The Voice of Hope - JULY 2004
“Equipping God’s people to be His presence in our community”
From the Pastor. . .
Can you believe it has been 4 years since the last Summer Olympic Games? On August 13, the attention of the world will focus on Athens as 10,500 athletes gather to compete in 37 sports and sport disciplines. It will be exciting to watch and follow as the games progress. The winners are all who expend themselves in pursuit of the prize. The gold medal winners will rise and receive the acclaim of the world. I can not image the pride and thrill that would go with that award.
But in our own congregation, we have a double gold medal winner for Bowling in the Special Olympics. Several weeks ago, Arthur Hill shared with me the two gold medals he won recently. They are on display in the narthex. These were received after much practice and dedication. They are symbols of someone who has diligently run the race that was set before him. I want to congratulate him on his accomplishment.
I also want to think just a moment about the race we are each called to run.
The New Testament often speaks in terms of athletic contests. The most well known of these passages is Hebrews 12:1, 2a. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside very encumbrance, and sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. . .”
The great concern in this passage is completing the race of life. We all know that as we journey through life, there are many things in which we become entangled. Some entanglement is a result of our own foolish decisions like needless debt. Other entanglement is of no fault of our own, like illnesses that require us to become care givers. At times it is sin that entangles us as lies tie our lives and gossip handicaps relationships. Sometimes even apparently good things can entangle us. For example, we can become so involved with the committees and jobs in the local church that we forget that the Good News is for those who do not know Christ.
As we go through this Summer and watch the Olympic Games, let us ask God to reveal to us those things that so easily entangle us. Runners remove the warm-up suits before they run, Swimmers even shave their heads to reduce resistance, Arthur donned special shoes before he started bowling and we need to ask God to untangle us so that we can more effectively do the work God has called us to.
“So let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
Pastor Doug
Exciting news from the Evangelism and Outreach Team
In an effort to reach out to our community with the love of Christ and the message of New Hope for all, we are planning a series of events including concerts, a presence during Delta College's registration in the Fall and a welcome dinner for the parents of children at the new preschool. We are excited about these things.
However, we need to make it clear that while all are welcome and encouraged to participate in any of these events, they are planned as outreach activities. That means the primary audience is people who are not currently attending New Hope. It is likely that some of these events will not appeal to all current members. We know that. There are things, for example, that appeal to college students that may not appeal to the rest of us. This is not a matter of "exclusion." All are welcome. It is a question of trying to reach out in new ways to those who have not considered New Hope as a church home.
Church growth through new believers is a major priority at New Hope. With that in mind, we hope you'll want to attend or volunteer to help with some of the events. And we covet your prayers for the success of these efforts. Specific information on each will be found in the church bulletin, newsletter and elsewhere.
The first of these events is an organ concert with our own Debbie Hines, Sunday, July 25, 3 p.m. at New Hope. The working title is "Making a Joyful Noise - From Bach to Gospel." Debbie has been asked to "pull out all the stops." If you have been wanting to hear what our new organ can do, this concert is for you. If you prefer soft, contemplative music, you may want to wait to see what's next on our schedule. But if you know those who might enjoy it, let them know. We plan to place ads in various media to publicize the event.
Please let us know if you have any suggestions, questions or comments.
Another Concert Planned
On Tuesday, August 10, at 6:30, in our parking lot, there will be a special outreach concert featuring saxophonist Dennis Gwizdala. Dennis has been singing and playing professionally since age 14. At age 30, a co-worker led Dennis to Christ and Jesus changed his heart. He writes, “When I got saved, so did my horns!” His gospel album, “I’ve Been Drinking at the Well” features both his instrumental and vocal talent.
His concert will include old Gospel favorites as well as some new songs he has written. “It is Dennis’ desire to encourage and minister to God’s people while drawing the lost to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through his music ministry.”
You will not want to miss this special concert event! It is of course open to the public, and a free-will offering will be received.
-Alan Hill, Evangelism and Outreach Team Chair
Wellspring of Prayer
Five Months of Continual Prayer for the Region
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43: 18-19
June 1 marks the beginning of five months of continual prayer for our Region. American Baptists all across Michigan will join together to pray 24 hours a day, seven days a week from June 1 through October 30, which is the date of our Annual Gathering.
We will continue praying every Monday through October here at New Hope from 10:00am-11:00am Please consider joining us and if the time is inconvenient for you please let Pastor or Lois Didier know so the main office can be informed of who will be praying, at what time, and when , during these months. The power of prayer is tremendous and so necessary especially now in these uncertain times we live in.
Prayer Requested for Flood Victims in Dominican Republic and Haiti
American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa 6/1/04)–International Ministries is
asking American Baptists to lift up the people of the Dominican Republic and Haiti in prayer in the aftermath of recent storms and floods that have claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people and left many more homeless.
“Robert Bueno, president of one of our associations in the Dominican Republic, has informed us that hundreds of homes were lost, especially in the town of Jimani, near the border with Haiti,” said the Rev. Raul Ruiz, International Ministries area director for the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain and Portugal. “We will continue to monitor this situation through our partners and missionaries, and keep American Baptists updated as new developments unfold,” Ruiz said.
Want to Go Deeper?
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.
Circle News
Rachel Circle - Our next meeting won’t be until Monday, September 6, 2004. We will begin with a potluck at Molly Lopez’ home beginning at 6:00p.m. Until then, have a great summer!
Dorcas Circle - We will take a break for the summer and meet again on Tuesday, September 14, 2004. 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 in September? God bless you and have a wonderful summer!
Ministry of Helping Hands
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.
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.
MEMBERSHIP CARE - We will meet on Monday, July 19 at 11:15a.m. at New Hope following the WellSpring of Prayer.
WORSHIP & CELEBRATION - We will not meet again until Monday, September 27,
7:00 p.m., at Vi Schlitt’s home. Have a great summer! 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!
HIDDEN HARVEST
On July 23, 2002 Hidden Harvest began a quest to create a permanent endowment of $400,000. Our goal was to secure $300,000 through foundations, business and individual contributions by January 2, 2005. Upon completion of our endowment goal the Kresge Foundation would grant Hidden Harvest a match of $100,000 for a total endowment of $400,000. To date, Hidden Harvest has been able to accomplish 2/3 of our goal. We are grateful for the kind support that we have received from local foundations, businesses and individuals.
Would you consider helping Hidden Harvest meet the Kresge Challenge? It is an opportunity for you to make a lasting gift to Hidden Harvest. The challenge offers a great leverage through a match that increases the value of your gift by one-third. It also allows you to make Hidden Harvest a part of your personal legacy, through planned giving opportunities. With your kind support, we will meet the challenge of $300,000 by January 2, 2005 and Hidden Harvest will receive our match of $100,000 from the Kresge Foundation.
If you need further information about how you can make a meaningful contribution to the future of Hidden Harvest, please give us a call. We would be glad to meet with you to discuss your contribution. Your gift can be in the form of cash, marketable securities or other assets that can be readily sold and converted to cash - such as real estate. Or you may choose this opportunity as a tool to create your planned giving program.
Please give serious thought to supporting the Hidden Harvest Endowment Fund. Your gift will carry your good works forward to touch more people for many years to come. Hidden Harvest’s mission to end food waste and alleviate hunger will be a part of your legacy forever.
Created For Caring - Are you aware of Created For Caring’s Connecting Citizens with Cars Program? We accept donated vehicles and connect them with citizens who need transportation. For more information, contact Trisha at 892-7475... Also, we are in need of beds and dressers. Please call to arrange for a pick-up....Thank you...
Bay Area Emergency Food Pantry Network
Already in the 26 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 75 adults and 78 children. Serving 52 Families altogether. That’s 3,514 meals since the beginning of the year. Thank you for your generosity.
Blood Drive Scheduled at New Hope
What if you could give the world’s most precious gift without spending a penny . . . would you do it? If the answer is “yes”, please contact Rich Philipp at 662-7897 or at richpe55@yahoo.com to sign up to donate at New Hope’s blood drive on Tuesday, August 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m in the lower level. It costs you just a little bit of time to give a pint of blood - and that pint of blood may give life to several people: most blood is separated into components (red cells, plasma, platelets, for example) and each component can be transfused separately to meet specific medical needs. Any healthy person 17 or older who weighs 110 pounds or more may be eligible to give blood every 56 days. Please give life by giving blood on August 17th.
URGENT!! Our Food Pantry is dangerously low on the following:
Canned Pears, Canned Peaches, Applesauce,
Crackers (Soda & Graham), Pancake Mix, Syrup
Laundry Soap, Dish Soap,
If you feel led to donate to this worthy cause, either with any of the food listed above, or with a monetary donation, please drop it off at New Hope or contact Lois Didier for any further information. Thank you for all of your support.
BAY CITY MICHIGAN AGLOW
“A Community lighthouse for Women”
July 2, 2004
11:00a.m. at the Lindenhof,
201 N. Euclid Ave., Bay City, MI.
SPEAKER: Cindy Smith of Saginaw, Michigan
Cindy Smith has been in Medical Practice Management for the last 21 years and has a passion to reach people in the market place for God. Cindy is married to Arthur Smith. As a couple, and also individually, they move in the prophetic and have been used by God in the ministry of healing, deliverance, intercession, teaching, and songs of the Lord.
There is also an anointing on their lives to minister to people who have experienced the pain of divorce and tenderly share the good news of God’s power of restoration.
Cindy has served as a class leader in several classes and retreats at First Assembly of God in Saginaw. She has also been involved in leading small groups in home settings.
GAITHER HOMECOMING CONCERT - CELEBRATION TOUR 2004
The Gaither Homecoming Concert is coming to Detroit, MI! Homecoming Concerts continue to be an exciting adventure from night to night as we experience unforgettable gospel music, performances, comedy for the entire family, and toe-tapping favorites which hark back to the all-night singings of the 50's and 60's.
This all-new tour features a great line-up of Gospel music’s most beloved artists who bring together an eclectic mix of bluegrass, country, Christian contemporary, old-fashioned gospel quartet music, and everything in between!
Make your plans now for another exciting event as we celebrate what is most important in our lives...faith, family and friends.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 4, 2004 - Palace of Auburn Hills
You can reserve your tickets now by calling (888) 217-0301 or by visiting the web at:
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!
LLOYD SEVERANCE THUMB GOSPEL MUSIC CONVENTION
August 27-29, 2004
There will be 18 Gospel Groups with all proceeds going to Bay Shore Camp-Sebewaing, MI.
Saturday - Breakfast Buffet, 7:30 - 11:00a.m.
Saturday - Chicken BarBQ, 3:00 - 6:00p.m.
Sunday - Noon Dinner
Camp Housing & RV Sites are available. Register by mail.
For more information, please call (989) 883-2501.
Meijer Community Rewards℠
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.
Please check with Sheryl Stratton for more information!
Birthdays for July - 1-Linda Nelson, Katie Perkins, Jacob Wilson, 2-Tom Stevenson, Dawnmarie Miller, 3-Jenny Stevenson, Tristan Harman, 6-Kevin Buchanan, John Cambron, 7-Toyo Hill, 12-Joan Ponder, 15-Ron Buchanan, Jean Graham, 16-Hazel Sauvage, 18-Bev Buchanan, 19-Bethany Buchanan, 20-Howard Herzberger, Koty Dubay, 21-Zella Hildebrant, 24-Jordyn Robertson, 25-Claude Greene, 27-Aaron Buchanan, 28-Kitty Perkins, 30-Bill LeFevre
Anniversaries for July - 6-Jack & Liz Lauden, 13-Walt & Kim Eckerd, 17-Jim & Sue Dishaw, 19-Buck & Louanne Threehouse
Communion Servers - July 4 - Gwen Riegler, Kathy Perkins, Lorena Thompson and Sue Strudgeon
Shut-In Ministry for July - 4-Lena Horner, 11-Adele Kroening, 18-Toyo Hill, 25-Ila Drabble
Worship Assistants for July - 4-Mark Dewitt, 11-Kitty Perkins, 18-Howard Perkins, 25-George Barrett
Nursery Workers for July - 4-Lois Didier, 11-Kathy Perkins, 18-Andrea Harman, 25-Kay Murphy
Sound System for July - 4-Matt Perry, 11-Mark Dewitt, 18-Diana Perry, 25-Mark Dewitt
