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
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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
Friday, December 5, 2008
Christmas Vacation or the Grinch That Stole Christmas?
Reflecting on Christmas: Join the Conspiracy!
Ok, I have a confession. I love Christmas! One of my favorite all time holiday movies is Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold became my hero at a very young age and I always wanted to have more lights on my house than he did on his. Some years I think I almost succeeded. He set unrealistic expectations. He spent money he didn’t have to make his family happy and love him more, when really all they wanted was him. Clark wanted to have everything perfect for his family and friends so that Christmas would be a 10. In the end what they really wanted was him. Unfortunately many of us labor under this illusion, that if we do more, schedule more, spend more, decorate more that we will somehow experience the illusive dream of a perfect Christmas. The opposite of that is the Scrooge. Where is a meaningful medium? The good news is that this year we have a better plan and an opportunity for you to find new meaning, fulfillment and make a difference for someone else.
This morning I woke up to the terrifying reality that there are only 20 more shopping days left until Christmas. For those of us including myself, who have been putting off all the things on our holiday to do list, this strikes terror in our hearts. But this year many of us are resolving to celebrate Christmas in a different way; without all the stress, the debt, guilt and exhaustion. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that we are not going to give presents or become the new Grinch. We are simply going to refuse to be swept away and buy into unrealistic expectations. We are going to seek to focus on the things that are really important. That is at the heart of what the Advent Conspiracy is all about: worship fully, spend less, give more and love all. I want to challenge you to think about how you will live out each of these in a way that enriches your experience of the Christmas season. VISIT OUR NEWHOPEPDX WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
This week, I want to challenge you in two specific areas this week.
Give More: Relational Giving
I am excited about the adventure of doing Christmas different this year. I love the phrase “relational giving” which implies giving something much deeper than material gifts. It means giving our presence and not just presents. I want to challenge you to explore what relational giving can look like for you this Christmas. More than anything it is giving the most important gift we can give to someone we love, TIME. It used to crack me up when my kids were little and they would say to me, “Dad, let’s spend some quality time together.” I am not sure if they had a clue as to what that phrase actually meant, but I did know they wanted to be together and wanted my undivided attention. We adults sometimes use quality time as an excuse for not spending quantitative time with our loved ones. Quality time means spending quantity time too. It means being present and emotionally available when we are with the people we love. How will you give yourself in a relational way this Christmas?
Love All
To love as Jesus loved means to love and care for the least of these. In the Advent Conspiracy we resolve to spend less and resist the compulsion of having to go in debt to try to make Christmas meaningful. What if we just bought one present less or spent 10% less? What would happen if we would take part of that and invest it in people in a way that literally could save their lives? As we resolve to spend less this Christmas, let’s take part of it and give it away in an expression of love to the least of these. We will share more about the projects we have for our Christ’s Birthday Offering this year that will literally transform lives of the least of these. Each week in the Advent Conspiracy we will be sharing how together we can make a difference. Last Sunday we adopted the Angel Tree for children of inmates. It was amazing that we ran out of angels on the tree before the morning was over.
Food for the Hungry
Starting this Sunday and for the next four weeks, we will be collecting food for local organizations that provide food for those in need right in our own backyard. All food collected will be shared with Esther’s Pantry in Milwaukee, which serves those affected by AIDS, and the Clackamas Service Center on SE 82nd, a religious group we partner with that serves the homeless and low income families in Clackamas County. There will be well marked Advent Conspiracy food barrels in the lobby. Here’s what we are collecting:
Boxed and canned meals
Pasta (dry or microwaveable)
Rice (dry or microwaveable)
Share Your Ideas with Us
I would love to hear your ideas on how you will make Christmas more meaningful this year. These will be helpful for our whole church family. Please click here to share them with us.
SOME GREAT NEWS!
Congratulation to the New Hope Kid’s who just raised over $1,600 to help build our Habitat for Humanity House. Wow kids, that is a lot of money. The kid’s choir will be singing on Sunday December 14th and they will be presenting a check to Habitat that Sunday.
One hundred small group leaders and hosts were appreciated and honored at a luncheon at the Aerie Club House on Sunday November 23. We salute this incredible team.
Pastor Mike reported that 44 young marrieds attended The First Married Life event for this age group two weeks ago.
The final results for our First Fruits Offering are now approaching $75,000. Thank you Lord and our New Hope family! This was especially amazing on a fourth Sunday of the month, which is usually our lowest.
Over 100 people have signed up to sing in the Community Choir for the Christmas Candlelight Services. Pastor David Boots is directing it.
We are averaging over 4,000 unique visitors to our web site each month.
Almost 100 people have bought tickets for our Second Wind Christmas Brunch this Sunday December 7th at 12:30 pm. There is still time to get a ticket. Call the front desk, 503-659-5683 or get a ticket Sunday morning for $11 per person. Jay Barber will be the guest speaker, beautiful traditional Christmas music, door prizes and a whole lot more. It is open to everyone.
Thanks to whoever made the incredible, warm chocolate chip and walnut cookies for me this week after I encouraged people to make homemade gifts – and unashamedly (I should have been) mentioned those were my favorite.
Have a great week. We have a very special day planned for you this Sunday in our Advent Series as well as celebrating communion. Pastor Brent will be preaching.
I would love to get you feedback and comments on the ipastor blog!
See you Sunday.
Pastor Ray
Continue Reading
Ok, I have a confession. I love Christmas! One of my favorite all time holiday movies is Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold became my hero at a very young age and I always wanted to have more lights on my house than he did on his. Some years I think I almost succeeded. He set unrealistic expectations. He spent money he didn’t have to make his family happy and love him more, when really all they wanted was him. Clark wanted to have everything perfect for his family and friends so that Christmas would be a 10. In the end what they really wanted was him. Unfortunately many of us labor under this illusion, that if we do more, schedule more, spend more, decorate more that we will somehow experience the illusive dream of a perfect Christmas. The opposite of that is the Scrooge. Where is a meaningful medium? The good news is that this year we have a better plan and an opportunity for you to find new meaning, fulfillment and make a difference for someone else.
This morning I woke up to the terrifying reality that there are only 20 more shopping days left until Christmas. For those of us including myself, who have been putting off all the things on our holiday to do list, this strikes terror in our hearts. But this year many of us are resolving to celebrate Christmas in a different way; without all the stress, the debt, guilt and exhaustion. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that we are not going to give presents or become the new Grinch. We are simply going to refuse to be swept away and buy into unrealistic expectations. We are going to seek to focus on the things that are really important. That is at the heart of what the Advent Conspiracy is all about: worship fully, spend less, give more and love all. I want to challenge you to think about how you will live out each of these in a way that enriches your experience of the Christmas season. VISIT OUR NEWHOPEPDX WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
This week, I want to challenge you in two specific areas this week.
Give More: Relational Giving
I am excited about the adventure of doing Christmas different this year. I love the phrase “relational giving” which implies giving something much deeper than material gifts. It means giving our presence and not just presents. I want to challenge you to explore what relational giving can look like for you this Christmas. More than anything it is giving the most important gift we can give to someone we love, TIME. It used to crack me up when my kids were little and they would say to me, “Dad, let’s spend some quality time together.” I am not sure if they had a clue as to what that phrase actually meant, but I did know they wanted to be together and wanted my undivided attention. We adults sometimes use quality time as an excuse for not spending quantitative time with our loved ones. Quality time means spending quantity time too. It means being present and emotionally available when we are with the people we love. How will you give yourself in a relational way this Christmas?
Love All
To love as Jesus loved means to love and care for the least of these. In the Advent Conspiracy we resolve to spend less and resist the compulsion of having to go in debt to try to make Christmas meaningful. What if we just bought one present less or spent 10% less? What would happen if we would take part of that and invest it in people in a way that literally could save their lives? As we resolve to spend less this Christmas, let’s take part of it and give it away in an expression of love to the least of these. We will share more about the projects we have for our Christ’s Birthday Offering this year that will literally transform lives of the least of these. Each week in the Advent Conspiracy we will be sharing how together we can make a difference. Last Sunday we adopted the Angel Tree for children of inmates. It was amazing that we ran out of angels on the tree before the morning was over.
Food for the Hungry
Starting this Sunday and for the next four weeks, we will be collecting food for local organizations that provide food for those in need right in our own backyard. All food collected will be shared with Esther’s Pantry in Milwaukee, which serves those affected by AIDS, and the Clackamas Service Center on SE 82nd, a religious group we partner with that serves the homeless and low income families in Clackamas County. There will be well marked Advent Conspiracy food barrels in the lobby. Here’s what we are collecting:
Boxed and canned meals
Pasta (dry or microwaveable)
Rice (dry or microwaveable)
Share Your Ideas with Us
I would love to hear your ideas on how you will make Christmas more meaningful this year. These will be helpful for our whole church family. Please click here to share them with us.
SOME GREAT NEWS!
Congratulation to the New Hope Kid’s who just raised over $1,600 to help build our Habitat for Humanity House. Wow kids, that is a lot of money. The kid’s choir will be singing on Sunday December 14th and they will be presenting a check to Habitat that Sunday.
One hundred small group leaders and hosts were appreciated and honored at a luncheon at the Aerie Club House on Sunday November 23. We salute this incredible team.
Pastor Mike reported that 44 young marrieds attended The First Married Life event for this age group two weeks ago.
The final results for our First Fruits Offering are now approaching $75,000. Thank you Lord and our New Hope family! This was especially amazing on a fourth Sunday of the month, which is usually our lowest.
Over 100 people have signed up to sing in the Community Choir for the Christmas Candlelight Services. Pastor David Boots is directing it.
We are averaging over 4,000 unique visitors to our web site each month.
Almost 100 people have bought tickets for our Second Wind Christmas Brunch this Sunday December 7th at 12:30 pm. There is still time to get a ticket. Call the front desk, 503-659-5683 or get a ticket Sunday morning for $11 per person. Jay Barber will be the guest speaker, beautiful traditional Christmas music, door prizes and a whole lot more. It is open to everyone.
Thanks to whoever made the incredible, warm chocolate chip and walnut cookies for me this week after I encouraged people to make homemade gifts – and unashamedly (I should have been) mentioned those were my favorite.
Have a great week. We have a very special day planned for you this Sunday in our Advent Series as well as celebrating communion. Pastor Brent will be preaching.
I would love to get you feedback and comments on the ipastor blog!
See you Sunday.
Pastor Ray
Thursday, November 27, 2008
I Am Thankful For Indians
This past week my six year old son Blake came home from Spring Mountain Elementary with a painted craft turkey. Any parent or grandparent knows exactly what I am talking about. Blake was asked to write what he was thankful for on the turkey’s belly. He wrote: “I Am Thankful For Indians”.
Like Blake, most of us learned in grade school that the Pilgrims first celebrated Thanksgiving in 1621 in Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. Originally 102 of them sailed here from England on the Mayflower, but only 56 of them survived their first year. The Pilgrims realized, when their first harvest was so bountiful, that they could not have made it without their Indian friends and decided to celebrate with a feast. I guess my 1st grader got it right!
Two years later in 1623, Massachusetts was experiencing a severe drought (our nations first economic downturn?), prompting Governor William Bradford to ask for the Pilgrims to pray. The Pilgrims prayed and it rained the very next day, ensuring another bountiful harvest. A grateful Bradford, without delay, ordered a day of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was not celebrated again for fifty-three years.
In 1789 George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. Upon further study I have learned that it was a woman who had more to do with our country’s decision to celebrate what we recognize today as Thanksgiving. It wasn’t George Washington she had to convince, but Abraham Lincoln, who in 1863, 74 years and 15 presidents later, decided to declare a day of Thanksgiving. Even then, it took Sara Josepha Hale , a magazine editor, forty years to write enough letters and editorials to convince a sitting American President to set aside the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
Every American President since Lincoln has signed proclamations commemorating Thanksgiving. Interestingly, the holiday has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year since 1941 even though President Franklin Roosevelt did agree on one occasion to move the day from the last Thursday in the month of November to the next-to-last Thursday. Guess Why? You got it: To create a longer Christmas shopping season . If the devil’s not in the details, I don’t know who is!
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. Thanksgiving is more than a day off. Thanksgiving is more than turkeys. Thanksgiving is a perspective.
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 95:2)
This Thanksgiving I am grateful for my life in Christ, and you my precious church community. Like Blake and the Pilgrims, I Am Thankful For Indians (family and friends) that I could not have made it without. Let me encourage you to take a moment and thank God for the things that no one can take from you. After all is said and done, it really is Him to whom we should pause and give thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Pastor Brent
Continue Reading
Like Blake, most of us learned in grade school that the Pilgrims first celebrated Thanksgiving in 1621 in Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. Originally 102 of them sailed here from England on the Mayflower, but only 56 of them survived their first year. The Pilgrims realized, when their first harvest was so bountiful, that they could not have made it without their Indian friends and decided to celebrate with a feast. I guess my 1st grader got it right!
Two years later in 1623, Massachusetts was experiencing a severe drought (our nations first economic downturn?), prompting Governor William Bradford to ask for the Pilgrims to pray. The Pilgrims prayed and it rained the very next day, ensuring another bountiful harvest. A grateful Bradford, without delay, ordered a day of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was not celebrated again for fifty-three years.
In 1789 George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. Upon further study I have learned that it was a woman who had more to do with our country’s decision to celebrate what we recognize today as Thanksgiving. It wasn’t George Washington she had to convince, but Abraham Lincoln, who in 1863, 74 years and 15 presidents later, decided to declare a day of Thanksgiving. Even then, it took Sara Josepha Hale , a magazine editor, forty years to write enough letters and editorials to convince a sitting American President to set aside the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
Every American President since Lincoln has signed proclamations commemorating Thanksgiving. Interestingly, the holiday has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year since 1941 even though President Franklin Roosevelt did agree on one occasion to move the day from the last Thursday in the month of November to the next-to-last Thursday. Guess Why? You got it: To create a longer Christmas shopping season . If the devil’s not in the details, I don’t know who is!
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. Thanksgiving is more than a day off. Thanksgiving is more than turkeys. Thanksgiving is a perspective.
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 95:2)
This Thanksgiving I am grateful for my life in Christ, and you my precious church community. Like Blake and the Pilgrims, I Am Thankful For Indians (family and friends) that I could not have made it without. Let me encourage you to take a moment and thank God for the things that no one can take from you. After all is said and done, it really is Him to whom we should pause and give thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Pastor Brent
Friday, November 21, 2008
Reflecting and Drinking some Coffee
Hello New Hope Community,
I’m sipping my second cup of coffee, watching the rain fall from the overcast Portland sky and contemplating what I should write about in this week’s iPastor. My mind immediately journeys back to last Sunday’s weekend worship service which had incredible music, inspiring stories of life-change expressed through baptism, and the fact that hundreds of New Hopers recommitted their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
For the past four weeks we have been challenged to ‘Mind Our Own Business’ …which means we are running God’s Business (because its all his stuff anyway!). Many of you have made the hard decision to dump credit card debt and start ‘Acting Your Wage’ by paying CASH for your everyday living expenses. Others have accepted the 3 Month Tithe Challenge to literally test God and see if the Lord holds true to His promises of blessing in our lives.
ma’aser
Did you know that the word "tithe" is derived from the Hebrew word ma’aser and it literally means a tenth? Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10-11, God says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house.” The 'storehouse' is the Old Testament picture of the New Testament church. So as New Testament believers, we worship the Lord with the tithe; or the ten percent.
As a tangible and faithful act of worship, this weekend our entire community will be giving a First Fruits Offering by bringing a tithe. Remember, God doesn't need our money. He owns everything. But we give first because it takes faith to give first and God wants us to trust Him. He tells us in Proverbs 3:9-10 to “honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops and then your barns will be filled with overflowing.” We give first and the blessings of God follow.
* 10% of this weekends offering will go toward fulfilling New Hope’s Habitat For Humanity Faith Build Commitment & replenish New Hope’s Families In Crisis Funds to help families in our church during these tough times.
This Sunday
Dr. Jay Barber will be teaching this weekend at New Hope. For the past 12 years Dr. Barber has capably served as the President of Warner Pacific College, in addition to holding positions with the Murdock Foundation, etc… President Jay will be continuing our Leadership America Needs Series with his message aptly entitled … “Lessons I Have Learned Along The Way”. New Hope is blessed to have Jay on staff in his part time pastoral leadership capacity. You DON’T want to miss this weekend …trust me!
Next Series
Next Sunday the 30th of November Pastor Ray will be kicking off our Advent Conspiracy Christmas Series. This weekend you will be hearing more about our plans for Christmas and how you can ENTER the STORY!
November Survey
As the Pastors and Leaders of New Hope continue to pray and plan for an exciting new year, we want to hear from you. We have created an on-line survey which will give you an opportunity to join the dialogue. Bottom line… we really care about you and want to hear from you. Please take a few moments to complete this quick survey and let us know what you think.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Brent
Continue Reading
I’m sipping my second cup of coffee, watching the rain fall from the overcast Portland sky and contemplating what I should write about in this week’s iPastor. My mind immediately journeys back to last Sunday’s weekend worship service which had incredible music, inspiring stories of life-change expressed through baptism, and the fact that hundreds of New Hopers recommitted their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
For the past four weeks we have been challenged to ‘Mind Our Own Business’ …which means we are running God’s Business (because its all his stuff anyway!). Many of you have made the hard decision to dump credit card debt and start ‘Acting Your Wage’ by paying CASH for your everyday living expenses. Others have accepted the 3 Month Tithe Challenge to literally test God and see if the Lord holds true to His promises of blessing in our lives.
ma’aser
Did you know that the word "tithe" is derived from the Hebrew word ma’aser and it literally means a tenth? Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10-11, God says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house.” The 'storehouse' is the Old Testament picture of the New Testament church. So as New Testament believers, we worship the Lord with the tithe; or the ten percent.
As a tangible and faithful act of worship, this weekend our entire community will be giving a First Fruits Offering by bringing a tithe. Remember, God doesn't need our money. He owns everything. But we give first because it takes faith to give first and God wants us to trust Him. He tells us in Proverbs 3:9-10 to “honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops and then your barns will be filled with overflowing.” We give first and the blessings of God follow.
* 10% of this weekends offering will go toward fulfilling New Hope’s Habitat For Humanity Faith Build Commitment & replenish New Hope’s Families In Crisis Funds to help families in our church during these tough times.
This Sunday
Dr. Jay Barber will be teaching this weekend at New Hope. For the past 12 years Dr. Barber has capably served as the President of Warner Pacific College, in addition to holding positions with the Murdock Foundation, etc… President Jay will be continuing our Leadership America Needs Series with his message aptly entitled … “Lessons I Have Learned Along The Way”. New Hope is blessed to have Jay on staff in his part time pastoral leadership capacity. You DON’T want to miss this weekend …trust me!
Next Series
Next Sunday the 30th of November Pastor Ray will be kicking off our Advent Conspiracy Christmas Series. This weekend you will be hearing more about our plans for Christmas and how you can ENTER the STORY!
November Survey
As the Pastors and Leaders of New Hope continue to pray and plan for an exciting new year, we want to hear from you. We have created an on-line survey which will give you an opportunity to join the dialogue. Bottom line… we really care about you and want to hear from you. Please take a few moments to complete this quick survey and let us know what you think.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Brent
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