iHOPE

Secrets of the Rich

  Would you like to know the secrets of the rich? If not, your neighbors do!  Books, seminars, workshops and newsletter that promise to share the secrets of the rich have been in demand. People have flocked to hear from people who got rich and are willing to share their secrets. What do they know that we don't?

  The ranks of the would-be rich have taken a hit, lately. All the promises (and a good portion of the profits!) have vaporized in the past year. Now what?

Worship

  I've been thinking about worship lately. Actually, I have been thinking about it, reading about it, talking about it and right now, I am at a conference to learn more about worship.
  It is called The Worship Symposium and it is sponsored by Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grand Rapids is not normally a destination of choice on the last week of January.  That makes it all the more impressive that almost 1,400 people are in attendance, including representatives from 30 different countries.  They all came for the same reason Erik, Di and I came- because worship is vital to the life of the church. Worship changes us. Worship allows us to change into the people God created us to be. More than that, worship demands that we change.
  One of the signs of God's power and grace has been an explosion of new music and forms of worship all around the world. Old traditions are being renewed. New discoveries are being made as we learn from one another's traditions, culture and styles.
  As an example, today:

A Day of Prayer for Zimbabwe

  Anyone who has been around New hope for awhile knows we have a special relationship with Zimbabwe. Whether it is through the work of the Pippitt's, the Zimbabwe Mission Partnership or the Partnership of Zimbabwe and Denver Presbyteries (PZDP), we have some deep connections to the people of Zimbabwe.  That is why I wanted to let you know about the upcoming day of prayer on Sunday, January 25.

  While it wasn't planned, it is certainly a good connection for us that this is the same Sunday that Paul Neshangwe is going to preach at New Hope.

  If you would like to know more about this Day of Prayer, you can get the information here: Download Zimbabwe Call to Prayer and Fasting . Churches around the world are beiong invited to join together in praying for this battered country.  I hope you'll be a part of it, too.

 

Paul Neshangwe is Coming to New Hope

Paul Neshangwe will be preaching at New Hope on Sunday, January 25 at both services. He will also be returning to speak at one of our Sunday School classes in February.

  Paul is here with his wife Lydia (who is studying at Denver Seminary) and their two  children. Paul is a personal friend as well as a friend to this congregation. He is a leader in the Presbyterian Church in Zimbabwe and is in the Denver Presbytery as 'Pastor-in-Partnership'. Its an exciting experiment for our Presbytery. Paul's job will be to develop relationships with Africans in the Denver area and explore possibilities for new church development with these African groups. He is also here to further develop the partnership between the Denver and Zimbabwe presbyteries.

  I'm looking forward to introducing Paul to you and you to Paul this Sunday!

Help for Reading the Bible

  One of the resolutions people make at New Year's is to read the Bible more often. Commendable (even recommended!), yet without a plan these kind of resolutions easily get sidetracked.

  My friend, Rich gave me a link that may be just what you are looking for.  The site is called Bibleplan.org and its designed to help people read the Bible. There are 13 different plans for reading the Bible listed, along with about a dozen different translations. Choose the plan, choose the translation, enter your email and it will send you the planned reading by email each day. Hard to imagine anything easier!

  If it sounds interesting, check it out.