Our thoughts and our words matter more than we realize. What we focus on quietly shapes how we experience life. Not only that but they actually alter the physical shape of our brains! Repeated thought patterns form neural pathways similar to a well-traveled hiking path, making it easier and easier for our thoughts to return to that mental trail. I’m somewhat of an over-thinker and can find myself traipsing down the same old route more than I’d like. And why does it seem like those thoughts are usually negative or worry based? In order to help combat this annoying habit, I will remind myself of Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.” Psychologists will tell their patients to do basically the same thing: challenge each thought and run it through to its conclusion to see whether it is actually true. But I like having the rest of the list to use as a guide as well! Another good verse to remember is another favorite of mine, 2 Corinthians 10:5, which tells us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” I ask the Lord to take control of my thoughts and teach me to focus on what is true, good, and hopeful. I want the pathways in my brain to be transformed from a dusty trail filled with rocks and weeds into a beautiful walkway covered with vibrant green and lush colorful flowers. Now those are some paths I won’t mind wandering down over and over!
Setting my mind on what God calls us to (at least trying to!) ~ Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
How God’s People See (Luke 6:37-42)
Most people assume that being color blind means that a person only sees in black and white. But the truth is most colorblindness is about being unable to distinguish between reds and greens. There are glasses that can correct this issue and enable someone to see the full spectrum. Imagine what changes in a person’s mind when everything they have been looking at suddenly looks drastically different. Following Jesus has that kind of effect too. You look at the same people and situations you’ve been seeing all your life, but suddenly you see it all so differently. In this chapter, Jesus has been using different ways of talking about the changes that come from being His disciple. God’s people have their vision fixed in the best possible way.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY:
Pastor Mark is continuing in the series, “Find Rest.” We all know the frustration of misplacing something and not being able to find it. We try to remember the last time we saw it, but it seems like every time we look somewhere new, it just isn’t there. Most of us live our lives chasing a thing that our soul needs, but that seems impossibly lost. We all need rest. In fact, Jesus tells us that we are called to it and that He gives it to us when we come to Him. So why do so many of us struggle to find it? Let’s see what may be stopping us from the kind of renewing rest that Jesus gives. Join us at 6:30P for coffee & donuts, and 7:00P for study. (HopeKids! Programs will be provided for infants through 5th grade, and Hope Youth will meet for 6th-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
This month we are partnering with Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries to collect items for our neighbors in need. The food pantry specifically is in need of: laundry detergent, canned meats, cold cereal, jelly, canned hearty soups, spaghetti sauce, and pancake mix & syrup. All donations can be placed in the collection bins at either entrance of the church. Thanks so much!
PARTNER CLASSES: Begins Tonight
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 become a partner. 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). As partners, we share the burdens and work of the ministry together, and we serve our Lord as a team. Our Partner Classes will cover the way our church functions as well as what we believe. Join us on Wednesdays at 7:00 on February 11th, 18th, and 25th. Sign-up at Connection Center!
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 on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 8:00-9:30 in the GoZone.
MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE: Meeting on Sunday
Hope is joining a church softball league! Men, if you’re looking for a great way to get active and connect with your brothers here at Hope, this is it! The season will start after Easter, but we’ll need you to register and attend a meeting on February 15th following the second service so we can get a headcount and order jerseys (cost is $20.) Sign-up and find more information using this link. Open to all men 18 and up. For questions contact Dylan Ott.
GALA FOR GALS:
Get ready to walk the red carpet at our first ever Gala for Gals on Friday, March 13th at 7:00pm! We’ll have lots of fancy treats & desserts, a red-carpet, a photobooth for pics with friends, and of course some fun games and prizes! In a world that elevates the glitz and glamour of the finished product, we often miss what is happening “Behind the Scenes.” So, we’ll take some time to reflect on the many ways God is at work in our lives even when we don’t see it. Feel free to get a little fancy but there’s no required dress code – just come ready for a great night! Please sign-up at Connection Center so we can make sure to save you a spot! Our women’s events are for all women post-high school and up – see Dana Ott with any questions or for more information.
BAPTISM SERVICE:
Baptism is an important symbolic opportunity to declare your testimony, and decision to follow Christ, in front of the church body! We’d love you to participate if this is something you’ve yet to do in your journey of faith. The baptism service will be held on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00. To participate, you’ll need to attend two classes – each will be held after the second service on Sundays March 15th & 22nd. Please sign-up at Connection Center. Any questions can be directed to Pastor Mark.
HOPE’S SPOTIFY:
Did you know we have a Spotify account where you can listen to our current worship set lists? We have weekly playlists that coordinate with what we’re singing on Sundays, as well as a playlists for the whole month! Be sure to check them out on our page: hcfmusic.
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!
SAMSON: Feb 17th
There is a story in the Old Testament about a man with supernatural strength and long hair. Many people have a vague idea of the judge named Samson, but you may be surprised at all that’s included in his story. He was a man used by God in spite of the many choices he made to turn away from the Lord. That reality stirs up the question of why this story is included in Scripture. What are we supposed to learn from it? What should we do with it? Let’s put our heads together and see what the Lord shows us!
SKI TRIP:
Our Young Adults are hitting the slopes at Bear Creek Mountain on Sunday, February 22nd from 4:00-9:00P and we’d love to have you join us! Whether you’re a regular part of YA or not, if you’re in your 20’s, you’re invited to come skiing, snowboarding, or even to just hang out in the ski lodge! The lift ticket is between $40-60 depending on a group rate (does not include rental of equipment). Please sign up at Connection Center and you’ll be contacted with more details and information! Feel free to email Dana Ott or Dustin Ott with any questions – hope you can join us!
Follow us on Instagram here!
For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Mark & Dana Ott.
HOPE YOUTH
All 6th through 12th graders are invited to join us on Sundays from 6-8pm for games, bible study, worship, and more!
Do you KNOW Jesus?: Current Series
We believe that Christianity, while having some elements of devotion, routine, and sacrifice, is defined by its relationship to Jesus rather than any religiosity. But how do you have a relationship with Jesus? In an increasingly disconnected world it can be hard enough to maintain relationships with people we see on a weekly basis, so how are we supposed to have a flourishing relationship with someone we can’t see? While our relationship with Jesus begins with salvation this series will focus on what comes next. How do we connect with God? How do we speak to him? Hear him speak to us? How do we get to know Jesus better? All students from 6th-12th grade are invited to join us on Sunday nights from 6-8pm as we explore all this and more!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Exodus, Our God Saves
Exodus begins with a genocide and only ramps up from there. The parting of the Red Sea, the 10 Plagues of Egypt, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Exodus and in our Hope Youth Wednesday Night Bible Study we will be diving so much deeper. As we read through the classic Exodus narrative we will be looking at what the story says about God, how we can apply it to our own lives, and see how the whole Exodus story points to a baby boy who would be born in Bethlehem. Join us on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8pm for our new series “Exodus, Our God Saves.”
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!
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.
WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAMS:
Our WonderZone and GoZone teams are excited to continue sharing Jesus with all of our infants-5th graders alongside of our adult Bible Study on Wednesday nights! Classes open at 6:45pm for all of our HopeKids! Our team can’t wait to continue cultivating relationships, diving into Scripture, and establishing a foundation of faith with all of our little ones!
Check out our social media (and more) here!
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.org
Note: If you do not wish to continue receiving Hope Notes, simply reply to this email and I will remove your name from the list. Any correspondence for Hope Notes goes to Hopenotes Email.