Hello New Hopers,

Hope you are doing well today. Here are some random thoughts and observations from the past 7 days.

Season of Service
This past Thursday, Pastor Ray and I joined Luis Palau and hundreds of other leaders from the greater Portland / Vancouver area to launch Season of Service 2009. Last summer New Hope partnered with the Portland Cityfest to serve our community. Check out this video that the Palau organization showed last week at our gathering …it features our very own Pastor Ray.

Christ Birthday Offering
Last December as part of the Advent Conspiracy teaching series, hundreds of you committed to buy one less Christmas gift and then give to the Christ Birthday Offering. Maybe you were wondering ‘where’ that money went? Well, last Thursday New Hope (& 14 other local churches) presented a $100,000 check to the City of Portland. These dollars are going toward the ‘Home Again Mentoring Project’, which helps homeless families transition into stable housing & ‘Portland Schools Transition Center’, which encourages youth who have dropped out of school to resume their education. Way to go New Hope! Your love for God IS impacting our city for Jesus!

New Hope Families In Crisis
This week you should be receiving a ‘snail mail’ letter from me talking about an opportunity we have as a congregation to practically and tangibly help those in our church family who have been directly impacted by our present economic downturn. Through the New Hope Families in Crisis Offering, we have the chance to ‘literally’ respond to our current economic challenge with a New Testament spirit of generosity and sacrifice. On the second Sunday of every month we will be receiving this special offering to provide emergency housing, utilities, and living expenses for New Hope families. This should be an ‘over and above’ gift, and not replace your regular tithe and offering.

New Hope Works
In addition to the monthly special offering, New Hope has created a 24 hour a day web environment called New Hope Works. This is New Hope’s proactive attempt to provide hope and help for people who are unemployed or underemployed.

Good Friday Breakfast
This morning, Ray and I joined a handful of local Christian leaders at Western Seminary to learn more about this year’s Good Friday Breakfast – hosted by our ministry partner Open Arms International. Last year almost 1,000 people met at the Oregon Convention Center for a moving morning of reflection, celebration and prayer. You will be hearing more about this wonderful event in the weeks ahead, but I wanted you to know that tickets are now available.

Pivotal Circumstances
Life can be full of surprises – some good, some not so good. But each unexpected event that comes our way is actually a divine opportunity. Ray will be finishing up our current series this Sunday by focusing on the role Pivotal Circumstances play in the development of our confidence in God. If you missed last Sunday’s message, you can view it now online.

Time Change Sunday
Don’t forget to ‘set forward’ your clock one hour this Saturday night before you go to bed. That’s right, this weekend we celebrate the dreaded ‘time change Sunday’! Even Wikipedia suggests that DST is ‘controversial’. Can I hear an Amen!? Check out this fun/weird video on YouTube that one church showed last weekend. So let’s make sure we not only show up on time this Sunday …but why not plan on showing up 15 minutes early? That’s right …show up 15 minutes early and intentionally introduce yourself to 15 new people (you can call this ‘speed greeting’). Who knows, you might make a new friend?

Make it a GREAT day!

Pastor Brent

iMarriage
6:30-8pm Wednesday’s March 11 – April 15 in Room 156 @ New Hope

Men’s Quarterly Gathering
9-10:30am Saturday March 14 @ New Hope

facebook & twitter
You can now stay connected with New Hope through facebook & up to date with the daily inside happenings through twitter.

Random stuff I found interesting this week
Erwin McManus: beatitudes – blessed are the poor in spirit
Andy Stanley: becoming a student not a critic
John Maxwell: don’t bankrupt your leadership!
John Catanzaro: eastern healing, alternative medicine, and Christian Faith
Mark Driscoll: spiritual disciplines – service

Preparing for Easter

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7, 8, 10, 11 NIV

Dear friend,

I want to invite you to begin to prepare your heart for Easter. Many fellow Christians began observing the season of Lent this week starting Wednesday, February 24. This is often referred to as Ash Wednesday. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance, as the words are spoken over them, "Dust thou art, and to dust thou wilt return." Lent is the 40 day season leading up to Easter when many believers focus on Christ by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

Lent, with its climax in Good Friday and Easter, is about participating more fully in the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Christ we die to the old way of life, our sinful flesh, our mistaken identity and a world-view that comes out of culture. We are resurrected to new life in Christ. Our life and identity becomes centered in Jesus Christ. Even how we think and look at our world is transformed.

Paul summarizes it in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Through prayer, repentance and the practice of spiritual disciplines, we allow God to continue the process of transformation. We come to know Christ in a greater way becoming more like him.

What specific things in our lives do we need to die to, or let go of? Where do we need to allow the Spirit of God new access and control so that our lives will be more centered in Christ? My prayer for you is that you will be refreshed and filled with all the fullness of Christ in the coming days.

Sunday, March 15 we will be starting a new series on the Book of Philippians. I am truly excited about the impact it can have in our lives as we prepare for Easter. You might want to start reading there soon. Small group and devotional material will be made available also.

This Sunday Pastor Brent will continue the very helpful series, Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith. We will celebrate communion together. Last Sunday we witnessed our church continue to grow with many new families and our highest attendance in Kid’s Ministry in 2009. Through our Vision Sunday, we added over 300 new members this last month, including children.

It has been exciting to see the momentum build these last few weeks as our church is filling up. We need you here this Sunday to help us keep that momentum growing as our Senior High Youth and Women’s Ministry will be away on retreat. Your presence is important and appreciated.



See You Sunday!

Pastor Ray

Faith & FAITFULNESS

Hello Friends,

Last Sunday we were reminded that it’s one thing to know a lot about the Bible and another thing to actually live out what it teaches. That’s why the Christian life isn’t just about knowledge. It’s when our acts of faith intersect with God’s faithfulness that our faith grows.

I had several New Hopers approach me after the services this weekend and ‘confess’ that their problem isn’t ‘knowing a lot about the Bible.’ Their challenge is reading the Bible. Personally I have found YouVersion to be very helpful. YouVersion offers countless Bible translations, forums, a super sweet one-year Bible reading plan, and it uploads nicely onto my iPhone.

Let me encourage you to keep moving forward in your faith and don't get discouraged about what you haven't covered--the real goal is to have consistent time in God's Word every day. From Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders, this past weekend we discovered that hearing, reading and even learning are not enough. The value is in the application, because, in the end, it’s obedience that makes all the difference.

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We throw the "grow" word around a good bit. Specifically, we talk about a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. But what exactly does that mean? What exactly is growing?

Your faith in God matters to God. In fact, God is most honored through your living, active, death-defying, out-of-the-box faith. God is committed to growing your faith — BIG. The premise of our current weekend series is that there are five things God uses to grow our faith.
• Practical Bible Teaching
• Providential Relationships
• Private Disciplines
• Personal Ministry
• Pivotal Circumstances

This weekend Pastor Ray will be continuing our FIVE THINGS series by looking at the role Providential Relationships play in our spiritual growth. If you are like most people, you can't tell your life story without referencing people who played significant roles along the way.

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How do we step out in faith when the future seems so uncertain? Recently I read an article by Pastor Rick Warren where he suggests the Bible gives three timeless principles for facing uncertain times.

1. Set goals according to God’s direction. It’s foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future – and he’s eager to guide you through it.
The Bible says, “We may make our plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do you want me to do?”

2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! In addition to writing the song IMAGINE, John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34).

3. Don’t procrastinate. Do it now! “Don’t boast about what you’re going to do tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days.” But “one of these days” is usually “none of these days.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans … to give you a future and a hope … You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest” Jeremiah 29:11, 13.

No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next few days or week, let alone next year. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses. But, as we continue to TRUST God’s faithfulness and plan for our lives, His words and promises come alive, we experience His presence personally, and our faith continues to grow.

Peace,

Pastor Brent

Click here to watch last experts of last weekend’s music & message.
Click here to see what’s happening at New Hope.

What's Happening this week 2/12/09

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Single Adults: This Friday & Saturday
Are you a single adult at New Hope looking for a safe environment to connect with and develop Providential Relationships? This Friday night February 13th there will be a short Bible study with discussion and fellowship at 6:30pm in Room 156, and a movie night planed for Saturday evening February 14th. Contact Sonya: gsmorgansen@comcast.net.

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Baby Bottle Drive: This Sunday
Pick up a Baby Bottle Bank this Sunday at the front porch and provide resources for moms in the Portland area to keep their unborn babies. All proceeds go to the greater Portland Pregnancy Resource Center. Please return your bottles by March 15th.

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Pre-Marital Classes: Starts February 16th
Discover how to have a great marriage and experience one-on-one time with a pre-marital coach. Join us for this 10-week series beginning Feb. 16th for just $195/couple (covers materials and meeting times). Pre-registration is required, contact shanin@newhopecommunitychurch.org or stop by the front porch this Sunday.

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I Still Do: Next Saturday, February 21st @ 3 - 4pm
Have you been married 25 years or more? Join Channel 6 Weatherman Bruce Sussman and others for live music, door prizes and more! RSVP at 503.698.1600, as seating is limited.

2'4'09 Whats happening at New Hope

Financial Peace University:
Register Now & Classes Begin February 8th, 2009FPU is a 13-week class taught by Dave Ramsey via DVD, followed by small group discussion, which equips individuals and families with biblically-based accountability that will train them to manage their resources. The cost is $99 per family unit (cost covers materials) and will take place every Sunday @ 3pm in the Fellowship Center starting Feb. 8th. Stop by the front porch for info. Or email Pastor mailto:%20jerry@newhopecommunitychurch.org.A Note from Pastor Brent about Financial Peace UniversityFPU is a PERFECT Invest & Invite Opportunity. Right now God may have placed people within your circle of influence who are experiencing tremendous financial strain. Have you thought about using FPU as an Invest & Invite opportunity? If you haven’t, please prayerfully consider inviting and attending this class with your un-churched or un-believing friend. The Lord might be allowing our nation’s current economic downturn to provide the perfect environment for you to use your influence to help them experience friendship with God …in addition to Financial Peace.

Pre-Engagement Workshop:
February 2 & 9th, 7-9pm in Room 112As we get closer to Valentine's Day couples often turn their thoughts to love and marriage and wonder if as a couple they are ready to take that next big step of engagement. New Hope is hosting a 2-week pre-engagement workshop to discover if as a couple you are ready for that step, why Godly character is non-negotiable in relationships, and the “how to’s” of setting boundaries for courtship and other essential topics.To register please call Shanin at 503-659-5683 or e-mail shanin@newhopecommunitychurch.org. The cost is FREE, but pre-registration is required. You must attend the first week in order to attend the 2nd.Please bring your Bibles and be prepared to take notes.

Pre-Marital Course:
On your wedding day you will promise to love and cherish each other forever.
How well are you prepared to do that?
Have you talked about money, sex, in-laws, children, and your different personalities?
Join other couples for:
Interaction on how to have a great marriage.
Developing your own life notebook.
One-on-one time with a pre-marital coach.
This Pre-marital Course will guide you through dealing with all of these questions and more.
Cost : $195 for materials and 10 sessions
(8 with a small group, 2 private sessions with your coach)
Any questions or to register: Shanin at 503-659-5683 ext. 3062
or Shanin@newhopecommunitychurch.org
Click Here for more info

New Hope Vision Sunday Recap

2008 proved to be an incredibly exciting and eventful year within the life of New Hope. Vision Sunday, January 25th, 2009 celebrated a great ‘08 and looked forward to what the New Year has in store for our community.

This past weekend Pastor Ray, David and I shared a three part message to, Break The Rules (btw: the life of Jesus modeled this throughout the New Testament), Re-Define Success, & Believe God For The Impossible.

If you weren’t able to join us this past weekend, please
• Click here to see the wins
• Click here to listen
• Click here to watch

At the very end of our time together on Sunday, Pastor Ray and I challenged our community to consider making four significant spiritual commitments in 2009.
• Grow in intimacy with God through corporate worship and a lifestyle of prayer, study and reflection.
• Participate in a small group, developing community with other believers where personal growth and spiritual transformation are a continuing process.
• Invest in and invite friends from outside the church and be an influence to help them, to experience a friendship with God.
• Serve by sharing time, abilities and resources to advance the Kingdom of God through New Hope Community Church.

Hundreds felt led to make these commitments by covenanting with God and the New Hope Community to take intentional next steps toward spiritual maturity in 2009. In future weeks we will be publishing a list of those who made this commitment for our community to publically recognize and celebrate.

If you weren’t able to join us this past weekend, please
• Click here to make the New Hope Vision Sunday Commitment

How do we ensure that we don’t forget about these commitments?
How can we as a faith community practice what we are preaching?
How do people grow?

We throw the "grow" word around a good bit. Specifically, we talk about a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. But what exactly does that mean? What exactly is growing? This weekend Pastor Ray will be kicking off our brand new series aimed at addressing these faith questions.

Five things God uses to GROW your faith


Your faith in God matters to God. In fact, God is most honored through your living, active, death-defying, out-of-the-box faith. God is committed to growing your faith — BIG. I look forward to seeing you this weekend at New Hope as we begin the journey of growing our faith together.

In Him,

Pastor Brent

• Click here for what’s happening at New Hope

What’s Happening at New Hope 1/30/09

Maybe you find yourself wanting to make the ‘Focus on Four’ spiritual growth commitments in 2009, but you just don’t know HOW to give back even a portion of your finances to God. Let’s be honest with each other – we are facing some tough times economically, and the thought of tithing brings large amounts of doubt to your faith. You need to experience Financial Peace!

Financial Peace University:
Register Now & Classes Begin February 8th, 2009

FPU is a 13-week class taught by Dave Ramsey via DVD, followed by small group discussion, which equips individuals and families with biblically-based accountability that will train them to manage their resources. The cost is $99 per family unit (cost covers materials) and will take place every Sunday @ 3pm in the Fellowship Center starting Feb. 8th. Stop by the front porch for info. Or email Pastor jerry@newhopecommunitychurch.org.
A Note from Pastor Brent about Financial Peace University
FPU is a PERFECT Invest & Invite Opportunity. Right now God may have placed people within your circle of influence who are experiencing tremendous financial strain. Have you thought about using FPU as an Invest & Invite opportunity? If you haven’t, please prayerfully consider inviting and attending this class with your un-churched or un-believing friend. The Lord might be allowing our nation’s current economic downturn to provide the perfect environment for you to use your influence to help them experience friendship with God …in addition to Financial Peace.

Pre-Engagement Workshop
February 2 & 9th, 7-9pm in Room 112

As we get closer to Valentine's Day couples often turn their thoughts to love and marriage and wonder if as a couple they are ready to take that next big step of engagement. New Hope is hosting a 2-week pre-engagement workshop to discover if as a couple you are ready for that step, why Godly character is non-negotiable in relationships, and the “how to’s” of setting boundaries for courtship and other essential topics.
To register please call Shanin at 503-659-5683 or e-mail shanin@newhopecommunitychurch.org. The cost is FREE, but pre-registration is required. You must attend the first week in order to attend the 2nd.
Please bring your Bibles and be prepared to take notes.