Hope Notes 7/9/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

So I read a verse the other day that struck fear into my heart!  It made me go absolutely still and I think I may have even stopped breathing for a moment while I took in the enormity of what it was saying.   Are you ready for it?  "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you." (1 Samuel 12:23)  Did you catch that?  SIN AGAINST THE LORD.  Now, maybe it won't hit you the same way it hit me.  That's what's so cool about God's Word.  He speaks to each one of us in a very personal way when we read it.  I can honestly say that I never thought of not praying as sin.  I've thought it to be due to forgetfulness, laziness, insincerity, improper priority or a host of other reasons.  But I never imagined the end result to be sin.  Yikes!  That puts a whole new light and importance on our prayers.  So when we tell someone we will pray for them and then we don't…….are we lying to them or are we just forgetful?  How good is our word when we promise to keep a situation in prayer for another person?  These are all good questions to ponder.  We all MEAN well when we say these things; we just often don't get around to following through.  One small step to take in correcting this would be to say "let's pray" and offer a quick prayer right then and there.  If the situation doesn't allow, how about IMMEDIATELY lifting up a prayer in your head and then asking the Lord to bring it to mind throughout the day?  You see where I'm heading with all this.  I don't have the space here in Hope Notes to go on and on (as I'd like to, lol!).  Trying to keep it short and sweet – not praying is more than just a misstep!  I'm convicted, how about you?

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE 

July 12 – Are You A King? (John 18:28-40)

"Anything but that."  Have you ever used that phrase?  What are we saying?  Basically, we're not so concerned with what actually comes to be, as long as it isn't "that".  But that approach is doomed to fail, since it is equivalent to only paying attention to what you don't want.  If an archer only knew what he didn't want to hit, he wouldn't do very well hitting an intended target.  In the process of aiming, he would think of success only in terms of what he WASN'T hitting instead of what he was trying to hit.  As Pilate questions Jesus, he wants to know if Jesus is a king.  Why does Pilate want to know that?  Simply put, Pilate wants to know if Jesus is a threat to his position.  Does Jesus as King and Lord threaten you? We spend so much time trying to avoid a particular outcome that we may miss the larger picture.  Jesus' answer to Pilate was about more than political intrigue and power.  And our choice to trust Him today is about more than our plans of what we think should or shouldn't happen.

 

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

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!  You don't need to do anything except sign up so that we know how many to prepare for.  A signup sheet is in the lobby.  We look forward to the chance to meet with you all!

 

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

12:     Combined Youth Group @ the Hallahan's (612 Westover Ct. Williamstown) 6:00pm – 8:00pm

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. On Sunday July 19th, there will be an informational meeting in between services. There are still a few open spots so if you have any interest at all be sure to make this meeting in the prayer room.

 

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.   

 

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

 

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:

·         They are expecting baby #4 at the end of July.

·         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!

 

COFFEE MINISTRY

How about helping provide the body of Hope with their morning cup of coffee?  You can pretend you're working at Starbucks!  It's super easy to help set up and clear it away when coffee time is over.  Contact Jeff or Kathleen Toom for more information at jktoomin.98@comcast.net.

 

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                Faith DeWalt, Jeanne Wurst, Katherine DellaRova

Nursery 11:00               Lorraine Koch, Lynn Shute

Toddlers 9:00               Katrina & Mid Mariani

Toddlers 11:00             Rebecca & John Jacob, Natalie Mariani
Pre K – K 9:00              Pat & Elisabeth DellaRova

Pre K – K 11:00            Karen & Amanda Merriell
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00            Rich & Patty Bunnell

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                        Mike & Lois Hartwell

Ushers 9:00                   Rick Ayusa

Ushers 11:00                Damon Briggs

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

 

At His Feet,
Lois

 

 

 

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