Hope Notes: Hope Note's 5/25/17

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Dear Friends of Hope,
Okay Hopers, here we go - we're rolling out a brand new version of Hope Notes! This has been quite the process! I'm so thankful for Josh & Kelly (our missionaries for Uganda) for helping me get this all set up, and for my daughter Emily designing the banner at the top. One cool new feature to be sure and check out - down at the bottom we now have social media icons that will take you directly to each site! There's no way I could have done this on my own. I may still run into a few glitches, but I know God has surrounded me with people who can help! Getting all this together required a 'village' and it made me think of this verse in Ecclesiastes - "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." (Ecclesiastes 4:10) God is so gracious in placing people in our lives at just the right time for just the right purpose. We form friendships and build relationships. We fill in each other's weak spots. I am certain that God knew my doubts about launching a whole new process for these Notes, and He made sure I had the support I needed to get it done. Don't be afraid to ask for help; your plea may be just the thing that allows another to utilize gifts that God has given them. Again, I'm so thankful for all the help I've had (and will possibly still require, lol) and I hope you enjoy looking through our updated newsletter.

SUNDAY MORNINGS
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.
May 28 – The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)
High school social circles generally include groups of people who are 'popular'. You know the type; everyone wants to be around them and they are always in demand. Of course, that also means there are other people who are less desirable. These kids are on the outside looking in. The difference is probably something to do with appearance or athletic skill. It could also be based in social skills. But somehow communities of people tend to be sorted out into groups like these. Jesus uses this kind of social structure in His day to make a point. There are some who seem to have it all together and others who look like they are falling apart. Some don't look like they ever do anything wrong, and others appear to always do what's wrong. But Jesus' story cautions us in how we view people, and in our understanding of how God views them. He wants us to learn about the power of humility.

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.

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: rbaumiester@gmail.com.

PRAYER HUDDLE - 8:40 to 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!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
MAY CHALLENGE VERSE - Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY - 7:00 – 8:15 pm
(A Study on 1st Corinthians)
Make sure to carve out time in the middle of the week for Bible study. It keeps us grounded in God's Word and connected to each other. It's also a much needed spiritual boost to help get us through the week! Childcare is provided.

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS ARE COMING!
This June on Wednesday nights, we'll have four part small group discussions at church. You can start signing up RIGHT NOW for any of these to help us plan for room sizes and materials. Don't miss out on this chance to get to know other Hopers as well as to build into your spiritual life. Childcare is NOT provided.
PARENTING - Leaders: Dave & Leah Hallahan
In the daily grind of parenting it can be easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents. With this class we'll discuss much more than a to-do list. Instead we'll discuss the big picture view of God's plan for parents. Based on Paul Tripp's book, Parenting: 14 Gospel-Centered Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, this workshop is for parents-to-be and even parents of older teenagers.
GOD LOVES YOU - Leaders: Mike & Lois Hartwell
That God loves us is the most profound truth in the universe. Experiencing that love has the potential to answer every question, solve every problem, and satisfy the deepest longings of the heart. In this book, Dr. Jeremiah explains how even the difficult aspects of God's actions - His discipline, His commandments, and His allowing suffering in the world - can only be understood by viewing them in the light of God's redeeming love. This book will enable you to know Him as a God of love who wants to connect you with the healing power of His grace so that you can experience the life of love He created you to enjoy.
PRAYER, IN PRACTICE - Leaders: Chick & Bunny Dougherty
Prayer – Sure, we all know how to pray. But do you long for a more joyful and connected prayer time with God?  This book by J. L. Gerhardt will lead us through biblical principles and practical applications that will revitalize your prayer life. It's a workbook with homework and you are expected to spend some time in prayer every day, starting small and hopefully growing. When we meet we'll discuss what we've learned and experienced. This study can work for brand new Christians or more mature believers who have hit a dry spell and just need a reminder of basics. Join us for a time of growing and renewed prayer.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
YOUNG ADULTS - Young Adults Memorial Day BBQ
While we are breaking from our normal schedule for the month of May, please join us for a Memorial Day BBQ at the Hallahan's on Monday the 29th starting at 3:00 pm! Hot dogs and burgers will be provided. Feel free to bring something to share, but there's no obligation.

GOD'S GIRLS WOMEN'S GROUP - 1st & 3rd Mondays at 7:00
Contact Mary Lebeau for more information at 856-316-6301 or marylebeau@verizon.net

MEN'S BREAKFAST - 8:00 – 9:30am - Second Saturday of Every Month
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 currently going through a great study - The Gospel According to Pixar!

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
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

HOPE ANNOUNCEMENTS
DECALS AND BUMPER STICKERS
They're baaack! Due to popular demand we have restocked our inventory! Feel free to grab a decal or magnetic bumper sticker for your car. What better way to 'advertise' Hope Christian Fellowship... and maybe having them on your car will curtail any road rage that might occur!

SEEDS OF HOPE CLOTHING DONATIONS
Once again, we will be putting out collection bins for some items to donate to Seeds of Hope. Items needed are men's tee shirts, men's pants - shorts & jeans, and baby wipes. Look for the bins by our front and back entrances June 4th, 11th, & 18th. Contact Barb Frazeur if you have any questions: (609-970-8314)

HOPE SHARE - DON'T THROW IT OUT – SHARE IT!
Make sure to check out Hope Share on our website – it's a place to share things we no longer use and to look for things we need! It's easy to upload photos of items you'd like to give away and to search for that special item you just might need!

GIVING AT HOPE
We make it easy to give as the Lord leads. There are envelopes and a drop box in the back of the auditorium. If you prefer to give electronically, we have online and texting options. Just go to our website and check them out!  www.hopechristianfellowship.org

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. There truly IS 'something for everyone' and we want to make it easy for you to know all the different options! You can check out our Ministry and Service Opportunities brochure (on the glass tables and in the Resource Room) and also keep your eye on this section as we post any pressing needs.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEEDS NEW REGISTRATION TEAM
HopeKids! is looking for some willing volunteers to help our families register and feel welcomed each Sunday morning. If you feel you are gifted in this area and are interested in signing up to help this new team, see Matt Russell.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
Nursery 9:00 --- Amy Fleck, Lynn Shute, Ryan Winstel
Nursery 11:00 --- Mark & Brenda Hallahan
Toddler 9:00 --- Elizabeth Staley, Yesenia Marquez, Julia Schmidt
Toddler 11:00 --- Shelley Udzinski, Tatyanna Briggs, Crystal Verhoorn
Pre-K/K 9:00 --- Bill & Griffin McGinness
Pre-K /K 11:00 --- Lauren DellaRova, Prisca O.
Ushers 9:00 --- Mike Hartwell
Ushers 11:00 --- Joe Sambucci
Wed. Nursery ---- TBA
Counters --- LaTosha Briggs, Barb Frazeur
Greeters --- Rick Ayusa, Patti 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 Hap Cunningham: hapcunn01@gmail.com.
PLEASE NOTE: We would greatly appreciate it if you could keep the team updated on your request. Situations can resolve or change for the better/worse. Praises are always welcome! This will help our team know best how to pray for you.

Doing God's "New Thing"
Lois

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