While listening to Pastor Mark preach on how Jesus is our Shepherd this past Sunday and reading Psalm 23, I remembered a version of that Psalm I’d read that really got into my psyche and caused me to truly appreciate what it means to HAVE Jesus as my Shepherd. Thought I’d share it here with you all:
I long to lie down in green pastures,
the waters are restless, my soul is void.
He allows me to walk on paths of unrighteousness,
for He does not know my by His name.
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear everything, for God is not with me.
His rod and staff are nowhere near me.
He has not prepared a table for me;
I am alone with my enemies.
He does not anoint my head with oil,
my cup is empty.
Goodness and mercy have no part in me.
and I will dwell outside the house of the Lord forever.
Loved and protected by our Shepherd… LoisSPIRITUAL CARE
The Story | Cantata
(Luke 24:13-27)
Our service this morning is a musical and multi-media presentation by our choir celebrating Christmas as well as the entire story of God’s love for us. This musical starts at the very beginning of time and takes us on a journey all the way to eternity. Our prayer is that everyone sees that Christmas is the moment in history when God’s plan for saving people showed up in human form. It was the start of the life that eventually was laid down on a cross for each one of us. But that wasn’t the end of the story either! We hope that each person knows the Good News of this story that has always been about Jesus. Please note: there will be no live-stream of this morning.WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: On Hiatus until January 8th
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!
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
We’d like to officially welcome to the Hope family our newest partners Jared Coty and Victoria Shinn! This is our way of doing ‘membership’, but we use the word ‘partner’ instead because it connects us to the Biblical idea that we are called to partner together in ministry (Philippians 1:3-6). We share the burdens and work of the ministry together, and we serve our Lord as a team. You can learn more about becoming a partner here!HAVE A NEED?
We know the holidays can be a financially difficult time for many families. If your family is in need, please reach out to our Needs Team. You can also visit our Food Pantry every Sunday after either service. Head to the kitchen a volunteer will help you pack up a bag (or more!) of groceries!
WONDERZONE JINGLE JAM: This Saturday!
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 our Preschool Directory Kara May for more information.
MEN’S BREAKFAST: This Saturday!
All men 18 years of age and older are invited to our monthly Men’s Breakfast. We feature prayer, full participation study — all enjoyed with a free hot breakfast and terrific fellowship. Join us this Saturday morning from 8:00-9:30.
IRON MEN: December 16th at 7:00
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) We are 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. 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).
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 15th: Christmas Cantata, “The Story”
- December 22nd: GoZone Christmas Program
- Candlelit Christmas Eve Services at 3:30p, 5:00p, 6:30p
2025 BIBLE READING PLANS: Out now!
The new year is a great time to dive into God’s word and make bible reading a part of your daily life! We have several resources to help you engage with scripture, including 2 bookmarks available in the lobby, and a “Five Day Bible Reading Program.” Pick up a physical copy in the lobby, or download the PDF here.
WONDERMOMS: New Season!
After a hiatus, we are so excited to be restarting the next season of WonderMoms, our group for moms of preschoolers (0-5)! Beginning January 9th, we’ll be meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 10:30-noon for a time of fellowship, study, and prayer. Childcare is provided by our HopeKids! volunteers and there’s always a hot cup of coffee and treat ready for you! Join our Facebook Group for all the details, or contact Emily DiLorenzo with questions.
YOUNG ADULTS
JANUARY: 2025 Cupcake Kickoff!
Life is crazy for all of us, but young adults are making big decisions about life and faith that really matter right in the middle of the crazy! Here at Hope, our Young Adult group provides a place to connect, serve, apply God’s Word to real life, and live in relationships with others. Hope’s Young Adults is a great way to grow your faith and find help to navigate the big decisions on the horizon. As we start up the new year, we have some new things happening at Young Adults and we want EVERYONE post high-school through their 20’s to jump in and join the conversations and community! We meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month and will be gathering for our “2025 Cupcake Kickoff” on January 7th at 7:00pm – come on out and invite a friend! See you there!
For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Mark & Dana Ott.
HOPE YOUTH
HOPE YOUTH: Sundays from 6:00-8:00P
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.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY: December 15th
We want to close out our Christmas series and kick off the winter break with our annual Hope Youth Christmas party! If you’ve never been, it’s a blast. PJs, Christmas snacks, holiday games, and silly white elephant gift exchange. We encourage every student to dress in their coziest PJs and bring a gift (worth $10 or less) for our silly gift exchange! It’s really a wonderful time and a wonderful chance for us to wish each other a Merry 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.
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