Hope Notes 4/30/15
Dear Friends of Hope ~
Last Sunday, Pastor Mark mentioned a phrase used often in his household that made my ears perk right up! We also use this phrase, as did my own mom. "This too shall pass". But did you know that this phrase is often thought to be a Bible verse? One concordance website even includes a search for the phrase, only to point out once you click on it that it does not actually come from the Bible! Wherever it originated, it is commonly used by people to remind themselves that a difficult time is transitory. In the light of eternity, most of our troubles here on earth are minimal. 2 Corinthians 4:17 talks about our troubles being temporary: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." I'd like to share with you how I often use that phrase. I use it to remind myself to stop and take notice of the joyous moments, the people I love, and the things God puts in front of me. For those things, too, shall pass. Your little one won't be little forever. Your time of peace may not last forever. The beautiful flower in your backyard won't be there forever. Those are the things I want my heart to remember, and reminding myself that they are fleeting helps me to stop, to pay attention, and to not let them pass by unnoticed or unappreciated.
SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE
May 3 – Overcoming the World (John 16:25-33)
Does it seem like the whole world is against you? Troubles can pile up and feel like they will drown you. What does that mean about your life? Some believe it means that they are second class humans. Others believe they are just unlucky or jinxed. But Jesus tells people who follow Him will face trouble in this world. This doesn't seem to be what most believers expect. Logic tells us that when we try to do what is right, we should be rewarded. But sometimes, it feels like we are being punished instead. Jesus makes it clear that the disciples will face trouble, but that there is a bigger truth that they can hold onto.
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
MAY CHALLENGE VERSE
1 Peter 5:10
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS
Month of May
Our regular Bible Study is on hiatus while we focus on the workshops listed below. Please sign-up for the workshop you plan to attend and see the leader of your workshop with any questions. Room assignments will be made at the end of April, so stay tuned on which room will be for your class.
Childcare will be available for preschool and under only. Workshop descriptions are listed below:
MESSSY SPIRITUALITY
Stephen and Karen Jones
This is a short, easy reading book that can be your antidote if you beat yourself up for not being as good as you think you ought to be in your Christian walk. It can open your eyes to the deep spirituality of being loved by a God who embraces you in the midst of your messy and unpredictable life. This group will focus on no-pressure discussions based on the book and the questions posed in the short chapters
THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
Tom Mariner
This study is about a God who loves you and desires to have a personal relationship with you. It is a workshop to grow your walk and understanding of God who is not out of reach. We will find answers to some tough questions: Can we really know God? Does God change his mind? Why is God so mean in the Old Testament? Join us and learn more about God's character.
GIFTS DIFFERING
Rob Devereaux
Did you ever wonder why God made people so different? Why you think and act the way you do? Understand how the strengths God created within you help you serve Him more fully and fulfill the purpose He designed and created you for. Class includes a profile, scripture readings, handouts & discussion. 'Gifts Differing' will be as fun as it is revealing!
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.
Please Note: Bible Study will be on hiatus during May while we focus on Workshop Wednesdays.
WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
7:00 – 8:15
Currently on hiatus!
We have classes for children ages 3 – 5 and for those in 1st – 5th 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
1st & 3rd 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
BOWLING – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, May 3rd
Join us at Brunswick Lanes in Deptford from 3:00 – 5:00 for a fun afternoon of bowling and fellowship! Cost is $5 per person which includes shoes. Does NOT include food or drink. Pay at the door.
THINK PINK – LADIES NIGHT OUT
Tuesday, May 12th @ 7:00 pm
Come on out for an evening with guest speaker Sue Duffield. You can expect an evening filled with comedy, music, and a message on "The Navah – the Holy Habitation of Christ in Every Woman". Of course, the evening just wouldn't be complete without dessert!! Please bring a 'pink' dessert to share. We will be taking a love offering for Sue. There will be cd's and books available for purchase. Signup sheet is in the lobby. See Lorraine Otis 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. See Steve Jones with any questions.
SMALL GROUPS
Our Small Groups are winding down. Sunday, April 26th will be the last time we put out a study sheet in the Resource Room. Individual groups are encouraged to fellowship over the summer to keep that connection going! We will resume with our study sheets in September.
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
NEW MEETING TIMES
As our adult Bible study and Wednesday night children's programs transition into their summer schedules, youth group will be getting a new look as well. For the five weeks between Mother's Day and Father's Day (5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7 and 6/14) our middle school and high school will be meeting together on Sunday nights 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
WOODBURY MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES
The town of Woodbury is hosting a parade along with some Memorial Day observances at different memorials along the way. The organizers are inviting churches to participate. If anyone would like to pray or sing at one of the several ceremonies, please contact Pastor Mark and he will give you all the additional information as well as connect you with the organizers. It would be a fun way to represent Hope in our community!
APRIL GIVING UPDATE
For the month of April, we averaged $6311 per week which brings our annual average down to $6350 per week. This remains above our annual giving target of $5850 and has helped us fund some of the needed supplies for transitioning to two services. We're thankful for God's continued provision and looking forward to all that the Lord will do with our sacrifice. Thanks to each one who faithfully gives, and an invite for the rest to join us!
CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES
Update
Here are our final totals that we received from Choices:
Bottles Returned Full: 86
Bottles Returned Empty: 2
Bottles still out: 37
As of 4/20/15 we have raised: $1,936.70
Last year we raised: $2,009.90
As you can see, we still have quite a few empty bottles!! If anyone has a bottle (or a donation), we are putting out one last plea to bring it in to church and give to Wendy Devereaux! Thank you.
POSSIBLE BAPTISM SERVICE
Wednesday, June 3rd @ 7:00 pm
We would love to be able to have our baptism service, however we need enough people interested in order to do so. If you've been thinking about being baptized, now is the time to do it! You need to let Pastor Mark know by Sunday, May 3rd. Books need to be given to those who are interested and those who already have a book (from last time) still need to let him know to determine if there are enough people to proceed. If we have enough, there will be two classes held during the workshops (May 13th & 27th – this is a change from the previous schedule. Stay tuned for any additional changes.) Those being baptized need to be at both classes.
ENVELOPES FOR DESIGNATED GIVING
Sometimes, God lays it on our heart to give a little extra for His kingdom. He may have provided the financial means for it or just the nudge in our hearts. In order to help make this easier for you as the giver and Hope as the receiver, we have some new envelopes in a wall mounted bin next to our regular offering slot. If you'd like to give to a special project or ministry, just use one of these envelope and check off the correct category. Please note that these envelopes are not for your usual Sunday offering. See Lois Hartwell with any questions.
SAINTS PRISON MINISTRY
Did you know that we have two missionaries right here at Hope? They give generously of their time, sacrificing time they could spend relaxing or with their families. Instead they minister to those in prison. Their mission field is not on the barren plains of Africa; it is on the softball diamond! Saints Prison Ministry travels to various prisons and engages the prisoners in a friendly game of softball. There is prayer, sharing, and the gospel is proclaimed. If you would like to help support this ministry, you can offer up your prayers and/or help financially. Our guys have to pay their own way for any expenses incurred while traveling, etc. If you feel led to help in this way, just make a donation by writing out a check to Bill McGinness or Jim Jefferson. They each need to raise $1000.00. Thanks so much!
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.
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 1st/2nd grade classroom. Enter through the rear doors. Contact Hope4Recovery@yahoo.com with any questions.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEEDS
Please contact Matt Russell at mruss800@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering.
The following classes are in immediate need of teachers & helpers:
1st & 2nd grade / Lisa Fiorile at Lfiorile@hotmail.com
3rd – 5th 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
PRAISE GOD our pantry is full! The only thing in slightly short supply is baby food.
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 Melissa McGinness, Lesley Russell, Faith DeWalt, Lorrainne Roch
Toddlers 9:00 Kit & Emily Foster
Toddlers 11:00 Kara Ott & Prisca Ogunkanmi or Mid Mariani
Pre K – K 9:00 Craig & Tina Campana
Pre K – K 11:00 Jennifer & Samantha Edwards
1st & 2nd – 9:00 Lisa Fiorile & Nina Abate
1st & 2nd – 11:00 Kelly Louis & Lucy Muhlbaier
3rd - 5th TBA
Counters Kathy Berry, Carole Baumiester
Greeters Frank Caranci
Rick Ayusa
Helen Mastalski
Patty Bunnell
Wed. Evening Nursery 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 Contact Us Form on our website. http://www.hopechristianfellowship.org/contact/. If you have any questions or would like to join the Prayer Team, please contact Bill Berry directly at billandkathyberry@comcast.net.
"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
This Too Shall Pass,
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.
posted by Hope Christian Fellowship at
8:11 AM
0 Comments
