Hope Notes: Hope Notes 06/08/17

Dear Friends of Hope,
There's a 90's song by Wayne Watson called "Walk in the Dark" and part of the chorus goes like this - 'I'd rather walk in the dark with Jesus than to walk in the light on my own'. (Disclaimer: I am not referring to light & darkness as depicted in the Bible....just the actual dark & light!) For me that is such a good description of trusting God. It says 'OK God, I can't see where I'm going, but as long as you are leading me I don't need to see'. Putting our trust in God means we are going to have to take steps in the darkness, to embark on a journey filled with the unknown. It may seem easier to walk in the light where we can see what's around us and feel like we have a clearer picture of what's ahead. But honestly, do we really think we have the ability to predict the outcome of our decisions and to know what is best for us? I'd much rather trust our all knowing, all powerful, gracious and merciful, loving God! God doesn't do anything in His sovereign will that isn't both wise and loving.
So HOW do we learn to trust God? Well, you can't trust someone you don't know. So how do you get to know Him? First and foremost, through His Word and through communication (prayer) with Him. Personal experiences of leaning on Him and following His lead will give you a solid foundation of trust. We learn that He is faithful and His promises are true. Joshua 21:45 says, 'Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled'. We can trust that God will do what He says and that what He does is always for our good. 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose'. (Romans 8:28) If you've been having a hard time trusting God, try getting to know Him a little better. Immerse yourself in His Word. Think back to times when He has walked in the dark with you, knowing with certainty that His darkness is better than our light.

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.
The Tenants - (Luke 20:9-19)
Have you ever loaned out something you really value? If you trust the one you've given it to, you can rest easy unless you receive some kind of news of trouble. But if you don't know or trust that person, you will not have a moment's peace until you have your valuable back in your hands again. It would be a huge problem if those to whom you've loaned decided to think and act like they were in fact the owners. When you tried to retrieve what belonged to you, there would be some kind of conflict and they probably wouldn't take your desires into account when making decisions. Jesus tells a story of some tenants using this idea to ask his audience who is in charge of this world and who will stand as judge in the end. How often do we act like we are the owners instead of God?

UPCOMING SPECIAL SERVICES
GO ZONE TAKEOVER - June 25th
This is your chance to feel (and act) like a kid at church! We're putting our elementary kids front and center for this worship service in order to allow us all to experience the fun and learning they receive every Sunday during their Go Zone time. We love our kids here at Hope and are so excited that we are able to provide a special worship and Bible based learning tailored just for them! Make sure to come out and see what it's all about as they share their enthusiasm with us!

IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME - July 2nd
This is a 'can't miss' morning! We've never done this before - we're building the whole morning around the words of Jesus as He gives us the Lord's Supper. There will be music, some videos, and of course communion. lt will truly be a unique service; we won't be doing our usual Sunday morning format. You can expect to come away with a deeper understanding and personal meaning of communion.

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
JUNE CHALLENGE VERSE - Isiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY - ON HIATUS
We are running four small group discussions at church during the month of June in lieu of our regular Bible study. See workshops listed below. Childcare is NOT provided.

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY @ 7:00 - 8:15 pm
PARENTING - Leaders: Dave & Leah Hallahan - Meets in the 1st & 2nd Grade Room
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 - Meets in the Youth Room
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 - Meets in the 3rd - 5th Grade Room
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 - 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.

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
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!

YOUTH GROUP SUMMER SCHEDULE
June 18th - No Youth Group [Father's Day]
June 25th - BBQ @ Baumeister's 3p-6p
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO Youth Group on Sunday nights until September.
July 14th - Six Flags
Jul 16-22 - Jr High Camp @ Delanco
Jul 30 - Aug 5 - Boston Trip
Aug 18 - Movie Night @ Hallahans'

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROW GROUPS
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Grow Groups are on hiatus for the summer.

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

MOVE UP SUNDAY - July 10th
Attention parent's of upcoming kindergartners! Sunday July 10th will be move up Sunday for kids transitioning into the next grade. This year we are changing things up and having the kids going into kindergarten move up to the GoZone! instead of staying in the 4 & 5 year old class! Make sure you drop them off and register them in the GoZone room!

MAKER FUN FACTORY VBS - July 24th - 28th
Hope Christian Fellowship's Vacation Bible School, IS BACK from July 24th - 28th! Are you ready for a wildly creative, inventive, and interactive adventure with God? If you are, than you'll love attending this year's Maker Fun Factory VBS! Where you'll learn that you were created by God and built for a purpose! Come join us for a fun filled week! Register today at http://www. hopechristianfellowship.org/ vbs-registration/

MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH
JOY PHILLIPS - WORLD GOSPEL MISSION - NORTH AFRICA
Joy has served for many years in Sudan, but when she returns from her visit home she will be serving in North Africa. While here, Joy has had many opportunities to promote Compassionate Ministries, her specific area of outreach. At a recent conference, she was able to connect with a man involved in Community Health Evangelism whose homeland is North Africa. This will be a valuable contact for Joy and her team to partner with. Prayer requests for Joy;

For the preparation and teaching involved for a Leadership Conference Joy will be conducting. That the teaching would have an effective impact on those attending.
For the two young ladies going along who will be helping run a Sports Camp. That God would use them to share His love and the gospel.
For Joy's work with the refugees. For people to respond to God's call on their lives; many still need to hear about the One who heals and cares for the refugees.
For Joy as she transitions to this new area of outreach and as she learns the language and culture of the Middle East.

HOPE ANNOUNCEMENTS
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
SALT & LIGHT PREPARATION
The team that puts out our Sunday morning bulletin is looking for some help. Volunteers are scheduled on a monthly rotating basis. Don't worry if you aren't sure how it all works; before you start you'll get all the training you need! Contact Lauren Miller for more information at lmlauren.miller@gmail.com.

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.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
Nursery 9:00 --- Don & Alicia Heverly
Nursery 11:00 --- Sherry Gaventa, Jeanne Wurste
Toddler 9:00 ------Karen Blythe, Madison Winstel, Julia Schmidt
Toddler 11:00 -----Jackie DeCrosta, Eva Owens, Julia Neff
Pre-K/K 9:00 ----- Pat & Elisabeth DellaRova
Pre-K /K 11:00 ----Jennifer, Ryan, & Samantha Edwards
Ushers 9:00 -------Bruce Clark
Ushers 11:00 ------Ryan Winstel
Wed. Nursery ---- None
Counters ---------- TBA
Greeters -----------Harriet Brittingham, Mary LeBeau, Joan Schaaf, 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 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.

Walking with Jesus,
Lois

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