Hope Notes 11/28/13 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I suppose I would be remiss to not write something about Thanksgiving, even though we just had our Praise Service this past Sunday.  Not to mention that you will all be receiving this on the actual day itself. I do think that most people won't read this until maybe the next day when the magnificent turkey is but a carcass and their refrigerators are full of leftovers. Personally, I wish there was more of a focus on Thanksgiving; it seems like it is just a pit stop on the race to Christmas.  My family calls me the Christmas Nazi because every year I complain about how the world doesn't even wait till Halloween is over to begin the Christmas countdown.  I gripe about all the decorations being up so early and having to listen to Christmas music before the leaves have even left the trees.  It's not that I don't enjoy those things; I just want to enjoy Thanksgiving fully before I move on to the next holiday.  Once that day is over, I am truly ready to begin shifting my focus to the celebration of the birth of our Lord – the One whom I am most thankful for!

 

SATURDAY EVENING & SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS – CHRISTMAS SERIES

The Christmas season is full of fun and memories.  Most of us look forward to this time of year and enjoy the feelings and experiences of Christmas for weeks leading up to the big day.  But reality generally doesn't quite live up to the great expectations we have for this holiday. Is it possible that we're missing something? We live stressed, rushed, overloaded, and tense.  The big day arrives and the family gathering isn't always ideal.  Is there something wrong with us, or are we in need of a reset on how we approach this day?   We'll take a look in the coming weeks at why Christmas inspires such big hopes and how we miss out on all that it can be!  

 

December 1 – The Holiday Rush (Communion Service)

Psalm 23; Proverbs 27:12

Gearing up for Christmas can mean two very different things.  You can be revving up your excitement and the enjoyment of all that you love about Christmas.  Or you can be starting a month long sprint with and overwhelming to-do list.  Something about this time of year convinces us that we need to join the 'holiday rush'.  And so we fill our schedules and run from one place to the next, trying our hardest to 'get it all done' and to 'enjoy it to the fullest'.  But more often than not, we fail at both.  We're going to look at just two verses in the Bible today that can help us adjust the way we live through these coming weeks so that we can actually enjoy Christmas!

 

SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES

Our Saturday evening services continue and seem to be growing!  Please remember that there will be no Saturday evening service on 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

 

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Psalm 121:1-2

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

 

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.

 

PLEASE NOTE: 

On December 11^th, Adult Bible study will move to the Youth Room since the Preschool/Toddler class will be practicing for the Christmas Program in the auditorium.

 

On December 18^th, we will divide our Adult Bible study into a few groups in two separate classrooms so that the Elementary class can practice for the Christmas Program.

 

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!

Please Note: There will be no meeting the third Monday of December, and our next study date will be Monday January 6, 2014.

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

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. See Steve Jones with any questions.

 

MEN'S MORNING PRAYER GROUP

Every Friday at Church

6:00 am – 7:00 am

Join us for a time of prayer, intercession and lifting up our hearts together with our brothers.  "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you know not of."

 

YOUTH NEWS

 

CAMDEN OUTREACH – SENIOR HIGH

Saturday, November 30th

Don't forget – this outreach is for you guys, too!  Join in with our Young Adults and make a difference in the lives of those in need in Camden.

 

BOWLING

December 11^th from 6:30-8:30 pm

Put your bowling skills to the test as we head to the Brunswick Lanes in Deptford. All the bowling you want for just $5.00!  Additional money will be needed if you want food/drinks.

 

ROOTED CHRISTMAS PARTY

Friday, December 13^th

It's that time of year again! Come out for our third annual Christmas party from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.  We'll have games, food, a $5 gift exchange, and a few surprises as well!

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NOVEMBER GIVING

We averaged $5694 per week for the month of November, which brings our annual average giving to $5201 per week.  While we were well above our target of $5400 per week for this month, we remain behind on our annual average, and are praying together for God's provision as we finish this year and look forward to next year.

 

ATTENTION 1^st & 2^nd GRADE TEACHERS

New Winter Teacher Guides are now available for pick-up in the classroom.  See Kathleen Toomin with any questions.

 

MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

February 14 – 16^th

We're getting a group together to go to the Family Life "Weekend to Remember" conference in Hershey, PA.  The cost is $89/per plus hotel costs (register separately).  This is a great opportunity to invest some time as a couple in your marriage and also to get away for the weekend!  Signup online at www.familylife.com and use the group name HopeWoodbury to get the discount.  See Pastor Mark with any questions.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Don't be shy!  Jump in and get engaged in some spiritual conversations via social media stuff like facebook and twitter.  We'd love for you to share your thoughts and your spiritual journeys so that we can walk through life a little more 'together'.  Share something you're thankful for, share what God is doing in your life through the challenge verse, share what you learned at our last service, etc.

 

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

 

GOD'S GIRLS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Monday, December 2^nd @ 7:00

Come join us for an evening of fun and fellowship!  We will be having a Christmas cookie exchange and a white elephant.  Open to all ladies 9^th grade and up!  Contact Jenn Nolan with any questions.

 

CHRISTMAS CAFÉ

Wednesday, December 4^th @ 7:00 pm

Enjoy a night of desserts, fun and fellowship as we kick off the Christmas Season. Sign up to sing, play an instrument, share a story or testimony, or some other gift the Lord has given you. Please bring a dessert to share. The church will provide coffee, tea, etc. This is for EVERYONE – no youth or kids programs will be running – we're all together in the auditorium!  If you have any questions, please contact Kimmi at 881-4877 or Kimmi_B@comcast.net.

 

THE LIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Saturday, December 21^st @ 7:00

Sunday, December 22^nd @ 10:00 

Want to walk like a wise man this Christmas? Then head on over to this year's Children's Christmas Program! All family, friends and neighbors are welcome to share this Christmas event with us at Hope, so invite anyone who may need a little light this season.

 

Special Note: The program is free of charge. However, in the spirit of giving, the Children's Christmas Program has partnered with Choices of the Heart, a Christian pregnancy center which ministers to pregnant women and new moms. The kids at Hope will be shining some light on the mothers served by this ministry by collecting baby hygiene items before both performances. If you are able, please bring a donation of a baby hygiene item (lotions, baby washes, shampoos, diaper creams, etc) to the show. The kids will be collecting these items to donate to Choices of the Heart on Christmas Eve. Then sit back, relax and soak in "The Light Before Christmas."

 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Tuesday, December 24^th @ 6:00pm

We would love to have you join us for our traditional Christmas Eve service. We know this is a busy night for many families so we make sure to keep the service to one hour.  We realize that people may have family traditions or obligations and aren't able make it out, but we sure hope you can.  We have special readings, music, and the all important candle lighting ceremony to really get you in the Christmas spirit!

 

OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE

 

CHRISTMAS DECORATING

Saturday, November 30^th @ 9:00am

Ready to start decorating for Christmas?  Come help make Hope sparkle with Christmas cheer!  Contact Carole Baumiester at 856-228-3188 with any questions.

 

TEACHERS AND AIDES NEEDED

 We have a need for Sunday School teachers and aides for the 3-5th grade classroom beginning in January. Teachers work on rotation, with 2 weeks in the classroom and 6-8 weeks off. We could use one to two more teachers for this age group. We would also like to have an aide in the classroom at all times. High school teens, this is a great way to minister to the younger kids! We would like to make "teaching teams" of one teacher, one aide, so if an adult-teen team is interested in working together, let me know. Thanks so much for your willingness to serve our youngest family members.

Please contact Mary Lebeau (marylebeau@verizon.net; 856-316-6301) if you're interested or if you have any questions about the program.

 

FOOD PANTRY

Current pantry needs:  Hot and cold cereals, peanut butter & jelly, and freezer items such as burgers, hot dogs, entrees, etc.

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                         Dawn & John Brazelis, Madison
Pre K – Kindergarten     Franne & Abbey Harkin, Maurice Brazelis, Steve Bradshaw
1^st & 2nd                        Lisa Fiorile

3^rd - 5th                         Kim Biglin, Kerry Crowley
Counters                        LaTosha Briggs, Lois Hartwell
Greeters                        Tony Dariano

                                      Mickey Dariano
                                      John Brazelis
                                      Lisa Fiorile                      

Wed. Evening                TBA

 

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

Charlotte Snobgrass – For Kayden, a 4 year old just diagnosed w/cancer. Please pray for strength for the family, healing for Kayden, and that this experience brings them to God.  Also for a co-worker's 3 day old son undergoing surgery.

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

 

In Christ Alone,
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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                         

 

 

 

 

 

Hope Notes 11/21/13

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I am so looking forward to this Sunday's Praise Service!  It is an annual touch stone for me; there have been years where my heart was just overflowing with things to be thankful for, and other years where it felt like a bit of a stretch to give thanks.  I'm sure you've all been there.  1Thess 5:18 challenges us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Notice that it doesn't say give thanks FOR all things; it says give thanks IN all things.  That's a big difference. We can be thankful in our difficult times because we know God is our loving Father, that the days of our lives are planned ahead by Him (PS 139:16), and that He will use even the worst of circumstances for good (Romans 8:28).  No matter what state your heart is in, I guarantee you that when you come to the Praise Service you will not walk out the door feeling miserable. You may have entered with a heavy heart, but I promise you will leave feeling encouraged by the evidence of God's mercy and love at work.

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

November 24 – Praise Service (Joshua 1:6-9)

NO SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE

Each year we set aside this Sunday to give thanks and praise to our amazing God.  He has done so much in our lives and has promised to never leave us or forsake us in our time of need.  Our service will be filled with music and will include an opportunity for you to give the Lord thanks for what He's done in your life.  Let's take this time as we prepare for the week of Thanksgiving and root ourselves in genuine and sincere gratitude.  If we don't, we risk getting swept up in the chaos of sales and Christmas celebrations that are about to flood into our lives.  Without a God-ward heart and eyes lifted up to heaven, we will miss out on any depth of meaning and experience during this wonderful and joyful season.  So join us in praise this morning!

 

SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES

Our Saturday evening services continue and seem to be growing!  Please remember that there will be no Saturday evening service on 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

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight."

 

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.

 

PLEASE NOTE: 

There will be no Bible study or any other programs on November 27^th (the night before Thanksgiving).

 

On December 11^th, Adult Bible study will move to the Youth Room since the Preschool/Toddler class will be practicing for the Christmas Program in the auditorium.

 

On December 18^th, we will divide our Adult Bible study into a few groups in two separate classrooms so that the Elementary class can practice for the Christmas Program.

 

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

 

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. See Steve Jones with any questions.

 

MEN'S MORNING PRAYER GROUP

Every Friday at Church

6:00 am – 7:00 am

Join us for a time of prayer, intercession and lifting up our hearts together with our brothers.  "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you know not of."

 

YOUTH NEWS

 

CAMDEN OUTREACH – SENIOR HIGH

Saturday, November 30th

Don't forget – this outreach is for you guys, too!  Join in with our Young Adults and make a difference in the lives of those in need in Camden.

 

ROOTED CHRISTMAS PARTY

Friday, December 13^th

It's almost that time of year! Come out from 7:00 – 9:00 pm for a night of Christmas fun and games as we celebrate Christmas together. Be on the lookout for more details

 

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 (11/20) – Come out as we take our last look at our "When in Rome" series for the year 2013.

 

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 (11/25) - We'll be wrapping up our Surrender series by looking at what it means to surrender ourselves. This will be our last Grow Groups of 2013 so be sure to come out.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

ATTENTION 1^st & 2^nd GRADE TEACHERS

New Winter Teacher Guides are now available for pick-up in the classroom.  See Kathleen Toomin with any questions.

 

MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

February 14 – 16^th

We're getting a group together to go to the Family Life "Weekend to Remember" conference in Hershey, PA.  The cost is $89/per plus hotel costs (register separately).  This is a great opportunity to invest some time as a couple in your marriage and also to get away for the weekend!  Signup online at www.familylife.com and use the group name HopeWoodbury to get the discount.  See Pastor Mark with any questions.

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Don't be shy!  Jump in and get engaged in some spiritual conversations via social media stuff like facebook and twitter.  We'd love for you to share your thoughts and your spiritual journeys so that we can walk through life a little more 'together'.  Share something you're thankful for, share what God is doing in your life through the challenge verse, share what you learned at our last service, etc.

 

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

 

CHRISTMAS CAFÉ

Wednesday, December 4^th @ 7:00 pm

Enjoy a night of desserts, fun and fellowship as we kick off the Christmas Season. Sign up to sing, play an instrument, share a story or testimony, or some other gift the Lord has given you. Please bring a dessert to share. The church will provide coffee, tea, etc. This is for EVERYONE – no youth or kids programs will be running – we're all together in the auditorium!  If you have any questions, please contact Kimmi at 881-4877 or Kimmi_B@comcast.net.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Saturday, December 21^st @ 7:00

Sunday, December 22^nd @ 10:00

Be sure to invite your family and friends to come see our kids share the real Christmas story through this fantastic program! See Matt or Kelli Russell with any questions.

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

What a wonderful response to our shoebox collection!  We had 84 boxes distributed this Monday.  Your generous spirits will be sure to touch the lives of children all over the world.  Thank you so much for giving!

 

OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE

 

COAT DISTRIBUTION – THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, November 24^th

If you or anyone you know is in need of some winter warmth, be sure to join us after worship this Sunday and pick out a coat FOR FREE!  We have quite a collection of coats and want to see everyone who could use one walk out with just the right coat!  See Lisa Minner with any questions.

 

FOOD PANTRY

Current pantry needs:  Hot and cold cereals, peanut butter & jelly, and freezer items such as burgers, hot dogs, entrees, etc.

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                          Brian & Naidona Ott

Toddlers                         Franne Harkin
Pre K – Kindergarten     Linda Landis, Madison
1^st & 2nd                        Lisa Fiorile

3^rd - 5th                         Kim Biglin, Kerry Crowley
Counters                        LaTosha Briggs, Lois Hartwell
Greeters                         Rick Ayusa
                                       Frank Caranci
                                       Helen Mastalski

                                       TBD
                                     
Wed. Evening                 No Wednesday Evening Services 11/27

 

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

Anonymous -Please lift up Bryan Brittingham and the 150th Engineer group serving a year in Afghanistan

Chris Bunnell – For his mentally challenged ex-classmate who has an abusive family.  Also for someone Chris knows who has been taken from his parents and is in an orphanage.

 Christianna Chimeng – For a young Christian woman who has been abandoned by her husband; raising 6 children on her own. Husband returned to Nigeria Africa and has not been supporting his family financially. She is bout to be evicted and children placed in foster care. Please pray for her and for God's conviction on her husband's behavior.

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

 

Thankful in All Things,
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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                         

 

 

 

 

 

Hope Notes 11/14/13

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I am fortunate that God has found a place to use me that I truly enjoy – writing these Hope Notes!  My church family is kind enough to often respond to these little opening paragraphs with similar stories or a big chuckle at something I've said.  You have no idea how encouraging that is!  It is both a blessing and a 'curse' to know that people are actually reading this.  I mostly prefer to pretend that no one besides me is privy to my ramblings!  If I stop and think about it, I will censor what I say.  And here's the thing – I don't want to do that because what I'm saying is not really coming from me.  People often ask me, "How do you think of what to write about?"  The answer I always give is that God lays it on my heart; He just drops these thoughts into my brain and then I type them out. So, you see, to censor that would be like restricting or editing what God is giving me!  I know for absolute certain that, on my own, I could not come up with something week after week.  I've been doing this for years and that would be way too many topics for my feeble brain to put forth!  So, let this be the place where I make sure to give all the glory to God and to express my gratefulness to Him.  I am thankful that he has placed me in an area of service where I not only don't have to but CAN'T do it all on my own strength.  That keeps me dependent and leaning on Him – which is the best place to be!

 

 SATURDAY EVENING & SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

November 17 – Who Is More… Who is Less? (John 3:22-36)

The star of the show… the center of attention… the Big Man on Campus.  Human ambition always pulls us towards trying to be a big deal.  When praise comes our way, we like it.  When others look up to us or think we're something special, it makes us feel good.  But the story of John the Baptist challenges that idea in each of us.  Many came to this powerful man and tried to ask him to step into the spotlight.  But John had a different concept about his influence.  He wanted people to look past him.  Is it possible to be in a position of tremendous influence, power, and fame, and use it for an eternal and worthwhile purpose?

 

UPCOMING PRAISE SERVICE

Sunday, November 24^th

No Saturday Evening Service!

This is a special worship service that we do every year to focus on the things our God has done in our lives and  on all we have to be thankful for.  In reality, it would take much more time than one Sunday morning service to tell our stories and express our gratitude for all the blessings God has placed into our lives.  Even if you feel you are not in a 'thankful place' – come!   I promise you will not leave with a heavy heart; it is always so uplifting and encouraging to hear and be reminded of what God is doing!

 

SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES

Our Saturday evening services continue and seem to be growing!  Please remember that there will be no Saturday evening service on 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

 

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight."

 

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.

 

PLEASE NOTE: 

There will be no Bible study or any other programs on November 27^th (the night before Thanksgiving).

 

On December 11^th, Adult Bible study will move to the Youth Room since the Preschool/Toddler class will be practicing for the Christmas Program in the auditorium.

 

On December 18^th, we will divide our Adult Bible study into a few groups in two separate classrooms so that the Elementary class can practice for the Christmas Program.

 

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

 

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. See Steve Jones with any questions.

 

MEN'S MORNING PRAYER GROUP

Every Friday at Church

6:00 am – 7:00 am

Join us for a time of prayer, intercession and lifting up our hearts together with our brothers.  "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you know not of."

 

YOUTH NEWS

 

CAMDEN OUTREACH – SENIOR HIGH

Saturday, November 30th

Don't forget – this outreach is for you guys, too!  Join in with our Young Adults and make a difference in the lives of those in need in Camden.

 

ROOTED CHRISTMAS PARTY

Friday, December 13^th

It's almost that time of year! Come out from 7:00 – 9:00 pm for a night of Christmas fun and games as we celebrate Christmas together. Be on the lookout for more details

 

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 (11/20) – Come out as we take our last look at our "When in Rome" series for the year 2013.

 

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 (11/25) - We'll be wrapping up our Surrender series by looking at what it means to surrender ourselves. This will be our last Grow Groups of 2013 so be sure to come out.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GREETERS MEETING – THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, November 17^th

Attention all Greeters or anyone interested in becoming a Greeter!  Pastor Mark is having a meeting after worship to go over the call of Greeters here at Hope.  Whether you are already on our Greeters Roster, or are just wondering about it, this would be the time to find out exactly what being a Greeter is all about!

 

MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

February 14 – 16^th

We're getting a group together to go to the Family Life "Weekend to Remember" conference in Hershey, PA.  The cost is $89/per plus hotel costs (register separately).  This is a great opportunity to invest some time as a couple in your marriage and also to get away for the weekend!  Signup online at www.familylife.com and use the group name HopeWoodbury to get the discount.  See Pastor Mark with any questions.

 

BED FRAME NEEDS

There is a need in the body of Hope for two twin size bed frames and box springs.  The metal type is fine.  If anyone can help with this, please contact Ron Patterson at 856-655-4134 or rpatterson28@gmail.com.

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Don't be shy!  Jump in and get engaged in some spiritual conversations via social media stuff like facebook and twitter.  We'd love for you to share your thoughts and your spiritual journeys so that we can walk through life a little more 'together'.  Share something you're thankful for, share what God is doing in your life through the challenge verse, share what you learned at our last service, etc.

 

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

 

CHRISTMAS CAFÉ

Wednesday, December 4^th @ 7:00 pm

Enjoy a night of desserts, fun and fellowship as we kick off the Christmas Season. Sign up to sing, play an instrument, share a story or testimony, or some other gift the Lord has given you. Please bring a dessert to share. The church will provide coffee, tea, etc. This is for EVERYONE – no youth or kids programs will be running – we're all together in the auditorium!  If you have any questions, please contact Kimmi at 881-4877 or Kimmi_B@comcast.net.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Saturday, December 21^st @ 7:00

Sunday, December 22^nd @ 10:00

Be sure to invite your family and friends to come see our kids share the real Christmas story through this fantastic program! See Matt or Kelli Russell with any questions.

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

The shoeboxes are here!!  We've made it extra easy for you to participate this year – all you need to do is pick up a shoebox and the information brochure and you're all set!  Once you choose the age and sex of your child, you are ready to fill their box with Christmas joy.  All boxes need to be returned to the church no later than Sunday, November 17^th.  See Wendy Devereaux with any questions.  "Every shoebox offers an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with a hurting child." (Franklin Graham)

 

OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

Specific Need:  We are in need of a helper for the 3^rd – 5^th grade class November 20^th.

If you can help with this, please contact Jenn Winstel at jenwinrn@comcast.net.

 

COAT DRIVE / GIVING WARMTH

We will be collecting new and gently used the weekend of November 16^th & 17^th.   These coats will be AVAILABLE FOR FREE on Sunday, November 24^th following our morning worship service.  We ask that you please hold your donations until the drop off dates shown above as we do not have the space to store the coats.  See Lisa Minner with any questions.

 

FOOD PANTRY

Current pantry needs:  Hot and cold cereals, peanut butter & jelly, and freezer items such as burgers, hot dogs, entrees, etc.

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                          Brian & Naidona Ott

Toddlers                         Rebecca & John Jacob, Natalie
Pre K – Kindergarten     Linda Landis, Madison
1^st & 2nd                        Kathleen & Cheyenne Toomin

3^rd - 5th                          Kimmie Rice
Counters                        Bill Berry, Mike Hartwell
Greeters                         Rick Ayusa
                                       Frank Caranci
                                       Helen Mastalski

                                       TBD
                                     
Wed. Evening                 Kristy Tomasello

 

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

Anonymous -Please lift up Bryan Brittingham and the 150th Engineer group serving a year in Afghanistan

Chris Bunnell – For his mentally challenged ex-classmate who has an abusive family.  Also for someone Chris knows who has been taken from his parents and is in an orphanage.

 Christianna Chimeng – For a young Christian woman who has been abandoned by her husband; raising 6 children on her own. Husband returned to Nigeria Africa and has not been supporting his family financially. She is bout to be evicted and children placed in foster care. Please pray for her and for God's conviction on her husband's behavior.

Debbie Bradshaw – For their son Daniel to come back to the Lord. Also for strength and patience for Debbie since she is responsible for her parents' care, health and general living situations.

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

 

Giving Glory to Him,
Lois

 

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