Hope Notes 11/05/09
Dear Friends of Hope ~
My daughter sent me a picture of a rainbow she snapped with her cell phone while driving to college. The rainbow hung behind some telephone poles and the way her camera was angled made them look just like the Cross. It brought me to tears right there in the Target parking lot! Of course I kept it. I wanted to keep that beautiful reminder of God's promise to me tucked in my pocket for all those times when hope seems far away, when sorrow is the emotion foremost in my heart, when things just aren't going the way I want them to. I'm sure my daughter wasn't thinking deep, spiritual thoughts when she snapped that shot (okay - maybe she was and I'm not giving her enough credit!), but God reached down and spoke to ME through it. Keep your heart attuned to Him; that way you will never miss those moments when He drops a little love down from heaven right into your soul.
SUNDAY SERMON
11/8 – God's Style of Leading (Acts 16:6-15)
Has God ever led you to do something or to NOT do something? How do you know? God has a very distinct style of leadership. It challenges us to faith and trust, and promises that He will work for good in our lives and the lives of those around us. But it also asks us to let Him lead us step by step. As Paul journeys to spread the good news, we might assume that anywhere He wanted to go would be fine. But clearly, God had a specific plan for where Paul should go. Paul was so in tune with the Spirit and so willing to follow God's leading, that he felt God's leading to NOT go this way, but instead to go that way. As we strive to be God followers, we need to tune in to the Spirit's direction, and be ready for whatever direction He gives.
UPCOMING SERVICES
11/29 Special Communion Service with music and sharing that will bring our hearts and minds to focus on how God has provided an answer to the mess of our lives.
12/24 Christmas Eve Service
We will have our Christmas Eve service at 6:00. This is a shorter service with special music and readings from Scripture. It's a beautiful way to keep our focus on the birth of Lord.
CD'S AVAILABLE
Please remember that our services are available on CD immediately following the service for FREE! Pick up a copy for yourself or for anyone they want to share Hope with. Pastor Mark's messages are also available on our website, www.hopechristianfellowship.org.
PRAYER TEAM'S SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER TIME
Our Sunday morning prayer time is open to everyone. We start at 9:15 am in one of the classrooms. We pray for the services that morning and for the needs in the church.
BIBLE READING FOR NOVEMBER - ZECHARIAH & MALACHI
The last two books of the Old Testament. Zechariah tells of God's secret to our success - "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. Malachi pictures God as One who desires to communicate with His people. It gives a glimpse of OT history and how changes were needed to prepare the way for the Messiah.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Think the book of Genesis couldn't possibly relate to us and the world in which we live? Think again! Genesis means "beginnings" and that's just what this book is about. It describes a loving God who made all things perfectly, but also tells about the beginning of sin and how it ruined what had been a perfect relationship between God and man. Isn't that still happening today? Join us as we continue our study on the book of Genesis. Childcare is provided.
NOTE: There will be no Bible Study 11/25 or 12/23.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
POTLUCK LUNCH – THIS SUNDAY
Sunday November 8th
Our annual Potluck will begin after our morning service. This is a great time to share all kinds of wonderful food with all kinds of wonderful people! Please sign up (on back table) to let us know how many are coming and what dish you will be bringing. When you are planning what to bring, remember that we don't have use of the kitchen, so don't count on using the refrigerator or stove. We do this out of respect so that the synagogue can keep a kosher kitchen.
SMALL GROUPS
Our third cycle study sheets are out and on the back table. Make sure to take one and work on it before your small group meets. Watch for reminders each time a new cycle study sheet is put out. In addition, you can now go online and print out a study sheet from our website.
NOTE: The small group process is still going on. There are new people who will be coming and others who haven't yet connected with a group. If your group has room, be sure to include other people. Keep targeting between 8-10 people for your small group.
YOUTH GROUP (J.U.I.C.E.)
All 6th thru 12th graders, here's something you don't want to miss! In youth group on Saturday nights at 5 pm, we're talking about "Can we know that the Bible is true?" This is a powerful question with huge impact. If you've ever talked to someone who questions Christianity, or if you've ever had questions yourself, we're looking at historical and scientific evidence that will help you with those questions! For more information, see Dwight Lein or Brian Ott.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW FEATURE – MARK'S BOOK CLUB
Forget about Oprah! Beginning this month, Pastor Mark will be sharing with us books he has read that he feels are exceptionally well done and important for our spiritual growth.
The current selection is "The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller.
Keller uncovers the essential message of Jesus in his most familiar parable. Within the parable, Jesus reveals how God's grace is poured out on not only the morally bankrupt, but also on the morally upright.
ISRAEL TRIP
There is an opportunity to tour Israel with other churches on April 12-20, 2010. The cost of the trip is $2650 including all taxes and fees; breakfast & dinner daily; 7 night's accommodations in four-star hotels, a fully guided tour of Israel with on-site Bible teachings, Communion & Baptism. On-site Bible teachings will be by Denny Barger, founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Southern Ocean County, NJ, along with other pastors from the area. At this point we're just looking to see the level of interest, so if you are interested or need more information, see Rick Mounce for the details.
NEEDS TEAM REQUESTS
Benevolent Offering
We will be taking up a benevolent offering this Sunday for some substantial needs in the church right now. Please pray about helping your brothers & sisters in Christ that are in need.
Apartment Set Up
Please check to see if you have any of these items that you don't need and can bless Dan Bradshaw with!
His current needs are: TV/entertainment stand, desk or work table, lamps, bookshelves, pots & pans, teakettle, kitchen cooking utensils (such as spatulas, ladles, whisks, big spoons etc).
Be a blessing and give as you are led! Contact Lois Hartwell for further info: foolsforchrist7@yahoo.com.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Wednesday 12/30 7:30
This is the time for all partners to find out what's been happening at Hope, to voice any concerns, and to vote on designated issues.
CHURCH CLEANING DAY
Saturday, November 14 / 9:00 – 12:00
It's time to spruce up our place of worship! Anyone who can give an hour or two (or longer!), please meet us at church at 9:00 am. The more, the merrier and the faster we will get done. Please come and help us! See Jess St.Petery with any questions.
THANKSGIVING BASKETS
Pamala Fein, along with the Hope Needs Team, is coordinating food baskets for families in need. Family "nomination" forms are on the back table. If you know of a family in need (families within Hope given first priority), complete a form and return it to Pamala Fein or Liz Johnson by November 15th. Baskets will be delivered in time for Thanksgiving Day.
PANTRY NEEDS
Immediate Pantry Needs (For Thanksgiving Baskets): Stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkeys, hams, pie fillings, pie crust mixes (boxed), cake mixes and frosting. We have plenty of vegetables.
LAWN SIGNS
Please stop by the back of the church and pick up a lawn sign for you yard. This will be a great way to reach out to people in your neighborhood. You never know who might be looking for a church home!
BUMPER STICKERS
These are a great way for people to be introduced to Hope. Think of all the people you'll reach as your drive, sit at traffic lights, or even when your car is parked somewhere. But remember…..you are an "advertisement" for Hope, so watch the road rage! J
CHRISTMAS INFORMATION
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
We will have our Christmas Eve service at 6:00. This is a shorter service with special music and readings from Scripture. It's a beautiful way to keep our focus on the birth of Lord.
CHRISTMAS FAMILY PHOTOS
We need your pictures to make this a success! Won't it be fun to look back and laugh at how funny we all looked years ago? Deadline is November 22.
As part of our Children's Christmas Program we would like to run a slideshow of photos from our Hope families. Please give us one photo from a long ago Christmas and one from a recent Christmas. Digital photos would be best, but we can also accept hard copies to scan and return.
Email any digital photos to Lisa Landis at lblandis@mail.widener.edu or Jess St. Petery at jstpetery@yahoo.com. Hard copies can be given to them at church. Please be sure to include your names with the photos.
Pictures need to be in by 11/22/09.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Sunday, December 20th.
Be sure to save the date and invite your friends and families out to come and see Hope's kids perform! Practices will be held on Sundays during church.
ITEMS NEEDED FOR CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
We need to build a stable and manger for the Christmas program. The stable should be about 6 feet high. Anyone who would be interested in constructing, donating materials or helping in anyway should contact Anita Little ASAP. You can find her at church, call her at 856-783-7168 or email her at alittle71@yahoo.com.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS NEEDED
Tacky, Christmas themed men's ties. Elf costume. Old fashioned crocheted slippers.
We need a picture of Yogi Bear & Boo Boo - maybe 20x20 - just large enough so that we can identify them. Anyone willing to do a quick painting…….or maybe someone has an old poster??
If you have any of the above, you can give them to John or Sissel Salayda.
ADULT CHRISTMAS CHOIR
Practice is after church from 11:45 - 1:15 and runs through December 13. We will skip November 8 & 29.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY
Once again, we are filling shoe boxes for children in need around the world. This is such a fun & easy way to give Christmas to a child who would never have one. Brochures with complete directions are on the back table. Wrapped boxes are all set for you to simply pick up and fill. Deadline to return your box is November 8th. See Melissa McGinness with questions.
THIS WEEK'S WORKERS ARE:
SIGN-IN TABLE: Kim Lawlor
LAMB'S MINISTRY: John & Sissel Salayda (T)
Helen Mastalski & Jackie Salayda (I)
Linda & Lisa Landis (C)
Kid's Christmas Choir Rehearsal (P)
GREETERS: Lillian LaRue & Charlotte Zediker
COUNTERS: Sissel Salayda & Kathleen Toomin
CLEANERS: Helen Mastalski
TOY CLEANERS: Anita Little
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
CHILD CARE: Helen Mastalski
HOPE'S PRAYER TEAM
You can have people praying for you and your loved ones throughout the week. Just drop your requests in the box near the door on Sunday or email Jim Bradshaw during the week at spaceheadjim@yahoo.com.
He will get your requests to the team. If you would like your request to appear in the Hope Notes, just let Jim know. If you want to be a part of this ministry, send Jim your email address and he will add your name to the team. Please remember, anyone is welcome to join us for prayer at 9:15 on Sunday mornings whether they are on the team or not.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Joan Roselli -Dave (brother-in-law) suffering with severe pain and internal bleeding. Readmitted to hospital. Pray for doctors to find out the cause and for healing.
Lillian LaRue - For peace and comfort as she grieves the loss of her mother. For wisdom in making decisions.
Small Groups - For God to lead and direct people to their various Small Group. For Small Groups to be a powerful spiritual and relational force at Hope.
Help us to remember to pray, Lord. Not just for these specific requests, but "in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Ph 4:6
Healed by His Wounds,
Lois
The grace of God is not about the merit of man. (M. Ott)
Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list.
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