Hope Notes: Hope Notes 8/31/17

Dear Friends of Hope,
I am a sunset stalker. Nothing brings me peace and joy like watching the sun slip beneath the horizon at the end of the day. Even better if all that splendor is mirrored on a body of water! Fun fact - here's one thing I've learned through photographing many sunsets: if you turn around immediately following a sunset, you will often see a glorious reflection on the clouds behind you! My family is all too familiar with my sunset stalking ways. I drive them crazy because I am constantly scoping out prime places to see a good sunset. I'm not joking when I tell you that when we're on vacation, I make them plan the evening around what time the sun is setting, whether or not there are clouds, and where the nearest body of water is! Poor Michael has literally had to chase the sunset - flying down the road in order to get to the designated spot as just the right moment. He has gotten used to me suddenly racing out the back door here at home if I've gotten a glimpse of something spectacular happening in the sky above our trees! I think Psalm 65:8 expresses some of how I feel when observing this bit of beauty from our Lord. "They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy." I really AM in awe; God didn't need to produce such an array of color. He could have simply let the sun sink below the earth with no fanfare. He also made each sunset different. LIke snowflakes and people - no two are alike! As for shouting with joy, have you ever been in a group watching a sunset? People often break into spontaneous applause at the sight! I feel a reverence when gazing at the sky. I feel small. And humbled. Who but the Lord could paint such a masterpiece night after night? And then repeat Himself every morning with a sunrise! I will never grow tired of looking at the sky and searching for a glimpse of God's glory. Try it -I think you'll find it the perfect place to give praise and worship to our Creator!

SUNDAY MORNINGS
SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE

Small Group Kickoff Month
Let's take a look at how the church acted when it started and see if there is any way we can learn from their example.
September 3 – Essential Behaviors (Acts 2:42-47)
COMMUNION
If you're playing a game, there are always important actions that determine whether you will compete and win, or if you're going to quickly lose. When playing "Tag", it is important to know who is "It" and to do all you can to avoid them! If you're playing cards, you need to understand what you're allowed to do, and what you're trying to accomplish in the particular game you're playing. Board games have rules that imply certain necessary behaviors. If you ignore or don't know what is needed, you do very poorly in the game. If you've ever seen a first-time baseball player run the wrong way on the bases, you know exactly what this looks like. As we talk about church, it is important to be reminded that the Christian life also has some essential behaviors. And the New Testament model teaches us that we do these much more effectively when we're together. Let's take a look at the first church and see what they spent their time doing and what effect it had.

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
SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE VERSE - Isiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY - ON HIATUS FOR THE SUMMER
Workshop Wednesdays coming in September - Bible study resumes in October.
See below.....
WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS ARE COMING BACK! - September 6th
We will be running three classes for four weeks beginning September 6th at 7:00. Below are the descriptions for each workshop. Be sure to sign-up in the lobby so your class leader can order enough materials!
"Knowing God's Will" by Ryan Winstel
This class will be a biblical study to help us understand how to recognize God's will in our lives, but also in the lives of others. We'll dig into God's word and equip ourselves to better know God's direction for us!
"Prayer in Practice" by Chick and Bunny Dougherty
Would you like a more connected prayer life? Pick-up with us as we continue working through "Prayer in Practice" by J.L. Gerhardt. Those who attended this workshop in May will be completing the book during this series, but ALL are welcome to attend and start where we left off! We'll read the material and pray using the prayer prompts, scriptures, and ideas in the workbook. The purpose is to make prayer a habit, a joy, and a time when you connect with your maker and Savior.
"Understanding Personality - God's Point of View" by Rob Devereaux
This class will help us understand who we are, what we should be doing, and why we do the things we do by taking a look at common core personality traits through God's perspective. We'll explore how God's creation of our unique personality can best be understood and used for the Kingdom. This psychology-meets-bible-study workshop will serve to answer the questions "Who and why am I this way?"

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
NEW FAMILIES' LUNCHEON – Sunday, October 1st @ 12:45
Calling all people who are new to Hope within the last 6 to 12 months! We are inviting you to a luncheon on Sunday, October 1, 2017 in the Auditorium at Hope following the 11:00 service. We will be serving soup, sandwiches and desserts. No need to bring anything - just your family (kids too)! Please sign up in the front lobby so we can get a head count. It's an opportunity to meet and visit with Hope's Leadership Team and wives and other new folks. We look forward to seeing you that day.

'YOUNG & MARRIED' BACKYARD BBQ - SEPT. 3rd - THIS SUNDAY!
Pastor Mark and Dana are hosting a get together for Hope's 'Young & Married' adults! We're looking for couples in their 20's and 30's who are in their first 10 years of marriage (give or take 😊) to spend some time eating, hanging out, and having fun together. Whether you've been at Hope for years or are brand new, we'd love for you to join us!
NOTE: If you missed the RSVP deadline, please don't let that stop you! Come and enjoy!
When: Sunday, Sept. 3rd at 4:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: The Ott's house (6 East Avenue, Clayton 08312)

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
Please Note: God's Girls will NOT be meeting Monday, September 4 (Labor Day).
COMING UP
Monday, September 18th: God's Girls will be doing a one-week lesson on journaling as a tool for spiritual growth. Pam Lewis will be leading that night, and we will provide notebooks so every attendee can start journaling right away! We will meet at 7 p.m. in the 3rd-5th classroom, and all women of Hope (and anyone else!) is invited to attend.
October and November: God's Girls will be doing a 4 session study on some of our favorite parables of Jesus. These lessons are stand-alone, so you don't have to attend all four - just join us as you are able!

MEN'S BREAKFAST - 8:00 – 9:30 am - 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.

ROOTED YOUTH MINISTRY
YOUTH GROUP - Sundays from 6:00 - 8:00
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!
PLEASE NOTE: New start time for Rooted is now 6:00 pm!!

YOUTH GROUP
YOUTH GROUP RETURNS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH FROM 6:00 - 8:00 PM!!!
Stay tuned for what's in store!

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/HCFHopeKid

HOPEKIDS HANGOUT
Change is coming to HopeKids Hangout for the fall!! We are excited to announce that it is moving to Sunday nights from 6:oo - 8:00 pm!! Starting September 10th we will be meeting in the same place, with even more time to hangout! Make sure you don't miss out on another exciting semester of HopeKids Hangout!

HOPE ANNOUNCEMENTS
K-LOVE IS COMING TO HOPE TONIGHT - August 31st @ 7:00 pm
Would you like to be a volunteer at K-Love? Come on out and see what it's all about! They hold a 45 minute overview of the radio station and offer more details about their volunteer opportunities.   You can check out the following link for more information, http://bit.ly/KLVOL17 or contact Rob Jacoby at  856-371-7040 or rjacoby107@comcast.net.

HELPERS NEEDED TO CLEAR FLOOR - THIS SUNDAY
After the second service this Sunday, September 3rd, we are clearing the auditorium of all chairs and movable objects so that the floors can be buffed and sealed during the week. Anyone that is available to pitch in to help would be welcomed!!

AUGUST GIVING REPORT
For the month of August we averaged $6241 per week, bringing our annual weekly giving average down to $7400. This is below our annual giving target of $7675 per week. As summer winds down and fall kicks into high gear, let's use this change in season to refocus and get back on target with our giving.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR HOPERS
Cumberland Christian School has reached out to our congregation to help them meet a need, while in turn giving us an opportunity to meet what could be our own financial need! CCS is in need of host families for their foreign exchange students. The school is located in Vineland, and students would need transportation to and from school for this ten month commitment (Sept - June).   By providing a home for these students, you will be helping them get a Christian education and experience American Christian culture. You'll also be given a $1,000/month stipend in exchange for your help! This is a great opportunity for anyone who has a heart for hospitality and could use also some financial assistance. If you are interested, contact Nina Mattera at nmattera@cccrusader.org

SOUND TEAM TRAINING DAY - Saturday, September 23rd
If you are currently involved or are interested in getting involved, please join us this date for a morning of training. We're looking forward to Josh Bonano being here to follow up and dig in a little deeper with the Sound Team. We'll get started with a light breakfast at 9:00 am and finish up the day by 1:00 pm - lunch will also be included! Please mark your calendars now and plan to be here!"

BAPTISM SERVICE - Wednesday, Oct 4th @ 7:00 pm
We will be having a baptism service at the church for anyone who has put their trust in Jesus 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 class) on Wednesday Sept 20th & 27th at 7:00 pm. Please sign up if you are interested; you can get an info sheet and book from any of our pastors.

NEW CARD COLLECTION BOX
They're here! We have a new system to collect our various communication cards in just one spot instead of at different locations around the church. If you have a prayer request, you can fill out the orange Prayer Request card and our Prayer Team will lift it up in prayer. If anyone has a need or knows of someone in need, one way to let us know is to drop a yellow Needs Request card into the box. Our guests can fill out the blue Visitor Card and drop it in the box. To make it even easier, you will find all three cards right there on the box! Boxes are located at the front of the auditorium.

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 also keep your eye on this section as we post any pressing needs.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY - HOPEKIDS HANGOUT
HopeKids Hangout is starting back up every Sunday night from September 10th to November 19th, meeting from 6:00 - 8:00 pm! We are in need of volunteers to come out and hang with our elementary aged students and 3-5 year olds this semester. We have games, a bible lesson, & snacks.
If you want to be a part of this exciting ministry please contact Matt Russell at mruss80@gmail.com.

THIS WEEK'S WORKERS
For all Kids Ministry scheduling, please refer to the Planning Center or contact your team leader.
Ushers 9:00 -------Bob Kerr
Ushers 11:00 ------Damon Briggs
Wed. Nursery ----- N/A
Counters ------------Kathy Berry, Wendy Devereaux
Greeters ----------- Irene Riddell, Pat Keith, Charlotte Zediker, Jeanne Wurst

HOPES PRAYER TEAM
If you have a prayer request, please fill out a prayer request card and drop it in one of the Card Boxes located at the front of the auditorium (you can find the prayer request cards there) 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.

Searching for Sunsets,
Lois

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