I really enjoy experiencing the changing seasons, do you? I’ve been loving summer, with its long hot days requiring trips to the beach. Then, just when I’ve about had it with the heat and humidity, autumn comes along and offers us a respite with its crisper, cooler days. I also love a winter wonderland, but just for a little while; then I’m ready for the ice and snow to disappear! At last, along comes spring heralding warmer temperatures and bringing the promise of new life. Seasons change, but our God doesn’t. He tells us this Himself in Malachi 3:6. “For I the LORD do not change…” Knowing that God’s character and eternal purposes do not change should give us a strong foundation for our faith. We can also count on Him to do what He says He will. “God is not like people, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does; He speaks, and it is done.” (Numbers 23:19 GNT) It is such a comfort to me when I think about how the God of Moses and all the OT saints is the same God I worship today. His power hasn’t diminished. His wisdom hasn’t decreased. His love for us hasn’t waned. You may have heard God described as being immutable. I looked at the dictionary’s definition – something that cannot be changed, is unalterable, or is permanent through time. That is right on track with what Scripture tells us. With the world and people around me constantly fluctuating, I am so thankful that I serve a God who “does not change like shifting shadows”! (James 1:17)
Our God is steadfast….Lois
SPIRITUAL CARE
Not the Outside, But the Inside (Luke 11:33-41)
Buying a used car can be an adventure. They generally do not have a warranty, so you have to decide if you believe that the car isn’t hiding some expensive problems. If you’re a mechanic, you know how to look inside and see for yourself. But for most of us, we have to do our best to asses from the outside. Jesus talks with religious people about this dynamic in the spiritual realm. Many people live like the outside appearance is what matters. But Jesus came to tell them that real transformation happens from the inside out.
FAMILY NIGHTS:
Join us at 6:15pm on Wednesdays for FREE dinner for the whole family before we head into our classes at 7:00pm. 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:
I Don’t Get It…
Following Jesus while living in this world can be very confusing. It seems like Jesus asks us to think or believe things that don’t seem fair or don’t make sense. Pastor Mark is going to take five weeks to talk through a few of the ones with a lot of friction between what our world thinks (and sometimes what WE think too) and what the Bible teaches. We’re going to look at topics like genocide, LGBTQ issues, a good God versus pain, abortion, and many more. Since we all hear what the world has to say about this stuff over and over, it would be really helpful to figure out how we can embrace what God says even if it is not what seems to make sense in the here and now.
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER:
Anyone can join us Sunday mornings at 8:00 in Pastor Mark’s office to pray for that morning’s services. All volunteers are encouraged to gather for Prayer Huddle in GoZone at 8:10 as we prepare to serve.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ballots are now available at Connection Center for all Hope partners to vote for 2027 Deacon and Leadership Team members! Due back Nov 1st. 2027 PROPOSED BUDGET:
Available at Connection Center beginning this Sunday, October 25th. Please direct any questions to Pastor Mark or our Elder Team.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:
Wednesday, November 18th at 7:00P
This year, we are adjusting our normal rhythm. In the spot where we have held our “Ask Us Anything” meeting, we will hold our Annual Business Meeting instead. While only OFFICIAL PARTNERS can vote, all Hopers are welcome at this meeting. We will share a lot of information about our progress and especially our finances with all who join us. VOTING will take place both that evening and on the following Sunday (by signed ballot) for those partners who cannot attend the meeting.
THE CHOSEN SCREENING:
Friday, November 6th at 7:00P
Join us for this exclusive night where we will get to watch the debut episode of The Chosen season 6 before it releases to the public! We will not have HopeKids! Programs for this event, so consider making this a date night. Bring your own snacks and we’ll see you there!
BAPTISM SERVICE:
Wednesday, November 11th at 7:00P
Baptism is an important symbolic opportunity to declare your testimony, and decision to follow Christ, in front of the church body. To participate, you’ll need to attend two classes – each will be held after the third service on Sundays, November 1st & 8th. Please sign-up at the front of the auditorium and be sure to grab a book! Any questions can be directed to Pastor Mark.
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 each month at 7:00P!
NOVEMBER 3RD: To Single or Not
In general, it seems like most adults think that it is better to be a part of a couple rather than just be single. But the marrying age for adults is much older than it used to be. In the 1950s, men (on average) were married before they were 23 and women were married at about 20. The average age of marriage now is over 30 for men and over 28 for women. This trend definitely influences how believers approach relationships and whether they feel ready to make that big commitment. Why do people marry later in life and is it better or worse for long-term relationships? Why do people choose to get married in the first place? And what should someone do who feels like they want to get married, but cannot seem to find their person? Join us to share your thoughts and to listen to what others think!
Follow us on Instagram here!
For any questions about Hope’s Young Adults contact Mark & Dana Ott.
HOPE YOUTH
Youth Group meets weekly on Sundays from 6:00-8:00P. Open to all 6th-12th graders!
JUNIOR HIGH SUNDAY SCHOOL: New!
Sundays during the 3rd service following worship in Flex Room
Hope Youth is starting a BRAND NEW Sunday School for our Junior High Students! 6th-8th graders will meet for specially designed teaching and meaningful fellowship in the Flex Room.
BONFIRE:
Friday, Nov 13th from 6:00-8:00P
All 6th-12th graders are invited to come on out for a special night of bonfire fun! There will be s’mores, games, and more as we make space for meaningful community this fall. Bring a friend! See you at 860 Main St. Sewell, NJ 08080.
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!
WonderZone (Preschoolers) – Sunday, December 6th
GoZone (K-5th Graders) – Sunday, December 20th
Be sure to have your kids in their Sunday morning class and on time each week so that they don’t miss out on practicing their songs leading up to their program date! For more information, click here for the WonderZone 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.
WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAMS:
We are so excited to have HopeKids! programs up & running again for infants through 5th graders during Family Nights this fall. We can’t wait to snuggle and care for your infants, build connections and set the foundation of faith with your preschoolers, and engage your elementary schoolers in activities to build their Biblical literacy. As we jump back into our midweek programs, all K-5th graders are encouraged to bring their Bibles each week to earn prizes and learn how to read from Scripture themselves! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity in the middle of your week to teach your kids to prioritize their faith!
Check out our social media (and more) here!
For any questions about HopeKids! Ministry contact us at: kids@hopechristianfellowship.org
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