Fall 2024 Newsletter

FALL 2024

NEW HOPE

Celebrating 40 Years of Ministry Sharing our Faith from 1984-2024

Indian Run Elementary (1984-1991)

“Polar Bear “ Church (1991-2005)

New Hope “The Church by the Zoo” (2005-Present)

A Story of New Hope Pastor Sarah Palsma

Co-Pastor, Palsma@Newhopeworship.com Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3).

I've been taking time over the summer to look through pictures of New Hope's history. The images I have found covered four decades of diligent prayer, worship, generosity, mission, service, and discipleship with New Hope Church. Flipping and scrolling through the many pictures that make up New Hope's story elicited joy and laughter. (Oh, the fashion and hair trends of the past four decades!) There was also a presence of nostalgia and some sorrow as I looked upon the faces of people who were no longer with us.

These pictures tell the story of the people of New Hope—people who are part of the great cloud of witnesses and have given an impactful legacy of faith, service, and discipleship. We've included some pictures throughout this special 40th Anniversary edition of the newsletter for you to enjoy. See how many faces you recognize!

As I considered the people in these photos, I began to reflect on how each person has their own story of 'new hope' experienced not just at this church but through the life-changing presence of Jesus Christ.

One of the most beloved pictures of New Hope is the central Jesus stained-glass window in the sanctuary. It is a piece of art that I have heard many awe-inducing remarks over the years. Embedded in the artistic scene of that window is the visual representation of hope. Our hope is rooted in the promises of God, symbolized by the rainbow, and finds fulfillment in the risen Christ. The arms of the Jesus figure are extended and open, symbolic of our desire to reach out to all who come, offering them new hope in the person and power of Christ. This picture reminds us of our church mission: To reach people for Christ, root people in Christ, and release people to serve Christ.

My journey with New Hope began in March of 2008. I was in my senior year at Northwestern College on the A Cappella choir spring break tour when the choir sang at New Hope. I vividly recall the warm welcome and hospitality of New Hope.

The experience of being served City BBQ for dinner after days of lasagnas was a delightful surprise! Little did I know that three years later, a conversation with Rev. Steve Norden in Western Seminary's library would lead to an interview for the Associate Pastor position at New Hope. And now, thirteen years later, I find myself still serving as one of your pastors alongside Chris Jacobsen in a new leadership model. It's all part of God's plan, of course.

Reflecting on my personal history with New Hope and these pictures has also filled me with anticipation for what's next for our church. The legacy of New Hope is not just a thing of the past, but it's being lived out in countless stories of 'new hope' discovered at VBS, on a mission trip, in a small group gathering, at a retreat or fellowship event, serving at FESTA or Common Ground. The list is endless. God has been lovingly crafting a masterpiece called New Hope, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us next.

On Sunday, September 15, we will celebrate New Hope's past, present, and future as we give thanks and glory to God in the 10:00 AM worship service. Later that same day, at 5:00 PM, you are invited to join us for a community picnic in the church's backyard. City BBQ will provide the food, Shane Steven's Band will provide the music, and bouncy houses and games galore will provide the entertainment. You are encouraged to invite friends, neighbors, and community members to celebrate with us and experience 'new hope.'

Pastor Chris and I hope you will honor our past and celebrate with us as we thank God for forty years of faithful ministry. To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21)

Rev. Steve Norden at Indian Run

Rev. Steve Norden & Rev. Steve Pierce aka “Big Steve & Little Steve” 2003

Pastor Sarah 2018

Installation Service for Pastor Chris & Pastor Sarah 2022

Pastor Steve & Pastor Sarah 2022

A Brief History of New Hope In February of 1984, Steve and Jean Norden, along with their two-year-old son, Billy, moved to Dublin to begin a Reformed Church in America congregation in the rapidly growing suburbs of northwest central Ohio.

The Classis of Holland and Synod of Michigan were the sponsoring bodies and provided financial and human resource support during New Hope’s formative days.

New Hope held its first worship service on September 16, 1984. We met in the gymnasium of Indian Run Elementary School in Dublin, where the congregation worshiped for seven years.

In 1987, New Hope purchased 20 acres of property on Powell Road next to the Columbus Zoo. The mortgage on the property was burned on Father’s Day of 1989, three years ahead of schedule. A groundbreaking celebration for New Hope’s first facility occurred in April 1991, and the first worship service in the new building happened in October of that year. Following an exchange and sale of property between New Hope and the Columbus Zoo, a new building was constructed just east of the first facility, what we affectionately call “the Polar Bear Church,” and the congregation held its first worship service in its present facility on May 15, 2005.

Over the years, New Hope has been supported by various ministry and office staff. To all the staff, past and present, we give thanks. We’ve also been blessed by the pastoral leadership of Rev. Steve Norden (19842021), Rev. Steve Pierce (2003-2008), Rev. Sarah Palsma (2011-present), and Rev. Chris Jacobsen (2022-present).

New Hope has gained a reputation as a warm, welcoming congregation. As the congregation looks toward the future, the focus is on growing in our discipleship as servants of Jesus Christ and reaching out into our community and beyond with the good news of God’s love.

Some Things Never Change Rob Chappell

Church Administrator, administrator@newhopeworship.com

If you’ve ever been to an Ohio State Buckeyes game, surely you’ve heard the alma mater “Carmen Ohio.” There’s nothing like locking arms with loved ones and strangers alike and swaying side to side as 100,000 scarlet-clad fans sing together. Thinking back over the life of New Hope reminds me of a line from that glorious anthem: ”Time and change will surely show, how firm thy friendship O-HI-O.” Time has brought about much change at New Hope over the past 40 years, but one thing that has remained firm is our friendship with one another in the love of Jesus Christ.

The change that brought tears to many of our eyes was saying goodbye to staff, especially our children's ministry director, Rachel Warren. We wish Rachel the best and thank her dearly for her 8 years serving at New Hope. As sad as that was, I'm equally thrilled to welcome Katie Ové and Aaron Schaffer as leaders of our children's and youth ministries.

This past year, like many others, has been full of change. Last summer, much of the church got a facelift with new carpet and paint. The preschool playground was completely redone to be more fun and accessible. This spring, the sanctuary was upgraded to accommodate our new Walker organ and the Wi-Fi network system was replaced. As summer arrived, so did our Walker organ. Shortly after the organ installation, a new livestream mixing desk and wiring was built. Notwithstanding all these large capital expenses, we were also able to pay down the mortgage by $250,000!

As we reflect on the past 40 years at New Hope, it's clear that while time has passed and change is inevitable, our commitment to each other and our mission remains steadfast. From the tangible improvements to the heartfelt farewells and warm welcomes, we've experienced the greatness of God at work in our church. Just as Carmen Ohio's lyrics remind us of the lasting bonds forged through time, our shared faith and dedication continue to strengthen the fabric of New Hope. With gratitude for the past and optimism for the future, let us move forward together, embracing one another arm-in-arm with the same love that has always defined us.

New Hope Prayer Garden

Floor Signing 2023

Adult Ministry Then A reflection By Mark Dutton I first started teaching adult classes back in the original church building. That building did not have any dedicated classroom spaces, so we always met in the sanctuary, which was really just a large multi-use room. Several classes would happen at the same time, so it was a noisy environment, and I was always worried that the other class would get too excited and distract my group.

I have been teaching for over 20 years, and during that time, we have covered a wide variety of formats: books of the Bible, inspirational books by Christian authors, video series, histories, and biographies. I even spent one year diving deeply into the scripture for each week’s sermon. I also shared the classroom with many different teachers, some only doing a single class, others teaching over the years. New Hope has been blessed with people willing to share their faith and love for God with the community.

Over the years, pastors and teachers have come and gone, topics and methods have changed, and days of the week have varied, but the one constant is that New Hope has always offered adult classes.

First Bethel Class 1989

Women’s Gathering 2000

The Gathering Young Adult Group 2005

Senior Sages 2000s

Adult Education 2000s

Bethel Grads - Spring 2024

US Hunger Project 2023

Women’s Retreat 2021

Women’s Bible Study - Covid Era 2020

Men’s BBQ Fall 2023

Adult Ministry Now Pastor Chris Jacobsen

Co-Pastor, Jacobsen@newhopeworship.com There is a lot to be excited about this year in Adult Discipleship Ministries at New Hope! As Mark Dutton wrote, New Hope has a long history of fabulous teachers and classes, and that will continue this fall with classes for men, women, parents, and those who want to dive deeper into the core basics of Christianity. On Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, there will truly be something for everyone to gain wisdom and knowledge as we deepen our faith in Christ.

New this year to New Hope is Faithwalking, a process of growing in our faith and spiritual maturity through learning to better understand ourselves and our identity in Jesus Christ.

Participants will begin the Faithwalking process by learning about how we were formed as children and ways that formation can help us and harm us in our journey of faith development.

This has been a life-changing experience for me, and I’m excited to bring it to New Hope! An initial group will begin Faithwalking in September, with classes open to others starting in January.

We are always open to new class ideas, so if there is something you would like to learn more about, please let me know! The new round of adult discipleship classes begins on Sunday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 18. Watch the email newsletter and Sunday bulletin for more information. I’m looking forward to learning with you!

Children's Ministry Then Emma HogrefE

Children’s Ministry Program Coordinator, Hogrefe@newhopeworship.com

New Hope has been a part of who I am and who I have grown up to be for the past 28 years. Having grown up in their Children's, Youth, and now Adult Ministries, I am so thankful for the impact it has had on my life and will continue to have. I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities that I have been able to be a part of and serve in.

Some of my fondest memories are from mission trips spent with friends who have become family. New Hope has also led to an opportunity for me to use my time and talents to serve the children and families of New Hope through our Children's Ministry and Team EveryBuddy. It is my hope and prayer that others feel the same love and support from New Hope that I have.

Christmas Eve early 2000s

Sports Camp 2012

Christmas Pageant at the Zoo 1985

Sunday School in 2003

VBS 1984

Christmas Pageant at the Zoo 1985

Easter at Indian Run

VBS 2010

VBS 2024

VBS 2022

Birthday Party for Jesus 2022

VBS 2021

VBS 2022

Children's Ministry Now Katie OvÉ Children’s Ministry Director, Ove@newhopeworship.com

Hello! My name is Katie Ové, and I am so excited to be the new Children's Ministry Director! I have been attending New Hope Church for about seven years, and my two youngest children attended preschool here. I have four children: Christopher, 13; Wesley, 12; Gwen, 10; and Jonny, 9, who attend Dublin City Schools. Before having children, I taught in the Dublin School system for six years, then took a break to be a stay-at-home mom until my children were older.

Like many people, I have experienced some life challenges and have found inspiration and comfort through New Hope Church. Over the past few years, I've had a career in banking but I have wanted to return to working with children. Working as the Children's Ministry Director provides the perfect blend of sharing spiritual faith and children. I know what an impact it has had on my children and my life, and I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to help facilitate an environment where children can experience the love and faithfulness of our Lord.

Youth Ministry Then A Reflection by Stephanie Vermeer I joined New Hope in high school and met my husband, Craig, on a youth ski trip (see bottom left photo). I do not have room in this paragraph to enumerate the ways the New Hope youth program changed my young life and gave me ways to know and love God, but as I reflect, I realize the New Hope youth ministry is still continuing to change me and my family.

I have dear friends in the church who began as my mentors while I attended youth group, and while I have moved on from many friendships made during my high school years, the relationships I made during youth group hold steadfast. What I love most of all now is watching my own kids participating in the youth ministry program and witnessing this positive cycle continuing. The energy that New Hope spends in helping our youth find and know God and His people is such a blessing. It reminds me of Isaiah 55:11: “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”

I am grateful each day for the energy sent out from our congregation and the fruit produced in the youth ministry of our church.

Brooklyn Mission Trip 2005

Noxen Mission Trip 2010

Ski Trip 1990's

Ski Trip 2002

Genesis 2006

White Elephant 2019

Mini Mission Trip 2020

MS Youth Group - 2019

Confirmation Class Service Project 2018

Mission Trip 2024

Youth Ministry Now Aaron Schaffer

Youth Director, Schaffer@newhopeworship.com

Hello, my name is Aaron Shaffer, and I am incredibly excited to start this next era at New Hope.

Youth has always been an important part of my life. From a young age, I spent hours upon hours in the youth band, going to camps, serving the city, and having a great time making lifelong friends. I soon found myself passionately involved in helping the next generation find who they are, where they belong, and the love of Christ and the church supporting them. I’ve seen my fair share of lock-ins to mission trips and see that those experiences make youth ministry unique and a ton of fun.

A friend and mentor of mine once said, “The youth always win.” With the amount of potential they have to change the world, I believe it is us as a church that gives them the space, tools, and support to lovingly guide them into those callings to do so. Now that I have the opportunity to lead, I hope to bring my experiences to New Hope and learn from the wonderful staff, families, and, most importantly, youth to truly create a community focused on unity, understanding, and compassion. The future of youth ministry is boundless, with opportunities to grow together.

Looking forward, I hope to lift up a steadfast group of young adults who are dedicated to the future of New Hope and living out the Gospel with each step they take.

Music Ministry Then A Reflection by Suzanne Haring

I started singing in the choir at New Hope in the autumn of 1993. I have always been an alto. I remember wearing choir robes each Sunday, singing traditional hymns and anthems in worship, doing special music at Christmas and Easter, and even singing at the outdoor Easter sunrise service.

Over the years, choir directors have come and gone, as have choir members. The music has grown and changed, but my experience in the choir is about more than what we sing and what we wear. We are a “small group,” we support and pray for each other. The choir even threw me a bridal shower. We celebrate birthdays and have ice cream at the end of each choir year. We laugh and work hard together to make a joyful noise to the Lord. I can’t believe I have been in the choir as long as I have. I look forward to singing each rehearsal (for the most part) and each Sunday we sing. I believe we add to the congregation’s worship experience in ways that (we hope) make them more aware of the Holy Spirit and the presence of God in the service. I have rarely been in the congregation when the choir sings, but when I have, I have felt the difference.

Being in the choir is a commitment, but the rewards far outweigh the cost of that commitment.

Choir Practice - 1990's

Men’s Vocals - 1990's

Indian Run Choir - 1980's

1990's Music

Choir - 2000's

Generations Choir 2023

Easter Sunrise Music

Walker Organ Delivery

Cantata 2022

Music Ministry Now Christine Loy

Loy@newhopeworship.com, Newhopeworship.org/music I came to New Hope Church in August 2006 when my family moved back to Columbus, and I accepted the Music Director position. I remember my first Sunday here as a worship leader like it was yesterday; it has been a privilege to lead you all in praises to Jesus through the Music Ministry since that day and for the last 18 years.

Together, we have seen a new generation of musicians come forward in our choir and praise band. I think of people like Sarah Arocha, who began singing in our children's choir when she was in elementary school, continued in our Youth Music team, went away to college, and then returned to New Hope to lead worship. The future of the Music Ministry belongs to the next generation of musicians coming up the ranks. It is not, at all, about the style of music or type of service – but the true authentic worship of Jesus Himself.

God has given every generation a 'new song' to sing. Even so, today, we have many prolific songwriting teams that give voice to the specific movement of the Spirit for this time in history.

I am convinced that New Hope Church will continue to sing theologically rich songs that build our faith, songs that echo our heart's cry for a deeper relationship with the Lord, and songs that honor Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, King of Kings and Lord of Lords for all eternity.

"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with everincreasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is – there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

NEW Livestream Tech Booth

New Tech Booth Build

Tech Livestream

Covid Worship Recording (with Penny)

Tech Booth 2006

Behind the Scenes 2020 Covid Worship Recording

Cantata 2023

Media Ministry Michael McGee

tech@newhopeworship.com

As you can see from the bottom left photo of the original tech booth at our current church, New Hope's tech/media ministry has grown! We now have a team of 14 people who work together to help us share the Good News across our different media platforms. We have more than 1,000 followers on Facebook, nearly 500 subscribers on YouTube, and over 300 on Instagram, reaching over 13,000 viewers! We even have regular livestream viewers in Kenya and Paris.

As we look forward to the future, I am excited to share that we have installed a new network for both the church and preschool and new monitors across the church for viewing our live stream services. The Lord has been faithful as He continues to bless the Media Ministry with dedicated volunteers and support from the congregation to complete the projects that help us spread the Good News for all to hear.

New Hope Preschool & Education Center Suzie Stalter, newhopepreschool.com New Hope Preschool and Education Center was licensed by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services and opened in Fall 2005. The first year, the program began with four preschool classrooms, 9 teachers, and 58 students. The Kindergarten Enrichment program was added for the 2009-2010 school year. Within five years, there were five classrooms with 12 programs, 14 staff and 154 students. The much-desired full-time Kindergarten program was added in 2016, serving 14 children each year. Throughout the years, various extended-day options, Lunch N Munch, and preschool enrichment programs have been added to meet the needs of the community. Today, there are seven classrooms with 12 programs, 22 staff, and 190 students.

Over the years, the preschool and Kindergarten program has served over 3229 students!

As an outreach of New Hope Church, our mission remains steadfast to educate God’s children through the teachings of Christ and to seek to provide a quality atmosphere where children are valued and respected as they learn about God’s love. We continue to support children’s spiritual, emotional, social, cognitive, and physical needs and welcome families of all faiths. We share the joy of guiding our students in the early years of their Christian and educational development through a play-based environment supplemented with academics through a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

This next school year offers another opportunity to serve our community and continue our traditions. We look forward to our Lehner Pumpkin farm field trips, Storytime in the Sanctuary, Halloween parade, Turkey Trot obstacle course, and our sweet Christmas programs. We are most blessed to be an outreach of New Hope Church and celebrate this special 40th anniversary. We are grateful for the Pastors and church staff and all the church members who have assisted us throughout the years, whether by being a board member, volunteer, or parent of one of our students. As we serve our community, we look forward to continuing to share God’s love with our students and families.

Fellowship with Us Over the years, New Hope has had a lot of fun creating fellowship spaces for people to meet Jesus and foster discipleship. Picnics, potlucks, ice cream socials, progressive dinners, and many other activities have brought people through the doors of New Hope. Be sure to attend and invite a friend to the following fellowship events at New Hope!

40th Anniversary Backyard Picnic

Advent Potluck Supper

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of ministry at New Hope with food, fun, and fellowship!

Enjoy dinner from City BBQ, live music with the Shane Stevens band, jump houses, and outdoor games for kids.

Feast with friends at our Advent Potluck!

Bring your friends and family and a dish to share as we welcome the season of Advent to New Hope. Stay tuned for more details.

September 15th at 5:00 pm

November 24th at 5:00 pm

Men’s Fellowship 2001

1st Mother Daughter Tea 2003

Mexican Fiesta 2000s

Advent Potluck

Advent Potluck

Dublin Food Pantry Delivery

US Hunger Project

Habitat Wall Build 2020

Serving at HIS Place 1990's

Outreach with New Hope Mission has been and continues to be a central part of New Hope Church's DNA. We are grateful for all the saints who have participated in New Hope's Outreach Team, Mission of Mercy Team, and Missional Engagement Team over the years. Every year, 10% of the church's budget is set aside as benevolence funds for local, national, and global Christian missions. Even in times of financial hardship, New Hope has not wavered in its commitment to supporting missions.

In the summer of 2015, the mission team of New Hope read the book "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton. The reflections and discussions from this book led the team to perform a toxic charity audit on NHC's benevolences. The team looked over each mission and asked the following questions: Do we know where the money is going?

Do they align with our Christian values?

Do we have a personal relationship with them?

How is our support helping to make an impact for Christ in the global, national, and local communities?

These questions continue to guide the mission team as God calls us to serve in Christ's name all over the world. Currently, New Hope supports ten missionaries, three global mission groups, five national mission organizations, and 15 local missions. May we all continue to be Jesus' hands and feet in the places God calls us to go and engage God's people with compassionate hearts and minds.

Christmas Eve at the Polar Bear Church

Summer Worship at the Zoo 1990s

Pig Roast

Advent Potluck 2000s

Progressive Dinner 2002

Polar Bear Church

Noxen Mission Trip Trouble

New Hope Church A Ministry of the Reformed Church in America

Sunday WORSHIP schedule: 9 AM

Kids Club, Youth Sunday School & Adult Sunday School

10 AM

Worship & Children’s Sunday School Evening youth activity schedule varies. Please visit our website for details.

Learn more at NewHopeWorship.org and follow us online.

@New Hope Powell @New Hope Church Children's Ministry

@newhopepowell

@newhopepowell @newhope_youth_oh

New Hope Church 4739 W. Powell Road Powell, OH 43065

OUR MISSION | REACH people for Christ.

ROOT people in Christ.

And RELEASE people to serve Christ.