MUSIC AND WORSHIP
I am interrupting the series of reports on the spiritual lives of composers to bring you an update on the Concert Tour of the CenturyMen which took place July 12-20, 2010. I will resume the series beginning with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the September 2010 issue of Connections.
First of all, let me say that it was my decision not to attend this tour because in January we will be recording a new album of music in Nashville, Tennessee. I am happy to be a charter member of this fine choral organization of men’s voices, and even though I pay my own expenses, I still appreciate the time that New Hope allows me to be gone.
The 2010 Concert Mission Tour of the CenturyMen into the Pacific Northwest was indeed a mission effort. It started with rehearsals on July 12 and 13 at the First Baptist Church of Tacoma, Washington and continued with a concert there on Wednesday, July 14 and a concert at the Life Center Church of Tacoma, Washington on Thursday, July 15. From there the CenturyMen traveled to Canada and did a concert at the St. Andrews Wesley Church in Vancouver, BC on Friday, July 16 and at Bethany Baptist Church in Redmand, BC on Saturday, July 17. There was a concert at the Chinese Baptist Church in Richmand on Sunday, July 18 and one at the Central Baptist Church in Victoria on Monday, July 19. Tuesday, July 20 was a travel day to return home. If you would like to access the CenturyMen website and see pictures of the men as they presented these concerts log on to TheCenturyMen.com and click on Tour.
It is so good to have Leesa Holloway back in the Choir. Leesa had major surgery recently and is now back with us as our Adult Choir President. Please pray for Leesa’s daughter who has returned from Portland, Oregon and will be applying for a teaching position as an elementary school teacher. Lindsey graduated from the University of Florida in December, 2009 with a Masters in Elementary Education. And while you are praying for Lindsey, please pray for my granddaughter, Jessica who recently graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She also has an education degree in Secondary Education with Mathematics as a major. She has a contract with the state of North Carolina to teach in that state for a period of four years after graduation.
On August 8, 2010 I will have my 77th birthday. Since this is on a Sunday, I am planning to put flowers in the church in honor of the Adult Choir.
Dennis Bucher

FROM THE BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE
During the first six months of 2010, the Benevolence Committee helped 19 people with various needs. Payments were made for electric bills, water bills, food cards and medicine. Total expenditures for these needs were $908.96. Also, $167.47 was spent for Assisted Living birthday flowers at the monthly get-togethers at Countryside and $45.71 was spent for extra food for Halifax Urban Ministries. (We purchase some food every month with our debit card so that we are exempt from the $27.00 bank service fee each month.) Contributions from Happy Dollars and Special Offerings totaled $1182.00. People are so thankful for our help. New Hope Baptist Church is truly blessed by this special ministry.
Jeanne Mathieson

BIBLE BUZZ
There will be a Fifth Sunday Assembly of all adult Bible study classes on August 29 at 9:45. Meet in the sanctuary for 15 minutes before class as teachers report on what each class is studying. If you are not currently attending Bible study, this is an excellent opportunity for fellowship and to hear what our adults are doing.
Teachers, please complete your independent study of the assigned books by mid-month and return them to Elaine Hardy so the books may be circulated to others. We will gather in early September to share what we have gleaned.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY
Ladies Bible Study meetings resume on August 3 at 7 pm in the church sanctuary. We will be studying Chapter 9, “Fear of Death – God as Redeemer”. Cindy Suprenant will lead the discussion and Freddie Conatser will provide dessert. Please join us.
Jeanne Mathieson