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
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
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
Continue Reading
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.
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
Friday, January 30, 2009
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Simple
SIMPLE
Have you ever wondered why we go to church? Do we attend worship services for the music, message, kids Sunday School, or the free coffee? This weekend Pastor Ray will be kicking off New Hope’s first teaching series of 2009, called SIMPLE.
In spite of what you may have heard, in spite of what you may have thought, the message of Jesus and the purpose of his church are really quite simple. In this three-part series beginning this weekend we will unpack the compelling simplicity of following Jesus, connecting with each other, and influencing the world. It really is that simple.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Brent
Important News About This Saturday, January 10, 2009
Realign for '09: A Spiritual Tune Up for Men
Sherry Holz Celebration of Life Service
Click here for more details
Continue Reading
Have you ever wondered why we go to church? Do we attend worship services for the music, message, kids Sunday School, or the free coffee? This weekend Pastor Ray will be kicking off New Hope’s first teaching series of 2009, called SIMPLE.
In spite of what you may have heard, in spite of what you may have thought, the message of Jesus and the purpose of his church are really quite simple. In this three-part series beginning this weekend we will unpack the compelling simplicity of following Jesus, connecting with each other, and influencing the world. It really is that simple.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Brent
Important News About This Saturday, January 10, 2009
Realign for '09: A Spiritual Tune Up for Men
Sherry Holz Celebration of Life Service
Click here for more details
Important Events Coming Up at NHCC
Realign for '09: A Spiritual Tune Up for Men
Sat. Jan. 10th @ 9-10:30am; room 151
Featuring Dr. Jay Barber, former president of Warner Pacific College & Developer Neil Nedeliski, CEO of Eagle Landing.
Get inspired and recharged for God.
Enjoy coffee, juice and muffins
Sponsored by NH Men and Veritas Investment Co.
Contact Ted Hartzel for info hrtzllcons@comcast.net
Sherry Holz Celebration of Life Service
Sat. Jan. 10th @ 11am; Sanctuary
Donation in lieu of flowers to New Hope Community Church in her name
Sherry’s favorite colors were pink & purple. You are invited to wear those colors in honor of Sherry to the service.
This Sunday, January 11, 2009
SIMPLE
Our home community groups will be following along in this series for the next three weeks. Pastor Dennis will be coordinating the effort to provide message/discussion notes that will further the discussion beyond Sunday morning.
Financial Peace University & Crown Financial
Registration/Orientation for both FPU & Crown This Sunday!
Crown Financial Small Group is a 10 week in-depth study of what scripture teaches about money and possessions. Marriages are strengthened and individuals find their way out of debt. People enter into a closer walk with Jesus Christ as they learn to apply his Word. Group meets for 2 hours weekly and includes scripture memorization and interactive discussions.
Orientation THIS Sunday, 01/11/09, 6pm: Registration, orientation, and preview in NHCC Fireside Room, lower level north. Cost: Single $45; Couple: $55 covers all materials. Classes start: 01/25/09, 6pm, NHCC Fireside Room; series meets weekly and concludes 03/29/09
Financial Peace University is a biblically-based accountability class that will train participants to manage their resources. The class is taught by Dave Ramsey via DVD, followed by small group discussion. Class is 2 hours in length, with approximately 1 hour video presentation and1 hour for small group discussion.
Orientation THIS Sunday, 01/11/09, 3pm: Registration, orientation, and preview in the Galloway Fellowship Center. Cost: $99 per family unit, covers all materials. Classes start: 01/25/09, 3pm, Galloway Fellowship Center: Series meets weekly and concludes 04/19/09
Contact Pastor Jerry Schmidt for info jerry@newhopecommunitychurch.org
Next Sunday, January 18, 2009
GroupLink is an event where you will connect with others in your area and stage of life to start a community group. Community groups are small groups of approximately six married couples or 6-8 individuals of the same gender that meet weekly in someone's home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.
Vision Sunday, January 25, 2009
2008 has proven to be an incredibly exciting and eventful year within the life of New Hope. If you want to be the first to hear about our plans for 2009, mark your calendar and join us for Vision Sunday @ 9am & 11am on January 25th, as we continue to ‘Do Life Together’.
Continue Reading
Sat. Jan. 10th @ 9-10:30am; room 151
Featuring Dr. Jay Barber, former president of Warner Pacific College & Developer Neil Nedeliski, CEO of Eagle Landing.
Get inspired and recharged for God.
Enjoy coffee, juice and muffins
Sponsored by NH Men and Veritas Investment Co.
Contact Ted Hartzel for info hrtzllcons@comcast.net
Sherry Holz Celebration of Life Service
Sat. Jan. 10th @ 11am; Sanctuary
Donation in lieu of flowers to New Hope Community Church in her name
Sherry’s favorite colors were pink & purple. You are invited to wear those colors in honor of Sherry to the service.
This Sunday, January 11, 2009
SIMPLE
Our home community groups will be following along in this series for the next three weeks. Pastor Dennis will be coordinating the effort to provide message/discussion notes that will further the discussion beyond Sunday morning.
Financial Peace University & Crown Financial
Registration/Orientation for both FPU & Crown This Sunday!
Crown Financial Small Group is a 10 week in-depth study of what scripture teaches about money and possessions. Marriages are strengthened and individuals find their way out of debt. People enter into a closer walk with Jesus Christ as they learn to apply his Word. Group meets for 2 hours weekly and includes scripture memorization and interactive discussions.
Orientation THIS Sunday, 01/11/09, 6pm: Registration, orientation, and preview in NHCC Fireside Room, lower level north. Cost: Single $45; Couple: $55 covers all materials. Classes start: 01/25/09, 6pm, NHCC Fireside Room; series meets weekly and concludes 03/29/09
Financial Peace University is a biblically-based accountability class that will train participants to manage their resources. The class is taught by Dave Ramsey via DVD, followed by small group discussion. Class is 2 hours in length, with approximately 1 hour video presentation and1 hour for small group discussion.
Orientation THIS Sunday, 01/11/09, 3pm: Registration, orientation, and preview in the Galloway Fellowship Center. Cost: $99 per family unit, covers all materials. Classes start: 01/25/09, 3pm, Galloway Fellowship Center: Series meets weekly and concludes 04/19/09
Contact Pastor Jerry Schmidt for info jerry@newhopecommunitychurch.org
Next Sunday, January 18, 2009
GroupLink is an event where you will connect with others in your area and stage of life to start a community group. Community groups are small groups of approximately six married couples or 6-8 individuals of the same gender that meet weekly in someone's home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.
Vision Sunday, January 25, 2009
2008 has proven to be an incredibly exciting and eventful year within the life of New Hope. If you want to be the first to hear about our plans for 2009, mark your calendar and join us for Vision Sunday @ 9am & 11am on January 25th, as we continue to ‘Do Life Together’.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow. NOT!!!!
Dear New Hope Family,
Ok, I love snow but sometimes you can get too much of a good thing. “The weather outside is frightful,” is more than the words from a holiday song this year. “A White Christmas” no longer seems to be something we are dreaming of, but a forecast of Portland reality. With all that said, we have been planning some Christmas services for you to experience this weekend, and we want to let you know the contingency plans in case you wake up to “a winter wonderland” Sunday.
It is really hard to make a call this early as weather forecasts can often change radically, come a day late or sometimes not at all. What we do know is that snow has been forecast for Saturday, a lot of snow. Sunday has the potential of rain or freezing rain. What that means is that on Sunday morning a two to four degree difference in temperature can either shut the whole city down, or make Sunday one of the biggest shopping days of the year. If it turns out to be rain it will be clearing the roads for us and we will have a great day.
Here are the plans as of now. We are planning on having two outstanding Christmas Worship Services this Sunday, December 21 at 9 and 11am, as well as our student and children’s ministry. As of today our parking lots have been entirely cleaned off. We have contracted with a snow removal company to remove any snow before the services Sunday morning and also to gravel the entries and exits.
We will send you an iPastor weather update on Saturday evening at 8 pm about our Sunday morning services. If things are still uncertain we will send additional communication out again on Sunday morning at 6 am. This information will be posted at the same time on our web site and answering machine.
If we cannot have services, a video of Pastor Brent’s Advent Conspiracy message for this Sunday will be online by 9 am. You can go there now to watch my message from last weekend.
Don’t forget that this Sunday is New Hope’s Christ’s Birthday Offering. If you can’t be here you can give on line by clicking here, mail it in or bring it to one of the Christmas Candlelight Services. We are still collecting food for Esther’s Pantry and the Clackamas Service Center as a part of Advent Conspiracy throughout December. Thanks for your generosity so far. This last week we gave 437 lbs. of food, plus the 237 lbs. the week prior.
This Sunday December 21
This Sunday will feature Week #4 of our Advent Conspiracy, our 100 voice Christmas Choir, Josh leading the worship band, the Kid’s Birthday Party for Jesus, and a Stu Com Christmas at 11am. We will present a check from New Hope to Open Arms International for the Africa Village and AIDS orphans.
Giving Report from Last Sunday
Thanks to the 230 who were here last Sunday and a lot of people who went online, our offering totaled a little over $30,000 of our weekly $49,990 budget. That leaves us about $20,000 short, but it was great all things considered. If weather cancels our services next Sunday it will make it extremely difficult. We appreciate your faithfulness in spite of the weather in giving online or mailing in your tithes and offerings.
An Encouraging Note
This morning I invited the manager of the Plaid Pantry to our services this Sunday. She indicated she would be there. As I left I said, “I will see you Sunday if the storm isn’t too bad.” She immediately responded, “I will see you Sunday, storm or no storm.” Wow.
I also received the monthly report from our Families in Crisis Ministry:
• Groceries for 18 families
• Help with rent so two families can keep their apartments
• Help with Thanksgiving and Christmas for seven families so far
• Heating oil for a senior couple who were without heat
Last Sunday we gave a check for $16,539 to Habitat for Humanity to more than fulfill our commitment to the current house we are building. New Hope Kids gave almost $1,700 of this amount. Way to go kids! Thanks to all of you for your wonderful generosity and making a difference in other people’s lives through your giving.
Be praying for this Sunday. Don’t forget our Christmas Candlelight Services on Tuesday, December 23 at 7pm and Wednesday, December 24 at 5pm. Please invite all your friends, you won’t be disappointed.
You are loved,
Pastor Ray
Continue Reading
Ok, I love snow but sometimes you can get too much of a good thing. “The weather outside is frightful,” is more than the words from a holiday song this year. “A White Christmas” no longer seems to be something we are dreaming of, but a forecast of Portland reality. With all that said, we have been planning some Christmas services for you to experience this weekend, and we want to let you know the contingency plans in case you wake up to “a winter wonderland” Sunday.
It is really hard to make a call this early as weather forecasts can often change radically, come a day late or sometimes not at all. What we do know is that snow has been forecast for Saturday, a lot of snow. Sunday has the potential of rain or freezing rain. What that means is that on Sunday morning a two to four degree difference in temperature can either shut the whole city down, or make Sunday one of the biggest shopping days of the year. If it turns out to be rain it will be clearing the roads for us and we will have a great day.
Here are the plans as of now. We are planning on having two outstanding Christmas Worship Services this Sunday, December 21 at 9 and 11am, as well as our student and children’s ministry. As of today our parking lots have been entirely cleaned off. We have contracted with a snow removal company to remove any snow before the services Sunday morning and also to gravel the entries and exits.
We will send you an iPastor weather update on Saturday evening at 8 pm about our Sunday morning services. If things are still uncertain we will send additional communication out again on Sunday morning at 6 am. This information will be posted at the same time on our web site and answering machine.
If we cannot have services, a video of Pastor Brent’s Advent Conspiracy message for this Sunday will be online by 9 am. You can go there now to watch my message from last weekend.
Don’t forget that this Sunday is New Hope’s Christ’s Birthday Offering. If you can’t be here you can give on line by clicking here, mail it in or bring it to one of the Christmas Candlelight Services. We are still collecting food for Esther’s Pantry and the Clackamas Service Center as a part of Advent Conspiracy throughout December. Thanks for your generosity so far. This last week we gave 437 lbs. of food, plus the 237 lbs. the week prior.
This Sunday December 21
This Sunday will feature Week #4 of our Advent Conspiracy, our 100 voice Christmas Choir, Josh leading the worship band, the Kid’s Birthday Party for Jesus, and a Stu Com Christmas at 11am. We will present a check from New Hope to Open Arms International for the Africa Village and AIDS orphans.
Giving Report from Last Sunday
Thanks to the 230 who were here last Sunday and a lot of people who went online, our offering totaled a little over $30,000 of our weekly $49,990 budget. That leaves us about $20,000 short, but it was great all things considered. If weather cancels our services next Sunday it will make it extremely difficult. We appreciate your faithfulness in spite of the weather in giving online or mailing in your tithes and offerings.
An Encouraging Note
This morning I invited the manager of the Plaid Pantry to our services this Sunday. She indicated she would be there. As I left I said, “I will see you Sunday if the storm isn’t too bad.” She immediately responded, “I will see you Sunday, storm or no storm.” Wow.
I also received the monthly report from our Families in Crisis Ministry:
• Groceries for 18 families
• Help with rent so two families can keep their apartments
• Help with Thanksgiving and Christmas for seven families so far
• Heating oil for a senior couple who were without heat
Last Sunday we gave a check for $16,539 to Habitat for Humanity to more than fulfill our commitment to the current house we are building. New Hope Kids gave almost $1,700 of this amount. Way to go kids! Thanks to all of you for your wonderful generosity and making a difference in other people’s lives through your giving.
Be praying for this Sunday. Don’t forget our Christmas Candlelight Services on Tuesday, December 23 at 7pm and Wednesday, December 24 at 5pm. Please invite all your friends, you won’t be disappointed.
You are loved,
Pastor Ray
Friday, December 12, 2008
Later On We'll Conspire
Later On, We’ll Conspire
James Taylor’s at Christmas CD has quickly become one of my favorite Christmas Albums of all time. This past week the following lyrics of the classic Bernard & Smith song Winter Wonderland (Track One) caught my attention.
Question: What does it mean to CONSPIRE during this Advent Season?
Answer: Putting Christ back in Christmas.
A movement of coconspirators have become convinced that somewhere in the bustle of wrapping paper, packed malls and endless lists, we have forgotten the true story and origins of Christmas.
Question: What’s the true story of Christmas?
Answer: The story of a Savior who came to Earth wrapped in nothing more than a human skin who would one day redeem the world …one person at a time.
Question: How can we (re)enter the story?
Answer: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All.
[WORSHIP FULLY] The Advent Conspiracy starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus. Entering the story of advent means… entering this season with anticipation and an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest.
[SPEND LESS] Consider spending less this Christmas (maybe buying one less gift). Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small challenge have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season.
[GIVE MORE] God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. GIVE MORE TIME to… make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom …write mom a letter …take the kids sledding …bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols.
[LOVE ALL] When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never imagined before. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join Him in loving all by giving resources to those who need help the most.
Question: How can we face unafraid, the plans that we’ve made to CONSPIRE?
Answer: Invest & Invite.
INVEST: This Christmas consider making a ‘Kingdom Investment’ by giving through your Time, Talents, & Treasure. Many of you have purchased Angel Tree gift ornaments and will invest your TIME by delivering gifts to children of incarcerated men and women, others will lend your TALENTS by joining New Hope’s Habitat For Humanity Faith Build this Saturday, while even more of you will choose to INVEST your TREASURE by giving ‘over and above’ to this year’s Christ Birthday Offering. Through New Hope’s Christ Birthday Offering you have the opportunity to give to the poor and needy here in Portland, and in Kenya, Africa.
INVITE: Consider ‘Inviting’ your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors to New Hope’s Christmas Candlelight Service. As followers of Christ we have been called to ‘fish’ for people who have not yet personally experienced the hope that Christmas brings. Did you know that there is a 75-80% chance that if invited, your friend will say yes?!
Current weather forecast for this Sunday is a high of 32 degrees with a very strong chance of snow showers. Maybe we will be walking in a winter wonderland after all?! Let’s conspire together, the plans that we’ve made, to make this Christmas for Jesus, and about Jesus!
See You Sunday,
Brent
Continue Reading
James Taylor’s at Christmas CD has quickly become one of my favorite Christmas Albums of all time. This past week the following lyrics of the classic Bernard & Smith song Winter Wonderland (Track One) caught my attention.
Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
Because New Hope has partnered with the Advent Conspiracy movement, the word CONSPIRE in this classic Christmas song has taken on a profound new meaning to me personally.As we dream by the fire
Question: What does it mean to CONSPIRE during this Advent Season?
Answer: Putting Christ back in Christmas.
A movement of coconspirators have become convinced that somewhere in the bustle of wrapping paper, packed malls and endless lists, we have forgotten the true story and origins of Christmas.
Question: What’s the true story of Christmas?
Answer: The story of a Savior who came to Earth wrapped in nothing more than a human skin who would one day redeem the world …one person at a time.
Question: How can we (re)enter the story?
Answer: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All.
[WORSHIP FULLY] The Advent Conspiracy starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus. Entering the story of advent means… entering this season with anticipation and an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest.
[SPEND LESS] Consider spending less this Christmas (maybe buying one less gift). Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small challenge have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season.
[GIVE MORE] God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. GIVE MORE TIME to… make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom …write mom a letter …take the kids sledding …bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols.
[LOVE ALL] When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never imagined before. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join Him in loving all by giving resources to those who need help the most.
Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Question: How can we face unafraid, the plans that we’ve made to CONSPIRE?
Answer: Invest & Invite.
INVEST: This Christmas consider making a ‘Kingdom Investment’ by giving through your Time, Talents, & Treasure. Many of you have purchased Angel Tree gift ornaments and will invest your TIME by delivering gifts to children of incarcerated men and women, others will lend your TALENTS by joining New Hope’s Habitat For Humanity Faith Build this Saturday, while even more of you will choose to INVEST your TREASURE by giving ‘over and above’ to this year’s Christ Birthday Offering. Through New Hope’s Christ Birthday Offering you have the opportunity to give to the poor and needy here in Portland, and in Kenya, Africa.
INVITE: Consider ‘Inviting’ your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors to New Hope’s Christmas Candlelight Service. As followers of Christ we have been called to ‘fish’ for people who have not yet personally experienced the hope that Christmas brings. Did you know that there is a 75-80% chance that if invited, your friend will say yes?!
Current weather forecast for this Sunday is a high of 32 degrees with a very strong chance of snow showers. Maybe we will be walking in a winter wonderland after all?! Let’s conspire together, the plans that we’ve made, to make this Christmas for Jesus, and about Jesus!
See You Sunday,
Brent
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