In his book, The Practice of Healing, author Chris Bharnes states the following, “Happiness lives in three places; letting go of what was, enjoying what is, and trusting what will be.” He is quite correct in this thought; I’d like to present the biblical depiction of each example. I do think that following this formula would bring joy rather than happiness. Happiness is fleeting and dependent upon external circumstances. Joy is deeper, longer lasting, and does not require that your circumstances be perfect. Rather, it is an internal state of being that comes from God. “You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.” (Psalm 16:11 GNT) On to the three objectives! 1)Letting go of what was – “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead….” (Philippians 3:13) 2) Enjoying what is – “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) 3) Trusting what will be – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) I just love it when secular instruction lines up with Biblical principals!
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” Nehemiah 8:10…..Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
Power Over Darkness (Luke 9:37-45)
Power outages are quick reminders of how much we depend on electricity. If it happens at night, we are a bit overwhelmed by the darkness. Our food might go bad. If it’s in the summer, the house will probably get unbearably warm. We take power for granted until we don’t have it. As we continue studying Luke’s eyewitness account of Jesus’ life and ministry, we are pointed to the power in Jesus. Often, believers take this power for granted too. In a dark world, we may not realize how much we need the light and power of Jesus until it seems like it has been turned off. Maybe God does that sometimes to remind us of how much power He has and how much we need it! And maybe, real power comes from circumstances that feel humble and weak. Let’s see how Luke connects a demonstration of power to Jesus’ word about what He will do to unleash the greatest power ever known.
FAMILY NIGHTS: Coming September!
We’re so excited to announce that starting Wednesday, September 9th we’ll be having fall Family Nights here at Hope! Join us at 6:15pm for FREE dinner for the whole family before we head into our classes at 7:00pm. 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.
BIBLE STUDY: And When You Pray
Does prayer ever feel like a burden or an unfulfilling duty? Join us for a 4-week Bible study beginning September 9th at 7:00pm as Pastor Gregg digs into scripture and helps us rethink what it means to talk with God and discover the purpose, benefit, and joy behind our prayers.
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
For the month of July, we averaged $12,635 per week bringing our annual average to $11,166. Both of these numbers are above our target for the year of $10,500. But even more importantly, they represent significant progress towards the increases needed to pursue a new home for Hope. While thousands more per week are still needed, July was our third highest giving month ever. This shows that we as a church have responded to the information at June’s meeting and are stepping forward towards the kind of financial support that Hope needs. Thank you and let’s keep praying for God to abundantly provide so we can follow His leading into a bigger home.
NEW TO HOPE RECEPTION: This Sunday!
If you are new to Hope in the past six months, we are so glad that you found us! Our leadership team and staff would like to get to know you more. Please join us for coffee and a sweet treat in the kitchen, between services on Sunday, August 9th. We can’t wait to meet you!
GRIEFSHARE GROUP:
WOMEN’S RECOVERY GROUP:
Our Women’s Recovery & Support group will begin meeting on Thursday, August 13th at 6:30pm. Meetings will continue on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. All ladies are welcome to attend as we break addictions and strongholds! Any questions contact Lisa Fiorile.
MEN’S BREAKFAST: This Saturday!
On the 2nd Saturday of every month, we host a fellowship event for all men post high school. Join us in the GoZone for delicious, hot, FREE breakfast, and a time of devotion and prayer. Get together with brothers in Christ and enjoy this time of community and growth! See you Saturday, August 8th at 8:00am.
MEN’S RECOVERY GROUP:
Our Men’s Addiction & Recovery meeting happens here at Hope on the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month. All men are invited to join us this Monday, August 10th at 7:00pm. For any questions, contact Bob Baumiester.
MEN’S FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE:
The HFFFL (Hope Fella-ship Fantasy Football League) is back for it’s 5th season! We can’t wait for another year of fellowship and connection through fantasy football. Whether it’s your first time playing Fantasy or you’re a football savant, we’d love to have you join us for this FREE league centered around community, camaraderie, and chasing that Championship Ring! The draft will be held on August 28th at 7:00pm in the auditorium! Register here by August 23rd – if you have any questions see Dylan Ott or Conor Ball!
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.
BACKYARD BBQ: August 16th
Please join us on Sunday, August 16 from 4:00-8:00pm at Pastor Mark and Dana’s house (6 East Avenue, Clayton, NJ 08312) for dinner, lawn games, swimming, and lots of fun! We’ll grill burgers and hot dogs, and we’ll provide side dishes and drinks. Please sign up at Connection Center and let us know you’re coming – if you can bring a dessert, there’s a spot to include that too. Be sure to bring your bathing suit and towel if you’d like to swim (and throw in a lawn chair if you have one!) Contact Dana at danaott@hopechristianfellowship.org with any questions!
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For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Mark & Dana Ott.
HOPE YOUTH
Weekly Sunday night Youth Group is on hiatus for the summer.
VIDEO GAME NIGHT: This Friday!
Gamers unite at the Hope Youth game night! All students from incoming 6th graders to outgoing 12th graders are invited to join us on Friday, August 7th from 6-8pm right here at Hope for a night of video games and fellowship! With multiple tournaments, free-play stations, and plenty of games to choose from there’s something for everyone! Snacks, prizes, and good vibes included so bring a friend and we will see you there!
FINAL POOL PARTY:
Looking for one last hurrah this summer? Don’t miss out on Hope Youth’s final pool party of the year! All 6th-12th graders are invited to join us for an afternoon of swimming, yard games, and delicious grill food on Sunday, August 30th from 3:00-6:00pm. Whether you’re new to Hope Youth, a regular, or just visiting you can come down to 973 Johnson Rd., Sicklerville for an iconic summer send off! Bring a towel, bring your swimsuit, and bring a friend. We’ll see you there!
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.
Check out our social media (and more) here!
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.org
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