January 2005! Wow! This month will mark 9 years of ministry for New Hope Baptist Church. God has used and led this congregation in amazing ways over the years. Many of you can remember the clear sense of God’s leading when West Baptist Church and Broadway Baptist Church began talking about joining hands in ministry. This year, we experienced that same sense of leading when God led Adventure’s Bay Preschool to us.

Over the years we have seen people come to Christ and follow him in baptism. We have seen people learn to share their faith and use their spiritual gifts. We have also seen people come and go. This last year was painful as we saw people who had been a part of New Hope from the beginning choose to leave. As we approach out 10^th anniversary, it will be important for us to learn how to deal with disagreement more effectively.

There are wonderful opportunities before us as we enter 2005. We will begin the year with an outreach seminar on electronics and computers. We are also planning a stewardship emphasis in February, and a study in church health. In addition we will continue to strengthen the relationship between the church and the pre-school.

I would ask your prayers this year as our larger body, ABC-MI and ABC-USA faces a denomination wide financial crisis. Mission giving has fallen dramatically over the last few years. As a result, our Regional staff has undergone great changes, the staff of our International Mission Board has been cut back significantly, the number of missionaries on the field is being trimmed, and the missionaries are being asked to raise a large part of their support for the first time.

Yet, despite these concerns, the work of Christ is going forward. Listen to this report from Dwight and Kari Davidson in Japan:

"Our school, like most Christian schools in Japan, is quite formal in its worship style. But this year, at the request of one of our Japanese school chaplains, we decided to try something new for our high school Christmas worship service. This service, which is the climax of the 2nd semester, has traditionally been quite a boring service that has lasted about an hour and a half. Last year, half of the crowd was sleeping when the benediction was announced!

"This year though, I stepped out on a limb and said, "Well, why don't we try keeping the screen down all service and just running a power point presentation in the background? How about we make the theme, 'Why Christmas matters today'?" The group of chaplains bravely accepted it and we spent about a month and a half planning the service. The contents were not all that different from the service we have used in the past--brass band, tone chimes, choir, sermon... We just added a slide show about this year's current events and¡¡I planned to interpret the show in the message.... All the teachers on pins and needles, we tried the program out last Friday. At the end of the service, some of the students had been so moved they were crying! The principal (a quite rigid fellow himself), watery-eyed, said to me, "nakanaka yokatta ne...." ("Wow, that went pretty well!"--typical Japanese understatement!). Even a few of the non-Christian teachers (one of whom ran the slide show), were visibly moved and said it had been the first time in their lives they had felt something in a worship service! One teacher even gave me a hug.”

All around the world God is at work among his people. May we, throughout this year, be agents of God’s work in Bay City and all around our world.

It is always good to hear news of what's going on there. We pray for all of you that this Christmas season is filling up with opportunities to contemplate God's gift to us and rejoice in His love. We are so appreciative of your support of our work here with your gifts and prayers. Thank you for being on our Embera translation team.

Abundio and his family will be coming today for a few days, so we can find out more how things are going with them. They plan to visit with some local Embera families. Chaz hopes to take a short trip with them as well. Kirsten, Danny and Laura are all done with school now for some vacation, so we are enjoying a little more time together. We wish you all a joyful Christmas and a good new year of 2005, seeing what God will be doing at New Hope!

p.s. an extra Happy Birthday to Amy Morey and Amy Perkins, who share Kirsten's birthday!

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus! It was a great pleasure to fellowship with in Michigan the Fall, and to spend some more extended time with Pastor Doug. We share a love of fishing and Chinese food. Thank you also for the over night hospitality in loving Christian home (Matt and Diana Perry hosted Rick for the night).

We are now in our hot and humid season. Anita and the boys are back visiting her parents and family.

(Drs. Rick and Anita Gutierrez serve Jesus in Durban, South Africa. At this time they are developing church based holistic lay health ministries for Indian and Zulu communities. AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, violence and substance abuse are some of the health challenges here. Drs. Rick and Anita use their expertise in family medicine to consult with local churches. Together, they discern unmet health needs of people and train members in health skills that can be used concert with evangelistic outreach. Their vision is an energized and encouraged Body of Christ taking up its God-given role to be an agent of Christ’s healing and shalom.)

Did you receive a new electronic gadget for Christmas? Are there digital pictures trapped in your camera? Are your nerves wearing thin because of the “time saving” devises that now fill drawers in your house?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then the Computer and Electronics Workshop is for you. On the morning of January 15 bring your questions and gadgets to the church and learn how to get the most out of your electronics. Special attention will be given to computer basics such as e-mail and internet browsing; internet safety (avoiding viruses and pornography); and digital cameras and other USB devises.

There will be no charge for the workshop, but please RSVP through the office by January 9. When you make your reservation, please let us know what you most want to learn most from this workshop along with one or two questions.

At times I have been asked questions about sermons I have preached. Sometimes there has been an itch created that needs scratched, sometimes people have been convicted and want to study more, and sometimes people are simply confused (most common). If you want to see more about a sermon, you can find the message at Sunday Sermons.

Rachel Circle - We will be meeting on Monday, January 3, 2005 at 7:00pm at New Hope.

Dorcas Circle - We are blanketing Bay City with Quilts - yet - we could give so much more if YOU would join us and HELP! We meet on the second Tuesdays of each month in the “elevator room”, with the next meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at New Hope at 9:30a.m. If you enjoy sewing and would like to become a part of our circle, please call Molly Lopez at 686-3424 or Vi Schlitt at 684-6700. We need more cheerful, willing helpers! Won’t you join us?

The Membership Care Team has begun a new ministry called, “MINISTRY OF HELPNG HANDS.” The purpose of our ministry is to help families in need such as: hospital visits, transporting to appointments and/or shopping, yard work, housework, or child care.

If you haven’t yet received a brochure and are interested in any of the above areas, please ask an usher for a brochure, or you may contact Lois Didier at 686-3512 for more information.

MEN’S BREAKFAST - The Men’s Breakfast this month will be on Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 8:30 am, at the Texan Restaurant. This is a good time of conversation where we can get to know one another better. Mark your calendar for this time and plan to be a part of it.

PRAYER CHAIN - Anyone who would like to be on the prayer chain, either E-mail or phone, please contact Membership Care (Lois Didier, Chairman) at 686-3512. Thank you

DIAL-A-DEVOTION – A NEW MINISTRY IN TOWN – Essexville Baptist Community Church has just introduced a new outreach ministry. Each day two new devotional messages are available at their Dial-a-Devotion Prayer Line. One is especially for youth, and one is for adults. In addition, if you would like to leave a prayer request, option three will let you do just that. The prayer line number, 892-2198, is available 24 hours a day.

The next Diaconate Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2005 beginning at 7:30p.m. here at New Hope

Membership Care Meeting - It will be held on Monday, January 10, 2005 at 11:15a.m. at New Hope.

It will be immediately following the Potluck after the Worship Service on Sunday, January 16, 2005. Please plan to attend. NOTE: All Annual Reports need to be turned into the office by Sunday, January 2^nd. Thank you for your cooperation.

We offer Bible-based teachings, cut-outs and crafts, games, lots of fun and students learn

WORSHIP & CELEBRATION - We will meet on Monday, January 31, 2005 at 7:00 p.m., at Vi Schlitt’s home. Please remember that we could use more lay worship leaders and more volunteers on sound. If interested, please let Linda Philipp or Pastor Doug know. Thanks!

EDUCATION & NURTURE - We will be collecting returnable cans and bottles to raise money for camp next year. The more we raise, the more kids we can send!! Please consider helping with this most important endeavor. There will be a container available in the narthex for you to drop your cans off. Thank you all for your support!

In the 52 weeks of 2004 New Hope and the Food Pantry (along with Hidden Harvest, Christ United Methodist, and multiple food drives throughout the year) have fed 165 adults and 166 children. Serving 121 Families altogether. That’s 7831 meals since the beginning of the year. Because you care, our branch of the Network is one of the most active pantries in the network. Thank you for your generosity. In order to continue this ministry, we need your help!

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS - Because of the Christmas Baskets which were given out, we are now extremely low on just about everything. If you can help in any way it would be greatly appreciated. We need: Sugar, Flour, Canned Baked Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Jello, Soups, Cake mixes, Toilet paper, Laundry Detergent, and Dish Soap. Thank you for all of your donations and support.

Kathy is wife to Paul, mom to 3 sons, and currently trying to keep up with 8 grandchildren.

Kathy is president of the Michigan East Central Area Team of Aglow Intl. She has served in

many other offices of Aglow on the local level and works with engaged couples in her church. Kathy will be sharing on how to declare your destiny in God.

Have you ever wanted to help a sick child? Here’s your chance! C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor collects pop tabs. When they have enough pounds of tabs, they take them to a recycling center to convert them into funds for their programs.

Here’s how you do your part... Before you recycle your aluminum soda cans, pull off the pop tab. Bring the tabs to church. A collection jar will be in the narthex for your tabs. When the jar is full, it will be sent to Connie Kemner who will make sure it gets to Ann Arbor.

BAY AREA WOMEN’S CENTER - As you may already know, The Bay Area Women’s Center provides residential and non-residential emergency and supportive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their families. We are inviting you to join us in our efforts to end domestic and sexual violence through volunteering. Volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and are clearly the backbone of our agency. Without them we could not provide the many services that we do. While volunteering at BAWC, you will experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing that you are needed and are making a difference in our community. Volunteers keep the future bright, are partners in tomorrow and are the key to success. Training is provided in two fashions:

∙ Participate in one-on-one training in the area(s) of interest and attend our 20-hour volunteer training program each time it is offered.

∙ On-going training is also provided through in-services conducted during volunteer committee meetings, held every other month, and during our quarterly Professional Development series.

Being part of our team and volunteering your time to assist victims in rebuilding their lives is a very rewarding way to spend your spare time and give back to your community! If you are interested in joining our team, please feel free to contact Rosanna Wellner at (989) 686-4551 or rosebawc@yahoo.com at your convenience. We look forward to working with you soon!

January 2005: “Overview of Dementia Disorders & Effective Communication Techniques

Learn more about dementia and its symptoms; memory loss, declining intellectual abilities, confusion, and personality changes. Alzheimer’s disease is just one cause of dementia. Learn approaches to improve the way you interact with, and speak to, a person with dementia.

Meijer Community Rewards was developed to meet their guests’ growing desire to support K-12 schools and religious groups in ways that won’t stretch their budget...or their time. Now, every time you shop at Meijer, you can earn rewards for New Hope Baptist Church. Through the use of the Meijer Credit Card or Meijer Guest Card, these contributions cost you nothing. The more you shop, the more you earn!

How does it work? 1-Join Meijer Community Rewards in one of three ways: In-Store; Internet; Paper Application; 2-Earn more rewards by encouraging your family and friends to join the program. If requested, their rewards can go to your account, using our Family & Friends linking feature; 3-Meijer will mail your Guest Cards directly to you within 2-3 weeks. You can begin earning rewards after you receive your Guest Cards; 4-Shop at Meijer, scan your Card, and earn rewards for qualified purchases; 5-New Hope receives a check.

Just a Note from the Church Secretary: I am in the process of creating a new Church Directory. If there are any changes that I am not already aware of, please call me in the office. I would like the Directory to be as accurate and up to date as possible. Thank you very much!

Choir Clinic & Ecumenical Worshipful Concert - The renowned composer, Pepper Choplin, will be here at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2405 Bay St., Saginaw, MI., on Saturday, January 29, 2005. We invite you to attend the clinic and participate in the ecumenical Unity Choir, the highlight of that evening’s worship!

Birthdays for January - 1-Stephanie Freed, Donna Delf, Erica Canales, 5-Emma Merritt, Seann McClelland, 7-David Clark, 8-Kim Eckerd, 9-Mark Kemner, 10-Dale Moore, Shannon White, 13-Arthur Hill, 18-Nita Elliott, 19-Sam Strudgeon, 21-Jeffrey Atwood, 22-Sam Morley, Jennifer Leggett, Joshua Snider, 23-Kim Perkins, 24-Allie Parmley, 25-Alan Hill, Jean Hahn, 26-Les Anderson, Prudy Bannick, 28-Jeremy Hines, 29-Tina Janke

Anniversaries for January -1-Howard & Arlene Herzberger, Val & Barney Sawyer, 6-Doug & Sheryl Stratton, First Week in January - New Hope Baptist Church (1996), 22-Ev & Lois Didier, 24-Clete & Delores Paine

Communion Servers - January 2nd -Don & June Buchanan and George & Garnetta Barrett

Shut-In Ministry for January -2-Lena Horner, 9-Toyo Hill, 16-Ila Drabble, 23-Eleanor Stringer, 30-Lena Horner

Worship Assistants for January -2-Howard Perkins, 9-Mark Dewitt, 16–George Barrett, 23-Kitty Perkins, 30-Howard Perkins

Nursery Workers for January - 2-Andrea Harman, 9-Kay Murphy, 16-Lois Didier, 23-Kathy Perkins, 30-Andrea Harman

Sound System for January - 2–Diana Perry, 9-Matt Perry, 16-Mark Dewitt, 23-Diana Perry, 30-Matt Perry

CAMP	Date	Age/group	Session
Louise	June 6-10	Work Camp
Louise	June 11-13	Kinder Camp	Children with Parents
Lael	June 13-17	Staff Training
Louise	June 15-18	Intro Camp
Lael	June 19-22	Introductory I	session 1
Lael	June 19-24	Middle High	session 1
Louise	June 19-25	Junior Camp	session 1
Louise	June 20-24	Bike Camp
Lael	June 26-29	Introductory	session 2
Lael	June 26-July 1	5th and 6th Grade	session 1
Louise	June 26-July 2	Junior Camp	session 2
Lael	July 3-8	5th and 6th Grade	session 2
Lael	July 3-8	Middle High	session 2
Louise	July 3-09	Middle High	session 1
Lael	July 8-10	Single Parent Families
Louise	July 10-16	Middle High	session 2
Lael	July 10-15	Senior High
Louise	July 17-23	Senior High Camp
Louise	July 24-30	Family Camp (Connections)
Louise	July 31-Aug 6	Family Camp (Golf)
Louise	August 7-10	Young Adult Camp (18-30)
Louise	August 12-14	Extreme Paintball Weekend
Louise	August 22-26	Senior Jamboree