Hope Notes 6/6/13

Dear Friends of Hope~

Last night in our Wednesday Workshop class about prayer, we talked about having a special place to meet with God and pray.  I was thinking how I don't really have one particular place; then I remembered our back woods.  We have a couple acres made up of mostly yard and then some woods.  There is a clearing in the middle of the woods, so you can walk down through the yard and straight into the woods.  I take the dog there mostly every afternoon for you-know-what.  In that clearing is where God meets me.  His creation is evidence of His presence.  Every day I discover something new – be it a hidden patch of daffodils, a random raspberry bush, or a bird's nest.  Sometimes there are sad discoveries, like a tiny robin's egg fallen to the ground, or tufts of rabbit fur that have been left behind after a scuffle. Depending on the season, sunlight dapples through the trees, branches shelter me from rain, or snow blankets the ground as we walk along.  But always, always, God is there.  It's where I talk to Him as I wait for the doggie to complete her business.  It's so peaceful and quiet.  My prayers ascend right through the treetops into the listening ears of my Father in heaven.  Thank you, God, for giving me that special place which turns a daily 'chore' into a chance to commune with you.

 

SUNDAY MESSAGE

June 9 – Pleasure and Pride (2 Peter 2:10-18)

How much of the advertising we see every day is based on feeling good or feeling good about yourself?  These two concepts pull at us constantly and powerfully.  Everyone wants to experience pleasure and enjoy life.  And everyone likes to feel a little puffed up about themselves.  Peter makes the point in today's passage that false teachers use these two experiences to run their own lives and to lead others astray.  As we look at this passage, we'll let God show us how we've been deceived and derailed personally by falling prey to these enticing.  And hopefully, we'll be able to use what Peter says to help us guard against falling into that trap again.

 

COMING UP:

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.

If you've never come to the men's breakfast, this month would be a good chance to try it out.  Steve Jones will be telling a few "real stories of the State Police" and talking about the Lord's call for us to be self-disciplined.

 

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 (6/12) - We will take a look at a popular song and what it says about our culture today.

 

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.

This Week @ Grow Groups (6/10) - We will be meeting at Dave & Leah's house from 7:00 - 8:30 to discuss evidences for God outside of the Bible.

 

 MISSION TRIP UPDATE

Thank you to all who bid on the kids! We raised a combined $565 through this fundraiser which is awesome!! There will be a few more opportunities to donate between now and the end of July.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

 

GREETERS NEEDED

Are you the friendly sort?  We're looking for a few people to 'meet & greet' everyone as they come in the doors of Hope.  It's an easy way to get plugged in and serve.  If you're interested, contact Deb Caranci at fcaranci@comcast.net.

 

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                         Ardra Jarvis, Joyce James
Pre K – Kindergarten     Bill McGinness, Isaiah Owens, Rachael S.
1^st – 3rd                         Patty & Rich Bunnell

4^th & 5^th                         Anne Jefferson
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

 

Glimpsing His Glory,
Lois

 

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