Hope Notes 11/21/12 Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Friends of Hope~
Don't panic – it's not really Thursday, which would make it Thanksgiving Day! I'm sending these out early to make sure everyone is around to get them.
Here's the verse that's been rolling around in my head for Thanksgiving – "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2Cor 9:13) I am GRATEFUL for His gift of salvation, which means I have feelings of thankfulness. I am GRATIFIED because I have received what was desired/needed. His gift was GRATUITOUS, which means it costs me nothing, was unwarranted & without cause, completely free to me. I am beyond thankful for all that He has done for me and humbled beyond measure that He did.
SUNDAY MESSAGE
Expecting a Child
Many people think that Jesus' arrival in Bethlehem on the day of His birth was an unexpected surprise. But the truth is that God had spent thousands of years promising and predicting exactly what would happen. God's people not only knew about the coming Messiah, they were also watching for Him and expecting Him. We're going to take a few weeks to explore some of the prophecies and their fulfillments. And we'll have the same choice God's people had – will we have open hearts to the One God sent?
November 25 – Knowing or Believing? (John 7:40-43)
There is a difference between knowing someone's life story and knowing them personally. Information alone does not produce a relationship. It takes more personal connection to experience the life and joy that can be found in knowing someone. As we start our Christmas series, we're going to take this concept and look at how it worked in the minds of God's people as they waited for the Messiah. In the Gospels, it is very clear that they knew all about this coming child. But when He actually came, they rejected Him. What do we do with the information we have about Jesus? Are we people who know about Him, or do we put our faith and trust completely in Him?
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
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. Please email Lauren directly at Lauren8482@hotmail.com to purchase 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
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
PILLOWCASE PROJECT
Thanks SO much to all who contributed fabric and thread for this project. We now have plenty - no more is needed. Our next workshop will be on Saturday, January 5th. 47 pillowcases are completed, so we are one-third of the way toward our goal of 140 pillowcases by January 26.
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
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
Rehearsal Schedule
November 28 (Wednesday), 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
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!
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 Nicole Babli, Mallory Pantaleo
Toddlers Rebecca & John, Abbey Harkin, Lauren
Pre K – Kindergarten Beth Fox, Heath Gravenor
1st – 3rd Kathleen Toomin
4th & 5th Kimmi Rice
Counters Melissa McGinness, Karen Jones
Greeters John Brazelis
Lisa Fiorile
Helen Mastalski
Wed. Evening Scott & Mary LeBeau
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.
Edward & John Brazelis – Their 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!
Beyond Thankful,
Lois
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7:53 AM
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