JANUARY 2015 Children’s Ministry ........................3 Adult Ministry..................................4 Music Ministry.................................8 Administration ................................2 Outreach............................................9 Preschool ..........................................8 Church Calendar ......................... 10
Leading With Our Strengths Rev. Steve Norden · norden@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 During the fall, Consistory invited the members and attendees of New Hope Church to participate in an anonymous Climate Survey that was available via the internet and by hard copy. We wanted to listen to our constituency, hoping to determine what we do well, what we might consider improving or eliminating, and what we might consider doing that we have not done previously. Over 400 people received an email with a link to the online survey and hard copies were available at the Welcome Center in the church narthex for anyone who chose to respond. We received 57 responses via the internet and one hard copy response. That represents roughly a response rate of 11%.
See pages 4-5
Some on Consistory were
surprised by the seemingly low rate of response. Others, who have done similar kinds of surveys, were not. The greater challenge was how to interpret an 11% rate of response. Should Consistory conclude that 89% of New Hope members and attendees are so satisfied with what they experience at New Hope that they felt no need to respond? Perhaps. Or could it be that some were of the opinion that their response would not be taken seriously and therefore chose not to participate?
We hope not.
Each Consistory
member received and read a print out of every response that was offered.
See page 5
Of course, the important question is “what does Consistory do with the responses received?” One of my first impressions was not surprising to me at all. There are as many different opinions at New Hope as there are people. So, if Consistory were to take a course of action suggested by every response received, our ministry here would be schizophrenic. In other words, there were responses that expressed opinions that were the polar opposite of those expressed by others. What some value greatly, others dislike strongly. After two months of careful thought, conversation, and prayer, Consistory has
See page 8
agreed that we will lead with our strengths.
4739 W. Powell Rd. Powell, Ohio 43065
(continued on next page)
614.766.5445 NewHopeWorship.com Facebook.com/NewHopePowell Twitter.com/NewHopePowell MISSION OF NEW HOPE CHURCH: To Reach People for Christ · To Root People in Christ · To Release People to Serve Christ
Leading With Our Strengths (continued) Rev. Steve Norden · norden@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445
One of the core values of New Hope Church is to encourage, promote, and facilitate meaningful spiritual relationships. I told Consistory that, when New Hope began nearly 31 years ago meeting in the gymnasium of Indian Run Elementary School in Dublin, I knew that we could not compete with churches that had programs for every age group with beautiful facilities that housed those programs. I did think that we might be able to encourage people to return to this church meeting in a gymnasium if we were able to capitalize on two strengths. I thought that I could offer a meaningful biblical message each week. I also believed that, if we emphasized and were committed to building meaningful spiritual relationships, some might return for that reason. Throughout New Hope’s history we’ve endeavored to be a welcoming church where even a first time visitor feels that we’re glad they are there and that we’re interested in them as a person. That’s the first step in building meaningful relationships. It’s also predicated on the adage that you only have one chance to make a first impression. Consistory has recommitted to focusing on how we can be more welcoming and how we can continue to encourage and build meaningful spiritual relationships. That may mean that we revive the Welcome Team that was highly visible when we first moved into our current facility. It also may mean that we revive fellowship events that gave people the opportunity to meet and build relationships with others with whom they might not ordinarily associate. Whatever course of action we take, we want to be a church where relationships are valued and given priority. John’s perspective on the Christmas story is significantly different from those we read in Matthew and Luke. It’s really a theological perspective. This is what John says: “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” When God wanted to touch people, he became a person in Jesus of Nazareth, one who valued, believed in, and made it a priority to build meaningful spiritual relationships.
Administration and Finance Sandy Moberger, Church Administrator · moberger@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x37
As 2014 closes and I reflect back on the accomplishments of the year I would like to highlight what warms my heart. I had the pleasure of being at church as The Tammy A. Evans Mission of Mercy families received the gifts you provided for them. The gifts were appreciated, but more importantly, the team is loving and respectful as they fulfill their task of Reaching for Christ. Even though most of you can not see the rewards of your generosity I want you to know what a difference it makes to people who are in need. In the same token the financial resources you give to New Hope Church are not always glaringly apparent, but nevertheless important. We are able to fulfill our call by designating 10% of your contributions to our assigned benevolences. We provide a building that is a sanctuary for our worship, as well as a meeting place for many organizations and functions. Also in this house of worship many educational opportunities are offered as we strive to Reach, Root, and Release for Christ. Thank you for understanding the command of stewardship Jesus gives us.
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Children’s Ministry Josh Barna, Director · barna@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x13 · NewHopeWorship.com/Children
Sunday School In December we learned about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, by looking at the stories of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and the shepherds. Classrooms used advent wreaths and nativity scenes to illustrate the joy and hope the arrival of the Messiah brought to the world! In January, the kids will discover how Jesus changed the lives of those people whom he touched. This month we will begin a new age appropriate Sunday School class for our two year olds in the nursery at 9:30AM.
Kids WOW (Worship on Wednesday) New Hope’s annual “Birthday Party for Jesus” was a huge success! We had pizza and cookies, played games including “human bowling” and dodgeball, and built Christmas crafts after hearing a local author read her book “The Innkeeper’s Dog,” which she wrote to explain the Christmas story to her son. In January, regular WOW programming resumes on Wednesdays at 5:30PM as we continue to journey with Moses and the Israelites through the Sinai Peninsula following the Exodus from Egypt.
For more
info, visit NewHopeWorship.com/WOW.
Club 45 - 4th and 5th Grade Service Club Club 45 convened at the Kern house to tie fleece blankets together for donation to kids at His Place, a ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church serving low income families. The fourth and fifth graders created almost 40 of these blankets which were warmly received by their grateful owners. This month we will visit the Retirement Village of Dublin on Sunday, January 11 to play games with some new friends.
Parentcraft - Bible Study for Parents Be part of this new bible study specially designed for parents! Every Sunday from January 11 through February 15 we will meet during the 11:00 service to discuss issues relevant to parents using media clips, articles, and of course God’s word to facilitate small group discussion. Childcare will be available. To ensure you receive all the relevant materials each week, please sign up at the church or online at NewHopeWorship.com/BibleStudy. 3
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, January 12 through February 9 Facilitated by Terry Geist and Denise Loftus Thursdays at 9:30AM, January 8 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.
Sign up at the Welcome Center, or online at NewHopeWorship.com/BibleStudy 4
Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults
Wellness Group Study Wednesdays 7:00PM to 8:30PM, January 21 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. Sign up at the church, or online at NewHopeWorship.com/BibleStudy.
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. Sundays at 10:45AM - To Be Announced Facilitated by Rick Schuster
Parentcraft Sundays at 11:00AM, January 11 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 will be provided. To ensure you receive all the relevant materials each week, please sign up at the church or online at NewHopeWorship.com/BibleStudy. Answers to Bible Trivia from page 6 1. Hosea (Hosea 1:2) 2. Joel (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17) 3. Haggai and Zechariah (Haggai 1:2-3, Zechariah 8:3) 4. Nineveh (Jonah 3:3, Nahum 1:1) 5. Micah (Micah 5:2) 6. Edom (Obadiah 1:1) 7. Amos (Amos 7:14) 8. John (Revelation 1:1-2) 9. Laodicea (Revelation 3:16) 10. Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2) 5
Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults
Year of the Bible is over, so what’s next? Congratulations to everyone who read the whole Bible in one year! I hope those of you who started with us but didn’t quite make it all the way through will keep on reading until you have completed the whole Bible. This is an accomplishment that is to be celebrated, which we will do in worship on January 4. Our year of the Bible journey may be at an end but I hope you will continue to challenge yourself to read scripture daily.
A great site to help you do this is
YouVersion.com. At this site you can download a free Bible app that includes a plethora of reading plans and devotions. You can choose from several topics or specific books of the Bible. This app will also send you daily reminders once you begin a reading plan or devotion. Another option is to join a Bible study at New Hope. Take a look at pages 4 and 5 in this newsletter or online at NewHopeWorship.com/BibleStudy and pick a study to join. Give yourself the gift of growing in your faith by spending time in fellowship with other believers. Thank you for taking the time to participate in the Year of the Bible in 2014. Many blessings to you in this new year filled with new opportunities to grow in your knowledge of scripture. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...” – Colossians 3:16 How about one last round of Bible Trivia from our December Year of the Bible readings? See how many you can get right before looking up the answers (see page 5). Bible Trivia from The Twelve Minor Prophets and the Book of Revelation 1.
Which prophet married an unfaithful woman?
2.
Whose prophecy does Peter quote when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost?
3.
Which two prophets encouraged the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem?
4.
Nahum and Jonah lived in different centuries but both prophesied in which city?
5.
Which prophet mentions Bethlehem as the place from where God’s salvation shall come?
6.
Which nation was the focus of Obadiah’s message of judgment?
7.
Which prophet was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees?
8.
Who received “the revelation of Jesus Christ” and wrote it down?
9.
What church in the book of Revelation did Jesus call “lukewarm”?
10. John sees a vision of a new heaven, a new earth and the new ______________, coming down out of heaven from God?
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Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults
FISH Group (Fellowship in Servant Homes) Outreach For the second year in a row the FISH group “Songs of Salmon” collected much needed items for our homeless veterans in Columbus. These items were donated to the Volunteers of America’s Transitional Housing and Emergency Housing Services for Homeless Veterans. They have a great need for personal care items, socks, underwear, winter hats, towels, washcloths, laundry detergent, and shower shoes of various sizes. Through the group’s efforts many of these items were collected and delivered to an appreciative staff and group of men. We are humbled to serve God and provide for the forgotten men who have serviced their country with honor and dignity.
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New Hope Preschool Lynn Riley, Director · preschool@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.2446 · NewHopePreschool.com
December was a magical month! The children mailed letters off to Santa and were so excited to receive letters back from the North Pole. Once again we had our Preschool Christmas Program. You can’t help but smile when you listen to the children sing and perform their holiday songs. The PreK classes performed the “Story of Christmas” again this year. They all did a great job, and this was a wonderful opportunity for us to share the true meaning of Christmas with the children. A special thank you to Pastor Steve, Pastor Sarah, and Mr. Josh for telling us about baby Jesus and that he is the special gift at Christmas. Enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year begins Monday, January 5 at 8:00AM. Enrollment will be open to the public on January 20 at 8:00AM. Information and forms are available online at NewHopePreschool.com in the “forms library.” As we welcome in the New Year, I thank God for all the many blessings he has given to me, my family and the preschool families.
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.
A Few Good Men! The Music Ministry is looking for a few good men (tenors and basses) to join our ranks! If you love to sing, this is your opportunity to serve the Lord and grow in your faith! Out of town, work, and travel mercies granted to all! No doubt, the best, most rewarding, and enjoyable ministry around.
Join us any Thursday in January at 7:30PM! Call
Christine Loy at 614.766.5445 x14 for more information.
Tech Ministry Update The Tech Ministry is looking for computer and tech types to help once a month at the sound and projection booth. Start the New Year with a new opportunity to serve!
Easy and all training provided. Contact
Connor Curfman at the sound booth or tech@NewHopeWorship.com. 8
Outreach NewHopeWorship.com/Outreach
Salvation Army Outreach Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. – Matthew 25:40
On December 13, more than 30 New Hope folks helped make Christmas brighter for area families by ringing a bell for the Salvation Army. In addition to the $1,459 collected in donations, the Salvation Army did not have to hire paid ringers for the time that New Hope volunteers rang. New Hope started this outreach in 2007 and it has grown from ringing at one location for 11 hours to ringing at two locations for 22 hours.
Thank You for Supporting Operation Christmas Child The Outreach Committee expresses sincere appreciation for your generous support of Operation Christmas Child. 171 shoeboxes were collected and filled with a variety of gifts for children of different ages and shipped to over 100 countries. The boxes were able to be tracked online as they traveled around the world. These gifts are a powerful tool for sharing the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your faithful support in helping children in underserved areas. Every box that was packed represents one more child who will have the opportunity to hear the good news of God’s love.
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New Hope Church Calendar NewHopeWorship.com/Events
Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day - Office Closed 7:30PM AA 12 step meeting Sunday, January 4
Tuesday, January 13
Sunday, January 25
6:00PM Deacon & Elder Meetings
9:30AM Contemporary Worship
7:30PM Consistory Meeting
9:30AM Children’s Sunday School
Wednesday, January 14
9:30AM Middle School Sunday School
9:30AM Contemporary Worship
12:30PM Women’s Bible Study: Joseph
9:30AM Adult Sunday School
9:30AM Children’s Sunday School
5:30PM Kids WOW
10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1
9:30AM Middle School Sunday School
6:30PM The Journey: Stage 3
10:45AM Adult Sunday School
9:30AM Adult Sunday School
7:30PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study
11:00AM Traditional Worship
10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1
Thursday, January 15
11:00AM High School Sunday School
10:45AM Adult Sunday School
9:30AM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe
11:00AM Parentcraft Bible Study
11:00AM Traditional Worship
6:15PM Band Rehearsal
5:15PM Middle School Youth Group
11:00AM High School Sunday School
7:30PM Choir Rehearsal
7:00PM High School Youth Group
5:15PM Middle School Youth Group 7:00PM High School Youth Group 7:00PM Stephen Ministry Meeting Monday, January 5 7:00PM Prayer Meeting
7:30PM AA 12 step meeting Sunday, January 18 9:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:30AM Children’s Sunday School
Monday, January 26 7:00PM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe 7:00PM Adult Ministry Team Meeting Wednesday, January 28
9:30AM Middle School Sunday School
12:30PM Women’s Bible Study: Joseph
Wednesday, January 7
9:30AM Adult Sunday School
5:30PM Kids WOW
5:30PM Kids WOW
10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1
6:30PM The Journey: Stage 3
6:30PM The Journey: Stage 3
10:45AM Adult Sunday School
7:00PM Wellness Group Study
7:30PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study
11:00AM Traditional Worship
7:30PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study
Thursday, January 8
11:00AM High School Sunday School
Thursday, January 29
9:30AM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe
11:00AM Parentcraft Bible Study
9:30AM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe
6:15PM Band Rehearsal
5:15PM Middle School Youth Group
6:15PM Band Rehearsal
7:30PM Choir Rehearsal
7:00PM High School Youth Group
7:00PM Mission of Mercy Meeting
7:30PM AA 12 step meeting Sunday, January 11 9:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:30AM Children’s Sunday School
Monday, January 19 7:00PM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe 7:00PM Outreach Team Meeting Wednesday, January 21
9:30AM Middle School Sunday School
12:30PM Women’s Bible Study: Joseph
9:30AM Adult Sunday School
5:30PM Kids WOW
10:45AM The Journey: Stage 1
6:30PM The Journey: Stage 3
10:45AM Adult Sunday School
7:00PM Wellness Group Study
11:00AM Traditional Worship
7:30PM Beyond Bethel Bible Study
11:00AM High School Sunday School
Thursday, January 22
11:00AM Parentcraft Bible Study
9:30AM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe
5:15PM Middle School Youth Group
6:15PM Band Rehearsal
7:00PM High School Youth Group
7:00PM Mission of Mercy Meeting
Monday, January 12 7:00PM Women’s Bible Study: Breathe
7:30PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30PM AA 12 step meeting
7:15PM Preschool Board Meeting
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7:30PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30PM AA 12 step meeting
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 February newsletter is January 20.
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. 11