iHOPE

Easter- Wow!

I'm thinking of Easter Sunday and I'm still smiling.

Easter Sunday was such a terrific day at New Hope. More than that, it was a terrific day that capped an outstanding Lenten season. I can't remember the last time that so many people were engaged in so much wonderful ministry- and did it so well.

Throughout Lent, the LIFE Groups were sources of great fellowship, support and encouragement.  I heard feedback about how some of our newest members really felt like they had arrived 'home' in their new group.

Kudos too, to everyone in the music ministry for offering your gifts, talents and time to make this season (and especially Holy Week) so rich and meaningful. People are still buzzing!

All That Jazz

 
Jazz in worship?

  It started 14 years ago. I think folks waited until my second week after I arrived at New Hope to tell me that a Dixieland Jazz band was leading worship the next month. I remember thinking, 'Well, this will be interesting!'.

  Within 30 seconds of the first service, I knew something good was going on. Adults were tapping their feet. Children were literally dancing in the aisles. People were singing old hymns with new appreciation. Joy permeated the sanctuary. Since then, Dixieland Jazz has been an annual tradition at New Hope. Tomorrow it continues at both services (9:00 & 10:45) with the Sampson Gulch Dixieland Jazz Band providing the music.

  I can't wait.

Welcome, Nick Rossi!

 
I want to welcome Nick Rossi to the staff of New Hope Presbyterian Church! I would say 'introduce' but many people in our congregation already know or have worked with Nick in the past.   Nick is going to be our Interim Director of Music & Worship.

Interim? What does that mean?

The Wonders of the Universe

  Want a great way to start your week?  Check out this video.   It is a resource from BioLogos, a group that seeks to 'explore, celebrate, and promote the harmony of science and the Christian faith.'  It is a great resource. If you are looking for a way to bring your faith and science together in a meaningful conversation, this is a place to do it.  It was started by Francis Collins whose book The Language of God is listed in the 'Books Worth Reading' section (on the left). 

  There is much to explore on this site, but the link today takes you to a newer feature. Every Sunday, they started posting a worship-oriented blog. This is a wonderful video set to music. The accompanying 'meditation' is pretty good, too.

  Enjoy!