Hope Notes 6/4/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

You know that saying, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks'?  It's often used to illustrate how we get so set in our ways that we are unable (supposedly) to change.  I would like to refute that statement on two accounts.  First – I have a somewhat old dog who has learned a new 'trick'.  For the past seven years, our pup Olive has slept in bed with our daughter.  Our daughter recently got married and Olive stayed with us.  Problem - my husband did NOT want Olive in our bed!  Everyone told me it would be impossible to teach her to sleep all night in her own bed.  It took a month, but she DID learn!  Admittedly, I had to resist the softest muzzle ever pressing up against my cheek trying to get under the covers.  And it did take a fair amount of Cheerios doled out in the dark of night.  But we had success!  Second, and more importantly, we are new creations in Christ.  ("Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2Cor 5:17).  So, believers, we are NOT old dogs.  We are new.  Our old tricks should go and, with God's help, we are fully able to learn new ones.  We have no excuse. Think about it – is there a new trick God is asking you to learn?  Put your trust in Him and know that He will equip you with whatever it is you need in order to accomplish it.  And probably without any Cheerios!

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE 

May 31 – Sanctified and Unified (John 17:16-26)

Springtime is a time for flowers and warming temperatures… and for cleaning!  At least it is for some people, even if your time and energy levels stop you from joining in.  Opening the windows after a long winter and letting the fresh air in does something to our mindset.  It is even more refreshing to do cleaning in your soul.  As we look at the second part of Jesus' prayer for us, He asks the Father to 'sanctify' us.  That's basically a term that talks about cleaning out what needs to go in our lives and in our souls.  He also asks the Father to unify believers.  Which of these prayers applies most to your life?

 

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

 

JUNE CHALLENGE VERSE

Proverbs 12:18

"The words of the reckless are like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 – 8:15 pm

WORSHIP CONVERSATIONS

What is worship, and how does the Bible describe it?  How does worship impact my entire life and experience?  We have the last three weeks of Wednesday nights in June that will give us a chance to talk this through as a church family.

Note: Our children's program will be running these Wednesday evenings for ages 3-5 years old and 1^st – 5^th grades.

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

7:00 – 8:15

All New HopeKids! Hangout Program

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.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

AUGUST FAMILY NIGHTS

Our family nights are coming back!  They were such a hit last year, we are doing it again!  Every Wednesday night in August, we'll have an activity for the whole family.  The last one (8-26) will be our church picnic!  Details will be coming.

 

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.

 

YOUTH NEWS

JUNE

07:     Middle & High School Combined 6:30 – 8:30

14:     Middle & High School Combined 6:30 – 8:30

21:     No Youth Group – Father's Day

24-27:  Creation Fest*

28:     No Youth Group

 

CREATION FEST*

6/24 - 6/27

Our teens will be heading to Agape Farms in Mt. Union, PA for a four day Christian concert festival! We are currently in need of tents for some of our students. If you have tents you are willing to donate please see Dave Hallahan ASAP.

 

UGANDA MISSIOON TRIP

July 2016

In July of 2016, we have the opportunity to bring a team of Hopers to Uganda to work alongside the Hallahan Family. As a church, we have supported Josh, Kelly, and their family through our prayer and our finances but we are very excited to be able to get feet on the ground with them in Uganda. The Young Adults are heading up this trip, but there are limited spots available to the entire church. If you are interested please see Dave Hallahan ASAP for more information. A financial commitment will be necessary to secure your spot within the next couple of weeks.

 

 

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEWS

 

VBS VOLUNTEER MEETING – THIS SUNDAY

June 7^th

Matt Russell will be holding a VBS Volunteer meeting between the two services (10:20 – 10:45).  This is for anyone who has already signed up OR for those of you who might just want to know a little bit more information before you volunteer!

 

EVEREST VBS

July 26^th – July 31st 

Embark with us on an icy expedition where kids overcome obstacles with God's awesome power. We will be exploring the rock-solid Bible truths that teach us how to deal with life's challenges.   

Note:  We are hoping to have all of our volunteers signed up by THIS Sunday (May 31st) so people can fill out a volunteer form out in the lobby and give it to Matt Russell.

 

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

 

HopeKids! HANGOUT PROGRAM

June 10^th, 17^th, and 24^th

All new and exciting program for our kids is taking place these Wednesday evenings for ages 3-5 year olds and 1^st – 5^th grade.

 

                                             ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

SHORT TERM MISSION SUPPORT

We'd like to help those in our church family who are involved in short term mission work this summer. 

I had two come to me Sunday who are planning for short term missions this summer.  One was Bill McGinness who said he has not received any support to date.  The other is a new family (a mom and two teenage daughters) who have started coming recently.  They are going to Jamaica this summer (ironically, one of the most impoverished populations in the world!).

 

I think it is important that we as a church family support them both financially and spiritually.  What do you think of taking an offering in a couple of weeks for all those doing short term missions this summer?  We can split it among whoever is in our church and is looking to raise support.  If we notify the church ahead of time, they can be praying and setting aside what God puts on their hearts.

 

We can also ask if anyone else in our church is engaging in short term missions this summer (since we know of these 4, we may have more out there).  It's a good way to highlight those in our church who are doing this, and put it on people's radar for themselves as well.

 

MAY GIVING REPORT

We averaged $6204 per week for the month of May which brings our annual giving average to $6317.  This is still ahead of our weekly giving target of $5850 and helps us make progress on our special giving projects as well (boiler changeover to gas and emergency fund).  Please continue to pray with us that God will provide for these projects.  In fact, anyone giving to the boiler changeover project is really multiplying their gift since it will save the church thousands of dollars each year.  In effect, you are able to 'give' that gift over and over each year as the new boiler puts money we would have had to spend on fuel back into the church's account.

 

ONLINE GIVING

Online giving is coming!  We are preparing to launch the ability to give to the church through our website.  Our target date is June 14th, and givers will be able to set up recurring giving (like automatic bill pay).  And of course, there will be the ability to give one-time gifts as well. This will allow many of us to be intentional and faithful in our support of Hope.  More details to come!

 

BIBLES FOR MALAWI

Our missionary in Malawi, Roberta Nagel, is giving Bibles written in the local language of Chichewa to the women in Malawi.  90% of these women have never owned a Bible.  They are thrilled to have one and are studying the Word and memorizing verses.  These Bibles cost $6.60 if purchased in quantities of 50.  Let's help Roberta buy more Bibles to give to more ladies!!  Just write a check made out to Hope Christian Fellowship. You can use the envelopes for designated giving that are located by our offering box if you'd like.  Just mark 'Other' and note Bibles for Malawi on the envelope.  You can drop the envelope in box or give the envelope to Wendy Devereaux or Lois Hartwell.  Deadline for giving is Sunday, June 14^th.

 

ROOM FOR RENT

There is a room for rent in Deptford area for a woman.  If anyone is in looking for something like this, see Pastor Mark for more info.

 

TEE SHIRT TIME

We will have our HOPE tee shirts available at the back of the auditorium during the month of June.  Sizes S-L are $10 each, Xl are $12 and XXL are $14. These are cool and comfortable and a great way to advertise our church!

 

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

 

CONNECTING AND SERVING AT HOPE

There are so many places to connect and serve here at Hope.  For a little change of pace, we are going to spotlight a different ministry each week or so and also list any immediate needs (if any) in that area.  There truly IS 'something for everyone' and we want to make it easy for you to explore all the different options!

 

NURSERY

Nursery is rather self-explanatory! We have a nursery for infants thru 2 years old.  This is a great place to start serving if you are just getting ready to take that step of faith.  Who doesn't love holding a tiny baby or playing with those adorable little ones?!  You can take joy in knowing you are giving their parents the opportunity to be in the service totally undistracted.  You get to know many people on a more personal level as you care for their precious children.  Stop in and take a look around!  Contact Alicia Heverly at lilfeet21@hotmail.com if you'd like to help.

 

IMMEDIATE NEED

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

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Melissa McGinness

Nursery 11:00               Amy Fleck

Toddlers 9:00               Karen Blythe, Julia Schmidt

Toddlers 11:00             Amanda Mills, Madison Winstel
Pre K – K 9:00              Bill & Griffin McGinness, Libby LeBeau

Pre K – K 11:00            Kim Lawlor, Sammy Edwards
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00              Lisa Fiorile, Patty Bunnell

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

3rd - 5^th   9:00              Mary LeBeau, Donna Hoffman

3^rd – 5^th   11:00            Anne & Jim Jefferson
Counters                      Lois Hartwell, Barb Frazeur

Greeters                       Jon Pinero

                                     Mary LeBeau

                                     John Brazelis

                                     Lisa Fiorile

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

 

Made New in Him,
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.