EVERYTHING WAS GLORIOUS

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One day, Desmond came to a place in his life when he realized he needed something more. He recalls a time when it became clear to him that the traditional approach to church simply wasn't meeting his needs. During this time, it was not uncommon for him to feel frustrated and drained after attending worship. Attending New Hope, however, provided Desmond with a much needed breath of spiritual fresh air. The "come as you are" ministry emphasis of New Hope was a major drawing point for him, and he felt led by God to become a member.

Desmond believes that the diversity, warmth, and praise common in New Hope are a reflection of heaven. This enthusiastic member has not attended alone, but has brought family to the church several times. Children's church and the music in worship consistently connect with his family members when they visit.

Desmond describes New Hope as a "spirit-filled, loving, inclusive, diverse, people-oriented church." Here's a simplified translation: It's a place where you belong.

PRAYER WARRIORS TAKING THE LEAD

The 24 hours of Prayze event yielded some interesting surprises. One was the number of people willing to come out after midnight to fellowship and praise God. There were many praises and questions for God written on the praise walls.

One of the more noteworthy incidences occurred in the last hour, 6-7 PM. While Rebecca Nyakiti prayed at the Place of Surrender station, some of the decorative trees surrounding that station suddenly fell, the largest and heaviest tree barely missing her. It was obvious that Rebecca was intent on her purpose because she never flinched, moved or stopped praying when the trees fell or as the trees were moved. It appeared that something or someone did not want her to continue to pray. ~ by Lael Savoy

SMALL GROUPS AN AREA OF FOCUS IN 2008

Being part of a small group at New Hope could be the best thing you do for yourself in 2008!

There are three key reasons we need small groups in our churches: they build Christian community, they empower members for ministry, and they complement larger groups. “In order for today’s disciples to love one another as Jesus said we should, today’s church also needs a network of small groups that will develop the community in and through which that love can be demonstrated.”

As part of the discipleship/small group ministry, New Hope is rolling out a new initiative in 2008 to respond to the need expressed by members in a recent church survey As a result of a recent Discipleship Ministry/ Small Groups team leader meeting, we now have the following:
• Mission Statement: "Helping people experience spiritual transformation in their relationship with God and with one another."
• Vision Statement: "Building Community"
• 4 Core Values
Connect...experience meaningful conversation and learn to live beyond yourself.
Cultivate...develop your mind and character in an engaging Christian community.
Challenge...expand your comfort zone and find out what you're really made of.
Change…find your strength in total surrender to Christ and His purpose for you.

To get started on this new effort, the church is offering an exciting opportunity in January for members. Known as “Growthgroups,” this seminar features small group coach Milton Adams for equipping small group leaders. "Growthgroups are not a gimmick. And they're not an event. They're a process. Come learn how to lead, co-lead, or host a small group in this safe, fun, learning environment."

Small groups are increasingly being recognized as an integral part of one’s spiritual development. “Small groups make disciples. …A disciple, by definition, is a fully committed follower of Christ, so we become disciples from the day we decide to follow Jesus, and we remain disciples throughout our lives.” Cox defines a disciple as one who:

• Walks with God, enjoys a personal relationship with Jesus and seeks to keep in step with the Holy Spirit;
• Studies the word of God, constantly growing in understanding and obedience while endeavoring to apply its teachings to all areas of life, and
• Responds to Christ’s commission, equipped with the gifts He has given, to make other disciples for Him through a life of witness and service in the community.

The Growthgroups training event is free for attendees because it is sponsored by the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. All you need to do is register online at www.lookingforachurch.org. The seminar will be held at New Hope Church on Jan. 25 (7:00 pm-9:00 pm) and Jan. 26 (1:30 pm-5:00 pm).

And in the meantime, there are a number of active small groups at New Hope that should appeal to just about anyone. Come check us out!

GROUP CELEBRATES GROWTH, MUTUAL SUPPORT

One small group full of fun and joyous study of God’s word is held by women at New Hope. Members met recently for tea and homemade cookies to celebrate the Christmas season and the end of a year of spiritual growth and blossoming friendships.

“As part of this group for several years now, I can’t imagine living without our weekly Bible study,” said Anne Woodworth, co-leader. “These women have become dear friends. We’ve learned so much, and supported one another through life’s joys and sorrows.”

While personal Bible study and prayer, and corporate worship on Sabbath are important, small groups play a unique function in the lives of their members. And this is a model Jesus Christ used in training up and fellowshipping with His close-knit band of followers.

“Small groups produce disciples who lead, disciples who work, disciples who contribute to the kingdom of God, disciples who reach the lost, disciples who nurture one another, and disciples who, while they are doing these things, actually enjoy themselves!”

In years past, the women’s small group has also participated in community service activities such as providing baskets of necessities, gifts and gift cards to families at the Howard County Domestic Violence Center. “We believe this group helps us strengthen our relationships with God, with each other, and with community members,” explained one long-standing member.

Women are invited to join this small Bible study group at the next meeting on Jan. 8. The group will be reading "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change You From the Inside Out," by Joanna Weaver. The group meets Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm at a house in the Silver Spring area. For details, contact Anne Woodworth at anne.woodworth@adra.org or by calling (301) 768-8435.

NEW COMMUNITY PRAYZE

Prayer Meeting will be moving into the auditorium next year under the new name New Community Prayze. We are looking for musicians, sound engineers, ushers, greeters, and prayer warriors, plus an executive producer. This will be a high energy time of praise, worship, study, and prayer. It is designed for the whole family to participate in. More details will be coming later. Please fill out the information blank in the bulletin telling us how you will help make this a powerful life changing time for God’s people. For more information talk to Pastor Newman, pastor for prayer or Lael Savoy, New Hope Prayer Leader.

SMALL GROUP IN SILVER SPRING

Make a New Year's commitment to join a small group at New Hope! Women of all
ages are invited to join a small Bible study group when we start a new topic
Jan. 8, 2008. The group meets Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm in the Silver Spring
area. The book we will be studying over the next 10 weeks is "Having a Mary
Spirit: Allowing God to Change You From the Inside Out," by Joanna Weaver.
She also authored "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." For more details,
please contact Anne Woodworth at anne.woodworth@adra.org or by calling (301)
768-8435.

MOZAMBIQUE MISSION TRIP DETAILS

A Note from Dave Wooster New Hope Sharing Our Strength (SOS) Director

Hello mission minded person,

First of all, on behalf of New Hope Adventist Church, and the people of Mozambique, let me say thank you for your interest in helping to construct a school that will change the lives of children in Mozambique forever. We have been given a fantastic opportunity to travel to a place unknown to many of us, to help a people we have never met, and impact their lives in a very tangible way. During this trip in July of 2008 we will be constructing a school that will provide capacity to educate as many as 400 children. This facility will also be used for other purposes there such as literacy programs and other community needs. While we are there we will also be drilling water wells to provide clean water to a people that today, travel on average 4 miles one –way per day to get water. We will also have a team of medical professionals that will travel with us to run a medical clinic. This medical work will be provided to a people that are desperate for care that they cannot afford to get themselves. Lastly, we will be running a Vacation Bible School for the children during our stay. This will allow us to talk about Jesus to them and show them how much He loves them and wants them to be a part of His family. There is much more that I could say here. Please take the time to read through this information and feel free to contact me at newhopesos@comcast.net or my cell phone at 443-694-7573 with any questions you may have. Thank you for considering this opportunity and I hope to work along side you building hope for the future in Mozambique. Click here to download the Mozambique Mission Packet.

My best to you,

Dave Wooster