Hope Notes 11/23/16
Dear Friends of Hope ~
Don't panic – it's not Thursday, which means it's not Thanksgiving, which means you didn't forget to put the turkey in the oven! I know I usually send the Notes out on Thursday mornings, but I thought it might be better to get them out today in light of the holiday. So……….while it's still the season of giving thanks and before the Christmas frenzy begins……….let's just take a moment to pause and reflect on a few things.
I absolutely loved the video we saw in church this past Sunday! (If you didn't see it, you can find it on our Facebook page.) To sit and watch the events of the past year at Hope unfold was so heartwarming and humbling. We all tend to forget things and that video was a great reminder of all that God has done in our church and in our people. We don't always think much of what we are doing in the moment, but seeing everything played out in one continuous loop was powerful. 'The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.' (Psalm 126:3) He truly does 'more than we could ask or imagine' (Eph 3:20). I remember sitting in worship service at Hope when we were a congregation of about thirty people and thinking what a wonderful church it was, never dreaming where the Lord would take us in the twelve years to come! I am guilty of putting my earthly, human limits on our heavenly, almighty Father.
So, for me, one of the biggest things I am thankful for in addition to my salvation and my family is my church. Not just the church itself, but the people there, and the work we all try and do for the kingdom of God. May your Thanksgiving Day be a beautiful reminder of all that is good in your life – 'Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…..' (James 1:17). Happy Thanksgiving to all!
SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE
Christmas Series
11/27 – Your Christmas Story (Matthew 2:1-11)
COMMUNION
As the Christmas season kicks off, light displays begin filling our dark nights and familiar songs start to fill our ears. In the air hangs a sense of a building celebration which will reach a full crescendo on Christmas day. But it all starts with a story. The familiar Bible account of the birth of Jesus. This story has been told over and over again, yet somehow the impact never seems to stop. But did you know that you have a part in this story? Even though it happened so long ago, people are still getting included in the coming of Jesus. What is your Christmas story? We pray it is a story of finding Jesus. Today, let's look at some men whose Christmas story was that they found Jesus.
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 in Pastor Mark's Office
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
NOVEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
7:00 – 8:15 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Bible Study is on hiatus for the rest of 2016 while we have choir rehearsals, children's rehearsals, and our business meeting on 12/7. Bible Study will resume 1-11-17.
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
TURKEY BOWL III – THIS FRIDAY
Friday, November 25th @ 9:30
Black Friday used to be for digesting turkey and shopping. Now it's for showing off your athleticism and gaining personal pride by destroying your competition! In order to better utilize your lateral quickness, or at least to take advantage of your lack of lateral quickness, we will be playing at Woodbury High School. We will split into two teams the morning of and enjoy some friendly(ish) competition.
Join us for the third annual Hope Christian Fellowship Turkey Bowl Championship! Men of all ages are welcome! See Dave Hallahan for any questions.
SMALL GROUPS
We want everyone to be a part of a small group! If you have a small group together, use a REGISTRATION FORM to list the when and where of your group as well as the people who are included. Give that form to an elder or the pastor, or drop it in the offering slot. If your group needs some more members, post your partially filled group registration form on our 'Small Group" bulletin board so others can sign up for your group. If you don't have a group, you can sign up on one of the groups posted on our Small Group Bulletin Board or start your own! Study sheets are available online at our website under 'Small Groups" (www.hopechristianfellowship. org) and in the Resource Room.
GOD'S GIRLS WOMEN'S GROUP
1st & 3rd Mondays at 7:00
Contact Mary Lebeau for more information
856-316-6301 or marylebeau@verizon.net
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.
YOUTH NEWS
SUNDAY NIGHT ROOTED YOUTH GROUP
6:30 – 8:30
Our middle school and high school groups meet right here at church! Come out for another amazing year as we grow closer together and closer to God!
Please Note: Youth Group will NOT be meeting on November 27th
WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROW GROUPS
7:00 – 8:15
Our middle school and high school groups meet here at church. We are doing a series called, 'Can I Really Ask That?' where we'll be looking at questions regarding doubt, hell, forgiveness, evil, sex, and more.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEWS
GO ZONE
Go Zone is our Sunday Morning kid's service, planned especially for 1st - 5th 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
BENEVOLENT OFFERING – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, November 27th
We will be taking an offering this Sunday for one of our families here at Hope who are facing a financial need. Please pray and give as God leads……..and as always, prayers for the family are greatly appreciated.
NEW PARKING FOR SUNDAYS
Beginning this coming Sunday (11/13), we are asking those who park on Warner to park on only ONE SIDE on Sunday mornings. We will be putting out safety cones on our side of Warner in front of the church. Parking on both sides causes a safety issue by creating such a narrow passageway for people as they leave the 9:00 service and others arrive for the 11:00 service. Don't worry, there are almost always parking spaces available in the rear lot, even after the service begins, so you can just drive around back!
'HOPE SHARE' LAUNCH
DON'T THROW IT OUT – SHARE IT!
There's a new feature on our website! It's called Hope Share. Simply put, it's a place to share things we no longer use and look for things we need. In a culture that feels like we're always trying to 'catch up' financially, Hope Share will allow us to be wise in both asking if someone has what we need and is ready to give it away - and also to share the stuff we're ready to get rid of without having to throw it away. It's a place where we can maximize our ability to help one another and also to avoid wasting things that others could use. Go on and check it out to see how you can upload photos of things you'd like to give away and to search for that special item you just might need!
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Wednesday, December 7th @ 7:00 pm
We will be voting on our 2017 budget which is posted on the bulletin board by the Sound Booth, and reviewing this past year's story. It won't be a long meeting (30 minutes or less). All are welcome to attend but we especially need our partners there to conduct business and to be ready for the upcoming year.
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 TO SUPPORT HOPE
It's easy and convenient! Simply go to our website at www.hopechristianfellowship.org and click Online Giving. Text to Give coming in January. More information will follow. Contact Damon (damon.briggs@mitchellandness.com) or LaTosha (usafinancial2000@hotmail.com) Briggs with 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.
*******CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS*******
CHRISTMAS AT HOPE
Here's what the Christmas season looks like at Hope!
CHRISTMAS DECORATING ELVES NEEDED – THIS SATURDAY
Saturday, November 26th
Want to get in the holiday spirit? Come and help us decorate Hope for Christmas! You know we all love how festive our auditorium looks once the elves have worked their magic – now we just need some elves! Meet us at 10:00 and stay for however long you can. We're usually done in a couple hours. Contact Barb Frazeur (dwfrazfam@verizon.net) or Deb Caranci (debcaranci@gmail.com) if you have any questions. Thank you!
CHRISTMAS CANTATA
December 11th
Our cantata this year is entitled 'Almost There'. Invite your friends and family to come and hear what our choir has put together for us. It's sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!
HOPEKIDS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
December 18th
'All About That Baby' is the program our elementary children will be presenting to us this year. Nothing says Christmas more than a bunch of sweet kids singing about Jesus and His birth! This is a great Sunday to invite lots of friends and family members out to Hope. Who could resist an invitation for something as endearing as this?!
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES
December 25th
We will have services at our usual times – 9:00 and 11:00. Each service will only be an hour long. We'll have lots of special music, sing some Christmas carols (of course!), and have readings from Scripture that remind us what this day is really all about. These services are designed for the whole family to be together; no nursery or separate kids' programs. Come and celebrate the birth of our Savior with us!
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOXES
Hope's CHRISTMAS Shoebox drive was a success! Thanks from children around the world. We prepared 138 OCC gift boxes this year – up from 107 last year…….WOW! Thank you all so very much.
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!
KITCHEN TEAM
Would you like to help at church but don't have a lot of time? The KITCHEN TEAM is looking for a few people to help keep the kitchen neat and tidy. On your week, you can simply come a little early before Sunday service or stay a little later afterward. It'll only take about a half hour. We're hoping enough people will pitch in and you will only need to take a turn once a month or even less! Email Lauren Miller at lmlauren.miller@gmail.com or call 609-617-3763.
THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
Nursery 9:00 Amy Fleck, Gail Birney, Ryan Winstel
Nursery 11:00 Mark & Brenda Hallahan
Toddlers 9:00 Elizabeth Staley, Yesenia Marquez, Julia Schmidt
Toddlers 11:00 Jeanne Wurst, Shelley Udinski, Leah Riddell
Pre K – K 9:00 Bill & Griffin McGinness
Pre K – K 11:00 Lauren DellaRova, Prisca Ogunkanmi
1st & 2nd – 9:00 Christmas Program Practice
1st & 2nd – 11:00 Christmas Program Practice
3rd - 5th 9:00 Christmas Program Practice
3rd – 5th 11:00 Christmas Program Practice
Ushers 9:00 Rick Ayusa
Ushers 11:00 Dan Rozinski
Wed. Nursery None
Counters LaTosha Briggs, Barb Frazeur
Greeters Rick Ayusa
Patty Bunnell
Paul Rochet
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.
Ever Thankful,
Lois
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