Hope Notes 2/4/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

There seems to be a plethora of thirsty people in the world.  It seems like everyone walks around with a water bottle in their hands.  There is a billion dollar industry for specialized water bottles, water purifiers for home and on the go, all kinds of fancy jugs and containers, and even water itself!  I don't know exactly how or when this started; when I was young we didn't have any of this.  We drank tap water when we got thirsty – my parents kept a glass jug of it in the fridge and (heaven help us) it was a community water jug!  We ALL drank from it, straight out of the fridge!!  How we survived I'll never know.  Anyway, I never once thought about how many ounces I needed to consume in a day and somehow I'm still alive and kicking.  Being a believer, I'm going to declare that the reason for this is because the world doesn't know that what they're REALLY thirsty for is the living water that comes only through Jesus Christ.  ^"Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14)  Whether the water we drink is plain old tap water or fancy filtered mountain spring from France water, it will never have the ability to quench our thirst or give us what our souls truly desire.  We all try and satisfy that God placed thirst with plenty of other things, but only Jesus Christ Himself will do.  It would be so cool to say to someone who's gulping down a tall glass of water, "Hey – wanna hear about some LIVING water?!"  Now I just need to pray for the courage to do so!

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

2/7– Responding to Crisis (Esther 4:15-5:8)

It seems like every movie has this kind of moment: the time when everything that looked like it just might work out falls apart and the hero is not just back at square one, but in danger of being destroyed.  Of course, that storytelling device adds drama and tension to the narrative.  But when we face that situation in life, it doesn't feel like a 'great story'.  It feels like doom.  What does a child of God do in that moment?  We're working our way through the story of Esther, and we come to that moment of truth.  The crisis is upon her, and everything depends on this incredible long shot.  Will she survive or will she be destroyed?  Let her faith teach us how to respond to crisis.

 

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

8:30 – Prayer Room
Do you have a heart for prayer? Our Sunday morning prayer time is open to everyone. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church. If you would like to participate, just show up!  Questions?  See Bob Baumiester.  "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

FEBRUARY CHALLENGE VERSE

Psalm 30:4-5 

"Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

                                                                                   

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 pm

We're starting a 5-6 week study on what the Bible has to say about the end of the world.  We'll be looking at books like Revelation and Daniel as well as many other passages in the Bible. Our topics will include the tribulation, the rapture, heaven and hell, the Second Coming, as well as Jesus' rule on earth as King.  Since there are so many different ideas about what the Bible says, we'll try to talk them through a little.  This won't be a comprehensive study for experts; instead it will be more of a survey for everyone which can give you the ability to dig deeper into study for yourself!

 

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

 

SMALL GROUPS

Small Groups are a fantastic way to connect on a more intimate level with the body of Hope.  It's never too late to join a group, or even to start up a new one!  Check out our Small Group Bulletin Board next to the Prayer Room.  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. 

 

GOD'S GIRLS WOMEN'S GROUP

Mondays at 7:00

The Bible tells us we are wonderfully made - but why do our emotions seem so complicated? That's what we'll be talking about as we resume meeting this Monday.  We will begin studying Patsy Clairmont's book, "I Second That Emotion." Join us as we learn what makes us tick, and how God

wants us to respond to the crazy emotions we all share. Signup sheets are in the lobby, or contact Mary Lebeau (316-6301/marylebeau@verizon.com) for information.

 

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.

 

NEW FAMILIES CAKE n COFFEE

Friday, February 19^th @ 7:30pm

If you are new to Hope, or maybe you missed our last fellowship back in June, you'll want to mark your calendars now for this event!  Bring your family and come enjoy some coffee and dessert with us.  We want to get to know you better and it's kind of hard on a busy Sunday morning!  Please sign up on the signup sheet located in the lobby so that we know how many to prepare for.  See you there!

 

SPRING CAFÉ

Wednesday, March 2^nd @ 7:00 pm

Looking forward to our Spring Café, and not just because 'spring' is in the name!  This is always a great night of fellowship – watching performances, snacking on good food, and just enjoying each other's company.  We'll need performers and people to sign up to bring a snack or dessert.  Signup sheets are in the lobby!

 

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!

 

UGANDA MISSION TRIP

July 2016

Hope Christian Fellowship is sending a team to Uganda to work alongside the Josh & Kelly Hallahan this July!  Dave Hallahan, Jim Jefferson, Anne Jefferson, Jess St.Petery and Patti Tomasetti will be raising funds over the next several months before heading to Uganda from July 8-22. The cost is about $3,200-4,000 per person. There will be several fundraisers coming your way over the next couple of months. In the meantime, the team would appreciate your prayers!  If you would like to and are able to donate to their trip you can do so by visiting their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/83hyz9rg. If you have any questions see any of the team members!

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEWS

 

GO ZONE

Go Zone is our Sunday Morning kid's service, planned especially for 1^st - 5^th graders.  Our goal is to encourage the kids to live with their focus on "GOing for GOD, GOing for GROWTH, and GOing FOREVER!" This service includes worship, games, and exploring important biblical truths in fun and creative ways before heading off to Sunday school.

Follow HopeKids! Ministries on Facebook at:  facebook.com/HCFHopeKids

                                                                               ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES

Kick-Off week for Hope's Annual Choices of the Heart Baby Bottle Fundraiser.  Pick up as many bottles as you, your family and friends can fill in one month. All donations will go to help women and men who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Choices of The Heart is a Christian non-profit in Turnersville who uphold the sanctity of life while offering real life help to those who face overwhelming choices. They provide free ultrasound testing, counseling, cribs, car seats, and layettes, abstinence programs, and community awareness information. Bottles are due back to Hope by March 6^th.  See Wendy Devereaux with questions.

 

ROOMMATE WANTED

Looking for a reliable woman to share an apartment with in the Deptford area.  Reasonable rent.  Please call Linda at 609-828-6230.

 

UPCOMING BAPTISM

Wednesday, March 9^th @ 7:00 pm

Pastor Mark will be having two classes at his house on February 22^nd and 29^th (both Mondays) for anyone interested in being baptized.  Classes last about an hour.  You need to plan on being at both classes if you intend on getting baptized. There is a signup sheet in the lobby; Pastor Mark also has a book and an information sheet for each person. 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

HOPE 4 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.

 

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.

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! 

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Sara Cartella, Anki Hill        

Nursery 11:00               Leah Hallahan, Lauren Czyzewski

Toddlers 9:00               Elizabeth Staley, Ysenia Marquez, Brittany Hackett

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

Pre K – K 11:00            Jennifer, Samantha, & Ryan Edwards
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00            Rich & Patty Bunnell

1^st & 2^nd – 11:00          Lisa Fiorile & Charlotte Zediker

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

3^rd – 5^th   11:00            Michelle Schmidt, Kristy Tomasello

Ushers 9:00                   Bob Kerr

Ushers 11:00                Damon Briggs

Counters                      Mike & Lois Hartwell

Greeters                       Ken Blythe

                                     Delores Baade

                                     Ellen Boales

                                     Lorraine Koch

                              

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.

 

 

Thankful for Hope,

Lois

 

 

 

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