Hope Notes 4/16/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

When our pup Olive gets a new toy, she loves it to the point of ignoring all her other toys.  She carries it around with her; I can tell where she's been by where the toy is laying!  Whenever I come home or even into a room where she is, she will run and get said toy and lay it at my feet.  She looks up at me so proudly '"Look what I brought you!".  She gives me her favorite.  Her best.  Her most treasured possession.  She doesn't hide it away.  She doesn't keep it for herself.  She lovingly presents me with the prize.  Do we give God our best?  Our most treasured possession, relationship, money, time, etc.?  Or do we give Him our leftovers – a few minutes at the end of the day (if we aren't too tired), whatever money is left after spending on what we want, or just whatever we feel isn't too much of a sacrifice for us?  These are hard questions we must ask ourselves. The Bible is filled with verses on giving our 'first fruits' to God, on being our best for Him, on doing whatever we do to the best of our ability for Him, and for spending lots of time with Him.  I want to be like Olive.  I want to give my Savior the very best of me.  I want to take my life and lay it lovingly at His feet.  To not give Him anything less than what He truly deserves.  "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE 

April 19 – The Spirit's Work (John 16:5-15)

"Behind the scenes"…  So many visible events are driven by workers that are unseen.  It is easy to overlook them because you can't "look" them at all.  Whether it is a TV show, a Broadway production, an album, or a community project, the visible characters often get more credit and glory than they deserve because we forget about the unseen workers who make it all possible. Jesus tells His disciples that an unseen worker is coming to get to work in them and in every one who puts their faith in Jesus.  He describes the kinds of things that this behind-the-scenes person will do.  Is He doing this for you?

 

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

 

APRIL CHALLENGE VERSE

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

 

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.

 

THE POWER OF CRYING OUT

Frank and Deb Caranci

God doesn't miss a single sigh that escapes our lips. But historically, God's people cried out in spoken words that sprang out from the depths of their being! God heard their petitions……..and shook their worlds!

 

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

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.

Please Note:  The last night for Kid's Club will be April 22^nd.

 

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

 

BOWLING

Sunday, May 3^rd

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 12^th @ 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 26^th 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

 

SPRING RETREAT - THIS WEEKEND

Apr 17^th – 19^th

GET UP! and get yourself out to the Delanco Camp for our Spring Retreat. This event is for all students in middle and high school. Register your child at Delanco.org, but make sure you see Dave Hallahan first for a discount code to bring the price down to $45. You may also see Dave with any questions you may have.

 

 

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

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday, April 18^th

There will be a memorial service for Helen Mastalski's granddaughter, Siemone Vicario at 11:00 am this Saturday.  Please pray for the family during this difficult time and feel free to come out and support them if you are able.

 

BAPTISM SERVICE

Wednesday, June 3rd @ 7:00 pm

If you are interested in being baptized, you must let Pastor Mark know by Sunday, May 3^rd.  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 on the last two Wednesdays during the workshops (May 20^th & 27^th).  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.

 

SEND SOME CHEER

Lorraine Otis' mom has recently moved into an assisted living place.  Mary is a frequent attender here at Hope and so we thought it might be nice to send her some cards to let her know we are thinking about her and praying for her as she makes this transition.  You can send any cards to:

Mary McGinley / 752 Cooper St. #212 / Woodbury, NJ  08096

 

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 1^st/2^nd 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:

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

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                        Don & Alicia Heverly, Sara Cartella, Anki Hill

Toddlers 9:00               Karen Blythe, Amanda Mills, Julia Schmidt

Toddlers 11:00             John & Dawn Brazelis, Madison Winstel
Pre K – K 9:00              Linda Landis, Pat DellaRova

Pre K – K 11:00            Karen & Amanda Merriell, Megan Foster
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00           Ann Schweigart & Patty Bunnell

1^st & 2^nd – 11:00         Kathy Porch, Madison Toomin        

3rd - 5th                       TBA
Counters                      Lois Hartwell, Barb Frazeur

Greeters                       Frank Caranci

                                     Ken Blythe

                                     Lisa Minner

                                     Connie Matthews

Wed. Evening Nursery TBD

 

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

Prayer requests, anyone??

 

"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

 

He is Worthy,
Lois

 

 

 

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