Hope Notes 6/2/16

 

Dear Friends of Hope ~

We all have (or have had) dreams for our lives.  Things we wanted to accomplish, or maybe simply the way we hoped our lives would be.  Those dreams can change over the years; some will be realized and some won't.  Sometimes a dream simply peters out.  Others end abruptly due to unfortunate circumstances.  A dream should make a sound when it dies, don't you think?  The death of a dream seems to call out for a marker – something to commemorate the moment.  Yet they most often silently slip away.  The only sound MY dream made when I realized it was over was the sound of ballet & jazz shoes, leg warmers & leotards being dropped into a cardboard box and shoved across the attic floor.  Seventeen years of dance ended after a back issue sidelined me from life.  It took me years to come to grips with the fact that I not only would I no longer be a dancer, but that my entire lifestyle had to change.  But guess what?  It's OKAY!  I may have once identified myself as a dancer, a strong female with a strong body - capable of doing anything I wanted to. I felt no need to rely on anyone else – just myself. But, as a believer, that really wasn't the way to be living my life.  Jesus wants me to depend on Him, for His strength to be what I lean on. It was very apparent that all my old ways of describing myself could easily be taken from me.  But not my identity in Christ.  I am a child of God, a daughter of the King!  Loved by the Creator of the universe. Those things will never change.  And you know what?  That is enough.  "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1John 3:1)   It truly doesn't matter how we define ourselves.  Our jobs, our children, our skills, our talents, and even our dreams.  None of these are enduring.  What I know most of all is that my identity is in Christ, and that His plans are better than any of my dreams.

 

SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

The Proverbs Path – Exploring the Everyday Wisdom of Proverbs

6/5 – Generosity is Wise (Proverbs 11)

COMMUNION

Have you ever known someone who was a giving person?  Most of the time, these kind of people are called nice, kind, and many other complimentary adjectives.  But Proverbs ups the ante by saying that a generous person is actually someone who is WISE. In other words, when you really understand how to live and how life works, the natural outcome is that you are drawn towards giving.  If that's true, why don't more people choose sacrifice and generosity each day?  We'll take look at what keeps us stuck as well as what we actually want to make sure that we save!

 

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

 

JUNE CHALLENGE VERSE

Galatians 6:2

"Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of 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. See Lenny Little with any questions.

 

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!

 

UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULE

June 5 -   Youth Group

June 12 - No Youth Group    

June 17 - Summer Kick-Off Party @ Hallahan's 7:00 – 9:00 pm

 

UGANDA MISSION TRIP

July 8^th thru 22^nd

We (Dave, Jess, Patty) want to thank you all for your prayers and financial support of our upcoming trip to Uganda! Through your donations, God has graciously provided above and beyond what was needed for our trip. We will not only be able to go, but we will be using the extra money to gift to our missionaries, Josh & Kelly Hallahan.  As God has blessed us, we would like to bless them! Thank for your continued prayer for our trip!

 

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

 

CAVE QUEST VBS

July 25^th – 29^th

We are so excited for VBS!  Get ready for an over-the-top underground adventure with CAVE QUEST VBS!  Your children will come away grounded in the rock solid foundation of God's love.  This year, we are having two sessions – our 3-5 year olds will meet from 9:30 – 12:00, and our elementary kids will meet from 6:00 – 8:30pm. 

 

ATTENTION ALL CAVE QUEST VBS VOLUNTEERS!

We will be having a Volunteer VBS meeting in-between services on Sunday, June 12th from 10:20-10:45 in the youth room.  If you have signed up to help or have not signed up but may still be interested in helping, please attend! 

Note:  If you forgot to sign up to volunteer for VBS, it's not too late!  Fill out a volunteer form and get it to Matt Russell as soon as possible!  Forms can be found in the church lobby.   

                                                                          ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

FIRST RESPONDERS SECURITY TEAM

We are in the beginning stages of establishing a Security Team here at Hope in the (unlikely) event of an emergency situation taking place during the service.  We want to be proactive and have people and a system set in place so that we are prepared to handle whatever circumstance may arise.  If you are a 'First Responder' (police, security, EMT, doctor, nurse, etc.) and are interested in being a part of this team, please sign up on the sheet in the lobby.  You may also contact Mike Hartwell @ mhredeemed@gmail.com for more information.

 

PRISON MINISTRY

Once again, we have two of our very own (Jim Jefferson & Bill McGinness) participating in this unique prison ministry that reaches inmates with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through athletics. Statistics show that the vast majority of prisoners will not attend a traditional religious program such as a chapel service or Bible study. However, inmates will gladly attend sporting events at which a gospel message is shared.

The commitment to serve in this ministry requires many sacrifices on their part, not just the personal time spent away from their families, but a financial sacrifice as well.  We can help them through prayer and through giving donations as we feel the Lord's leading.  If you would like to contribute, please see Bill or Jim and they will give you the details on how best to give.

HELP WANTED

Elderly woman in Deptford, NJ looking for someone to help with her paperwork.  She is willing to pay for this help.  Contact Lorraine Otis (856-686-1557) if interested.

 

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.

 

FAMILY PROMISE MINISTRIES MEETING – THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, June 5^th

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 is holding a brief informational meeting on Sunday, June 5^th at 10:30 in the 3^rd-5^th grade classroom.  The purpose of this meeting is to give everyone an idea of what is involved in this ministry and set up a time to talk further for those who are ready to serve.

                                             

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS

Nursery 9:00        Sara Cartella, Anki Hill

Nursery 11:00      Karla Hopkins, Carole Baumiester

Toddlers 9:00       Karen Blythe, Brittany & Rachel Hackett

Toddlers 11:00     Brianna 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          Rick Ayusa

Ushers 11:00        Dan Rozinski

Wed. Nursery       Lori Trotter

Counters              Bill Berry, Matt Austen

Greeters               Jon Pinero

                             Mary LeBeau

                             Janice Simpson

                             Michele Schmidt

                                    

HOPES PRAYER TEAM
If you have a prayer request, please fill out a prayer request card and drop it in the offering slot at the back of the church on Sunday or use the Contact Us Form on our website.  http://www.hopechristianfellowship.org/contact/.  If you have any questions or would like to join the Prayer Team, please contact Bill Berry directly at billandkathyberry@comcast.net.

 

 

Made New in Christ,

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.