Community Life Zone News
August 21: Hockey Team
Anyone interested in playing hockey this upcoming season please let Matthew know ASAP (contact info through the church office). Games are Friday or Saturday in Bowmanville and Oshawa. For more info contact Matthew!
August 21: Retell, Relate, Reflect
Do you find yourself talking to others about things you've experienced? A movie? The news? A book you read? A conference you attended? A Service Saturday? Or perhaps a sermon you just heard?
Hope Fellowship wants to tap into this natural opportunity for people to get together in small groups to talk about what God is doing all around them. As Pastor Peter has outlined in this week's newsletter, Hope Fellowship is introducing a new way to get connected into a small group this Fall. "Sermon Apps" is a discussion format for small groups that will enable us to ease into meaningful conversations, growing us closer in relationship to one another and Jesus Christ.
Presently, the Pastoral Care Elders are seeking individuals who are interested in facilitating a "Sermon App" group in their home, or at a location of their choice. Training and mentoring by Pastoral Care Elders and present Small Group Leaders will be provided. All small group leaders are invited to attend a Small Group Leader Training event on Sunday, Sept. 11, following the Worship Service from 12 to 2 pm. Bring a food item to share, and child care will be provided upon request. Contact Pauline Kaldeway, Community Life Coordinator, or any of the Pastoral Care Elders (Fred, Deb, Jack, Diane) if you are interested in leading a small group. Thank you.
February 20: Created to Serve Spiritual Gifts Seminar
HOW HAS GOD CREATED YOU TO SERVE?
If one of your takeaways from the EQUIP weekend was to discover more about your spiritual gifts, OR if you've realized since then that it would be valuable... Please join us on Saturday April 2nd from 8:30 am till 1:00 pm. here at Hope Fellowship. Discover more about how you were Created to Serve!
Understand more of your unique gifts, talents, passions and personality. Clarence and Brian will be your tag team facilitators. Sign up at the information Centre or call the church office to register. Cost is $10 per participant and includes a light breakfast. See you there.
February 20: SILENT RETREAT
Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Hope Fellowship, Cost: No charge
The season of Lent is almost here and a silent retreat is a wonderful way to begin. This experience will be Hope Fellowship's second silent retreat, and will be facilitated by Susan. Contact Pauline or Susan to register your spot.
February 20: Hope Gardens Project
Are you looking forward to Spring?
The mild weather we enjoyed for a couple of days this past week reminds us that Spring is just around the corner and for many that means planning and getting ready for gardening. Over the past few months a small group has been working to create a new Community Project right in our own backyard – Hope Gardens!
The mission of Hope Gardens is to strengthen community bonds by creating and sustaining a Community Garden space in Courtice (Hope Fellowship land) that will foster environmental stewardship, horticultural education and outreach opportunities, while enjoying recreation and sharing excess produce with community organizations.
Although plans are well underway, we are looking for the following:
- Individuals and/or couples who are willing to assist in the planning to ensure this project happens
- Anyone interested in renting (small annual fee) a garden plot for the 2011 season.
Check your mailbox next Sunday for a flyer with more information. If you are interested in the above please call Simon & Jenny or Roland & Patricia.
February 6: Equip Weekend
Thank you to all those who participated in this past weekend’s Equip Weekend Retreat. With 160 people registered, 27 children being cared for by our youth, and many last minute walk-ins, we surpassed our target goal of having over 200 people in attendance throughout the weekend. Praise God for moving in each of our hearts to experience this memorable event together. We look forward to what God has in store for us in the future as we give back our gifts to the Giver. See photos of the weekend on the bulletin board in the foyer.
Since the EQUIP weekend was about learning about your gifts and how to use them, here are some ideas to get you started:
GIFTS SEMINAR:
If you have not yet participated in a Discovering Your Gifts seminar, then you will want to register for this one day seminar which will be taking place on Saturday, April 2, at Hope Fellowship. Please, sign up at the information center or call the Hope Fellowship office.
Five Session WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY ON RUTH:
Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Hope Fellowship Is God a God of details? Does God really know what my needs are and care about how they’re met? If you’re ever asked questions like that, then it’s time to meet Ruth. Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were ordinary people living in ordinary times. Yet their faith in God and their willingness to obey God caused some extraordinary things to happen. The book of Ruth shows what can happen when people take God’s Word to heart. Despite overwhelming obstacles and some real heart-aches, Ruth and Naomi came through with flying colours because of God’s help. This study will help you see that the hardest times in your life may just be the times God does the greatest work in your life. Come join us.
MEAL MINSTRY:
Be sure to “taste and see” the display for our Meal Ministry on Sunday, February 13 between the two services. Sign up for the following opportunities: 1) Offer to fill a pan with a designated meal, 2) Create your own dish, or 3) Join with others in preparing a number of meals one Saturday a month.
REBELS NEEDED!
Canon Rebels that is! Do you own a Canon Rebel OR any other good camera? Do you have a passion for taking interesting photos? Hope Fellowship needs YOU!! We continue to experience many exciting events here at Hope Fellowship, and in the community. Since not everyone can be at every event, our photos allow us to share and preserve our memories with others as they are displayed on our bulletin boards in the East Wing. Please contact Pauline Kaldeway to sign up to take photos for an upcoming event.
MEN’S SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST 7:45 am - 9:00 am
Come on out to the Olympia Restaurant in Bowmanville, located at the corner of Temperance and King Street. Enjoy fellowship and a hearty breakfast. Contact Todd or Vic if you have any questions. Next Breakfast dates are: Feb 19, Mar 5, Mar 19, Apr. 2, Apr. 16, Apr. 30, May 14, May 28.
- Pauline Kaldeway
November 28: Catch the Wave
Prayer is Central to the Life of Hope Fellowship Church.
“The concern of the devil is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayer-less studies, prayer-less work, prayer-less religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” (Quoted from the book by Samuel Chadwick, “Magnificent Prayer,” preacher and writer, 1860-1932)
As we intentionally seek ways to enfold people into the life of Hope Fellowship Church, it is of utmost importance to continue providing small groups of people that are committed to praying for one another.
I am thankful for:
The volunteers behind our Vision Seminar which takes place 2x per year on the first Saturday of November and May. On this day, newcomers as well as seasoned attenders can learn of ways to gather with other believers in the community of Hope Fellowship. Special thanks to: Pastor Peter, Evelyn, Len & Marie, Helen, Deanna & Justine.
Pastor Peter who faithfully leads our New Members Class in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Throughout the 7 week session, individuals can reaffirm their belief in Jesus Christ, experience prayer support, and set goals for the future.
Our numerous small group leaders who take the time to lead Bible Studies for adults. I am thankful for their commitment to providing a regular place for fellowship, study, service, and prayer. Special thanks to: Clarence & Diane, Simon & Jenny, Andy & Joan, Kevin & Cindy, Chris & Krista, John & Joanne, Mike & Judi, Matt & Leah, Neil & Lindsay, John & Pam, Pastor Peter & Marja, Vic, Bill S., Bill F., Marie, Connie, & MJ.
Our numerous activity-based small group leaders who facilitate a place of belonging which allows those with similar interests to fellowship, serve, and pray for one another. Special thanks to: Rod (Hope Peddlers), Alice (Run/Walk with Hope), Stan (Men’s Hockey), Yvonne (Women’s Baseball), & Janette (Rubber Stamping).
We would love to have you join our team. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to volunteer in the Community Life Zone at Hope Fellowship. Check the web-site for details regarding these positions:
Prayer Ministry Co-Coordinator
Meals Ministry Coordinator
Kitchen Inventory Coordinator
Small Group Leaders/Hosts
- Submitted by Pauline Kaldeway
November 14: Catch the Wave
This month we are focusing on the Community Life Zone. The zone is divided into three main areas which include: Enfolding, Caring, and Discipling. Each area encompasses many faithful volunteers serving behind the scenes. More “thank you’s” to continue in the next newsletter.
Caring
I am most grateful for the work of our Pastor and four Pastoral Care Elders who serve as liaison and encourager to the leaders of over 50 small groups and ministry teams here at Hope. Pastor Peter, Fred, Diane, Deb, and Jack faithfully check in with leaders, make numerous phone calls, and provide prayer support and encouragement on a regular basis to our many leaders and members. I thank God for these wonderful people who are using their gifts and talents to ensure that Hope Fellowship is a place that cares for its people.
I would also like to publicly thank and acknowledge the gifts and talents of Yolanda, our Prayer Ministry Coordinator. Prayer is central to the life of Hope Fellowship and is vital to extending care to our members and beyond. Yolanda has been serving as Prayer Coordinator for many years and will be moving to other areas of ministry next September. We are praying that the right person will come along and serve as co-coordinator with Yolanda for the remainder of this year. Yolanda has blessed Hope Fellowship in many ways, including her attentiveness to God’s call on our church. She regularly provides scripture, quotes from the classics, and inspirational tidbits reminding us of the power of prayer. Over the past year, we have been challenged through meaningful devotions during our Spring and Fall week of Prayer and Fasting. We have been encouraged to experience Prayer Walks as a means of finding out what God is already doing in an area where we hope to make a difference. We have been invited to be God’s prayer warriors at home while serving on the Prayer Tree or assuming the role of Youth Prayer partner. We have been drawn to gather before and after the worship service through prayer teams. In the coming year, we will have a chance to participate in a Silent Retreat on a Saturday before Lent begins. Please, take a few moments to thank Yolanda for all that she has and continues to be for Hope Fellowship.
Discipling
I would like to acknowledge the work of our faithful Library volunteers who work many hours behind the scenes to ensure that materials for our library are selected wisely, catalogued effectively, and reviewed and advertised through our Hope Fellowship Sun. Joanne, our coordinator has brought a level of expertise to our library that has blessed us enormously. She leads a team of 6-8 additional volunteers who regularly take a turn staffing the library between the 9 am and 11 am service from 10:15 to 11:00 am every Sunday. A big thank you to Angela, Sonia, Glenna, Clarissa, Jenny, and Lindsay. We thank you for all that you are doing and pray that God will direct many of us, both adults and children toward greater leisure and wisdom through the reading and discussing of the material available to us.
In addition to providing a library of resources, here at Hope we also seek to provide opportunities of learning through seminars and workshops. I am grateful for the “behind the scene” work that Clarence and Brian have been doing in preparing for our upcoming Spiritual Gifts Retreat to be held on Friday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011 here at Hope Fellowship. Both of these individuals have gifts of teaching, administration, and a passion to help others discern their God-given Spiritual Gifts. Both of these men have experience in leading the Spiritual Gifts workshops, and we are most grateful that they are opening up an opportunity for every single member of Hope Fellowship to be part of a church-wide retreat this coming January. Please, take the opportunity to encourage these men in this ministry, and please pray for the spirit to move in all of our hearts as we seek to serve God with our unique design. More information will be coming to you soon!
October 17: Ever thought of running or walking a 5 km race?
Hope Fellowship’s Run and Walk With Hope group would love to help you through a training program that would prepare you to enter the Resolution Run, January 1, 12 p.m., starting at the Legends Centre in Oshawa. If this intrigues you, please join us at the church on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 8 a.m. and you will be given a training program and partner as well as registration information. The Resolution Run’s registration fee ($50), includes post-event refreshments and a stylish limited-edition running jacket, so you will look as good as you will feel when you enter 2011 more fit than ever.
Posted August 8: Why Get Involved in Groups?
We have many promises in the Bible. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three have gathered in my name, there I am in the midst."
Yes, God Himself would also like to be in your group, all you have to do is invite Him. We have a Father who loves us very much and wants us to spend eternity in fellowship with Him. He does awesome work through His people and has a plan for each and every one of us - we just need to be available.
Anonymous testimony taken from "Hosting Lifetogether":
About a year ago we opened our home to four couples for a home fellowship/Bible study. The first thing that came to my mind when I was asked to host a small group was reluctance. This turned out to be a good thing, because my reluctance forced me to step forward in faith and rely on God. It reminded me that He is leading me - that He embraces me, and walks hand-in-hand with me.
As new believers, we were way out of our comfort zone when we were called upon to host. We prayed, and left it in His hands. I could write a book about everything that has happened since then! God's hand has touched each and every person in our group. Unsaved family and friends have come to know Jesus Christ, prayers have been answered, there have been acts of service, divine appointments, etc. etc. We are a family in Christ, and "home fellowship" will always be a part of our lives.
Want so see God? Want to feel God moving in your life? Be available. Lives will be changed, and He will bless you.
Interested in leading or hosting a six session Adult study in your home this coming year? Fall, Winter, or Spring session. Pauline Kaldeway would love to hear from you a.s.a.p. cong_life@hopefellowship.ca
Posted June 13: New Women's Study
Can one woman really make a difference in her community? her country? her world? God's answer is YES! Come and meet a woman named Esther who never left her home, but whose one heart and voice literally changed the course of history and saved many lives! God wants to use you in a similar way, if you'll answer His call, "for such a time as this". God loves to use ordinary women by placing them in challenging circumstances and then calling them to prayer. It is in this divine place that God reveals his power and miraculous intervention. The mystery of history is that God chooses the ordinary to achieve His divine purposes.
Why not set aside 12 dates to get together with a few other women to learn and grow from this inspiring new study (includes an optional DVD with the study), "For Such a Time as This" published by Women Alive. If you would like to preview this study, or join a group for the Fall, please contact Pauline Kaldeway
Posted May 2: Small Groups
Did You Know...
- that you are invited to try out being in a small group on a Sunday evening at the church from 6 to 8 pm on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month. Come on out and enjoy some fellowship, a time to share in the Word, and a time to pray together.
- that you are invited to join a Women's small group that is meeting on Tuesday evenings in Bowmanville from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
- that Hope Fellowship is always open to hearing from those who would like to lead a small group. Come out and learn more at the next 5th Sunday Potluck luncheon.
For more information , please, contact Pauline Kaldeway at congreg_life@hopefellowship.ca or leave a message at the church office.
Posted May 2: Fifth Sunday
5th Sunday Potluck Lunch and Leadership Training at Hope Fellowship.
Please reserve Sunday, May 30 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm and expect a time of fellowship, encouragement, and inspiration.
Theme: Discovering Your Gifts
All Leaders and Aspiring Leaders are invited to attend.
Child Care is provided.
