Hope Notes 4/27/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

I have something unusual on the shelf by my bed.  And I would venture to say it's a safe bet that no one reading these notes has it.  Want to know what it is?  It's a tiny, doll sized saucer filled with….……………Cheerios. Ok so now I know you're wondering why on earth I have that!  When I was training our dog, Olive, to sleep in her bed (not ours) and stay there all night long I would reward her with a Cheerio when she got back in it.  Once she was trained, it somehow morphed into her running into her bed at night and then expecting a Cheerio.  Sucker that I am, I give her one every night.  Far be it from me to disturb her nightly routine!  She is hyper vigilant about keeping all her routines (and trust me, she has many!).  I only wish I could be as conscientious about some of mine!  The one that's most important to me is spending time with God – reading His Word, praying and thinking about what He's trying to tell me.  But that seems to be the one that gets the short stick when things get busy or I get lazy.  Olive doesn't let ANYTHING get in the way of her rituals; why can't I?!  And here's the funny thing – she knows she has a reward waiting for her when she hops in her bed.  But I have a reward waiting for me as well when I open up the Bible! I have the privilege of hearing God speak to me through His words. Not only that, but I have an eternal reward awaiting me! That should be more than enough to make me guard that habit with all my might. Maybe I need to eat a Cheerio every time I read the Bible!  Seeing Olive be so steadfast every single evening is a visual reminder to me that I need to be equally as resolute in keeping my time with God a non-negotiable appointment.

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

The Proverbs Path – Exploring the Everyday Wisdom of Proverbs

5/1 – Drink from Your Own Well (Proverbs 5)

We live in a sexually charged world.  Sexual innuendo fuels the comedy and drama we take in every day.  Books are packed with it, television is filled with it, and movies are driven by it. Today's popular thought tells us that sex is an appetite that is amoral just like hunger or thirst. But this is an example of being so 'wise' that we are 'fools'.  How much devastation and pain arise from buying the lie that sexual fulfillment can be had outside of God's design.  Proverbs takes time to advise us on this very contemporary topic.  Will we open our hearts to the wisdom that can guide us past the philosophies of our world?  Will we believe that God wants our best, knows what is best, and direct our thoughts and actions accordingly?

 

UGANDA MISSION TRIP OFFERING

May 1^st

We will be taking a special offering this Sunday for the Uganda Mission Trip that Jess, Patti, and Dave

are doing in July.  Please prayerfully consider what you could give to ease the financial burden this trip entails.

 

UPDATE ON JOAN ROSELLI

Our dear sister-in-Christ died peacefully while sleeping this afternoon.  She was surrounded by her family and was at peace because she knew that she was going to be with her Lord.  We are thankful that God was gracious enough to give her family and friends the time to say goodbye to her.  We mourn her loss here at Hope and on this earth, but we rejoice knowing that she is with her heavenly Father.

There will be a viewing this Saturday, April 30^th from 9:00 – 11:00 here at Hope.  Immediately after the viewing there will be a service, followed by the burial.

 

MOTHER'S DAY SERVICE

May 8^th

Mother's Day is special because MOMS are special.  We all have a mom, and we are all blessed by the roles moms have in our church family, so we are looking forward to making their day just a bit more special.  We'll enjoy some touching presentations from our kids (tissue alert!), so it will be a great time for all of us together as a church family.  You don't want to miss this!

 

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

 

MAY CHALLENGE VERSE

Ephesians 4:15

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

                                                                                   

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

7:00 pm

Join us as we dig into 1Corinthians and gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and its application to our daily lives.  Childcare is available.

 

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

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. We will resume our regular study sheets in September.

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 would like 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 

 

APRIL GIVING UPDATE

We averaged $7524 per week for the month of April bringing our annual average giving to $7564.  This continues to be above our annual giving target of $6700 and allows us to propose taking on our Youth Pastor and Kids Pastor full time next month.  We are deeply grateful that God continues to move in your hearts to support His work here and that we can focus even more energy on what God is doing at Hope.  With all our hearts we believe that this opportunity will make our church stronger and even more fruitful for the kingdom of God!

 

ENVELOPES FOR DESIGNATED GIVING

If God has laid it on your heart to give a little something extra for His kingdom, we have provided envelopes for you to do so!  These are not for your usual Sunday offering; they are for you to use if you'd like to give to a special project or ministry.  The envelopes are in a wall mounted bin next to our regular offering slot.

 

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.

 

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!

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEEDS

Our elementary age Sunday School classes are looking for both teachers and helpers to serve. Please contact Matt Russell for more information.

 

LANDSCAPING DAYS

Saturday, May 7th

Let's make Hope look pretty!  We are meeting at the church at 10:00 am.  Asking for volunteers to help plant flowers.  Black mulch will be down, so bring something to kneel on and a tool to dig with.  See Ken Blyth with questions.

 

FAMILY PROMISE MINISTRIES

We are gathering a team to serve in Family Promise Ministries, which helps homeless families in Gloucester County get back on their feet.  We would be working in conjunction with other churches to help these families by providing meals, shelter, and transportation.  If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please sign up on the signup sheet in the lobby.  Pastor Mark will be holding an informational meeting soon, but would like to know how many are interested right away.

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00        Lorraine Koch, Lynn Shute

Nursery 11:00      Jessica Thoden, Shelley Udzinski, Ryan

Toddlers 9:00       Elizabeth Staley, Yesenia Marquez, Julia Schmidt

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

Pre K – K 11:00    Jennifer, Samantha, & Ryan Edwards
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00     Nina & Michelle 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     Michelle Schmidt, Christy Tomasello

Ushers 9:00          Mike Hartwell

Ushers 11:00        Bill Berry

Wed. Nursery       Hope & Greg Speakman             

Counters              Matt Austen, Damon Briggs

Greeters               Rick Ayusa

                             Patty Bunnell

                             Paul Rochat

                             Helen Mastalski

                                    

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.

 

 

Loved by the King,

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 4/21/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

All of us go through dark times.  It may be situational, relational, or spiritual in nature.  It can be sin generated.  But there's no getting around it – these things will enter our lives every now and then.  Although the darkness may be painful, it's the perfect setting for His Light.  Alone in the darkness, His Light becomes all the more obvious.  What a comfort to know that Light ALWAYS overcomes the dark. ('The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' John 1:5) Darkness must always succumb to light.  You can't turn a flashlight on in a dark room and have no illumination.  It's impossible.  The only remedy to the blackness of night is light.  What's important to remember is the SOURCE of our light.  ('You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.' Psalm 18:28) God alone can dispel the darkness we face.  When things are at the bleakest, whether because of a situation or because of our own sin, we must turn the eyes of our heart to Jesus, the Light of the world.  Scriptures paint the picture of Jesus face 'shining like the sun in all its brilliance' (Rev 1:16) and tells us how His face 'shone like the sun' (Matthew 17:2).  I can just feel the warmth in my soul when I think of this!  There is no better way to dispel our darkness – we need just remember to do it.

 

UPDATE ON JOAN ROSELLI

She was taken to the hospital yesterday after a rough few days of nausea and was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia.  This has become very serious and after testing last night, they do not believe they can fix the damage it has caused or the hernia itself, so there is nothing they can do for her. She is in ICU currently and was on a respirator overnight.  This morning, they are hoping to be able to remove her breathing tube so that she can talk and visit with her family.  Pray for the decisions being made and for the time that she is able to spend with her loved ones.  We know God can do miracles, so we pray for that, but we also pray for God's peace and strength as our dear sister faces what may be her last moments with us on this side of heaven.

Also – the family and Joan are asking that no one come to visit at this time.  They appreciate and need our prayers, but having people come visit would be overwhelming and too much right now.

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

The Proverbs Path – Exploring the Everyday Wisdom of Proverbs

4/24 – Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4)

Would you put your money in a bank that had no locks and no guards?  If not, it probably has something to do with the fact that you don't want your money stolen.  Unguarded valuables are never a good idea.  Proverbs tell us to guard our heart.  And it tells us why we should do this.  It also tells us to guard instruction.  Underlying these commands is an understanding that these things are both valuable and vulnerable. How guarded is your heart?

 

MOTHER'S DAY SERVICE

May 8^th

Mother's Day is special because MOMS are special.  We all have a mom, and we are all blessed by the roles moms have in our church family, so we are looking forward to making their day just a bit more special.  We'll enjoy some touching presentations from our kids (tissue alert!), so it will be a great time for all of us together as a church family.  You don't want to miss this!

 

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

Join us as we dig into 1Corinthians and gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and its application to our daily lives.  Childcare is available.

 

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

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. We will resume our regular study sheets in September.

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 would like 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 

 

HCF NEW DIRECTORY

Last Sunday for Pictures!

We're making it so easy for you all to be included in our new Directory!  Look for an Information Form in this week's Salt & Light (the weekly bulletin you get as you come in).  You can simply fill that out and drop it off in the box on the table at the back of the auditorium.  No waiting in line! Then have one of our photographers snap your picture! Our goal is to have everyone included (you don't have to be a partner!) so that we can all place faces with names. Remember – you do not have to be a partner to be included.  See Lois Hartwell with any questions.

 

CAMDEN OUTREACH

Saturday, April 30^th  

We will meet at the church at 10:00 am, make lunches and then hand them out in Camden. The signup sheet for donations (lunch items) is in the lobby.  All donations are due on Sunday April 24th.

 

SPECIAL MISSIONARY PROJECT

Our missionaries, Josh and Jackie Frankeas, will be leaving for South Africa the end of May.  They will be working with 'Restoring Hope', an organization that has established homes with parents and foster children.  As the Frankeas prepare to leave, they are packing a container with their own supplies to be shipped to South Africa. They have some additional space in their container that they'd like to fill with supplies for these children and families.   We here at Hope have an opportunity to be a part of this missionary outreach.  Near each of the two entrances of our building, will find a large box marked for the Frankeas.  We are looking to fill these boxes with school supplies, some baby supplies, and footwear of all sizes.  Boxes are located by each entrance and have a detailed list of supplies needed next to them that you can take. We have until April 24th to fill the boxes.  Any questions, see Barb Frazeur.

 

ENVELOPES FOR DESIGNATED GIVING

If God has laid it on your heart to give a little something extra for His kingdom, we have provided envelopes for you to do so!  These are not for your usual Sunday offering; they are for you to use if you'd like to give to a special project or ministry.  The envelopes are in a wall mounted bin next to our regular offering slot.

 

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.

 

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!

 

LANDSCAPING DAYS

Saturday, April 23^rd – This Saturday!

We will be meeting at the church at 9:00 am to rake and relocate mulch.  Gloves are needed.  Rakes and tarps welcome!  See Ken Blythe with questions.       

Saturday, May 7th

Let's make Hope look pretty!  We are meeting at the church at 10:00 am.  Asking for volunteers to help plant flowers.  Black mulch will be down, so bring something to kneel on and a tool to dig with.  See Ken Blyth with questions.

 

FAMILY PROMISE MINISTRIES

We are gathering a team to serve in Family Promise Ministries, which helps homeless families in Gloucester County get back on their feet.  We would be working in conjunction with other churches to help these families by providing meals, shelter, and transportation.  If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please sign up on the signup sheet in the lobby.  Pastor Mark will be holding an informational meeting soon, but would like to know how many are interested right away.

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Lorraine Koch, Lynn Shute

Nursery 11:00               Jessica Thoden, Shelley Udzinski, Ryan

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            Pat & Elisabeth DellaRova, Prisca Ogunkanmi
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00              Nina & Michelle Abate

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

3rd - 5^th   9:00              Michelle Schmidt, Nance Reeves

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

Ushers 9:00                   Bob Baumiester

Ushers 11:00                Damon Briggs

Counters                      Matt Austen, Damon Briggs

 

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.

 

 

In His Light,

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 4/14/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Where do you live?  I don't mean your physical address; I am referring to the place your mind or your heart goes to on a regular basis.  For instance, do you find yourself reliving the past and ruminating over prior situations or conversations, wondering what you could have said or done differently, fixated on 'if only'?   Or do you often find yourself catapulting into the future, consumed with 'what ifs'?  Now you get what I'm talking about!  Unfortunately, most of us seem to spend time in these two places.  Living in the past often produces feelings of regret, guilt, or shame.  Living in the future, usually produces feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear.  None of this is good or productive.  God's Word instructs us to leave the past behind.  ("Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." Isaiah 43:18)  God's Word clearly tells us not to worry in Matthew 6.  We are also instructed in James 4 not to get ahead of God and carry forth with all our plans for 'tomorrow'.  We don't even know if we will BE here tomorrow!  Where does God want us to be?  Right here.  In the moment.  With Him.  Trusting Him for His grace over our past and His protection and plan for our future.  There's a corny old saying, but its true – "Today is God's gift to you; that's why it's called the PRESENT".  Let's try and live like we believe that!

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

The Proverbs Path – Exploring the Everyday Wisdom of Proverbs

4/17 – Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3)

COMMUNION

Here's a spoiler: magicians don't actually have magical powers.  While it can seem like they have otherworldly powers, the reality is that they are very clever and skilled in performing illusions that seem to have no possible explanation.  If you simply believe what your eyes see, you will be tricked!  Spiritually this is also true.  We have to decide if we are going to trust what we see, what makes sense to us, and what we can count or if we're going to put our trust in the Lord.  Things like money or knowledge can give the illusion of being trustworthy and even seem to make us more secure.  But Proverbs says to put our trust in the Lord.

 

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

Join us as we dig into 1Corinthians and gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and its application to our daily lives.  Childcare is available.

 

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 would like 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 

 

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.

CAMDEN OUTREACH

Saturday, April 30^th  

We will meet at the church at 10:00 am, make lunches and then hand them out in Camden. The signup sheet for donations (lunch items) is in the lobby.  All donations are due on Sunday April 24th.

 

SPECIAL MISSIONARY PROJECT

Our missionaries, Josh and Jackie Frankeas, will be leaving for South Africa the end of May.  They will be working with 'Restoring Hope', an organization that has established homes with parents and foster children.  As the Frankeas prepare to leave, they are packing a container with their own supplies to be shipped to South Africa. They have some additional space in their container that they'd like to fill with supplies for these children and families.   We here at Hope have an opportunity to be a part of this missionary outreach.  Near each of the two entrances of our building, will find a large box marked for the Frankeas.  We are looking to fill these boxes with school supplies, some baby supplies, and footwear of all sizes.  Boxes are located by each entrance and have a detailed list of supplies needed next to them that you can take. We have until April 24th to fill the boxes.  Any questions, see Barb Frazeur.

 

ENVELOPES FOR DESIGNATED GIVING

If God has laid it on your heart to give a little something extra for His kingdom, we have provided envelopes for you to do so!  These are not for your usual Sunday offering; they are for you to use if you'd like to give to a special project or ministry.  The envelopes are in a wall mounted bin next to our regular offering slot.

 

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!

 

LANDSCAPING DAY

Saturday, April 23^rd

Let's make Hope look pretty!  Asking for volunteers to help plant flowers and relocate some of our existing mulch.  We are meeting at the church at 11:00 am.  Please BRING GLOVES!  See Ken Blyth with questions.

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00                Amy Fleck, Gail Birney, Katherine DellaRova 

Nursery 11:00               Don & Alicia Heverly

Toddlers 9:00               Amy & Brooke Mariner, Katherine DellaRova

Toddlers 11:00             Kirsten Hoy, Natalie Mariani
Pre K – K 9:00              Linda Landis, Libby LeBeau

Pre K – K 11:00            Kim Lawlor, Prisca Ogunkanmi
1^st & 2^nd – 9:00            Nina & Michelle Abate

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

3rd - 5^th   9:00             Michelle Schmidt, Nance Reeves

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

Ushers 9:00                 Bruce Clark

Ushers 11:00               Tom Albright

Counters                      Mike & Lois Hartwell

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.

 

 

Here with Him,

Lois

 

 

 

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