New Hope Winter 2022 Newsletter

WINTER 2022

NEW HOPE Sharing Our Faith

OUTREACH UPDATE FROM 2021

IF: GATHERING 2022 WOMEN'S RETREAT

WORSHIP NIGHT IS BACK

See where your blessing go and grow!

Register today - you won't want to miss this!

Join the choir and praise team on Feb. 27!

New Hope Church A Ministry of the Reformed Church In America

Sunday Schedule 10:00 AM Worship & Children's Sunday School 11:15 AM Adult Education Hour, KidSpace EVENINGS Youth Activites

Learn more at NewHopeWorship.org and follow us online.

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

@newhopepowell

@newhopepowell @newhopeyouthpowell

Staff & Mission OUR MISSION | REACH people for Christ.

ROOT people in Christ.

And RELEASE people to serve Christ.

Staff Directory Rev. Sarah Palsma, Pastor Palsma@NewHopeWorship.com 614-766-5445

Dez Takas, Children's Music Takas@NewHopeWorship.com NewHopeWorship.org/JWC

Amy Hinton, Office Administrator Office@NewHopeWorship.com 614-766-5445

Emily Dean, Communications Manager Dean@NewHopeWorship.com

Christine Loy, Director of Music loy@NewHopeWorship.com NewHopeWorship.org/Music Rachel Warren, Children's Ministry Director Warren@NewHopeWorship.com NewHopeWorship.org/Children Lindsey Allen, Youth Director Allen@NewHopeWorship.com NewHopeWorship.org/Youth

Suzie Stalter, New Hope Preschool Director Preschool@NewHopeWorship.com NewHopePreschool.com 614-766-2446

A New Chapter Rev. Sarah Palsma I saw a meme a few weeks ago that made me groan with laughter. It said, “No one told me 2020 would be a trilogy.” Who would have thought back in March of 2020 that we would still be here? Who isn’t tired of the see-saw of emotions and the constant need to adapt to change? Scripture has a name for this season of life, called the wilderness.

As both a geographic region and a literary motif, the wilderness appears in many of the Bible’s stories and prayers. It is a place betwixt and between from where you’ve been to where you are going. It represents a journey of transformation, a season of caregiving that stretches your reserves of patience and perseverance, a time of doubt or grief, and a time of assessing values and priorities. In the wilderness, you discover more deeply who God is and whom God has created you to be.

New Hope Church is in a wilderness season. We are still navigating our way through many changes brought about by the ongoing pandemic. We are betwixt and between a change in pastoral leadership. It is good for us to pause and reflect on where we’ve been and where God is leading us. I give thanks for the good and faithful work Steve and Jean Norden poured into the building of New Hope Church.

I celebrate the many saints of this church who dedicate their time, talents, and treasure to carry out New Hope’s mission. I look forward to prayerfully discerning with you whom God calls New Hope Church to be as we move toward the future God has planned for us.

As we traverse through this wilderness season, God is already at work writing the next chapter in New Hope’s story. I encourage you to be present in worship on Sunday, February 20th, when the co-pastor candidate will preach and lead worship.

After worship, you will have the opportunity to greet him and his family. Then on Sunday, February 27th, we will gather for a Town Hall Meeting at 11:15 AM to discern God’s guidance in calling this person to be co-pastor of New Hope Church.

As we traverse through this wilderness season together, I pray we remember that God has a future of hope planned for New Hope Church. I pray we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our good shepherd, who will be our guide. I pray the Spirit will equip us to continue building upon the extraordinary legacy of faith entrusted to us.

May God bless New Hope Church.

Adult Ministry NewHopeWorship.org/adults

SUNDAYS AT 11:15 AM Tom Heuer is teaching an Adult Ed class titled “Called to Lead.” Jesus often preached and taught about the importance of leadership. Over the course of seven weeks, this class will focus on the Five Practices of Exemplary Christian Leaders and discover what God’s Word says about these practices. Understanding and living these behaviors is an essential step in every Christian leader’s journey. This class is for everyone whether you think of yourself as a leader or not. Meets in the Fellowship Hall.

women's

Men's

Bible Study

Bible Study

WEDNESDAYS AT 12:30 PM Join Pastor Sarah for a study on Romans Chapters 8-16. This study focuses on what it looks like to embrace the sovereignty of God and live as a follower of Jesus. Meets in the Fellowship Pavilion.

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY AT 7 PM The Men’s Bible study group (Band of Brothers) will continue their journey through the book of Acts this winter.

Join in when you can, and contact Bill Bryan at billbryan6@gmail.com with questions.

Women's Retreat - register now!

young adult mission trip - summer 2022

outreach Ministry NewHopeWorship.org/helping-others

Thank you for your generosity!

% 7 3

NATI O

New Hope Benevolences 2021 $149,882.00

Campus Crusade for Christ World Renew Disaster Response Grace Covenant Ministries in KY Refugee Resettlement Central College Hope College Northwestern College Western Seminary Intervarsity Brockport Church Plant Disaster Relief In KY

L 29% NA

GLOBAL

Cru Missionaries in Africa RCA Missionaries in Japan, Oman, Romania Opportunity International Bethel Bible Series - SE Asia Young Life - Africa/Middle East Covid Relief in India Disaster Relief In Haiti Refugee Crisis Response Words of Hope

CAL 24% LO CenterPoint Church Hispanic Ministry Reliant OSU Campus Ministries Pregnancy Decision Health Center Convene Columbus Dublin Food Pantry Habitat for Humanity God's Table Mission Columbus Mission of Mercy

NHC Preschool & Education Center Ronald McDonald House The Salvation Army Central Ohio Festa Youth for Christ - Gracehaven Young Life WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry) Mission Support for College Student CRIS

Music Ministry Christine Loy, Newhopeworship.org/music As we begin a new year, I am reminded of the faithful hand of God to supply every single need in our lives. Despite many challenges of running a Music Ministry during a pandemic, we see the handprint of the Lord everywhere!

Early in 2021 when we needed an organist, the Lord didn’t just bring us, someone to play the organ, He introduced us to Richard Gregory. When you hear him play, or watch him practice, does it remind you that God gives good gifts to His children? Like, really good gifts? Gifts that shine HIS likeness and gifts that glorify HIM. When you hear the next organ prelude, be reminded of God’s Goodness – and His Greatness.

Our Praise Teams, Worship Choir, and Band members also have been a blessing to our congregation. For the first half of the year, we came to rehearsal via ZOOM, then finally in the sanctuary singing in masks and spread out all over the pews, because we wanted to bring a song of Worship to the Lord! Strangely enough, we added a good number of new singers to our choir in 2021.

Then after a two-year hiatus, we were able to bring back our Christmas Cantata “Behold Him” in mid-December. The Holy Spirit breathed such life into the songs that so many of us needed to hear this Christmas.

Finally, we got to see the Lord at work through the music offerings of our Youth. This is the most exciting for me; to begin to pass the torch of worship leading to a new generation of worshippers. The seeds are planted, and we watch the growth in maturity and ability of these students. Yeah, God! God is drawing His people to Himself as we praise Him. In 2022, more authentic singing, more joyful praise, more surrendered hearts, more open minds to the new places that the Holy Spirit has for us. We hope you join us in the loft, band, or in the pews for this new adventure.

2021 Christmas Cantata

Birthday Party for Jesus 2021

Children's Ministry Rachel Warren, NewHopeworship.org/children Children’s Ministry has been alive and active over the last several months! What a blessing! We’ve started using a new curriculum in Sunday School this year called “Simply Loved” and I know the Sunday School teachers are really enjoying it, I hope your children are too! Club 45 kicked off the year with a trip to Marmon Valley and then the 4th and 5th graders quickly got to work collecting coats to support Coats 4 Kids and also made blankets to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. They have several more service projects coming up and I couldn’t be more proud of their servant hearts! Kids WOW has the church buzzing with joy on Wednesday evenings as we learn stories of Jesus in greater depth and have a whole lot of fun in the process!

Our Junior Worship Choir has been working hard to learn new songs and is actively seeking new members! Children are welcome to jump into a rehearsal to check it out as the group prepares for spring events! Christmas brought the opportunity for kids to help tell the story of Jesus’ birth at our Christmas Eve Family service and the chance to celebrate it at Birthday Party for Jesus!

“The Children’s Ministry Mission, in partnership with parents/guardians, is to raise children to be disciples of Christ; rooted in God’s Word, love, and prayer.” We truly believe in our mission of partnering with you in raising children to know and love Jesus.

The start of a new year typically encourages people to take a look at their habits, routines, and goals. Our prayer for your family is that you make it a priority to spend time with your children in the word and in prayer. Maybe it’s before or after dinner or right before bed. Use your time in the car on the way to activities as an opportunity to talk with them and encourage them in their faith. Each week, your child comes home with a paper from Sunday School. Use that to continue the lesson and discussion from Sunday School throughout the week.

Christmas Eve Family Service 2021

We are looking to grow our amazing Sunday School Support Team! It’s a fun and rewarding way to be with your child and their peers as they grow in their own faith journey. The lessons are provided and easy to follow. Email me or check out the Sunday Hiking at the Park School webpage for more details.

Save the dates! Our next outreach event is our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 3rd. Also, I know many of you are making summer camp and vacation plans so mark your calendars. VBS 2022 at New Hope Church will take place June 6-10th with both morning and evening options. Stay tuned for registration and opportunities to get involved in the best week of summer!

Finally, thank you to all of our amazing youth and adult volunteers in Children’s Ministry. You are such a blessing to so many and you are making an impact on the children more than you may realize. Thank you for using your gifts and your time to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

Blessings, Rachel Warren

Fall WOW Bible Time

Club 45 Coats 4 Children

Youth Mission Trip Summer 2021

Youth Ministry Lindsey Allen, Newhopeworship.org/youth As we wander through the wilderness with Sarah in our sermon series for the next several weeks, I know there will be moments of difficulty and uncertainty. In these times, I am a firm believer that God wants us to look back and remember all the ways He has provided and cared for us; to reflect on His faithfulness. I am also a firm believer that we are to look toward a future hope with Him and His people, our church, for where He is leading us.

As I reflect, I think of all of the ways God has grown deep roots within our youth community: small group bible studies, service to others, mission trips, cookie baking, Halloween and Thanksgiving parties, day trips, fun at youth group, and sharing so much laughter. God has indeed been good and faithful to us. And I am incredibly grateful.

As I look forward, I am excited to see where God is leading each of our youth as they continue to discover their gifts and use them for His glory; and to grow in their understanding of how much God loves them, calls them by name, and has created them for a purpose. I also love the community that our youth continue to grow in together. Many of the youth have found their closest community and support system within New Hope. It is an absolute joy to see them living together both in and out of the church!

Our youth have made such deep connections with one another due to the amazing volunteers that help make our youth program thrive.

I want to introduce you to one of our phenomenal volunteers, Nate Filler, who is making a difference in the lives of many of our youth.

Volunteer Spotlight Nate Filler

Nate - tell us a little about yourself: family, interests, hobbies, how long you have been at New Hope, what drew you to New Hope, and what's a fun fact about you?

My wife Lori and I moved back to the Dublin area in 2016 after living in the Sunbury/Galena area. We have three children (Kiley and Carson at Dublin Jerome and Chloe at Eli Pinney Elementary). We have been attending New Hope for the past five years. Living so close to the "church by the zoo" made it a convenient choice, but we were most impressed with the church's focus on youth ministry. Lori works at Davison Orthodontics in Powell. While I have worked in government for the past two decades, I try to avoid politics in my spare time. Instead, I am a huge sports fan and have previously coached DYA basketball. I also keep busy with our two Shih-Tzu dogs. I have always been a huge movie fan, especially 80s John Hughes films like Ferris Bueller and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and Marvel superhero movies such as Captain Marvel and Thor.

In what capacity do you volunteer within Youth Ministry?

I am blessed to lead the Boys Small Group for 10th-11th graders. We started meeting during the summer of their Freshman year back in 2020 during the quarantine period.

We typically meet once or twice a month.

What has been a rewarding experience for you while volunteering with the youth?

One experience that sticks out involves our small group discussion on perseverance. I shared a movie with the boys about Terry Fox. He was an amazing athlete who ran across Canada in 1980 to raise money for cancer research. Incredibly, Terry did this on a prosthetic leg since he had lost his leg to cancer. Sadly, Terry succumbs to cancer but not after running over 3,000 miles and raising over $20 million for cancer. I could sense the boys were emotionally moved by his story, and we all needed to hear that message during the middle of the pandemic.

Why did you feel led to lead your small group? What prompted you to say "yes" to God's call?

In my life, I am passionate about "SHOWING UP." I feel that if you are going to invest your time in an activity or an organization, you must "SHOW UP" and see how you can engage. It is easy to continue with the status quo and stay on the sidelines. I feel God gives us chances to push outside our comfort zone. In my experience, when you answer God's call and help/volunteer, it's always more rewarding and impactful than one could ever imagine.

Nate Filler "Volunteer Spotlight" Interview Continued...

Have you had personal experience with someone mentoring you in your life of faith? What impact did their presence have in your life?

I graduated in the final class from Dublin High School (now Coffman) and was a regular attendee at Young Life. My Young Life leader, Rob Crocker had a profound impact on shaping my faith. He was so dedicated and made learning about Christianity FUN. He also was inclusive to all kids at school and made them feel welcome at Young Life. I have tried to take those life lessons and apply them as a parent and a leader.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering within New Hope?

We can ALL do something for our church. I wish I could sing as beautifully as our wonderful choir or play an instrument like our amazing organist but God did not gift me with those talents. Rather, I know I have a gift for speaking and teaching others. I would ask that each one of us look inside to determine what gift God has blessed us with and use it to help your church. My son and I have done Salvation Army bell ringing and my family has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House making meals. There truly is something for everyone and no act of volunteering is too small.

New Hope Preschool & Education Center Suzie Stalter, newhopepreschool.com New Hope Preschool and Education Center is serving more than 180 children this school year.

We are so blessed to be with our inquisitive, joyful, and growing students each day. The children have done a great job of walking into the school from our car drop-off line, being welcomed by our teachers as they walk to their classrooms and begin their day with their friends.

Our preschool teachers and staff make each day special with new opportunities for learning that include a number of repetitive routines to help the children retain their learning. The children say a morning prayer, snack prayer, and end-of-day prayer that help remind them of Christ’s love. Each day they practice letter sounds, count the numbers in the month, go over the days of the week and discuss the weather. They are given jobs to foster independence and responsibility. Throughout the week, there is an array of art crafts to spark their creativity and math lesson plans to help them learn how to sort, count, identify numbers, and have a foundation for math concepts for future learning. In addition, the children enjoy the various science experiments taking place in the classrooms as well as special classes for music and bible stories. Most importantly, the children have time to play to discover the world around them and to learn how to play cooperatively together with their peers.

Our Kindergarten program continues to thrive offering up to 14 children a full day MondayThursday learning experience. Our teacher and her assistant are dedicated to providing individual attention, small group learning, and a family-like environment within the classroom.

Each year, the children are well prepared to enter the first grade and excel after the strong foundation they receive at New Hope Kindergarten.

Beyond our daily routines, we enjoyed a special trip to the pumpkin patch, a visit from the Liberty Township Firefighters, sent Thanksgiving cards to older members of New Hope Church and performed our Christmas programs in the sanctuary for the children’s families. In the Spring, we look forward to a Bring the Farm to you program, a Parent Night fundraiser to donate to the Common Ground Free Store in Delaware, sending Valentine’s cards, Spring field trips, and end-of-the-year celebrations.

As we serve children and families in our area, we are blessed to live out our mission to educate God’s children through the teachings of Christ and to support their spiritual, emotional, social, cognitive, and physical needs.

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

Steve & Jean Norden

Fellowship Pavilion Are you looking for a place to host an event? The Fellowship Pavilion is available for rent!

Please contact our office at 614-766-5445 or office@newhopeworship.com for more details on reserving this space.