Hope Notes 10/15/15

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I brought the pup for a visit to my daughter and her husband's apartment.  I took her out for a potty run (the pup, not my daughter!), made a few turns, and somehow got lost.  Even though I am a full grown adult, but I still experienced a moment of panic. Now, I regularly get lost, but it usually involves a car and more complicated directions (OK maybe not so complicated).  It's true I have a habit of not always knowing where I am but, really?  Getting lost after basically just trying to go around the block?  God didn't bless me with one of those inner GPS's that my husband and daughter have…………but He DID give me an entire book of directions on not only where to go, but how to live!  Check out these couple verses – "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21) and "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."  (Jeremiah 6:16) and finally "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…" (Psalm 32:8) If you are directionally challenged like me, take comfort in knowing that, while we may not always know where we are physically, we can always know where we should go spiritually.  Make a habit of checking in with God and listening for His direction.  He will show you the path to take………….AND you will find rest for your soul!

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

October 18 – Doubt and Faith (John 20:19-31)

COMMUNION

It would be nice if we had all the answers we ever needed – no more questions and no more confusion.  But life does not work that way.  God has designed us to question what we see and what we don't know.  We are driven to pursue mysteries and the unknown.  This can be productive or destructive.  Some of us waste our time trying to figure out what's coming – we call it worry!  But many times, what we don't know is the catalyst to learning and growing.  It's the same thing with doubt.  As people of faith, we sometimes think of doubt as a defect in our faith.  But we're going to look at one of the most famous stories of doubt in the Bible, and Jesus' reaction to those who are in doubt and fear.  Maybe faith can grow and even flourish right next to our doubts and fears.

 

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

 

OCTOBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Psalm 55:22

"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken."

                                                                                   

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 pm

Study on 1Corinthians

Join us in the auditorium for a mid-week spiritual boost.  Studying God's Word and connecting with each other is vital to our Christian growth.  Come feed your soul!  Childcare is provided.

 

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS

Coming October 28^th thru November 18^th

We are going to be breaking out into workshops at church for Wednesday nights. More info on specific workshop coming soon – here's what we have so far:

 

GRIEF GROUP

Lorraine Otis

After losing a loved one how do you pick up the pieces of your life?  Based in the Psalms this workshop encourages us to walk through grief with the LORD, look at all the ways grief impacts us, cope with the emotions, and find hope in His promise.  "This is my comfort in my distress; that Your promise gives me life."  Psalm 119:50 

 

LOST & FOUND

Nick DellaRova

How many times have you heard someone described as a "good person?"   What, exactly, is the formula for "good?"   Well, God gave us His side of the equation, which was called the Law.   But we have not been able to hold up our side of the equation, which is perfect obedience.  In this study we will look at selected passages of Scripture that will highlight our relationship to the Law, and God's transforming grace that makes both the Law and Salvation perfect through Christ.

 

THE CASE FOR A CREATOR

Steve Jones

Former atheist Lee Strobel has discovered that science, far from being the enemy of faith, now provides a solid foundation for belief in God. New scientific discoveries point to the incredible complexity of our universe, a complexity best explained by the existence of a Creator. This DVD study, based on the book "The Case for a Creator," invites us to encounter the evidence in a compelling way.

 

NOTE:  We will be having Christmas Choir rehearsals at church concurrently - all teens and adults are invited to join us for a workshop or for choir.

 

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

GET IN A SMALL GROUP!

Many of our small groups are up and running, but we still have room for you!  There are a few groups that have posted on our Small Group Bulletin Board (next to the Prayer Room), and you can sign up if one of those groups fits you. You can also still form or register a group as well, or post a group on the board to invite more members to sign up.  If you've been part of a group before, you know how incredibly God uses them.  More details on Hope's small groups can be found on the yellow info sheets in the Resource Room. Study sheets can be picked up in the Resource Room or downloaded directly from our website. See Damon Briggs with any questions or contact him at damon.briggs@mitchellandness.com. 

 

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

 

YOUTH GROUP

Our middle school and high school groups meet at the church on Sundays from 6:30-8:30 all year long! Come out for another amazing year as we grow closer together and closer to God!

 

CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FAIR

Tuesday, October 20^th @ 7:00 pm

Attention all high schoolers!  There is going to be a Christian College Fair at The King's Christian School in Cherry Hill. Over 20 Christian schools will have representatives available to discuss their programs with you. This is an awesome opportunity for any and all high schoolers and their parents. For additional information see Dave Hallahan.

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

 

TRUNK OR TREAT

Saturday, October 31^st from 4:00 – 7:00

For the second year in a row we will be opening up our church and our car's trunks to the neighborhood as we offer candy and refreshments on Halloween night in the church parking lot.  We are once again asking everyone to come up with a theme for their car and correlating costumers for their group. We had a blast last year and can't wait to do it again! Make sure to save the date and keep an eye out for more information to come. 

 

TRUNK OR TREAT CANDY NEEDS

Last year we had over 300 trick or treaters, and this year we are expecting even more!  We want to plan ahead by having plenty of reserve candy, in the event that we run out.  We will have a bucket located in the lobby for anyone who is willing to donate a bag of candy to the cause! Thank you in advance! 

                                                                                                      ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CHRISTMAS CHOIR

Calling all singers - Christmas Choir is back!! Whether you have been part of our Christmas choir for years or you are brand new to Hope, we would love for you to join us this holiday season as we prepare a beautiful cantata that shares God's redemptive plan for all mankind. Our 'kick-off' practice will be this Saturday, Oct.17th at 9:30am at the church where we will start with bagels, donuts, and coffee then spend some time watching the DVD preview together. We will also be handing out books, practice and listening CD's, and more information. You won't want to miss out! (Official choir practices will begin on Weds, 10/28 at 7:00pm.) If you any questions, please see Dana or email her at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org.

 

UPCOMING HOPE ELECTIONS

It's that time of year again when we need to begin praying about who God would lay on our hearts to serve as deacons and elder candidates. Purple voting forms are in the Resource Room along with a listing of current officers. Please remember that only partners can vote or be voted for!  Just a reminder – we are VOTING not nominating.  A list of partners and current officers is posted on the board by the sound booth.  Every single vote counts; we need your participation!  Forms must be completed and returned to Pastor Mark by Sunday, November 1^st.

 

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.

 

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

THE GREAT COMMISSION – WHY HCF SUPPORTS MISSIONARIES

Matthew 28:16-20

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

 

Hope Christian Fellowship prays for and financially supports the work of the following Missionaries who have heard God's call on their lives and have faith-fully responded to the Great Commission:

            Kelly & Josh Hallahan - Uganda Africa

            Roberta Nagel - Malawi Africa

            Joy Phillips - South Sudan/Kenya Africa

            Lauren Pupchik - Guatemala South America

            Lisa & Jeff Sickler - Appalachia, W. Virginia

            Nancy & Mark Waite - Cameroon Africa

Please prayerfully consider supporting a missionary by sending a financial gift - one time or monthly. Contact information, photos and a current newsletter are on the boards in the education hallway. Check them out!

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

 

CONNECTING AND SERVING AT HOPE

There are so many places to connect and serve here at Hope.  Keep your eyes on this section to be aware of all the different opportunities for you to effectively serve at Hope. There truly IS 'something for everyone' and we want to make it easy for you to know all the different options!

 

SET UP FOR TRUNK OR TREAT

October 31^st

Need help setting up and taking down two tents. Will be starting at noon.  Take down will be at 7:15 pm.  Contact Ken Blythe at kblythe99@gmail.com if you can help.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

We are in need of teen/adult volunteers to help with the 1-5th grade children's Christmas program!  If you are interested please contact Matt Russell as soon as possible!

 

GREETER NEEDED

We are in need of a greeter – especially for the month of December!  If you like to smile and say hello to people as they walk through our doors, then this is the place for you!  Contact Deb Caranci at debcaranci@gmail.com if you are interested.

 

MOVING NEEDS

Jeanne Wurst will be moving to National Park, NJ on October 24^th.  Everything will be packed, but she needs some help with the actual move.  Anyone with willing hands and pickup trucks can contact Don Frazeur from our Needs Team at dwfrazfam@verizon.net and he will coordinate things for Jeanne.

 

MEDIA TEAM

Our Media Team is currently looking for someone interested in helping with the projection portion of the service.  You know……the words and pictures we show up front on the screen!  If you think you'd like to help out just stop by the Sound Booth and let any one of our people know.  And don't worry – they will make sure you get the training you need!

 

CLEAN UP CREW

Looking for a few volunteers that attend 2nd service on Sunday to pick up trash after the service. See Ken Blythe for details at kblythe99@gmail.com.

 

COFFEE MINISTRY

Helpers needed to set up and take down the coffee station on Sunday mornings.  Contact Karen Blythe at kblythe99@gmail.com if you can help.

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Dave & Leah Hallahan

Nursery 11:00               Amy Fleck, Gail Blakely

Toddlers 9:00               Amy & Brooke Mariner

Toddlers 11:00             Rebecca & John Jacob, Natalie Mariani
Pre K – K 9:00              Linda Landis, Libby LeBeau

Pre K – K 11:00            Lauren DellaRova, Prisca Ogunkanmi
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00            Rich & Patti 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            Kristy Tomasello, Michelle Schmidt
Counters                        Matt Austen & Bill Berry

Ushers 9:00                   Bruce Clark

Ushers 11:00                Joe Sambucci

Greeters                        Paul Hoffman     

                                      Donna Hoffman

                                      Lisa Minner

                                      Mickey Dariano

Wed. Night Nursery          Katrina Mariani, Julia Schmidt

                              

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.

 

 

Turning to Him,

Lois

 

 

 

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