February2015 by New Hope Church

FEBRUARY 2015 Children’s Ministry ........................3 Youth Ministry ................................8 Adult Ministry..................................4 Music Ministry.................................7 Administration ................................2 Fellowship .........................................9 Outreach............................................8

Spiritual Check-Up Rev. Steve Norden · norden@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 One of life’s realities that I’ve discovered is that, at my age, it’s a good thing to get an annual physical. I won’t say that I necessarily look forward to it but I know it’s a good thing to do. While I don’t mind the blood draw, I do find it an inconvenience to fast especially if my physical is scheduled for later in the day. All in all, I endure the poking and prodding to ensure that I’m in a relatively healthy state. I believe that it’s appropriate for us to periodically examine the health and vitality of the church as well.

The Elders of New Hope Church do that at their monthly

meeting. So, what kind of metrics do we use to assess our spiritual health? If you’ve been around New Hope for any length of time, I hope that you’ve discovered that discipleship is our goal and key core value. So, we ask ourselves, are we making new disciples? Are we developing our existing disciples as they become See page 2

involved in educational and spiritual growth opportunities? Are our disciples serving Christ, particularly in externally focused outreach opportunities?

These are not

rhetorical questions. They get at the heart and soul of what it means to be Christ’s body, the Church. With those questions providing our barometer of health and vitality, we faced some sobering facts in our January meeting. During 2014 New Hope Church had a net loss in the number of members and in average worship attendance, only the second See page 9

time in the 31-year history of our church that this has happened. As we consider the number of adult disciples involved in educational and spiritual growth opportunities, we believe that approximately 25% of the adults who consider New Hope their church take advantage of these. And, anecdotal evidence suggests that 65 people (give or take a few) are involved in some sort of externally focused outreach ministry. Make no mistake about it, there is much good that is happening in the life of New Hope and for which we’re grateful. Recently I was asked in a meeting of Powell pastors if I was at peace with how things are at New Hope. My response was,

See page 6

“I’m grateful but I always believe that we can do more and do better.”

4739 W. Powell Rd.

We’re well into a new year. As we continue to grow in this life of following Jesus,

Powell, Ohio 43065

may the words of Paul to the Ephesians give us hope and also inspire us: Now to

614.766.5445

him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more

NewHopeWorship.com Facebook.com/NewHopePowell Twitter.com/NewHopePowell

than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21) MISSION OF NEW HOPE CHURCH:

To Reach People for Christ · To Root People in Christ · To Release People to Serve Christ

Administration and Finance Sandy Moberger, Church Administrator · moberger@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x37

This Advent Season we shared the Good News to more than 1,200 people in our four Christmas Eve services. As Christians the joy of this season is boundless. The gift our Father gave to us in the form of his Son has no comparison. Please know that your financial gifts to New Hope Church have powerful impact in Reaching, Rooting and Releasing for Christ. Because of your generosity we were able to give an additional $13,000 to our benevolences. These gifts have reached hundreds of people in many ways. Your offerings support missionaries in Hungary, Italy, and Oman, as well as provide scholarships for Northwestern College, Central College, Hope College, and Western Seminary. We have given hurricane relief in the Philippines as well as supported our local Columbus Tutoring Initiative. Our ongoing gifts to Habitat for Humanity have helped to change lives by providing homes to local families. Thank you.

After serving faithfully and well for nearly four years, Church Administrator Sandy Moberger is stepping down from her official role at New Hope to spend more time with family. Sandy’s last day on staff will be March 31. Please join us in thanking Sandy for her excellent work and tireless service to God and to New Hope Church.

Church Administrator Job Opening New Hope is looking to staff our part-time (30-35 hours a week) church administrator position. The position reports to Pastor Steve and is responsible for managing the daily activities of the church including staff resources, finances, communications, and physical facilities.

A bachelor's degree and related experience is

needed as well as strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, organizational, and computer skills. Qualified individuals must know Christ as their personal Savior and be able to enthusiastically support the ministry and mission of the church. Interested candidates should contact Terri Forgy at stevfor@aol.com or 614.284.4042, or Rev. Steve Norden at steve.norden@gmail.com or 614.766.5445.

Ash Wednesday The season of Lent, a time in the church’s calendar for reflection and preparation as we await the joy of Easter, begins with Ash Wednesday on February 18. We will offer Ash Wednesday Services of Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes at 7:00AM (in the Mirick Library) and 7:00PM (in the Sanctuary). We invite you to begin this most meaningful season in worship with us.

Children’s Ministry Josh Barna, Director · barna@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x13 · NewHopeWorship.com/Children

Sunday School This January saw New Hope add a 2 year old class to our lineup of Sunday School classes. This class uses curriculum specially designed for the growing, active minds of toddlers and is off to a great start! Most of our other classes learned about how people’s lives are changed when they are touched by Jesus. Please thank your child’s Sunday School teacher and shepherd for their commitment to this important ministry!

Kids WOW (Worship on Wednesday) After our Christmas break, we continued our journey with Moses and the Israelites through the Sinai desert. In February, we will finally arrive at the Promised Land, learning that in all things, we most certainly can trust God!

Club 45 (4th and 5th Grade) Unfortunately, January’s Club 45 event was cancelled due to inclement weather, but we are looking forward to preparing Valentine Day Care packages for New Hope’s college students in February.

Easter Egg Hunt This great New Hope outreach occurs on Sunday, March 29 from 1:30 to 3:00PM. Plan on hunting some of the 7,000 eggs, playing games, making Easter crafts, bouncing through an obstacle course and walking the stations of the cross. Invite your neighbors, and be part of the fun through volunteering to continue to make this event such a great success! Check the Children’s Ministry bulletin board in the Narthex to see how you can help.

New Hope Preschool Lynn Riley, Director · preschool@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.2446 · NewHopePreschool.com

New Hope Preschool is currently registering children for the 2015-16 school year. We continue to offer a Christian based preschool program incorporating play based academics. We take great pride in the positive Christian atmosphere that we create through our daily activities, treating each other equally with respect and kindness. We will be celebrating Moms in February. This is an opportunity for Moms to come in and spend a little time with their child while experiencing some of our day. Come join us for Family Night on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. We have a magician coming to perform for us...everyone is welcome! 3

Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults

Men’s Bible Study - The Greatest Liar of All Time Wednesdays 7:00PM to 8:30PM, February 4 through March 11 Facilitated by Dave Summers Meets in the Youth Room In “The Greatest Liar of All Time,” author Mark Gentry exposes the lies of the devil, who has lied about the Son of God, salvation, sin, and the Scriptures. The devil wants to counter God's plan for every person, and he pulls no punches. While God created man to bring honor and glory to Himself and to make disciples of all nations, the devil does what he can to keep lost people lost and Christians from being all that God wants them to be. Come discover God's purpose for our lives and discuss why so many listen and follow the voice of lies instead of the voice of truth.

Wellness Group Study Wednesdays 7:00PM to 8:30PM through March 4 Facilitated by Kathy Dunkin and Sandy Moberger Meets in the Library “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus gave this question to an ill man in Jerusalem, and this question continues to echo through time to our lives today. Do you want to be made well? Come join this group study focused on a Christ-centered lifestyle change for wellness. This group is for both men and women, and will focus on five areas of wellness (faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends) using Rick Warren’s “The Daniel Plan” as a resource.

Parentcraft Sundays at 11:00AM through February 15 Facilitated by Josh Barna Join us for “Parentcraft,” a study designed just for parents. We will use short clips from TV shows and movies, interesting articles, lively discussion, and, of course, God’s word as we engage with issues relevant to parenting. Childcare provided.

Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults

Women’s Bible Studies Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath by Priscilla Shirer Mondays 7:00PM to 9:00PM through February 9 Facilitated by Terry Geist and Denise Loftus Thursdays at 9:30AM through February 5 Nursery care available Facilitated by Bonnie Fussner, Cheryl Vornbrock, and Michele Worthington New Hope Women’s Bible Study Facebook Group Join us for continued discussion throughout the week on Facebook One of the greatest challenges among women in our culture is taking time to stop and cease from all the activities and busyness and just breathe. We are in bondage to busyness. We constantly strive to complete the limitless to-do lists that hinder us from experiencing all that God has for us. It is time for us to breathe and build margin into our lives for God. Sabbath was intended as a gift, and it is still a gift to us today. If you are weary, worn out, and exhausted, the concept of Sabbath will change your life. We are going to continue to offer the opportunity for continued discussion throughout the week on Facebook. All you need is a Facebook account to be able to participate. This is also a way for you to take this study even if you can't make the Monday evening or Thursday morning group. This is a secret group so there can be some level of security and freedom in our conversations. If you’re not already a member of the group, contact Pastor Sarah for an invitation.

Joseph by Michelle McKinney Hammond Wednesdays 12:30PM to 2:00PM, January 14 through February 18 Facilitated by Pastor Sarah Meets in the Library We all have dreams for how our lives will – or should – turn out. “Joseph: Waiting on God’s Timing, Living in God’s Plan” is a six-session video-based Bible study examining the life of the biblical character of Joseph, the ultimate dreamer, giving you insight into the power of your choices as you wait on God while pursing your dreams. In this entertaining and enlightening Bible study, Michelle McKinney Hammond will help you learn how relationships affect our destiny, how to unite your desires with God’s purposes, and how to walk faithfully with God as you wait on his timing. This fresh look at Joseph provides a powerful witness to God’s timing and plan for you that will leave you feeling challenged, encouraged, and deeply valued.

Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults

Adult Sunday School Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton Sundays at 9:30AM Facilitated by Mark Dutton and Todd Alles In “Making Sense of the Bible,” Adam Hamilton invites us into an honest conversation about the Bible. The book begins with foundational questions such as how and when was the Bible written? Who decided which books made it into the scriptures and why? How literally must we read it? And, is the Bible ever wrong? In approachable and inviting language, Hamilton addresses these often misunderstood biblical themes leading readers to a deeper appreciation of the Bible so that we might hear God speak through it and find its words to be life-changing and life-giving.

Before Amen by Max Lucado Sundays at 10:45AM Facilitated by Rick Schuster In “Before Amen,” Max Lucado, a self-professed “recovering prayer wimp,” reveals his personal struggles with prayer. He will show you how he discovered that prayer is not a privilege for the pious or the art of a chosen few but a simple tool all believers have been given to have a conversation with God.

Discovery New Member Class Are you interested in learning more about New Hope Church, or becoming a member? Our Discovery Class is for you. Come join us for this four-week class, which defines our core values, doctrine, structure, strategy, history, and how you can become involved in the life and ministry of New Hope Church. This session of our Discovery Class begins on February 22 and ends on March 15. Childcare is available. Sign up at the church, or online at NewHopeWorship.com/Discovery.

Youth Ministry Bob Cline, Director · cline@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 · NewHopeWorship.com/Youth

Come to Our Fiesta! On Saturday, March 7, the church youth will host the annual Mexican Fiesta dinner from 5:30 to 7:30PM. The menu includes a delicious variety of Mexican dishes, drinks, and desserts for a suggested donation of $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 (payable at the door). All proceeds benefit the summer youth mission trip and camp programs. Please RSVP at the church, online at NewHopeWorship.com/Fiesta, or by calling the church at 614.766.5445. Walk-ins are also welcome. Please note any seating preferences and we will do our best to accommodate. ¡Hasta pronto (see you soon)!

Music Ministry Christine Loy, Director · loy@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x14 · NewHopeWorship.com/Music

Generations Choir - Ages 6th Grade to Adult Ever wanted to sing in the choir, but don’t have the time to participate every week? Then sign up for Generations Choir, our quarterly mass choir event for ages 6th grade through adult! We’ll have ONE rehearsal, Saturday morning, February 7 from 9:30 to 11:30AM, and participate in worship ONE Sunday, February 8 at 9:30 and 11:00AM. Childcare is available. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Easter Choir Spring is around the corner and so are our preparations for Easter! We invite you to join us for a Special Easter Choir which will prepare to sing on Palm Sunday (March 29), Maundy Thursday (April 2), and Easter Sunday (April 5). Come sing ALL or ANY of these services! Music selections include the Hallelujah Chorus, Crown Him With Many Crowns, Victor’s Crown, and many others. Easter rehearsals begin Thursday, February 19 at 7:30PM and run for six weeks. Spring break and travel schedules are easily accommodated, and childcare is provided for all services. Please contact Christine Loy at loy@NewHopeWorship.com or sign up at the Welcome Center!

Outreach NewHopeWorship.com/Outreach

Monthly Prayer Meeting Our next monthly Intercessory Prayer Meeting will be Monday, February 2 at 7:00PM in the Sanctuary. If you need prayer, or would like to pray for others, please join us. For more information, see Deborah Weiker or contact the church office. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. â€“ James 5:16

His Place Community Dinner Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed for His Place, a community dinner located at St. Johnâ€™s Episcopal Church on Town Street, on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30PM. Volunteers will serve the food and clean up after dinner. Sign up at the Welcome Center or online at NewHopeWorship.com/HISPlace. Contact LeAnne Siddell at 614.332.5080 with questions.

Gift Card Outreach Beginning Sunday, February 8 the Elders will be collecting gift cards for pediatric cancer patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital and their families. These children are hospitalized for many months at a time and have little opportunity for shopping, and often family resources are limited. We'd like to collect entertainment gift cards (iTunes, Amazon, etc.) along with fast food gift cards to help ease their financial burden and brighten their day. Gift cards may be dropped off at the church office by Sunday, February 22.

Fellowship NewHopeWorship.com/Fellowship

Lenten Soup Suppers Come join us for dinner on Wednesday evenings in the Fellowship Hall through the season of Lent. This is a special time of fellowship and devotions as we share a simple meal of soup, salad, macaroni and cheese, and dessert. Invite a friend or neighbor as we reflect on this meaningful season together.

Valentine Social and Bingo Bash New Hope’s Senior Sages will gather together on Thursday, February 12 at 1:00PM at Dublin Retirement Village, 6470 Post Road, Dublin 43016 for a Valentine Social and Bingo Bash. Please RSVP to Office Administrator Nancy Green at 614.766.5445 x10.

Spring Prayer Breakfast Join us on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30AM at the Aladdin Shrine Center to hear Lee Strobel, author of “The Case for Christ,” speak about his spiritual journey from an atheist to a strong defender of Jesus Christ. Tickets are $40 per person. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

New Hope Church Calendar NewHopeWorship.com/Events

Sunday, February 1

Monday, February 9

Thursday, February 19

9:30AM Contemporary Worship

7:00PM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe

9:30AM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe

9:30AM Children’s Sunday School

7:15PM Preschool Board Meeting

6:15PM Band Rehearsal

9:30AM Confirmation Class

Tuesday, February 10

10:45AM Adult Sunday School

6:00PM Deacon and Elder Meetings

10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1

7:30PM Consistory Meeting

11:00AM Traditional Worship

Wednesday, February 11

11:00AM Youth Sunday School

12:30PM Women’s Bible Study: Joseph

11:00AM Parentcraft Bible Study

5:30PM Kids WOW

5:00PM Middle School Youth Group

6:30PM The Journey: Stage 3

Super Bowl Pregame Party @ Church 6:30PM High School Youth Group Super Bowl Party @ Bob Cline’s Monday, February 2

7:30PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30PM AA Meeting Friday, February 20 7:00PM Women’s Retreat Saturday, February 21 8:00AM Women’s Retreat Sunday, February 22

7:00PM Wellness Group Study

9:30AM Contemporary Worship

7:00PM Men’s Bible Study

9:30AM Children’s Sunday School

7:30PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study

9:30AM Confirmation Class

Thursday, February 12

9:30AM Adult Sunday School

7:00PM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe

9:30AM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe

10:45AM Adult Sunday School

7:00PM Prayer Meeting

6:15PM Band Rehearsal

10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1

7:00PM Endowment Meeting

7:30PM Choir Rehearsal

11:00AM Traditional Worship

7:30PM AA Meeting

11:00AM Youth Sunday School

Wednesday, February 4 12:30PM Women’s Bible Study: Joseph

Sunday, February 15

4:00PM Discovery Class

5:30PM Kids WOW

9:30AM Contemporary Worship

5:15PM Middle School Youth Group

6:30PM The Journey: Stage 3

9:30AM Children’s Sunday School

7:30PM High School Youth Group

7:00PM Wellness Group Study

9:30AM Confirmation Class

7:00PM Men’s Bible Study

9:30AM Adult Sunday School

7:30PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study

10:45AM Adult Sunday School

Thursday, February 5

Tuesday, February 24 7:00PM Adult Ministry Team Meeting Wednesday, February 25

10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1

6:00PM Lenten Soup Supper

9:30AM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe

11:00AM Traditional Worship

6:30PM The Journey: Stage 3

6:15PM Band Rehearsal

11:00AM Youth Sunday School

6:40PM Children’s Music Rehearsal

6:30PM Tea Committee Meeting

11:00AM Parentcraft Bible Study

7:00PM Wellness Group Study

7:30PM Choir Rehearsal

5:15PM Middle School Youth Group

7:00PM Men’s Bible Study

7:30PM AA Meeting

7:30PM High School Youth Group

7:30PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study

Saturday, February 7 9:30AM Generations Choir Rehearsal Sunday, February 8

Monday, February 16 7:00PM Outreach Team Meeting Wednesday, February 18

9:30AM Contemporary Worship

7:00AM Ash Wednesday Service

9:30AM Children’s Sunday School

12:30PM Women’s Bible Study: Joseph

9:30AM Confirmation Class

5:30PM His Place Community Dinner

9:30AM Adult Sunday School

7:00PM Ash Wednesday Service

10:45AM Adult Sunday School

8:00PM The Journey: Stage 3

10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1

8:00PM Wellness Group Study

11:00AM Traditional Worship

8:00PM Men’s Bible Study

11:00AM Youth Sunday School

8:00PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study

11:00AM Parentcraft Bible Study 5:15PM Middle School Youth Group 7:30PM High School Youth Group

Thursday, February 26 6:15PM Band Rehearsal 7:30PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30PM AA Meeting

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

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