New Hope Connection

Creation arguments NOT to use

2011-04-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

This article, written by Creation Ministries International, not only gives a ton of valuable information, it also provides links to dozens of articles for those who want to investigate further! Arguments We Think Creationists Should Not Use

The Leavers: Young Doubters Exit the Church

2010-11-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Today I read an article from Christianity Today about youth who leave the church after they graduate from high school. This subject is so important to me. I pray that we can be a real encouragement to our younger generations.

The Leavers: Young Doubters Exit the Church

Days of Elijah

2010-11-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what the lyrics refer to in the worship song Days of Elijah? I recently found a full explanation written by the song's author, Irish worship leader Robin Mark. Whether you've enjoyed this song or been perplexed by it or both, click here to read the full story behind it!

And to hear Robin Mark's recording of Days of Elijah, check out this video:

Time Change This Weekend

2010-11-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, we get that glorious extra-hour-of-sleep set-your-clocks-back-an-hour time change coming up this Saturday night!

(Of course, if you get to church an hour early, you're welcome to enjoy listening to our band rehearse!)

Register to Vote!

2010-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

I hope all believers exercise their right to vote this fall!

"A government of the people, by the people, and for the people only happens when people vote."

How Porn Damages Women

2010-09-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

I just read a very insightful and concise article titled An Equal-Opportunity Destroyer by the editors of Christianity Today. Check out this powerful excerpt:

In a "sexually obese" culture like ours (a phrase from psychiatrist Mary Ann Layden), people who never use porn end up bearing its costs. That includes wives, who are held up to impossible sexual standards and are as robbed of sexual intimacy as their addicted husbands are. That also includes teenage girls, who are being taught by the entertainment industry and boyfriends that being a woman is about being hypersexual for others.

But because porn literally rewires the brain, creating neural pathways that change how users understand the world, we know that porn warps how men and women see each other. Porn is demonic not primarily because it is addictive. It is demonic because it always flattens three-dimensional humans—especially women—to a collection of body parts meant for others' gratification, sullying the full glory that God intended them to reflect. And often it leads addicts to flatten women too, despite their beliefs or intentions.

Love Relationship

2010-09-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Earlier tonight we had a lesson/discussion in youth group about the Greatest Command: to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Deut 6, Matt 22, Mark 12, Luke 10)

It's a big topic and our time was limited, so we talked about our attitude toward God; how (as far as I know) this is unique to our religion; how loving God ultimately translates to obedience, yet adds a "filter" through which we view God's commands and our motivation for obeying.

And while we mentioned how God desires to have a love relationship with us, what we didn't have time to cover last night was how much God loves us (indeed loved us first)! That has me thinking...what if God didn't love us, and yet declared his greatest command to be that we should love Him? How different would that command be!

I watched the musical Annie! last week, and the orphans are compelled to tell their evil mistress, "We love you, Miss Hannigan!" It's of course a phony exchange for the girls to proclaim their love for her, and even Miss Hannigan knows it's a ridiculous formality meant to demonstrate her bitter authority. But our commandment to love the Lord has a whole different flavor, because He has loved us with an everlasting love. (Jer. 31:3)

God, in His infinite wonder, is able to love us when we are unlovable (Rom. 5:8). But we, in our weakness, are not forced to love an indifferent or spiteful God...we're invited to love Him completely, and in so doing complete the circuit of a two-way love relationship.

Avoiding Old Flames on Facebook

2010-08-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Some good thoughts for those of us who are (a) married and (b) on Facebook:

Her.meneutics: Avoiding Old Flames on Facebook

Quote

2010-08-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

‎"Christianity, if false, is of no importance; if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."

- C.S.Lewis

The Big Game!

2010-07-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

This summer our church has two softball teams, and this Sunday, August 1st, they are scheduled to play against each other! It'll be a lot of fun, and if you've thought about coming to watch us play, this is the perfect week for it!

The game is at 6:00 p.m. and should be over by about 7:15. It will be played at Dancer Park, field #10 (the field in the far back corner of the park). The weather forecast looks pleasant, and it would be fun to see you there!

Play ball!

New downloads available

2010-07-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

On our web site's Sermons, Etc page you'll find our last two sermons by guest speakers Gerry Clark and Rich Bryson. Gerry preached about Contentment on July 18th, while Rich brought a message about worship the following Sunday.

In addition, we recorded our New Hope band rendition of Revelation Song, which followed Rich's sermon.

Enjoy!

Church Picnic!

2010-07-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to seeing each of you this Sunday (July 11th) and spending a little time with you at our Independence Day picnic/potluck. This is a chance to fellowship and enjoy getting to know each other in a way we cannot on Sundays at church.

We will meet right after church at Joe Dancer Park in the area under the trees immediately to the right as soon as you enter the park (corner of Brooks St. and 3 Mile Lane). We are happy to point out that this year it is even more accessible than before with an enlarged parking area that provides entrance to the our picnic area across an easily-traversed bridge. (Of course, for those of us who can navigate more easily, we will park a little farther away so as to give the seniors and the physically-challenged among us the best parking we can. Making a food and chairs drop-off on the way is a good idea)!

If you cannot think what to bring, the following is a suggestion to follow, but do not feel locked into this if your specialty is in another area: if you have a last name starting with A-L, bring a main dish and salad. If your last name begins with M-Z, bring a main dish and dessert.

One more suggestion: please bring lawn chairs as there is no seating. See you Sunday at church and then at the picnic! Can't wait!

God's Gifts to Us

2010-07-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

The last two sermons by Gerry Clark are now available online. Gerry is in the midst of a four-part series of messages on some of God's Gifts to Us. On June 27 he described the gift of "Being Ordinary" and on July 4 about "Service." You can hear these messages and more on our downloads page at our website!

He Will Carry You

2010-06-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

On Father's Day, after Dewey's sermon on Matthew 11:28, nine-year-old Molly sang "He Will Carry You" by Scott Wesley Brown...

It's a common mistake

2010-06-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Christian Female Musicians MIA

2010-05-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

I listen to Christian music radio somewhat regularly, and I am also heavily involved in music at church, so I found the following article very fascinating! The issue at hand, the theories on why it's an issue, and the comments from women at the end--all very interesting!

Check it out:

Christian Female Musicians, Missing in Action

by Laura Leonard

It may be time to switch to grape juice for communion...

2010-05-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

This is just like our church (except, of course, we have chairs instead of pews).

Digital Derby Car Rally

2010-05-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last night our youth group had a car rally--we had a blast!

It was a scavenger hunt of sorts: the teams had an hour to drive around town and take digital pictures from a list (e.g. team stuffed in a phone booth, being eaten by a bear, trapped in an elevator, etc). When the points were tabulated, the Low Riders edged out the Pink Cadillacs by 18 points for 1st place.

At the end of the evening we saw slide shows of all the teams' pictures. Below are some favorites, along with their category from the list:

Take a picture of your team...

...caroling at a house that has Christmas lights up.

...acting out a Shakespeare scene.

...imitating Benjamin Franklin.

...pretending to throw a team member into a river.

...saluting a flag.

...being run over by a jet.

...in a trash bin.

...all on one playground swing.

...having your arm swallowed by a mail box.

...staging a gun fight with bananas at a grocery store.

Wedding

2010-05-10T12:13:00.001-07:00

Our humble New Hope building enjoyed its first ever wedding this weekend! Ashley Holter married Dylan Leach on Saturday, and her best friend Devita took some really nice pics, a few of which I've copied below! Dewey performed the ceremony, and I was privileged to do some music. May God bless this newly married couple!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

More Downloads Available

2010-04-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Dewey's message from last Sunday is now available online, as well as a couple new music recordings: Glorious Day (from Easter Sunday) and Sparrow (from March 28th). Check them out!

Ministering to the Deaf

2010-04-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

I just read a fascinating article about ministry to the deaf entitled Do You Hear What I Hear? by Jeremy Weber. It highlights a video ministry to the deaf (Deaf Video Communications), but it also gives some very interesting information about this virtually unreached group of people. Some quotes include:

Language and cultural barriers have left the deaf a veritable unreached people group right in America's midst. Christian deaf ministries estimate that only 1 percent of American deaf children will attend church as adults. Less than 7 percent will ever have the gospel presented to them in a way they can understand.

"Ninety-five percent of deaf children are born into hearing families, but only 10 percent of parents learn enough ASL to have a conversation beyond 'pass the salt' and 'be quiet,'" said Marshall Lawrence [founder of Silent Blessings Deaf Ministries]. "When parents have limited signing skills, it's daunting for them to teach their children about Jesus or Moses." Lawrence tells of a 6-year-old deaf girl who long refused to participate in dinnertime prayers despite her mother's ASL translation. After the girl saw a deaf boy signing his prayers on a deaf ministry video, she excitedly signed to her mother, "Mommy, Jesus knows sign language!" Now she insists on praying at every meal.

Sermons online

2010-04-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Now that the busy Easter season is over, I've finally uploaded Dewey's sermons from March 21 and 28 to our website's downloads page. These are both great messages, and both got a terrific response from those who heard them live--give them a listen!

Good Friday Service

2010-03-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

Please join us Friday night at 7:00 p.m. as we take a moment to remember Christ's death for us. This service is a simple but moving time of singing, communion and reflection. Focusing on His sacrifice on Good Friday just adds significance to the joyful celebration that follows on Resurrection Sunday--we really hope you'll come.

We invite everyone to bring a candle with them to place on the communion table in the center of the room, preferably a jar or votive candle that won't spill any wax. It will be a beautiful evening.

Better Than a Hallelujah

2010-03-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful song. Reminds me a little of the story in Luke 18:9-14.

Better Than a Hallelujah
by Sarah Hart and Chapin Hartford
Recorded by Amy Grant

New Hope's Got Talent!

2010-03-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Our third annual Talent Night did not disappoint! We had a blast last Friday night and enjoyed everything from solos to skits to hula dancing to stand-up comedy. Below are a few pictures, and you can see more at our website's Photo Gallery.

Interesting Quote (and Study)

2010-03-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

"This in no way should be thought of as a green light for spanking. This is a red light for people who want to legally limit how parents choose to discipline their children."

Marjorie Gunnoe, a Calvin College psychology professor, on her new study that finds that children who remember being spanked do better in school, volunteer more, and are more optimistic than unspanked children.
The Grand Rapids Press

None But Jesus

2010-02-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

I just can't get enough of this song...

Strategies against sexual sin

2010-02-25T16:51:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday at New Hope we heard a moving testimony about the destruction that can be wreaked in a family because of pornography. Today I was reading a blog post from a pastor friend of mine, and he gave some suggestions for combatting sexual sin. To see these practical ideas, click here.

A quote to ponder...

2010-02-22T10:16:00.001-08:00

"When you forgive someone, you set a prisoner free… and then you find that the prisoner was you." - Lewis Smedes

It Is Not Death to Die

2010-02-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

Last week I discovered a new/old song that I wanted to share. It's a 19th century hymn called It Is Not Death to Die. Bob Kauflin added some alternate lyrics, and the new version is found on a new CD called Come Weary Saints from Sovereign Grace Ministries. Take a look...

IT IS NOT DEATH TO DIE

Original words by Henri Malan (1787–1864). Translated by George Bethune (1847). Music, chorus, and alternate words by Bob Kauflin
© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God

It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just

It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

Chorus:
O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

A little help on Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Talent Night coming soon...

2010-02-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

Start preparing that special chain saw juggling act (or other display of talent)...the third annual New Hope Talent Night is coming one month from today on March 12th!

Contact Gerry Clark for details.

Opportunity

2010-02-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Molly Palmer told us about a woman she knows through her daughter's school that has recently moved into a new place after being homeless for a while. Molly wants to help this woman out and extended an invitation to the New Hope family to join her.

If you would like to donate any house warming items (food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.), you can bring them to church this Sunday, February 14th, and Molly will pass them along. Thanks!

Super Party tomorrow!

2010-02-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

Our tech guys have figured out a way to show the Super Bowl on our screens at the church, and everyone's welcome to join us to watch the game! Bring snacks to share, and if you want to bring a couch or something else comfy to sit in, go for it!

The broadcast begins at 3:00, but feel free to come early to hang out before it starts. See you there!

"Faithful" Parenting

2010-01-12T00:42:00.000-08:00

Here's some food for thought. I've always marvelled at how many great heroes of the Bible ended up with complete rebels for kids. This article from Christianity Today gives a refreshing perspective of Christian parenting...

The Myth of the Perfect Parent, by Leslie Leyland Fields

More proof for the Bible

2010-01-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

Dewey brought my attention to a story from Israelnationalnews.com with an exciting new archaeological discovery:

King David Era Pottery Shard Supports Biblical Narrative - by Avi Yellin

Christmas Lights

2009-12-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

I sort of expect to drive by (our resident powerpoint and lighting expert) Jason Alexander's house one day and see something like this...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Caroling this Sunday

2009-12-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

Don't forget we're Christmas Caroling this Sunday at 6:00! Meet at the church. And here's a little link to help you get warmed up: Carol of the Chins

Family Christmas Concert Tonight!

2009-12-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

Join us at 6:00 p.m. tonight for our Family Christmas Concert!

We've got a great collection of songs that celebrate the 1st coming of Christ, sung by soloists and choirs of all ages! We'll even have cookies after the program. Come celebrate with us!

Lost in translation...

2009-12-07T20:57:00.001-08:00

Christmas at New Hope!

2009-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and (for me, at least) the official beginning of the Christmas Season! We've got three special Christmas events coming in December at New Hope:

Sunday, December 13, 6:00 p.m.
It's our second annual Family Christmas Concert! A musical evening featuring our Christmas Choir, Children's Choir, solos and instrumentalists. It's Christmas music New-Hope-style, with lots of great songs that celebrate Jesus and His birth.

Sunday, December 20, 6:00 p.m.
It's time for some good old fashioned Christmas Caroling. Dress warm and bring a happy voice!

Thursday, December 24, 6:00 p.m.
Our simple and beautiful Christmas Eve Service will help you focus on Christ this Christmas. Come sing traditional carols, hear the Christmas story from God's Word, and share in communion and candle light.

We hope to see you at all our Christmas Celebration events!

Sermons Podcast

2009-11-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

A couple people have asked if we can make our sermons available for podcast, and we've now made some changes that will make podcasting possible. In short, our sermon files will be stored on http://www.sermon.net/ rather than our own website, but you can still access the messages as you always have on our Sermons, Etc page.

I am personally unfamiliar with the whole podcast thing, but if you have questions let me know and I can get you the answers from somebody smart!

By the way, we now have the sermons uploaded through November 15, and I'll try to get yesterday's message up soon.

Time change tonight

2009-10-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight! We hope to see you at church in the morning all chipper and well-rested!

An interesting quote

2009-10-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

But far too often, churches preach and teach the importance of our own moral actions, thereby belittling the importance of what Christ has done for us.

The result is that every time a scandal breaks involving a prominent Christian laid low—South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, Ted Haggard, Mel Gibson—we're treated to an endless news cycle about hypocrisy. But hypocrisy isn't failing to practice what you preach. Hypocrisy is pretending to have beliefs that you don't actually have. Real hypocrisy is rare and difficult to discern.

The battle to overcome sin, on the other hand, plagues every Christian daily.

From the article Sin: The Rest of the Story, by Mollie Ziegler Hemingway

New Hope Song

2009-10-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated our fellowship's 3rd anniversary, and Dewey's message from Matthew 9 was appropriately themed "It's a new day," a real celebration of the new life and hope we have in Christ. As I considered this theme last week, I decided I really wanted to write a song that communicated what we believe as a church--that Jesus Christ can bring new hope to all who trust in Him. We got a pretty good recording of the song, and you can hear it now on our website's Sermons, Etc. page.

Dewey's sermon should be on the page very soon, and it was great. In fact, I blame Dewey for making me a little emotional as I stepped up to sing the song, and you can hear my voice breaking a few times because of it!

As with all the songs we sing on Sunday mornings, I hope this one helps you love and appreciate the Lord even more...enjoy!

New Hope - by Brian Janssen

When I needed an anchor for my soul,
When I needed my broken life made whole
When my heart was hopeless, a Savior reached to me.
I found Truth that set me free.

Now there is hope for me;
Now it's a brand new day.
Now I rejoice to see my burdens are lifted away.
Now I have endless life and love and grace
no matter where I go:
In Jesus Christ I have found new hope.

The Latest Downloads

2009-10-15T11:26:00.001-07:00

For those who are fans of Dewey Bertolini's sermons (and who isn't?) I have good news: We are finally caught up on all his sermons on our website's download page! The last few weeks we've enjoyed some wonderful messages from the book of Matthew on changed lives, mercy, forgiveness and awe. So take some time to take in God's Word by going to NewHopeConnection.com and clicking on the Sermons, Etc menu button!

In addition to the sermons, I've also recently uploaded two songs from our last couple Communion services. In September, Jered Caywood and I played a modern version of the hymn Come Ye Sinners, and this month featured Ian Estrada singing Mighty Is the Power of the Cross. Both recordings turned out really nice, and hopefully they will encourage you to appreciate Christ's gift to us even more.

God's Presence

2009-10-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

I recently read a thoughtful article by Carolyn Arends that I thought I'd share with you. The title, "Come, Lord Jesus" was followed by the subtitle: Oh, wait. He's already here. It's a refreshing perspective on God's presence and our response. Click here to read the article.

Race Track is Ready...

2009-10-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow evening at our AWANA kids club, clubbers will be racing little wooden cars that they painted last week. Dev Jubinville (pictured below) built a 32-foot slotted race track for the cars to roll down, and it should be fun!

Awana starts at 6:00, but if you'd like to just come for the racing, join us at 6:30!

Birthday Cake

2009-10-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Lately we've been celebrating New Hope birthdays once a month with a song and a cake! We just want to thank Al and Bev Blunck for providing the cake for us each month--we appreciate them contributing in their way to help make New Hope a friendly, happy place!

New Blumenstein!

2009-09-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Dustin and Beth Blumenstein welcomed Ainsley Corrie Blumenstein into the world at 12:35 last night! She was 6 pounds, 5 ounces, 18.5 inches, and mom and baby are both doing great. They expect to take her home tomorrow (Tuesday) sometime. Congratulations!

Mommy Wars

2009-09-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

From an article entitled "White Flag in the Mommy Wars" by Mollie Ziegler Hemingway:

I was soon a witness to the Mommy Wars. Originally, the big battle was whether women should work outside the home. Now the wars engage a wide range of parenting questions.

...These fights are vicious. And they're odd. We live in a society that wouldn't dare pass judgment on even deviant sexual practices, but we can't let women make their own decisions on how to diaper their children.

Much of the hype comes from the all-consuming nature of motherhood, causing sleep-deprived and overworked moms to focus on childrearing to the point that crazy fights seem completely normal. And much of the angst reflects our fear that if other parents do things differently, they will pass judgment on the decisions we've made.

Awana Leaders Meeting

2009-09-16T19:43:00.001-07:00

Tonight we had a brief meeting with all of this year's Awana Leaders and helpers. It looks like we have a great group of seasoned veterans and talented rookies, and it promises to be a great year! We took time to review how our kids club runs each week, and then we prayed for God to bless this terrific ministry. As you read this, would you pray for us, too?

End of the Season

2009-09-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our two softball teams played one final game to end our 2009 season. Team #1 came out on top, but everyone had a blast whether they were playing or cheering the teams on! Special thanks to Dev Jubinville for umping for us yesterday, and thanks to all who played this summer! Let's do it again next year!

Piano Concert Friday Night

2009-09-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Gerry Clark's friend Dennis Weiler will be presenting a free piano concert tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. at New Hope Christian Fellowship. The concert will feature hymns and other traditional pieces, and Dennis also includes photographic slides to add a visual aspect to his music. It promises to be a great night!

Gerry provided us with the following bio for Dennis Weiler:

Dennis just turned 68, and has three daughters and six grandchildren. He has 8 1/2 years of bible college with degrees in theology and music, and has worked in several churches and given concerts coast to coast. Dennis taught piano for 35 years, both privately and in public and Christian schools. He has almost 20 CDs and DVDs available on piano, organ, and keyboard orchestra. "I love the Lord and wish to share my music!"

One more game!

2009-09-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Our softball season is officially over, but we can't let go!

This year, New Hope fielded two teams in the city's co-ed league and we had a fun summer. We had more losses than wins, but spirits were always high, and I think God was glorified with the way both teams participated.

However, in the league schedule, our two teams never got to play against each other, so we've decided to have one more game. This Sunday after church, we are inviting everyone to bring a picnic lunch to Dancer Park, Field #9, where we will enjoy eating together and then watching Team 1 play Team 2 in a final scrimmage.

It looks like the weather will be beautiful, and I assume the game will start at about 1:00 p.m. Hope you can join us!

New Sermons Online

2009-09-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

I was out on vacation for a couple weeks, so we were behind on our web site's sermon downloads, but Gerry Clark's terrific sermons on Stewardship (August 23 & 30) are now available online. As always, you can find them on our web site, www.newhopeconnection.com, under the Sermons, Etc. menu button.

I'm still waiting for Dewey's sermon from this last Sunday, but I expect to get that up there soon. Stay tuned!

This just in...

2009-09-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

From Tuesday's Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on news of the planned revisions to the NIV:

This is a weird story: The top-selling Bible in North America is being revised for the first time in 25 years to reflect changes in English usage. The language is changing so they're revising the Bible. For instance, the Book of Genesis now includes the line, "On the Seventh Day the Lord chillaxed."

Some new worship ideas

2009-08-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

While I'm on vacation, I figured I'd brainstorm some new worship ideas for Sunday mornings. What do you think of these?

Kids off to camp...

2009-08-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

About 25 campers and leaders headed off to Camp Tapawingo this afternoon for the weekend Kids Camp! Please pray for safety, fun, and spiritual fruit as the kids learn about storing up treasures in heaven.

"If you love the sound of death metal worship as much as I do..."

2009-08-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

A quote for today

2009-08-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” -- C.S. Lewis

Interesting stat

2009-08-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

42% Scientists ages 18-34 who say they believe in God.
28% Scientists 65 and older who say this.

(Source: Pew Research Center)

Awkward Family Photos!

2009-08-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

I stumbled onto a very funny web site today: www.AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com. Maybe you can think of your own submission? Check it out!

Worship Wars!

2009-08-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

It's about time somebody stopped these crazy hymn-singing Methodists(!)

Fiji Bans Massive Methodist Hymn-Sing

Fiji's military government has banned a massive annual hymn-singing contest and church conference out of fears that the crowd of some 10,000 singing Methodists could destabilize the strife-torn nation...(click here to read the rest of the article)

Blumenstein Shower

2009-08-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow after church we will be having a salad potluck lunch Baby Shower (men, women and kids are all invited) for Dustin and Beth Blumenstein.

Many of you know Dustin as our worship band drummer, and Beth is a faithful volunteer with our children's classes. They are welcoming their first child in October, and we want to celebrate! Hope you can join us!

Care Package for Karl

2009-07-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

Our very own Karl Laeger is serving our country in Iraq right now, and we as a church would like to send him a care package to show we are thinking of him. The announcement in the bulletin says...

Along with cards, he would enjoy things like: beef jerky, gum, breath mints, toothpaste, toothbrush, or floss. Leave your gifts in the foyer.

If you'd like more ideas of items to send, I found a number of sites online that give great ideas. Here are a few links you can check:

http://thefuntimesguide.com/2005/09/soldierpackages.php

https://www.msu.edu/~sst/care.html

http://www.cafepress.com/lovethetroops/491788

Love is in the air!

2009-07-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

We're blessed at New Hope to have some terrific young adults who serve the Lord and our church in a variety of ways. And this is a big week for four of them!

First of all, Jason Olds and Meredith Berthot are getting married tomorrow! Meredith is a teacher here in McMinnville, and is also one of our Sunday School teachers here at New Hope. And I see Jason here regularly giving his time to keep up the grounds around our building during breaks at work. Both have sweet, servant hearts, and we're happy for them!

Second, I got the news this week that Ethan Barske and Lindsey Jorgensen are now officially engaged! Ethan works at Evergreen, and when his work schedule permits he plays piano for us in the band. And Lindsey is one of the talented vocalists that sing along with me on Sunday mornings. I haven't heard anything about dates yet, but I'll keep you posted. Congratulations, you two!

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Combining two of my favorite things: America and Muppets!

Cassie is off to Portland

2009-07-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Cassie Gamble leaves today to spend a couple weeks in Portland minstering with Child Evangelism Fellowship. Here's an excerpt from a letter she sent to some friends and supporters:

For the past two years, I have been working with Child Evangelism Fellowship to share Christ with the children in the community. This year I will be serving with them once again, and I have been given an opportunity to go to Portland, OR for a summer missions trip called “Student Thunder”. I am going with a group of teens from Oregon.

We leave on July 3rd, and will return on the 12th. During this trip, our team will be teaching children in 5-day Bible clubs, sharing with churches and youth groups about CEF and the importance of telling kids about Jesus, and training other teens to teach the kids after we’re gone. Even though it may seem odd to go on a missions trip so close to home, there are many children in Portland who haven’t heard the Gospel.

I know Cassie would appreciate your prayers!

And can it be?

2009-06-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Rich Bryson will be speaking on the topic of forgiveness this Sunday, so I've been looking for songs that mention forgiveness. In my search I stumbled on a stanza of And Can It Be? that I've never seen in any hymnal. This is one of my favorite hymns, and I love this unsung verse, too!

Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
Amazing love! how can it be
that Thou my God shouldst die for me?

Charles Wesley, 1738

River Trip Pics

2009-06-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Rebecca put some pictures up on our website of the Kids River Trip last Friday. To see them, click here!

Happy Flag Day!

2009-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Are women born that way?

2009-06-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

2009-06-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my hymnal and ran across the hymn O Love That Will Not Let Me Go. I didn't sing this much as I grew up, so it's only slightly familiar to me. But I enjoyed the words as I read them this week, especially the 3rd and 4th stanzas. This hymn was written by Scottish Pastor George Matheson in 1882.

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

Softball 2009 season is underway!

2009-06-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

Our New Hope Hitters softball season began yesterday!

We have two teams this year, since there were so many who wanted to play (Team 2 had a bye this first week), and Team 1 played its opening game against Willamette Valley Medical Center. We lost 16-15, but everyone agreed it was a great game.

I not only enjoyed playing in the field, but also hearing the cheers and laughs from our team and the New Hope fans who came along. I'm looking forward to playing all season!

Rebecca Bertolini and Cori Stansfield both gave me some pictures. A few are posted here, but all 24 can be found at our web site's Photos page...just click here to see them.

New School Board Member

2009-06-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

One of our New Hope members was just voted onto the Sheridan School Board! You may be surprised who it is...click here to see an article about him in the News-Register!

Piano Recital

2009-06-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

A nice crowd of about 60 came to listen to Christie Gamble's piano recital, and we all enjoyed it very much! She did a great job, and it was fun hanging out afterwards at the reception, too. Here are a couple pics:

Piano Recital Tonight

2009-06-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, our own Christie Gamble is performing a free piano recital tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church here in McMinnville. On the program are Bach, Mozart, Chopin and Debussy, and there's a reception to follow!

"I knew them when..."

2009-06-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last night at Youth Group I had a total blast with our new Youth Worship Band! It was their first time leading worship all together, and they did GREAT!

These guys are total rookies...Tanner played electric guitar and has been taking lessons for only about 6 months. Tyler's taken guitar lessons for about as long, but had never played bass until 2 and a half weeks ago! Same for Brenna, who's taken a few years of piano lessons, but has only played synth for a couple weeks. And Cori basically learned the drums from playing "Rock Band" and doesn't even have a real drum set at home to practice on! (Cassie's the wiley vet--she's sung up front with me for a while, of course!)

Over the years of my ministry, it's often been a challenge to find musical talent. After all, you can't just manufacture instrumentalists out of thin air--you just have to wait for God to send them your way. So it's a real joy for me when some young players like these come along, with some budding musical skills and a real desire to use them! I really look forward to helping them grow in their gifts, and one of these days (soon?) I'll get them up there to lead in "big church"!

Here are a couple pics that my wife took with her phone...

The Loudest Cheers in Heaven

2009-06-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

A touching moment in an airport inspired this touching article from Kay Warren. Enjoy!

The Loudest Cheers in Heaven

Sand Storm!

2009-05-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

I saw something like this in a movie called Hidalgo, but I figured it was exaggerated for the film. I guess not! This clip was filmed in Iraq during a sand storm in 2005 that ran over Al Asad Air Base (where Karl Laeger will be going in a few weeks)!

Awana Awards Night

2009-05-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Last night we concluded our Awana year with an Awards Night. Lots of ribbons and certificates and applause was handed out to clubbers and leaders alike, and it was a great finish to a great year! We also enjoyed a big slide show and hot dog feast. We really appreciate Ashley DeForrest and her faithful sidekick Rebecca Bertolini for making our kids' club terrific! I look forward to being involved again in the fall!

New Hope in UFO Parade!

2009-05-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

I went to the UFO Parade downtown on Saturday and enjoyed it as always. What a nutty event! And while our church didn't have an official entry this year, I saw some New Hopers representing in the festivities!

Jeff and Jenny Pomeroy, who own a moving & storage company here in town, put their business on display here (sorry you can't see any faces in the shadows).

Curt and Karen Oldfield have been coming to our church now for exactly one year. How do I know? Because last year they saw our New Hope band in the UFO parade and decided they wanted to check us out (true story)! This year they dressed up their converted VW and towed their kids and some friends in a trailer!
Sonja Mullian wasn't exactly in the parade, but we saw her walk by several times as she patrolled the route. It looks like she's giving a ticket here, but she's actually helping some out-of-towners find the Pet Costume Contest that followed the parade.

It's always good to see folks from our fellowship involved in our community! Hopefully next year we'll be able to put an official New Hope entry in the parade again!

2009-05-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Anne Muehleck, who sings regularly in our New Hope Band, let me know that the Linfield choirs will be performing this weekend. The jazz groups are playing and singing tonight at 8:00 p.m., and the Concert Choir is singing on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Both concerts will be held in Ice Auditorium (Melrose Hall) at the Linfield campus.

I've been to both of these spring concerts before and they're terrific! Admission is free, and you can click here for a map of the campus (Melrose Hall is building #1 on the map).

New Recordings

2009-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just uploaded two new recordings from last Sunday's Mother's Day service to our Sermons, Etc. page on the web site.

One is of Dewey's message from Sunday about Prayer and Fasting. We had a little technical glitch during the recording process, so unfortunately we missed the first 10 minutes or so of the sermon, but Dewey's practical thoughts definitely come through in the 38 minutes we have there!

The second recording is of ten-year-old Cassie Carver's rendition of The New Song We Sing, an energetic praise song. She did a great job and it got a great response from our New Hope family. Enjoy!

Christianity Is True

2009-05-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Christianity claims to give an account of facts—to tell you what the real universe is like. Its account of the universe may be true, or it may not, and once the question is really before you, then your natural inquisitiveness must make you want to know the answer. If Christianity is untrue, then no honest man will want to believe it, however helpful it might be: if it is true, every honest man will want to believe it, even if it gives him no help at all.

I found this quote from C.S. Lewis in an essay entitled Man or Rabbit? (from God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics). At New Hope we believe that there is real and absolute truth, that this truth can be found in the Bible, and that our daily lives and choices ought to reflect that truth.

Lewis' essay is a response to the question, “Can’t you lead a good life without believing in Christianity?” The whole article is worth reading, but here is his powerful conclusion:

“When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 8:10). The idea of reaching “a good life” without Christ is based on a double error. Firstly, we cannot do it; and secondly, in setting up “a good life” as our final goal, we have missed the very point of our existence. Morality is a mountain which we cannot climb by our own efforts; and if we could we should only perish in the ice and unbreathable air of the summit, lacking those wings with which the rest of the journey has to be accomplished. For it is from there that the real ascent begins. The ropes and axes are “done away” and the rest is a matter of flying.

Youth Group Pics

2009-04-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

I saw these photos of our youth group posted on one of the kids' FaceBook pages and thought they were worth sharing...

New Hopers in the News!

2009-04-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend two of our own had articles written about them in local papers!

On Friday, Gabe Haberly, one of our college students, got a big write-up in The Linfield Review about the ups and downs of his track and football career. Gabe is a senior at Linfield, majoring in math, and he plans to teach at the high school level when his schooling is done. Read the article here.

Then on Saturday, the News-Register printed a nice article about the Laegers. Karl, of course, just arrived at Fort Stewart, Georgia and will be heading to Iraq soon. If you don't know Karl and Keri and their kids, this article will introduce you them quite nicely! Check it out here.

New Recordings Online

2009-04-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dewey's messages from April 12 and 19 are now available on our web site's Sermons, Etc page. I also uploaded a recording of The Lord's Prayer which Kim Schrock and I played on clarinet and oboe. Enjoy!

One reason we don't let Dewey near sharp objects...

2009-04-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

"We use props all the time for messages … If I knew it would cause this kind of problem, I certainly would have reconsidered."

John Putnam, Pastor of Pentecostals of Sheboygan County (Wis.), on being fined $109 for shooting an arrow as a sermon illustration. (Source: Sheboygan Press)

Song Around the World

2009-04-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is interesting to me because I've done a little recording, but I thought this was a cool project...

Playing For Change Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

A Good Friday

2009-04-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

We had a really great time of worship and reflection earlier tonight at our Good Friday Service. Easter is my favorite Sunday of the year, but part of what makes the celebration so special is that we take time to remember Christ's death on Friday night, with candle light, communion, songs and scripture. It was a beautiful evening together, and I look forward to meeting again on Resurrection Sunday!

Palm Sunday recordings

2009-04-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

I just uploaded three new files to our web site's Downloads page from last Sunday.

As always, we have Dewey's excellent sermon, this week about forgiveness from Matthew 6:12.

We also have two music recordings from the morning: An exciting medley of Hosanna songs, and a chorus that's new to our congregation called If We Don't Praise. Enjoy!

Good Friday Service

2009-04-08T10:34:00.001-07:00

Please join us Friday night at 7:00 p.m. as we take a moment to remember Christ's death for us. This service is a simple but moving time of singing, communion and reflection. I think focusing on His sacrifice on Good Friday just adds significance to the joyful celebration that follows on Resurrection Sunday--I really hope you'll come.

We invite everyone to bring a candle with them to place on the communion table in the center of the room, preferably a jar or votive candle that won't spill any wax. It will be a beautiful evening.

Jesus Is the Only Way

2009-04-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

It's clear that there is a significant portion of the Episcopal Church that has gone off the theological deep end, and this article just made me once again shake my head in disbelief:

Muslim Priest and Buddhist Bishop-Elect Are Raising Questions About Syncretism, by George Conger

But syncretism (the reconciliation or fusion of differing religions) isn't just an issue within a few rogue denominations. The article quotes a 2008 survey that found 47% of evangelical Christians in the U.S. "believe that many religions can lead to eternal life." My response is this:

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5

I can't think of anything more clearly stated than this truth. The belief that all religions will lead to God and heavenly reward is emotionally satisfying, but it is also intellectually dishonest. If we believe the three verses above are true, then we cannot also believe that other religious paths are equally valid.

Similarly, if we insist that many religions lead to heaven, then we are forced to either diminish or dismiss these scriptures altogether. And if we are in the position to dismiss such a clearly stated scriptural truth, what is the point of taking any of the Bible seriously?

While it flies in the face of our current culture, there is an all-or-nothing aspect to true Christianity. As Joshua resolutely said to the Israelites at the end of his life:

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

Bonnie Reynolds Open House

2009-04-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Next week Bonnie Reynolds is turning 80! Her family is inviting everyone to a birthday celebration tomorrow, April 4th, 2-4 p.m. at her daughter Joy's house, 651 SE Rummel St. in McMinnville.

Stop by and bring some birthday cheer!

Karl Laeger Deployment

2009-04-02T00:25:00.000-07:00

I asked Karl Laeger to give me some details about his deployment to Iraq, and here it is straight from the soldier's mouth:

Leaving for California on April 2nd. I will be there for 20-some days. Will hopefully get a 3-day pass to come home one last time. Will then be leaving for Fort Stewart, Georgia the end of April. I will be there for 60 days. Then leaving straight from there to Kuwait (10 hour difference). In Kuwait for 2 weeks, then from there to Iraq till the remainder of the deployment. I hope to be returning mid-summer of next year. I will keep you posted either on Facebook or by church email if that's all right. If those don't work I'm sure Keri will keep you updated. Thanks for all your prayers for myself and my family. I will miss everyone. Hope to be able to download the sermons on the church website. Feel free to share this information with the church. Thank you. Karl Laeger

So you can see, Karl's leaving today and likely won't be back for a year and three months. Let's definitely keep him and his family in our prayers!

Hiding What They Seek

2009-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here's an article by Carolyn Arends with an intriguing sub-title: In my desire to be 'seeker-friendly,' I'm often guilty of concealing Jesus.

At New Hope we have chosen to have a strong worship-scripture focus to our Sunday morning meetings, rather than the more "seeker friendly" approach, partly for the reasons Arends mentions in her article. But I appreciated her asking the question in more of a day-to-day context, and it's food for thought for all of us.

You can read the article here: Hiding What They Seek