Hope Notes 2/16/17

Dear Friends of Hope ~

Every night after dinner I let our pup (Olive) out to….ummm…..take care of business.  She's famous for taking extreme care to find exactly the correct leaf or blade of grass to make her deposit on.  It can take f-o-r-e-v-e-r! She also gets easily distracted by any noise and will stand frozen in place until she decides it's safe to move again. When this happens I have to remind her of what she's supposed to be doing and she obediently trots off to resume her search of that perfect spot.  Well, now it's dark and cold and I can't see what she's doing.  So Michael gave me the perfect gift – a super duper powerful flashlight!  Now I can shine the light on her from the comfort of our house and watch her wander the yard!  It made everything so much easier; I can't believe I went nine years without it!

That beam of light piercing through the darkness made me think of this familiar verse in scripture – 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path'.  (Psalm 119:105)

God's Word lights our way and directs us through the darkness of this world.  I read something interesting once about the word lamp.  I'm not a biblical scholar so don't hold me to this………….but it said that one of the translations from Hebrew for lamp was candle.  This immediately struck a chord in me.  A candle doesn't produce that much light.  God promises to give us light enough to guide our feet on the path, not full illumination of what is further ahead.  And don't we often want vision for miles, especially when we face difficult times?  We want wisdom, we want answers, but God has promised just enough sight for us to take the next step.  A 'step of faith'.  We have to trust that He knows exactly what's ahead and will give us what we need to face it when it comes.  Not ahead of time.  We don't need to see the big picture; the One who created it already sees it.  We can only imagine; He knows the reality.

          I don't think Olive needs that flashlight to see where she's going, but I sure do!  It provided me not only with the ability to keep my eyes on her, but it gave me a great object lesson in how God's Word, His lamp/light/candle/flashlight (!!), illuminates and guides me in this world!

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 19^th – What's in the Way? (Luke 9:57-62)

There is a saying often repeated that says, "Nothing worthwhile comes for free." Your experience probably bears this out to a large degree.  When we want something that actually has value, there is a price to pay. Of course, we don't hold back from paying that price if we really believe that what we get in return is of much greater value.  Jesus spoke to three men who offered to follow Him, and His words invite them to pay a price.  All of them found a reason to refuse.  These excuses are still in play for us.  So let's allow God's Spirit to examine our hearts today and see if there is anything in the way of following Jesus.

 

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

 

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

 

"TELL YOUR STORY NIGHT"

Monday, February 20^th @ 7:00 pm

God's Girls, the women's group here at Hope, would like to invite any woman in the church to a very special event. We will be holding a "Tell Your Story" night, featuring the testimony of Christina Thompson, a friend of Lauren Miller's from Charity Community Church, who will share the story of how God met her where she was and transformed her life. Please join us for this powerful testimony, and an evening of fellowship here at Hope! If you have any questions, please contact Mary Lebeau at 856-316-6301 or marylebeau@verizon.net.

 

COMING WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN MARCH

MOVIE NIGHT

March 22^nd

Risen for the adults and Trolls for the kids!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW AND WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION!

 

SPRING CAFÉ

Wednesday, March 1^st @ 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 15^th

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

1^st & 3^rd 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 5^th.  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 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

 

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

Are you remembering to put your change into your Choices of the Heart baby bottles? You can even keep it simple by writing a tax deductible check made payable to Choices of the Heart and slip it into the bottle.  As women see their babies on the free ultrasound tests, the percentage who choose life is remarkably increased. Save the babies – fill your bottles and return by February 26th. See Wendy Devereaux with questions.

 

BAPTISM SERVICE/CLASS

Wednesday, March 8^th @ 7:00pm

We will be doing a baptism service at church for anyone who has put their trust in Christ as their Savior and is ready to take this step of faith!  We will have two classes at church (participants need to be at BOTH classes) on Tuesday nights, February 21 and 28, at 7:00 pm.  Sign up if you are interested and get an info sheet and book from any of our pastors.

 

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

1^st & 2^nd 9:00        Nina & Joe Mattera

1^st & 2^nd 11:00      Kelly Louis, Debbie Davis

3^rd – 5^th 9:00         Mary LeBeau / Need Helper

3^rd – 5^th 11:00       Nance Reeves, Adisa Lewis   

Ushers 9:00          Bruce Clark

Ushers 11:00        Ryan Winstel

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.

Guided by His Light,

Lois

 

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