There are two kinds of people in the world – those who like routines and those who abhor them. I lean more towards enjoying them. Don’t get me wrong; I also love to occasionally break free and live ‘on the wild side’ for an extra jolt of fun! Sometimes a routine can seem boring; maybe growing up in a chaotic and unpredictable home is what draws me to the comfort and safety of a routine.
However, routines and also happen in my walk with the Lord. I’ve noticed that there are days when I read the next chapter of whatever book I’m in in the Bible out of habit, not out of desire. I underline, highlight and date what I’m reading. But am I meditating on it and applying it to my life? I read the devotionals that arrive in my inbox every morning before I get out of bed, but is it just a habit or am I truly focusing on them? How can I make sure my walk with the Lord isn’t just running on autopilot? Here’s what I’m learning: God desires a living, active relationship with us. He doesn’t want us just going through the motions; He wants our hearts, our minds, and our spirits fully engaged. The Bible gives us a few reminders of how to rekindle that passion and stay connected to Him. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) Maybe breaking out of autopilot starts with a fresh approach—setting aside intentional time to pray, read the Word, and let Him transform our hearts and minds. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”(Psalm 51:10-12) David’s words remind me to ask God to renew our hearts and restore the joy of our salvation. Sometimes, we need to invite God to stir up that passion again, to remind us of the excitement we once felt in our walk with Him.
It’s okay if we find ourselves on autopilot from time to time, but God calls us to live fully and abundantly with Him. It starts with small changes—pausing to meditate on His Word, spending a few extra minutes in prayer, or just asking Him to reignite our passion. He is faithful and He will do His part as we then do ours.
Living wild and free in Him (or trying to!)…….Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
Morning of Worship | Communion
On this first Sunday of December and of our Christmas season, we are going to take the entire morning and join together in worship and adoration of Jesus. We will share communion together, remembering the sacrifice that this baby was born to give for our salvation. And we’ll offer our hearts up in response to the great gift of Christmas: God’s Son born to be with us.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: On Hiatus
Our Wednesday night studies are on hiatus for the months of November and December, but make sure to check out the announcements below to see the other Wednesday evening events we have planned!
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
Following Sunday’s business meeting, we are happy to announce that our 2025 budget was approved unanimously. We have also appointed Brian Ball and Jim Jefferson as elder candidates for a one year term. Additionally, we are welcoming Matt Austen and Nick Minner to our deacon team, as they have been appointed for 2025. The complete listing of our deacon team and leadership team members is posted on the bulletin board at the back of the auditorium.
TOY DRIVE FOR GWCM:
Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries is collecting unwrapped toys for all ages now through December 8th. We love partnering with them and want to extend the collection opportunity to Hope! Unwrapped toys can be place in the bins at either entrance now through Sunday the 8th!
HOPE MERCH:
Check out our limited run of custom leather patch Hope logo hats! The perfect Christmas gift for your favorite Hoper. Place your oder by December 8th to receive merch in time for the holidays. You will be notified when your hat(s) is available for pick-up at the church. Any questions, contact Tanner May. Please note, hats are being sold at cost. Hope Christian Fellowship is not making any profit from sales.
LADIES CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA: Sign-up Now!
Christmas is just around the corner, so mark your calendars now and save the date for Friday, December 6th at 6:30pm. All ladies (post high-school and up) are invited to our “Think Pink Christmas” Extravaganza and Ornament Exchange! We’re so excited for this opportunity for our ladies to get together for some holiday games, fun, food, and friendship! Please sign up in the front lobby and indicate if you’re able to bring a snack or dessert to share. Also, bring a wrapped Christmas tree ornament ($10 or less) for a fun exchange! See Dana Ott with any questions or reach her at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org. Feel free to invite friends or family – the more the merrier!
CHRISTMAS AT HOPE:
Mark your calendars for the special services we have planned for the month of December! And be sure to share our social media post and pick up a card from the lobby to invite out your friends and family!
- December 8th: WonderZone Christmas Program
- December 15th: Christmas Cantata, “The Story”
- December 22nd: GoZone Christmas Program
- Candlelit Christmas Eve Services at 3:30p, 5:00p, 6:30p
YOUNG ADULTS
CHRISTMAS PARTY: December 3rd at 6:30P
Join us for our “Christmas Morning” party to close out the year! We’ll meet at Sean & Taylor Ball’s home (38 S. Columbia St. in Woodbury) at 6:30pm. Come in your pajamas and slippers – and make sure to bring your appetite! We’ll have Christmas morning food including Chick Fila minis! There will be games and many presents to be won. ALL young adults welcome!
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
New Series | Songs of the Season
There’s something special about a Christmas song. A familiar tune, a nostalgic melody, and lyrics that take you back to your favorite holiday moments. But what’s behind the Christmas songs that we hold near and dear? Are they just a soundtrack to the season, or is there a deeper message at their core? Join us as Hope Youth investigates the Songs of the Season to see the things that inspired them and how they are still inspiring us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
WINTER RETREAT: Beyond the Weekend
Hope Youth is embarking on a weekend retreat for all students from 6th-12th grade from January 24th-26th! Join us for a weekend of powerful worship, impactful sermons, intense sport tournaments, and the delights of an indoor swimming pool! Last year was a smash hit and we can’t wait to jump back into Keswick’s Beyond the Weekend! We want to make sure that everyone can come out so invite a friend and don’t forget to fill out and hand in the permission slip linked HERE. Let’s make this another awesome retreat to remember!
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.
WONDERZONE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: December 8th
This year, our little ones will share the good news and celebrate by putting on an “Incredible, Gigantic, Humongous VeggieTales Christmas Show!” 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 and watch Miss Kara’s Motion Videos on YouTube to practice at home today! Contact Kara May with any questions.
WONDERZONE JINGLE JAM:
As we continue gearing up for the Christmas season, we’re excited to be hosting our second annual Jingle Jam event for our WonderZone children and their families! Save the date for this special event on Saturday, December 14th from 10:30am-noon. We’ll build gingerbread houses, make Christmas crafts, hear the real Christmas story, enjoy a hot drinks bar, and even take pictures with Santa! Sign your preschooler up today! Contact Kara May for more information.
GOZONE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: December 22nd
It’s time for Christmas in the GoZone! Our Christmas Program is Jingle Bell Beach, an exciting musical about a beach Christmas singing competition where the competitors end up learning the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus! The program is going to be here before you know it, so mark your calendar for December 22nd at both services! Program practices are officially getting started, so look out for the parent info letter and make sure your kiddos start listening to their songs. Click here to access the GoZone Christmas music! If you have any questions, reach out to Pastor Ryan.
HOPEKIDS! HANGOUT: On Hiatus for December
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.org