to anyone who would like to come pray - but it is specifically intended for those who are serving on that Sunday. So if you're scheduled to be in kids' ministry, greeting, in the tech booth, on worship team, or any other ministry role for a given Sunday, join us at 9:30 sharp to pray together for God's power in each of us. We can do all things through Christ, and nothing of worth without Him, so let's come together each Sunday to ask for God's Spirit to fill us and use us!
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
DECEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Please remember to post what God is doing in your life as you consider the challenge verse for the month. It is such an encouragement to see how God is working in all of our lives!
DECEMBER PRAYER PROJECT
For our marriages
That the Lord would do a work in our homes, starting with the relationships between husbands and wives and that the enemy would not gain traction trying to divide and frustrate this sacred relationship that God ordained as the foundation of our families and our church. Not everyone is married or is called to be married, but for those who are married at Hope, there is a desperate need for those relationships to be growing and moving in a healthy direction.
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.
Please Note: We will be meeting in the Youth Room December 5th and 12th so that our kids can practice for their Christmas Program in the auditorium.
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 1st – 5th 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
BASKET OF HOPE EVENT
December 14th @ 7:00 pm
Join us for a very special event to raise money for Proximos Pasos Girls School in Guatemala. Our missionary, Lauren Pupchik, the Child Sponsorship Coordinator will joining us from Guatemala to share her story and show us how we can make an impact in the lives of the 125 girls who attend the school on the base of Agua Volcano in Guatemala.
Refreshments and Dessert will be served. There will be over 40 baskets full of great items just in time for Christmas that you can bid on. Chinese Auction tickets and 50/50 raffle tickets will be for sale at the door.
Tickets for the event are available for a donation of $10 per person. See Lois Hartwell for tickets.
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 up and running, but that doesn't mean you can't still form one, even if it isn't completely 'full'. For those who already have a group going, please keep looking for people to add until you have a full group (8-10 people). Also, don't forget that the small group study sheets are available every two weeks both on our website and in our resource room.
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!
We transition slightly away from music and into social media. We have probably all had some interaction with Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram or some other social media outlet. If you've been able to avoid them all up this point your time is quickly running out. We'll take a look at how to responsibly use these forums without becoming too isolated.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT - THIS FRIDAY
November 30th / 6:00-9:00 pm
Rooted Youth Group would like to provide you, the parents of Hope Christian Fellowship, with a night out! We will be happy to watch your kids at Hope, giving you a chance to reconnect over dinner, get some Christmas shopping done, or just go take a nap! With the help of their leaders, the youth will be entertaining and taking care of your kids for THREE WHOLE HOURS!! Snacks and entertainment will be provided but kids should probably eat dinner before they arrive. Kids of all ages are welcome. We will have the nursery open; we will also have a 3-5 yr old room and then a 1st-5th grader room. [Kid's in 6th-12th grades will be helping supervise.] THIS IS A FREE EVENT! If you would like to donate money towards the youth retreat coming up in March 2013 we will certainly accept any of those donations. Any questions contact Dave Hallahan in person or via e-mail (dmhallahan5@gmail.com)
BOWLING NIGHT
Wednesday, December 12th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
On Wednesday the 12th Rooted will not be at the church, but will meet at the Brunswick Lanes in Deptford, NJ. $5 will get you shoes and two hours of bowling. All students should meet at the bowling alley as there will be no transportation provided. Parents can drop off their kids at the bowling alley, attend Bible Study and return to pick up their kids afterwards. Any questions contact Dave Hallahan.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT KIDS ALLEY
KIDS ALLEY is looking for people with a real heart for children. KIDS ALLEY (www.kidsalley.org) is the main program of One Accord Inc., non-profit faith-based organization reaching out to inner-city children and their families with weekly programs.
Grant Writer: Part time. Willing to train. Pay can be hourly or percentage based. More important to have a heart for children than experience.
Driver/Tutor: Need someone to drive a 15 passenger van to two schools to pick children (K-6th grade) up, take them to the Learning Center, and then drive them home. Hours are M-F, 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm. Pay is $10.00 an hour. No need to be a certified teacher, but should be computer savvy as we need them to work on a software program called Study Island with the kids. Background check and good driving record required. Willing to split the position if someone does not want to drive but can do the tutoring part.
Contact Brenda Hallahan if interested at bhallahan@verizon.net.
*****CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS*****
SPECIAL OFFERING – THIS SUNDAY
December 2nd
Each year during the holidays, we give our people an opportunity to give a financial gift to those who serve the Lord on our behalf. This year, we'd like to give everyone the chance to give our missionaries a Christmas gift. We've had the privilege of having a few of our missionaries share their heart with us this past year, and it reminds us that these are real people who have left the comforts of home and all that it means to go and serve the Lord somewhere else. And during this time of year, it can be very difficult to be away from home! So we'd like to show our love for them and to encourage them as we team up for God's kingdom. On Sunday, December 2, we'll take a special offering during the service for our Christmas gift to our missionaries. Please give as God leads in your heart and thanks (as always) for your generous and kind hearts!
YOUNG ADULTS CHRISTMAS PARTY
December 17th at 7:30
If you're a high school graduate all the way up through your early 30's, you're a Young Adult and we want you to join us for our annual Christmas party! Even if you haven't been to our regular meetings, come on out for the games, the food, the fellowship, and tons of fun
CHRISTMAS CAFÉ
December 19th @ 7:00 pm
(In place of Bible Study & Youth Group)
You don't want to miss our Christmas Café. We have desserts and beverages to enjoy while being entertained by all those in our Hope family who want to share their talents with us! It's an awesome way to get in the Christmas spirit. Please sign up to share your talent – singing, instruments, dance, readings, etc. All those coming are asked to bring a snack or dessert to share. Beverages provided.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
6:00 – 7:00
Our Christmas Eve service is such a relaxed, special time. If you have an hour to spare this night, make sure you come on out to Hope. We realize that people may have family traditions or obligations and can't make it out, but we sure hope you can. We have special readings, music, and the all important candle lighting ceremony to really get you in the Christmas spirit!
CHRISTMAS CHOIR
Rehearsal Schedule
December 5 (Wednesday), December 10 (Monday), and December 22 (Saturday). Be sure to get your music folder from Dana. We will be presenting our mini cantata during the December 23rd service. If you have any questions, please see Dana or email her at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org).
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
December 16th
PRACTICE TIMES ARE AS FOLLLOWS:
Toddler/Preschool Classes will be practicing weekly during class time 10/7 – 12/9.
Elementary Classes (1st thru 6th 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.
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!
WORKDAY /CHRISTMAS DECORATING – THIS SATURDAY
Saturday, December 1st @9:00 am
It's time to spruce up Hope for the holidays! We need to do some work on our fence, perform some outdoor yard maintenance, clean inside, and also decorate for Christmas! Our Building Team is asking for anyone who is willing to put in a few hours or so to come on out and get busy! There's something for everyone – tasks range from decorating to demolition!
YOUNG ADULTS OUTREACH
December 29th
Our Young Adults will be doing their "5th Saturday" Camden Outreach – distributing sandwiches to those in need. There's a signup sheet in the back for volunteers to donate bread, lunch meat, fruit, water bottles, etc. See Jess St.Petery or Ryan Herrero 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. We are also running low on hot and cold cereals. Of course, any food donations are always welcome! See Karen Jones with any questions.
Please remember to check the expiration dates and leave 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 Kacy Maska, Kristy Straub
Toddlers Dawn & John Brazelis, Madison & Natalie
Pre K – Kindergarten Beth Fox, Heath Gravenor
1st – 3rd Kathleen Toomin
4th & 5th Kimmi Rice
Counters Melissa McGinness, Karen Jones
Greeters Al Lewis
Lorraine Otis
Wendy Lynch
Charlotte Zediker
Wed. Evening 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 Pat Harkin directly at Prayer@hopechristianfellowship.org.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Lorraine Koch – Please pray for Kristen Dorsey, a 33 year old wife and mother of two small children. She is in the very final stages of cancer.
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!
Pursuing Him,
Lois
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