I feel bad for Thanksgiving. We have entire stores dedicated to Halloween and Christmas, but Thanksgiving is lucky to get a few aisles of decorations. It’s merely a quick pit stop on the way to the mother lode of holidays. Did you know that Christmas and Halloween are the two holidays where America spends the most money? Christmas is no surprise, but I was shocked about Halloween! Anyway, that’s my little rant about the holidays. SO… November is the month when we are meant to intentionally pause to count our blessings and give thanks. But the truth is, gratitude isn’t meant for just one month; it’s meant to be our daily posture. Wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if we all lived in an attitude of gratitude instead of greed, power struggles and self-importance? Gratitude requires humility. It acknowledges our thankfulness for the provision of that which we cannot attain on our own. I’m not just talking about the necessities of life, either. Scripture tells us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” in Philippians 4:19. God is the ultimate provider. While Scripture does not promise to make every Christian financially wealthy, meet every want, or heal every hurt, the Bible does tell us that God will provide for our needs in a way that is best for us and best for His glory. His provision is just further proof of His faithfulness and grace. He provides strength when we’re weary, peace when we’re anxious, and wisdom when we’re unsure what to do next. More importantly, He gives us His Word, our spiritual nourishment. The Lord provides for us in every way imaginable, from our daily needs to the eternal promise of His presence. That’s something to be thankful for every single day, not just in November.
Giving thanks with a grateful heart ~ Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
GIVE: It’s God’s, Not Mine
(Luke 12:13-21; Ex. 25:1-8; 2 Cor. 9:7-8)
The last holy habit we’re going to look at is the practice of giving. There are plenty of ways to give away what has been given to you, but we are going to focus on the Biblical teaching about money. It is ironic that the vast majority of Americans have more than almost anyone else in the history of the world, but we all feel like we need a little bit more to be OK. Perhaps you can feel the trap of the enemy in that reality. Money quickly turns into a source of stress and anxiety even for believers who try to put their trust in the Lord. What can we do to live at peace in this area? We have to see that what we have is not ours but God’s. He gives it to us and He directs us to use it according to His plan. If we can learn this, we can resist the pull to put our trust in our bank balance. Instead, we can follow Jesus as true disciples.
LET’S TALK POLITICS: Tonight!
You may have noticed that there are a lot of strong opinions – even within Hope – about our American system of government. Some people are sure that everyone should vote for this person, and others are sure that a certain law will doom or save our country. How should a believer approach this area of life? Let’s take a night and have some open and honest conversation – not so much about all the different political issues, but about how Jesus gives guidance to His people in our political engagement. Join us at 6:30 for coffee, donuts, and fellowship before we dive into discussion at 7:00. We will have HopeKids! Programs for all children 0-5th grade.
LEADERSHIP AMA: November 19th
Have you ever wondered why a certain decision was made at Hope or had questions you wanted to ask about our direction? Whether you are an official partner or simply a Hoper, we’d love to invite you to join us for a conversation. Our entire Leadership Team is planning to be there to answer any questions you may have. We’ll do it in a public format, and we’ll answer what we can to the best of our knowledge and without breaking any confidences. We may have to have follow-up conversations afterwards to give more specifics, or to come back with answers after we research a little, but we’ll do our best to use that evening wisely for all who attend. There’s always an invitation to “ask us anything,” but we set this night aside to do that as a large group. Please be a part of this conversation as the Lord continues to lead Hope forward into the coming year. Join us at 6:30 for coffee, donuts, and fellowship before we dive into discussion at 7:00. We will have HopeKids! Programs for all children 0-5th grade.
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 are excited to welcome the following Hopers as our newest partners: David Andrews, Mark Buzby, Joshua & Rebecca DeWalt, Greg & Lisa Johnson, Dan McTyre. 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. For more information on becoming a partner, click here!
WOMEN OF HOPE:
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Due back this Sunday!
Thank you to everyone who picked up a shoebox! We still have several boxes available in the lobby. Please remember that filled shoeboxes are due back by Sunday, November 16th. Need packing ideas? Consider adding small toys, dolls, stuffed animals, school supplies (notebooks, crayons, pencils), hygiene items (toothbrush, comb/brush, washcloth), and fun accessories (socks, hair ties, stickers). Don’t forget to include a personal note or photo to make your gift extra special! Let’s continue to share God’s love and bring joy to children around the world—one box at a time!
NEW TO HOPE RECEPTION:
If you are new to Hope within the past six months, our staff and leadership would love to get to know you better. Stop by the kitchen in between services on Sunday, November 30th for a sweet treat and hot beverage! Bring your family and we’ll see you then!
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:
Our proposed 2026 budget is now available at the Connection Center. Voting for the budget will take place at our Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, November 30th following the second service. All Hopers are welcome to attend, but only partners will be able to vote. Please join us as we discuss the proposed budget as well as our vision for 2026. (We will have ballot box out for those who are unable to stay for the meeting.) For questions about the budget, please contact our Leadership Team.
ANNUAL LADIES CHRISTMAS PARTY:
Christmas is just around the corner, so mark your calendars now and save the date for Friday, December 12th at 6:30pm. All ladies (post high-school and up) are invited to our “Winter Wonderland” Party & Ornament Exchange! We’re so excited for this opportunity for our ladies to get together for some holiday games, fun, food, and an encouraging word for every season, even the winter blues! Please sign up at Connection Center 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! This year we are collecting donations of winter scarves, hats, and gloves/mittens to take to Jeannette’s Closet (which is part of the GWCM) giving out clothes to those in need. If you want to donate, please bring any of the above for women, men, and children! Dana Ott with any questions. Feel free to invite friends or family – the more the merrier!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES:
It might be hard to believe, but Christmas Eve is only 6 weeks away! This year we will be offering two identical services at 3:30P & 5:00P. We’ll have scripture reading, special music, and candle lighting. There will be HopeKids! Programs for our WonderZone (ages 0-5.) We’ll also have hot coffee ready! This year’s Christmas Eve offering will be designated to go to Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries in support of the increasing need in our community. Invite your family and friends and join us for one of these special services!
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 18TH: What Do We Do With Feelings?
Feelings don’t think… they feel. They are responders, not guides. Of course, sometimes they tell us important information about what’s happening in our lives. So we can’t entrust ourselves to our feelings, but we can’t ignore them either. As a believer, we know God created us to have emotions. Why? Or maybe why did He give us the ones that are unpleasant? On top of that, what should we do with them? Today’s experts have ideas about how to navigate our emotional health – but does the Bible have anything for us in this zone? Join us and lend us your thoughts and experiences!
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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.
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!
WINTER RETREAT:
Hope Youth is going on another retreat and we are inviting ALL STUDENTS! If you or someone you know is in 6th-12th grade they are invited to join us for our 2026 Winter Retreat at America’s Keswick happening January 23rd-25th! Their “Beyond the Weekend” retreat is a powerful weekend of worship, fellowship, and spiritual formation. With moving sessions, an environment of praise, tons of fun activities (like a volleyball tournament, an indoor swimming pool, video game competitions and so much MORE) it’s no wonder Beyond the Weekend is packed every year with youth groups from all over the tri-state area. Hope Youth is PUMPED to be a part of this awesome event and we want you to join us, so complete the permission slip and turn it in to Pastor Dan no later than December 14th! You can pay the $100 fee by cash, check, or PayPal. Spaces are filling up fast so don’t wait!
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!
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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