Jet Scooter!

This just has "bad idea" written all over it...

Sermons online

We now have the last three sermons uploaded onto the website's Sermons page, so if you'd like to hear these messages from Dewey Bertolini and Dave Bertolini they're ready to go! Here is a list:

June 24

"Hannah, an Unlikely Hero" - Dave Bertolini

1 Samuel 1-2

July 1

"Carnal vs. Spiritual Christianity" - Dewey Bertolini

1 Corinthians 3:1-8

July 8
"Heavenly Rewards" - Dewey Bertolini
1 Corinthians 3:9-15

Youth Group Swim Party

I got a chance to hang out at the Youth Group's swim party on Thursday, and then I left my camera there(!) Anyway, my camera's back, and here are a few shots of the afternoon. I'll try to post more pics on the website's photo page soon.

We had a fun time there at the Zacharys' house with swimming, a BBQ, worship and some Bible teaching. It's a good group of students, and there's room for more! We meet on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Check the calendar on the homepage for details.

A quote to ponder...

"As worship begins in holy expectancy, it ends in holy obedience. Holy obedience saves worship from becoming an opiate, an escape from the pressing needs of modern life." - Richard Foster

Happy Independence Day!

I am unashamed to say that I believe the United States of America is the greatest nation on earth, and I consider it a true blessing to be a citizen.

America certainly has its flaws, and there will be no perfect government until Jesus Himself comes to rule the world. But there is such prosperity and opportunity here. There is unparalleled security and stability. We have the greatest military in the history of the world and yet there is virtually no fear of it taking over the citizens' government. We are not frustrated by the corruption seen in countries like Russia, Mexico and so many others. It's a place where anyone can "make it big", regardless of their race, religion or family history (and we've all heard the stories). It's a place where churches like ours can meet whenever we want and proclaim God's great name without worrying about being persecuted, tortured or killed.

So I consider this place to be a real gift from God to me and the others who live here. I'm proud to wish our country a happy 231st birthday today and I look forward to the big fireworks celebration tonight!

Rush Hudson Limbaugh Jr. was a Missouri lawyer and a WWII fighter pilot. He wrote a speech a number of years ago that describes the great sacrifice paid by each of the original 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. I think the speech is a moving tribute and a wonderful addition to any American's July 4th celebration. Limbaugh never printed his speech, but his son (Rush Limbaugh III, who hosts an obscure radio talk show) has posted it on his website, and you can read it here.

Have a happy Fourth, and God bless America!

New Hope Softball is 2-0!

Sunday's game was much closer than the first one, but we still came away with a victory, a fun afternoon and a few good pictures...

Dawn Carver speaks softly but carries a big stick.


Joann Dorn and Dee Bryson paid extra for the good seats behind home plate.

Paul Doyle's spring is coiled while Kevin Gebhart looks on from second base


The New Hope faithful enjoying the game.


And here are the first 4 inches of Dale Rogness' inside-the-park home run.

Come join us for next week's game! You can find the game times and locations on the calendar of our church homepage, www.newhopeconnection.com.

"As Long as I Have You"

I taught our church a new song this morning called "As Long As I Have You" by Mark Roach, a worship leader in Missouri. Mark has a MySpace page, and you can hear this great tune on that site. Just go to www.myspace.com/markroach.

I love the energy and the message of this song, and I look forward to singing it again next week!

Here are the lyrics:

AS LONG AS I HAVE YOU -- by Mark Roach
© 2007 Dayspring Music, LLC/BMI

Though I'm walking through
this valley, Lord, the truth is
I know You're walking through this, too.
So I press on fearing nothing,
Keep my mind on one thing,
For You this is nothing new.

And all along You comfort me and
A sense of peace comes over me and
You show me how to rest and trust in You

Let the walls around me crumble
Let the wind and rain come through
I can face it all as long as I have You
Let the earth beneath me tremble
Let the enemy pursue
I can face it all as long as I have You
As long as I have You

You renew restore me,
Make my paths straight for me,
Set a feast before me, too.
My cup is overflowing
Lord, You keep on showing
All that comes from knowing You.