New Hope eNews - January 31, 2025


Join us this Sunday as Pastor Sheldon continues our "Captive" sermon series. We will be looking at 1 Peter 5:2-4 and learning about "When Power & Idolatry Collide."

 

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."


Communion will be served during both of our worship services on campus this Sunday, February 2. Please join us in person as we celebrate The Lord's Supper together.


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:

 

Only King Forever

Christ Be Magnified

Lord, I Need You

The Lord's Prayer


Couples are invited to join us for a Marriage Night on Friday, February 7, at 6:30pm in Room 212. Whether you've been married for six months or sixty years, taking time to learn and laugh together goes a long way in keeping your relationship strong! The cost of $35 per couple includes dinner from Mario’s Italian Market and a video simulcast featuring guest speakers from The Art of Marriage series. Registration is required and is only open through Monday, February 3, so click here to register now!


Thursday, February 6, is our next PB&J day! You can help us bless homeless people in Lee County by dropping off pre-made, individually wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the New Hope kitchen by noon on that Thursday!


EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY UPDATE

We want New Hope's youngest to know that Jesus is a friend that loves them at ALL times – a friend that will never leave them! That’s why in January, we explored Bible stories that highlighted how Jesus is THE best friend – the One who is ALWAYS a good friend. Rain or shine, Jesus is always a good friend of mine! Take a look at the beautiful artwork created by our Pre-K class to illustrate our lesson!


All ladies of New Hope (middle school age and up) are invited to join us in making a positive impact on the women served by local ministries Verity and Thrive. Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast on Saturday, February 15, from 9:30-11:30am in Room 212 as we come together in support and fellowship. We will be joined by guest speakers Megan DeLuca, President of Thrive of SWFL, and April Leuder, Assistant Executive Director of Verity Medical Clinic. We're kindly asking each attendee to bring a gift card of any amount from Walmart, Target, or Amazon (Please note the amount on the gift card). Please click here to register if you will be attending. We look forward to you joining us for a morning of inspiration and kindness!


VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
RACHEL FREY

Rachel was raised in a Jesus-following home, the third generation of missionaries. “What greatly shaped my relationship with Jesus in a personal way was a progressive understanding of grace-filled Sonship, a tangibly felt and known belief that by God's grace, I am an adopted daughter who subsequently belongs to a Sovereign and Good Father” she shares.

In her post-graduate years, Rachel underwent further spiritual formation, living among fellow believers in rural western Uganda, then in later cross-cultural training with her husband Craig, both stateside and in Brazil, preparing to live among and disciple rural small-scale farmers to know the goodness of God more intimately, and model that in their growing techniques.

 

Rachel and her family have been attending New Hope for the past two years. She is passionate about discipleship, particularly for young people. Her family quickly became involved in the church, serving in children’s and youth ministry. “We are grateful to be welcomed into a body of believers also seeking to live by gospel standards” she says.

 

Rachel concludes, “I have a love for cultures of the world, for welcoming new and old friends to sit at our family’s table to share a meal, and growing together through hard and good life things.”


YOUNG LIFE

 

Many students from our local schools involved in Young Life are on a journey to find abundant life. They often struggle with feelings of desperation, whether it's for love, attention, success, or friendship. Many face challenges like hurt, pain, and brokenness. Young Life provides these students, who may have never attended church or haven't been in a long time, with an opportunity to explore and hear about Jesus in a personal way. We encourage you to pray for Young Life SWFL and for our faithful leaders, Savannah, Gabriel, and Tyler.



GENEROSITY UPDATE

1/19 Offerings: $33,080
1/26 Offerings: $51,399

Weekly Budget Requirement: $35,164