iHOPE

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!)

A Service I Have Come to Love

 

I love Christmas Eve.

That should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. I love the beauty and quiet of the 11:00, "Candlelight Communion" service. I love the energy and expectation of the 6:00 & 8:00 "Carols & Candles" services. I love the sheer noise and joy of the 4:00, "Young Families" service ( I also love that I don't have to lead that one!). It is all wonderful- and I wouldn't trade any of it.

Yet I have also come to love another, very different service at Christmastime:  The "Blue Christmas" service. It is a service that is held on 'the night before the night before Christmas' (tonight, at 7:00). The "Blue" is a Christmas Eve-type service that is designed for those who have gone through loss.  It is not a 'sad' service. Like all Christmas Eve services, it points to the joy of God's presence. At the same time, it recognizes that people who attend may not be merry- nor particularly want to be. That's OK. The point of the "Blue" is not to try and make everything 'better', but to help us find our bearings.

Wow!- The Giving Forest

One of the long-standing traditions at New Hope is a 'Giving Tree' at Christmas.You know the drill:

Needs are identifies throughout the community, each gift is a 'leaf' on the tree,people take a 'leaf'/gift need and sponsor it,the gift is bought, brought back and finally,the gifts are delivered.

Its a great way to help others and many churches and organizations do it. At New Hope the project has expanded that this year we decided one tree wasn't big enough. What we needed was a 'Giving Forest'!  The results were incredible!

The piture above doesn't do the project justice because all the gifts are already in bags (as they were supposed to be). Maybe these statistics will help:

• More than 90 families and seniors were helped
• More than 200 people were served
• More than 500 gifts were purchased, sorted and delivered
• Almost 100 gft cards were added
• Total estimated value of all gifts?  more than $14,000!

  Way to go, New Hope! The Giving Forest (and all the people who oragnized, sorted, bought & delivered the gifts) is one more indicator that this is a place where people, "Find a Home, Build a Life, and Make a Difefrence." 

 

Wow!- 2011 Figgy Pudding Party

The "Figgy Pudding Party" has a long tradition at New Hope. It is a festival of music and Christmas cheer that is put on by the ministry of music. Originally, it was held as a way to help purchase the organ in the 'new' sanctuary. The organ has long been paid for, but the Figgy udding continues and is one of the longest traditions we have at New Hope.

This year's Figgy Pudding Party was again sponsored by the music ministry with individuals and groups 'sponsoring' and decorating a table. More than 220 people gathered on Sunday (December 4) for a rich evening music and fellowship. Almost $1,000 was raised as well, with the proceeds going towards local mission efforts.