Hope Notes 10/29/15

Dear Friends of Hope ~

One of my favorite Bible verses just happens to be one that gets used rather frequently in songs.  I'm sure you've heard some form of it – 'beauty for ashes'.  The actual verse is found in Isaiah 61:2-3. "…..to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."   But did you ever think about the fact that, in order for beauty to come from ashes, something must first be burned?  Something needs to be let go of and put through His holy fire.  This means we must sacrifice what WE want and let go of our expectation of what we think should happen.  We need to let God show us what He has planned for us.  This is often a very painful process, but absolutely necessary.  You don't get ashes unless something has been burned or destroyed. Ashes are usually the useless things in your life that we've been holding onto that no longer serve a life-giving purpose.  When we offer Him our hopes and dreams as a sacrifice, He will create something infinitely more beautiful than anything we could imagine.  Our Lord wants to give you 'beauty for ashes.' Allow the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow them away.

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

November 1 – Breakfast with Jesus (John 21:1-14)

Most of us can understand coming up empty when we're trying something outside where we lack skill, experience, or expertise.  But when we work in our power zone, we expect to see results.  Some of Jesus' disciples were fishermen, and one of the last stories John records is about these men going fishing but coming up empty. Jesus appears on the shore of the lake and asks them to do something that seems pointless. Suddenly, what had been a very empty trip is overwhelmingly fruitful. And then, they all wind up on shore enjoying a meal together. What is Jesus trying to teach His disciples as He serves them breakfast?

 

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

 

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE

Proverbs 27:19"

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart."

                                                                                   

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 pm

We have finished with our regular Bible study in 1Corinthians for the year.  We have the workshops running from 10/28 – 11/18.  We have nothing going on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/25) and will be taking a break during the month of December. Our kids programs will be following the same schedule.  This gives everyone a chance during this busy season to focus on their families and all the activities the holidays bring!  We'll all catch our breath and then jump back into things in January! 

 

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS

October 28^th thru November 18^th

We are breaking out into workshops at church for Wednesday nights. Didn't get a chance to sign up?  Join us anyway!!

 

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!

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 – THIS SATURDAY!!

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

Thank you to everyone who has donated extra candy and is preparing refreshments!  We are pretty much ready to go but we're missing one thing.....MORE TRUNKS!  We have 18 awesome cars coming out but we are hoping for 30!  We want the community to show up, have a great time and walk away experiencing the love of Jesus.  We also want them walking away with bags full of candy.  So it's not too late to sign up!  All you need is a costume, some candy, and a trunk!  If you're willing to be a part of our event please e-mail Matt Russell at mattrussell@hopechristianfellowship.org as soon as possible.

 

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

 

OCTOBER GIVING REPORT

We averaged $6261 per week for the month of October bringing our annual weekly giving average down to $6491.  This is well over our annual weekly giving target of $5850 but continues to help us make a dent in our special projects (emergency fund and gas conversion).  We believe this is evidence that God is moving in powerful ways at Hope and is providing in advance of some big plans He has for us in the coming year!  Our deepest appreciation for everyone's faithfulness and sacrifice in giving.

 

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.

 

*****CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS*****

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thanks for everyone who took home out 100 free shoeboxes and 100 free spin tops.  If you did not receive one of the free shoeboxes, you can use your own box or a plastic box available at Dollar Stores and follow the same directions!  Extra labels are at the Hope OCC table. Here's what to do:

Girl or Boy?

Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

Fill with Gifts

Select a quality "wow" toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal. Then add other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.

Pray

Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.

Tracking Labels

Donate $7 online and receive a tracking label at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/follow-your-box/ and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

Leave finished shoebox at the OCC table by November 15^th.

 

CHRISTMAS CHOIR

Christmas Choir is right around the corner! We will be performing "The Story-The Musical" which is based on the book by Max Lucado with music written by Nichole Nordeman. It's more than just the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem - it's the bigger, beautiful story of God's redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation. Choir practices will begin on Wednesday, October 28th from 7:00 - 8:15 pm and run for 7 weeks. The performance date will be Dec.13th for both the 9:00 and 11:00 services. See Dana Ott with any questions or for more information!

 

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 – THIS SATURDAY

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!

 

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!

 

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Faith DeWalt, Jeanne Wurst, Katherine DellaRova

Nursery 11:00               Don & Alicia Heverly

Toddlers 9:00               Elizabeth Staley, Yesenia Marquez

Toddlers 11:00             Jason & Kristy Straub, Katherine DellaRova
Pre K – K 9:00              Pat & Elisabeth DellaRova

Pre K – K 11:00            Jennifer & Samantha Edwards
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00            Michelle & Nina Abate

1^st & 2^nd – 11:00          Ann Schweigart, Debbie Davis

3rd - 5^th   9:00              Faith DeWalt, Mary Kearney

3^rd – 5^th   11:00            Kimmi Biglin, Lauren Serebransky
Counters                        Kathy Berry, Carole Baumiester

Ushers 9:00                   Mike Hartwell

Ushers 11:00                 Don Frazeur

Greeters                        Jon Pinero   

                                      Mary LeBeau

                                      Michelle Schmidt

                                      Lisa Fiorile

Wed. Night Nursery          Ken Blythe, 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.

 

 

Through Holy Fire,

Lois

 

 

 

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