Our offices will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day as we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service of our country. We will reopen Tuesday at 9am.
Pastor Ben Borsay
Twenty months ago, Pastor Ben came to us with three clear objectives: To ready us to seat a Pastor Nominating Committee (Sr. Pastor Search Team), to help us seat that team, and to help us in our transition. He has succeeded in all of those areas and more! He has listened to us and pointed out areas needing improvement and clarity, pastored us, taught us, shepherded us, and has been an incredible support for us, especially for Pastor Mike and our staff. For all of these things we say “well done, good and faithful servant!” (Mt. 25:23) We really would not be where we are as a church and a staff without his leadership and self-sacrifice.
Pastor Ben has also stepped in to serve as our (very part time!) Executive Pastor, and as such has brought stability, skills, direction, and a structure upon which we will build as we continue to transition towards a new Senior Pastor. While that person is yet unknown to us, we are seeking to be as prepared as possible to set him and New Hope up for success. We will also redeem this season to be the best New Hope we can be!
The Session of New Hope recognizes that Ben has fulfilled his duties and obligations to us as a part time transitional pastor, and so Ben and Kathy will be “re-retiring” as of July 1 of this year. We are blessed that he will be preaching for us three times in June, though - June 4, 18, and 25. If you would like to bring cards of thanks and support, please bring them on June 25 so that we can say a great big “thank you and good job” on that day!
Candy Engelman, Personnel Committee, Chair
A Change on the Organ Bench
Since November, we have had the joy and pleasure of having Barbara Wischmeier as our organist. She is a dear sister with immense skills and talent and has made the organ “sing” – and encouraged us to sing as well! In fact, she recently told me that New Hope is the most singing congregation she has ever served. She has been a blessing to us. However, her time with us is ending this Sunday. She has taken a position at a church in Marco Island which is closer to her home. Our loss is definitely their gain!
However, Phil. 4:19 reminds us that “...my God will meet all of your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” God reminded us of that as Dr. Lorna Lee Curtis will be on the organ bench beginning next week and throughout the summer! She too is a gifted and well-trained organist, having received her PhD in Organ from Juilliard. She has served in various roles in ministry for many years and is anxious to bring her skills and worshipping heart to our congregation. Fun fact: Lorna Lee’s friends call her “Rocket.” (Or is that Dr. Rocket?) – Pastor Mike
This Thursday, June 1 is our next opportunity to bless homeless people in Lee County with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. You can drop off pre-made, individually wrapped PB&Js Thursday by noon and we will take them to We Care - a local ministry partner who will distribute them.
VBS – A Blessing for those who serve!
June 12-16 from 9am–Noon
“Being a group leader is a wonderful experience. I never realized how much I was going to learn right alongside the kids. I also enjoy their energy and excitement for Jesus all week long!”
“It blessed me more than I knew it would. I saw God’s joy through the kids eyes and the music. And I made a wonderful friend of my ‘team guide.’ She was amazing with the kids.”
Praise Jesus for the 134 volunteers who have signed up to serve 280 children! We still need six adult guides and one adult games helper!
Colonial is a school of over 800 elementary children located less than a mile from New Hope. We have had a wonderful relationship with the teachers and administration over the past several years, giving us regular access to various activities at the school. We have been able to serve at their annual fairs, host their 5th grade graduation ceremony, provide periodic lunches and other treats for the teachers, and supply uniforms for the kids. For several years we have been able to mentor 5th graders for a 10-week stretch in the winter months.
This year we are working to start a Good News Club at Colonial in October. We have several volunteers signed up already, but if you would be interested in helping with this club, we would be glad to have you participate. Just give your name and contact information to Jim Mayer at jim@newhopefortmyers.org.
