I read something the other day and thought it was worth sharing:
Remaining in Him… Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
A Different Way To Fight (2 Cor. 10:1-6)
In the series Cobra Kai, the iconic characters from the original Karate Kid come to life again. There is still a contrast in fighting techniques. And there are still bullies and those who need to stand up and fight back. But one of the subthemes of the story is that those who were powerless can become powerful by learning a different way to approach an unavoidable fight. The kids who get bullied at the start learn how to defend themselves. They also learn that their new skill can be used to bully back, creating some big questions about the nature of power and morality. As we head back into 2 Corinthians, we pick up at a big transition. Most scholars believe that this section was written after some news had arrived from Corinth and Paul is now directly interacting with the words of the false leaders who have tried to supplant Paul. Paul starts his part of the battle by noting that we do not fight like the world does. What does that mean and how does it apply to our lives? Let’s see!
NIGHT OF WORSHIP: Tonight at 7:00!
It’s been a few months since we’ve gathered together for a Night of Worship so don’t miss this special evening! It’s certainly easier to praise God when things seem to be going our way or we’re in the middle of answered prayers, but when the season we’re in is a difficult one, worshipping God becomes an act of faith – looking above our circumstances to a good God who is worthy of our praise. At this service, we’ll spend time reminding ourselves that God is still God in every season and come ready to praise His name. There will be donuts & coffee at 6:30, and WonderZone programs for nursery and preschool kiddos (0-5)!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: Resumes next week!
Join us at 6:30 for coffee & a sweet treat before we head into classes at 7:00. We’ll have HopeKids! and Hope Youth programs, in addition to our studies for adults (see details below).
- RUTH Led by Pastor Dan beginning October 9th Cagey foreign relations, a nation in turmoil, and a people wandering away from God may feel like an accurate description of life today however it perfectly describes the setting for the Old Testament book of Ruth. One of the most powerful love stories in all of Scripture Ruth serves as a beautiful example of both commitment and obedience in every day life. Through this 4 week study we will explore the book of Ruth, see what it reveals about how God works in the mundane, and apply the eternal truths found to our own lives.
- DISCIPLESHIP Led by Pastor Mark beginning October 9th What do you think of when you hear the word disciple? Maybe you think about the Twelve Disciples that we read about in the Gospels. But did you know that it also applies to the followers of Jesus throughout the book of Acts? And that Jesus told the Twelve to go and make more disciples? That means that if you are a follower of Jesus, you are a disciple. So what does that mean for you? What is a disciple supposed to do? We’re going to take four short weeks to look at this idea. After this study is over, we’re going to create opportunities for you to be discipled and to disciple others!
PRAYER HUDDLE:
If you’re volunteering on a Sunday morning, whether its greeting, HopeKids!, in the sound booth, etc., please join us for a team prayer huddle! We want to gather together everyone who is serving to pray for the services. Meet at 8:40 in the GoZone!
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER:
Anyone can join us Sunday mornings at 8:30 in Pastor Mark’s office to pray for that morning’s services. Contact Bob Baumiester for more information (rbaumiester@gmail.com).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
It’s that time of year again! Deacon & leadership team nomination ballots are available in the lobby for all Hope Partners. We need every vote possible so make sure you pick one up and turn it in by October 27th. Any questions about the voting process can be directed to Pastor Mark or one of our elders.
IRON MEN: A Group for Dads
All fathers of children up through high school age are invited to join this small group where we can challenge, explore, and sharpen each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17) with intention to cultivate strong relationships with one another, build trust and grow a robust community of men who are not afraid to be vulnerable and support one another through life’s challenges big and small. We will be navigating through the book and study guide of “The Jesus Style”. We will challenge each other in biblical principles to become better leaders in our homes, here at Hope, at our work, and throughout all other aspects of our daily lives all while perusing growth in relationship with God. We will kickoff on Monday, October 7th from 7:00-8:30 and continue to meet on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month. No need to sign-up, just show up! If you have questions, please contact Bob Esser (856-889-7939) or Chris James (856) 693-9061).
WOMEN OF HOPE:
All ladies post high school are invited to join us for our women’s bible study on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month! Come out on October 7th at 6:30 for a time of fellowship, discussion, and prayer. Bring your bible and a friend! If you have any questions, contact Mary LeBeau.
HOPE HARVEST: Spread the news!
One of the ways we share the goodness of God is through fun and celebration! Let’s gather together for our second annual Hope Harvest on Saturday, October 19th from 3:00-6:00! Mark your calendar now for this FREE fall family event including giveaways, contests, live music, food and drinks – plus this year we’re also doing pony rides! Help spread the news to the community by sharing our social media posts, handing out flyers, and putting out yard signs! For general inquires, you can contact Emily DiLorenzo.
HOPE HARVEST: Volunteers & Donations
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to serve at an activity or food booth, or who signed-up to donate items! Because of you, we’re able to make this amazing event happen! We are still looking for volunteers to serve at our Balloon Animal station. No experience is necessary – we will teach you! If this is something you’d be will to do, please contact Dustin Ott. If you signed-up to donate, please bring your items back on October 6th, 9th, 13th, or 16th and place in the kitchen. (We will have designated areas clearly marked!) Thanks!
KIDS ALLEY EVENT:
We love partnering with Kids Alley and they want to extend an invitation to our Hopers to their annual Designer Bag Bingo event, taking place on October 26th, from 5:00-9:00PM! Join us for an evening filled with fun, laughter, and the chance to win some fabulous designer bags and themed baskets, all while supporting the children and families of Kids Alley. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here. If you’d like to make an additional impact, consider donating a themed gift basket valued at $50 – $150. Baskets are due by October 18th. Contact Brenda via email at brendah@kidsalley.org if you would like to make a donation of any kind.
YOUNG ADULTS
FALL SCHEDULE: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00P
The Young Adults ministry at Hope is a group of post-high school through their twenties adults truly seeking to explore life, engage culture, and empower change while remaining ground in the Word of God. Join us as we start a new study in the book of James! And as always, we’ll have plenty of snacks and fun fellowship at each meeting!
For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Brian & Wendy Ball at: briwensean@aol.com
HOPE YOUTH
HOPE YOUTH: Sundays from 6:00-8:00P
All teens (6th-12th) are invited to join us every Sunday from 6-8PM for youth group! This year Hope Youth is diving deeper into God’s Word than ever before by exploring the repeated theme of water throughout Scripture! While we often take water for granted it was vital for people who lived during Bible times. As such it’s no surprise that Scripture is flooded with the theme of water, but how did the Biblical authors use this symbol and what does it mean for us today? Hope Youth will answer these questions and more through our year long theme called Living Water.
HOPE YOUTH ON WEDNESDAY:
If you’ve ever imagined that the Prophet Jonah sat and prayed on the tongue of giant whale, then this series is for you. At Hope Youth On Wednesday students will be taking an honest look at the famous Sunday School story and exploring what really happened, and crucially, how readers are meant to respond. Leave your picture bibles at home and get ready to get into the nitty-gritty of The Book of Jonah.
HOPE YOUTH CALENDAR:
Parents, stay up to date with everything happening on our calendar here!
JOIN OUR TEXT THREAD:
Stay in the loop for all of the most important notifications! Text “”hopeyouth” to (856) 420-6078 to start receiving updates this week!
For any questions about Hope Youth contact Pastor Dan at: danlein@hopechristianfellowship.org
HOPE KIDS
SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAMS:
We offer childcare and classes from our littlest Hopers to our 5th graders every Sunday morning at both services. Each classroom is staffed with friendly, enthusiastic, background-checked team members to ensure your child’s safety. Our WonderZone! serves our youngest children from infants through Pre-K, who are full of wonder about who God is! K-5th graders gather in the GoZone! where we GO for God, GO for growth and GO forever.
HOPEKIDS! CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS:
It’s never too early for Christmas here at Hope! Our GoZone and WonderZone classes will be starting up practices with their Christmas Program music on October 13th, so make sure your kids are there—on time and ready to sing! We’ll also be handing out parent letters and CDs so that you have all the information you need. Our WonderZone program will be on Sunday, December 8th and our GoZone program will be on Sunday, December 22nd. We can’t wait for your kids to get involved!
WONDERZONE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:
ChriThis year, our little ones will share the good news and celebrate by putting on an “Incredible, Gigantic, Humongous VeggieTales Christmas Show!” Practices begin on Oct. 13th and will continue every Sunday morning through Dec. 1st. Be sure to have your little ones in their regular Sunday morning classroom on time and ready to go so they don’t miss out on practicing our songs and lines each week! Listen to the songs on Google Drive to start practicing at home today! For more information, check out the Parent Letter here! Contact Kara May with any questions at karamay@hopechristianfellowship.org.
HOPEKIDS! HANGOUT: Sundays from 6:00-8:00P
All K-5th graders are invited to attend HopeKids! Hangout on Sunday nights from 6-8PM! This program is designed to give our elementary schoolers space for extra fellowship, Bible study, and exciting games/activities with other believers their age. We’ll be digging deep into the Bible by continuing through our series “The Heart of God” and discovering what Scripture teaches us about the character and nature of our Creator!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN GOZONE:
1st-5th graders will love our fun and exciting midweek program, where we review Sunday morning’s Bible story with new videos, new games, new small group activities, and a WEEKLY Scripture Memory Verse Challenge! You don’t want your elementary schooler to miss out on this weekly opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and fellowship with other HopeKids!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN WONDERZONE:
Our Nursery team is excited to love on your little ones (0-2), while our Preschool team dives back in with our Alphabet Scripture Memory study! Our 3-5 year olds will pick up where we left off, learning a new Bible Verse each week and earning letters to add to their Scripture Sashes from the spring! Your kids will want to join us each Wednesday night to plant God’s Word in their hearts, earn all of their letters, build a foundation of faith, and even have a chance to connect with our Elementary kids every week!
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.org