Thursday, November 15, 2012

Hope Friends 11/15/12

Dear Friends of Hope~

I know not everyone is into Facebook, so let me just say that I have been noticing a trend on there the past few weeks that bears mentioning.  I didn't see it last year at this time.  I don't know what made the difference for this year, but I am pleased by what I see!  Many people have taken up the task of listing things they are thankful for every day – sort of as a countdown to Thanksgiving.  Perhaps the recent hurricane made people really stop and think about what is important.  I don't know, but I am thankful for the thankfulness! Thanksgiving is my personal favorite holiday and it usually gets mostly ignored by the world in general.  It's just kind of something we have between Halloween and Christmas as a precursor for Black Friday.  Lovely.  ANYWAY, this year seems a little different and I am so glad to see people stopping and naming their blessings for all the (facebook) world to see!

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE

11/18 – Praise Service

Join us for a morning of music and praise as we kick off Thanksgiving week!  We come together today to lift up thankful hearts to our God.  He is good and He is great.  We will spend our time singing and filling our church with music.  Then, we always have some time for people to give thanks to the Lord for what He has done in their lives.  It is a great reminder and encouragement to everyone who comes out.  Each year, this service is one of the highlights of the year, and we are looking forward to how God will be moving in our praise service this year!

 

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. 

 

PRAYER HUDDLE

9:30 – 9:35

Pastor Mark is leading a "Prayer Huddle" for whoever is on (volunteering) for that day – kids' workers, worship team, sound team, greeters, etc.  Please come and join us for a brief but essential time of prayer as we direct our focus and our hearts towards the Lord.

 

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

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful." 

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!

 

NOVEMBER PRAYER PROJECT 

For those around us who need to know the Lord

Our unsaved family members, loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates. That God would let His light shine through us, and that these who are in need of God's love, mercy, grace, and life would turn to Him in faith and receive all that He has to give them!  And that we would have the words to say (when they need to be said) and the patience and peace to be quiet when needed.  That we would be tuned into the Spirit's leading and not miss an opportunity to be used by the power of God as witnesses for Him!

 

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 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

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 will continue our conversation on music. We'll take a look at a song that is likely very familiar to you and see if we can decipher what the artist is really saying. 

 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

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)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

*****CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS*****

 

SPECIAL OFFERING

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!

 

TOYS FOR TOTS

Chris Daniels is heading up a toy drive in association with the Cub Scouts for DuPont Hospital.  If you would like to donate a new toy, please bring it in and place it in the collection box in the foyer by November 25th. 

 

CHRISTMAS CHOIR

Here is a list of rehearsals for the Christmas Choir:

November 28 (Wednesday), December 5 (Wednesday), and December 10 (Monday) 11/28 (Wed), 12/5 (Wed), 12/10(Mon) and 12/22 (Sat). Be sure to get your music folder from Dana.  We will be presenting our mini cantata during the December 23rd service.  Please see Dana or email her at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org) if you have any questions.

 

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.

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thank you so much to those of you who packed shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child! We received a lot of them, and they are being delivered to a collection site this week. If you wanted to make a shoe box, but didn't get a chance to, you still have a few days if you'd like to do one personally. Visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/ or contact Ellen Lewis (ellenpjones@comcast.net) for a list of drop-off locations and times. (Nearest ones to our church are in Atco, Mount Laurel, and Philadelphia.)

 

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!

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!

 

WORKDAY /CHRISTMAS DECORATING

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!

 

PILLOWCASE PROJECT – THIS SATURDAY

Saturday November 17th

Saturday January 5th

We are planning to make special pillowcases for the girls of Proximos Pasos Girls School (our missionary Lauren's school in Guatemala). A signup sheet is on the table for sewers, ironers, and cutters.  Don't worry if you can't sew; you can still be a part by donating fabric and thread! Fabric:  colors and prints for girls of all ages.  Pieces at least 1 ½ yards in size, 100% cotton fabric (no flannels, please).  Thread: White or neutral colors, all purpose thread.  Items needed by Sunday, 11/11 - then more by Sunday, 12/30.  Drop donations into the tub located in the Resource Room.  All are welcomed to stop by to encourage the group during the 11/17 & 1/5 workshops at Hope! 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.  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.


THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery                          Nicole Babli, Mallory Pantaleo

Toddlers                         Rebecca & John, Abbey Harkin, Richard Bunnell
Pre K – Kindergarten    Kim Lawlor, Ryan Sweeney, Claire Orsino
1st – 3rd                         Patty & Rich Bunnell

4th & 5th                            Anne Jefferson
Counters                        Bill Berry, Mike Hartwell
Greeters                         John Brazelis
                                       Lisa Fiorile
                                       Helen Mastalski
                                     
Wed. Evening                 None – Thanksgiving Eve


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

Edward & John BrazelisTheir sister, Diane Fritsch has had stage 4 cancer for a little over a year, with inoperable brain tumors.  She has been undergoing radiation and chemo. Cancer is now spreading throughout her body; please pray for her to have faith and to stay strong.

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

 

Beyond Thankful,
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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