Hope Notes 5/7/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Being a mom has many seasons.  There is that very first season of expectancy when you find out you are pregnant and have no idea what's in store.  Then comes the season of fatigue while raising an infant and toddler. School age children present a season of growth and knowledge as you struggle to keep up with their schedules, homework, and friendship dramas.  When your child graduates high school, you may experience a season of distance if they head off to live at college.  There is also a shift here from a season of directing their lives to a season of simply guiding as they move towards adulthood.  Then, finally there comes the season when they are living their own lives and making their own families.  I feel like this last season is the one laced with the most assorted emotions.  There may be sorrow, loneliness, and emptiness.  Or it can be filled with joy, fulfillment, and a sense of completeness. 

All of us have seasons in our lives, whether we are moms or not!  Just read Ecclesiastes 3, which tells us 'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens'. You never know exactly what each season will bring you till you get there.  But the one thing you CAN be sure of is that our God has gone before you in every one of them.  None of it is a surprise to Him!  He will lead and guide you; He will give you wisdom for each and every season.

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE 

May 10 – MOTHER'S DAY – Life is Precious (Psalm 139:13-16)

Happy Mother's Day!  We want to celebrate all our moms because we know from the deepest part of us that their role is huge.  No mother equals no YOU!  Whether your mom did a great job raising you or not, there is something about the giving of life that can't be wiped away.  Some get confused because they can't untangle the reality that humans participate in the forming of a life from the reality that God is the giver of life.  And yet, that is exactly the pairing that the Bible describes.  God chooses to include humans in the creation of the greatest physical gift anyone ever receives – life.  And with that great gift come some big implications!

 

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. 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. 

 

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

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

 

THINK PINK – LADIES NIGHT OUT – THIS 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

Small Groups are on hiatus until fall. 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

 

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.

 

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!

 

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! Pastor Mark needs to know now!  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 13t^h & 27^th – 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 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                        Karla Hopkins, Carole Baumiester, 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            Lisa Fiorile & Nina Abate

1^st & 2^nd – 11:00         Kelly Louis & Lucy Muhlbaier       

3rd - 5th                       All 3^rd-5^th graders in auditorium
Counters                      Bill Berry, Don Frazeur

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

 

He is Greater,
Lois

 

 

 

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