Hello Hoper,
The flowers we planted in our porch box this year did a peculiar thing. All the conditions were the same, yet half of them decided to die almost immediately. Rude! It made me think of the parable Jesus told in Matthew 13:1-9 about the farmer who sowed seeds, some fell on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Only the seeds that fell on good soil produced a bountiful harvest. But what happens when all the seeds have the same soil, the same sunshine, and the same care, yet only a few thrive? It’s like how the same situation or ‘soil’ can break one person and yet make another stronger, producing growth and fruit! You might be facing circumstances that feel impossible, health challenges, financial struggles, loneliness, or a sense of inadequacy. You might even feel, like Moses did, that you’re unqualified or unprepared: “Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) I get it, Moses! There are plenty of times when I feel horribly unqualified to write these openings or lead a study, or offer my input for a sticky situation. But then look what the next few verses say: “The Lord said to him, Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:11-13) This reminds me that we don’t have to have perfect conditions to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. We just have to let God work through us, no matter what type of soil we feel we’re in. The Lord doesn’t care whether we’ve fallen on rocky soil or in a deep, rich garden bed. He can use us anywhere, in any season. He can bring growth out of any circumstance. We need to trust Him, even when the soil feels dry or the conditions seem harsh. We should continue to keep reaching for His light, remembering that our strength comes from Him. Then watch the beautiful blooms take hold in your life!
Tended by the Father ~ Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE:
READ: God’s Word Is Our Roadmap
(Ps. 1; 119:9-11, 105-106)
There was a time before everyone had a smart phone with a map app that it was possible to get lost. You would have some directions in hand, but eventually, you would find yourself unable to figure out where you were and how exactly to get back on track. Truly it is easier to stay on the path than to get back on it once you’re off. One of the holy habits of disciples is to become regular readers of our roadmap. The psalmist who wrote Psalm 119 pictures the Bible as a lamp and a light for our path that helps us know which way to go. The very first psalm pictures it as a stream that constantly refreshes and nourishes our souls allowing us to be healthy in every season. It may be that the same culture that gives us smart phones and instant directions is also part of the reason so many of God’s people are losing their way. This morning, we will remind ourselves of the truth that God’s people read God’s Word faithfully, regularly, and so that they can respond to what they learn.
FAMILY NIGHTS: Two Weeks Left!
Doors will open at 6:15 for FREE dinner for the whole family before we head into our classes at 7:00. We know weekdays can be hectic with school and work – so consider your Wednesdays taken care of! Come feed your stomach and your soul! We’ll have HopeKids! Programs for all our our little ones, starting from nursery up through 5th grade. Hope Youth will also have a class for our teens. Even if you can’t make it to dinner, join us for programs at 7:00.
CURRENT SERIES: Parenting – Raising Them Up
Pastor Mark and Dana are going to lead a course on parenting through the month of October. Most of us come from homes that normalized deep dysfunction and passed it on to us as “normal”. We want to do better for our kids, but we just don’t even know where to start. And even if you were raised in a great home, you can easily feel overwhelmed and exhausted as you try to parent your kids. We are going to use Andy and Sandra Stanley’s book, “Parenting: Getting It Right,” as a basis for our discussion. Come with your questions and thoughts and let’s try to dig out a Biblical and Spirit-based approach to parenting. (You don’t have to buy the book or read it to be a part of the class). If we can get this right, Hope will be a church that is truly a light to the world. Homes are the hotbed for formation of tomorrow’s Christian marriages and parents, so let’s break unhealthy cycles and lean in to the ways we can hear and follow God’s leading in our homes.
COMING SOON: Wednesdays in November
Doors will open at 6:30 for coffee and donuts before we move into our scheduled special service. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for details!
November 5th: Baptism Service
November 12th: Let’s Talk Politics
November 19th: Leadership AMA
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
2026 OFFICER ELECTION:
It’s that time of year again! Deacon & leadership team nomination ballots are available at Connection Center for all Hope Partners. We need every vote possible so make sure you pick one up and turn it in by November 2nd. Any questions about the voting process can be directed to Pastor Mark or one of our elders.
MIDWEEK SERVING OPPORTUNITY:
If you’re looking for a way to invest in our kids and have midweek availability, we need YOU! On Tuesday mornings and afternoons, we are looking to grow our childcare team for our staff kids while staff meets and works to prepare our areas of ministry at Hope. To get plugged in, please reach out to Kara May at karamay@hopechristianfellowship.org today!
MISSIONS TRIP OPPORTUNITY:
In August 2026, our church will be sending a team on a 10–12 day mission trip to serve alongside the Frankeas family at Restoring Hope Village in Welkom, South Africa. This unique ministry is a community made up of orphans, foster children, and their host families, and it provides both physical care and the hope of the Gospel. We are still looking for 5–6 more team members who feel called to join us on this life-changing trip. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve, encourage, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to children and families in need. If you over 18 and are interested, please stop by Connection Center to pick up an application. Once filled out, please return to either Wendy Ball, Anne Jefferson or Jodi Jacoby.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Shoeboxes out Sunday!
We’re excited to kick off this year’s Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry! Empty boxes will be available for pickup starting Sunday, October 26th in the lobby. Help share God’s love by filling a shoebox with small gifts, school supplies, and hygiene items for children in need around the world. Let’s make a difference—one box at a time! Any questions contact Jodi Jacoby.
YOUNG ADULTS
If you are post high school through your 20s, our Young Adult group provides a place to connect, 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. We meet the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00P in the GoZone!
NOVEMBER 4TH: David & Goliath
If you went to church as a kid, you probably heard this story at least once. Because of that, some people mistake this for a ‘children’s story.’ But it really is a case study in what it looks like to trust God in the face of overwhelming odds. Can real people actually live by faith when it seems like they are hopelessly overwhelmed? Or when they face life and death decisions? David is an example of someone who was thoroughly convinced that God was watching over what happened, that He was ready to intervene, and that those who put their trust in Him would always be proved right. Take some time to read 1 Samuel 17 if you can before our meeting, and let’s explore together how we are challenged in our own lives by what David did. Plus we’ll have a popcorn bar and time for fellowship!!!
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For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Mark & Dana Ott.
HOPE YOUTH
HOPE YOUTH:
All 6th through 12th graders are invited to join us on Sundays from 6-8pm for games, bible study, worship, and more!
CURRENT SERIES: Fight Like Heaven
It is common practice in our current culture to win arguments at any cost. Whether that be by twisting facts to meet your message or hurting others with the truth even Christians can get dragged into the fray when emotions are high on heated topics. That’s why Hope Youth is diving into a series on Conflict Resolution and learning how the Bible teaches us to defend our faith with truth and love. Rather than diving into every controversial topic, we’ll be taking an in depth look at how we can disagree well, encourage others to see the truth of Scripture, and navigate arguments with grace and patience.
HOPE YOUTH ON WEDNESDAYS:
Join us on Wednesday nights from 6:15-8:00P! We’ll have food for your body and your soul as we enjoy a meal together and dive into God’s Word as a Youth Group. Our teens will be exploring the narrative of Joseph in the Old Testament and seeing how his journey of slavery, imprisonment, and rejection is a reflection of Jesus Christ and how we can reflect Jesus in our own lives! You won’t want to miss one or morsel or one moment! See you then!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NERF WAR:
Back by popular demand, Hope Youth will be hosting another Nerf War just for Middle School students! All students from 6th-8th grade are invited for an afternoon of foam dart mayhem as we engage in tactical chaos, intense showdowns, and PIZZA! Got a friend who might be interested? Bring them along! This free and fun event is great ammunition for students to invite their friends and draw them to a place where they can encounter Jesus! It all happens Saturday, November 22nd from 1:00-3:00pm. Sign up here!
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
HOPEKIDS!
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICES: Happening Now!
Christmas is one of our favorite seasons in HopeKids! This year, our WonderZone will celebrate TWO separate Christmas programs with our Toddlers program for all 2-3 year olds on December 7th and our Preschool program for all 4-5 year olds on December 14th! Our GoZone program for all K-6th graders will be on December 21st. Practices are taking place in each of these classrooms during regular Sunday morning services, so be sure to have your kids in class and on time each week! For more information, click here for the Toddler Parent Letter, Pre-K Parent Letter, and GoZone Parent Letter. Additionally, your children can practice at home with all songs and motion videos here! If you have any questions, please contact Kara May.
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 ON WEDNESDAYS:
Our WonderZone teams can’t wait to snuggle and care for your infants (0-18m) in our Nursery 1 class, while our Nursery 2 team builds connections with your toddlers (18m-2yr) through lots of playtime on Wednesday nights! Our Preschoolers (3-5yrs) will continue our “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!
GOZONE ON WEDNESDAYS:
The GoZone team is booming on Wednesday nights with our K-5th graders! Each week, we have a chance to review Sunday morning’s Bible lesson in a new way — new lesson videos, new games, and new small group activities will help to reinforce these important Bible truths! You don’t want your elementary kiddos to miss out on this opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and fellowship with other HopeKids!
Check out our social media (and more) here!
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.org
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