Dear Friends of Hope~
So……..I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (ha ha) for Part Two of my random thoughts concerning Bibles at church. Anyway, as I think about going back to bringing my Bible with me every week, I am wondering about those IPad and Smartphone Bibles. I kind of think I wouldn't like them. I've heard you can 'take notes' and 'highlight' with them, but somehow it doesn't seem the same. I like the feel of those paper thin pages; I like the way they sound as you ruffle through them searching for a verse. I admit – I even like the smell of those pages and the leather cover! Plus, I like seeing all my hastily scribbled notes, the different passages I've highlighted over the years, and the words of wisdom from a certain pastor *cough Mark Ott cough*. I always date these things because it's interesting and encouraging to re-read them and remember where I was in my walk with the Lord at that time and what He was showing me. My Bible has become a journal of sorts, chronicling my spiritual growth/path. Somehow, I just don't think it would be the same with the electronic Bibles. What do you think? Am I behind the times, missing out, clinging stubbornly to my old ways………….or is there a value and love being placed on my old Bible that transcends the times?
SUNDAY MESSAGE
July 21 – VBS Closing Program – The Adventure of Life (Matthew 6:25-34)
Our theme for VBS this week was the thrill rides of an amusement park – roller coasters! Some people love them and others hate them, but there is little debate that riding them can make your heart beat faster with excitement (or fear!). We can feel like we are going too fast and out of control. We can be taken on drops and unexpected turns that keep us constantly surprised as we ride. Life is a lot like that roller coaster. And Jesus talks about the concerns we have in life – not knowing what will come around the next turn. We can certainly feel the ups and downs of life, and we can grow fearful of what is coming. But Jesus tells us we can look at life as an adventure and gives us the key to enjoying it!
COMING IN AUGUST
Saturday Night Services in August (7 pm each week)
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
JULY CHALLENGE VERSE
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAMS
7:00 – 8:15
We will be putting our study of 1Corinithians aside for summer and offering the following events. There is no childcare during July Jams.
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.
July 24 – Kylie and Kara Ott / Carnival Night – Popcorn, Candy bars, Peanuts, Ice Cream Bars
July 31 – Tom Albright and friends / Cookies and Brownies
Note: See "Opportunities to Serve" listed near the end for July Jam snack needs.
SUMMER WITH SISTERS/WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Mondays at 7:00 pm
July 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26
A five-week study of the book of Ruth, led by our own Kim Rice. Come out and learn what the book of Ruth, a remarkable woman of the Bible, has to teach us about living as a woman in today's culture. A sign-up sheet is at the information table. (The Women's Prayer group will not meet during this time period.)
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.
Please Note: This program is not meeting during July Jams.
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.
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
8:00 – 9:30am
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 you are willing to help set up – we meet in the kitchen at 7:00am. See Steve Jones with any questions.
SMALL GROUP SAMPLER
Deadline for sign up is this Sunday, July 21st
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. We will make sure we have a plan that includes everyone! Signup sheet is in the lobby. Childcare is not provided.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Church Picnic – September 8
YOUTH NEWS
MINI GOLF OUTING – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday July 21st
Join us for mini golf right after church this Sunday. We will be going to Gino's Golf Center on Rt. 45. Cost is $5 for golf. All students should either bring money for lunch or pack their own lunch.
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.
GROW GROUPS SR. HIGH STUDY
2nd and 4th Monday Evenings
If you are between 9th – 12th grades, this is an awesome opportunity to grow closer to each other and closer to God.
Please Note: Youth Group & Grow Groups are taking a break over the summer. We will keep you informed of our upcoming summer events!
ROOTED SUMMER SCHEDULE (Details will follow)
July 24 – July Jams
July 15 thru 19 - VBS
July 31st thru August 4th – Mission Trip
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
We are celebrating our 9th anniversary this week at Hope Christian Fellowship! For those of us who have been here since the beginning, it has been a glorious journey seeing where God has taken us. For those who are a little newer to Hope, you may not even know how long we've been around! I cannot believe that nine years have gone by. God has done and continues to do so many amazing things here at Hope. I am thankful that we have a pastor and a leadership team who waits and listens for God's direction rather than getting ahead of Him and proceeding with what they 'feel' is right. Praying for God's richest blessings on Hope and all who attend!
DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING AT HOPE
Saturday July 20th – 8:00-10:00am
We are no doubt living in a morally dark time. I believe that our Lord wants us to humble ourselves before Him and seek Him with all our hearts. He is the only answer to the mess we have gotten ourselves into as a nation and as a people. Let's join as one voice to ask God to bring our hearts close to His, close to each other and cry out with one voice for a great move of His Spirit. Contact Jim Bradshaw with any questions at jimbradshaw3@gmail.com.
OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE
JULY JAMS SNACK NEEDS
July 24th – Individual cans of soda, individually wrapped candy bars, individually wrapped peanuts.
July 31st - "Grab n Go" treats – all types of cookies, brownies
Signup sheets are in the lobby.
NURSERY
We have a few 'holes' in our Nursery Schedule. Specifically August 11 & 18 and November 3 & 10. If you can help fill these spots, please contact Don or Alicia Heverly at Lilfeet21@hotmail.com or 609-923-0806.
SIGNUP SHEETS OUT
Signup sheets for the HELPING HANDS (Ken Blythe) and BUILDING PROJECTS (Brad Hopkins) ministries are now out in the lobby. These are both 'as needed' areas of ministry. Anyone willing to volunteer – please add your name to the list!
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.
FOOD PANTRY
We are in need of the following items for our pantry:
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 Karla Hopkins, Jeanne Wurst
Toddlers Kara Ott, Sammy Swedo
Pre K – Kindergarten Kim Lawlor, Erin and Ryan Sweeny
1st – 3rd Kelly Louis
4th & 5th Anita Little
Counters Kathy Berry, Melissa McGinness
Greeters Dan Gottshall
Cheryl Gottshall
Katrina Mariani
Greg Corrado
Wed. Evening None during July Jams
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
Our God is Greater,
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.
Dear Friends of Hope~
So……..I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (ha ha) for Part Two of my random thoughts concerning Bibles at church. Anyway, as I think about going back to bringing my Bible with me every week, I am wondering about those IPad and Smartphone Bibles. I kind of think I wouldn't like them. I've heard you can 'take notes' and 'highlight' with them, but somehow it doesn't seem the same. I like the feel of those paper thin pages; I like the way they sound as you ruffle through them searching for a verse. I admit – I even like the smell of those pages and the leather cover! Plus, I like seeing all my hastily scribbled notes, the different passages I've highlighted over the years, and the words of wisdom from a certain pastor *cough Mark Ott cough*. I always date these things because it's interesting and encouraging to re-read them and remember where I was in my walk with the Lord at that time and what He was showing me. My Bible has become a journal of sorts, chronicling my spiritual growth/path. Somehow, I just don't think it would be the same with the electronic Bibles. What do you think? Am I behind the times, missing out, clinging stubbornly to my old ways………….or is there a value and love being placed on my old Bible that transcends the times?
SUNDAY MESSAGE
July 21 – VBS Closing Program – The Adventure of Life (Matthew 6:25-34)
Our theme for VBS this week was the thrill rides of an amusement park – roller coasters! Some people love them and others hate them, but there is little debate that riding them can make your heart beat faster with excitement (or fear!). We can feel like we are going too fast and out of control. We can be taken on drops and unexpected turns that keep us constantly surprised as we ride. Life is a lot like that roller coaster. And Jesus talks about the concerns we have in life – not knowing what will come around the next turn. We can certainly feel the ups and downs of life, and we can grow fearful of what is coming. But Jesus tells us we can look at life as an adventure and gives us the key to enjoying it!
COMING IN AUGUST
Saturday Night Services in August (7 pm each week)
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
JULY CHALLENGE VERSE
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAMS
7:00 – 8:15
We will be putting our study of 1Corinithians aside for summer and offering the following events. There is no childcare during July Jams.
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.
July 24 – Kylie and Kara Ott / Carnival Night – Popcorn, Candy bars, Peanuts, Ice Cream Bars
July 31 – Tom Albright and friends / Cookies and Brownies
Note: See "Opportunities to Serve" listed near the end for July Jam snack needs.
SUMMER WITH SISTERS/WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Mondays at 7:00 pm
July 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26
A five-week study of the book of Ruth, led by our own Kim Rice. Come out and learn what the book of Ruth, a remarkable woman of the Bible, has to teach us about living as a woman in today's culture. A sign-up sheet is at the information table. (The Women's Prayer group will not meet during this time period.)
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.
Please Note: This program is not meeting during July Jams.
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.
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
8:00 – 9:30am
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 you are willing to help set up – we meet in the kitchen at 7:00am. See Steve Jones with any questions.
SMALL GROUP SAMPLER
Deadline for sign up is this Sunday, July 21st
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. We will make sure we have a plan that includes everyone! Signup sheet is in the lobby. Childcare is not provided.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Church Picnic – September 8
YOUTH NEWS
MINI GOLF OUTING – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday July 21st
Join us for mini golf right after church this Sunday. We will be going to Gino's Golf Center on Rt. 45. Cost is $5 for golf. All students should either bring money for lunch or pack their own lunch.
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.
GROW GROUPS SR. HIGH STUDY
2nd and 4th Monday Evenings
If you are between 9th – 12th grades, this is an awesome opportunity to grow closer to each other and closer to God.
Please Note: Youth Group & Grow Groups are taking a break over the summer. We will keep you informed of our upcoming summer events!
ROOTED SUMMER SCHEDULE (Details will follow)
July 24 – July Jams
July 15 thru 19 - VBS
July 31st thru August 4th – Mission Trip
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
We are celebrating our 9th anniversary this week at Hope Christian Fellowship! For those of us who have been here since the beginning, it has been a glorious journey seeing where God has taken us. For those who are a little newer to Hope, you may not even know how long we've been around! I cannot believe that nine years have gone by. God has done and continues to do so many amazing things here at Hope. I am thankful that we have a pastor and a leadership team who waits and listens for God's direction rather than getting ahead of Him and proceeding with what they 'feel' is right. Praying for God's richest blessings on Hope and all who attend!
DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING AT HOPE
Saturday July 20th – 8:00-10:00am
We are no doubt living in a morally dark time. I believe that our Lord wants us to humble ourselves before Him and seek Him with all our hearts. He is the only answer to the mess we have gotten ourselves into as a nation and as a people. Let's join as one voice to ask God to bring our hearts close to His, close to each other and cry out with one voice for a great move of His Spirit. Contact Jim Bradshaw with any questions at jimbradshaw3@gmail.com.
OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE
JULY JAMS SNACK NEEDS
July 24th – Individual cans of soda, individually wrapped candy bars, individually wrapped peanuts.
July 31st - "Grab n Go" treats – all types of cookies, brownies
Signup sheets are in the lobby.
NURSERY
We have a few 'holes' in our Nursery Schedule. Specifically August 11 & 18 and November 3 & 10. If you can help fill these spots, please contact Don or Alicia Heverly at Lilfeet21@hotmail.com or 609-923-0806.
SIGNUP SHEETS OUT
Signup sheets for the HELPING HANDS (Ken Blythe) and BUILDING PROJECTS (Brad Hopkins) ministries are now out in the lobby. These are both 'as needed' areas of ministry. Anyone willing to volunteer – please add your name to the list!
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.
FOOD PANTRY
We are in need of the following items for our pantry:
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 Karla Hopkins, Jeanne Wurst
Toddlers Kara Ott, Sammy Swedo
Pre K – Kindergarten Kim Lawlor, Erin and Ryan Sweeny
1st – 3rd Kelly Louis
4th & 5th Anita Little
Counters Kathy Berry, Melissa McGinness
Greeters Dan Gottshall
Cheryl Gottshall
Katrina Mariani
Greg Corrado
Wed. Evening None during July Jams
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
Our God is Greater,
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.
