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News of New Hope New Hope United Methodist Church
200 E New Hope Road
Goldsboro, NC 27534–7642
http://gotnewhope.org
Team Reports 2-3
Visioning 5-6
Prayer Ministry 7
Pastor’s Report 8-9
Sports 10
Celebrations 10
Stewardship 11
Pastor’s Pen 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Sunday Schedule
9:00 @ Sterling House
(Communion on 1st
Sunday)
9:30 Awakening Prayer Part-
ners @ 9:30
10:00 Sunday School (all ages)
11:00 Morning Worship &
Children’s Church
(ages 3-8)
6:00 Handbell practice
E specially since the rise of high
definition technology, a channel that gets
a lot of airtime in my house is the
Discovery Channel. This network is all
about discovery, new heights in the sky,
new depth in oceans. It features stories of
people who look up into the night sky,
wondering, what’s up there? It features
stories of people who look out across
oceans and wonder what’s on the other
side? It features stories of people who
look into the ocean and wonder what’s
below? Occasionally, there are stories
about people who wonder if there are
other forms of life within the solar
system. Will they attempt to make
contact with us and what will happen if
it’s my backyard the visitors choose to
land in? All of this is quite curious. I
remember seeing this comedian once
who was poking fun at people who scoff
at the testimonies of those who claim
alien abduction. The comedian
compared it to the world of the fish. Just
as we gaze into the night sky wondering
what’s above us, what if the fish gazes
above the ocean surface and wonder
(Continued on page 7)
Scouting Meetings Mon. Cub Scouts 6:30
Tues. Venture Crew 7:00
Tues. Scout Troop 8 7:00
Thurs. Girl Scouts 7:00
Sat. Girl Scouts Troop
3345 2:00.
Voyage of Discovery (Matthew 3:16, romans 6:1-6)
A meditation for the New Year celebrating Christ’s baptism and ours
Jan 5: Bible Study @ 7 pm Jan 6-9: Mom’s Morning
Out@ 9-1 Jan 6: Venture Crew/
Young Folks (Ages 14-20 @ 7
)Jan 7: Betsy Edwards Class lunch @ Western Sizzlin’ @ 12
Jan 7: Parents Anonymous @ 5
Jan 8: Finance Committee @ 7 pm
Jan 10: Council Retreat—Looking Ahead 2015 @ 9-1
Jan 11: Awakening prayer time @ 9:30 am
Jan 12: Bible Study @ 7 Jan 13-16: Mom’s Morning
Out 9-1 Jan 14: Parents
Anonymous @ 5 pm Jan 18: Awakening Prayer
Partners @ 9:30; Jan 19: Bible Study @ 7 Jan 20-24: Mom’s Morning
Out 9-1 Jan 20: New hope Women
@ 7 pm Jan 20: UMYF/Venture
Crew (Ages 14-20 @ 7 Jan 20: News deadline for
February Newsletter Jan 25: Awakening Prayer
Partners @ 9:30 am Jan 26: Bible Study @ 7 Jan 27-30: Mom’s Morning
Out 9-1 Jan 31: Capital District
Cluster UMW meeting at Bethel UMC 9:30—noon
Feb 1-Adopt-a-Highway @ 3
For full calendar visit http://gotnewhope.org
Parents Anonymous
Wednesdays @ 5 beginning
January 7
2014
Page 2 Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
UMM Plans for 2015
The Men's Group is working on
their goals for 2015. One goal is to
meet monthly to work on the Fair
Booth so we don't have to rush at the
last minute. If you would like to join
this team please let John Potter and
Larry Filion know. The 2014 team
did a GREAT job and have a
timeline and schedule in place!
We thank all the members of
Troop 8 for their dedication to the
Adopt A Highway Program. We
could not accomplish this tasking
without them! Everyone Please
Keep America Beautiful!
~Larry Filion, Acting President
In Our Care
The trustees will not have a work
day this month but will work on
setting goals for 2015.
We thank everyone that helped
this year with maintaining the
facilities and grounds of NHUM.
Note: One issue that we need
everyone's help with is identifying
who donated items such as the
organ & piano in the church
fellowship hall. Some of these items
are beyond repair or we do not have
the funds to maintain them. We
would like to give them back to the
original owner or have them
involved in the removal process. If
you have donated other items in the
church and would like them
identified as such please contact
Larry Filion.
~Larry Filion, Trustee Chair
Women of New Hope
On November 23rd Katie Stilley,
Cathy Short, Debbie Sutton and
myself enjoyed Capital District
Training at Freemont UMC. We
were able to fellowship with lots of
other women with great ideas. We
were trained on the purpose of
women in the church today which is
to be advocates for women and
children. We will be looking for
creative ways to accomplish that
goal in 2015.
The Women of New Hope had a
very successful Bazaar during the
December Extravaganza on
December 5th. Thanks to all the
folks that made crafts, baked,
canned, donated, and volunteered!
Of course thanks to all those that
purchased from us. I know I
personally look forward to the home
made items every year!!! December
January 2015
16th the men of the church went
caroling and then came and sang for
their supper. We celebrated
Christmas by bringing our favorite
dish and doing what we all do best--
EAT and fellowship together!
Our next meeting will be January
20th at 7pm. We are also planning a
daytime meeting for those that do not
want to drive at night. Please let
Doris or Pastor Wellman know if you
are interested in daytime Bible
Study.
Bethel UMC will host the Capital
District Cluster meeting on January
31st from 9:30 m until 12 noon. This
is a time for all the women in our
area to gather, discuss ideas, worship
and fellowship together--and eat
great snacks.
~Doris Offield,
Acting UMW President
Susan Filion, Treasurer
Venture Crew/
Young Folks The Venture Crew would like to
thank everyone that participated in
the December Extravaganza. It was a
lot of fun for all. We had a Santa
Shop, gift bagging, face painting,
photos, and lots to eat and drink! The
children entertained us with songs
and carols. Santa surprised the
children!
The Venture Crew would also like
to thank all the people that donated
food, Santa items, time and talents.
We were able to donate $325.40 to
the church!!! Our next meeting will
be January 6th.
Page 3
monthly articles in the newsletter.
This January, we will have a
Step Up” Vision Session.
On Saturday, January 10th,
we’ll begin the New Year with our
3rd annual visioning session. This
year Chaplain Al Thompson and
Rev. Jim Huskins will assist Pastor
Steve Wellman in our reflections.
Our time together will begin at
9:00 with a potluck breakfast. The
presentations will start afterward.
All individuals on The 2015 list
of officers are encouraged to attend.
Team leaders (chairs) of teams and
committees are encouraged to come
prepared with ideas of
programming and mission work for
the 2015 year.
The sessions will conclude
by 1:00 PM.
Children’s
Ministries
What fun they had!
Shopping, visiting with Santa,
and having a good time.
Thank you to all who
worked to make the December
Extravaganza a special time for
our children. ~Katie Stilley, Coordinator
A Note From the Keys—and Bells Many blessings and
thanksgivings to everyone who
made the Christmas Season so
special at New Hope this year! The
cantatas were a tremendous
success and such a blessing to all
who participated and came and
enjoyed the wonderful music.
We will continue in the month
of January to work on special
music for our worship services. It
is so encouraging for the Music
Media Ministries when we hear
from you all that our music and
videos/pictures are a blessing to
you! We appreciate hearing from
you!
All of our music is meant to
glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and
we pray that you will feel this as
we worship together in the coming
year!
Blessings to you all for a
wonderful 2015!
Christmas Blessings,
~Hope Porter,
Director of Music Ministries
(Continued from page 2)
From the SEC!
I hope everyone had a peaceful
Christmas with time to reflect on "the
reason for the season". Thank you to all
that came out and supported the Music
Ministry by attending the evening
performance of the hand bell concert and
Christmas cantata. Also a big thank you to
all that provided the delicious
refreshments for the reception afterwards.
You all are the best!
Keep an eye out for up coming events,
I'm thinking a luau themed dinner with
entertainment by a local group of singers.
As always, thank you for your
support.
To God Be the Glory!
~Lainey Jacobs
Special Events Coordinator
Church Council
"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for
the transformation of the world!"
There was no Council meeting in
December.
Last January, the Council began
the year with a session on visioning.
The session was led by Al Thompson
who has continued the theme with
January 2015
Page 4
Our time together will begin with a potluck breakfast at 9:00 with sessions
following immediately afterward.
The theme for our visioning this year is inspired by Vance Havner. His
words capture the spirit of our season marvelously. "The vision must be
followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we
must step up the stairs.
Last year, Chaplain Al and myself stressed the importance of vision for
2014. Chaplain Al has contributed vision devotions each month in our
newsletter to encourage our continued recognition. It seems appropriate
that this year our reflections turn toward the things we can do to follow
vision with venture.
What can we do as a church in 2015 to take that next step from good
to great? We're convinced that such a step is indeed possible, but to move
from good to great requires the gifts and graces of us all.
Let me as your pastor both and encourage and urge your participation
at this crucial start of our New Year together. For some time now, we've
sensed a potential that I'm convinced we are capable of tapping into.
There's no question that New Hope has the resources, but we must
search our hearts to decide if we have the resolve, which venture requires
of us. In addition to Chaplain Al and myself, our good friend Rev. Jim
Huskins will join us as well. The three of us will strive mightily to ensure
that your morning hours are well invested.
May the Spirit of the Lord quicken us to covenant this occasion to each
other. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Join us
for what I sense can surely be a momentous start to our journey together
this 2015.
You are invited to
Step Up!
Looking Ahead 2015:
January 10, 2014; 9—1
"The vision
must be
followed by the
venture. It is
not enough to
stare up the
steps - we
must step up
the stairs."
Page 5
VISION: Living the Promises
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, ... you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation…
Luke 2:22-30 (NIV)
H ave you ever been caught by a joyous surprise? One moment in time can make an
entire life…worth the living. Thanks to Dr. Luke, we have record of such a moment. Otherwise,
Simeon would be just another one of those countless hidden saints, part of the anonymous remnant
of the faithful of Israel. His story speaks to us of the power of promise.
A few years ago I was encouraged by a young lady, who took a challenge to read the Bible
through in a year seriously. Her spiritual life grew by leaps and bounds over several years and many
readings. I would like to take some credit, but what happened was largely between her and God. This
lady particularly relished discussions, teachings and sermons regarding prophecy. Why prophecy?
These gave her hope based upon God’s promises. Her hope changed both her life and outlook for her
future. I can testify that her hope spread joy contagiously.
Simeon was righteous and devout because he took hold of God’s promises… until God’s promises
took hold of him. The Nation of Israel was a people of the promises (covenant) of God. Jesus was
presented to the Lord, as part of the faith community, in recognition of their Sovereign Source.
This looked like a typical day at the Temple, but the Spirit led Simeon through the crowds for the
crowning blessing of his life. Simeon would hold the Son of God in his very hands. He would officiate
the circumcision, the naming, and the presentation of Jesus the Christ. Untold male Jews went
through this rite, but the Spirit revealed to Simeon that this particular child fulfilled not only the Law,
but all the promises of God. Simeon had seen the Salvation of the Lord with his very own eyes. He
would utter prophetic promises for both Mary and Joseph, to enable them to the face chaotic events,
as the fury of this world’s evil sought to hunt them down.
(Continued on page 6)
December 2014 Page 6
News of New Hope
The News of New Hope is published
by New Hope United Methodist
Church for members, visitors, and
others interested in the activities and
mission of the church. For
submissions of articles,
announcements, or interviews, you
may email [email protected] or
drop them by the church office.
Church: 919-778-1124
Staff:
Diane Kester, Editor
Lindsay Krochta, Sports Editor
Janice Rouse, Church Secretary
Websites:
http://gotnewhope.org
District Web Site:
http://capitaldistrictnc.org
Simeon tells us that we find the strength to wait
patiently upon God by reflecting on His promises. If we
wait for God’s timing, we shall see God at work, in the
strategic moments of our own lives. Simeon reminds us
that the Holy Spirit enables us to see the Holy, in contrast
to a disappointing corrupt environment. When Simeon
cried, “dismiss me,” he declared to God that his life was
fulfilled completely…you can take me home now.
As we approach an uncertain 2015, our own hope is
built upon the certain promises of God. God is still at work
on our behalf. God is still at work redeeming our world.
We are led by the Spirit to be surprised by grace. May our
joy be contagious in pointing our generation to the Christ.
God promised the birth of our Savior; God promised Jesus
is coming again. To catch the vision…live in the promises.
~Chaplain Al Thompson
(Continued from page 5)
"The vision must be
followed by the
venture. It is not
enough to stare up the
steps - we must step
up the stairs."
“If we wait for God’s
timing, we shall see God
at work, in the strategic
moments of our own
lives.”
~Simeon
what’s above them? The
comedian had this amusing
analogy about a fish who shows
up at the regular place where his
friends gathered. They hadn’t seen
their friend
a few days.
He then
begins to
tell this outlandish story about
how he was swimming along, and
suddenly, a hook grabbed him,
snatched him from his home, and
he was abruptly pulled by this
hook into some mysterious vessel.
Nothing at all looked familiar.
The beings that captured him
looked like nothing he’d ever
seen. His friends listen, but
dismiss him. The claims are just
too farfetched.
I never forgot that amusing
analogy and the cleverness of the
story inspires me as I think this
Epiphany, the season of Jesus’
(Continued from page 1) baptism. Too often, most people
think of baptism as a kind of
formula. It’s just what we do. At
best, we’ll attach some symbolism
to it. We’re getting clean. We’re
getting washed. The dirty things
caused by sin are getting purified.
All of this has a place, but this isn’t
the core of baptism. In regard to
Jesus’ baptism, consider the way
Matthew captures the drama. “And
when Jesus was baptized,
immediately He went up from the
water, and behold, the heavens
were opened to Him, and He saw
the Spirit of God descending like a
dove and coming to rest on him.
(3:16). What a remarkable result
after coming up on the other side of
the water. Couple this passage with
what Paul says about our baptism in
Romans 6:6, For if we’ve been
united with Christ in His going
down below the water, we’re united
with Him in His coming up from the
water. What’s on the other side of
those waters we see when we break
through? Nothing less than heaven’s
glory, open to our eyes!
Everything about baptism ties in
with the explorer hearts God created
us to have. Is there more to life than
what meets the eye? You bet there is
and it’s by breaking through the
waters that we encounter it. What is
on the other side of those waters when
we break through? We’re entering
into brave, unfamiliar territory. The
way to find out is to take the voyage.
Jesus’ baptism opened up new
territories once He broke through the
surface on the other side. In the same
way, Paul says if we follow Jesus in
the way which He has led, we too can
discover new sights, new sounds that
are beckoning our attention. As we
start a New Year, let’s ask ourselves,
“What’s on the other side of those
waters?” and break forth with fresh
discovery.
“Is there more to life
than what meets the
eye?”
Page 7
Prayer for Healing
† Andrew Short
† Betty Acree
† Bill & Hilda Britt
† Carla Bedford
† Charlie Marshall
† Dean C. Lawson
† Debbie Smith
† Dock & Fairy Crumley
† Donna Vick
† Doug Davis
† Eugenia Brooks
† Jane Fields
† Jennifer Jenkins
† Jerle Turner
† Jim & Denise Mullen
† Larry Filion’s parents
† Linda Potter
† Margaret Edmonds
† Mark Reid
† Mary Ellen Merritt † Matt Poland
† Millie Smith
† Pam Magliochetti
† Will & Ileen Davies
Prayer for Bereavement
† Family of Steve Smith
(Mike’s brother)
Prayer for Thanksgiving
† Pastor Steve Wellman &
family
Prayer Ministry
† The New Hope church family
† Upward Sports Ministry
† Sunday School Ministry
† New Hope’s Scouting Ministry
† Youth & Young Adult Ministry
† Ringers of NH & Chancel
Choir
Prayer for Intercession
† Members of our armed forces Austin Harr PFC Donald Kester, Jr. Logan Turner, Blake Turner, Pvt. Joseph Wilson
† NHUMC Sunday School ministry
† Our expected expenses
Page 8 January 2015
Pastor Steve’s Top-10 for January
Parents Anonymous Christmas Party. On Thursday, December 18th, Parents Anonymous celebrated their annu-al Christmas Party in our fellowship hall. We received a generous supply of donated toys. Anyone who feels inspired can continue to provide gifts after the holiday season has passed to be distributed to the children. The needs will exist beyond Christmas, so we encourage everyone to maintain awareness as we move into the New Year.
Parents Anonymous Ministry. Presently, the plan is for Parents Anonymous to launch their weekly meetings at
our church beginning on Wednesday, January 7th. Their meetings begin with volunteers showing up at about 4:00 to prepare a meal and with the participants arriving about 5:00 for supper. Following the shared meal, they will then break off into small groups for discussions and counseling. In addition to the use of the kitchen facili-ties and fellowship hall, they desire to use the nursery for the young children and two Sunday School rooms for the small groups. The older children can recreate in the fellowship hall. They plan to adjourn meetings between 7:30-8:00.
Inviting and Receptive Room. Especially with the rise of new ministries coming into our church, there is an in-
creasing need to prepare our Sunday School rooms to make them inviting and receptive. Currently, these rooms are in need of cleaning and removal of rarely used stored items. The goal is to make these rooms as attractive as the nursery after it was beautifully tidied up over the summer.
Safe Sanctuary for Parents Anonymous Many thanks to Doris and Sharon for leading the Safe Sanctuary session
for the Parents Anonymous group. They also ran the background checks for the primary volunteers. The next Safe Sanctuary session is scheduled for February right before the Upward Soccer season begins. Any remaining volun-teers for Parents Anonymous who missed the December session can also take part.
Bishop’s Visit to Capital District in January. On Wednesday, January 14th, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will visit
the district and offer important insights as we begin the New Year. Anyone who is interested to attend is welcome. The meeting is at St James UMC in Greenville from 2:00-4:00. I’ll leave from here on that day about 12:45 for any-one who’d like to carpool.
“Step Up” Vision Session. On Saturday, January 10th, we’ll begin the New Year with our 3rd annual visioning ses-
sion. This year Chaplain Al and Rev. Jim Huskins will assist me in our reflections. Our time together will begin at 9:00 with a potluck breakfast and the presentations will start afterward at 10:00. The sessions will conclude by 1:00 PM.
Promoting the Season of Epiphany. As we look beyond the high holidays into January, our goal is to continue the
momentum and to promote the season of Epiphany. Over the 7 weeks of Epiphany, the sermon series will examine “7 wonders of the Spiritual World. This series is basically a “Christianity 101” as each week will look at the funda-mental aspects of the Christian life. It will serve as an excellent introduction for the beginner and it will serve as an excellent refresher for the experienced disciple. Mary’s team is working on a beautiful seasonal display that will help us usher in the season with style.
Children’s Ministries Outside the Wall. As we approach another visioning year, there is already talk about how
we can improve our ministry to children. Although there is always room for improvement, I would encourage us to celebrate the ministries that are already going on. Our effectiveness in this regard needs to look be-yond Sunday morning. Consider Upward ministers to about 150 children a year, twice a week for 20 weeks during football and soccer. Consider religious training for Scouts ministers to children with projects that require their
(Continued on page 9)
Page 9
thoughtful interaction and involvement. Consider Mom’s Morning Out ministers to about 10-15 children 4 days a week, Tuesdays through Fridays. Consider Parents Anonymous, which will start in January, has 20 children in the program. Will the children from these ministries end up attending our church on Sunday mornings? The effective-ness of the seeds we plant isn't ultimately dependent on whether they do or they don’t. Our effectiveness is meas-ured by our faithfulness to remain steadfast and continue sowing seeds, come what may. When we look at the op-portunities for ministry to children, there are rich possibilities for involvement all the way around. Our call is for eve-ryone to search their heart for what the voice of God is moving us to do with the incredible fertile fields, which are already awaiting us.
Upward Flag Football Celebration. Speaking of Upward, we just celebrated the flag football season with a well
attended awards presentation that was held for the first time in our fellowship hall. This experiment was a success and offered numerous positives we can build upon. Perhaps the most important advantage was that it put many of our un-churched seekers right inside our atmosphere and gave us a chance to put our best foot forward. Once again, the effectiveness is measured by how many we had a chance to witness to. Freddy Pierce put an exclama-tion point on what was a solid season of ministry that included 2 devotions a week over the course of 10 weeks. As we prepare for soccer season with 100 days of prayer, let’s consider ways we can impact these little ones (and their families) even better in the time to come.
Looking Ahead to Summer ‘15. It’s never too early to begin considering some of our summer ministries such as
VBS and Patriotic Cantata. Perhaps we can get some wheels turning and start sowing some initial ideas that can provide a promising foundation to build upon.
Jan 05 Patrol Leader’s Council Scoutmaster House 3pm
06 Spring Ham Sale Kick-Off Council Office 9am
06 Scout Meeting New Hope UMC 7pm
08 Torhunta District Roundtable St Paul UMC 7pm
13 Scout Meeting New Hope UMC 7pm
15 January Re-Charters Due Council Office 5pm
17-18 Triangle Rock Club Campout Morrisville, NC TBD
20 Scout Meeting New Hope UMC 7pm
23-25 OA Fun Fellowship Camp Tuscarora 5pm
27 Scout Meeting New Hope UMC 7pm
28 Scout Sunday Leader Meeting New Hope UMC 7pm
Feb 01 Adopt-a-Highway New Hope Road 3pm
Boy Scout Troop 8 Calendar
"The vision must be
followed by the venture. It
is not enough to stare up
the steps - we must step
up the stairs."
SPORTS
Lindsay Krochta, Reporter
January 2015
concluded with a prayer time where any child or adult
that doesn't know Jesus could accept Him into his
heart. After Pierce performed, each coach recognized
their players. Thank you to everyone who contributed
to the Upward season with your time, talents and
prayers. We look forward to another soccer season
beginning in February.
Men’s Basketball
New Hope plans to have a men's basketball team
in the league beginning in January. Games are played
at Community Baptist Church. Interest? Contact Mike
Acree.
Page 10
Upward Celebration
The Upward football and cheerleading season
came to a close Thursday, December 11. The
celebration began with a picture slideshow set to
music. Players and cheerleaders enjoyed seeing
themselves on the screen. Freddie Pierce was up
next. He pulled up coaches Dave Krochta and
David O'Hara to get the crowd cheering. Next
Pastor Steve was asked to portray the Grinch. He
showed how the Grinch was grouchy, the opposite
of how we should act this Christmas season.
Freddie Pierce talked about HOPE, an acronym
meaning He's the One Praised Eternally. He
January
Birthdays
1/1 Bonnie Kester
1/6 Lynn Collins
1/11 Sharon Mumford
1/17 John Potter
1/20 Chris Smith
1/21 Andrew Filion
1/21 John Collins
1/21 Andrew Wiebe
1/22 Shorty Lewis
1/27 Anita Poland
1/27 Hope Porter
1/27 Steve Wellman
1/29 David Krochta
In January
1/1 Sheila & Lynny Coltrane
1/23 Debbie & Frankie Sutton
cake and sing happy birthday to Jesus at the Christmas
Eve service. Let’s not just remember these and yet forget
something, which by the standards of Scripture is most
important to us.
It was Martin Luther who reminded us to remember
the day we were born again. Through the centuries, the
Lutheran church has creative suggestions for ways to
remember and celebrate the day of the new birth. Alt-
hough there’s an appropriate place to remember our own
birthday, and certainly an appropriate place to remember
Jesus’ birthday, there’s a third birthday to remember.
The third is most relevant for us, personally. This is the
day in which Christ just didn’t enter the world 2,000
years ago, but promises to enter our own lives, and pro-
duce something equivalent to a second birth, better than
the first time around. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless a
person is born again, one cannot see God. Paul echoes
this message and announces in II Corinthians, “Anyone
(Continued from page 12) who is in Christ is made into a new creation. The old has
past away; behold the new has come. The Bible tells a
story that often our biggest failures are preceded by some-
thing that is seemingly considered harmless. What pre-
cedes big failures isn’t bad behavior or conduct; it’s just
simple absent mindedness.
For the time, effort, and sacrifice we put into planning
and carrying out a celebration and remembrance of the
days of our physical birth, Luther thought it at least equal-
ly important to invest a portion of our attention to the
recognition of who we really are. On those days when my
age goes faster than my desires, my health fades quicker
than my passions, my beauty dims more rapidly than my
aspirations, I need something that goes deeper than the
physical. I need an identity that assures me that my life is
bigger and better than youth, beauty, energy, health, and
all the rest of it. Equally as great to celebrate our birthday,
or Christmas, when Jesus was born, we celebrate our new
birth, which means the gift of life, now and forevermore.
Page 11
January 1-December 16, 2014
Budgeted for Income $199,806.78
Received Tithes, Offerings,
& Fundraisers (as of 16th) $168,201.57
Expenses to date $168,359.52
Balance as of 16th -$ 157.95
Special receipts in this past month December Extravaganza $ 140.40
Memorial: Rick Offield $ 59.00
Balance in Endowment Funds
Chesson Memorial Endowment $10,909.62
McNeill Family Endowment $10,721.14
Coltrane Family Endowment $10,000.00
Stewards of God’s Gifts The Critical Questions of Christmas
“How Long Lord?” (Psalm 13, Habakkuk
1:2) Advent I
“Is the Lord Among Us or Not?” (Exodus
17:1-7) Advent II
“Is there no healing balm in
Gilead?” (Jeremiah 8:22) Advent III
“Lord, who can stand before you?” (Prov
20:9, Ps 76, Ps 130:3) Advent IV
“If a man dies, shall he live
again?” (Job 14:14) Cantata Celebration
“Where Can I Go From Your
Presence?” (Psalm 139:7, Rom 8:35)
Christmas Eve
“What does the Lord require?” (Micah
6:8) New Year's Covenant
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PERMIT 401
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Remember Your Own Birthday (John 3:3, II Corinthians 5:17) (A New Year meditation celebrating birthdays, both physical and spiritual)
W hat were the odds of finding out after I arrived at this church that my birthday is on the same day as the church
music director? That was a pleasant surprise, and one that Hope and I will have fun reminding all of you about
as long as we’re here. As I think about the whole idea of birthdays, I’m struck by how there’s a forgetfulness with some
people about other people’s birthdays. Hallmark even makes cards that say something to the effect, “Happy Belated
Birthday! In other words, In case you weren’t aware, I’m serving up notice that you weren’t important enough for me to
remember on time. But that’s life isn’t it? So much is going on that it’s easy to forget someone else’s birthday. What I
find even more interesting than forgetting another’s birthday, is the attitude of some people who would prefer to forget
their own birthday. Perhaps it’s just the desire to forget the whole problem of age, getting older, physical deterioration.
Another year older, please let me forget? Aging reminds us of our limitations. Nevertheless, most go great lengths to
honor the day we entered the world. As parents, we consider it an important thing to make the celebration of our chil-
dren’s birthdays elaborate. Much time and priority gets invested in the planning of these occasions. Recognizing the day
of our physical birth is important. Recognizing the day of Christ’s birth is also important. Some churches will have a
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Pastor’s Pen by Steve Wellman
The News of New Hope New Hope United Methodist
Church
200 East New Hope Road
Goldsboro, NC 27534-7642 Pastor: Rev. Stephen M. Wellman
Music Director: Hope Porter
Secretary: Janice Rouse: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 am - 1 pm
919-778-1124
One to the Power of One.
Awakening: Prayer Partners
Sunday mornings
9:30
