Fall, at least on the calendar, will soon be here even though the outside temperature still screams Summer. Schools are back in session and school buses are definitely out on the roads! Fall also means that we are prepared for the return of Wednesday Family Nights in just a couple of weeks. As we enter a new season on the calendar and for our church, I want to set your minds at ease regarding our children’s ministry. We are unwavering in our commitment to children’s ministry and will continue to provide all ministry to children and families. We have a strong plan for moving forward with excellence in all areas. The children from early childhood through elementary will continue to be well loved, taught and cared for on Sundays, Wednesdays and other times throughout the week. MOPS will also continue to be a priority for our team. These ministry areas are staffed with exceptional volunteers and Michelle Myers, our Director of Family Ministry, will be leading during this time of restructure. New Hope has an exemplary history of ministry to families and that has not changed - nor will it! As we navigate this restructuring, I ask for your prayers for our church and our children as we continue to trust in the Lord. Our confidence is never misplaced when we rely on Christ.
Blessings, Pastor Mike
A Letter from the Session of New Hope Presbyterian Church
Dear New Hope Family,
At its stated meeting on August 22, 2023, the Session voted unanimously to implement recommendations from N. L. Moore & Associates and Beyond Survival Consultant Rick Clapp regarding preparation and reorganization of the church to receive a new Senior Pastor and to meet the current needs of the church consistent with our reduced membership size and budget.
An evaluation of our children’s ministries revealed that we currently do not require and cannot justify full time staff. Regrettably, this led us to the decision that we must eliminate two positions that have been filled by loyal and dedicated staff members since New Hope was founded. Debbie Norris and Pam Poland have served with passion, grace, dedication and excellence. We celebrate their contributions which have led to successful ministries and won the hearts of children and parents alike. We understand that change is unsettling, and it causes difficult decisions that must be made in order to respond effectively to new requirements for ministries and to grow our church membership.
This difficult, but necessary decision was made after much analysis, prayer, and consideration of the impact on the church and the people involved. Our family ministry is already addressing this change and will have the children’s church ready to go this coming Sunday. We request your fervent prayers as we move forward.
If you would like to honor Debbie and Pam with cards of appreciation and thanks, there will be baskets in the back of the church for the next few Sundays.
Faithfully and Prayerfully Yours, The Session New Hope, EPC
As announced last Sunday, our Senior Pastor search process in now in full swing! You can visit either the Senior Pastor search page on our website at newhopefortmyers.org/search or go to the N.L. Moore website to read the Opportunity Snapshot or more extensive Opportunity Profile for our new Senior Pastor. And don’t forget to pray for our success!
Our Wednesday Family Nights offer classes and care for preschool through adults so we can grow together as a church family! The fall semester begins September 6 from 6:30-8pm!
This Sunday, August 27, is the last opportunity to sing with our Summer Choir in 2023! Just be at the church by 8:30am on Sunday for rehearsal and then join us in leading our congregation in the worship and praise of our almighty God during our traditional service that morning!
All women of New Hope and their friends are invited to a new Bible Study combining ladies from The Well and The Gospel Bible Study! The group will meet in Room 209 on Wednesdays from 10am-noon beginning September 6 and will be lead by Lisa Bloomston and taught by Beth Hoving. Don’t miss this dynamic study in God’s Word together with other women!
On Thursdays we have a new class entitled “Transitions.” This class, led by Diane Clayton from 10-11:30am every Thursday, will be a counseling and support group for those going through change in their lives. It will focus on divorce, becoming a widow, moving, and other changes in your personal life. Those who attend will learn coping skills to help with change in their lives, as well as have the comfort with other individuals dealing with similar issues. If you're going through many changes in your life and need support, come to “Transitions” on Thursday mornings.
The first Thursday of every month, we collect peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for homeless people in Lee County. Our next one will be on Thursday, September 7. You can drop off your pre-made, individually wrapped PB&Js that day by noon and we will take them to We Care - a local ministry that supports the homeless. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry!
Lee Health’s Blood Drive will be at New Hope on Sunday, September 10 from 8am-1pm. All donations stay right here in Lee County to help people in our community. Donors should pre-register on our website through the link below. Thank you for giving the gift of life!
One of the exciting additions to the cadre of services provided in the Dominican Republic by Faith Partners International is a new Women’s Center. This is located near a very needy part of the city where women can meet to sell some of their goods, obtain a variety of services, receive instruction and Bible teaching, and enjoy fellowship. They recently hosted a vacation Bible school for about 50 kids. Pray for God to use this center for the advancement of His kingdom.
