June2015 by New Hope Church

JUNE 2015 Children’s Ministry ........................4 Adult Ministry..................................6

Practicing What We Preach Rev. Steve Norden · norden@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445

Music Ministry.................................5

During the past two weeks I have read the most recent Pew Study report on

Administration ................................3

the decline of Christianity in America, particularly among younger generations,

Fellowship .........................................8

and between a half dozen and dozen analyses of that report, some validating

Outreach............................................3

it and others offering evidence as to why the conclusions drawn in the report

Preschool ..........................................5

are inaccurate. Suffice it to say, in today’s internet world almost everyone has an opinion and most everyone who desires has a vehicle by which they can express that opinion. I’ve been reflecting on this after what was a truly remarkable Sunday on May 17. If you were with us, you celebrated as 18 of our youth were confirmed,

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professing their faith in Jesus Christ and committing to live as his disciples. As I’ve reflected I’ve asked myself this question: “How many of these youth will continue with a vital faith and be active members of a church (New Hope or another) in 10 to 15 years?” That is a question I do not take lightly and one that causes me no little concern. For over four years your Consistory has been engaged in conversation, reflection, and prayer. Especially during the last year we made an effort to listen to

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members and attendees of New Hope Church, to hear and to reflect on what we’ve heard. Now, we are prepared to implement what we believe is a very significant decision. Beginning Sunday, September 13, we are making a change in our Sunday morning schedule. The Living Water (Contemporary) worship will be moved from 9:30 to 9:00 with children beginning in worship (as is present practice) for the first 15 minutes and then dismissed to Sunday School. This worship

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service will conclude at 10:00. Sunday School for middle school, high school, and adults along with a Children’s Worship experience will be from 10:15 to 11:00. This new Children’s Worship will be called “Orange” and will debut

4739 W. Powell Rd.

during summer worship these next months as preschoolers through children

Powell, Ohio 43065

entering 5th grade will leave our one worship service after the children’s

614.766.5445

message. In the fall, traditional worship will be moved from 11 to 11:15 and

NewHopeWorship.com Facebook.com/NewHopePowell

will conclude at 12:15.

Twitter.com/NewHopePowell

(continued on next page) MISSION OF NEW HOPE CHURCH:

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

Practicing What We Preach (continued) Rev. Steve Norden · norden@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445

Why are we doing this? We sincerely believe that this is what God is leading New Hope Church to do. Scripture makes it very clear that children are a significant part of the faith community. Scripture makes it equally clear that an integral part of discipleship is growing in the understanding of the content of faith as well as the practice of faith. At New Hope Church we take seriously the promises we make in baptism and we want to support those promises with our financial and program resources. The life of discipleship encompasses worship, education, service, and outreach. Equally important, every study that we have read indicates that parents participating together with children in worship and in Christian education/spiritual growth opportunities is the top influence in youth remaining active in their faith as young adults. Parents who practice what they preach and preach what they practice are far and away the biggest influence related to adolescents and young adults keeping their faith. I want to be very clear that we are not taking anything away; we are adding to. Parents who wish to have a Children’s Worship and Sunday School opportunity for their children will now have both. From 10:15 to 11:00 Josh Barna and Stephanie Vermeer will be using the “Orange” curriculum for kindergarten through 5th grade that combines large group worship with small group (age appropriate) discussion. Preschool will have video and crafts. Adults who wish to worship and have a Sunday education/spiritual growth experience will also have both. Those who are interested in only a “one hour” Sunday morning worship experience with Sunday School for children will still have that available. Still, we believe there are tremendous benefits to this change in schedule. Among those are the following: 1.

We expect that the bar will be raised with regard to consistency and quality for children’s Sunday morning instruction, particularly with Children’s Worship. As previously mentioned, Josh Barna and Stephanie Vermeer will be the primary leaders.

A separate Sunday School time for adults on Sunday morning will give Sarah Palsma and me the opportunity to teach; presently we are unable to teach on Sunday morning.

We believe it will be far easier for those who choose to attend a Discovery/New Members class on Sunday morning. Presently, the Discovery Class is offered on Sunday afternoon requiring participants to return.

We will be able to offer quarterly “town meetings” as New Hope has offered in the past where we are able to communicate important information about our life together and listen. This will be particularly helpful for budget meetings and the election of Consistory members.

You will be hearing about this upcoming change several times in the next months. You will also hear about what opportunities will be available for adult education on Sunday morning. I am so enthusiastic about this change because I believe that all of us who are part of New Hope Church will reap spiritual dividends that will last for eternity. As Proverbs reminds us, Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. (Proverbs 22:6) Likewise, the Apostle Paul encourages us and challenges us with these words, As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Administration and Finance Phil Thompson, Church Administrator · thompson@NewHopeWorship.com · 614.766.5445 x37

A lot has been happening here at New Hope. Here are the two new water heaters we had to install, as the old ones reached their 10 year anniversary and decided to retire, so we had to replace them! We also did an entire going over and maintenance of the roof. As you can see we repaved the front parking lot and it is beautiful. All these improvements amounted to over $70,000.

The repaved parking lot

Our new water heaters

We can only do all this because of your continued and faithful support of New Hope’s ministry. Thanks for understanding the command of stewardship Jesus gives us and supporting this ministry as we strive to Reach, Root, and Release for Christ!

Financial Report April 2015

Year to Date

Budget

Actual

Budget

Actual

Income

$73,988

$87,984

119%

$293,936

$324,884

111%

Expenses

$82,480

$85,775

104%

$329,919

$324,786

98%

Outreach NewHopeWorship.com/Outreach

New Hope will serve a hot meal to those in need at the next His Place Community Dinner, Wednesday, June 24, at St. John’s Episcopal Church near downtown Columbus. Food is provided; volunteers are needed to help serve the food and clean up after dinner. To volunteer, contact LeAnne Siddell or sign up online at NewHopeWorship.com/HisPlace. 3

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

Sunday School Sunday School ended for the school year on May 17. This program grew 12% compared to last year’s attendance. Sunday School will return better than ever on September 13, with new curriculum and new technologies to help teach the truths of our God to the children of New Hope. Please take the time to thank your child’s teacher or shepherd for their efforts this past year.

Sports Camp This year’s Sports Camp will take place Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM each night. We will learn that “We are all on God’s Team!” and play football, track and field, basketball, cheerleading, and golf during this exciting week. Local athletes are coming to share their stories about how their walk with God has impacted their lives and careers. Sign up online at NewHopeWorship.com/ SportsCamp.

Vacation Bible School This year’s VBS is from July 27 through 31 from 9:00AM to noon each morning. The theme of the year is “Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.” Registration will open in mid-June and volunteer recruitment will occur throughout June. Make sure you’re a part of this amazing annual outreach!

New Summer Program Get excited, because this summer Children’s Ministry is beginning a new program called “Orange” during worship! This program will teach some of the virtues of our faith through large group lesson times and small group interactions. This engaging curriculum is designed especially for rising kindergarteners through rising 5th graders. We will have programming for preschoolers as well. Orange kicks off Sunday, June 7.

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

New Hope Preschool has finished another successful year and is looking forward to next year’s growth. In 2014-15 we provided programs for 203 children and their families. We already have 199 students enrolled for the 2015-16 school year! We broke several records this past school year...we now have more teachers on staff with 4 year degrees in education and several with teaching certificates! Did you know that some of our teachers have Masters Degrees in Education? Our Kindergarten Enrichment Program really blossomed with the help of our new teacher Mrs. Murphy. The enrollment for this program next year is already filling up! We have a few afternoon classes that we still need to fill, so help us spread the word. The more children that attend our program the more families we are able to touch. While I will enjoy my summer with my family, I am looking forward to the year ahead. Have a blessed and safe summer!

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

Thank You Choir Members! We want to thank our choir, who is off for the summer months, for serving our church so faithfully! Their gifts of music bless us in so many ways. THANK YOU! Please consider joining them at the end of summer for Generations Choir on August 29 and 30!

New Worship Band Musicians Our Worship Band is accepting new musicians! If you play the drums, percussion, guitar/bass, or keys, and would like to find out more about our worship ministry please let us know. We would love to speak to you about how to join the team. Applications are being accepted throughout the month of June by contacting Christine Loy at loy@NewHopeWorship.com.

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

The Journey Have you ever wondered, “Who am I? Who is God? What is God desiring to do through me?” Are you looking for a way to grow in your spiritual walk with Jesus Christ? Whether you have walked with Jesus for many years or you are just taking the first steps on your faith journey, I want to invite you to come on this journey of discipleship. The Journey is a life-changing set of experiences and relationships that will invite you to explore questions of intimacy with God, identity as God’s loved children, and unique kingdom responsibility in the world. This is no ordinary Bible study. This is a transformational journey. The Journey will involve a commitment of: 

A weekly two hour gathering (September through March)



Regular study, reflection, Bible reading, and prayer



Monthly meetings with a spiritual friend (mentor) who is willing to walk with you during this journey



A financial commitment of $235 (Scholarships are available)

On Sunday, May 3 during worship, Harriet Miller, Wen-Shing Liaw, and Terry Geist shared how this program

has

deepened

their

walk

with

God.

You

can

watch

their

testimonials

online

NewHopeWorship.com/Journey-Sunday-2015. A new Journey group will begin this fall and will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00PM led by Terry Geist and Becky Fontanarosa. If you would like to know more about the program or have any questions please contact Pastor Sarah, or visit NewHopeWorship.com/Journey.

Women’s Summer Study SOUL FRIENDS: WHAT EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO GROW IN HER FAITH Wednesdays from 7:00PM to 8:30PM, June 3 through July 29 Facilitated by Pastor Sarah Are you missing out on one of the most transforming means to a deeper and more vibrant faith? In Soul Friends, Dr. Leslie Parrott explores the intimate stages of a woman’s spiritual journey while showing you how soul friendships can deepen and enlarge your faith. Leslie reveals how every woman traverses four stages of spiritual growth – quest, calling, crisis, and communion – again and again. And whatever stage you find yourself traveling right now, you need soul friends to help you move forward. When we seize the initiative to connect, together we will form a part of the deep communion that is the sisterhood of the traveling saints, journeying together in our desire to know God, serve him, and love him more deeply. Through story, poem, and reflection, Leslie Parrott reminds each of us of the incredibly intimate, intricate, faith-forming work God does in us through the gift of the women he places in our lives. Sign up in the narthex, or online at NewHopeWorship.com/ BibleStudy. 6

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

Sunday Morning Bible Study THE TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH: BALANCING TRUTH AND GRACE Sundays at 11:15AM, June 21 through July 26 Facilitated by Kathy Wisne Childcare is available There’s a lot of talk today about “culture wars,” but these external conflicts are only a symptom of a deeper problem: there is trouble with the truth. Beneath our differences about the values that should define our culture is a real disagreement about what is true. Those who hold to the traditional beliefs of the Christian faith find themselves at odds with a culture that no longer believes there are universal spiritual or moral truths that apply to everyone. And they grieve that the confusion about what is true is just as strong in the church. “The Trouble with the Truth” explores the truth – why it’s in trouble, what the culture tells us about it, and why the church is so confused about it. In an engaging and compelling style, Rob Renfroe reminds us that the Christian life requires commitment to both truth and grace. Like a tightrope walker with a balance bar, we must learn to balance compassion for people and passion for truth, combining them in equal measure just as Jesus did. Readers will examine the essentials about truth and grace, understand the differences between a cultural worldview and a scriptural worldview, and discover how to be instruments of real influence and transformation in our time by following Jesus’s example.

New Hope Church Calendar NewHopeWorship.com/Calendar

Monday, June 1

Monday, June 15

7:15PM Preschool Board Meeting

High School Mission Trip

Wednesday, June 3

7:00PM Outreach Team Meeting

7:00PM Women’s Bible Study

Tuesday, June 16

Thursday, June 4

High School Mission Trip

6:30PM All Band Rehearsal

Wednesday, June 17

7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting

High School Mission Trip

Sunday, June 7

7:00PM Women’s Bible Study

10:00AM Combined Worship

Thursday, June 18

Monday, June 8

High School Mission Trip

6:30PM Sports Camp

7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting

7:00PM Intercessory Prayer Meeting

Friday, June 19

Tuesday, June 9

High School Mission Trip

6:00PM Deacon and Elder Meetings

Saturday, June 20

7:30PM Consistory Meeting

2:30PM Habitat for Humanity Golf Scramble

Wednesday, June 10

Sunday, June 21

6:30PM Sports Camp

10:00AM Combined Worship

7:00PM Women’s Bible Study

Tuesday, June 23

Thursday, June 11

7:00PM Adult Ministry Team Meeting

6:30PM Sports Camp

Wednesday, June 24

7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting

5:30PM His Place Community Dinner

Friday, June 12

7:00PM Women’s Bible Study

6:00PM Father-Son Retreat Departure

Thursday, June 25

6:30PM Sports Camp Tailgate Party

6:30PM All Band Rehearsal

Saturday, June 13

7:30PM AA 12 Step Meeting

Father-Son Retreat

Sunday, June 28

Sunday, June 14

10:00AM Combined Worship

Fellowship Mindy Stanton, Team Leader · NewHopeWorship.com/Fellowship

Progressive Dinner Don’t miss our Progressive Dinner on Saturday, July 11! If you haven’t experienced a progressive dinner before, it’s a fun evening where you get together with friends and enjoy appetizers at one home, dinner at another, and dessert at a third. Hosts are needed! If you’d like to offer your home as a place for us to share appetizers, dinner, or dessert, please contact Mindy Stanton at mstanton@meadenmoore.com.

4739 W. Powell Rd. Powell, OH 43065 614.766.5445 NewHopeWorship.com Facebook.com/NewHopePowell Twitter.com/NewHopePowell

Summer Worship Schedule Combined Worship Service 10:00AM May 17 through September 6 Rev. Stephen M. Norden, Senior Pastor

Holly McDonald, Accompanist

614.766.5445 · norden@NewHopeWorship.com

614.766.5445 · mcdonald@NewHopeWorship.com

Rev. Sarah Palsma, Associate Pastor

Christine Loy, Director of Music

614.766.5445 x15 · palsma@NewHopeWorship.com

614.766.5445 x14 · loy@NewHopeWorship.com

Joshua Barna, Director of Children’s Ministry

Lynn Riley, New Hope Preschool Director

614.766.5445 x13 · barna@NewHopeWorship.com

614.766.2446 · preschool@NewHopeWorship.com

Bob Cline, Director of Youth Ministry

Phil Thompson, Church Administrator

614.766.5445 · cline@NewHopeWorship.com

614.766.5445 x37 · thompson@NewHopeWorship.com

Connor Curfman, Tech Coordinator

Lara Valentine, Children’s Choir Director

614.766.5445 · tech@NewHopeWorship.com

614.766.5445 · valentine@NewHopeWorship.com

Nancy Green, Office Administrator

Stephanie Vermeer, Children’s Program Associate

614.766.5445 x10 · office@NewHopeWorship.com

614.766.5445 · vermeer@NewHopeWorship.com

Gail Headlee, Communications Coordinator 614.766.5445 · webmaster@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 July/August newsletter is July 1.

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