Hope Notes 5/21/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Last Sunday we were away and had to miss church.  This got me to thinking about how my views on church attendance have changed over the past 30+ years.  When we first we saved and began attending church, the question we would ask ourselves every Saturday night was "Do we want to go to church tomorrow?".  Our answer would determine what we did Saturday evening – whether we'd stay up late or not.  Church was simply one option.  Some years later, as we began to see the importance of church, we would feel as though we 'should' go to church.  Does any of this feel familiar to you??  Somewhere along the line, we began to feel so connected to our church body and were so plugged in at church that missing it became something we dreaded.  We never questioned if we wanted to go or if we should go – we considered it a blessing and a privilege that we GOT to go to church!  So many in this world do not have that privilege, either because of oppression or simply because they haven't found a church to call home.  We are now blessed to be part of Hope – intimately connected to our church family, joyfully serving the Lord here, and being fed God's amazing spiritual truths every Sunday, Bible study, and Small Group.  If you are still asking yourself if you 'want' or 'should' get up and go to church on Sundays, the answer is an unequivocal YES!!!!  Once you begin regular attendance, you will soon find yourself so blessed that you will never ask yourself that question again.  And, like myself, when you do have to miss church for some reason, you will feel like you missed out on something great!

"Let us not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE 

May 24 – Jesus' Prayer for You (John 17:6-15)

Have you ever had someone tell you that they were praying for you?  If you've been in church circles for a while, you know that they are saying they care about what is happening in your life, and that (hopefully) they will take some time and pray for you.  But what if it were Jesus saying He would pray for you?  In this passage, we see the first part of a prayer that Jesus prayed for all who would believe. What does He pray on your behalf?

 

SCHEDULE FOR TWO SERVICES

9:00 and one at 11:00

Here's a brief rundown of the 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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

GIFTS DIFFERING

Rob Devereaux

Did you ever wonder why God made us all so different?  Understand how the strengths God created within you help you serve Him more fully and fulfill the purpose He designed and created you for. 

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

1 CORINTHIANS / 7:00 – 8:15 pm

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 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

On hiatus till fall.

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

On hiatus until fall. Individual groups are encouraged to fellowship over the summer to keep that connection going! 

 

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 thru 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

 

ATTENTION PARENTS

Please make sure you received the letter for the GoZone's Parenting Series beginning May 17^th!  See Matt Russell for more information.      

                                             ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

HOPE'S NEW BUSINESS CARDS

We've got some snazzy new cards with the updated information for our two service times!  This is a great way for you to share 'HOPE' with others.  Don't be shy – pick up a handful to carry in your wallet, purse, or glove compartment.  It's so nice to have something to hand someone whenever the question of church comes up!  Cards can be found on the tables in the lobby, by the back door, by the sound booth, and in the Resource Room.

 

BAPTISM SERVICE

Wednesday, June 3rd @ 7:00 pm

We look forward to celebrating together with those who have chosen to make this public declaration of their commitment to Jesus Christ.  I can't stress enough how much of a blessing it is to come and hear their testimonies.  Baptism is a beautiful symbol of being a new creation in Christ and of being washed clean from sin.  Come join us as we have the privilege of being present during this special moment in time.

 

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. 

 

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

 

IMMEDIATE NEED

Our Nursery is in need of another worker - God has blessed us with so many little one!  Contact Alicia Heverly if you think you might be interested.  Lilfeet21@hotmail.com

 

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                        Nicole Babli, Lisa Landis, Christina Landis, Nina Abate

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
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00              Nina & Michelle Abate

1^st & 2^nd – 11:00           Lisa Fiorile, Charlotte Zediker    

3rd - 5^th   9:00              Faith & Mary K

3^rd – 5^th   11:00            Kimmi & Nance
Counters                      LaTosha Briggs, Melissa McGinness

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

 

Blessed by His Church,
Lois

 

 

 

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