Pastor’s Weekly Notes
February 28, 2011 by admin
Filed under Announcements, Pastors Notes
PASTOR NOTES…
NEW HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH…
VERNON BURROW
Feb. 3, 2012
Church web: www.newhopecpchurch.com Pastor e-mail: vernonburrow@comcast.net
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THIS SUNDAY
Holy Communion
Last Sunday to sign up for Small Groups
Commissioning of Missionaries to go to Haiti
Denomination Sunday…Founded February 4, 1810…202nd Anniversary
Men meet after church to plan Valentine’s Banquet for women and children to be held Sunday evening, February 12.
Detailed Information for the Above
HOLY COMMUNION. We have this on the 1st Sunday of each month. Serious Christians want to be in church every Sunday if at all possible. But especially on Communion Sunday. Miss that, and you go for two months without communion. Prepare your hearts through prayer and thanksgiving. Make sure you are doing everything within your power to be at peace with others. There are no good or bad people at the table. Each of us is a sinner saved by grace. Jesus said: “Do this in remembrance of me”.
WINTER-SPRING SMALL GROUP SIGN-UPS –
Signup sheets will be on the round table in the narthex. Indicate if you will eat with us before the meeting and if you will need child care.
COMMISSIONING OF MISSIONARIES
Immediately before the Communion service the elders will gather to do a commissioning for Leeann Crosslin and Alene Gibson for their mission trip to Haiti February 8-18. The supplies box in the narthex is to collect some presents they will present to the children in Haiti.
DENOMINATION SUNDAY
On February 4, 1810 three ministers met in a log cabin about 50 miles from here and prayed all night before forming an independent presbytery for the sole purpose of supporting each other in evangelizing the frontier. Their efforts were greatly blessed by God and so many people were experiencing the new birth, that they established churches to nurture the new Christians, and became a separate denomination for evangelical Christians. Two years later New Hope Church was formed as a result of a camp meeting. They called themselves Cumberland Presbyterian. The “Cumberland” part was because this was “Cumberland Country” and the “Presbyterian” because they adhered to the main doctrines (except double predestination) and followed the same government as other Presbyterian churches. New Hope Church is celebrating our 200th anniversary this year. We will have a special prayer during the service, asking that we be revived to make evangelism our main focus in today’s world.
KICK OFF FOR WINTER/SPRING SMALL GROUPS THIS COMING WEDNESDAY
Three new groups will have their first meeting on Wednesday February 8, 6:00 to 7:00 PM. You will commit to 13 weeks of meeting each week, which will take you to May 2. The leaders of each of these groups have chosen to meet at the church, while the youth worship is taking place. The study/mission of each will be different:
- Group one: “Forty Days in the Word of God” will use excellent material provided by Rick Warren, the author of “The Purpose Driven Life”. The goal is to get people deeper into reading and study of the Word of God. It is a discipleship training course based on the Bible. Rich and Kathy Binney will lead this study.
- Group Two: “Fire Proof Your Marriage” The materials in this course are a series of video’s which will provoke discussion on ways to make good marriages better. It will not be content centered, where someone teaches you “lessons”. Rather the videos will facilitate discussion. It will be fun and helpful. Russ and Dana Winkler will lead this group.
- Group Three: This will be a work group that will plan the celebration of the church’s 200th Anniversary, and study some other ways to make our church more effective. We need a variety of people in this group: Some will study the history of the church. Some will be project managers. Some will plan the publicity. Robbie and I will lead this group.
- Finger Food Meal will be available between 5:30 and 6:00. If you are not finished eating by 6:00 you may take food to your meeting.
- We will have two people to watch the pre-teenage children, have a film, etc. (we will have a sign-up sheet for adults who are not in a small group and will volunteer to provide this service)
MORE INVOLVEMENT by members and regular attendees of New Hope Church is our main goal for the next three months. The Bible teaches that
Church is not just something you attend, it is something you are involved in
Church is not a spectator sport, it is everyone participating on the playing field
The church is the body of Christ “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (I Cor. 12:27)
Each person is a part of the body, and has a distinctive role in the functioning of the church. “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Eph. 4:16
The role of the church member is not just to furnish ideas, although good ideas are needed and welcomed, but we need each person doing his/her part to make the ideas work.
PLUS ONE…
is our mantra for this year, all having to do with more involvement.
PLUS ONE, each member will add at least one, or maybe one additional, participation in a small group, ministry assignment, choir, session, ministry group, Sunday school class, ushers, men’s group, women’s group (to be formed), etc.
PLUS ONE person or family that each member or family introduces to the church and helps them feel a part of it.
PLUS ONE % increase in financial giving, so that the extra ministries we are establishing will be fully funded. (for example, extended youth and children’s ministries, and a church van)
New Hope is not a building, it is an attitude of the heart.
PASTOR’S BLESSING
In your trials and in your troubles, may you find New Hope
In your loneliness and in your despair, may you find New Hope
In your frustration and your anger, may you find New Hope
In your sickness and your pain, may you find New Hope
A New Book for the Library
By the Grace of God, By Cecelia Spotted Bear, With Regina Golden
This book is placed in the New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church Library by Pastor Vernon Burrow. It is a gift from Rev. John Lovelace, my good friend from college days, who has devoted his life to missionary work. John got to know Cecelia Spotted Bear through his mission trips to the Lakota Indians in South Dakota, which he has been leading each June for many years. A good read to learn more about the saving love of Christ, as well as a better understanding of the Indian culture. Pastor B.
PASTOR NOTES…
NEW HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH…
REV. VERNON BURROW
January 27, 2012
Church web: www.newhopecpchurch.com Pastor e-mail: vernonburrow@comcast.net
CHILI SUPPER AND 5TH SUNDAY “SING-A-LONG” THIS SUNDAY EVENING
- 5:00 PM – Pot-luck Chile Supper in Fellowship Hall – Bring chili and/or fixings for this Mid-Winter Fellowship event for the entire church.
- 6:00 PM – Sing-a-long in the sanctuary. These events each 5th Sunday, arranged by Ben, are really good. Not only do we sing some of our favorite songs, but Ben also invites some special music by special guests, the choir, and other members of the church.
- Don’t miss this opportunity to invite guests. It is amazing how many of our present members were first introduced to our church through some of these special events. Special events not only enhance the sense of belonging to those who are already here, but they are doors of entry for new people.
WINTER-SPRING SMALL GROUP SIGN-UPS
Three new groups will have their first meeting on Wednesday February 8, 6:00 to 7:00 PM. You will commit to 13 weeks of meeting each week, which will take you to May 2. The leaders of each of these groups have chosen to meet at the church, while the youth worship is taking place. The study/mission of each will be different:
1. Group one: “Forty Days in the Word of God” will use excellent material provided by Rick Warren, the author of “The Purpose Driven Life”. The goal is to get people deeper into reading and study of the Word of God. It is a discipleship training course based on the Bible. Rich and Kathy Binney will lead this study.
2.Group Two: “Fire Proof Your Marriage” The materials in this course are a series of video’s which will provoke discussion on ways to make good marriages better. It will not be content centered, where someone teaches you “lessons”. Rather the videos will facilitate discussion. It will be fun and helpful. Russ and Dana Winkler will lead this group.
3. Group Three: This will be a work group that will plan the celebration of the church’s 200th Anniversary, and study some other ways to make our church more effective. We need a variety of people in this group: Some will study the history of the church. Some will be project managers. Some will plan the publicity. Robbie and I will lead this group.
But they will be far more than study. Small groups have other value:
-
- The most effective way of making stronger a “sense of belonging” to a church.
- The most effective way of introducing new people in the church.
- The most effective way of getting people involved in building up the church
- The most effective way for helping people grow in their commitment to Christ
- The most effective way for us to care for each other.
- They are the “first responders” to any of their members who need some attention, such as
- Serious illness
- Death of a relative
- Loss of a job
- Breaking news that is too good not to share, Etc.
- What Commitment Does a Small Group Member Make:
- To regular attendance and to stay the course if at all possible.
- To study the material between meetings
- To confidentiality regarding personal matters
- The optimum size of a small group is 6 to 12 members, maybe a little more or less.
You have two more Sundays to sign up. The signup sheets are on the little round table next to the main table in the narthex.
Light food will be available from 5:30 – 6:00 in the fellowship hall, and it is ok to take it to your group. Please indicate on the sign-up sheet if you need to take advantage of the light food and/or if you need child care.
With our People
- Savannah Curtis won second place in free-style swimming contest at Lebanon High School
- Hillary Crosslin, LeAnn Crosslin’s father in law, Joe’s dad, Shelbyville, passed away a couple of weeks ago.
HAITI MISSION TRIP – Supplies you may send with Alene’s and LeAnn’s Mission Trip to Haiti Feb. 8-18
There’s still time to donate items for the Haiti Mission Trip! Please put items in the HEARTS for HAITI donation box in the Narthex.
- Clear Contact Paper
- Construction Paper
- Ink Pens
- Dried Fruit
- Peanut Butter (prefer small containers for packing and travel)
- Toothbrushes
SUNDAY SERMON
Is Part II on last Sunday’s topic “Don’t Let Your Yesterdays Spoil Your Tomorrows,” based on Mark 1:14-15: “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
CALENDAR DATES
Weekly times
- Sunday School 9:00 each Sunday
- Worship at 10:00 each Sunday
- Choir Sunday evenings at 6, except for this Sunday because of the sing-a-long.
- Youth Worship each Wednesday 6:00 PM, preceded by gathering and fellowship from 5:00 to 6:00
- Children’s Church each Sunday 10:00 AM. Children meet with others in sanctuary, Children’s church begins after children’s time in the office complex. For ages 3 through 6th grade.
Other:
Feb. 5 – Communion Sunday
Feb. 12 – Men will treat women and children to a Valentine’s dinner (time TBA)
Feb. 22 – Ash Wednesday service evening (time TNA)
Children’s Church is going well. Lots of kids attended last Sunday. It is for children from three years old up through the 6th grade. They meet in the office complex, and divide into three groups based on age.
How Many Does It Take to “Put on” a Worship Service? I have just written an article about that, but when I started to list all who have a part in preparing for and leading a worship service, it was so many I ran out of space. Watch for it next week.
Sunday is almost here. I can hardly wait. Invite someone to come with you. Some of you did good last week because we had more visitors than I can remember on a regular Sunday. Some of you are “Investing and Inviting”. Congratulations!!!
Pastor B
PASTOR NOTES…
NEW HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
VERNON BURROW
…January 20, 2012
Church web: www.newhopecpchurch.com Pastor e-mail: vernonburrow@comcast.net
WELCOME BEN SPICER TO MEMBERSHIP
Ben Spicer moved his membership from another fine church in our city to New Hope last Sunday. He has worshipped with us for over three years now. He has played the piano for worship and directed the music for most of that time. Not only has he done a great job with the music, but he has pitched in and helped the church in many other ways, as all of you know. Ben grew up in a small church in Pennsylvania. He went to a church related college in Anderson Indiana, where he majored in Christian Education and Minored in Music. He worked for a period of time as Christian Education and Music Director in a nice church. More recently he has worked in sales for a church supplies company. He teaches piano lessons at the church. He is looking for a “daytime job” and will appreciate any help any of you can give. Ben has two children. His son Lane is a Junior at Lebanon High School and is active in our church. His daughter Bently is in the 5th grade at Castle Heights Upper Elementary. Thank God for Ben. Just another sign that God is setting New Hope up for a great tomorrow.
THANKS TO THE CONGREGATION…For the surprise birthday party after church last Sunday. No doubt this birthday was a special one for me. I am so grateful to the good Lord to let me hang around here on earth this long and to be healthy enough to pastor a church and enjoy it. Thank you again for all the cards, the gifts, the encouragements. You are a great congregation, and I love you.
SMALL GROUPS BEGIN SOON
I received an e-mail this week from Arliss Watson. We communicate occasionally by e-mail. She is 80 now and still going strong. She and her late husband Toppy came into the CP Church when I was in Odessa, TX. I attached last week’s Pastor Notes. She was impressed that we are having small groups, and I quote from her.
“I enjoyed the notes from your Church. Looks as if you have a good group. I remember that when Toppy and I first came to Church in Odessa that we joined a small group, and how nice it was to feel a part of the community so quickly. That was a good time.”
They became great members. On their first visit to our church, we were starting small groups. It was their door into the church.
There are sign-up sheets in the narthex for the three small groups we will start the first full week in February. They will meet weekly for 13 weeks. I plead with you to be good to yourself and to others by signing up.
With Our People
- Martha Huffines, 83, passed away this morning due to heart problems. She is Patty Tomlison’s mother, and P. J. Tomlison’s and Lisa Thompson’s grandmother. Funeral will be Monday at 11:00 AM; visitation Saturday from 4 to 6, and Sunday from 2-6, Sellars Funeral Home in Lebanon.
- Kathy Binney’s aunt, her mother’s sister, died this week in Chicago
- Gene Dyke’s sister, Peggy Malloy, who lives near him in North Carolina had a bad fall last Sunday morning, & broke her hip. She is 70 yrs. Old. Complications because she was already short of breath and on oxygen. Rosie Laurence, a new regular attender at our church, requests prayer for her nephew, Ken Lawrence, who is going through difficult medical problems
- Pray for John Crowder III’s sister who lives in Knoxville. She has a re-occurrence of brain cancer.
- Dana Winkler has quit her job in order to be a full time house wife and mom.
SUNDAY SERMON
The message this Sunday will be based on Mark 1:14-20 which is the gospel selection for the lectionary for this Sunday. Especially Mark 1:14 “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’” When I started studying this passage last Monday a truth jumped out at me that I had never thought much about before. “After John was put in prison….” That was no doubt a big blow to Jesus. John had introduced Jesus to the world. Jesus once said that no one who ever lived was better than John. Jesus no doubt wondered “what to do” now that John is gone. The Bible says what he did. What do you do when disturbing things happen to you or around you? You hurt, you mourn, you are upset. The message is “Don’t Let Yesterday Spoil Tomorrow.”
CALENDAR DATES
Weekly times
- Sunday School 9:00 each Sunday
- Worship at 10:00 each Sunday
- Choir Sunday evenings at 6
- Youth Worship each Wednesday 6:00 PM, preceded by gathering and fellowship from 5:00 to 6:00
- Children’s Church each Sunday 10:00 AM. Children meet with others in sanctuary, Children’s church begins after children’s time in the office complex. For ages 3 through 6th grade.
Other:
Feb. 24: 6:00 Small Group Leaders meeting
Jan. 26 7:00 PM – Group of residents from Pointe Barton will meet at the church office complex (we welcome groups in our community to use our facilities when they are not already in use)
Jan. 27 – Youth outing, train trip to Nashville and back (time TBA)
Jan 29 (5th Sunday)
- Chili supper at 5:00 PM
- Music Program and Sing-A-Long 6:00 PM
Feb. 5 – Communion Sunday
Feb. 12 – Men will treat women and children to a Valentine’s dinner (time TBA)
Feb. 22 – Ash Wednesday service evening (time TNA)
Children’s Church
Last Sunday we had nine children, pre-school thru 6th grade in Children’s Church. This will grow under the leadership of Youth & CE Pastor Brad Unland. The children enjoy it. They get a lot of sound Bible teaching from a seminary trained minister who connects with children. Parents can give more attention to their own worship in the sanctuary when they don’t have to worry about how their children are behaving in church. Get the word around. Some people will come to our church because we have this to offer.
UPCOMING MISSION WORK IN HAITI – a note from Danielle Luipersbeck
The Pastor has asked if I would help create awareness with our congregation regarding Alene’s and LeAnn’s upcoming mission trip to Haiti. The trip will have two focuses; building living structures and ministering to the children through crafts. There are a few items that Aileen has mentioned are needed for the trip. They will be able to use these items during craft sessions and for general distribution during their ministry work.
Those items are:
Toothbrushes
Ink Pens
Construction Paper
Glow Bracelets
(my notes: I asked Danielle to head up this “awareness” emphasis since she has gone on several work mission trips herself both within and outside our country)
INVEST AND INVITE
Remember that we are asking each person to invest in the lives of people outside the church, and invite them to come to your church. Some of you are doing this. We had 8 visiting guests last Sunday, along with 62 regular attenders. Others are doing it. You can too. Invest and Invite.
———–
Sunday is almost here. I can hardly wait. Invite someone to come with you. VB
PASTOR NOTES…
NEW HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH…
VERNON BURROW
January 13, 2012
Church web: www.newhopecpchurch.com Pastor e-mail: vernonburrow@comcast.net
The Church Session
is more than an official board that takes care of the “business” of the church. The church session is made up of the minister in charge (pastor) and the elders that are selected by the congregation. The church session are the spiritual leaders of the church, which includes being the leadership team of the church. While representatives of the people, they are also the charged with keeping the church focused on the main task of the church as taught in the Bible. They seek to discern the will of God in leading the church to accomplish the mission Christ. The mission statement is:
New Hope Church exits to:
- Glorify God in worship and rejoice in our life together
- Share the good news of the gospel in word and deed
- Reach as many as we can with the saving love of Jesus
- Help each person grow toward Christian Maturity.
- And to find their place of service in the church and in the world.
Our session met on Tuesday evening this week. The pastor and all 7 elders were present, along with the clerk of the session.
- Opened the meeting with devotional that include a review of the specific roles of the pastor and the elders in caring for the congregation, and making decisions in keeping with our mission.
- Accepted Karen Aigner into the membership of the church by transfer from another fine church.
- Placed on the role of baptized children the name of Reagan Lucia Butler (born 10/4/2011) child of Charlie and Rebecca Butler. Reagan was baptized during the Christmas Eve service.
- Acknowledged the recent visitors to the church.
- Approved the treasurer’s report for the year 2011. Copies are on the table in the narthex for your taking.
- Acknowledged a special gift of $1000 by a member of the congregation for the purchase of a portable sound system that can be used in the fellowship hall and for outside activities.
- Approved paying ½ of the cost of the sign now, and the remainder to be paid when everything has been completed according to the contract.
- Approved paying $600.00 toward the Haiti mission trip that LeAnn Crosslin and Alene Gibson are going on beginning February 8. LeAnn and Alene are paying their own way, and our contribution is for building materials for the construction project. While the men in the group are doing the construction of an addition to the school, LeAnn and Alene will be doing crafts for the 274 children in the school, and they are paying for those materials ($120) themselves.
- We are still counting on purchasing a van in the not too distant future. This van will be used not only for the youth, but other activities for the church.
- Made the annual report to the denomination.
- Membership 62
- Member additions 9
- Professions of Faith 5
- Sunday School Enrollment 42
CALENDAR DATES
Weekly times
- Sunday School 9:00 each Sunday
- Worship at 10:00 each Sunday
- Choir Sunday evenings at 6
- Youth Worship each Wednesday 6:00 PM, preceded by gathering and fellowship from 5:00 to 6:00
- Children’s Church each Sunday 10:00 AM. Children meet with others in sanctuary, Children’s church begins after children’s time in the office complex. For ages 3 through 6th grade.
Other:
Jan. 17 – 6:00 Small Group Leaders meeting
Jan. 27 – Youth outing, train trip to Nashville and back (time TBA)
Jan 29 (5th Sunday)
Chili supper at 5:00 PM
Music Program and Sing-A-Long 6:00 PM
Feb. 5 – Communion Sunday
Feb. 12 – Men will treat women and children to a Valentine’s dinner (time TBA)
Feb. 22 – Ash Wednesday service evening (time TNA)
Children’s Church
Sunday is our second Sunday for children’s Church. Go to the sanctuary at the beginning of worship. After children’s time those children from the age 3 on up to through the 6th grade may go to “Children’s Church” in the office complex. They will have songs, stories, prayers, that you can understand and will be meaningful to you. Most churches of any size and are growing have a special worship/learning experience geared to the needs of children, be it Sunday School or Children’s Church.
Wednesday Night Youth
A total of eleven youth grades 7-12 attended Wednesday night worship last Wednesday night. That is a good start, and it will grow. The youth participated in the leadership. The worship music was attractive to young people. Brad preached a wonderful sermon especially geared to youth. Invite other youth to come.
Hospitality
A group of families who live in Pointe Barton and share boat docks asked to meet at our church to discuss some mutual concerns. They will use the big room in the office complex Thursday evening January 26. We are glad to have them. We want our church to be a “warm center” for people in our community. We want them to call on us when we can be of help.
SUNDAY SERMON
I’m back to the lectionary this Sunday, using the old testament story about the call of Samuel to do a special ministry for the Lord. His life made a huge difference in the lives of others. How did he do it? He simply said “yes” when the Lord called. “The Shaping Of A Man Of God” is the title. The story is found in I Samuel 3.
Sunday is almost here. I can hardly wait. Invite someone to come with you. VB
PASTOR NOTES…
NEW HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH…
VERNON BURROW
January 6, 2012
Church web: www.newhopecpchurch.com Pastor e-mail: vernonburrow@comcast.net
CHILDREN’S CHURCH THIS SUNDAY
- “Special Time with the Children” at morning worship will be moved up to the beginning of the worship service, right after the lighting of the candles at the beginning of worship
- After the “children’s time” those who are three years old or older and up through the sixth grade, will be invited to go with Brad to the big room in the office complex for Children’s Church. This is a high energy high volume children’s program that allows kids to worship, have fun and learn morals and values from the Bible that will last them a lifetime.
- Children’s Church will be voluntary of course, but we recommend that you encourage your children to participate for several reasons
- Since the regular worship service is geared to teen-agers and adults, the elementary and pre-school children will understand more, learn more, and enjoy it more than they will in the regular worship service.
- While something can be said for teaching children respect for the Lord’s house and to “behave” during worship, many people nowadays welcome worship without being concerned about the “behavior” of their children while they are trying to give whole-hearted attention to the service themselves.
- After the kids get used to it, most children will like it a lot more than the regular service.
- It will make our church more attractive to un-churched people with children. When I visit un-churched people with children in this age group, one of the things they often ask is “do you have children’s church?”
- We are fortunate to have a seasoned professional and ordained minister in Brad Unland to lead this experience of worship, along with people he chooses to help him and train them to do it for themselves someday. Not many churches our size have this much to offer.
- Those children under three will already be in the nursery, go to nursery at this time, or remain with parents according to the choice of the parents.
- The nursery for those under three is staffed by volunteers at the present time. We look forward to employing a full time lead nursery keeper sometime in the future.
YOUTH WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS BEGINNING NEXT WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11.
This will be a contemporary worship service for youth grades 7-12 beginning at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Youth are invited to start gathering at 5:00 PM for fellowship before the beginning of worship. This is a service for those youth in our church as well as young people outside the church who would like to participate — an offering for the larger community of youth. Adults who like that kind of worship are welcome to come, maybe sit in the back and enjoy.
COULD LEAD TO OTHER ACTIVITIES ON WEDNESDAY EVENING
For example, one or more of the three adult Small Groups that we are forming may want to meet at the same time on Wednesday. Wednesday night could grow into a Church Night with something for everyone. What do you think?
WELCOME NEW MEMBER
At the close of the service last Sunday Ms. Karen Aigner came forward to transfer her membership to New Hope. Karen has been active in our church for the past several months. As you know, she is a very gifted pianist and soloist. She is a great help to our music director, Ben Spicer, and has enhanced the quality of our worship service. She is also an active member of the Office Complex Class. She came to us at the invitation of Rick White, and she fell in love with the church and wants to help this church become all that it can be. Her address is 1717 Burkewood Dr., Columbia, TN 38401-1388; Phone (931) 486-1440; e-mail kareneaigner@gmail.com. Add her to your Church Workers’ Directory.
OPENING FOR ANOTHER USHER
Bill Brown, Head Usher, has this to say: There is one position available if someone may be interested in joining the Usher Ministry.
Bill has an instruction document for ushers, and will give you orientation and training for doing this important ministry.
We invite you to
- Invest and Invite. Each person or each family to invest in one other person or family who have no church, and invite them to this community of love we call New Hope.
- Invest and Do. By taking on one new ministry, and/or getting involved with others in a ministry group or small group for study, prayer, and sharing.
- 3. Invest and Give: 1% more of your income in 2012 than you did in 2011. We have embarked on new ministries by faith alone that they will be properly funded. Remember that giving is not primarily a gift, it is an investment. Joyce and I will begin our increased giving this Sunday. We are going beyond the 1% because we see the future of New Hope is so bright and the opportunities are so great.
AND WHAT ABOUT THAT SIGN
Low and behold, the new sign, though beautiful, has a fallacy that has to be corrected, and may have to go back to the shop for a few days.
Adult Small Groups: Our adults will begin a 3 month journey building relationships, learning God’s word, and laughing together. We are asking all of our adults to choose one of 3 small groups that will begin the week of February 5th and run through the end of April. Our small groups will run in Spring and Fall semesters. The spring semester small groups will focus on Discipleship, Family, or Leadership. Come and get involved in our new 2012 programs at New Hope.
SUNDAY SERMON
Sermon for Sunday will be #2 on a two part series based on Matthew 25:31-46. The title is “Unconscious Goodness” based on verses 37-39 and 44-45)
With Our People
Pauline Horton had a pretty bad fall last night at her home. Bruises on her face, but no broken bones, thank goodness.
Sunday is almost here. I can hardly wait. Invite someone to come with you. VB
PASTOR NOTES…
NEW HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH…
VERNON BURROW
Dec. 30, 2011
Church web: www.newhopecpchurch.com Pastor e-mail: vernonburrow@comcast.net
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Time flies. The clock goes only one way. You can’t take back anything. What’s done is done. What’s left undone is left undone. The future is yet to be revealed. We have only the present moment. The quality of the present moment is the past we remember and the future we expect. In a sense, the past we remember is not that past as it was, but the past as filtered through the present condition of our hearts, minds, and souls. Only by faith can we know that “In everything God works together for good for those who love the Lord, who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) If we believe that, then we know we have a bright future. “Ain’t nothing going to happen but what God and I can’t handle together”, said a happy old man who faced what others would consider a bleak future. “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us…was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been `Yes’.” (2 Cor. 1:19).
The past is good, the future is better. The past deeds we hate are all covered by the blood of Christ. The visions we have for a good future are laid out for us in the footprints of our Savior – “the footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow”, as the old song says. “One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind, and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil.3) God’s not finished with you yet. The year 2012 lies ahead. In the meantime we would do well to follow the advice of Benjamin Franklin: Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.
NEW YEAR AND NEW HOPES FOR NEW HOPE CHURCH
This church has a great past, but the best days for New Hope are yet to be. God’s been gathering a special people whom he loves and preparing for us for things greater than we ever dreamed of. As Joyce said a few Sundays ago after she had moved her membership to this church, “God is at work in New Hope Church” That’s the reason she joined.
The new day begins this Sunday. I can see it coming on during our pre-Christmas gatherings:
I felt a new spirit at the children’s program, and then again at the Christmas caroling, both of which were the best yet, and best attended. Then there was the Christmas Eve service, wonderful special music and well-done reading of the scripture, the baptism of baby Reagan L Butler, the communion and lighting of the candles. Christmas Day’s crowd was small because some people had to pick and choose between the two services so close together, but the spirit was wonderful.
Then a bunch of you came (her SS class was 100%) to Fern Strom’s memorial service. We didn’t know her real well, but we know her daughter Kathy well, and know how much she is hurting, and we stayed a while after the service to be with her and her family. No one in this church should have to go through grief alone. In an e-mail I received today Kathy refers to our church and writes: “The service was beautiful and our church family is the best!” And a few sentences later: “I woke up singing today, `We give him all the glory’.”
The first Sunday of the New Year will include Sunday School at 9:00 and worship at 10:00. I have felt God’s spirit in a special way while studying that great scripture Matthew 25:, which is the gospel lesson from the lectionary for New Year’s Day. Jesus’ first sermon was the Sermon on the Mount, and his last was the sermon on “The Gathering at the End of the Ages.” It talks about what is really important when the dust settles and the whole world stands before him and each person’s future is announced. All he talks about is the small things we did, or didn’t do, for others when they were in need. I’m calling the sermon, “Investing in Others”. That is going to be a main theme of my teaching this year.
We invite you to
- Invest and Invite. Each person or each family to invest in one other person or family who have no church, and invite them to this community of love we call New Hope.
- Invest and Do. By taking on one new ministry, and/or getting involved with others in a ministry group or small group for study, prayer, and sharing.
- 3. Invest and Give: 1% more of your income in 2012 than you did in 2011. We have embarked on new ministries by faith alone that they will be properly funded. Remember that giving is not primarily a gift, it is an investment. Joyce and I will begin our increased giving this Sunday. We are going beyond the 1% because we see the future of New Hope is so bright and the opportunities are so great.
AND WHAT ABOUT THAT SIGN
It looks great, and from a long way off. We lacked a little bit having the money to pay without borrowing. We are trying to pay the balance out of the regular treasury, and that is going to crowd us a little to pay all our bills. So if you can give a little more this Sunday that would be helpful.
NEW STARTS: BY BRAD
January 8: Children’s Worship: This is a high energy high volume children’s program that allows kids to have fun and learn morals and values from the Bible that will last them a lifetime. This program will take place every Sunday during the 10am adult worship time beginning January 8th . We will call this class “New Hope Kidz!”
(VB Note) Brad Unland, our Youth and Christian Education Pastor, will lead this group in the office complex big room, beginning after children’s time in worship. This is to include all children above nursery age and through 6th grade. Brad will need some help, and will train people to take it over in time. Good solid worship and teaching for the kids is going to add to the spiritual nourishment of our children. It is going to also increase our appeal to un-churched people. When I was going door to door visitation inviting people, one nice lady asked if we had children’s church. I had to say “no”. None of us will have to say “no” anymore.
January 11: Youth Worship: The teens in our church will experience a contemporary and motivated style of worship. We will have a service focused on prayer, singing praises to God and a youth focused sermon that will teach the truths from God’s word in a way they can know and understand. This program will take place each Wednesday night at 6pm beginning January 11th. We will open the doors for them to start coming at 5pm to hang out, play games, and talk.
Adult Small Groups: Our adults will begin a 3 month journey building relationships, learning God’s word, and laughing together. We are asking all of our adults to choose one of 3 small groups that will begin the week of February 5th and run through the end of April. Our small groups will run in Spring and Fall semesters. The spring semester small groups will focus on Discipleship, Family, or Leadership. Come and get involved in our new 2012 programs at New Hope.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN
Ben Spicer’s birthday is Saturday December 31. This is a chance to say to Ben how much he means to us. He came to us a little over three years ago. He walked in one Sunday looking for a church. He came back the next Sunday. We needed help with the music. He was glad to help us. He is a music director any church of any size would be glad to have. But he does much, much more than that. He does a Children’s program each Christmas. This Christmas he wrote the program in addition to directing it. He is a care giver and many of you know how much he has been there for you in time of need. He is a great decorator and uses that skill for many special occasions. He pitches in to do about everything, even trimming the bushes outside. He teaches an adult Sunday School class. He is a member of the Men’s group that meets on Tuesdays. He is a Christian Education major from college and has served churches in that capacity. We give him a little money for expenses, but no salary. Ben, we thank you. Saturday is your day.
Sunday is almost here. I can hardly wait. Invite someone to come with you. VB