Hope Notes 2/23/17
Dear Friends of Hope ~
This week is Communion Sunday. Communion at Hope is so different than what I grew up with. I was an overly obedient child, and so when I was told NEVER to chew on the communion wafer because it was Jesus' body and we would be biting Him………well you can imagine my response. I once went around for hours with part of the wafer stuck to the roof of my mouth, terrified that it wouldn't dissolve and that I might have to chew it! Needless to say, communion was a stressful experience for me! At Hope, however, communion is one of my favorite times. I now know that the bread and juice are simply a representation, a reminder of what Christ did on the cross for us. His body was indeed 'broken' for us - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) but we are not chewing on His body; it's merely a piece of bread. There is no stress or fear – it's the exact opposite. Communion is a symbol of the magnitude of God's love for us. It's a time of peace and reflection. We have time to pray as the servers make their way around the room. I still can't really wrap my head around how much God loves us and all that Jesus did for us on the cross, so I'm thankful to have these physical tokens to help me focus on His love and sacrifice. Oh – and to not be worrying about a stray piece of wafer stuck to the roof of my mouth!
SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE
THE WORDS OF JESUS SERIES
(A Study from Luke)
Because we trust and follow Jesus, we thought it would be a great idea to take a walk through the gospel of Luke and dig into the words of Jesus Himself. We'll find them challenging and full of insight. And with open hearts, we'll allow the Spirit to instruct us on how we should walk as Christians in this world.
February 26th – The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
COMMUNION
When we hear about a 'good Samaritan' we have this picture of someone happening upon a person in need and being kind-hearted enough to help. This kind of event brings warmth to our hearts and in some cases even reassures us about the state of humanity. But when Jesus first told the story, it was offensive, shocking, and scandalous. He told this story to challenge His listeners to a different way of looking at others. As we read this familiar story, let's dig into the original impact of the story. And then let's open our hearts to the challenge God has for us in acts of kindness and compassion – especially when we have every excuse to just walk right by.
MESSAGES AVAILABLE
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 in the Youth Room 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! "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) Bob Baumiester leads this prayer time – feel free to contact him with any questions at rbaumiester@gmail.com.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
FEBRUARY CHALLENGE VERSE
Acts 2:42
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer"
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY – 'FIND REST'
7:00 – 8:15 pm
Are you constantly worn out and racing from one thing to the next? Maybe this has more to do with the condition of your soul than the overload of your schedule. Join us on Wednesday nights in January and February as we look at what brings rest to our hearts and souls. It may change your choices in scheduling stuff, but it will probably go much deeper than that and invite you to a completely different life! Childcare is provided.
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
COMING WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN MARCH
MOVIE NIGHT
March 22nd
Risen for the adults and Trolls for the kids!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW AND WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION!
SPRING CAFÉ
Wednesday, March 1st @ 7:00
Café Night is an evening when we get to showcase our talent here at Hope, have dessert and snacks and visit with one another. So much fun! Sign up if you can attend and bring a dessert or salty snack, your choice. We'll provide soft drinks. Do you have a talent you are willing to share? Not sure? Contact Melissa McGinness, our 'talent coordinator', at melissamcginness007@comcast.net.
BAPTISM SERVICE
Wednesday, March 8th
Our Baptism Service is one of the most touching and encouraging experiences. Not just for those who are being baptized, but also for all who attend. It is such a privilege to witness the physical act of baptism that represents a deep spiritual commitment. It tells the world we that Jesus has washed us clean – we are new creations. Hearing the testimonies of those being baptized brings such joy! This is an evening you do not want to miss out on. Mark your calendars, come out and support your brothers & sisters in Christ, AND receive a big blessing as well!
WORSHIP NIGHT
Wednesday, March 15th
Worship music speaks to the heart and soul in ways that mere words cannot. There is something about the sound of voices lifted in praise to our Lord and the acoustics of the instruments that provide an added depth of feeling. Come and be treated to an hour of music and praise; it will renew your spirit and remind you how awesome and powerful our God is.
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 (www.hopechristianfellowship. org) under 'Small Groups" 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!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROW GROUPS
7:00 – 8:15
Grow Groups is an opportunity for our middle and high school students to dig deeper into Gods word and the issues that are relevant to their lives.
We are on hiatus and will return April 5th. We will be going through The Gospel According to Pixar.
MISSION TRIP
We are excited to announce our 2017 mission trip to BOSTON! This is open to a limited number of high school students. All interested students (and their parents/guardians) are encouraged to come to an informational meeting in between services on February 26th! See Dave Hallahan with any questions.
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
HopeKids! CHILDREN'S CONFERENCE
Saturday, March 4th
God is growing HopeKids ministry by leaps and bounds! We are working on ways to make things easier for parents, kids, and teachers by introducing a new registration/check-in system and group management software (including scheduling and contact lists)! We will holding a conference for all of our children's ministry volunteers to go over these new and exciting changes on March 4th from 9:00 – 12:00. Let's take some time to fellowship and talk about what God is doing in this ministry! Don't miss this important training session and reflection time as we follow God's lead into an exciting new year!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHOICES OF THE HEART BABY BOTTLES
DUE THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th
This is the final week to return your Choices of the Heart baby bottles. But, if you still have one to return, please see Wendy Devereaux or leave the bottle with any Deacon or Elder. The babies whose lives were saved and helped by your generosity thank you!!
HOPE HAS A PHONE NUMBER!
Many of you have been asking about this, and now we are happy to announce that we have a phone number connected directly with our church! It will be displayed on our website, Google Maps, etc. and will make it easier for people to connect with us. Our number is 856-537-1165. Run and write it down in your directory, add it to your phone, and spread the news!
NEW INFO ON KIMMI BIGLIN
Kim has moved to Magee Rehab and is doing well. She thanks you for all the birthday wishes and prayers. Please continue praying for her recovery. God is working.
Magee Rehab
1513 Race St.
Philadelphia PA 19102
Room #546
Visiting hours are 8:30am to 8:30 pm.
'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!
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. 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.
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!
THANK YOU
We had so many people sign up to serve on various ministries during our Job Fair that, although there are always 'opportunities' to serve, there are not any pressing needs right now! This just shows the faithfulness of our people in listening to and following God's call on their hearts to connect with a ministry at Hope. For all those who signed up – a huge thank you and a promise that you will never regret becoming part of a working ministry!
THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
Nursery 9:00 Sara Cartella, Anki Hill
Nursery 11:00 Leah Hallahan, Lauren Czyzewski
Toddler 9:00 Elizabeth Staley, Yesenia Marquez, Julia Schmidt
Toddler 11:00 Tara, Shelley Udinski, Crystal Verhoorn
Pre-K/K 9:00 Bill & Griffin McGinness
Pre-K /K 11:00 Lauren DellaRova, Prisca Ogunkanmi
1st & 2nd 9:00 Nina & Joe Mattera
1st & 2nd 11:00 Kelly Louis, Debbie Davis
3rd – 5th 9:00 Faith DeWalt, Mary Kearney
3rd – 5th 11:00 Michelle Schmidt, Kristy Tomasello
Ushers 9:00 Bill Berry
Ushers 11:00 Dan Rozinski
Wed. Nursery TBA
Counters Kathy Berry, Wendy Devereaux
Greeters Ken Blythe
Dolores Baade
Ellen Boales
Karl Miller
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 Hap Cunningham at hapcunn01@gmail.com.
Covered by His Blood,
Lois
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