New Hope eNews - January 30, 2026

01.30.2026

Every year I have a physical exam with my doctor—an opportunity to take inventory of my physical condition. I might be sent for additional tests or told to incorporate more physical activity into my daily routine. Sometimes I'm advised to add certain foods to my diet and eliminate others. This is good advice and wisdom.

 

A new year is always a good time to take inventory of your life. What would you change about your spiritual diet? Are you consuming the right things to grow spiritually? How is your prayer life? Do you need to spend more time with God each day? I encourage you to take a spiritual inventory and examine your walk with the Lord. Then take the steps, build the habits, and create a plan that includes reading God's Word daily. Make your spiritual walk part of your everyday activity.

 

One of my favorite preachers was J.C. Ryle, Bishop of Liverpool from 1880 to 1900. His writings are a regular part of my spiritual diet, helping to feed my soul. Here is one of my favorite quotes: "It costs something to be a real Christian, according to the standard of the Bible. There are enemies to be overcome, battles to be fought, sacrifices to be made, an Egypt to be forsaken, a wilderness to be passed through, a cross to be carried, a race to be run. Conversion is not putting a person in an arm chair and taking them easily to heaven. It is the beginning of a mighty conflict, in which it costs much to win the victory."

 

This is a good reminder for me to constantly take spiritual inventory and make my spiritual walk a vital part of my everyday activity. I pray that will be your desire, too, as we begin this new year. May you experience the joy that comes with walking closely with the Lord.

Join us this Sunday, February 1,
as we celebrate The Lord's Supper
during both of our worship services.

The first Sunday of each month, we encourage you to give above and beyond your normal tithes and offerings towards our Care and Compassion Fund which is used to help people in our church and community who are having temporary financial struggles. Simply indicate "Care and Compassion" on the memo line of your check or on your envelope this Sunday or click here to give online.

If you attend our 11am Contemporary Service and would like to familiarize yourself with the songs we will be singing this Sunday, here are the links to check them out:

 

• The Joy

• Trust in God

• Fall Afresh

• Rest on Us

Help us spread kindness – one sandwich at a time! We’re inviting our church family to support our local homeless community by donating PB&J sandwiches for We Care Outreach. These simple meals make a meaningful difference and are an easy, hands-on way to serve our neighbors in need. Drop off your PB&J sandwiches at the church on Thursday, February 5, by noon. Every sandwich is a tangible expression of love and care. Thank you for helping us nourish both bodies and spirits in our community!

Couples are invited to join us on Friday, February 13, at 6pm for a faith-centered evening of connection, learning, and laughter! Whether you’ve been married six months or sixty years, come enjoy dinner from Mario’s Italian Market and an encouraging teaching focused on strengthening marriages through biblical truth. The cost for the evening is $35, which includes dinner.

 

Click here to register and pay

STUDENT MINISTRY PRODUCE STAND

 

Save the Date: Our Student Ministry’s produce stand will be back on February 8 and February 22! All purchases are cash only and support the youth ministry’s local mission efforts like renting vans for serve days, buying groceries that will be distributed to people in need, and more.

ALL-DAY FAITH & FOOTBALL FRENZY:

STUDENT EDITION

Our student ministry has a variety of opportunities on Sunday, February 8!

 

First Quarter:

  • Join us at Common Ground from 9:30-10:30am to hear from our Special Guest Speaker, Jesse Frame, from Youth Hope!
  • Then worship with us at the 11am service and enjoy a message from Special Guest Speakers, Pastors Derek and Greg, from CityTakersSWFL as we close our Mission Engage week.

 

Second Quarter:

  • High School Winter Retreat Participants and Parents will briefly meet in Room 212 with Ashleigh Blythe to discuss expectations for the retreat.

 

Half-Time:

  • Go home, grab lunch and change!

 

Third Quarter:

  • Gather for our Different By Design events!
  • The boys will meet from 3-5pm at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park for Basketball and Bible Study.
  • The girls will meet from 3:20pm-5:20pm in Room 212 for a Galentine’s Party and Bible Study.

 

Fourth Quarter:

  • We’ll finish the day together in Room 212 (come as early as 5:30pm) to watch The Big Game! Dinner and snacks provided.

Gentlemen, you're invited to join us for our Men's Fellowship Dinner on Tuesday, February 17, at 6pm. Come enjoy a dinner of steak fingers, chicken breast, green beans, coleslaw, cobbler, and rolls, while connecting with fellow men and hearing a message. If you're planning to attend, you must click here to register and pay. The cost is $25 per person. We look forward to seeing you there!

BROADWAY PALM RECAP

 

Our group enjoyed a special day out at The Broadway Palm to see Fiddler on the Roof. The performance was fantastic, the food was wonderful, and the time spent in fellowship and community made the day truly memorable. We were grateful for the chance to enjoy one another’s company together.

SAFETY TEAM

 

Our Safety Team plays a vital role in supporting a safe and welcoming Sunday morning experience. We’re currently seeking additional volunteers who are willing to serve, stay alert, and help care for our church community during the worship services.

STUDENT MINISTRY LOCAL MISSION TRIP

 

Join us on Saturday, February 14 at 10am in Room 212 for breakfast, worship, and evangelism training from CityTakersSWFL! We will then depart campus to visit strategic neighborhoods where we will distribute groceries to people in need and use that as an opportunity to start conversations about the gospel. Parents are welcome to join us! We will return to campus between 1:00-1:30pm and will have a 10-20 minute debrief conversation in Room 212 to share stories, reflect, and pray.

Babcock Ranch Swamp Buggy Tour & Lunch
Thursday, Feb. 26 | Meet on site at 9:45am

 

Explore the natural beauty of authentic Florida on a guided 90-minute swamp buggy eco-tour at Babcock Ranch. Enjoy close-up views of native wildlife and learn about Florida’s unique ecosystems from expert guides. Lunch at the onsite restaurant will follow the tour.

 

Cost: $42 per person (includes tour, lunch, and gratuities for tour guide and wait staff)
Lunch Includes: Pulled pork, baked beans, collard greens, coleslaw, cornbread, and one beverage

 

Meeting Location:
Babcock Ranch – 8502 FL-31, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Babcock Ranch.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY

DONATION DRIVE: FIG LEAF BOUTIQUE

 

Into the Jordan Ministries exists to bring Christ-centered healing and restoration to individuals and families impacted by human trafficking, sexual exploitation, addiction, and abuse. We provide trauma-informed, faith-based care that meets people where they are and walks with them toward lasting freedom. Through safe community spaces, spiritual care, support groups, and one-on-one guidance, survivors are not only protected—they are restored to dignity, identity, and hope in Christ. Every program is designed to interrupt cycles of trauma and replace them with stability, belonging, and purpose.

 

At the heart of our outreach is The Fig Leaf Boutique & Drop-In Center, a sacred space where immediate needs are met with compassion and respect. Here, individuals and families receive clothing, hygiene items, food support, prayer, crisis care, and referrals to counseling, housing, and recovery services.

 

Please find a bag in the Lobby at church on Sunday, fill it with gently-used clothing and unopened hygiene items, and return it to the church by February 22. We also encourage you to visit the boutique and shop to support the mission of Into The Jordan. The boutique is open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

FEBRUARY 4-8

Mission Engage Dinner

Wednesday, February 4 @ 6pm

 

This will be an interactive evening for all ages with worship, prayer, and hands-on opportunities to engage in local and global missions. Dinner from Olive Garden will be served in the Sanctuary at 6pm. The cost is $10/person, $20/couple, or $25/family and you must click here register and pay. Following dinner, K–5th grade students will be dismissed for age-appropriate learning and activities in Room 216. Childcare for infants-Pre-K will be available.

 

 

Human Trafficking Awareness Training

Thursday, February 5 @ 6:30pm

 

In partnership with One More Child, New Hope invites you to join us for an evening of interactive anti-trafficking training. Take a deep dive with us into some of the factors causing Florida to rank #3 nationally in most trafficking cases. This often unnoticed crime is happening right here in our community, with children and youth among the most vulnerable victims. You’ll learn more about online safety, how to stay informed, recognize concerns, respond wisely, and protect your community.

Beginning at 6:30pm, you’ll enjoy dinner and then engage in an age-appropriate breakout session (K-5th grade, 6th-12th grade, Adults). Childcare available for ages 5 and under. This free event is open to the SWFL community, but you must click here to register. We hope to see you there!

 

 

4FM Serve Day

Saturday, February 7

 

This is a special opportunity to show God’s love in practical ways through a variety of meaningful projects. Choose a project that fits your schedule and passion. Click here to register! We can’t wait to serve with you!

 

Painting @ Colonial Elementary • 10am-12pm

3800 Schoolhouse Road E., Fort Myers, FL  33916

Painting staff kitchen areas. (Ninth grade & up)

 

Street Outreach w/City Takers SWFL • 10am-12pm

3592 Broadway, Suite 120, Fort Myers, FL  33901

Distributing food and door-to-door evangelism. Some walking required. Bring a hat and water. (Sixth grade & up)

 

Bookmark & Card Making

Encouragement for New Hope Mission Partners • 9-11am

10051 Plantation Rd., Fort Myers  33966

Craft and card-making to encourage our local and global partners. (Any age!)

 

*FULL* Sorting/Packing Food @ Midwest Food Bank • 10am-12pm

 

 

Worship with City Takers

Sunday, February 8 @ 9:30am & 11am

 

We will conclude the week with special guest speakers, Pastor Derek Isaac and Pastor Greg Jackson from City Takers during both worship services on Sunday, February 8.

FRIENDSHIP PAD

GENEROSITY UPDATE

01/25/26 Giving: $14,257

Weekly Budget Requirement: $37,425

 

January–December 2025

Income: $2,175,425.81

Expenses: $1,857,232.86

Surplus: $196,520.48

RECENT POSTS

New Hope eNews - April 3, 2026

Missions Focus: City Takers - Food Drive

New Hope eNews - March 27, 2026

New Hope eNews - March 20, 2026

Missions Focus: Dunbar High School