DECEMBER 2014
The Enrichments of Generosity
Children’s Ministry ........................4 Youth Ministry ................................6 Adult Ministry..................................5
Rev. Steve Norden · norden@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 We’ve entered a season of the year that, for most of us, inspires and beckons
Music Ministry.................................3
our generosity. Thanksgiving Day gives us pause to remember all the blessings
Administration ................................2
that we enjoy and the source of those blessings – our extravagantly generous
Fellowship .........................................7
God. The weeks between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas encourage us to
Outreach............................................7
think about generosity and encourage us to be charitable in our personal generosity. Just this past week I read an interesting article that chronicled a research study on what motivates people to be generous. Researchers studied people who were given the opportunity to be charitably generous as they entered a store (think red Salvation Army kettles). What the researchers discovered was interesting. They found that, if those requesting donations were stationed at only one door, many would alter their course of entry into the store to avoid the
See page 3
request to give. If there were stations at both doors of the store, generosity increased. However, what was particularly surprising is that, if those requesting donations smiled at those entering the store, looked them in the eye and asked for a donation, generosity increased significantly. Perhaps it is all about the “ask.” If indeed that is true, then I’m asking you to be generous in the following ways during this Advent and Christmas season: See page 5
1.
Be generous with yourself. Take time to reflect on the meaning of this season and why it is so spiritually significant. prepare us for the Christmas story.
Read the scriptures that
Or you might consider listening to
Handel’s “Messiah,” at least the Christmas portion of the oratorio. Guard against being so caught up in the busyness of the season that you don’t have time to reflect. 2. See page 3
Be generous with your church. By the time you read this, you will have received a copy of the 2015 Proposed Budget for New Hope Church and a
4739 W. Powell Rd.
“Faith Commitment Card” giving you the opportunity to register your finan-
Powell, Ohio 43065
cial commitment so that God’s work among us continues to thrive. We sim-
614.766.5445
ply cannot accomplish what we believe we have been called to do without
NewHopeWorship.com Facebook.com/NewHopePowell Twitter.com/NewHopePowell
your support. Reflect on God’s blessings to you and respond accordingly with your commitment of financial support. MISSION OF NEW HOPE CHURCH:
To Reach People for Christ · To Root People in Christ · To Release People to Serve Christ
(continued on next page)
The Enrichments of Generosity (continued) Rev. Steve Norden · norden@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445
3.
Be generous with others, particularly those who are in need.
Over the years I’ve seen a well of
generosity at New Hope that rises up each Christmas season as we participate in Operation Christmas Child; our holiday outreach to families in need, Mission of Mercy; ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Kroger; and serving at His Place during the month of December. It’s axiomatic that, as we bless others, we find ourselves doubly blessed. As you take the opportunity to be generous to others during this season and as you reflect on what God has given you, may your heart resound with the words of the Apostle Paul, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
Administration and Finance Sandy Moberger, Church Administrator · moberger@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x37
The staff of New Hope Church works very hard to keep our expenses in check, and we were able to do so in the month of October. However, as the cold weather hits us, our expenses will rise. We are expecting a cold and snowy winter and the cost of snow removal and heating our facility will undoubtedly make it difficult to keep our budget in
October 2014
Year to Date
check. Thank you for your continued good stewardship of your
Income
$60,314
$720,115
time and finances.
Expenses
$44,496
$640,057
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Music Ministry Christine Loy, Director · loy@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x14 · NewHopeWorship.com/Music
New Hope Preschool Lynn Riley, Director · preschool@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.2446 · NewHopePreschool.com
November and December are busy months for the preschool. The joy and excitement of the holidays are so thrilling for the children. We had another exciting Turkey Trot Fundraiser. The children made their own turkey hats and gobbled through the halls going under, over, and through. They are so much fun to watch, and even more fun to gobble and waddle down the hall with. There aren't many places that you are encouraged to act like a turkey! We spent a lot of time during the month of November talking about all the things that we are thankful for. We received our Step Up to Quality renewal from the State of Ohio and are now a 3 Star Rated Program. The teachers and I work very hard and put in a lot of extra time to continue to meet the requirements of this program and to offer the best experience for the children. December is an opportunity for us to join together with families and friends to celebrate the meaning of Christmas. The children write letters to Santa and send them off to the North Pole. On December 17 and 18 we will have our Christmas Program. The children will sing holiday songs to their families, and the Pre-K classes will perform “The Story of Christmas.” At the end of the programs Pastor Steve, Pastor Sarah, or Children's Ministry Director Josh Barna will talk about Jesus' birth and the meaning of Christmas. This is one of the many opportunities that we have to share the true meaning of Christmas with our families. Enrollment for the 2015-16 school year for returning families and church members will begin on January 5, 2015 at 8:00AM. Be sure to enroll before it is open to the public on January 20. All enrollment paperwork will be available online in the “forms library” at NewHopePreschool.com. 2014 has been an amazing year. Each year we are given an opportunity to teach young children about God and help them on their path to Kindergarten. They are all unique in so many ways, and I cherish all the memories and blessings. New Hope Preschool would like to wish all of you a safe and Happy Holiday with your loved ones.
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Children’s Ministry Josh Barna, Director · barna@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x13 · NewHopeWorship.com/Children
DECEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER Monday, December 1: Club 45 at Kern’s from 6:30-8:30PM Wednesday, December 17: Birthday Party for Jesus at church beginning at 5:30PM Wednesday, December 24: Family Christmas Eve Service at 5:00PM
Sunday School New Hope’s Sunday Schoolers spent the entire month of November digging into the story of Joseph. They learned that God has big plans for them, no matter what their circumstances may look like! In December, Sunday School classes will focus on the story of the miraculous birth of our Savior.
Club 45 Club 45 met at the church in November to make cards and table settings for those for whom we are thankful. We meet at the Kern’s house on Monday, December 1 from 6:30 to 8:30PM to create fleece blankets to distribute to children at His Place, a mission centered in downtown Columbus.
Kids WOW Our Wednesday program continued to grow each week of November. Using games, song, and craft, and lessons about the Israelites’ journeys through the desert, we learned to trust God at all times! On November 16 the WOW choir fantastically led the congregation into worship at the 9:30 service. If you missed it, you can watch them online at NewHopeWorship.com/Worship. Make sure you come to our annual Birthday Party for Jesus on Wednesday, December 17, beginning at 5:30PM.
Christmas Eve Service At 5:00PM on Christmas Eve come to New Hope to be a part of this “living nativity.” Each child will get to choose to be one of the characters present during Jesus’ birth. Pastor Sarah will literally walk us through the story as we travel through the sanctuary to experience the story of our Savior’s birth! 4
Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults
Year of the Bible It is officially our last month in the Year of the Bible. As of December 1 we’ve read through 27 books in the Old Testament, 26 books in the New Testament, and 136 Psalms. Well done! Over the next 31 days we will read the twelve books of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament and the book of Revelation in the New Testament. If you are behind in the readings try and catch up as soon as you can, or just pick up the readings from the current day. If you expect to finish up by the end of the year, please let us know so we can recognize your efforts! There’s a quick form you can complete online at NewHopeWorship.com/YOB or at the Welcome Center at church. If you have questions please ask Steve or me. Now for some fun…how much do you remember from our readings in November? See how many you can get right before looking up the answers (see page 7). Bible Trivia from Ezekiel, Daniel, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John, and Jude 1.
What did God tell Ezekiel to do with the scroll from heaven?
2.
What did God tell Ezekiel to do to the dry bones?
3.
What was the punishment for those who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue?
4.
What did Daniel do after the decree was signed which stated, “Whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, other than King Darius shall be thrown into the den of lions”?
5.
According to James, faith without what activity is dead?
6.
Who does James use as an example of someone who had great endurance and patience?
7.
Peter says that God has granted us a living __________, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead?
8.
Peter says we are to come to the Lord as what living objects?
9.
According to John, “God is ___________”?
10. On what does Jude tell the beloved to build themselves up?
Are you on track to finish the Year of the Bible? Have you kept up with your daily Year of the Bible readings? Will you have completed reading the Bible all the way through by the end of 2014? If so, then we want to congratulate you! On Sunday, January 4, Pastor Steve and Pastor Sarah will recognize and celebrate everyone who made it all the way through the Year of the Bible. Therefore, we want to know who you are! Please respond online at NewHopeWorship.com/YOB or fill out a form at the Welcome Center by Sunday, December 28.
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Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults
Advent Adult Sunday School Class Not A Silent Night by Adam Hamilton 9:30 and 10:45 Imagine Jesus from Mary's point of view: proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person, and so much more. Adam Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion and resurrection; travels back in time as she witnesses his life and ministry; and ends at the beginning, with the Christ child born in a stable, Mary's beautiful baby. This year, experience Advent and Christmas with Mary. Adults of all ages are invited to join us for Sunday School. Come when you can; there is no need to sign up, and no homework! It’s simply a time to fellowship and grow in your faith with others.
Youth Ministry Bob Cline, Director · cline@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 · NewHopeWorship.com/Youth
Youth Group Service Hours Our youth have completed over 640 hours of service within the church since June of this year. Service hours from our youth parents are also in the triple digits. The youth are serving in programs such as Kids WOW, Children's Sunday School, Sports Camp, VBS, Music Ministry, and New Hope outreach projects including the Feeding the Hungry Project, His Place, and Operation Christmas Child.
Our youth putting up Christmas decorations in the Sanctuary
Our new fundraiser (“200 Envelopes”) has raised about $13,000 to date. We thank you all for your continued support. We will continue to provide service hours to New Hope in appreciation of the amazing support we receive from our congregation. 6
Outreach NewHopeWorship.com/Outreach
HoneyBaked Ham Gift Certificate Sale Do you plan on serving HoneyBaked Ham this Christmas? The Tammy A. Evans Mission of Mercy Team is selling HoneyBaked Ham gift certificates in $25 or $50 denominations. Please sign up for certificates no later than Sunday, December 14 at the table in the Narthex. Payment is due when you receive your certificates, which can be picked up on Sunday, December 21 between worship services at the Welcome Center. All proceeds go to support the Tammy A. Evans Mission of Mercy outreach ministry.
His Place Community Dinner New Hope is one of several churches supporting His Place, a community dinner at St. John's Episcopal Church near downtown Columbus, by serving hot meals to those in need. Volunteers are needed on Wednesday, December 17 to help serve the food and clean up after dinner. Sign up online at NewHopeWorship.com/HisPlace or contact LeAnne Siddell.
Fellowship NewHopeWorship.com/Fellowship
The Fellowship Committee would like to extend a big thank you to those who helped with our Advent Potluck Supper, as well as everyone who attended! Thanks to those who prepared turkeys:
Thanks to those who decorated the tables:
Jeanne Hanigan
Kathie Gardner
Christine Loy
Lynne Koblentz
Holly McDonald
Denise Loftus
Sandy Moberger Patty O'Donnell Loretta Rolle
And thanks to our Youth
LeAnne Siddell
for helping to clean up afterward!
Kathy Wisne
Answers to Bible Trivia from page 5 1. Eat it (Ezekiel 3:3) 2. Prophesy to them (Ezekiel 37:4) 3. Thrown into a furnace of blazing fire (Daniel 3:6) 4. He continued to pray to God as he had always done (Daniel 6:10) 5. Works (James 2:17) 6. Job (James 5:11) 7. Hope (1 Peter 1:3) 8. Stones (1 Peter 2:4) 9. Love (1 John 4:8) 10. Their most holy faith (Jude 20) 7
New Hope Church Calendar - December NewHopeWorship.com/Events
Monday, December 1 7:00PM Blue Christmas Service 7:30PM Prayer Meeting Wednesday, December 3 5:30PM Kids WOW 7:30PM Beyond Bethel Thursday, December 4 6:15PM Band Rehearsal 7:30PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting Sunday, December 7 9:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:30AM Children’s Sunday School
Saturday, December 13
Tuesday, December 23
9:00AM Cantata Dress Rehearsal
7:00PM Adult Ministry Team Meeting
Sunday, December 14
Wednesday, December 24
9:30AM Contemporary Worship
5:00PM Family Christmas Eve Service
7:00PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 9:30AM Middle School Sunday School 9:00PM Candlelight Christmas Eve 10:45AM The Journey Stage 1 Service 10:45AM Adult Sunday School 11:00PM Candlelight Christmas Eve 11:00AM Traditional Worship Service with Communion 11:00AM High School Sunday School Thursday, December 25 5:00PM Christmas Cantata 7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting 5:15PM Middle School Youth Group Sunday, December 28 7:00PM High School Youth Group 9:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:30AM Children’s Sunday School
9:30AM Middle School Sunday School Monday, December 15 10:45AM The Journey Stage 1 10:45AM Adult Sunday School 11:00AM Traditional Worship
9:30AM Children’s Sunday School
7:00PM Outreach Team Meeting
9:30AM Middle School Sunday School
Wednesday, December 17
10:45AM The Journey Stage 1
5:30PM Kids WOW
5:15PM Middle School Youth Group
5:30PM His Place Community Dinner at St. John’s Episcopal Church
7:00PM High School Youth Group
Thursday, December 18
7:00PM Stephen Ministry Meeting
6:15PM Band Rehearsal
11:00AM High School Sunday School
Tuesday, December 9 12:00 noon Senior Sages Luncheon 6:00PM Deacon and Elder Meetings 7:30PM Consistory Meeting Wednesday, December 10 5:30PM Kids WOW
10:45AM Adult Sunday School 11:00AM Traditional Worship 11:00AM High School Sunday School 5:15PM Middle School Youth Group 7:00PM High School Youth Group
7:30PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting Sunday, December 21 9:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:30AM Children’s Sunday School 9:30AM Middle School Sunday School
Thursday, December 11
10:45AM The Journey Stage 1
6:15PM Band Rehearsal
10:45AM Adult Sunday School
7:30PM Choir Rehearsal
11:00AM Traditional Worship
7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting
11:00AM High School Sunday School 5:15PM Middle School Youth Group 7:00PM High School Youth Group We may sing “tis the season to be jolly,” but we also know that it is not a jolly season for all. Join us Monday, December 1 at 7:00PM for a “Blue Christmas” service of comfort and hope. This is a short 30 minute prayer service with a time of fellowship together afterwards. We will acknowledge our pain, and remember that the true joy of Christmas comes from the One who came to heal our wounds and grant us His peace.
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Contact Us
4739 W. Powell Rd. Powell, OH 43065 614.766.5445 NewHopeWorship.com Facebook.com/NewHopePowell Twitter.com/NewHopePowell
Sunday Worship Schedule Living Water Contemporary Service 9:30AM · Traditional Worship Service 11:00AM
Rev. Stephen M. Norden, Senior Pastor
Gail Headlee, Communications Coordinator
614.766.5445 · norden@NewHopeWorship.com
614.766.5445 · webmaster@NewHopeWorship.com
Rev. Sarah Palsma, Associate Pastor
Holly McDonald, Accompanist
614.766.5445 x15 · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com
614.766.5445 · mcdonald@NewHopeWorship.com
Joshua Barna, Director of Children’s Ministry
Christine Loy, Director of Music
614.766.5445 x13 · barna@NewHopeWorship.com
614.766.5445 x14 · loy@NewHopeWorship.com
Bob Cline, Director of Youth Ministry
Sandy Moberger, Church Administrator
614.766.5445 · cline@NewHopeWorship.com
614.766.5445 x37 · moberger@NewHopeWorship.com
Connor Curfman, Tech Coordinator
Lynn Riley, New Hope Preschool Director
614.766.5445 · tech@NewHopeWorship.com
614.766.2446 · preschool@NewHopeWorship.com
Nancy Green, Office Administrator
Lara Valentine, Children’s Choir Director
614.766.5445 x10 · office@NewHopeWorship.com
614.766.5445 · valentine@NewHopeWorship.com
Do You Have Information To Share With New Hope? Contributions to the Sharing the Faith Newsletter are welcomed! Please submit articles to newsletter@NewHopeWorship.com. Deadline for the January newsletter is December 18.
Keep Your Subscription Up To Date! Change of address? Call 614.766.5445 or email office@NewHopeWorship.com. Switch to email delivery? Visit NewHopeWorship.com/Newsletter and click on Subscribe. 9