Monday, April 2, 2012

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES
Choir Cantata
The Church Choir, under the leadership of Dennis Bucher, will present a cantata titled “The Triumphs of His Grace” tonight, April 1 at 5:30 PM. The choir has previewed some of the songs at recent Sunday services and we look forward to the full cantata.
Good Friday Service Noon - 3:00pm
Grace Episcopal Church, 4110 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange
The service will consist of meditations on "The Seven Last Words of Christ." Pastor Mulkey will speak on "Today you will be with me in Paradise," and Dennis Bucher will sing "Eternal Life."

REFLECTIONS: THE GROWTH OF NEW HOPE
On Sunday, March 25th, five people who are interested in our church and attending faithfully were with me for New Hope 101. We had some lively discussion. I appreciated their interest in where our church is headed. One thing that I've been thinking about lately became very clear in that conversation. Our church needs to become a "program church." We need more small groups. We need more Bible study groups. We need to find more ways to involve our members in the ministry of our church.

New Hope is no longer a "pastor-centered" church. That is, everything cannot be done by the pastor. That has always been true, of course, but it is becoming more and more true as we grow.

Recently, I had coffee with my friend Sonny Gallman, Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Daytona Beach. When he asked me how we are doing at New Hope, I told him, "We are becoming a program church." Sonny said that we seem to be among the few churches that are growing. I think he's right. And we are going to need to continue to expand not only our facilities but also our leadership and our ministries in order to continue to reach new people for Christ. When you pray, ask God to help us find the leaders with the right mix of spiritual gifts and abilities to lead the ministry programs we will develop at New Hope.
Bob

APRIL SERMONS
April 1 We Need a King, Mark 11:1-11
April 8 Scary Good News. Mark 16:1-8
April 15 One Heart, One Mind, One Pocketbook, Acts 4:32-35
April 22 It’s Time to Turn to Face God, Acts 3:12-19
April 29 No Keeping Quiet, Acts 4:5-12

MISSIONS
Feed 5,000

New Hope members donated a total of $1300 last month to Halifax Urban Ministries in our “Feed 5,000” mission effort. HUM can feed 5,000 for $715. A HUM repre- sentative will present a Certificate of Recognition to the church on Sunday, April 15, at the 11:00 AM service.
Food Donations
For those new to the area: We at New Hope collect canned goods and staple food items on the first Sunday of each month for Halifax Urban Ministries. HUM was founded in 1980 by the Halifax Area Ministerial Association. From its beginning it has served as a direct extension of local faith communities by developing community outreach programs. Since 1990 HUM has taken a leadership role in developing services for and advocating for the homeless and poor of our community. The prime mission is to prevent homelessness through the distribution of food and emergency financial support.
Countryside Lakes ALF
We are praying for rain, but don’t let April showers keep you from visiting birthday celebrants at the assisted living facility on Wednesday, April 18. Let’s shower them with love.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
New Hymnals
New hymnals called Celebrating Grace have been ordered for our church. "Released in 2010, this hymnal is a rich collection of time honored hymns and new expressions of the Christian faith. It glorifies God and encourages strong worship and singing. It is current but not trendy. The Celebrating Grace Hymnal includes classic hymns, new hymns, congregational songs, scripture songs, and worship readings. The Celebrating Grace Hymnal is a comprehensive and practical worship resource."

These new hymnals are being placed in our sanctuary in memory of Lou Herouart who sang in New Hope's choir for many years, served as chairman of deacons, and loved to take pictures for us. New Hope Baptist Church has received $1247 in memorials for Lou.
Dennis Bucher

Choir Party
The choir members will come together on April 14 at Leesa and George Holloway's home for a cookout. They will be honoring our winter members before they migrate back north.

ART AND CRAFT WALK
and BAKE SALE

Sunday, April 15, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
The purpose of the upcoming Art and Craft Walk is to celebrate the gifts with which God has blessed us. If you paint, quilt, make jewelry, do cross stitch or woodworking sign up soon to display your work. So far entries include photography, painting, pastels, sewing and stained glass. It’s going to be an interesting, free drop-in afternoon for our church and the community. Invite your friends and neighbors.

Don Seebold is donating small wooden handcrafted wishing wells for sale at the event. Artists, if you would like to donate an item, see Elaine Hardy for details. You may donate an item outright or choose 50/50 which would allow you to recoup expenses for your materials.

We also need donated baked goods for the Bake Sale. Proceeds will benefit New Hope’s Building Fund. Please sign up on the poster at the rear of the sanctuary
Elaine Hardy & Kathy Stryker

POTPOURRI
Want to be “connected” more frequently than the monthly newsletter? Give your e-mail addy to Judy Hutchinson. Judy mails HUM reminders and other memos during the month. Her address is Jhutchinson9@cfl.rr.com.
Thanks to Leesa Holloway, the youth and their parents and all participants in Sunday Night Live last month. What an enjoyable evening!
It’s not Christmas in July, but we are starting early to cross stitch Chrismons (Christian symbols) for use on a tree in the sanctuary during the Christmas season. See Wanda Buchanan for patterns. If you don’t cross stitch, you may help by having the ornaments framed.
Did you know New Hope is on Facebook?
Earth Day is April 22. Do you recycle, repurpose and reuse? Are you a good steward of the resources God has given?
The next opportunity to participate in New Hope 101 will be April 29 at 4:00 PM. This is a one session introduction to Baptists and to New Hope Baptist Church taught by the pastor open to new members or anyone interested in learning more about the church.
The Planning Committee has met with two companies regarding a modular building to house four classrooms. Drawings and details will be brought to a business meeting.


STEPPING STONES ON THE JOURNEY
Pastor Mulkey has been teaching us to think about Heaven as all around us, not as some distant place “up there.” He has also been talking about living in the Kingdom of God here and now, not just in the next life. I have started to picture life in a different way. The Kingdom of God is a large house—a mansion, the Bible tells us. In this life we are confined to one small room with one tiny window that lets in a little light and gives us a glimpse now and then of the bigger world. It’s a wonderful room, and we are quite happy there, but we know much more exists beyond it. At the moment that this life ends, a door opens and we step through the doorway into the rest of the mansion, with all of its immense splendor that we could barely imagine before. It is full of light and beautiful music and a sumptuous banquet prepared to celebrate our arrival. Best of all, our dear Jesus stands with open arms to welcome us into the fullness of eternal life with Him. All past pain, sorrow, fear and worry are forgotten, and we are ready to experience fully all the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This image has relieved me of all uncertainty about death. I pray it gives you a new assurance as well.
A Fellow Traveler
“Where Did You Get That Shirt?”
That was the question Bill Batchelor heard while sporting his New Hope shirt at a recent Wednesday night supper. In response Janice Rising will be placing a new order for tees soon. There will be an order sheet and a sample of what the shirts will look like on the bulletin board. Children’s sizes and adults through XXL will be available. The color choices will be blue, green, purple and white. Cost will be determined based on the number of shirts ordered. (Several years ago they were only $5.00)

LADIES LUNCH
April 24, 2012, 11:45 AM
D. B. Pickles Deli and Bakery,
Ormond Beach

Healing Music,
Wednesdays 12:15-12:45
All Saints Lutheran Church
April 4 Wanda Ross, piano
April 11 Barbara Kaufmann, organ
April 18 Casey Baker, piano
April 25 Judy Brown, piano; Host: Dennis Bucher

CBF Florida’s 2012 Annual Spring Celebration
April 27-28 at First Baptist Church, Gainesville

WHAT’S COOKING?
Easy Spring Salad
1-5 oz. bag of Spring Mix salad blend
8 oz. strawberries, sliced
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
Hormel bacon bits or real bacon pieces
or chopped pecans
raspberry vinaigrette dressing
Optional: Feta cheese
Top salad greens with sliced strawberries and oranges. Add either bacon pieces or chopped pecans. Drizzle individual servings with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Serves 4.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
EASTER EGG HUNT PLANNED
There will be a children’s Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday after the 11 o'clock worship service. Anyone who would like to contribute decorated or plastic eggs may do so. New Hope’s youth will be in charge of hiding the Easter eggs. Light refreshments will be served.

OPERATION OVERBOARD
Mark your calendar and save the dates! The week of June 25-28 promises to bring lots of fun and excitement to New Hope Baptist as Operation Overboard Vacation Bible School gets underway. Details for ways members can be involved will be in the May edition of Connections.

YOUTH UPDATE

The youth will be taking an active role in leading the worship service on Sunday morning, April 15, at the 11 AM service. They will also be providing special music during this service.

EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES
We expect a large crowd on Easter Sunday and would appreciate some members who normally attend the 11:00 AM service to worship at 9:00 that morning. This will allow more seats for guests at the second service. The 9:00 o’clock service will be a full hour and with a small choir.

Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday morning, March 31, to weed, plant and spiff up the grounds for the Easter season.

Monday, March 5, 2012

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE
Where can you go for $5 for dinner and a show? Right here at New Hope Baptist Church on Sunday, March 11, 5:00 PM. There will be lots of food, talent, laughter and fun to be shared! Get your tickets today for Sunday Night Live Dinner and Talent Show. The New Hope Youth are sponsoring the event in hopes of raising funds for upcoming missions and special projects. Tickets are $5 per person. If you would like to perform, please sign up to share your talent.
Leesa Holloway

FEED 5,000
As a follow-up to a recent Bible study lesson on feeding 5,000, envelopes for donations to Halifax Urban Ministries were distributed on February 26. This is an extra ministry effort to feed hungry folks in our area suggested by Joe Meredith. A $1.00 contribution will buy enough food for 7 meals. HUM can feed 5,000 people for $715. Be a part of this cooperative effort by making a contribution today. Make your check payable to New Hope Baptist Church.

LENTEN SEASON HAS BEGUN
Lent, a time of meditation on the death and resurrection of Christ, began February 22 and continues to Saturday, April 7. Special daily Lenten devotionals may be found online at www.journeytothecross.org.

SPRING FORWARD MARCH 11
Set Clock Ahead One Hour

CBF Florida's 2012 Annual Spring Celebration
April 27-28 at First Baptist Church, Gainesville


BOOK EXCHANGE
New on the shelves:
1. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, a biography by Eric Metaxas
2. To Our Children’s Children, Preserving Family Histories for Generations to Come, Greene and Fulford. If scrapbooking is not your thing, suggestions from this guide for a gift of personal history for your descendants may be helpful.
3. Historical fiction Ruby and Pearl by Christian author Lauraine Snelling.

THE CHURCH ETERNAL
Louis Edward Herouart
August 20, 1933 – February 23, 2012

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
Easter Cantata
On Sunday, April 1 at 5:30 PM the Adult Choir will present a cantata for the Easter season titled “The Triumphs of His Grace” created and arranged by Marty Parks. It includes songs like “All Eyes on the Cross,” “Midnight on Olive’s Brow,” “How Beautiful” and “And with His Stripes We are Healed.” Our soloists include Wanda Buchanan, Pat Dugan and Bill Walker.

Daytona Beach Symphony Society
Before leaving Daytona Beach to go to Los Angeles, California, Armand Melnbardis very graciously gave me several complimentary tickets to attend concerts of the Daytona Beach Symphony. Already I have attended three concerts including a presentation of SLEEPING BEAUTY by the Moscow Festival Ballet and Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA. All of the concerts are in the Daytona Beach Peabody Auditorium. I am looking forward to the NORDWEST DEUTSCHE PHILHARMONIE. With Amit Peled, Cello on March 19 and the JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY with Antti Siirala, piano, on April 1.

I have heard from Armand since he left as have some of you. The latest news is that he has attended a Real Love group in Long Beach and a Real Love introductory class at Lydia Mulkey’s church, Hollywood Hills Congrega- tional Church. He is presently teaching on-line and has a number of violin students.

Music for Healing
All Saints Lutheran Church
March 7 Musician, Judy Brown, piano
March 14 Musician, Don Roy, organ
March 21 Musician, Joan Hines/Amy Rutledge, hammered dulcimers/guitar
March 28 Musician, Vita Fortin, piano; Host, Dennis Bucher
Dennis Bucher

NEW HOPE 101
An introduction to Baptist beliefs and to New Hope Baptist Church will be led by Dr. Mulkey on Sunday, March 25, at 4:30 PM. New members and regular visitors are encouraged to participate. Current members are invited to attend to support new members.

MISSIONS
Halifax Urban Ministries
Unemployment, foreclosures and rising gas prices: All of these are sending Daytona Beach residents who donated to HUM in the past to now ask for assistance for themselves. New Hope is helping to stock HUM’s shelves with staple and canned food items to offer a little relief to these financially stressed families. Thank you for your donations each month. If you are able, add a little extra with the Feed 5,000 envelopes provided.

Countryside Lakes ALF

Let the March winds blow you into the assisted living facility on March 21 at noon to spread a little joy among March birthday celebrants.

Help Yourself
Our In-House Food Pantry is located in the choir robe room. Soups, spaghetti sauces, mac and cheese, etc. are there for the taking if you have a need for your family.

STEPPING STONES ON THE JOURNEY
Editor’s Note: This month we introduce a new feature, a brief devotional written by one of our members.
Pastor Mulkey has been teaching us to think about Heaven as all around us, not as some distant place “up there.” He has also been talking about living in the Kingdom of God here and now, not just in the next life. I have started to picture life in a different way. The Kingdom of God is a large house—a mansion, the Bible tells us. In this life we are confined to one small room with one tiny window that lets in a little light and gives us a glimpse now and then of the bigger world. It’s a wonderful room, and we are quite happy there, but we know much more exists beyond it. At the moment that this life ends, a door opens and we step through the doorway into the rest of the mansion, with all of its immense splendor that we could barely imagine before. It is full of light and beautiful music and a sumptuous banquet prepared to celebrate our arrival. Best of all, our dear Jesus stands with open arms to welcome us into the fullness of eternal life with Him. All past pain, sorrow, fear and worry are forgotten, and we are ready to experience fully all the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This image has relieved me of all uncertainty about death. I pray it gives you a new assurance as well.
A Fellow Traveler

CHRISMONS TO BE CREATED
If you enjoy counted cross stitch, your skill is needed in making Chrismons (Christian symbol ornaments) for New Hope’s Christmas tree this year. There are 55 patterns from which to choose. Each Chrismon is 4” tall. Crafters are asked to purchase their own material and thread, but the pattern and legend will be provided. We are starting early to ensure a beautiful tree for the sanctuary during the Christmas season. See Wanda Buchanan if you are interested.

SCRAPBOOK GROUP MEETING BI-WEEKLY
The newly formed Scrapbook group meets next on March 15 from 6:30-9:00 PM in the choir room. The group is open to all ages, teen to seniors, male and female. Come join the fun! For more information contact Dusti Heil @ 898-1122 or Paula Seebold @ 761-7456.

“WHERE’S THE FILM REVIEW?”
Sandra Kleinschmidt is taking a brief hiatus due to course work, but her reviews will return on an occasional basis as her schedule allows.

LADIES LUNCH
March 27, 11:45 AM
Restaurant location TBA

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY
While there are no O’Malleys, O’Haras or Fitzpatricks among our congregation, everyone is Irish on March 17.

May the sun shine all day long,
everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
and may all the wishes you wish come true!

MEN’S BREAKFAST
A great time was had by all at the Men's Breakfast in February. Not only did Shane Gaster somehow convert the benediction into a full history of NASCAR, we were also treated to a culinary demo by the Celebrity Pancake Chef pictured above.

Join us on Saturday, March 17 at 8:00 AM when Dalton (Sausage King) Kirk serves his famous St. Paddy's "Artery Busters."

WHAT’S COOKING?
Does your family have a favorite Easter dish, a unique way of dying eggs or a special spring salad or dessert? If so, submit it any time this month for the April issue of Connections.

SPRING ART WALK
April 15, 2012
To celebrate the varied gifts God has given us, there will be an afternoon Art & Craft Walk on Sunday, April 15. Members, regular visitors and winter visitors are invited to enter their work. Do you paint, throw pots, crochet or make stained glass? We are looking for:
Oil and water color artists, Quilters
Wood workers, Photographers
Jewelry makers, Seamstresses
Scrapbookers, Card makers, Calligraphers &
Floral arrangers

This unique New Hope event will be a “drop in” from 3:00 – 5:00 PM open to the community. More details to follow.

Monday, February 6, 2012

MORTGAGE BURNING
New Hope will celebrate with a "Mortgage Burning Ceremony" on Sunday, February 19. Charter members Garfield and Erma Dreas, Lois Cox and Ruth Bradley are the core of the planning committee. This promises to be a joy-filled historic day for our congregation.
SHANE GASTER TO PREACH FEBRUARY 12
Chaplain Shane Gaster will be in the pulpit during Dr. Mulkey’s absence next Sunday. His sermon will be an encore of a message from a recent Men’s Breakfast which Dr. Mulkey wanted the entire congregation to hear.
NEW HOPE 101
Do you know what Baptists believe? Do you know what church membership involves or anything about New Hope’s history? These questions and more will be answered by Dr. Mulkey on Sunday afternoon, Feb.19 at 4:00 PM. This teaching time is for new members, visitors or other
“inquiring minds.” A sandwich meal will be provided.

MISSIONS
New Inreach Ministry
“Help Yourself”

Too much month at the end of the money? As a church we want to “reach in” to our own folks in addition to the food donations we bring for Halifax Urban Ministries. To that end, we have instituted a program we will call “Help Yourself.” As you are able, please bring staple food items for our pantry. If you find yourself in need of some groceries to tide you over until payday, you will find a pantry with cloth grocery bags in the Choir robe room. Please “help yourself.” Go to the pantry, fill a bag with groceries, and know that it is the response of your own church making sure you have something to eat if you are in a difficult situation. There is no form to fill out, no questions asked, no money needed later to reimburse the church. It’s for you – it’s for us.

We ask that you do not take a bag of groceries for someone else. If your neighbor needs some assistance, direct them to HUM.
Shane Gaster
Additional Ministry of Assistance
This past year, the Church Council approved a line item in the budget to provide each deacon with gift cards to Wal Mart. If you find yourself in a tight spot, and need some assistance, please call your deacon. He/she will provide you with that card immediately, no questions asked. It’s not a loan – it’s a gift. Receive it if you need it.

All members of the church have a deacon assigned to them. If you do not know who your deacon is, the list is posted on the bulletin board in the rear of the sanctuary.
Shane Gaster

Halifax Urban Ministries
What a caring group you are! Your donations of canned goods, cereals, baby foods and paper goods fill an entire car trunk on the first Sunday of each month for delivery to Halifax Urban Ministries. These items feed local struggling families who contact HUM. That number has grown significantly over the past year with the result that HUM shelves frequently are sparsely filled. Your continued donations are a blessing to these families.

Country Side Lakes ALF
Come show a little love to the assisted living residents celebrating birthdays during Valentine month on Wednesday, February 15 at noon. Your visits, smiles and hugs are always appreciated.
Bill Batchelor

Benevolence Offering
The Benevolence Committee would like to thank everyone for their generous contributions during the past year. During 2011, we collected $2708.61 and we spent $2629.50 helping 45 people with various types of needs, such as food, rent, FPL, water, clothing, etc. Everyone we helped was so very grateful for our aid.
Jeanne Mathieson

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
Cantata Scheduled for April 1
The Choir is preparing an Easter Cantata on Wednesday nights and I would like to invite those who are interested in singing with us to meet for rehearsal at 7:30 PM. THE TRIUMPHS OF HIS GRACE by Marty Parks is taken from Charles Wesley’s immortal hymn “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and it involves choir selections and multiple solo/duet opportunities that sing about Christ’s victory over death and the grave.

While this preparation is going on, I have been dealing with eye surgery on my right eye and eventually on the left eye. I am seeing so much better already. I want to thank the pastor and the church for allowing me the time away from my responsibilities to take care of this matter.

Once again, I am participating in the Choral Union of Stetson University and we are preparing two major works for presentation on Tuesday, April 24. The first is a work by Beethovan featuring Michael Rickman, pianist and the second is Franz Joseph Hayden’s MASS IN TIME OF WAR in C Major for Soli, Chorus and Orchestra.

Lenten Season
On Wednesday, February 22, the season of Lent begins with ASH WEDNESDAY. During this time the drape on the cross will be violet (purple) and will remain this way through Holy Week (the week prior to Easter) which will be April 8.

Daytona Solisti Chamber Orchestra
February 19, 2012, 3:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church, Daytona Beach
Romancing the Strings
Ernest Murphy, Tenor
Vivaldi, Mozart and Mendelssohn
Dennis Bucher

LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, February 28, 11:45 AM
Caribbean Jacks on the river
(Ballough Road just south of the Seabreeze Bridge)
With rising gas prices, let’s plan to car pool.
I will need a head count by the Sunday prior.
Linda Manners

MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, February 18, 8:00 AM
If you are bringing visitors/guests,
please notify Dalton Kirk.

ON THE BOOK SHELVES
If you are enjoying Dr. Mulkey’s sermon series based on Greg Baer’s book Real Love, it is on our shelves. Also added recently is The Fundamentalist Takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention for those from non-Baptist backgrounds interested in knowing why the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship was begun.

Did you receive a share-worthy book for Christmas? If so, consider adding it to our shelves.
Elaine Hardy

SCRAPBOOK GROUP FORMS
A new fun and fellowship group built around pictures and memories began last Thursday evening. This group is open to both anyone interested in learning to Scrapbook or those experienced in this activity. The group will meet alternate weeks on Thursdays from 6:30-9:00 PM in the Choir robe room. Experienced scrappers, we would appreciate your bringing a finished book or one in progress to show those new to the craft. The next meeting will be February 16. For more information contact Dusti Heil @ 898-1122 or Paula Seebold @ 761-7456.

A WORD ABOUT THE
CHILDREN’S SERMON

Two suggestions have come my way—that the children sit on the platform during the children’s sermon and that their responses be on mic. I have declined for the following reasons. While the children are cute and you want to see and hear them, the children’s time in worship is not a performance. Their attention needs to be focused on the objects and ideas presented without the distraction of seeing your responses. The sermon is designed to be age-appropriate for our young children, therefore it may seem simplistic or repetitive to you. It is a way to include them as welcome participants in the service. When appropriate, Dr. Mulkey’s text for the day is used. While I speak to the children not the congregation, hopefully it enhances the service for the entire body.
Elaine Hardy

RECIPE
Ham and Cheese Chowder
Mary Huber
3 c water 4 medium potatoes, diced
1 c thin sliced carrots 2 t salt
1 c thin sliced celery ¼ t pepper
½ c diced onion
Simmer until tender.
White sauce:
½ c margarine
1 qt. milk
½ c flour
Add 2 c diced ham
1 lb. grated sharp cheese
After the vegetables are tender, pour the remaining ingredients in and season with parsley. Yield: 8-10 servings.

BIBLE BUZZ
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Can you complete these Bible couples? (Answers may be found at the bottom of the page.)
1. Abraham and ___________________________?
2. Ahasuerus
3. Isaac
4. Moses
5. Jacob
6. Boaz
7. David
8. Ahab
9. Zacharias
10. Aquila

YOUTH UPDATE
Trivia Question: What do trombones, a keyboard, and two violins have in common? Our New Hope Baptist youth musicians! They are working on two well known hymns to present during an upcoming talent show and spaghetti dinner. What talent do you have to share? Brush off the old instruments, bring out the soft shoe, perfect the timing on a couple of jokes and get set for "Spring Fling" on March 11. The young people are looking for participants in this entertaining event - be ready! Details of this fun event will follow in the March edition of Connections.

Our teens are also practicing to lead Wednesday prayer meeting in a couple of praise songs beginning in mid-February.

Ask any one of them who was the big winner of Wii game night this past Friday night. Fun was had by all.
Leesa Holloway

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, February 7, 1:00 PM
Led by Dr. Mulkey
If you have a neighbor or friend dealing with grief, please let them know of this support group. The group will be using the book Understanding Your Grief.

A LOOK BACK
► February 2007 Attendance at the morning worship service averaged 71
► February 2008 By-Laws were revised; We began providing Children’s Church for K-4th grade during the worship service
► February 2009 Dennis Bucher and Armand Melnbardis were honored for 10+ years of musical service at New Hope; The Church Health Team (now Long Range Planning Committee) sponsored a “Night to Dream;” Cub Scout Pack 475 joined us in worship
► February 2010 The first 9:00 AM worship service was held; A Grief Support Group was offered; Winter Visitors were honored at a Snowbird Evening.
► February 2011 The Young Adult Bible Study Class began.

FLOWER CALENDAR
If you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special anniversary or occasion, sign up on the flower calendar on the bulletin board. As the date approaches, give particulars to Wanda Buchanan for the Sunday bulletin.

IN HOUSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE
• One or two volunteers are needed to assist Lois Cox on Saturdays replacing offering envelopes, pens, visitor cards, etc. in the chair pockets. If you live close to the church and can spare 30-45 minutes, please see Lois for times.
• A signup sheet is being circulated for nursery workers on Wednesday nights. Volunteers are needed if we are to offer this service. See Kathy Stryker if you can serve on a rotation basis.
• Do you have a green thumb? Weeding of the plant beds and watering flowering plants can be done on a “drop by” basis as it suits your schedule. Planting flowers which will bloom around Easter time would enhance our Taylor Road church sign.

♥ Answers to Bible Quiz ♥
1. Sarah 6. Ruth
2. Esther 7. Michal & Abigail
3. Rebekah 8. Jezebel
4. Zipporah 9. Elizabeth
5. Rachel 10. Priscilla

Monday, January 9, 2012

NEW HOPE 101
An introduction to Baptists and
New Hope Church led by Dr. Mulkey
January 22, 4:00 PM
Sandwich supper provided.

Happy New Year


And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.

Minnie L. Haskins

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Offering for State and Global Missions Tallied
During the month of December New Hope members gave a total of $755 for mission efforts in the state of Florida and to support global field personnel. Your generosity joins that of other Fellowship churches to be the presence of Christ around the world.
Also during 2011 we gave the following amounts for relief efforts:
Japan Crisis $870
Alabama tornadoes $574
Horn of Africa $584
Halifax Urban Ministries
New Hope women packed 140 boxes of home baked Christmas cookies mid-December for individual gifts to the homeless served by HUM. Monthly food donations continue as an urgent need.
Countryside Lakes ALF
Come visit with residents celebrating January birthdays on Wednesday, January 18 at noon.

NEW HOPE 101

MEN’S BREAKFAST
Men of the congregation will fellowship together on Saturday, January 21, at 8:00 AM. Men, if you are inviting friends or neighbors, please notify Dalton Kirk so that we may have a rough head count.

LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, January 24, 11:45 AM
Restaurant location to be announced.

BOOK EXCHANGE
New on Our Shelves
►Are you “Tebowing?” Whether you agree or disagree with the sportswriters about Tim Tebow’s ability in the NFL, you may enjoy his book Through My Eyes. “Taking you from his first week of Pop Warner practice to his record-setting career at Florida, to his rookie season in Denver, Tebow talks about his biggest wins and most frustrating losses, showing how through both triumph and defeat he has grown as a leader, as a person, and as a follower of Jesus Christ. What emerges is a captivating portrait of a man whose passions demand the best from teammates, whose words inspire faith in others, and whose heart leaves everything on the field.” From the book jacket blurb.
►A Sister’s Hope by Wanda Brunstetter, book three of the Sisters of Holmes County series set in an Ohio Amish community. Note: All three books are available in our mini library.

WHAT’S COOKING?
Cranberry Supreme Salad
Aloma Briggs
1 3 oz. pkg. raspberry gelatin
1 3 oz. pkg. lemon gelatin
2 cups boiling water, divided
1 16 oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 can (8 ½ oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup miniature marshmallows
Dissolve raspberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stir in cranberry sauce. Pour into oiled 1 ½ qt round mold. Chill until set. Dissolve lemon gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, set aside. Beat cream cheese and mayo. Gradually add lemon gelatin. Stir in pineapple. Chill partially. Whip cream, fold into lemon mix. Add marshmallows. Spread on top of cranberry. Chill until set. Serves 12.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
The Liturgical Colors
As God has flooded earth and sky with color, so the Church has sensed the symbolic use of color in its worship. As dominating colors in nature change with the season of the fourfold year, so in the Church year there is a structured change in the liturgical colors. This sequence of liturgical colors has a principal role in Christian visual education, in teaching the Gospel through the eye.

WHITE symbolizing joy, purity and truth is used on Sundays and Christmas and on all Solemnities except Pentecost when red is used.

RED the color of fire and blood is used on Pentecost.

GREEN the color of living things and of God’s creation is used on the Sundays in the season after Epiphany and Pentecost.

VIOLET symbolizing penitence and expectation is used in the seasons of Advent and Lent.

BLACK represents deep sorrow. It is used on Good Friday.
The Church Year
At New Hope Baptist Church, we observe the Church Year which is as old as the Resurrection of our Lord and as new as the latest revisions. The four weeks of Advent (“Coming”) are devoted to the preparation of Christmas and his second coming in majesty to judge the world. Then, following the events of his earthly ministry we celebrate his Death, Resurrection and Ascension and the descent of Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The second half of the Church Year is co-ordinate with the first since it celebrates the continuing work of Christ in His Church by the Spirit.
Adapted from The Kalendar

Thanks
I would like to thank the Choir for their preparation and presentation of Advent and Christmas music. I especially want to thank Leesa Holloway for the tapes of the Cantata that she made for the choir to help us learn the music. I want to thank Mary Ellen Galloway for her support at the piano during this Christmas season. As always, I want to thank Cary Sue Frank for her voluntary contribution to our children’s choir on Wednesday evenings and to the 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday mornings as our pianist.
Dennis Bucher

YOUTH UPDATE
There will be a meeting of New Hope youth, their leaders and parents on Sunday evening, January 8, to discuss goals for 2012 and the future. If you have suggestions for our youth program, feel free to sit in on this session at 5:00 PM. Four of our youth group will be attending the Hope Event, a weekend retreat, on the Stetson campus January 27-29.
Leesa Holloway

UPCOMING CELEBRATORY EVENT
MORTGAGE BURNING CEREMONY
FEBRUARY 19, 2012


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

ADVENT SEASON HAS BEGUN
The Call to Worship last Sunday began “Make ready a pathway for our God!” and ended with “For Christ is coming!” Each Sunday this month we will light candles in the Advent wreath and sing much beloved carols as we look forward to His coming.
Advent Devotionals
Special daily meditations for the Advent season sponsored by CBF may be found at:
followingthestar.org

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL
The New Hope Choir, led by Dennis Bucher and accompanied by Mary Ellen Galloway, will present a Christmas musical on Sunday evening, December 18 at 6:30 PM. Invite your friends and neighbors.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHTING SERVICE
The annual service of candles and carols will be Saturday, December 24 at 6:30 PM. Dr. Mulkey’s son and daughter, John Marc and Lydia Mulkey, will be singing. A time of fellowship will follow the service. If you have a favorite Christmas cookie, please bring a dozen to share.

CHRISTMAS DRAMA
A Christmas skit to be performed by the youth of New Hope led by Leesa Holloway is “in the works” for the night of the Choir musical.

CBF OFFERING FOR GLOBAL MISSIONS and STATE MISSIONS
Plan now to make the annual missions offerings a part of your Christmas giving. Earlier this year the Missions Committee suggested combining the state and global offerings for 2011. This will be divided between CBF work in our state and support for global field personnel.
Dr. Mulkey will be showing brief mission videos on Wednesday evenings throughout December. Special envelopes for the offering will be available and will be collected through Christmas morning.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
As in previous years, a portion of the large bulletin board will be reserved for your greetings to the church family. Just use the push pins provided to attach your card.

LADIES LUNCH AND GIFT EXCHANGELadies, pull out that festive Christmas sweater or vest and join us for the Ladies Lunch on December 15, 11:45 AM at Vince Carter’s Restaurant on LPGA Blvd. Please bring a small gift or ornament, not to exceed $6-8.00, for the gift exchange. I have reserved the Owner’s Box, but would appreciate a head count by Sunday, December 11.
Linda Manners

SHOEBOX GIFTS WINGING THEIR WAY
Olivia McDougald reports, “There were 20 boxes for Samaritan’s Purse, 2 for local children and 2 checks totaling $20 for 10 Jesus loves me lambs.” We salute New Hope youth, led by Don and Paula Seebold, who filled 12 shoeboxes!

COOKIES FOR HUM
Cookie gifts for the homeless served by Halifax Urban Ministries need to be brought to the church on December 11 and placed on the table at the rear of the sanctuary. We will package the cookies in individual containers (Chinese takeout boxes decorated by New Hope youth) immediately after the 11:00 o’clock service and box them for transport to the Bay Street facility.

Thank you for your continued generosity in donating staple food items each month to those less fortunate. Canned goods including soup, stews, spaghetti sauce and baby food would be good choices right now.
Judy Hutchinson

COUNTRYSIDE LAKES ALF
Yes it’s a busy month, but we will be visiting Country-side Lakes residents celebrating December birthdays
on Wednesday, December 21 at noon. One of our own, Janelle Steen, has a birthday that week.
Bill Batchelor

2012 BUDGET APPROVED
The church in conference on Wednesday, November 30, adopted the 2012 budget of $140,985. Tithes and offerings in 2011 have exceeded budget requirements for the first time in many years. To date 31commitment cards from individuals and families have been collected with $89,352 committed for next year.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
Events to Remember in December

Dec. 4 On the second Sunday in Advent Ben Collins will be with us and will sing at the 11:00 AM worship service. Leesa Holloway and I will sing the duet “Emmanuel” at the 9:00 AM service.
Dec. 18 The Choir will present a Christmas musical at 6:30 PM.
Dec. 24 Annual Candle lighting service, 6:30 PM.
Dec. 25 We will have only one service at 11:00 AM.

I would like to remind you of the many beautiful songs and hymns of Advent and Christmas. I am listing several with the stories of their writing. Please know that at this special time of the year, my wish for you and yours is “have a very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.”

“Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus” Charles Wesley’s fine Advent hymn appeared in the little book Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord in 1744. Because it was not included in the 1780 collection of Hymns for the Use of People called Methodists, it disappeared from English Wesleyan use until the revised edition of 1875. It first appeared in a Southern Baptist hymnal in 1956 where the first word is Hail instead of Come.

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” This hymn is drawn from a group of seven medieval Latin texts known as the “Great” or “O” Antiphons, from the fact that each opens with the word “O.” The original prose versions of the antiphons date from the ninth century, or earlier. One antiphon was to be sung before or after the Magnificat at Vespers on each of the seven days from December 17 to 23. The antiphons were turned into Latin verse probably during the 12th century. John Mason Neale’s translations were turned into Latin verse and published in 1710.

“Emmanuel” The words and music for this song were written by Bob McGee about 1975. The author/composer has stated he was preparing for an interchurch family camp. While he was in prayer, the words and the music began forming in his mind. The first publication in a Southern Baptist hymnal was in 1991. The hymn tune McGee is named for the composer.

“Joy to the World! The Lord is Come.” Perhaps the most significant attempt to make David sing like a Christian was Isaac Watts’ Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament. (London, 1719) Antioch, the hymn tune is adapted from Handel’s MESSIAH.
Dennis Bucher

DECEMBER SERMONS
Dec. 4 Prepare the Way of the Lord, Isaiah 40:1-11; Philippians 2:9-11
Dec. 11 Heal the Heartbroken, Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:18-21
Dec. 18 The House of Grace, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:26-38
Dec. 25 A Light to Walk By, Isaiah 9:2-7; John 1:1-9
Jan. 1 Crying Out, “Papa! Father!” Galatians 4:4-7

HEALING MUSIC
All Saints Lutheran Church, Dunlawton Avenue
Wednesdays, 12:15-12:45
♫ Dec. 7 Rick Shaw, piano
♫ Dec. 14 Judy Brown, Piano
♫ Dec. 21 Joan Hines & Ami Rutledge, hammered dulcimer and guitar
♫ Dec. 28 Amy Crane, piano
Host: Dennis Bucher
♫ Jan. 4 Don Roy, organ/piano

LADIES BIBLE STUDY
The Ladies Bible Study group will meet Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 PM studying lesson 9 in Growing in Wisdom and Faith. Donna Walker will lead the lesson and Jeanne Mathieson will provide dessert. After a holiday break, the next meeting will be January 17.

FILM REVIEW
The Muppets

How long has it been since you've seen a family film that is entertaining for both children and adults? One that doesn't include the kids hearing bad language or sexual innuendo but is still witty and nostalgic enough for adults to appreciate? The answer is too long.

In "The Muppets" writer and actor Jason Segel has produced a story about 3 Muppet fans who find out a rich oilman played by Chris Cooper wants to destroy the old Muppet theater to drill for oil. Tex Richman is a character who values money over people. He is a humorous depiction of greed.

Segel plays Gary who along with girlfriend Mary and brother Walter search out the Muppets to reunite them to save the theater. Walter is actually portrayed as a puppet and is aware that he is different. But human brother Gary encourages him and stays by his side no matter what challenges he faces.

They find Kermit living alone and depressed, Gonzo is a high end plumber and Fozzie performs in a band called the Moopets. Miss Piggy works for Vogue in Paris. The friends come together to eventually produce a telethon to try to save the theater. There are many cameos of current and past celebrities who add to the fun.

The reason the Muppets are so beloved is their positive outlook on life and ability to find humor in every situation. Even though none of them are perfect alone and each of them have flaws, they work together to find solutions to problems. Kermit the Frog is easily discouraged, Fozzy Bear is naive, Miss Piggy is vain and selfish, and Animal has anger management issues.

As friends however, they form a formidable and cohesive unit. Even though this sounds like a children's film, it speaks to all of us. We are weak individually but together we are much stronger. We complement each other rather than compete with each other. We can also have fun together while accomplishing much with a common vision. Long live the Muppets!
Sandra Kleinschmidt

MEN’S BREAKFAST
The next Men’s Fellowship time will be a breakfast on Saturday, January 21. There will not be a breakfast this month.
Dalton Kirk

BOOK EXCHANGE
New on our shelves is Billy Graham’s latest book, Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well. You will also find Just as I Am, Graham’s autobiography and an older book by Graham’s son Franklin, Living Beyond the Limits, which includes memories of his first opportunity to preach with his dad in a crusade.

THANKS FROM THE STAFF
Dear New Hope Church Family,
Thank you for your generous love offering presented to us at our Thanksgiving celebration. You are a caring and supportive congregation. We feel blessed that God brought us here to serve in New Hope’s ministries with you.
Love in Christ,
Bob Mulkey, Dennis Bucher,
Mary Ellen Galloway, Vernon Buchanan

A WALK IN THE PARK
Appreciation to Vernon Buchanan for the attractive stepping stone walk from the sanctuary doors down to the playground and grassy parking area on the northwest side of the building. Well done!

WHAT’S COOKING?
A one-frame comic in last Friday’s News-Journal proclaimed, “It’s December! Time to ditch the Jenny Craig recipes and break out the Paula Deen recipes.”
Fresh Apple Cake from Georgia
2 c sugar
3 large eggs
1 ½ c vegetable oil
¼ c orange juice
3 c all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
¼ t salt
1 T cinnamon
1 T vanilla extract
3 c peeled and finely chopped apples
1 c shredded coconut
1 c chopped pecans

Sauce:
½ c (1 stick) butter
1 c sugar
½ c buttermilk
½ t baking soda

Preheat oven to 325º. Generously grease a Bundt pan.
Combine cake ingredients in a large bowl in the order listed and mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake 1 ½ hours.

Remove cake from oven; let cool 10 minutes. Remove cake from pan and place on a wire rack.

To make sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan, stir in sugar, buttermilk and baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Pour sauce over the warm cake.
Cooking with Paula Deen, vol. 2, issue 6.

* * *
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Due to holiday schedules the January issue of Connections will be distributed on the second Sunday of January rather than on New Year’s Day.

Monday, November 7, 2011

TURKEY “WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS”
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
with the Church Family
Sunday, November 20, 5:30 PM
Please bring a veggie, salad or dessert.
The turkey will be cooked by Erma Dreas.
Copies of recipes to share would be appreciated.

WELCOME, MARY ELLEN
Mary Ellen Galloway joined the New Hope staff as accompanist on October 23. She has served for many years at First Baptist Church, DeLand, as an accompanist and as Director of Contemporary Worship. She has also accompanied the children’s choirs at Stetson University. Mary Ellen will be compensated at the same level as Armand Melnbardis.

Mary Ellen and her husband Edge are the parents of Alexandra, a freshman at the University of Florida, and Nick who has taken a new job in Palo Alto, California. Mary Ellen is lead RN working in the offices of oncologists Salassie and Sharma.

SERMONS IN NOVEMBER
Nov. 6 One Huge Family Reunion, I Thess. 4:13-16
Nov. 13 Shane Gaster, Guest preacher
Nov. 20 Enough for Everybody
Acts 4:32-37, Psalm 24:1-2, Deuteronomy 8:11-18
Nov. 27 Any Hope for Sin-Infected People Like Us?
Isaiah 64:1-9

MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST
Saturday, November 19, 8:00 AM
Twenty men attended the first Men’s Breakfast spear-headed by Deacon Dalton Kirk in October. Plan now to join the fellowship this month.

LADIES LUNCH
Note Holiday Schedule Changes
Linda Manners has announced there will be no Ladies Luncheon in November due to Thanksgiving and that the December lunch will be moved up from the regular 4th Tuesday. The Annual Christmas Lunch, with a small gift exchange, will be Thursday, December 15. Once again Linda has reserved the VIP room at Vince Carter’s restaurant.

NEW HOPE 101
Led by Dr. Mulkey
Sunday, November 27, 4:00 PM

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
November Events to Remember
► On Sunday, November 20 New Hope’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at 5:30 PM. Everyone is invited to bring a covered side dish or dessert.

► On Tuesday Nov. 22 at 7 PM the Choral Union of Stetson University will present three major works: GLORIA by Antonio Vivaldi, MAGNIFICAT by Vivaldi and MAGNIFICAT by Halsey Stevens. I have sung in this chorus for the past several years and under the leadership of some wonderful directors. At the present time, Dr. Milburn Price is leading the Choral Union and I am enjoying singing under his leadership.
“Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was heir to a brilliant Venetian musical tradition, one that spanned the lives of Willaert, the Gabrielis, Monteverdi, Lotti and Galuppi. Northern musicians such as Shutz came to Venice to study, and others such as Handel sought their musical fortune in the city of lagoons. Indeed, Vivaldi and Handel may have met there since Vivaldi’s career in Venetian music was in place when Handel visited the city in 1707-08 and 1710. Vivaldi’s reputation as a composer was spreading throughout Italy and abroad. Happily, by 1712 his music had traveled as far north as the court of Weimer where a young German musician began studying the new Italian style by copying the music and rearranging it. And thus triadic melodies, tonal clarity, and textural transparency were adopted into the personal style of J. S. Bach.” (From the Preface to Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria in D by David Crawford, Chairman, Musicology Department, University of Michigan.)

►Community-wide Thanksgiving Service at the First United Methodist Church, Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, Wednesday, November 23. Note: There will be no Wednesday activities (dinner, prayer service, children’s and youth activities) on November 23.
► Sunday, November 27 is the first Sunday in Advent.

►Crane Lakes residents, thank you for inviting me to sing at a Ladies Luncheon at Crane Lakes on Saturday, November 19.
Dennis Bucher

Healing Music
All Saints Lutheran Church, Dunlawton Avenue
Wednesdays 12:15-12:45
Nov. 9 Dan Weimer, Organ
Nov. 16 Marian & Ted Stedman, piano/clarinet
Nov. 23 Susan Acree, Darrell Acree, Luci Karwowski, violin/guitar/bass
Nov. 30 Casey Baker, piano

MISSIONS
Halifax Urban Ministries
HUM is observing its 30th year as a non-profit ministry serving needy families, homeless persons and now the STAR Family Center. Services have increased with the family food packages, for which New Hope’s donations are used, up from 10,136 in 2004 to 16,759 in 2010. Of particular need right now are diapers, baby food and formula. Toiletries, canned goods and staple food items are always welcome.

Women of the church will be making cookies next month for approximately 100 to 125 homeless guests at HUM who receive potato chips, crackers, coffee etc. for their morning breakfast. This may very well be the only holiday celebration they have. Date to be announced. If you would like to bake a couple dozen cookies for this ministry, please see me.
Judy Hutchinson

Shoebox Christmas Gift Deadline
Samaritan’s Purse shoebox gifts must be filled and brought to the church by November 20. Remember, no liquids (perfumes, snow globes, etc.) or toys such as guns and only wrapped hard candies. If you would like to make a donation for a plush toy or other children’s gift to be delivered by Samaritan’s Purse, rather than purchasing items to fill a shoebox, see me. Catalog items are modestly priced.

If you prefer to fill a shoebox for a local child, not paying shipping and handling charges for a Samaritan’s Purse box, that is an option this year also.
Olivia McDougald

Countryside Lakes Assisted Living
Visiting with November birthday celebrants at the ALF will be Wednesday, November 16 at noon.
Bill Batchelor

FILM REVIEW
Courageous
A man at a gas station suddenly gets carjacked. He jumps into the driver's window and gets dragged along as he tries to stop the thief. After the car wrecks it is revealed he has a young child in the back and it was his son he was trying to save not his car. In this opening scene the theme of the film is revealed. The important role fathers play in their children's lives.

This is a faith based film about police officers and the relationships they have with each other and their families. It is very realistically portrayed. Some are Christians that have a lot of maturing to do. It is a poignant drama filled with a lot of police action and a lot of tears but also a good dose of humor.

The main character is Adam who is a father who lives with his family but is absent emotionally. He provides for them and loves them but is too preoccupied with himself and his work to give his children the time they so desperately need from him. After tragedy strikes, he searches for God and answers. He is fraught with guilt over the things he didn't do as a father.

In seeking counseling from his pastor he is inspired to create a resolution which he puts in writing to make a commitment to be a better father. He resolves to become the father that God intended for him to be. His spiritual awakening inspires his friends as he begins living his faith.

Even though it sounds very serious and it is, there are also a lot of heartwarming and truly funny scenes. There is humorous camaraderie between the men and realistic action scenes of police officers at work. There are truths that all parents face. We shouldn't just provide for our children. We should walk beside them and represent Christ on earth to them. We shouldn't just preach to them but teach them by example to be people of faith, integrity, service and humility. Of course above all to be people who love.
Sandra Kleinschmidt
One Liner
God loves everyone, but probably prefers “fruits of the spirit” over religious nuts.

OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
• The Treasurer’s Quarterly Report noted that the increase in receipts can be attributed to funds received from the estate of a deceased church member. The current mortgage loan balance is $62,000. We are slightly under budget for year to date.
• The Personnel Committee has drafted a Church Personnel Manual and added Boyd Frank to the committee.
• The Building and Grounds Committee has plans to repair and paint the A-frame and has already painted the building set aside for Scout use.
• The Benevolence Committee reports 12 requests for aid during the summer quarter. New Hope assisted with utility bills, rent, a motel room for a stranded family and food.

BIBLE BUZZ
Can you identify the Bible book where the following thanksgiving verses are found?

1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
2. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
3. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
4. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks.
5. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
6. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
7. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song
8. Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks.
9. He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

WHAT’S COOKING?
Need a new side dish for the holidays? This may please your palate.
Scalloped Vegetable Casserole
Makes 8-10 servings
6 cups broccoli florets
6 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups sliced carrots
½ cup butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1 8-oz. package shredded Italian 6 cheese blend,
divided
1½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup crushed round buttery crackers

1) In a large Dutch oven combine broccoli, cauliflower and carrots; add water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes. Drain well. Return vegetables to Dutch oven.
2) Preheat oven to 350º. Spray a 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
3) Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook for 3 minutes until thick and bubbly. Add sour cream, 1½ cups cream cheese, salt and pepper.
Add cheese mixture to vegetables, stir gently. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.
Top casserole with crushed crackers and remaining ½ cup cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

LOVE OFFERING FOR THE STAFF
Love offering envelopes have been placed in Sunday bulletins for holiday cash gifts to be presented at our Thanksgiving dinner. This will allow us to express our appreciation and gratitude to the paid church staff. Note checks will not be processed through the church bank account. Cash gifts will be accepted through November 16.

MAKE A THANKSGIVING WREATH
Or a Thankful Tree
1. Cut leaf shapes from various colors of construction paper.
2. Have friends and family write what they are grateful for on leaves.
3. Attach leaves to a foam or cardboard ring or poster board tree shape.

2012 COMMITMENT CARDS COMING
Commitment Cards to make your pledge to support the work God is giving us to do will be collected on November 20 & 27. Prayerfully consider what you can commit for 2012.

BOOK EXCHANGE
If you borrowed either of the following books and they are just sitting on your bookshelf, please return them to the Book Exchange. We have a request for Stand by Me and The Woman I Was Born to Be.

CBF MISSIONS OFFERING
Plan now to include a Missions Offering in your Christmas giving. Special envelopes will be available next month. Your gift supports both global and state missions personnel.

Answers to Bible Buzz
1. Psalm 107:1
2. Psalm 69:30
3. I Thessalonians 5:18
4. Psalm 75:1
5. Colossians 2:6-7
6. I Chronicles 16:34
7. Psalm 28:7
8. I Timothy 4:4
9. Proverbs
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving verse?

What are two blessings in your personal life?