November 2011 www.journeyofhopecom.

com 8900 Pardee Road Taylor, Michigan 48180 (313)292-1660

We are changing the World One Life at a Time

Journey of Hope
Community Church

Mark Your Calendar

11.9 Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force 10 am 11.11&12 Puppet and Drama Competition 11.14 Monday Night Football for men At Pastor Bills Home 11.16-18 Joyfest Setup 11.19 Joyfest 11.29 Board Meeting at 7 pm

JOYFESTNov. 19, 2011

By Pastor Bill Fix

It is very hard to believe that Joyfest 2011 is upon us already. The doors will open from 9 to 9 Saturday November 19th. Of all the events that we are involved in Joyfest brings out the best in our church. Joyfest 2011 began about a month ago when we started accepting various new and used rummage sale donations. We will continue to receive rummage sale items through the November 18th, the Friday before Joyfest. We have been storing the stuff and currently it looks like about half of our gym floor will be devoted to the rummage sale. The other half will be covered with 6-8 moonwalks that the kids are sure to love. Our hallways will be filled with crafters selling their crafts and just in time for people to do some Christmas shopping. Beginning at 7 pm we will have a tremendous night of free entertainment with Puppets, Dance Teams, Illusions, ventriloquism, and a Special Concert by Common Bond. We have added a cake walk to all the fun events. This is a fund raiser for the ministries of our church. Please get the word out!

Taylor Ministerial Association to Meet Here Nov. 15

Journey of Hope, a member of the Taylor Ministerial Association is delighted to host the Monthly meeting November 15, 2011 at noon. On the agenda for this meeting will be a number of things including a report from a few of the area non-profit organizations. Jeremy Weichter, Chairman of the Taylor Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, will be one of the guests along with Starfish Child Development, and Neighborhood Legal Services. Plans for Each 2012 and Blessfest 2012 will be reviewed and a discussion about how we can best serve our community will be continued. Journey of Hope will be providing lunch for our guests.

Let your Light so Shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

Taylor Substance Abuse Prevention Task ForceCommunity Interest Meeting Nov. 9

Recreation in our community will be the discussion at a special meeting sponsored by Journey of Hope Community Church and the Taylor Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force. Our church has a beautiful facility with a full gymnasium and a lot of potential as the community continues to cut back on the extracurricular and recreational activities of our youth. We believe that there are indicators that point toward substance abuse and one of them is boredom and lack of purposeful activity. Journey of Hope has a dream to begin a School of the Arts or a Youth Center modeled after Youthville Detroit. We believe in our young people and we believe in our Community. This meeting is being called to discuss recreation in Taylor. We are involved because we believe we can be part of the solution.

Blessfest 2012
In May of 2012 we will participate in the 2nd Blessfest event. It will once again be held at Wayne County Community College at the invitation of the President Anthony T. Arminiak. The number of people that we helped in 2011 is staggering. It makes our heart feel good that hundreds of people received food, dozens of people were hired by employers that were on site, and testimonies abound with people who were saved, blessed, and appreciative. Lets do it again Journey of Hope!

NEW SMALL GROUPS FORMING

Currently we are looking for people who would be interested in forming small informal small groups in their home, at their work, in their school or in the church. These are interest groups and are to be designed to invite people who may not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The purpose of these groups is to build friendships, offer opportunity for training, fun, friendship, support, recreation, study and more. Bowling, euchre, basketball, photography, exercise, and other groups would all be fun. This is only limited by your interests and imagination. We want to start 7 new groups beginning in January with 4-12 people in each group. Interested in being a Small Group Leader, Host, Hostess, or Greeter? Please see Lori Parks, Pastor Bill, or call the Church office.

Puppet And Drama Teams In Competition Nov 11-12

Our Handfuls of Purpose Puppet Team and our All 4 Him Drama team will be headed for Canton Michigan, Nov 11 & 12 to the regional Puppetry and Visual Arts Festival and Competition. The judges and the audience will all have a vote to see who will be the Peoples Choice award w inne r . Th e judges will critique each team on their stage presence, their lib synchronization, their entrances, exits, animation and thematic performance. You will get to see the competition songs in a worship service real soon so be sure not to miss our Sunday Worship. Well be praying that these team perform at a professional level and bring back a medal to match the effort they have put into the performances. Go Journey of Hope! May God bless your tremendous effort!

New Ministry Intern Named

John Cabanaw, son of Sharon and Paul Cabanaw has been named and has accepted a ministry internship at Journey of Hope. John is a college student at Henry Ford and is in the final steps of achieving the high Boy Scout honor of Eagle Scout. John was interviewed by the Official Board October 25 and was unanimously approved for the internship. Please congratulate John on his appointment.

Pancake Dinner Big Success

Wednesday, October 26, we held a pancake dinner in our gymnasium. We are trying to bolster our attendance figures on Wednesday night by offering a monthly all church dinner. We had several guests and the evening included sausage, pancakes, pudding, coffee, lemonade and punch, the vegetable was candy corn (lol). A big thanks to Lynne Meharg for organizing this event and all the helpers that made the meal run smoothly; Grant and Holly Smith, Nancy Hoover, Ezio and Terry Panone, and Amber Carroll. We had 58 in attendance on this rainy Wednesday Night. The children each got a pumpkin to take home as a special gift from Ms. Lynne. We all had fun!!

A New Beginning
By Robert Paul Szekeley I TURNED FROM MY COMPUTER screen and looked out
the upstairs window. On the other side of the street, flying above the new shoots of green grass, I saw a small white butterfly. It was flying across our neighbors front lawn. It was flittering from side to side; you know how they fly. I am sure it was looking for some new flower or plant to land on. Looking for a new beginning, I mused. Not unlike us at times. About a year ago, I began to feel burned out as I worked on my newsletters, brochures and various other minor projects; things that I enjoyed doing for almost eight consecutive years. I decided that I didnt like working against the clock every month any more. These are my retirement years dont forget. I am looking forward to a new beginning. I talked to my grandson, Ryan Porter, yesterday about this situation: I quote from his sage advice: If it is no longer fun and become like a chore, then I would say it is time to do something else with your gifts. Thanks, Ryan. Currently I am seeking other avenues of ministry. I am sure I will not have to look very far. The horizon began to take on a brighter hue as I looked out my window. Ideas began popping in my head about all the things that have to be done yetthings that I know with Gods help and guidance I will enjoy doing for a long time.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

This short story is used with permission from our resident author, Robert Paul Szekely and his lovely wife Iris. Bob, was the first Newsletter Editor for our church and he did a remarkable job. He is the author of several books and formed a poets society within our church helping our amateur poets to publish a beautiful book of poems. Thanks Bob for all you have done for Journey of Hope.

A Word From Missionary Scott Smith

Some Children In Honduran Native Dress

I am thankful for the smooth transition for Brayan Moving into the city after a rough start of losing most Of his stuff in the house burglary. Gods continued provision for me while serving here In Honduras.

Praises:

Scott Smith, Jr. and a Friend at a Piano Recital in the City at the National Theater

Scott Sharing a Meal with some students

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Prepare a shoebox with gifts for a Boy or a girl to be sent to the world. Please no perishables or violent toys. A doll, a ball, a toothbrush with toothpaste, some hard candy, stuffed animal simple toys See Lori Parks for details....

My grandfathers surgery went well. Pray for continued healing. Prayer Requests Salvation for one of my teenage students. Being raised here on the ranch he has all the head knowledge, but lacks heart knowledge. Please pray that the Lord will allow me to say the right things when having Discussions with him. My electric scooter is on its last legs and the ATV that I was driving is not repairable. Please pray that: 1. God will lead me to the vehicle that he would have for me. 2. That the funds are made available. I Found a quad but it is about $2,000. (I was without any vehicle for about 3 weeks and it was very difficult walking around everywhere. I was very tired and couldnt sleep because my joints were hurting.) Praise the Lord, my scooter is up and running for now. My health: I have been dealing with some bad seasonal allergies. My Future: Pray for future decisions that I have to make. There are many burdens on my heart for so many of you! I continue to pray for you. So many friends are dealing with health issues, job issues/employment, relationships, and the list goes on.

Talk About Jesus Too

We often talk about the big game, the vacation, the kids, etc. but where does a conversation about Jesus fit in. If He is truly your best friend, talk about Him.

Al & Diane Mellinger's Missionary Adventure - Transition

October 29, 2011 Well another partnership building time is coming to an end on Monday (10/31) we head back home to Bulgaria. We have traveled over 12,000 miles by car (plus an airplane trip too), done more than 30 presentations, slept in 20 different beds, moved our sons to a new home, moved all our stuff that was scattered to their home, met with 3 groups who are planning to come in the near future, 3 pastors Conferences and a lot more. We are tired but it is a good tired. WE have met many great people and renewed connections with many more. We are so blessed to be part of God's BIG family! We return knowing that many people over here are praying for the work in Bulgaria. Now when we get back we will not settle down any. We arrive on Tuesday, November 1st then on Thursday, November 3 the Galloways arrive (they got there VISA this week! PTL), then on Tuesday, November 8th we are headed to Madrid, Spain for the FMC European Church Leaders Conference for a week and then at the end of the month we have a Catch Fire Festival and a Pastors Training day. All the while working to get the Galloways settled! Oh and did I mention we are right now in the middle of the Virtual Christmas Gift Box Ministry as well. We are not complaining but rejoicing that we can be so active and engaged in work that touches so many lives. So until next time keep praying and praising.

Don't tell me how hard you work. Tell me how much you get done."~ James Ling

Thanksgiving November 24
Thanksgiving truly is a time for giving thanks and counting our blessings. It is a time for family and pumpkin pies, turkey with dressing, ham, cranberries, and memory making. Enjoy this holiday to the maximum with family or friends.

JOHCC Movie Night

December 8 at 7 pm
We have combined the November and December Movie night because of the busy holiday schedule. A Christmas movie is being considered for this movie night.
November 19, 2011 Huge Rummage Sale (Great Deals) Eight Moonwalks (Lots of Fun) Craft Dealers (In Time for Christmas) Register for Free Gift Drawing Cakewalk (Win a Cake) Face Painter (Kids will Love This) From 9 am to 9 pm Evening Entertainment at 7 pm Dance Teams, Puppets, Concert Volunteers to Set Up Nov 16-18 Volunteers to work November 19 Rummage Sale Items (Bring to Church) Varied and Multiple Crafters Cakes for the Cakewalk For More Information Call Dottie at 313-292-1660

Your Help is Needed:

C e l e b r a t e

CELEBRATE SUPPORT GROUP Every Thursday 7 PM Need Some Good Friends? Need a Support Group? Great Support Refreshments Furnished For Information Call 313-292-1660

COUPLES SMALL GROUP Nov 3 &17

At Grant and Holly Smiths Home

Friends Fun Fellowship

Call For Information 313-292-1660

24834 Penn in Dearborn close to Telegraph Road

Stephens Ministry Continuing Education November 6 and 20 Meet at 6 pm For All Stephens

Assimilation Workshop
With Dr. Dottie Miller

December 4, 2011 at 6 pm WHO SHOULD COME?

All greeters, Stephens Ministers, Group Leaders, Board Members and Other Interested People

Sunday Adult Small Group Meeting 10-10:45 am ROMANS BIBLE STUDY Everyone is Welcome Ron WilliamsTeacher
Seed Planters Adult Bible Study The Book of John Wednesday at 1 pm Pastor Bill Fix

Light Refreshments Provided

FAMILY NIGHT WEDNESDAYS AT 6:30 PM Genesis Study Wednesday Night at 6:30 PM Matt ParksTeacher WEE KIDS Preschool5th Grade Wednesday Nights 6:30 pm Teachers: Lynne Meharg, Dottie Fix and Pastor Bill Fix Youth Group 6-12 Grade Wednesday 6:30 pm

Look At Us Now George

Observation Test!
This is a timed test . . you have only 3 minutes. Be sure to time yourself. Read everything carefully before doing anything. Put your name in the upper right hand corner of this paper. Circle the word name in sentence 2. Draw 5 small squares in the upper left hand corner. Put an X in each square. Sign your name under the title of this paper. Put a circle completely around sentence number 7. Put an X in the lower left hand corner of this paper. Draw a triangle around the X you have just put down. On the back of this paper, multiply 703 by 12. Draw a rectangle around the word corner in sentence 4. On the reverse side of this paper add 8950 and 9805. Put a circle around your answer, and put a square around your answer, and put a square around the circle. Underline all even numbers in this test. Now that you have finished reading everything carefully, do only sentences one and two.

NEED HELP JUMP STARTING YOUR FAITH?

SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH PASTOR BILL, DOTTIE, OR ONE OF OUR MINISTRY DIRECTORS CALL DOTTIE AT 313-292-1660

the Blesser behind all of our blessings. President George Washington would have had this reaction if he could see America today. God has surely blessed us. With Gods blessing we have prospered abundantly. It seems right that Christ followers would be the first to recognize that God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. God rewards obedience to His word. The Bible teaches that a tithe of our blessings should be returned to God.; A dime for every dollar. Blessing follows obedience. Obedience is a byproduct of love, thankfulness and surrender. Following Gods will makes us more like Christ who always did his Fathers will. What would Jesus do is more than a cute phrase, its being obedient to Father God. PB

Baby Dedication
The entire Love family were present to support Kayla in the dedication of her baby, Roman. It all happened October 16 during the 11 am worship service at Journey of Hope Church. Bill Chapman photography recorded the big day with several beautiful pictures used here with permission.
In the foreground Kayla, Pastor Bill, Roman, And Cyndi Hudgins

Mens Monday Night Football November 14

8pm At Pastor Bills Home 25770 Melody Street Bring Your Favorite Snack Stay until Halftime Cmon Guys Lets Get Rowdy!

VERY FUNNY
A social worker who had recently transferred from the big city to the mountains was touring her new territory. She came upon the tiniest cabin she had ever seen. Intrigued, she knocked on the door. "Anybody home?" A child's voice answered, "Yep." "Is your father there?" "Pa? Nope, he left before Ma came in." "Well, is your mother there?" "Nope, Ma left just before I got here." Are you never together as a family?" "Sure, but not here. This is the outhouse!"

Have You Been Discipled?

Every Christian should be equipped to make disciples. Proclaiming Christians today need to be discipled so that they can disciple others. We do a lot of things in the church that we were never asked to do. Jesus commanded us however to make disciples. Everyone is called to do that. Pastor Bill is committed to two things this coming year (1) Winning the lost (2) Making Disciples. You too can do this. It is very rewarding. Want to know more? A few people can make a big difference. See Pastor Bill for more information.

TRUE STORYBack in the 50's there was a well known radio host/comedian/song writer in Holly-

wood named Carl Stuart Hamblen who was noted for his drinking, womanizing, partying, etc. One of his bigger hits at the time was "I won't go hunting with you Jake, but I'll go chasing women." One day, along came a young preacher holding a tent revival. Hamblen had him on his radio show presumably to poke fun at him. In order to gather more material for his show, Hamblen showed up at one of the revival meetings. Early in the service the preacher announced," There is one man in this audience who is a big fake." Hamblen was convinced that he was the one the preacher was talking about. Still the words continued to haunt him until a couple of nights later he showed up drunk at the preacher's hotel door around 2AM demanding that the preacher pray for him! But the preacher refused, saying, "This is between you and God and I'm not going to get in the middle of it." But he did invite Stuart in and they talked until about 5 AM at which point Stuart dropped to his knees and with tears, cried out to God. But that is not the end of the story. Stuart quit drinking, quit chasing women, quit everything that was 'fun.' Soon he began to lose favor with the Hollywood crowd. He was ultimately fired by the radio station when he refused to accept a beer company as a sponsor. Hard times were upon him. He tried writing a couple of "Christian" songs but the only one that had much success was "This Old House", written for his friend Rosemary Clooney. As he continued to struggle, a long time friend named John took him aside and told him, "All your troubles started when you 'got religion,' was it worth it all?" Stuart answered simply, "Yes." Then his friend asked, "You liked your booze so much, don't you ever miss it?" His answer was, "No." John then said, "I don't understand how you could give it up so easily..." And Stuart's response was, "It's no big secret. All things are possible with God." To this John said, "That's a catchy phrase. You should write a song about it." And as they say, "The rest is history." The song Carl Stuart Hamblen wrote was "It Is No Secret." "It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open, He'll welcome you. It is no secret, what God can do...." By the way... the friend was John Wayne. And the young preacher who refused to pray for Stuart Hamblen?...That was Billy Graham.

Did anyone see these guys at the Journey of Hope Harvest Party?

New Mission Statement

Journey of Hope Community Church will include and unite all people in living, proclaiming and instilling the message, Spirit, and transforming power of Jesus Christ by both being and making Christ Followers with a faith that is alive, growing and active.

Pastor Says Thanks

Dottie and I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming Pastor Appreciation Month. Thanks for the many gifts, cards, dinners, prayers and embraces. We love being your pastor.

NOVEMBER AT A GLANCE
Wednesday NightsFamily Night for all age levels 6:30-7:30 Thursday Celebrate Support Group 7 pm Thursday Jumpstart AA 8:30 pm Sunday Worship Service8:30 am and 11 am, Adult SS 10 am Sunday Nov. 6Remember to set your clocks back. Wed. Nov 9 - Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force 10 am Fri Sat Nov 11-12Puppet and Drama Competition (Canton) Nov 16-18Set Up For Joyfest Nov 15Taylor Ministerial Association Meeting Here 12-1:30 Nov 19Joyfest 9-9 Nov 20Communion Sunday Nov 24Thanksgiving Nov 29Board Meeting at 7 pm