How many of us struggle with letting go? I know I do. Even when I think I’ve moved on from something, I still find my mind circling back to it, replaying conversations, decisions, or disappointments. Even when we physically step away from something or someone, our minds and hearts often refuse to follow. But holding onto these things doesn’t change the past—it only burdens our present and muddies up our future. So what does Scripture have to say about this? I found an odd verse that has been helpful to me. “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14) In this passage, Jesus is actually talking to His disciples about leaving a place where no one is receptive to hearing the gospel. Shaking the dust off their feet was a symbolic way of saying, ‘I did what I was called to do. Now, I’m moving forward, leaving behind any rejection, negativity, or failure.’ But couldn’t that apply to anything we are trying to let go of? Jesus wanted them to release the past completely—even the dust on their feet—so they could fully focus on what lay ahead. Wouldn’t that help us to function better without the extra baggage and energy directed towards ruminating on the past? I know for me, sometimes my brain feels physically tired running itself around on the hamster wheel of repetitive thoughts. I need all the brain power I can get for living in the present!
In closing let me remind you of this: Letting go means you trust God’s plan more than your own. You believe His purpose is greater than any single situation. You are making room for what’s ahead instead of dwelling on what’s behind. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Undone by His Mercy…..Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
Power from Weakness | Communion
(2 Cor. 13:1-4)
There was a song by Tim McGraw back in 2004 called “Live Like You Were Dying.” It was about the eye-opening effect of hearing that your time on earth might be coming to a close. In it, the man who got that news decided to go on adventures and take some risks. The idea of the song is that sometimes we forget to live until we are faced with the end. Then, we actually start living! It is ironic that the song makes so much sense because we don’t think of death as a pathway to life. But we know from Jesus that his death is exactly what brings us life. Even more than that, Paul talks about how we are spiritually transformed when we get saved by dying with Christ and being raised to new life. This is the foundation of what Paul talks about to the Corinthians in this passage. Basically, it is possible to be completely weak, and yet be filled with inexhaustible and immeasurable power. If that’s not your normal daily experience, it can be! Let’s look at what Paul has to say about the mixture of personal weakness and supernatural power.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY:
Putting Wisdom to the Test led by Pastor Mark
We are studying two Old Testament books in the “Wisdom” genre. Some people think that life is all about making right choices so that you don’t face the fallout of bad choices. Reading Proverbs can make it seem that this is Biblically true. But Job and Ecclesiastes examine what we should learn when the foundational ideas of wisdom don’t seem to work. Job is a pretty familiar character to many people, but we’re going to try to sort out the details and dialogue so that we can see the message and purpose of the book as it connects to the teachings of Proverbs. Ecclesiastes is not as long of a book but it has similar connections to the wisdom found in Proverbs. Let’s take a journey together through “real life” and the confusion that derails many people when good people suffer unfairly, or when you seemingly have it all but feel so empty inside. Join us Wednesday evenings at 6:30 for coffee & donuts followed by our study at 7:00. We’ll have HopeKids! and Hope Youth programs for kids 0-12th grades!
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 have been praying and giving toward the future home of Hope. The Lord has miraculously blessed us with a significant gift that is a great head-start towards that end. The Leadership Team has set this money aside so that we can continue to build on it and eventually be able to provide for our long-term growth. We are convinced that God is at work in our church and are thankful for the faithfulness of each Hoper who helps support our regular budget needs, which are essential to our weekly ministry operation. In addition, in view of this large special gift, we would encourage everyone to consider giving towards the Building Fund as well so that we can have the money needed for addressing our future building needs.
JANUARY GIVING REPORT:
For the month of January, we averaged $11,282 per week which is significantly above our annual target of $9650. We also averaged $403 per week for our Building Fund and took in $3210 for Special Projects. This is a great start for our year and puts us on track to save significantly for the future home of Hope as well as providing for the needs of our rapidly growing church. Let’s remain committed to giving generously and sacrifically so that God can do all He has purposed in and through our church!
HOPEKIDS! + HOPE YOUTH PREGAME: This Sunday!
Hope Youth & HopeKids! Hangout are pre-gaming Super Bowl LIX here at church! Join us after the second service for a free lunch, Super Bowl snacks, and football themed games! It all kicks off at 12:30 and ends at 2:30. Don’t miss out on what will be perfect way to start your Big Game festivities! Fill out the sign-up so we know you’re coming, and don’t forget to invite a friend! Please note: this event is in place of our normally scheduled 6:00-8:00 Hope Youth & HKH.
NEW TO HOPE CLASS: This Wednesday!
If you’ve recently visited or started attending Hope, we want to invite you to join us for a night designed especially for you. We have a New to Hope Class from 7:00-8:00P on February 5th where we will answer your questions, introduce our ministry, and get you started on knowing your way around Hope. Please sign-up in the lobby to let us know you’re planning to join us. Don’t miss this helpful and fun night!
MEN’S BREAKFAST: This Saturday!
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 February 8th from 8:00-9:30a!
SMALL GROUPS: Register Now!
If you’d like to join, host, or register your current Small Group, visit our updated Small Group webpage to fill out a form and connect with our team! Current Small Groups are also featured on our website, so you can peruse what might be the right fit for you. If you have a Small Group that hasn’t been added please contact us so we can include you!
PARTNER CLASS: Starts February 12th
If God has brought you to Hope and convinced you over time that this is the church for you, we’d love for you to officially join us. 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. We are now offering our partner class on February 12th, 19th, and 26th at 7:00P. The classes will cover the way our church functions as well as what we believe. Current partners are also encouraged to attend! Please sign-up in the lobby. To read more about what it means to become a partner at Hope, click here.
WONDERMOMS: February 13th
WonderMoms, our group for moms of preschoolers (0-5), meets 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.
GALENTINE’S BRUNCH: February 15th
Calling all Ladies! Our annual Galentine’s Brunch is right around the corner and we’re excited to get “Pretty in Pink” with all the best gals around! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 15th from 10:00A-noon and plan to join us – feel free to invite your girl gang, too! We’ll have a yummy brunch, some fun games, a photobooth, and we’ll take a few minutes to talk about the unrelenting love of Jesus. Our women’s events are for all women post-high school and up, so look for the event on Facebook and sign up in the front foyer today. If you’d like to bring a sweet treat to share, you’ll see a spot on the sign up sheet for that too! Contact Dana at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org for more information.
YOUNG ADULTS
Meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00P
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. Open to anyone post high school through their 20s!
FEBRUARY 18TH: Our Deal With God
Let’s say you’re a good person. You live right, you try to be kind and helpful to others, you’re honest and work hard. What does God owe you for all of that? Is there some kind of expected deal with God that should govern the outcomes based on our actions and choices? How does this all work – should life be fair? Most people inherently judge God based on their own ideas of some kind of justice or fairness. And then there are the parts of the Bible that seem to promise if you live right, God will bless you. What are we to make of all of this and how do we get a grip on something true when life seems to turn upside-down?
For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Mark & Dana Ott.
HOPE YOUTH
Sundays from 6:00-8:00P
Through varied lessons, small group, worship, and fellowship we teach students 6th-12th to see how much God loves them, how valuable they are, and the peace that a relationship with Jesus can lead them to.
NEW SERIES: Flowing Through Scripture
Every year Hope Youth challenges the world’s tendency to turn Scripture into bite sized sayings by doing a survey of the entire Biblical narrative! This year we’ll be focusing on the theme of water. Whether it’s the parting of the Red Sea or the miracle of Jesus walking on Water, God has used this powerful element to communicate key truths about His character time and again. Join us on Sunday nights starting February 2nd as we journey from Genesis to Revelation, explore key stories along the way, and apply God’s grand message to our own lives!
HOPE YOUTH ON WEDNESDAYS:
The book of Daniel follows a young man who was kidnapped from his home land and exiled to a foreign country. Far from home and surrounded by ungodly influences, Daniel had to find a way to remain true to his faith. Join Hope Youth on Wednesday nights as we study the book of Daniel and see how this young man not only held fast to his faith, but stood out and stood up for what he believed. Most teens struggle with that familiar desire to fit in, but in a world growing further away from God, He seems to be asking us “Are you willing to stand out?” Come find out how at Wednesday Night Bible Study from 6:30-8 and enjoy some complimentary coffee and donuts while you’re at it.
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.
NO OUTSIDE FOOD POLICY:
To create the safest and simplest experience for our kids and volunteers, we are implementing a “No outside food” policy in our Toddler, Flex, and Pre-K classrooms. All of our provided snacks in the classroom are gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and made in facilities free from these allergens to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all of our little ones. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Reach out to Kara May at karamay@hopechristianfelloship.org with any questions.
HOPEKIDS! HANGOUT: Sundays from 6:00-8:00P
All K-5th graders are invited to join us for special snacks, games and activities that expand upon what we’re learning on Sunday mornings. We’ll continue studying “The Heart of God” to see how we can reflect God in our everyday lives, this year and every year!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN WONDERZONE:
Our Nursery 1 team is excited to care for your infants (0-18m) while our Nursery 2 team loves on your toddlers (18m-2yr). As we start a new year, our Preschoolers (3-5yrs) will dive into a brand new “Growing with God” study designed to help preschoolers learn about the reality of God’s love through play and apply it in their daily lives! You won’t want to miss out on this awesome opportunity to prioritize and pour into the foundation of faith for your little ones — we hope to see you there!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN GOZONE:
GoZone Remix is back for 2025! K-5th graders will love our fun and exciting midweek program, where we review Sunday morning’s Bible story with new video, new games, and new small group activities to remix the experience. Plus, a WEEKLY Scripture Memory Verse Challenge with prizes to reinforce the Bible story of the week! You don’t want your elementary kiddo to miss out on this opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and fellowship with other HopeKids!
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.org