iHOPE

A New Ministry Frontier for New Hope

 

So, what is the fastest growing segment of Douglas County?

What group of people has increased by almost 200% in the last 10 years- and is expected to tripe again in the next 20 years?

What age group is full of commitment, resources, wisdom and creativity- yet is traditionally under-utilized in most churches?

If you guessed, "Senior Citizens", you would be right!

That is why Session has called for a "Senior Summit" on Sunday, May 20, from Noon to 2:00 pm. Want to be a part of it?  Then you can RSVP through the Connection Card on Sunday, or email me using the link in the right column.

A New Frontier?

At our retreat last Fall, Session was looking ahead at the key issues that we believe will impact New Hope and our community in the years to come. Looking at the demographics of Castle Rock and Douglas County, we were surprised to see the jump in population for senior citizens. What really got our attention was the projections of what is to come.  From just under 5% of the total population in 2000, it is projected that seniors will make up more than 20% of the population by 2030.  At the Fall planning retreat, Session likes to strategize about the things we should be doing now, that will have the most significant effect in the next 2-3 years. As we looked at the statistics, we began to wonder, "is this a new ministry frontier for New Hope?"

Favorite Night of the Year

Last Sunday night was a night I look forward to all year. It is the night of our Confirmation Dessert. Its the night that confirmands come before Session and their families, read their personal statement of faith, and joint ehchurch. It is a night that has be come my favorite night of the year (possible exception: Christmas Eve).

Snday night was part of a journey that begins for these young people in October. They pick a mentor from the congregation and together walk through a set of lessons and experiences that eventually leads them to Palm Sunday. It is a process that Erik brought to New Hope and it is the best I have seen for helping students grapple with and eventually own, their own faith. Faith in Christ is no longer simply borrowed from parents, teachers and other adults. Now it is claimed by the young person.

As I listen to these statements of faith and hear what has been meaningful throughout the year, I am always filled with gratitude. God is at work. Lives change- both for the young person as well as for their mentor.

When we baptize children, the congregation makes a promise to the parents that we will provide a community that is safe and vital, and where faith is caught as well as taught. The Confirmation Dessert last Sunday was evidence of promises kept. Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Children's Programs, Youth Programs and Confirmation Class are all part of how we keep that promise. These same students will be part of the Easter worship service on Sunday, April 8 at 11:00.

Question:  Who were the significant adults who made a difference in sharing the Christian faith with you?  Who are you sharing it with now?

It's Time to Talk

There has been a problem that has been haunting us, lately.   We don’t know what to do about it and we hardly know how to talk about it.

The problem is: too many of our kids are dying. Sometimes it is by suicide. Sometimes it is at-risk behaviors that seem, well...suicidal. Call it what you want, but too many of our kids are dying, and we want to know what we can to do about it.

That is what was at the heart of the event we are hosting at New Hope next week:  It is a Suicide Prevention Forum and it will be held on Wednesday, March 14 from 6:30-8:00 pm.  Leslie Clemensen has gathered some of the best folks in Douglas County to talk to us about what is going on and how to be part of the solution.  

This is going to be a great event about an important topic. I hope you can be there.

Wildfire

 Yesterday, when I shared Lee Ann's observation that the prospect of going through cancer felt like going through an oncoming wildfire. The image sparked something in Bob Rotruck.  His son is heading to Afghanistan and the image of an oncoming wildfire seemed appropriate. He was inspired to write the following poem and when I asked, he consented to letting it be printed here:

Wildfires

 I stood on the plain facing the fires fierce flames,

I was looking for someone to place all the blames.

I didn’t want my son to face the horrors of war,

I wanted to go in his place to settle the score.

But I know my son wanted to do his part,

He agreed to do it from the very start.

That is how military men and women approach life,

They know from the beginning that there might be strife.

And so we stand in this field of wildfire together,

Our spirits locked together no matter the weather.

But a third party has joined our stance,

He is not just there by mere chance.

But Jesus is there holding each of our hands,

And together the three of us are taking our stands.

To face the unknown trials of the fight,

Together in spirit we are there at first light.

I have no fear for my brave, strong son,

For at his side will always be number One.

So this wildfire, we can face each day,

Each day I will be there in spirit to pray.

“God be with my son and all his comrades,

And be home with all of the moms and dads.

For they too face the horrors of war,

We just pray, there will be no more!”

AMEN

Thanks, Bob!

More Than Semantics

This is part three of my response to the formation of a new ‘denominational entity’ called the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECOP).  The first two posts are below

For my money, the Zimbabwe Mission Partnership (ZMP) is a terrific example of what happens when churches gather around a common mission. If this project stopped there, it would still be an inspiring story of what happens when churches respond to God’s Spirit.

But this story doesn’t end there.

  As the ZMP progressed in its work, connections were made with the Presbytery of Zimbabwe. Conversations began about establishing an official connection between the Presbytery of Denver and the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.  In 2005, that became a reality. I was privileged to be part of a delegation that went to Zimbabwe to ratify a new, missional relationship between the two presbyteries.

What Happened in Orlando- and Why I Wasn't There.

This past week, more than 2,000 Presbyterians met in Orlando for gathering to discuss the future of the Presbyterian Church (USA)- or rather, the lack it. Beginning last year with a letter from a group of (mostly large church) pastors that declared our denomination was "deathly ill", an organization called the Fellowship of Presbyterians (FOP) was formed and culminated in the unveiling of a new denominational entity called, The Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECOP- their new logo is displayed above). You can read more about it here. While it claims that this split was not simply over the issue of homosexuality and ordination, it is also no secret that this has been the lightning-rod that spurred this movement. At this point, it is a new denomination that allows others to affiliate with it, even if they choose to stay in the PCUSA.

If you click on the links above and read through the materials, you will find some exciting materials about what the Church is called to be- and could be in the future. I love the passion, admire many of the leaders and embrace their stated values.

So why wasn't I part of the launch of this "new reformed body"?  I will answer that question more fully in the week to come, but I'll answer it briefly here with another question:

A Good Week to be "New Hope"

  It's been one of those weeks.

  There was a lot that was planned that didn't happen. That is because there was a lot that happened that wasn't planned.

  We had two funerals this week. One was for a man almost 91. The other was for a young man just 18.

Thank you, Tim Tebow!

Say what you will about Tim Tebow (and Lord knows there has been a lot said, lately!), no one has generated more conversation about prayer in a long time.

Some people are attracted and curious about his faith. Some are put off by it.

Everyone seems to be talking about.

The timing is perfect because throughout January, we'll be exploring the subject of prayer and how to start a new conversation with God.  Real prayer for the real world..."in this place and time." Praying on one knee will be optional.

We start this Sunday, January 1 (one service only, at 11:00- and don't worry, the game doesn't start until the afternoon!)

Paul Neshangwe is Coming!

Paul Neshangwe will be with us on Sunday as part of our "re-Discovering Grace" series.  The theme of the week (for those following along in our LIFE Group curriculum) is "Skin Deep" and it is about Grace and Racism. Anyone who knows Paul and his story will understand the connection here.

Paul is a dear friend personally and a good friend of New Hope. As always, we look forward to Paul and the message he will be bringing.

See you Sunday!

The Cost of Discipleship is Higher in Some Places Than Others

I don't know if you have been following this story or not, but it merits our attention- and our prayers.  Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani leads a 400 member church in Tehran and is being accused of apostasy (abandonment of religion) and evangelizing Muslims. There is a story about him on the PCUSA website as well as an article in the Chicago Tribune.  The charges carry the death penalty and he could be executed as early as Wednesday if he doesn't recant his faith.

Please pray for this man- and for his church.