Hope Notes: Hope Notes - June 1st, 2017

Dear Friends of Hope,
You know how there are some sayings that people use all the time without knowing they are actually from the Bible? Things like 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' (Matthew 5:38), 'The blind leading the blind' (Matthew 15:13-14), and even 'Bite the dust' (Psalm 72:9). Well, I just came across one that I had no idea was in the Bible! You'll find it in Ezekial 16:44. 'Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: "Like mother, like daughter'. Head's up; if you read Ezekial 16, you'll see that it's not being used in a good way. But I think modern society uses that saying in a complimentary way………MOST of the time! Then there are those sayings that people attribute to the Bible that actually aren't in there at all! Like "Money is the root of all evil" and "God helps those who help themselves". Don't even get me started on all those verses that are aken out of context and twisted to mean what the reader WANTS them to mean! We have God's Word available to us on a daily basis in so many different formats (hard copy, digital, audio) and so many different languages and translations; yet there is still so little understand of its contents. I guess I shouldn't really expect non-believers to pick up the Good Book and meditate on it. But the rest of us.....come on now.....we need to dig into His Word, get familiar with it so that we can determine Truth from lies and convenience versus conviction. There is so much out there that sounds good, sounds Biblical, but isn't. It just misses the mark. It comes close enough to lead us astray if we aren't grounded in Scripture. You can find verses in the Bible about reading the Bible! I'lll leave you with one of my favorites. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2Timothy 3:16-17)

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 Minas - (Luke 19:11-26)
Have you ever been asked to watch a friend's pet while they are away? Depending on the pet, it can be a minor effort or a major one! The friend trusts you enough to ask you to take on their role in caring for their pet and ensuring that their home isn't wrecked while they are away. Knowing that they will come home is the filter through which you see your role. You know it isn't permanent and that the stuff you're caring for doesn't belong to you. Jesus teaches us about the kingdom with a story like this. He describes several different approaches and results which are meant to ask which one represents us. How are you doing with what Jesus has entrusted to you?

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
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 - 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 - 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
MAY GIVING UPDATE
We averaged $8176 per week during the month of May. This brings our annual weekly giving average to $7956 which remains above our target of $7675 per week. We're in for a huge summer and lots of opportunity to build God's kingdom, so let's keep up this momentum through the summer months!

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!

MISSIONARY THANKS
Excerpt.........."Because of the combined donations from our supporters in the US, I have been able to begin a pilot program to help the women here start some income-generating projects. I cannot begin to tell you how thankful and excited these women (any myself) are! It is such a blessing to see this project actually come to fruition. Many thanks to all who have contributed financially and through prayer."
Roberta Nagel, Malawi, Africa

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.

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 -----Jaclkie DeCrosta, Eva Owens, Julia Neff
Pre-K/K 9:00 ----- Bill & Griffin McGinness, Libby LeBeau
Pre-K /K 11:00 ----Jennifer, Ryan, & Samantha Edwards
Ushers 9:00 -------Bob Kerr
Ushers 11:00 ------Damon Briggs
Wed. Nursery ---- None
Counters ---------- LaTosha Briggs, Barb Frazeur
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.

His Word is Truth,
Lois

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