Thank you for your prayers and support as we reorganize our staff to meet our current and future needs. While change is hard, this reorganization was necessary to best serve our kids and our church family. “A living organization is always changing. Not change for the sake of change, but change for the purpose of adjusting to the needs of the [people] we serve.” (Dr. Ken Walker) We are excited to move to the next phase of kids’ ministry at New Hope. In keeping with our history of and commitment to quality, passionate and life-giving kids’ ministry, we would like to introduce you to our new, part-time kids’ ministry personnel.
Kellie Witenko will be our new part-time Administrative Coordinator for infants to elementary-aged children. She is married to Jon and is the mother of five wonderful children ranging in age from 10 to 16. She and her husband became members of New Hope in 2014 and are both longtime volunteers, faithfully serving in children’s and student ministry. She has been a leader on multiple youth mission trips, serves as the 4th-5th grade Sunday School teacher, 11th grade girls' small group leader, and has excellent relationships with parents and children throughout the Family Ministry Department. She also works part time at a local Christian preschool, enjoys reading, travel, and cheering on the Florida Gators (her alma mater). Kellie brings a keen eye for detail, skills with administration, organization, and technology to the family ministry team. She is committed to the Lord and serving Him at New Hope.
Anita Zegers will be our new Shepherding Coordinator for infants-elementary aged children and our staff liaison for MOPS. She is married to Brian and is the mother of four fantastic children ranging in age from 3 to 15. She and her husband became members of New Hope in 2016. She is a former MOPS Coordinator and small group leader in student ministry and she and Brian have both chaperoned elementary kids' camp and served as longtime leaders in children’s ministry on Wednesday nights. She also homeschools her children and is active in the Classical Conversations group that meets at New Hope. She enjoys cooking, reading, travel, and cheering her kiddos on in their various sports. Anita brings a compassionate heart, friendly personality and passion for children and their spiritual growth to the family ministry team. She is dedicated to Christ and seeing His purposes fulfilled at New Hope.
Connections: The FIRST STEP
Whether you have been attending New Hope for a week or for much of your life, if you would like to take a FIRST STEP to becoming part of our church family, we invite you to a special lunch to learn more on Sunday, September 24, from 12:15-2:15pm in Room 212. Pastors Mike and Paul will share with you the essential FIRST STEPS of the Gospel message and a little bit about who we are as a church family. Childcare is provided. If you are interested in becoming a member of New Hope, Elders will be present after the lunch to speak with you. If you plan to attend, please click here to register. We look forward to getting to know you more!
BJ & Kris Diggins
An Update from BJ:
Little did we know having served in Brazil that both the language and experiences we had would enable Kris and me to serve in Angola. Kris has been able to accompany Dr. Tim in the hospital and visit four villages, assessing their needs for clean water and health.
I have been working on diagnosing and repairing the backup generator for the hospital. It took a while, but we finally found the problem and were able to get the generator working again.
No flying for me this trip – my transportation service has been in driving the Toyota Land Cruiser to several villages. Even though this is dry season, it takes 2+ hours to drive 60 km (40 miles)!
