Hope Notes 3/31/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

My grandmother was a silversmith – she made beautiful jewelry out of silver.  Did you know that silver in its raw form is not the smooth and shiny metal we see in finished pieces of jewelry? It has many impurities that need to be removed.  Seeing silver before and after the refining process makes the following verse really come to life.  "For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver." (Psalm 66:10)  Silver is refined by going through intense heat, which causes it to melt.  The impurities rise to the top and the silversmith scrapes them away; over and over until the silver is pure.  You know where I'm going with this!  God is our silversmith, our Refiner.  He allows us to go through intense heat (trials) in order to strengthen our faith and build our character.  In times of trials, we should draw closer to Him and lean on His strength and wisdom.  This process makes us 'clean and shiny'. Only when we are clean and shiny can we reflect our Refiner's image!  Isn't that cool?!  All of us are either going through a trial now, have just come out of a trial, or have a trial headed our way. Let us remember that our trials have a purpose bigger than what we can see.  They are allowed by our Father's loving hand to refine us, not define us!

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

The Proverbs Path – Exploring the Everyday Wisdom of Proverbs

4/3 – Who Do You Listen To? (Proverbs 1)

Have you ever been at a party where everyone is talking at once and it is hard to hear the person you're talking to?  Some people say it's hard to even think when it is that noisy.  Lots of noise and talking can actually become a barrier to communication.  The answer is to go to a place with less noise so that you can tune into the person you're actually having a conversation with.  In life, there are many 'voices' talking to us every day.  An abundance of commentators, reporters, and other TV personalities give us advice.  Then we have family and friends who are ready and eager to weigh in on our choices.  As we start looking at practical advice from the book of Proverbs, we'll see that it is wise to choose carefully who will have your attention and who will be able to influence you.

 

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

 

APRIL CHALLENGE VERSE

Acts 1:8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

                                                                                   

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 pm

We're back with regular Wednesday night Bible study! The first two weeks will be the Exodus video (Patterns of Evidence).  If you know anyone who has questions about whether or not the Bible is true, this would be a great video for them to see!  Once we've finished these two weeks, we'll dive back into 1 Corinthians. 

 

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.  Contact Dave or Leah Hallahan at dmhallahan5@gmail.com.  Childcare is provided.

Please Note:  Young Adults is now working on a 'semester' schedule, therefore there will be no Young Adults for the month of April.  We will resume again in May.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

HCF COED SOFTBALL TEAM

HCF teams with our brothers of Pitman Methodist.  You must be 15 years old before the close of the season (mid-July) in order to play.  Our season runs from April through July.  Games are played on week nights (except Wednesdays) at 6:30, 8:00, or 9:00.  There is a signup sheet in the lobby if you are interested.  See Lenny Little with any questions.

 

SMALL GROUPS

After our last small group study sheet goes on April 17th, we will be taking a break from official 'small group season' through September, which means we will not be putting out small group study sheets during that time.  However, if your small group wants to continue meeting through the summer, here are some recommended studies you can do together. These books are readily available on Amazon or at Christian Book Distributors.

Unoffendable - Brant Hansen

Don't Waste Your Life - John Piper

Principle of the Path - Andy Stanley

One of us is Crazy - Tim and Joy Downs

Search for Significance - Robert McGee

 

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.

 

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 

 

BUILDING INFO

Please note:  Due to some repairs being made to our back entrance, the rear doors will be closed Thursday, March 31^st at 4:30 pm thru Sunday, April 3^rd at 7:30 am.  Please use the front doors for entry to the church.

HCF NEW DIRECTORY

April is picture month!  Look at your calendars and pick a Sunday that you'd like to be photographed for our new directory.  We'll be taking individual & family every Sunday after both services throughout April.  Our goal is to have everyone included (you don't have to be a partner!) so that we can all place faces with names.  Directory Information Forms have been emailed to our entire Hope Notes list so you can simply fill them out and send back to me, or you can bring it to church and drop it in the Offering Box. There are also forms on a clipboard in the lobby, or you can fill one in when you register for your picture.  Contact Lois Hartwell @ foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com with any questions.

 

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Kids Alley has two positions available for this summer:

Summer Camp Director will work from June 13^th thru August 4^th.  This person needs a minimum of 1-2 years of college, must be energetic, fun loving, organized, a good communicator, have a love for sharing Christ and provide a fun and safe environment for children and youth.  Salary: $13.00- $15.00 an hour

Summer Camp Staff will work from June 27^th thru July 29^th.  Must be 18 years or older. Some children and youth ministry experience helpful.   Possible flex scheduling.  Camp is held in Haddon Heights and various other churches. Camp includes Vacation bible school element and field trips.

Pay rate is $10.00 an hour.

Background check required for both positions.  All candidates should send a resume and/or letter of interest to brendah@kidsalley.org or call 856-546-1098.

  

BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

So far this year, the Choices of the Heart Baby Bottle Campaign has brought in over $45,000.  In 2015, our church raised $2311.6.  As of March 29, 2016 we raised $1579.18.  We gave out 125 bottles.  There are still 56 bottles 'missing'.  If you forgot to bring yours in, go ahead and bring it to church!  You can leave it on the table in the back, or hand it to Wendy Devereaux.  We will make sure it gets to Choices.

 

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!

 

PANTRY NEED

Our pantry is pretty bare – now's your chance to donate all kinds of non-perishable food! Our freezer could use a good stocking up as well. The only thing we don't need is vegetables.  Helping to stock our Food Pantry is an easy way for you to minister to those in need.  Contact Karen Blythe at kblythe99@gmail.com with questions.

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Leah Hallahan, Lauren Czyzewski   

Nursery 11:00               Melissa McGinness, Bethany Pineda

Toddlers 9:00               Amy & Brooke Mariner, Katherine DellaRova

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 & Patty Bunnell

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

3rd - 5^th   9:00             Mary LeBeau, Nance Reeves

3^rd – 5^th   11:00           Anne & Jim Jefferson

Ushers 9:00                 Bob Kerr

Ushers 11:00               Joe Sambucci

Counters                      Kathy Berry, Wendy Devereaux

Greeters                       Paul & Donna Hoffman

                                     Lisa Minner

                                     Patti Tomasetti

                                    

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.

 

 

Being Refined by Him,

Lois

 

 

 

Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list. Any correspondence for Hope Notes goes to Hopenotes Email.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Dear Friends ~

We have begun the process of compiling everyone's contact information for our new directory.  In order to help the process along, I'm attaching an Information Form for you to fill out.  If you desire, you can simply fill it out, scan it, and send it back to me.  Or bring it to church and drop it in the offering box.  Or bring it with you on the Sunday you get you photo taken.   I will also have a clipboard with blank forms in the lobby at church.  We have many options - we want to make this easy for you!  

Our photographers will begin taking pictures this coming Sunday (4/3) after both services and will continue until the last Sunday in April (4/24).  Our goal is to have 100% participation - we need your smiling faces!

Remember, you DON'T HAVE TO BE A PARTNER to be listed in the directory!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by hitting 'reply' or use my personal email.........foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much!

Lois

Hope Notes 3/24/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Deviating from my usual opening to give a little Easter Service 'Public Service Announcement'.  This Sunday we will most likely experience a much larger attendance than our usual Sundays.  As the regular attenders, let's make an effort to take on the perspective of our visitors.  What does that mean?  Well……..think about the church experience from the eyes of someone who may not be used to attending church.  Do you think they want to walk ALL the way up front to find a seat?!  No way!  Do you think they want to wander aimlessly through the building looking for bathrooms or the nursery?  Of course not.  So let's be considerate and scoot ourselves up front and into the middle of the rows.  This makes it much easier – not only on our guests, but on our ushers as they search for seats once the service gets started.  And let's keep our eyes open for anyone who looks 'lost' and ask them if they need some help.  One of Hope's hallmarks is that we are a friendly church.  We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed so that they can relax and truly enjoy our Easter service!

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

3/27 – Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1-8)

EASTER

This is the day we celebrate together the most powerful and transformational event of all time: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Many think this is just a fable meant to teach us some philosophical truth.  But those who were closest to Jesus did not believe that; in fact, they were killed because they wouldn't back down from their testimony that He had risen.  Today, we're going to start with an account of that morning in Matthew's gospel.  What we'll see is that these friends of Jesus did not expect Him to rise again.  And that will lead us to ask about our own presumptions and ideas about what Jesus is like.  Are you misunderstanding God?

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - TOMORROW

Friday, March 25^th @ 7:00 pm

Join us for this special service as we commemorate Good Friday.  We'll have readings from all four gospels that tell the story of Jesus' death.  We'll also have special music and share communion together.  As is our custom, anything that comes into the offering that night will be distributed to individuals or families in need. Good Friday is such a special part of the Passion Week and we don't want anyone to miss it so mark it on your calendars now!

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

 

MARCH CHALLENGE VERSE

Proverbs 4:23

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

                                                                                   

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 pm

We're back with regular Wednesday night Bible study! The first two weeks will be the Exodus video (Patterns of Evidence).  If you know anyone who has questions about whether or not the Bible is true, this would be a great video for them to see!  Once we've finished these two weeks, we'll dive back into 1 Corinthians.  Our Hope Kids Hangouts will be restarting too, so keep an eye out for info on that. 

 

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.  Contact Dave or Leah Hallahan at dmhallahan5@gmail.com.  Childcare is provided.

Please Note:  Young Adults is now working on a 'semester' schedule, therefore there will be no Young Adults for the month of April.  We will resume again in May.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

HCF COED SOFTBALL TEAM

HCF teams with our brothers of Pitman Methodist.  You must be 15 years old before the close of the season (mid-July) in order to play.  Our season runs from April through July.  Games are played on week nights (except Wednesdays) at 6:30, 8:00, or 9:00.  There is a signup sheet in the lobby if you are interested.  See Lenny Little with any questions.

 

SMALL GROUPS

After our last small group study sheet on April 17th, we will be taking a break from official 'small group season' through September, which means we will not be putting out small group study sheets during that time.  However, if your small group wants to continue meeting through the summer, here are some recommended studies you can do together. These books are readily available on Amazon or at Christian Book Distributors.

Unoffendable - Brant Hansen

Don't Waste Your Life - John Piper

Principle of the Path - Andy Stanley

One of us is Crazy - Tim and Joy Downs

Search for Significance - Robert McGee

 

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.

 

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 

 

BUILDING INFO

Please note:  Due to some repairs being made to our back entrance, the rear doors will be closed Thursday, March 31^st at 4:30 pm thru Sunday, April 3^rd at 7:30 am.  Please use the front doors for entry to the church.

 

HCF NEW DIRECTORY

April is picture month!  Look at your calendars and pick a Sunday that you'd like to be photographed for our new directory.  We'll be taking individual & family every Sunday throughout April.  Our goal is to have everyone included (you don't have to be a partner!) so that we can all place faces with names.  Contact Lois Hartwell @ foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com 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. 

 

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!

 

PANTRY NEED

Our pantry is pretty bare – now's your chance to donate all kinds of non-perishable food! Our freezer could use a good stocking up as well. The only thing we don't need is vegetables.  Helping to stock our Food Pantry is an easy way for you to minister to those in need.  Contact Karen Blythe at kblythe99@gmail.com with questions.

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Leah Hallahan, Lauren Czyzewski   

Nursery 11:00               Melissa McGinness, Bethany Pineda

Toddlers 9:00               Karen Blythe, Julia Schmidt, Leah Aureli

Toddlers 11:00             Briana Abate, Madison Winstel, Julia Neff
Pre K – K 9:00              Bill & Griffin McGinness

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

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

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

3^rd – 5^th   11:00            Kimmi Biglin, Lauren Serebra

Ushers 9:00                   Bob Baumiester

Ushers 11:00                Bill Berry

Counters                       Kathy Berry, Wendy Devereaux

Greeters                       Art Muhlbaier

                                     Lucy Muhlbaier

                                     Charlotte Zediker

                                     Jeanne Wurst

                              

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.

 

 

The Tomb is Empty,

Lois

 

 

 

Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list. Any correspondence for Hope Notes goes to Hopenotes Email.

Hope Notes 3/17/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

When change comes along and takes you by the hand, do you go willingly?  If you're like most people, chances are you do not! We tend to dig our heels in and drag our feet when it comes to change. Sometimes God calls us to make a change, other times life circumstances throw change in our faces whether we want it or not.  Looking back, I've come to realize that every God ordained change in my life has turned out to be positive. 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' (Romans 8:28)  You would think, that knowing this, I would not be reluctant to make a change.  Yet I still hold back.  Does this show a lack of trust in my God? I'm afraid so. Why do I not simply accept His direction and go willingly?  The answer is fear.  The enemy loves to keep us entangled in fear.  Those of you who were at the Worship Night service last night saw a powerful demonstration of taking our fears and nailing them to the cross of Christ. Look at what Abraham did – 'By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.' (Hebrews 11:8)  Scripture tells us how the disciples over and over again would leave what they were doing and immediately follow Jesus. I am thinking that a remedy to fear of change is to read in our Bibles the many examples recorded for us to be encouraged by.  Then the next time change reaches out for our hand we can willingly open our hands and accept.

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

3/20 – Remembering God's Faithfulness (Esther 9)

Palm Sunday – Purim

Holidays generally have some meaning behind them.  People often treat them as just a day off work (or a day of holiday pay) but throughout time, holidays have been based on something that the culture felt was important enough to remember. As we finish the story of Esther, we'll see that God's deliverance of the Jews was supernatural and stunningly complete.  In response, the Jews create a new holiday called "Purim".  The name deepens the meaning of this celebration, reminding them of the irony of the way the danger arose as well as the God who overruled man's law.  As we kick off Passion Week, let's allow this story to call us to connect with the events we remember and celebrate in the coming days!

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

Friday, March 25^th @ 7:00 pm

Join us for this special service as we commemorate Good Friday.  We'll have readings from all four gospels that tell the story of Jesus' death.  We'll also have special music and share communion together.  As is our custom, anything that comes into the offering that night will be distributed to individuals or families in need. Good Friday is such a special part of the Passion Week and we don't want anyone to miss it so mark it on your calendars now!

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

 

MARCH CHALLENGE VERSE

Proverbs 4:23

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

                                                                                   

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 pm

Please Note:  There is no activity on March 23^rd as we prepare for our Good Friday Service.

The Wednesday after Easter we'll be back with regular Wednesday night Bible study.  The first two weeks will be the Exodus video (Patterns of Evidence) and then we'll dive back into 1 Corinthians.  Our Hope Kids Hangouts will be restarting too, so keep an eye out for info on that.  We're almost done our study in Esther, so we'll be starting a new series in April.  We're going to be looking at the book of Proverbs and digging into the everyday practical wisdom it has for us. 

 

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.  Contact Dave or Leah Hallahan at dmhallahan5@gmail.com.  Childcare is provided.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP

 

HCF COED SOFTBALL TEAM

HCF teams with our brothers of Pitman Methodist.  You must be 15 years old before the close of the season (mid-July) in order to play.  Our season runs from April through July.  Games are played on week nights (except Wednesdays) at 6:30, 8:00, or 9:00.  There is a signup sheet in the lobby if you are interested.  See Lenny Little with any questions.

 

SMALL GROUPS

Our last Small Group study sheet will go out on April 17^th, however if your group wants to keep meeting through the summer, Pastor Mark will be getting some books for you to choose from so that you can study together over the summer. 

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.

 

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 

 

SPRING CLEAN UP – THIS SATURDAY

Saturday, March 18^th

Come on out and help us get the outside of our church looking spiffy for Easter!  We're meeting at 8:00am and plan to work till 12:00pm. On the agenda:  raking, weeding, planting flowers, turning over mulch, etc.  Come for as little or as long as you like and please bring your own garden tools.

 

HCF NEW DIRECTORY

April is picture month!  Look at your calendars and pick a Sunday that you'd like to be photographed for our new directory.  We'll be taking individual & family every Sunday throughout April.  Our goal is to have everyone included (you don't have to be a partner!) so that we can all place faces with names.  Still looking for people willing to sit at our registration table during picture time.  Contact Lois Hartwell @ foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com or simply hit 'reply' to the Hope Notes.

 

CALLING ALL POTENTIAL TEACHERS – THIS COMING WEDNESDAY

If you are someone who has taught adults (especially in church settings), Pastor Mark would like to invite you to a brainstorming session for Hope.  We will be meeting on Wednesday night, March 23 at church at 7:00 pm and discussing ideas on how to maximize the teaching gifts we have in those God has brought to be a part of Hope.  Our elders will take the input and look for God's leading in any new or improved teaching forums for our church!  Any questions, see Pastor Mark.

Please Note:  There is a signup sheet in the lobby.  If you are interested in coming, please sign up right away so that Pastor Mark knows how many are coming.

 

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!

 

PANTRY NEED

Our pantry is pretty bare – now's your chance to donate all kinds of non-perishable food! Our freezer could use a good stocking up as well. The only thing we don't need is vegetables.  Helping to stock our Food Pantry is an easy way for you to minister to those in need.  Contact Karen Blythe at kblythe99@gmail.com with questions.

 

NEW DIRECTORY

We will soon begin putting together a new directory for Hope - God has grown our congregation and we need to keep up! We have many different areas to serve – taking pictures, organizing, helping with sign ups, inputting data, designing forms, etc. Anyone interested in helping with this endeavor, please contact Lois Hartwell at foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com or simply hit 'reply' to the Hope Notes. 

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                 Sara Cartella, Anki Hill    

Nursery 11:00               Karla Hopkins

Toddlers 9:00               Karen Blythe, Julia Schmidt, Leah Aureli

Toddlers 11:00             Briana Abate, Madison Winstel, Julia Neff
Pre K – K 9:00              Bill & Griffin McGinness

Pre K – K 11:00            Karen & Amanda Merriell
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00           Kathy Porch, Lil Kerr

1^st & 2^nd – 11:00         Kelly Louis, Lucy Muhlbaier

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

3^rd – 5^th   11:00           Kimmi Biglin, Lauren Serebra

Ushers 9:00                  Mike Hartwell

Ushers 11:00                Damon Briggs

Counters                       LaTosha Briggs, Barb Frazeur

Greeters                       Art Muhlbaier

                                     Lucy Muhlbaier

                                     Charlotte Zediker

                                     Jeanne Wurst

                              

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.

 

 

Awaiting the Cross,

Lois

 

 

 

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