Hope Notes 10/10/13

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I have some questions for you.  Who takes out the trash at Hope?  Who replaces the toilet paper when it runs out?  Who makes sure the kitchen has paper towels and dish soap?  Who changes the seasonal decorations?  Do you know??  Don't feel bad if you don't; there are many 'behind the scenes' helpers at Hope.  Sometimes people hesitate to serve because they think it entails being out there visibly running a program or leading a group of people.  But there are many, many areas in which you can quietly attend to the needs of Hope and its ministries.  Once you begin serving, you will find that you feel more connected; more 'plugged in' and a part of what goes on.  It's a wonderful way to express your gratitude and love for the church God has placed you in.  Did I mention that it's easy to get started?  Just look for the bright yellow pamphlets on our tables in the lobby or in the Resource Room.  There's a whole list of places you can plug into and people to contact with any questions.  Go ahead……………give it a try and watch what happens!

 

SATURDAY EVENING & SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

October 13 – Water Into Wine (John 2:1-11)

Has it ever seemed like God waited too long to answer your prayer?  Like you prayed and prayed for Him to help, but by the time He decided to work, it was too late?  It can be confusing to try to understand why this happens – especially if there is deep heartache involved.  But as we take a look at Jesus' first miracle, we'll find that they thought He had waited too long as well.  His mother was pushing Him to act, and when He finally did, those around thought it was too late.  Is it possible that God is doing more in our circumstance than what we're hoping for?  In this story, John tells us that Jesus did a lot more than just turn water into wine.

 

BENEVOLENT OFFERING

Sunday October 13^th

A need has arisen for a family at Hope and we will be taking an offering this Sunday in an effort help them.  Please pray about this and give as God leads.

 

SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES

We will be having service on Saturday evenings most every week through December.  However, there are a few times where there will be no Saturday evening service!  Here they are: November 24^th, and December 15^th.

 

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

 

OCTOBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Ephesians 4:1-3

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

7:00 – 8:15

1Corinthians

Make sure you set aside time to come and study God's Word mid-week.  This helps keep you rooted in Scripture and connected to each other.  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 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.

 

GOD'S GIRLS

Women's Bible Study – Bible Bus Stops

This study meets the 1^st and 3rd Monday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30pm.  There will be discussion and reflection on the Proverb of the Day taken from the One Year Bible. It's like riding the bus; jump on and off anytime you are available!

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

SMALL GROUPS 

Small groups are now forming!  Please prayerfully connect with those on your heart. Small groups are made up of 8-12 adults who meet together every other week.  They discuss the small group study sheet (available in the resource room or on our website) and pray for one another.  Find some people you are close to or some that you want to get to know and ask what their plans for small group are.  Don't forget to stop at the signup table and look at the free agent list; you can always fill spots in your group with people from this list.  REGISTER your group (even if it isn't full), by filling out a registration form and giving to Damon Briggs. If you make additions after you turn in your form, just let him know! 

 

MEN'S BREAKFAST – THIS SATURDAY 10/12

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. See Steve Jones with any questions.

 

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.

Rooted Wednesday (10/16) – We'll take a short break from our journey through Romans and look at the importance of being present.

 

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.

Grow Groups (10/14) - What are you holding on to? Come and find out as we start a study on Surrender! All 9th - 12th graders are welcome to join this study 7:00 – 8:30pm at the church.

 

COSTUME DODGE BALL TOURNAMENT

Friday, October 25th

 We're having a dodge ball tournament at Gloucester County Christian School with a few other churches. Get your teams together, get your costumes together, and be sure to register with your team with Dave.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NOMINATIONS

We are starting our nomination process for deacons and elder candidates - forms will be out this Sunday. Partners should nominate men for elder candidates (Leadership Team) that they believe have demonstrated spiritual leadership at Hope and have the spiritual qualifications listed in the Bible.  We're looking for help on our Deacon Team so let's nominate men and women who have a passion to serve the body of Christ and who will help us function well as a team.  Please remember that only partners can nominate. Be sure to pick up a form for a complete explanation of not only the process, but also the requirements. You can see Pastor Mark with any questions and give your completed form to him.

 

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

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Practices are starting now!  Parents, get your kids involved! Bring your kids straight to their Sunday School classrooms at 10:00 am. Their teachers will take them to the Youth Room for practice at 10:30 am every Sunday morning. Please pick up your kids in the Youth Room after church. The Christmas Program will take place Saturday, December 21st at 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 22nd at 10:00 AM. Mark your calendars NOW and be sure to invite your family and friends!  See Matt or Kelli Russell with any questions.

 

 

OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE

 

PRAYERS FOR RENTAL NEED

A family of four is looking for a place to rent in the Deptford/Woodbury area as soon as possible. This family is a friend of Hope so please keep them in your prayers for God to provide this need and give direction. If you know of something that is available, please contact Pastor Mark at markott@hopechristianfellowship.org. Thank you!

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

Is there anyone out there who might be willing to fill in as a helper on an 'as needed' basis?  Sometimes our volunteers don't show up and we need a last minute fill in.  If you are willing to be pulled out of Bible Study occasionally to help, please let Jen Winstel know.

 

COAT DRIVE

Heads up! It's not too soon to start going through your winter coats and setting aside those your family may have outgrown or are will no longer be wearing.  We plan on having a Coat Drive in November to help out those who are in need of a warm coat for the winter months.  You get a cleaner closet and someone else gets a winter coat!  More details to follow.

 

MEALS MINISTRY

One of the ways we serve the body of Christ here at Hope is by providing a meal when certain situations come up.  Sometimes it is a happy occasion, like the birth of a baby.  Other times, there has been a surgery or illness that makes receiving a meal a relief and a true blessing.  If you have the time and the availability to provide a meal and deliver it, this would be a great ministry for you!  Having a list of reliable people means each person would only be called on every so often.  There is a signup sheet in the lobby.  Contact Carole Baumiester (needsministry@gmail.com) with any questions.

 

FOOD PANTRY

We want for every family to be able to start the day with a good breakfast!  Please help stock our pantry with breakfast items such as hot & cold cereal, pancake mix, syrup, etc.  We are also in need of boxed macaroni & cheese, salt & pepper, and condiments.

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                          Lucy Muhlbaier

Toddlers                         Karen Blythe, Diane Beardsworth, Emily
Pre K – Kindergarten     Linda Landis, Linda Ellison
1^st & 2nd                        Kathy Porch, Madison Toomin

3^rd - 5th                         Mary LeBeau, Dylan Ott
Counters                        Bill Berry, Damon Briggs
Greeters                         Lisa Minner
                                       Emily Hartwell
                                       Matt Austen

                                       Connie Matthews
                                     
Wed. Evening                 Kit Foster, Katrina Mariani

 

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  

Sara Caniso – For God to bring her through the anxiety and depression that has resulted from having her house robbed.  For strength and peace as she battles this.

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 – We are thankful that Matt Russell has stepped in to run our Children's Christmas Program!  Let's keep him in prayer as he takes the lead in 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

 

Serving Him,
Lois

 

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