CHURCH LIFE

A message from the desk of our pastor, Rick Boon ...

	Extending Christmas into 2012 What a joyous season of Advent it has been reflecting upon God's reach from heaven to earth through His only Son. Joyous because we connected as a church family, with our personal families, and with friend. Joyous because we had many opportunities to meet with God in special times of worship. It's a New Year!

As we remember the Gift, Jesus, and the riches we have in Him, let us consider the gifts that we can present back to God.

Your heart. God wants that most of all. Throughout your life He'll be knocking with His love and message. Will you let Him in?

Your time. The watch symbolizes how time is a gift from God, with portions given back to God for His service, used in prayer, used in service. He wants to be with you in relationship. Time given can make that happen. Give Him regular portions of time.

Your offerings. The five dollar bill symbolizes that God calls us to faith and obedience with our giving. As we give, our offerings touch other lives. It serves as evidence of faith and obedience to God who supplies our needs.

Our hands. The praying hands symbolize our giving prayer to God. It is important because this gift connects us with God and with each other. God desires our gift of prayer.

Your worship. The angel with uplifted arms symbolizes the worship that God desires and is worthy of. Certainly God is worthy of worship for who He is and what He does.

Your praise. The hymnbook symbolizes the praise we can give God- for His holiness, justice, goodness, and kindness, His salvation, power and faithfulness. Give the gift of praise.

Your thanks. For all of God's goodness we owe Him the gift of thanks.

Your service. The work tools and cooking tools symbolize the gifts and service that God gives us to use for Him and to bless others. Give God the gift of your talents in service.

As you give God your gifts, you'll find your lives richer, fuller, and more complete. Extend Christmas into 2012.
...Pastor Rick

Church Life- what we do and why we do it

We live in a culture where the reality of God is either ignored or seriously doubted. Many people are often confused about or indifferent to issues of ethics and morality -- issues that influence almost every decision a person makes throughout their entire lifetime. Decisions about friends, marriage, sexuality, family relationships, finances, work, and health are usually based upon personal preferences that are often formed by pressure from entertainment, media, marketing strategies, and peer pressure instead of solid biblical principles. At Hope we seek to integrate biblical principles into all aspects of life, and teach these important truths to our people.

Education is a necessary aspect for our worship and growth in the Christian life. Without the knowledge of God, we cannot worship Him with reverence and truth. We offer Sunday School classes for all ages in order to help us better understand the Christian faith, the Bible, and the character of God. We have a library located in our Sunday School area with many books, tapes, CDs, and DVDs on a wide variety of topics. All of these materials are available to our church family to use for further study.

Small Groups are an important part of our church life. In-home Bible studies offer in-depth discussions with others about spiritual and personal matters. These groups provide the kind of community that fosters friendship and support. If you feel alone, or would like the companionship of other Christians, we are a friendly, caring, outreaching congregation.

Committees are organized to handle any number of church activities and church business. These are yet another way to find involvement and build relationships with others. Our people are encouraged to share their spiritual gifts, skills, and talents in any area of their choosing: worship, outreach, fellowship, nurture, building and grounds, or consistory. The work of the church is a joy, and we welcome everyone's participation.

Children's Church is available for children ages 2 -8 years old as an alternative to staying in the sanctuary during the sermon. Children are welcome to stay with their families if parents so choose. Children's Church is designed to be a worship experience, teaching children the value of singing, praising, praying, tithing, and listening to God's Word using age-appropriate worship materials.