Hope Notes 5/30/13

Dear Friends of Hope~

We had a visit from a black racer snake in our backyard yesterday.  I'm not afraid of snakes, but I still did not like the way he slithered through the grass raising his head and tail in warning.  I would never try to pick him up, nor would I wish I could capture him for a pet!  Then I remembered that small sect of snake handling churches who believe they are following Scripture by doing so.  ("I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:19) This is just one of many examples of people taking Scripture out of context.  Whether arrogant and self-serving, or well intentioned but mislead, using a verse here and there to back up your personal belief is wrong.  God's Word is holy and inspired; it all goes together and man should not pull it apart randomly. I could fill this page ranting about how this bothers me or with verses about God's Word.  But I will restrain and encourage you to go to your Bible when you hear a verse being used for something and read the whole passage.  Sometimes all you need to do is read the surrounding verses!  God's Word is clear and always supports itself; He will bring clarity to your mind.

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE

June 2 – God Knows How To Do It (2 Peter 2:4-9)

Tired of watching bad people get away with evil?  Tired of feeling like doing good never pays off?  The Bible teaches very clearly that each of these are very short-lived realities and are insignificant in light of the permanent justice God will bring.  Too often, we get sucked into looking only in the short term and believing that what we see now will be the final result.  We get impatient with God's timing and decide that if He isn't going to do something now, He never will.  But Peter makes the case that God knows what He's doing.  We can trust Him.  And we can rest in His faithfulness, justice, and mercy!

 

NEXT SATURDAY EVENING SERVICE IS JUNE 22^nd

 

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.

 

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

 

JUNE CHALLENGE VERSE

Luke 6:27-28

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

 

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS

7:00 – 8:15

We will be putting our study of 1Corinithians aside for spring and breaking into individual classes.  The groups offered are shown below. Everyone is welcome to join the groups in progress. Childcare is provided.

 

The Land Between (Bob Baumiester)

Meets in 1^st-2^nd Grade Classroom

 

Sun Stand Still (Damon Briggs)

Meets in Pre-School Room

 

Too Busy NOT to Pray (Mike Hartwell)

Meets in Prayer Room

 

The Basics of Christianity (Steve Jones)

Meets in Coffee Room

 

 Do I Have to Live Stressed Out (Pastor Mark)

Meets in Auditorium

 

JULY JAMS

During the month of July we want to change up our normal Wednesday night Bible study by taking things outdoors under the big tents! We'll start the night with some music from some of our own musicians, followed by a devotional from Pastor Mark, and some desserts and fellowship for everyone. There will be more information soon, but mark your calendars now and plan to bring out the whole family for these special Wednesday nights!

 

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

HCF SOFTBALL TEAM

Softball Season has begun! Bring your friends and family to come root for our team.  It's a fun evening of fellowship!  Be sure to check the Salt & Light for the weekly game schedules.  See Lenny Little with any questions.

 

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 GROUP SAMPLER

If you didn't get to be a part of our Small Groups this past term, don't despair! We are doing a Small Group Sampler on the first 3 Wednesdays of August.  The groups are open to anyone who wants to participate, whether you've been in a group previously or not.  Simply sign up and you will be assigned to a small group for whatever Wednesdays you are available. The deadline for signing up is Sunday, July 14^th, so that we can make sure we have a plan that includes everyone and gives us time to get that plan to all the group members in time for the first small group.  Signup sheet is in the lobby.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Women of Faith – September 6^th & 7^th

Annual Church Picnic – September 8

 

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.

 

This Week @ Rooted (5/29) - Have you ever really been excited about something - a project, joining a team or a band- but after awhile you realized your experience wasn't quite what you thought it would be? Did that experience lead you to quitting? This week we will look at people who have 'quit' Christianity.

 

GROW GROUPS SR. HIGH STUDY

2^nd and 4^th Monday Evenings

If you are between 9^th – 12^th grades, this is an awesome opportunity to grow closer to each other and closer to God.

 

 Next Grow Group Meets 6/10

 

DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT – THIS FRIDAY

Friday, May 31^st

This is our second dodge ball tournament. We will meet at the church at 6:00pm and head to Marlton United Methodist Church. There is no cost, pizza will be provided and will return around 11pm.

 

 MISSION TRIP UPDATE

Thanks to all who supported the Pretzel sale last week! We raised $236 towards the Mission Trip!

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

PARTNER MEETING/VOTING

Sunday, June 2nd

The Lord has opened the door for Hope to purchase a 15 passenger van.  We weren't anticipating this opportunity, but after some investigation, discussion, and prayer, we believe that this is God's direction for us.  Owning a van like this will be a wonderful resource for our youth ministries and for our church as a whole.  We know the history of the van, and we have had it checked by a reputable mechanic.  We are awaiting one final inspection before we move ahead.  Our offer is in line with the published value of the van, and the van has only about 55,000 miles.  We have the cash in reserve to make the purchase, and are essentially on target for our budget.  Overall, this looks like God's direction and provision for our church.  If you have any questions, please see an elder and we'll fill you in on any info you need.  Please pray as we plan for a brief meeting with our partners after our Sunday morning service on June 2.

 

MAY GIVING REPORT

Our giving for May averaged $5472 per week which brings our annual weekly average giving to $5358 per week. We are still below our annual weekly giving target, but thankful for the sacrifice and generosity of each faithful giver as God continues to spur us forward for His Kingdom!

 

RENT-A-KID

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO PLACE YOUR BID

 AUCTION CLOSES AT THE END OF CHURCH SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd

The first fundraiser for our mission trip is in full swing. Check out the pictures in the hall showing each youth available for 'rent' for three hours of service at your convenience.  Do you need a babysitter, landscaper, housecleaner, lawn mower, etc?  There's just one week left, so make sure to get your bids in on these kids!

 

SAINTS PRISON MINISTRY

Were you aware that we have our own prison missionaries right here at Hope?  Bill McGinness, along with Anne and Jim Jefferson, are actively involved in the Saints Prison Ministry.  Their mission is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to prisoners through athletics and to provide them with opportunities for spiritual growth.  The Saints compete against inmate teams in softball, basketball, soccer and women's volleyball, and then present the Gospel to them right on the playing field.  They need to raise their own support in order to participate in this ministry.  Please consider helping them out with your prayers and any financial contribution you can give.  Current needs are: Bill McGinness is $950, Jim Jefferson $850 and Anne Jefferson $350.  Checks should be made payable to the individual.

 

OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE

 

YOUNG ADULT CHILDCARE

We are in need of 1 or 2 people who are willing to provide childcare for our Young Adults meetings. This group has been growing like crazy and being able to provide babysitting is a wonderful way we can support and encourage them in their journey of faith. We have rotating teams right now, but need a little more help so each team only needs to serve 1x every 6-8 weeks. Please see Dana Ott or email her at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org for more information if you are interested in helping out.

 

VBS – COLOSSAL COASTER WORLD

July 15^th – 18th

Can you believe it's time to start thinking about VBS already?  There will be plenty of different options and opportunities to help. More information will be coming.  Contact Anne Jefferson at annemarie523@juno.com if you'd like to volunteer to be a part of this exciting program for our children.  There is a signup sheet in the lobby.

 

FOOD PANTRY

We are in need of the following items for our pantry:

Non-refrigerated beverages such as juices, Snapple, or water.  No soda please.

          Ground beef, hot dogs, meat, poultry, french fries, etc. for the freezer.

See Karen Jones with any questions regarding the pantry.

Please remember to check the expiration dates and leave all donations in the basket located outside the kitchen door.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery                          Naidona & Brian Ott

Toddlers                         Bill McGinness, Angel Nolan, Isaiah Owens, Rachael Swaggart
Pre K – Kindergarten     Linda Landis, Linda Ellison, Ryan Winstel
1^st – 3rd                         Kathy Mayfield, Madison Toomin

4^th & 5^th                         Mary LeBeau, Dylan Ott
Counters                        Lois Hartwell, Carole Baumiester
Greeters                         Tony Dariano
                                       Mickey Dariano
                                       John Brazelis

                                       Lisa Fiorile
                                     
Wed. Evening                 TBD

 

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

Saturday Night Service – Please lift up these services as we move forward in seeing if a Saturday evening service is a good fit for us.

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

 

His Word is True,
Lois

 

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