REFLECTIONS
AT THE BEGINNING OF 2011
This is a prayer that I heard long ago attributed to Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary General of the United Nations. “For all that has been thanks. To all that will be yes.” That prayer expresses the way I feel about the past and the future of our church.
As I look back over 2010, I am grateful to be pastor of New Hope. There is nothing like the local church when it is working the way it is supposed to work. When I hear members say that our church feels like their extended family, I believe we are doing what the church is supposed to do. When I saw the church members who came to Ben Bailey’s Memorial Service, I was glad for the support his family is receiving as we “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When Sharon Bailey told me that she looks forward to being in our Grief Support Group, I was glad that we are a church learning some new ways to expand its care.
As I look forward to 2011, I am enthusiastic and aware that there is a lot to be done to keep our church working the way it is supposed to. Here are a few things we will do this year. _ A new Real Love group will teach participants the nature of God’s love and how to make loving choices. _ Our Long Range Plan calls for the beginning of a Sunday School Class for young adults. I am working on it and hope to begin the class in February. It also calls on us to recruit and train enough new leaders of children and youth to achieve a ratio of one leader for every four students. _ We want to increase the number of church members pledging to give a tithe (10%) or more of their income to support our ministries.
_ We want to do training that helps members discover how they can best serve Christ in or through our church by using S.H.A.P.E. materials to show members their Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.
When you pray, thank God for all that has helped us see God’s love for us and say yes to the truth God will teach us in 2011. Bob
Monday, January 10, 2011
Missions
CBF Global Missions Offering Exceeds Goal
During the month of December New Hope members gave
$885 for the support of field personnel (missionaries) in the US and around the world. The goal set by the Missions Committee for the Global Missions Offering was $700
HUM
The need for canned and staple food items at local food banks is still great. We assist by bringing needed foods on the first Sunday of each month. Thanks to Trae Ford-Jones for delivering our donations.
Countryside Lakes ALF
Come celebrate birthdays with Countryside Lakes residents Wednesday, January 19. Two of our members are residents of the ALF and look forward to your visits.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
The new Grief Support Group, open to anyone in the community, begins on Tuesday, January 11 at 1:00 pm. This group will meet for 11 weeks, basing its discussions on the book, Understanding Your Grief. Pastor Mulkey is the leader. Call him at 386-717-5657 for more information.
S.H.A.P.E.
Discover Your Ministry
The next opportunity to participate in a one session seminar on discovering one’s gifts will be January 23, 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The seminar will be co-led by Dr. Mulkey and Shane Gaster. A sandwich supper will be provided. Books on the Book Exchange, such as Priests to Each Other, Christian Calling and Vocation and S.H.A.P.E. will give you a jump start.
During the month of December New Hope members gave
$885 for the support of field personnel (missionaries) in the US and around the world. The goal set by the Missions Committee for the Global Missions Offering was $700
HUM
The need for canned and staple food items at local food banks is still great. We assist by bringing needed foods on the first Sunday of each month. Thanks to Trae Ford-Jones for delivering our donations.
Countryside Lakes ALF
Come celebrate birthdays with Countryside Lakes residents Wednesday, January 19. Two of our members are residents of the ALF and look forward to your visits.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
The new Grief Support Group, open to anyone in the community, begins on Tuesday, January 11 at 1:00 pm. This group will meet for 11 weeks, basing its discussions on the book, Understanding Your Grief. Pastor Mulkey is the leader. Call him at 386-717-5657 for more information.
S.H.A.P.E.
Discover Your Ministry
The next opportunity to participate in a one session seminar on discovering one’s gifts will be January 23, 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The seminar will be co-led by Dr. Mulkey and Shane Gaster. A sandwich supper will be provided. Books on the Book Exchange, such as Priests to Each Other, Christian Calling and Vocation and S.H.A.P.E. will give you a jump start.
LADIES BIBLE STUDY TO RESUME
The next session for Ladies Bible Study will be on January 18 at 7 PM in the sanctuary. Dorothy Rollins will be leading discussion of chapter 5, “Personal Strength” in the book Embracing Your Strengths. Linda Manners will provide dessert. All women of the congregation are welcome.
LADIES LUNCHEON
Tuesday, January 25, 11:45 A.M.
Restaurant location TBA
Please let Linda Manners know if you plan to attend.
The next session for Ladies Bible Study will be on January 18 at 7 PM in the sanctuary. Dorothy Rollins will be leading discussion of chapter 5, “Personal Strength” in the book Embracing Your Strengths. Linda Manners will provide dessert. All women of the congregation are welcome.
LADIES LUNCHEON
Tuesday, January 25, 11:45 A.M.
Restaurant location TBA
Please let Linda Manners know if you plan to attend.
Music and Worship
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
The Age of Romanticism produced many contradictions in art, politics and religion. It was a time of emerging self- expression and individualism, and a time of breaking new ground, expanding musical horizons. Innovation marked the Romantics, and so did sentimentality. Few individuals personified these incongruities more completely than the pianist-composer Franz Liszt. On one hand Liszt was a fervent Christian all his life and even entered the priesthood when he was in his fifties. On the other hand, he was an incorrigible womanizer who careened from one glamorous affair to another, often with women who appeared to share his sincere religious outlook on life. Above all, he was a master musician-possibly the greatest virtuoso of his century, who from boyhood dazzled the adoring audiences of Europe. These internal inconsistencies wrestled within him throughout his long and colorful life.
As a child, Liszt’s favorite reading materials included the Bible, St. Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, and the apostles, he begged his mother to read from the Bible. The narrative of Christ’s Passion moved him to tears, and the simple ceremony of bedtime prayer brought him great comfort and joy. His pleading to enter the priesthood did not deter his parents who were both devout Roman Catholics. Instead his father told him, “You belong to music, not to religion. Love God, be good and honest, and you will reach the highest summits in art, a vocation for which the natural gifts Providence has bestowed upon you have destined you.” Liszt’s passion for God intensified at age 17, he pleaded tearfully to be allowed to enter the Paris Seminary. Despite all his religious fever, Liszt led a life of epic sensual self-indulgence. Throughout most of his adult life, Liszt participated in a series of celebrated love affairs.
Much has been written about the composer’s long romances with so little emphasis on his faith. It is true that Liszt never married, even after living for years with one lover after another and fathering several illegitimate children. He showed no outward sign of remorse or guilt over his affairs but he did suffer persistent inner turmoil and periods of depression. Perhaps Liszt found inner reconciliation when on April 25, 1865 he entered the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi in Rome and became Abbe Liszt. Later in life he confessed, “If it had not been for music, I should have devoted myself entirely to the church and would have become a Franciscan; it was my most innermost wish which led me to the church that I wished to serve.
After a glamorous career as the world’s greatest pianist, Liszt plunged into a life of startling austerity. Nevertheless, Liszt’s life did not end in Rome. After a few years of seclusion, he began to travel, teach piano students, and occasionally, even performed. All the proceeds of his concerts went to charity, no personal gain. Liszt remained an enigma to his last day, flirting with his students while in his seventies.
Dennis P. Bucher
REAL LOVE GROUP
Led by Cindy Suprenant
January 27, 7:00 PM
1935 Big Crane Loop
For more information call Cindy at 386-675-6277
THE CHURCH ETERNAL
Benjamin C. Bailey
December 30, 2010
BIBLE BUZZIf you are not involved in weekly Bible study, perhaps one of your New Year’s resolutions should be to become a part of a small group at New Hope. Ruth Bradley, Sunday School Director, says you will find lively, relevant discussion along with friendship and support for your faith journey. There are currently three adult Bible study classes meeting on Sunday mornings with a young adult class to begin in February, a Tuesday evening Ladies Bible study and a weekday group led by Boyd Frank at Royal Palm.
ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR
Jan. 11 Grief Support Group, 1:00 PM
Jan. 11 Church Council Meeting, 5:00 PM
Jan. 14 Deacons Luncheon at Olive Garden, 12:00 PM
Jan. 16 New Hope 101, 5-7:00 PM
Jan. 23 S.H.A.P.E., 5-7:00 PM
The Age of Romanticism produced many contradictions in art, politics and religion. It was a time of emerging self- expression and individualism, and a time of breaking new ground, expanding musical horizons. Innovation marked the Romantics, and so did sentimentality. Few individuals personified these incongruities more completely than the pianist-composer Franz Liszt. On one hand Liszt was a fervent Christian all his life and even entered the priesthood when he was in his fifties. On the other hand, he was an incorrigible womanizer who careened from one glamorous affair to another, often with women who appeared to share his sincere religious outlook on life. Above all, he was a master musician-possibly the greatest virtuoso of his century, who from boyhood dazzled the adoring audiences of Europe. These internal inconsistencies wrestled within him throughout his long and colorful life.
As a child, Liszt’s favorite reading materials included the Bible, St. Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, and the apostles, he begged his mother to read from the Bible. The narrative of Christ’s Passion moved him to tears, and the simple ceremony of bedtime prayer brought him great comfort and joy. His pleading to enter the priesthood did not deter his parents who were both devout Roman Catholics. Instead his father told him, “You belong to music, not to religion. Love God, be good and honest, and you will reach the highest summits in art, a vocation for which the natural gifts Providence has bestowed upon you have destined you.” Liszt’s passion for God intensified at age 17, he pleaded tearfully to be allowed to enter the Paris Seminary. Despite all his religious fever, Liszt led a life of epic sensual self-indulgence. Throughout most of his adult life, Liszt participated in a series of celebrated love affairs.
Much has been written about the composer’s long romances with so little emphasis on his faith. It is true that Liszt never married, even after living for years with one lover after another and fathering several illegitimate children. He showed no outward sign of remorse or guilt over his affairs but he did suffer persistent inner turmoil and periods of depression. Perhaps Liszt found inner reconciliation when on April 25, 1865 he entered the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi in Rome and became Abbe Liszt. Later in life he confessed, “If it had not been for music, I should have devoted myself entirely to the church and would have become a Franciscan; it was my most innermost wish which led me to the church that I wished to serve.
After a glamorous career as the world’s greatest pianist, Liszt plunged into a life of startling austerity. Nevertheless, Liszt’s life did not end in Rome. After a few years of seclusion, he began to travel, teach piano students, and occasionally, even performed. All the proceeds of his concerts went to charity, no personal gain. Liszt remained an enigma to his last day, flirting with his students while in his seventies.
Dennis P. Bucher
REAL LOVE GROUP
Led by Cindy Suprenant
January 27, 7:00 PM
1935 Big Crane Loop
For more information call Cindy at 386-675-6277
THE CHURCH ETERNAL
Benjamin C. Bailey
December 30, 2010
BIBLE BUZZIf you are not involved in weekly Bible study, perhaps one of your New Year’s resolutions should be to become a part of a small group at New Hope. Ruth Bradley, Sunday School Director, says you will find lively, relevant discussion along with friendship and support for your faith journey. There are currently three adult Bible study classes meeting on Sunday mornings with a young adult class to begin in February, a Tuesday evening Ladies Bible study and a weekday group led by Boyd Frank at Royal Palm.
ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR
Jan. 11 Grief Support Group, 1:00 PM
Jan. 11 Church Council Meeting, 5:00 PM
Jan. 14 Deacons Luncheon at Olive Garden, 12:00 PM
Jan. 16 New Hope 101, 5-7:00 PM
Jan. 23 S.H.A.P.E., 5-7:00 PM
Youth Update
Winter Jam 2011
Christian Concert at Jacksonville Memorial Arena Friday, January 14
Youth will need to meet at the church by 3:30 pm. Price is $10.00 cash at the door. There will be 10 Christian artist bands performing.
2011 Calendars are still available for $6.00 each. Proceeds go to the Children & Youth Ministries.
Cheryl Secunda
KID’S CONNECTION NEWS
Kid’s Connection resumes from the holiday vacation on Saturday, January 8, 2011. There will be a Field Trip on Saturday, January 22 to All Children’s Park located at 5959 Spruce Creek Road. We will leave the church at 10:00 am and return at 1:00 pm. There will be a cookout, play-ground, and games. Parents are encouraged to come and join us and also volunteer food for the cookout.
KIDS KLUB, AN AWANA MINISTRY
Good News for our Wednesday night children’s ministry. We are reinstating the Cubbies Clubbers for 3-5 year olds on January 12th. The yearly cost is $25.00 to cover a uniform vest and book.
Two of our youth, Jordan Valdez and Laurel Baillargeon, will be assisting me as Jr. Cubbies leaders. Other good news is that Toren Ford-Jones has been working David Gibbons, playing the AWANA games with the children on Wednesday night. He will be a Jr. Game leader. I would like to welcome and thank these three youth for their dedication in committing their time to working with the younger children.
AWANA Sponsorships Needed
If you would like to donate a $25.00 sponsorship for a child to join an AWANA Christian Children’s Club at New Hope please see Cheryl Secunda. Children learn about the Bible, memorize scripture, etc. The main goal is to lead a child to the Lord at a young age.
AWANA Theme Night, January 12
Funniest Looking Hat will be the theme for that night.
AWANA Point Store to be Open January 12Clubbers earn points for attendance, Bible verses learned, bringing their Bible, wearing their uniform shirt, inviting a friend, attending Sunday School, etc. Several times a year the children may spend the points earned at the AWANA Point Store run by Beth Gibbons.
Cheryl Secunda
Christian Concert at Jacksonville Memorial Arena Friday, January 14
Youth will need to meet at the church by 3:30 pm. Price is $10.00 cash at the door. There will be 10 Christian artist bands performing.
2011 Calendars are still available for $6.00 each. Proceeds go to the Children & Youth Ministries.
Cheryl Secunda
KID’S CONNECTION NEWS
Kid’s Connection resumes from the holiday vacation on Saturday, January 8, 2011. There will be a Field Trip on Saturday, January 22 to All Children’s Park located at 5959 Spruce Creek Road. We will leave the church at 10:00 am and return at 1:00 pm. There will be a cookout, play-ground, and games. Parents are encouraged to come and join us and also volunteer food for the cookout.
KIDS KLUB, AN AWANA MINISTRY
Good News for our Wednesday night children’s ministry. We are reinstating the Cubbies Clubbers for 3-5 year olds on January 12th. The yearly cost is $25.00 to cover a uniform vest and book.
Two of our youth, Jordan Valdez and Laurel Baillargeon, will be assisting me as Jr. Cubbies leaders. Other good news is that Toren Ford-Jones has been working David Gibbons, playing the AWANA games with the children on Wednesday night. He will be a Jr. Game leader. I would like to welcome and thank these three youth for their dedication in committing their time to working with the younger children.
AWANA Sponsorships Needed
If you would like to donate a $25.00 sponsorship for a child to join an AWANA Christian Children’s Club at New Hope please see Cheryl Secunda. Children learn about the Bible, memorize scripture, etc. The main goal is to lead a child to the Lord at a young age.
AWANA Theme Night, January 12
Funniest Looking Hat will be the theme for that night.
AWANA Point Store to be Open January 12Clubbers earn points for attendance, Bible verses learned, bringing their Bible, wearing their uniform shirt, inviting a friend, attending Sunday School, etc. Several times a year the children may spend the points earned at the AWANA Point Store run by Beth Gibbons.
Cheryl Secunda
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