Welcome to Next Steps!

We are so glad you are interested in taking that NEXT STEP in faith! You may be …

• New to this whole church thing and really just want to get to know other people
• Want to grow closer to God with people in the same stage of life as you
• Looking to know God’s plan for your marriage
• Figuring out who you are in God’s eyes
• Trying to manage money God’s way
• Looking to dive deeper into scripture

We think you will find just the right NEXT STEP for you. God does not want us to do this life alone, instead we are called to meet together (Acts 2:46) and encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11) in our relationship with God.

So we hope you will browse through the selections below, pray about it and take that NEXT STEP with Christ!

To register or for more details, e-mail Heather Mandala, Director of Small Groups or telephone 856-985-5588. We encourage you to register as early as possible as groups will fill up and we need time to order materials. Here's a printable brochure NextStepCatalog.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHAT WE HAVE LINED UP SO FAR …

Freed-Up Financial Living

As the economy continues to be challenging, this eye-opening, six-week workshop offers insight and guidance with hands-on exercises that will be sure to bring clarity to the participant’s current economic situation. No need to share personal financial information as various forms of record-keeping systems and other strategies will be explored. Cost is $15.

This course is being led by Ken Blackmon, Michael Byrnes, Nona Ostrove and Peter Palazzo on Sundays beginning February 5 at 9am. Make-up classes available. E-mail Nona with questions.
Target Audience - Anyone

HOPE's Singles Bible Study

This group is currently studying the book of Luke and meets one Sunday each month. Dates to be announced. Led by Randy Petersen and hosted by Nona Ostrove in her home in Voorhees.
Target Audience - Singles

Becoming a Romans 12 Christian

Billions of people profess faith in Jesus; yet many show little family resemblance in their daily lives. Through this study of Romans 12, learn how following Christ should affect our key relationships with God, the world, ourselves, other Christians, and non-Christians—including our enemies. As you follow Jesus in these relationships, you become a truly transformed disciple who can change the world and fulfill God's purpose for your life.
Marilyn Bills will lead this group each Monday beginning on February 6 at 7pm in her home.

Target Audience - Women

Genesis: A Walk Through Creation

We will do a verse-by-verse study of the beginning of the Bible:

The first ten chapters of the book of Genesis. It will be a look at the story of creation continuing to the story of the flood and the re-population of the earth through the sons of Noah. The focus will be on how God is at the center of all creation, and some related Scripture from Matthew, John, II Peter, Job, and Revelation will be interwoven with the text from Genesis.
Harry Gutelius will lead this group every other Monday evening at 7pm, beginning on February 27.
Target Audience - Anyone

Bad Girls of the Bible

Women everywhere marvel at those ‘good girls’ in Scripture … Sarah, Mary, Esther … but on most days, that's not who they see when they look in the mirror. Most women (if they're honest) see the selfishness of Sapphira or the deception of Delilah. They catch a glimpse of Jezebel's take-charge pride or Eve's disastrous disobedience. Like Bathsheba, Herodias, and the rest, today's modern woman is surrounded by temptations, exhausted by the demands of daily living, and burdened by her own desires. So what's a good girl to do? Learn from their lives, says Liz Curtis Higgs, and by God's grace, choose a better path. In Bad Girls of the Bible, Higgs offers a unique and clear-sighted approach to understanding those "other women" in Scripture, combining a contemporary retelling of their stories with a verse-by-verse study of their mistakes and what lessons women today can learn from them.

Vickie Crews is hosting this study which will meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month beginning on February 28 at 9:30 am. Child care is provided for $5 a family.
Target Audience - Women any age

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, a program designed to nurture mothers with children from infancy through kindergarten. MOPS offers instruction and support in a relaxed atmosphere of caring, sharing, and fun! Our HOPE MOPS group is chartered with MOPS International, Inc. This non-denominational organization helps us to nurture every mother by meeting her distinct needs. MOPS is primarily led by the mothers themselves with the addition of “seasoned, veteran” moms that are affectionately called “Mentor Moms.”

This group meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:30am. There is a semester fee which covers the cost of childcare.
Target Audience - Mothers of infants - Kindergarteners

Raising HOPE

Raising children is hard! Don’t do it alone. If you have a child in elementary, middle or high school, then join us in this ministry that encourages, equips and develops moms through their next phase of mothering. Moms share breakfast together and lift each other up with love and support. The group meets each month on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30am. E-mail Chris Graves at for details.
This small group is hosted by Christine Graves and runs the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 9:30 – 11:30am.
Target Audience - Mothers of children 1st grade and up

Ephesians

Can I really trust God with everything in my life? How do I fit in God’s plan of redemption? What does Christ’s sacrifice mean for my relationships with my spouse, my children, my parents and others? Join us as we tackle what God says to us in Ephesians about these questions and more.

This group is hosted by Heather Mandala on Tuesday nights, 7:30PM at her home in Voorhees. It begins on February 21 and will continue on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays for 6 sessions.
Target Audience - Anyone

The Gospel of John

An eight week study through John's eyewitness account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Designed for group study, with a companion DVD sold separately, you will read, discuss, reflect and discover how God demonstrated Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah, the one through whom eternal life is gained. Based on Purpose-Driven Life principles, the lesson is divided into times for connecting (fellowship), growing (discipleship), developing (ministry), sharing (evangelism), and surrendering (worship). Deeper study, reflections, and prayer sections are also included.

This 8 week study is hosted by Tammi Razzi on Tuesday nights at 7:30 at Salon 14 North in Haddonfield, beginning on February 21.
Target Audience - Anyone

Guys Group

If you are looking for Brothers in Christ who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get to work, this is the group! First Tuesday—we break bread and share fellowship by eating out or bringing food in usually from restaurants who have supported our Spring and Fall Craft shows with donations. Second Tuesday—guest speakers from both inside and outside of HOPE Church. Third Tuesday—service projects, from helping fellow church members, to saving HOPE money by doing small construction and repairs to the premises or the parsonage to bigger outside projects like painting a school or furnishing a room at Urban Promise in Camden. Fourth Tuesdays—internal presentation or devotional with fellowship and planning future events. Pastor Jeff joins us and leads our discussions on the months with a Fifth Tuesday. Outreach programs include our Spring and Fall Craft shows, helping with the Christmas Tree lighting and holding a BBQ for the Urban Promise Youth Leaders in the Spring. Our men’s fellowship programs include: a fall men’s retreat, our Chili Contest (new) in the winter and our Horseshoe Tournament and BBQ in the Spring. And while we are a men’s group we show our love and respect for all the women in our lives by providing a Mother’s Day breakfast for them and by giving out carnations at all the church services. We take off the summer months for some well-deserved R & R.
Target Group - Men any age

Always True:

God’s Five Promises When Life is Hard

Our Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study is taking on a brand new series beginning next Wednesday, January 18. Always True: God's Promises When Life Is Hard by James MacDonald, leads participants to understand the nature of God's promises, which are always true whether in good times or during times of trial in the believer's life. During an extended season of personal crises in his life, MacDonald discovered that God's promises are always true and that we can trust God to be faithful to His word no matter what we face. These universal promises are based on biblical truths and principles that will provide hope to all believers who face hardship.
The group meets each Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30am Child care is available. E-mail Dawn Casey for details.

Target Audience: Women

Boundaries With Kids

What the award-winning Boundaries has done for adult relationships, Boundaries With Kids will do for you and your children Here is the help you need for raising your kids to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend take you through the ins and outs of instilling the kind of character in your children that will help them lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling adult lives. Learn how to set limits and still be a loving parent, bring control to an out-of-control family life, apply the ten laws of boundaries to parenting, define appropriate boundaries and consequences for your kids ... and much more. Boundaries for Kids helps us give our children the skills they need to live realistic and full lives in meaningful relationships. Not perfect---but healthy!

This group is being hosted by Heather Mandala and Christine Graves. It will meet every Wednesday for 7 weeks, from 6:30 – 7:30pm beginning on February 8.
Target Audience - Parents

2nd Thoughts

This group is a great way to dive deeper into Sunday’s message. Have questions or want to expand more on a certain thought, this is the place to do it!
Pastor Rick Court will lead this six-week group Wednesday evenings, 7:30pm, beginning February 22 at the Chips’ home in Voorhees, Target Audience - Anyone

The Lies Women Believe

Even as professionals, mothers and many other things, we struggle with life and untruths. The lies we Christian women believe are at the root of many of our struggles. "Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation," says Nancy Leigh DeMoss. "Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners." In best-selling Lies Women Believe, Nancy exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women … lies about God, sin, priorities, family, emotions, and more. Instead of being overwhelmed, let’s face life together, with the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan's deceptions … God's truth! (And the support of other women JUST LIKE YOU.)

This group is led by Dorothy Daly and the initial meeting will be held on Thursday, February 2 at 7:30, runs for 6 sessions. We’ll determine our future schedule as a group, based on work/life.
Target Audience – Women currently working outside the home, with children.

Captivating

John Eldredge became the Robert Bly of evangelicalism with his blockbuster Wild at Heart. Now he teams up with his wife, Stasi, to encourage women to connect with their deepest desires. To facilitate this, the Eldredges reveal in the first chapter what every woman's three core desires are: to be romanced, to play a role in her own adventures and to display beauty. The rest of the book is an extended reflection on these three impulses. Drawing heavily on popular films to prove their points, the Eldredges warn that most women tend to become either controlling or needy. Godly women, in contrast, should see God as the ultimate lover, and look to Eve (and not, say, J. Lo) as their model. Also, women should form close, intimate friendships with one another, à la Ruth and Naomi.

This group is being led by Michelle Harkins and will meet on Thursday evenings at 7pm. This study begins on February 9 and runs every other week at HOPE.

Target Audience - Women 21 - 35

The Love Dare

This couples group uses The Love Dare, based on the movie Fireproof. The curriculum was created to help build and strengthen marriages using biblical principles. It is designed with an easy format that integrates movie clips, key Scriptures and group discussion.

This group is being hosted by Conrad and Emily Talley in their home in Collingswood. This group will meet every other Thursday evening at 7:30pm beginning on February 9.
Target Audience - All couples

Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study

This men’s group meets every Thursday morning from 6:30 – 7:30. They vary between book studies and Bible study (a book of the Bible at a time). If you are an early bird this may be the group for you!
This group is hosted by Jeff Bills and meets Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30 am. It is active now.
Target Audience - Men

James: Living the Gospel Together

What does true faith look like? How can we grow in wisdom and humility? What are some concrete ways we can serve each other in Christian love? Session topics include: Faith That Works; Wisdom
through Trials; Wisdom in Service; Gospel Living and Humility; and
Living the Gospel Together.
This group will be hosted by Steve Park and will meet every other Friday at 7:30pm in the Park's Cherry Hill home, beginning on February 3.
Target audience: Anyone

Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study

This group meets monthly for a book discussion. The book varies, but the discussion is always relevant and lively.
This group is led by Jeff Bills and meets once a month at 8:30 on Saturday mornings. The date varies.
Target audience: Men

Twisting the Truth

Unraveling the lies that twist our lives. In six insight-packed sessions, Andy Stanley exposes four destructive and all-too-prevalent lies about authority, pain, sex, and sin. They’re deceptions powerful enough to ruin our relationships, our lives, even our eternities—but only if we let them. Including both a small group DVD and participant’s guide that work together, Twisting the Truth untwists the lies that can drag us down. With his gift for straight, to-the-heart communication, Andy Stanley helps us exchange falsehoods for truths that can turn our lives completely around.

This group is run by Eric Olson and meets twice a month on Saturday mornings beginning February 11 at 9 am at HOPE.
Target Audience - Male ages 25-35

Acts 2 Supper Clubs

Acts 2 Supper Clubs are small, social groups that meet to “break bread together,” and allow people to get to know one another. Each small group will be made up of 10 to 12 people. Couples and singles alike will meet once a month for four months (February through May) with each agreeing to plan or host a gathering. Acts 2 Supper Clubs can be as formal or informal as you wish: a full meal or just coffee and dessert. No gourmet cooking is required. Yes, you can serve guests using paper plates and plastic ware. Yes, you can arrange for your group to meet at a restaurant or a coffee shop. For in-home meals, the host supplies the main dish and beverage while the others in the group bring the appetizer, salad, vegetable, rolls and dessert. Interested? E-mail Sharel Neilland at Sharel@MeetHope.org for details and to sign up. You may also sign up in the lobby.
This group is being coordinated by Sharel Neilland. Please register by
February 1 so you can be assigned a group.
Target Audience - Anyone

LOOK AT WHAT’S NEXT …

The Power of a Praying Wife

Bestselling author Stormie Omartian inspires women to develop a deeper relationship with their husbands by praying for them. The Power of a Praying Wife is packed with practical advice on praying for specific areas of a husband's life including his decision-making, fears, spiritual strength, role as father and leader, and his faith and future. Every woman who desires a closer relationship with her husband will appreciate the life illustrations, select Scripture verses, and the assurances of God's promises and power for their marriage.

Chasing the Wild Goose
This study pulls you out of inverted Christianity. "Instead of following the Spirit," Mark writes, "we invite the Spirit to follow us. Instead of serving God's purposes, we want Him to serve our purposes." Such a form of Christianity is sinful—displacing God from the center and putting ourselves there instead—but it is also deadly boring. Mark deploys the image of a caged animal at the zoo to describe the life of inverted Christianity. The natural beauty, freedom, and power of biblical Christianity gets locked away behind safe, comfortable, and predictable bars. If we want to chase the Goose, we have to get out of our cages.

Times, dates and leaders for these studies to be announced.

Prayer Shawl Ministry - A group of women gather to knit meaningful gifts for people in need or grief. CONTACT: Judy Beavan