Hope Notes 7/16/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Think about the number of times you either say or hear others say, "I wish I knew what God's will was for me!" This could be referring to a particular life situation, a choice that needs to be made, or a decision that you're not quite sure of.  Well guess what?  God reveals His will for us over and over in Scripture!  One of my favorites is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus"   Oh!  So there you go.  Could it be that simple?  I believe it can.  When we do the things that God wills for all believers, our heart's desires and our lives naturally begin to line up with what He would have us do.  One thing to remember is that God's will in the Bible applies to all believers, while God's PLAN for your life will be different that someone else's plan.  Do you see the difference?  As believers, we are all called by God to adhere to the same principles and follow His direction.  As individuals, we must seek His guidance for His specific plan for our lives.  We need to pray for Him to open and close doors along the way.  Then comes our part – when He opens a door we need to step through it in faith.  When He closes a door – don't try and beat it down to force it open.  Trust that He hears your prayers and then follow His lead.  If you are truly listening, you needn't fear that you will make a huge mistake.  And don't forget that God knows your heart; if your desire is to be following Him and you somehow miscalculate……..He has sufficient grace to redirect your steps.  So, God's will and God's plan aren't some cryptic mysteries we need to search for.  All we need do is read His Word, follow what He tells us as believers to do, and seek Him in prayer for individual direction and guidance for our lives.  I'm simplifying here, but you see what I mean! Like the old hymn says, "Trust and obey"!

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE 

July 19 – The Sentence (John 19:1-16)

Have you ever been falsely accused and unfairly suffered because of it?  We spend a lot of time keeping our lives private so that we can effectively hide where we aren't doing what we should and hoping that we won't be exposed.  But when we are doing the right thing, and we get accused of doing the wrong thing, it really blindsides us.  We assume that doing what is right is enough, and hardly ever consider facing hardship without cause.  Jesus stands on trial with no just cause.  His accusers demand His death.  And Pilate grants them their wish.  How does Jesus respond as the accusations mount?  Why does He not loudly and powerfully proclaim His innocence?  As people who follow Jesus, is it possible that we are called to respond like He responded?

 

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

 

JULY CHALLENGE VERSE

1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins."

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Please Note:  Our Bible Study will be on hiatus until fall.  Look for VBS in July and August Family Nights coming up!

 

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

 

NEW FAMILIES CAKE 'N' COFFEE – THIS FRIDAY

Friday, July 17^th @ 7:30 pm

We like to host a get together once or twice a year for those of you who are fairly new to Hope.  Sunday mornings are just so busy that it's hard to connect with each other in a meaningful way.  We want each and every one of you to get to know us and we've found this to be a great way to do that! 

 

AUGUST FAMILY NIGHTS

Mark your calendars now and get ready for a month of family fun!!

August 5     Summer Cafe

August 12   Game Night

August 19   Movie Night

August 26   Summer Picnic

Each night will have snacks & treats to go along with the theme.  We're still working on those details, but you can look for more info and signups to be coming shortly!

 

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

JULY

19:     No Youth Group     

22      Combined Youth Group @ the Nolan's 6:30pm – 8:30 pm

27-31: VBS

 

UGANDA MISSION TRIP

July 2016

In July 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 prayers and finances but we are very excited to be able to get our feet on the ground with them in Uganda. Get with Dave Hallahan for further information.

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEWS

 

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.  

 

VBS DECORATION DAY

Saturday, July 18

Come on out and help decorate our church for VBS!  We need as many hands as possible to get the job done.  Contact Matt Russell at mattrussell@hopechristianfellowship.org for times.

 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR VBS

·         Campsite Items:  Small tents, lanterns, sleeping bags, hiking boots, hiking gear, hiking          backpacks.

·         Rock Climbing Items:  Climbing rope, helmets, and harnesses. Ski jackets

·         Fake Christmas Trees

Contact Matt Russell directly at mattrussell@hopechristianfellowship.org if you have any of these.

 

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

 

JOB NEED / PRAYER REQUEST

Lorraine Koch is asking for prayer as she begins her job search.  If anyone knows of a job opportunity, you can contact Lorraine at 856-513-5397.  Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

 

FREE FIREWOOD

Rob & Wendy Devereaux had 26 trees come down in that massive storm we had a few weeks ago.  If you'd like some firewood, just bring a chain saw and cut away to your heart's content!  It will help you stock up for the winter and will help Rob & Wendy clear up their yard. Contact Wendy at robwendydevereaux@comcast.net. 

 

ONLINE GIVING OPTION

It's easy and convenient!  Simply go to our website and click 'Online Giving'.  You have the options to set up recurring donations (like automatic bill pay), or give one time donations as well.  The amount and frequency are up to you.  This will allow many of us to be intentional and faithful in our support of Hope.  Contact Damon or LaTosha Briggs with any questions.

 

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 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. 

 

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.

 

MISSIONARY MOMENT

 

JOSH & KELLY HALLAHAN

UGANDA, AFRICA

A few prayer concerns for our missionary family:

·         PRAISE - Baby Rebekah Faith Hallahan was born 4 weeks early (7/5/15); mama and baby are doing well!

·         Josh has been asked to step in during a time of transition for our WGM Uganda team and serve as the "Acting Country Director" until the Country Director returns this year.  Please pray for him as he serves in this capacity.

·         They returned to Uganda in July 2014 fully funded.  Sadly, since then some of their champions have passed away and entered eternity with Jesus, some are battling serious illnesses with medical bills are piling up, some have lost their jobs, etc.  This has led to a drop in support. Please prayerfully consider supporting Josh & Kelly on a regular basis, or adding to your support if you already sponsor them.  One time donations are also helpful.  We have Pledge Cards in the Resource Room with more information.  You can donate online at www.wgm.org/hallahan or send a check to World Gospel Mission, PO Box 948, Marion IN 46952

 

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!

 

EVENTS TEAM

Our Events Team does just what you're probably thinking – they help plan the events that take place at Hope!  These are fun things – our bowling, cafes, and any other events that come along.  We always need help with ideas, setting up, serving, and cleaning up afterwards.  Contact Melissa McGinness at melissamcginness007@comcast.net if you'd like to get on board!

 

IMMEDIATE GREETER NEED

The greeters are down by at least three people!  Need to fill those spots, plus always looking to add to the team.  Contact debcaranci@gmail.com if you'd like to plug in.

 

IMMEDIATE NURSERY NEED

Still in need of at least one more volunteer.   Contact Alicia Heverly if you can help at Lilfeet21@hotmail.com

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Lesley Russell, Melissa McGinness

Nursery 11:00               Lisa Landis, Christina Landis

Toddlers 9:00               Katrina & Mid Mariani

Toddlers 11:00             Jenna Gaventa, Natalie Mariani
Pre K – K 9:00              Pat & Elisabeth DellaRova

Pre K – K 11:00            Karen & Amanda Merriell
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00            Kelly Louis, Helper

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

3rd - 5^th   9:00              Deb Caranci, Dana Farrell

3^rd – 5^th   11:00            Michelle Schmidt, Kristi Tomasetti
Counters                        Bill Berry, Don Frazeur

Ushers 9:00                   Bruce Clark

Ushers 11:00                 Joe Sambucci

Greeters                        Lisa Minner / Melissa McGinness       

                                      Sharon Sambucci

                                      Katrina Mariani

                                      Greg Corrado

                              

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

 

Bending to His Will,
Lois

 

 

 

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