May 2015 Newsletter

“Where is God leading me? How can I know what God wants me to do? Can I

be sure of God‟s call in my life?” These are some of the questions that I have

heard others ask recently as they seek to listen to and faithfully follow God.

These are also the questions that I have asked throughout my life of following

Jesus.

I remember asking these questions in a very focused and immediate way some

30 plus years ago. My life had gone from relative homeostasis to disequilibrium

when I was asked by the Reformed Church in America to be the pastor of a new

congregation, what today is New Hope Church. As soon as I received that call,

other opportunities arose that led me to probe deeply what God was asking me

to do. I had a very comfortable and exciting position on the staff of a large

church in Kalamazoo, MI. Several members of that congregation wrote me

advising that I was too “good” to be the pastor of a church that did not exist.

If I would just hang on, I would get a prestigious pastorate in one of the “plum”

churches of the Reformed Church in America. My Dad wrote, “Don‟t expect a

hand engraved invitation from God.” I didn‟t and God didn‟t extend one.

Dr. Robert H. Schuller, pastor of the Crystal Cathedral, wrote, “I‟m convinced that

some of America‟s greatest churches have yet to be built! „Without faith it is

impossible to please God.‟ ” (Hebrews 11:6) Those were not easy days and the

answers to my questions did not come easily.

In this perplexing life of faith, how do we know what God is calling us to do and

where God is leading us? While there are no easy answers to these questions,

I offer some guidelines that I‟ve found helpful. First, consider how God has

worked in your past. Experience has taught me that very rarely will God lead us

in ways that are inconsistent with where God has led in our prior experience.

God shapes us over a lifetime, step by step.

I also encourage us to search the scriptures. By this I do not mean that we will

find in the Bible the answers to every question that we ask. Nevertheless, as we

read God‟s word we will discover principles that will guide us and lead us. If you

conclude that God is leading you in a way that seems contrary to what God has

revealed in scripture, I would encourage you to search more deeply.

Being a Faithful Follower Rev. Steve Norden · [email protected] · 614.766.5445

MISSION OF NEW HOPE CHURCH:

To Reach People for Christ · To Root People in Christ · To Release People to Serve Christ

M A Y 2 0 1 5

Children‟s Ministry ........................ 5

Adult Ministry.................................. 3

Music Ministry................................. 6

Administration ................................ 2

Fellowship ......................................... 7

Outreach............................................ 8

Preschool .......................................... 6

4739 W. Powell Rd.

Powell, Ohio 43065

614.766.5445

NewHopeWorship.com

Facebook.com/NewHopePowell

Twitter.com/NewHopePowell (continued on next page)

See page 7

See page 5

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Being a Faithful Follower (continued) Rev. Steve Norden · [email protected] · 614.766.5445

Occasionally I will hear someone say, “God told me” or “God gave me a sign.” At the risk of upsetting the apple

cart of faith, I take a rather dim view of private revelations. Instead, I‟m of the opinion that God guides us

through the counsel of spiritually mature, trusted friends. These are people who are people of prayer and who

are immersed in the scriptures. They have walked with God for years and have paid attention to the way God

has worked in their lives. Most important, they have the spiritual courage to tell us, not what we want to hear

but what we need to hear.

I believe without equivocation that God guides and leads us today even as He has led the saints of old. Paul‟s

words to his friends in Ephesus still speak today: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good

works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Hello everyone! I‟m Phil Thompson, the new Church Administrator. I am excited about my opportunity to serve

the Lord here at New Hope. My wife Cindy and I have been married 47 years and have three sons who live in the

area. God has also blessed us with eight wonderful grandchildren. I have reviewed the Generosity Audit

performed several weeks ago and look forward to implementing some of those recommendations. We are look-

ing at providing alternative means of giving to the congregation as well.

Year to Date March 2015

Budget Actual % Budget Actual %

Income $73,988 $89,107 121% $221,964 $237,651 108%

Expenses $82,480 $92,893 113% $247,439 $239,111 97%

Administration and Finance Phil Thompson, Church Administrator · [email protected] · 614.766.5445 x37

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The Journey

Have you ever wondered, “Who am I? Who is God? What is God

desiring to do through me?” Are you looking for a way to grow in

your spiritual walk with Jesus Christ? Whether you have walked with

Jesus for many years or you are just taking the first steps on your faith

journey, I want to invite you to come on this journey of discipleship.

The Journey is a life-changing set of experiences and relationships that will invite you to explore questions of

intimacy with God, identity as God‟s loved children, and unique kingdom responsibility in the world. This is no

ordinary Bible study. This is a transformational journey. The Journey will involve a commitment of:

A weekly two hour gathering (September through March)

Regular study, reflection, Bible reading, and prayer

Monthly meetings with a spiritual friend (mentor) who is willing to walk with you during this journey

A financial commitment of $235 (Scholarships are available)

On Sunday, May 3, Harriet Miller, Wen-Shing Liaw, and Terry Geist will share how this program has deepened

their walk with God. They will also encourage you to prayerfully consider taking The Journey as well. You will be

able to watch their testimonials online.

A new Journey group will begin this fall and will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00PM led by Terry Geist and

Becky Fontanarosa. If you would like to know more about the program or have any questions please contact

Pastor Sarah.

Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · [email protected] · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults

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Women’s Bible Studies

JEREMIAH: DARING TO HOPE IN AN UNSTABLE WORLD

Mondays at 7:00PM, April 6 through May 11

Facilitated by Denise Loftus and Terry Geist

Thursdays at 9:30AM, April 9 through May 14 (Nursery Care available)

Facilitated by Bonnie Fussner, Cheryl Vornbrock, and Michele Worthington

In many ways we live in an unstable world where marriages fail, bank accounts run low, friendships end, and the

everyday demands of a fast-paced life get us down. In the Book of Jeremiah, we find God calling out to His

people with a message of hope – a message that intentional living is possible even in an unstable

world. Jeremiah offers women hope for living in an uncertain world by learning to navigate the challenges and

circumstances of their lives. This study inspires all women to dare to hope, remembering that God is rich in

mercy and love and has good plans for us.

TRANSFORMED WOMEN IN THE BIBLE

Wednesdays at 12:30PM, April 8 through May 13

Facilitated by Pastor Sarah

In a culture where women were despised at worst and ignored at best, Jesus valued women.

Come meet some amazing women in the New Testament who spent time with Jesus. We‟ll

meet women who faced tragic and trying circumstances, women who made questionable deci-

sions, and women who found God faithful and true to his word. In short, we‟ll meet sisters in faith who faced the

same struggles we face. As we hear their stories we will experience the transforming touch of God‟s love.

Adult Ministry Rev. Sarah Palsma · [email protected] · 614.766.5445 x15 · NewHopeWorship.com/Adults

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Children’s Ministry Josh Barna, Director · [email protected] · 614.766.5445 x13 · NewHopeWorship.com/Children

Sunday School

In April most of our classes learned how Jesus is with them always! We studied

how the resurrected Jesus gives us hope and how, since he has gone to

heaven, we have been given the Holy Spirit. Sunday School ends on May 10,

as we switch to our Summer Schedule. Please take the time to thank your

children‟s teachers and shepherds for their time and effort in relating the truth

of God‟s Word to the Sunday School students this year.

Club 45

In April, Club 45 met at the church to prepare care packages for trafficked individuals. This was

part of the church‟s overall efforts during the All Church Outreach Event. In May, Club 45 will

be planting the Garden of Hope, which provides produce for a local food bank.

Sports Camp

This year‟s Sports Camp will take place Monday, June 8 through

Friday, June 12 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM each night. We will have

local athletes come and tell us how their relationship with God has

influenced or made a difference in their careers. The Sports

Campers will play golf, football/cheerleading, track and field, and

basketball, and conclude their week by celebrating with the medal

ceremony and a tailgate with their whole family on Friday. You

can sign up online at NewHopeWorship.com/SportsCamp. Cost is $30 per child. Sign up before May 31 to

guarantee your child gets a t-shirt, and to avoid late registration fees!

New Summer Program

This summer during the Sunday morning worship service, 3 year olds through rising

5th graders will have the opportunity to participate in a new program. After the chil-

dren's sermon, the preschoolers will have their own program designed to encourage

them to learn about God in an age appropriate and exciting fashion, while the Kinder-

gartners through rising 5th graders will go to the Fellowship Hall to participate in the

new Orange program. Orange curriculum incorporates both large group and small

group components in interesting and relevant ways that teach kids lessons about who

God is, and based on that, how they should act. Each week includes skits, experiments, and small group ques-

tions that will help your child understand his or her place in this world and how they can glorify God in that

place.

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Join Larry, Ellen, Calvin, and Emma Griffin as they perform music from all genres, from

Broadway to Jazz to Opera on Saturday, May 16 at 4:00PM at New Hope Church. This year's

special guest choir will be an alumni chorale comprised of Larry's former students from

Washington Court House High School (1983-1991) and Worthington Kilbourne High School (1991-2013).

Admission is free...no ticket required! A freewill offering will benefit Capriccio Columbus,

The Jane Griffin Fund of the Columbus Foundation, and A Special Wish Foundation.

Music Ministry Christine Loy, Director · [email protected] · 614.766.5445 x14 · NewHopeWorship.com/Music

New Hope Preschool Lynn Riley, Director · [email protected] · 614.766.2446 · NewHopePreschool.com

We have been having so much fun at New Hope Preschool! Easter is

always exciting for the children at New Hope. Many of the preschool

students attend the Easter Egg Hunt; thanks to Josh Barna and all the

volunteers who made it so successful!

During the month of April we had Spring Break, Parent Teacher Confer-

ences, and a fun trip to Highbanks Metro Park. May is an exciting month

for all of us as our year comes to an end. It is hard to believe the year is almost over. We are all sorry to see it

come to an end, but have enjoyed watching the children grow and learn.

I am thrilled to announce that we will have over 200 children again next year. I am so blessed to be able to reach

out to so many children in the community and provide them with a Christian based preschool program.

The last day of preschool for this year is May 15 and we will begin next year on September 2. Thank you for your

continued support of the preschool.

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Fellowship Mindy Stanton, Team Leader · NewHopeWorship.com/Fellowship

Progressive Dinner

Don‟t miss our Progressive Dinner on Saturday, July 11! If you haven‟t

experienced a progressive dinner before, it‟s a fun evening where you get

together with friends and enjoy appetizers at one home, dinner at an-

other, and dessert at a third. Hosts are needed! Please contact Mindy

Stanton at [email protected] or 614.848.8494 if you‟d like to

be a host or if you have questions.

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Kairos Prison Ministry Retreat Update By Deborah Davidson

The Kairos Prison Ministry is an international program that seeks to transform the lives of prison inmates and

their communities for Christ, beginning with an intense weekend retreat experience for a group of inmates. The

weekend event is supported by a very large team of volunteers who provide meals, prayers, encouragement,

leadership, and love. A few of our church members had the opportunity to be part of the most recent Kairos

retreat closing ceremony along with 42 inmates (selected from over 500 applicants) at the Ohio Reformatory for

Women in Marysville. We were really blessed to be present with these sisters in Christ as they shared their

experiences in coming to know the love of Christ. Nearly every one of the participants stood up to share her

own experiences from the weekend, as each came to know Christ in a deeply personal way. Some had accepted

Christ as Lord for the first time, and a few spoke of finally knowing freedom. Martha Whittington commented, “It

was inspiring to hear how many of the women felt they had gained freedom in Christ, in spite of remaining

physically incarcerated.” The boldness and enthusiasm the women demonstrated as they spoke of their life in

Christ was really inspiring for us.

The women expressed appreciation for the many cookies baked for them by church members, and they enjoyed

the placemats made for them by the 4th and 5th Grade Sunday School class.

These women have come to faith and realize their need for the Savior, yet they also realize that it will not be easy

to stay on the path to everlasting life, especially given the place where they reside. Their testimonies of coming

to faith and desires for the future are the same as ours. This type of recognition paints a great picture of what is

possible in our relationship with God and with our neighbor.

The weekend retreat is only the start of the program for these women. We think of them now and wonder how

they are doing, settling back into their lives within the prison, and we pray that they will continue to be bold in

sharing the love of God to those around them. And we pray for the entire Kairos community that lives in Christ's

freedom, even behind the razor wire.

For more information on the Kairos Prison Ministry, including Kairos Outside for women who have a loved one in

prison, and Kairos Torch for incarcerated young men under the age of 21, contact Deborah Davidson or visit

KairosOhio.org.

Outreach Walt Buss, Team Leader · NewHopeWorship.com/Outreach

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Outreach Walt Buss, Team Leader · NewHopeWorship.com/Outreach

Habitat for Humanity Golf Outing

Golfers, would you like to golf and have fun while help-

ing others in need? As a proud partner of Habitat for

Humanity, New Hope will host its Annual Habitat for

Humanity Golf Outing on Saturday, June 20 at the

Timberview Golf Club in Marysville, Ohio. The four

person scramble will begin with a shotgun start at

2:30PM. Cost per player is $75, which includes greens

fees, a riding cart, food, a skins game, a 50/50 raffle, on-course contests, and a prize drawing. Everyone will get a

prize! To sign up, or to sponsor a hole, please contact Dave Summers at [email protected] or

614.595.5598.

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Saturday, May 2

11:00AM Ladies Tea

Sunday, May 3

9:30AM Contemporary Worship

9:30AM Children‟s Sunday School

9:30AM Middle School Sunday School

9:30AM Adult Sunday School


11:00AM Traditional Worship

11:00AM High School Sunday School

5:15PM Middle School Youth Group

7:00PM High School Youth Group

Monday, May 4

7:00PM Women‟s Bible Study

Wednesday, May 6


Thursday, May 7

9:30AM Women‟s Bible Study

7:30PM AA 12 step meeting

Sunday, May 10

9:30AM Contemporary Worship

9:30AM Children‟s Sunday School

9:30AM Middle School Sunday School



11:00AM Traditional Worship

11:00AM High School Sunday School

5:15PM Middle School Youth Group

7:00PM High School Youth Group

Monday, May 11


7:00PM Endowment Fund Meeting

7:15PM Preschool Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 12

12:00PM Senior Sages Luncheon

6:00PM Deacon and Elder Meetings

7:30PM Consistory Meeting

Wednesday, May 13


Thursday, May 14


6:15PM Band Rehearsal

7:30PM Choir Rehearsal


Saturday, May 16

4:00PM Griffin Family Concert

Sunday, May 17

10:00AM Combined Worship

Monday, May 18


7:00PM Outreach Team Meeting

Thursday, May 21


6:15PM Band Rehearsal

7:30PM Choir Rehearsal


Sunday, May 24


Tuesday, May 26

7:00PM Adult Ministry Team Meeting

Thursday, May 28


Sunday, May 31


11:00AM Pancake Breakfast

New Hope Church Calendar NewHopeWorship.com/Calendar

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Contact Us

Rev. Stephen M. Norden, Senior Pastor

614.766.5445 · [email protected]

Rev. Sarah Palsma, Associate Pastor

614.766.5445 x15 · [email protected]

Joshua Barna, Director of Children’s Ministry


Bob Cline, Director of Youth Ministry


Connor Curfman, Tech Coordinator


Nancy Green, Office Administrator


Gail Headlee, Communications Coordinator


Holly McDonald, Accompanist


Christine Loy, Director of Music


Becky Pinney, Staff Accountant


Lynn Riley, New Hope Preschool Director


Phil Thompson, Church Administrator


Lara Valentine, Children’s Choir Director


Stephanie Vermeer, Children’s Program Associate


4739 W. Powell Rd.

Powell, OH 43065

614.766.5445

NewHopeWorship.com

Facebook.com/NewHopePowell

Twitter.com/NewHopePowell

Summer Worship Schedule

Combined Worship Service 10:00AM

May 17 through September 6

Do You Have Information To Share With New Hope?

Contributions to the Sharing the Faith Newsletter are welcomed!

Please submit articles to [email protected].

Deadline for the June newsletter is May 20.

Keep Your Subscription Up To Date!

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Documents

May 2015 Newsletter