Dear Heavenly Father,
As we approach this Thanksgiving season, we gather as a grateful congregation to express our heartfelt thanks for the countless blessings You have bestowed upon us. We acknowledge Your grace and providence in our lives, and we are humbled by the abundance of Your love.
We thank You for the gift of community, for the fellowship we share, and for the opportunity to come together in worship. We are thankful for the strength and support we find in one another, and for the guidance and wisdom You provide daily.
During this season, help us to remember those who are less fortunate and in need of comfort and care. May our hearts overflow with compassion and generosity, reflecting Your love in all that we do.
Guide us, Lord, to carry the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond this season, nurturing a continuous attitude of gratitude in our hearts and actions. Let our lives be a testament to Your goodness and a beacon of hope to others.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
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 church office will be closed next Thursday and Friday (November 28-29) for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen at 9am on Monday, December 2.
New Hope's annual ADVENT-ure Night is a Christmas party big enough for the whole family! Plan now to join us for this evening of FREE festive fun on Wednesday, December 4, from 6-8pm! The excitement will include cookie decorating, inflatables, games, pizza, crafts, and even pics with Santa! Let's get together and celebrate the Christmas season!
EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY
In November, our Early Childhood kiddos are learning they can trust God because God’s got it! For example, God led the Israelites by a pillar of cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night. God stayed in front of them, showing them the way to go! God is SO amazing – God can do anything! November memory verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." ~ Proverbs 3:5
A reminder that Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due back this Sunday, November 24! Please bring them with you to church this weekend! Thank you for your generosity!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
CADENCE DOBSON
Cadence Dobson is a senior at FGCU studying opera performance. She has played an integral role in our church as the Student Ministry intern over the past two summers, and has stayed on this semester to lend a helping hand. In her time at New Hope, she has dedicated countless hours to engaging with our middle and high school students, serving alongside them in mission efforts and enriching their spiritual journey with Jesus.
Cadence is no stranger to church life, as she grew up in a Christian home with parents that served in full time ministry. She has actively contributed to her home church through singing in the praise band, helping lead VBS, and volunteering in the nursery.
Throughout college, Cadence has been blessed with the opportunity to travel to Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and England. These travels have provided the opportunity to share her faith with others through music and within the music community.
Cadence plans to pursue graduate studies in music and follow the path that the Lord has set for her. She aspires to make classical music accessible to people with disabilities and to use music as a way to share her faith.
All women are invited to our annual Tables of Christmas celebration on Friday, December 6, from 6-8:30pm (doors open at 5:30pm). The cost is $25 per person and pre-registration is required. This will be a reflective time of fellowship and special music while we enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Olive Garden with pastas (gluten-free available), salad, bread sticks, dessert, and tea, water, or coffee. We're almost full so click here to register and pay. Childcare not available for this event.
Christmas Gifts for Children in Immokalee
We are partnering with First Assembly Ministries in Immokalee to provide Christmas gifts for needy children in their area. There is a Christmas tree in the lobby at New Hope where you can take a tag, buy the indicated gift, and return it unwrapped to the tree by December 10. We will then take the gifts to Immokalee for distribution prior to Christmas. Thank you so much for your participation!
GENEROSITY UPDATE
11/17 Weekly Contributions: $70,960
Required Weekly Budget Amount: $33,654