Hope Notes 3/5/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Well, this past Sunday we had our first morning of two services!  I don't know about you, but I felt a bit strange knowing that there was a service going on that I wasn't at.  It felt a little bit like my family was having a party without me!  I kept looking at the clock and imagining what they were doing at that particular time.  Even though there are times when I miss because we are away or whatever, this time felt different.  And even though I knew I would still be attending the other service, I still felt like I might be missing something.  I think I just love our church so much that, if a worship service is going on, I want to be there, lol!  I know I'll get used to it and I know God brought us to this point.  If anyone had any doubt, all you would need to do is see the full house at 9:00 and the full house at 11:00.  God showed up in a big way – TWICE!  There's no time frame or time limit and what God can do and how He does it!  It was definitely a great day of worship, and before we know it we will all be marveling at the additional number of people God brings to Hope!

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE 

March 8 – The Vine (John 15:1-8)

COMMUNION

Solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power…. Do you know where the power for your home comes from?  Even if you did, it probably wouldn't make much difference to you in your day to day life.  The only time you'll really notice is if your power goes out. At that moment, all of your electrical devices remain plugged in, but no power is being supplied to the outlet because something has been disconnected from the source of power. Jesus uses a different analogy to describe our need to be connected to the source of life.  Have you ever felt like someone unplugged the power from your life?  Let's take a look at the way Jesus describes living as branches connected to the Vine.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TWO SERVICES

We now have two services, one at 9:00 and one at 11:00! Here's a brief rundown of the new times for our basic pre-service activities:

Ø  Prayer Huddle (for both services) 8:40-8:45 am Sundays

Ø  Prayer Time - 8:30 in prayer room

Ø  Teachers in Class/ Greeters at Posts - 1st service 8:45, 2nd service 10:45

Ø  Worship Team Morning Run Through - 8:15 am

 

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

8:40 – 8:45 for Both Services

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 8:40 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 at 8:30 am in the Prayer Room. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church. If you would like to participate, just show up!

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

MARCH CHALLENGE VERSE

Galatians 5:1, 13

 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  "You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature.  Rather, serve one another in love."

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

1 CORINTHIANS / 7:00 – 8:15 pm

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.  Contact Jenn Winstel with any questions at jenwinrn@comcast.net.

 

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 GROUP

1^st & 3^rd Mondays 7:00 pm – 8:40pm

Studying "Not a Fan-Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus"

God's Girls Group is a warm welcoming place where women are cared for and loved. It is a place to grow closer to the Lord and one another. We offer Bible Studies, Special Events, Retreats, Outings, and Outreaches. All women at Hope are welcome; feel free to bring a friend! Childcare is provided. Contact Jennifer Nolan at jnolan1962@yahoo.com to be added to our email list for updates and info.

                                                         

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.

 

SMALL GROUPS

Small Groups are a vital part of getting connected with others and forming deeper relationships than a quick 'hello' on Sunday mornings. Study sheets can be found in the Resource Room or downloaded right from our website. You can also contact Pastor Mark at markott@hopechristianfellowship.org with your email address and he will send you the current study sheet at the same time it is sent to our webpage.  Contact Damon Briggs at damon.briggs@mitchellandness.com with any questions.

 

YOUTH NEWS

 

ROOTED MIDDLE SCHOOL             

Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30

 

ROOTED HIGH SCHOOL

Sundays from 6:30 – 8:30

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEWS

 

GO ZONE

Go Zone is our Sunday Morning kid's service! We are GOing for GOD, GOing for GROWTH, and GOing FOREVER! The Go Zone is a service entirely focused around the kids, in which we connect by playing games, worshipping with one another, and hearing a message from God's Word in fun, creative ways before heading off to Sunday school for the rest of the service.

Follow HopeKids! Ministries on Facebook at:  facebook.com/HCFHopeKids

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

BUILDING REPAIRS/BUILDING CHECK/LANDSCAPE/SNOW TEAM MEETING

This Sunday March 8^th

In order to accommodate our two service times, there will be a brief meeting between 10:25 – 10:45.  Please gather at the back of the church on the kitchen side by the glass table. 

 

HAVE OUR ELDERS PRAY WITH YOU

The New Testament has this wonderful ministry for the elders of a church - PRAYER.  And we'd like to offer it to anyone who is in need of healing (physical or otherwise) or who needs the power of God to be at work in their lives in a special way.  If you or anyone you know would like to take advantage of this ministry, contact Pastor Mark to set up a time after one of our Sunday services for the elders to pray over you.

 

BUMPER STICKERS & DECALS

Coming March 15^th

We are getting ready to 'unveil' our new decals and bumper stickers!  We are giving them out for FREE, so we are asking that you please take just one per car.  Our tee shirts will also be available for a mere $10 each!  It's fun to have these different ways to spread the word about our church!

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES

This is it!  All bottles are due back this Sunday, March 8^th.  Finish filling them up and bring them in.  Thank you!

 

HOPE CO-ED SOFTBALL TEAM

§  Must be 15 years old before the close of the season (middle of July)

§  Teams with Pitman Methodist

§  Season runs from April through July

§  Games are played on week nights with the exception of Wednesdays (6:30/8:00/or/9:30)

§  Sign Up is on the Sign Up table in the lobby

§  See Lenny Little with any questions

 

HOPE FOR RECOVERY

Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Are you ready to let go of strongholds?  Have you tried and tried on your own with no success?

Hope for Recovery is a Christian based, 12-step approach for those struggling with addictions of any kind.  The group is a safe and confidential place for men and women to find strength and HOPE through sharing and fellowship.  We meet in the 1^st/2^nd grade classroom.  Enter through the rear doors. Contact Hope4Recovery@yahoo.com with any questions.

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

 

LIVING SITUATION NEED

We have a gentleman in our church that is currently in need of a place to stay - either temporarily or longer term.  If anyone knows of someone who has a room or is looking for a roommate, please contact Frank Caranci (Needs Team Captain) at fcaranci@comcast.net.

 

BIG NEED

A family in Elmer lost everything Sunday when their home caught on fire. No lives were lost thank the Lord, but all they have are the clothes on their back. Kimmi Biglin's aide is a friend of the family.  Husband Steven & Wife Marni. They are raising money to rebuild at http://www.gofundme.com/mzleyc.

A collection of clothing and household items is being taken on February 28^th at Hanger Community Center, 1 South State Street, Elmer NJ.  Clothing sizes are as follows:

Dad:   Mens 3XL - pants 42x32 - shoe size 12 1/2
Mom: Ladies medium shirt - 7 pants - Shoe -8 1/2
Son: Mens XL or L - pants 34x30 - shoe size 10
Daughter: Junior size 3, shoe size 9
Baby Girl: 18-24 months

 

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY TEACHERS WANTED 

Have you been thinking about leading a small group of adults in a short-term Bible study?  The elders are looking for teachers who are interested in doing month-long Wednesday night workshops.  The door is wide open for a variety of topics.  If you're interested, get a summary of your curriculum / study to Pastor Mark by Easter.  The elders will seek God's direction for which classes to include for our next round of workshops in May!

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEEDS

With the upcoming addition of a second service, we will be needing more help in our classrooms.  Please contact Matt Russell at mruss800@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering.

The following classes are in immediate need of teachers & helpers:

1^st & 2^nd grade / Lisa Fiorile at Lfiorile@hotmail.com

3^rd – 5^th grade / Mary LeBeau at marylebeau@verizon.net  

Pre-K & Kindergarten / Lauren DellaRova dellarova@verizon.net

Toddler class / Kara Ott at karajoellxo@gmail.com

 

FOOD PANTRY

We have a shortage of baby food, freezer items, tuna fish, canned goods, soup, pasta and sauce, etc.

Any donations would be appreciated. Please check the expiration dates of any donations and place in the basket located outside the kitchen door. Contact Carole Baumiester with any questions or if you are interested in helping with our pantry. Thank you!

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery                        Karla Hopkins, Carole Baumiester, Leah & Dave Hallahan

Toddlers 9:00               Kit Foster, Katrina Mariani, Emily Foster

Toddlers 11:00             Rebecca & John Jacob, Natalie Mariani
Pre K – K 9:00              Lauren & Elisabeth DellaRova, Libby LeBeau

Pre K – K 11:00            Bill McGinness, Maurice Brazelis, Sammy Swedo
1st & 2nd                     TBA

3rd - 5th                       TBA
Counters                      Bill Berry, Mike Hartwell
Greeters                       Art Muhlbaier

                                     Lucy Muhlbaier

                                     Charlotte Zediker

                                     Jeanne Wurst

Wed. Evening Nursery Miriam Marquez, Brittany Bley

 

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 Bill Berry directly at billandkathyberry@comcast.net.

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Second Service - Please pray for God's leading, provision, and strength as we move forward with two services!

Financial Needs – The recent bad weather has put us behind financially for the year and we need to catch up!  We also need to make some progress SOON on our Emergency Fund and Boiler Replacement.  Please join us in asking the Lord to provide for us in those areas.

 

"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 Able!
Lois

 

 

 

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