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?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Farewell Tribute

Farewell, Armand
October 16, 2011 is Armand Melnbardis’ last Sunday with us. He has served our church as the Instrumentalist for the past fifteen years with dedication, devotion and durability. Perhaps when Lois Cox called Stetson University to ask if they had a young music student who could come and play the piano for our worship services, no one had any idea it would be of such a benefit to our church to have this talented musician play not only the piano for us but also the violin. After all, this young man from Latvia who was on a full time music scholarship with his violin would come with his remarkable talent and personality and endear himself to the people of New Hope Baptist Church.
He has given himself to New Hope these past fifteen
years and even though we knew when he came that he had always been destined for greatness, he gave himself unselfishly to our needs. The time has come for us to allow Armand the opportunity to further his career as a promising professional musician. He will be moving to Los Angeles, CA after he gives us his Farewell Concert on October 16 at 5:00 PM. In many ways he is going on faith and so, as a church we want to give back to Armand a love gift that will help him in his quest. I will be singing “The Impossible Dream” at his Farewell with the prayer that he will be successful and his dream will be possible. After all, we are reminded in Scripture that all things are possible with God. I have enjoyed my association with you, Armand, for the past ten years and I am praying that God will continue to bless you abundantly as you leave.
Dennis Bucher

Armand Melnbardis (whose last name means “black beard” and is virtually unpronounceable to the American ears) started teaching the violin to very young students in Ormond Beach in 1996. He encouraged his students, soothing their feelings and reassuring them with an
Farewell, Armand (continued)
earnest, pleasant voice. He had learned, at a very young age, what real pressure is.

As a native of Latvia, he screamed about practicing, cried often as he struggled to learn the intricacies of an instrument that had defeated some of the best would-be musicians for more than 300 years. He was placed in a school that specialized in turning out musicians. In the Soviet Union, schools were designed to provide an in-depth training to any child who showed potential in a particular field. Once a student entered this school, there was only one way out: The Red Army! That is where dropouts ended up. He was trapped in Latvia with only his violin between him and nothing! Studying his violin was his only option. So, he practiced, he learned, and he played as though his life depended on it, because it did!

For you, I wish God speed and his blessings on you forever more.
Lois Cox

Armand, I have been truly blessed by knowing you and listening to your "one of a kind" wonderful music for the last 10 ½ years. You are so gifted and only you could make every hymn come to life. Love your fancy "fiddling," too.

I could not begin to put in words how much I will miss you at that piano every Sunday and Wednesday night, but I am trying hard not to be selfish because I do want the BEST for you. L.A. will be a better place with you there.

May God bless you and guide you always. Thank you for the special "Elvis inserts." Keep in touch with your family here at New Hope. We Love You.
Dorothy Rollins

One of the many fond memories I have of Armand has to do with football, of all things! George and I invited him over to watch a Super Bowl game at our home. He was a little hesitant and his response was "I don't know 'eeeenything about fewtball'!" I assured him that we would get him through the American experience. When he arrived, we explained the background of the game and some very basic rules of it. I told him not to worry too much about the game, just enjoy the commercials and the halftime show. He did pretty good until halftime and it was definitely a memorable one - it was the Janet Jackson debacle! What a way to introduce a legendary American sporting event to a Latvian musician!

Armand has been a wonderful friend and encourager of my participation in the music program at New Hope. His departure is bittersweet - I will miss him but am so happy that he is seeking new places to use and showcase his extraordinary musical talents. I wish him only the very best. I hope that one day when he makes it big, I will be able to say, "Armand used to play for me to sing!" Who knows, we may see Armand on a Super Bowl halftime show!
Leesa Holloway

Armand, I have enjoyed your beautiful music and can’t imagine our Sunday services without you. You have a God-given talent and I know there are bigger and better things waiting in your future.

My prayer for you is that you have many great experiences in California and use your talents in Christ’s name. Always remember us at New Hope. Please return often for you will be greatly missed.
Nell Vandiver

I am overwhelmed by the news that Armand is leaving. He was such an inspiration to me while I was at New Hope. His musical interpretations always touched my heart. He had such ease as he played for us. Each Sunday he faithfully gave us music for our souls. He was also a gifted concert artist. Even the most difficult pieces were show cases for his “extreme” talent.

Whether at church, at home or on the concert stage, he was always “Armand.” He had the feel of a musician with people as well as music.

I shall always be grateful for his “special concert” on June 14, 2006. My wife, Gloria, lay dying in ICU at the hospital in St. Augustine. That day was our 54th wedding anniversary. Armand came to the hospital and played a concert for her in the ICU ward. Not only did Gloria and I appreciate his concert, but also the nurses.

Armand, you have a special place in my heart. God bless you!
Doran McCarty

Having been a snowbird until this year, I'm taking the liberty of speaking for many and hopefully all our winter visitors to New Hope Baptist Church. For us Armand and his music has been and is a blessing and a large portion of the worship that we share each Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. As several of us sing in the choir, we also share choir practice as an extra time to hear and sing and experience the great talent that Armand has as an accompanist, a pianist, and a violinist.

We are saddened by the announcement of Armand’s
Farewell, Armand (continued)
departure but we wish him the very best as he transfers his
talents to the LA area. Our love, prayers, and hopes for the future go with him along with God's love and grace.
Armand, many thanks for your time with us at New Hope.
Bill Walker

Armand is a great person and very talented at the keyboard and violin. My strongest memory of him is when Armand would tag along with my family to Monterey Grill about once or twice a month after church. It was pretty fun having him with us because he would humor us a lot and also prove us wrong about the every day life in the music business. Armand would always tell us about his upcoming gig and tell us about the fascinating bloopers behind the curtain!

I have always admired the music he makes on the piano. I have been playing keyboard for about a year now and I wish I could play as great as he does! It's great that he shares that talent with us at church. So, as he leaves us, he will soon share his talents with the whole world!

Armand, I truly admire you and you are definitely a role model to me. Toren Ford-Jones

Having graduated from a university and a seminary with great music schools, I confess to being a bit of a snob when it comes to church musicians. I hope for the best, but am prepared to be disappointed. I could not have dreamed Armand! Thank you for helping my soul soar in worship with your artistry, Armand. You say it is practice not talent, but we all know you are God-gifted.

One of my favorite memories goes back to one of the first worship services my family attended at New Hope. Armand later said he forgot what he was playing and slipped into something that sounded suspiciously like a Frank Sinatra song to me.
Elaine Hardy
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE(
For Those Needing One Last Fix)
Oct. 4, 7:00 PM, Wine Bank, Ormond Beach
Oct. 7, 7:00 PM, Angell & Phelps, Daytona Beach
Oct. 8, 8:00 PM, Dish, Ormond Beach
Oct. 13, 7:00 PM, Plantation Wine & Sprits
Oct. 16, 5:00 PM, Farewell Concert, New Hope

MISSIONS
Horn of Africa Famine Offering
On Sunday, September 25, New Hope members gave $584 to World Vision International for people who are suffering from the drought that is devastating the Horn of Africa. Thanks to grants, every dollar can multiply up to five times. One hundred dollars can potentially provide 1,700 meals. For some children and elderly, this may be the only meal they get in a day.
Halifax Urban Ministries
Food donations will be collected this month on the second Sunday since Communion is being postponed. Judy Hutchinson says, “In addition to canned and staple food items, diapers and baby food are needed.”
Countryside Lakes Assisted Living
Visitation at the ALF is Wednesday, October 19, at noon.
Shoebox Christmas Gifts
Get a jump now on finding items for shoebox Christmas gifts. This year the Missions Committee offers two choices, either Samaritan’s Purse which ships around the world or a local gift. You may choose to pack a box for a boy or girl with small toys, school items or toiletries. No liquids or toy guns are accepted and only individually wrapped hard candies, please. The collection date for Samaritan’s Purse is November 14-21. A $7 check for shipping and handling is required for those boxes.
Used Hearing Aids Needed
Wanda Ashworth-Valencia has requested help on behalf of the Open Door Health Clinic at Open House Ministries in Homestead. Dr. Nilda Soto, the clinic's physician, has asked for donations of hearing aids. She has several patients who need, but who cannot afford, hearing aids. The clinic has a volunteer audiologist who can adjust donated hearing aids. There will be a box at the rear of the sanctuary for your donations during the month of October.

NEW HOPE 101
Sunday, October 9, 5:00 PM
Want to know more about basic Christian beliefs, the history of Baptists and the mission of New Hope? The pastor will be teaching New Hope 101 next Sunday. A light sandwich meal is provided.

LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, October 25, 11:45 AM
Hidden Treasure Restaurant
On the water at US-1 and Rose Bay

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
The CenturyMen Fall Tour Schedule
Friday, Oct. 7 Travel Day to Nashville, TN & rehearsal at
First Baptist Church, Nashville
Saturday, Oct. 8 All day rehearsal
Sunday, Oct. 9 Morning Worship at Hermitage Hills
5:30 PM Banquet & Evening Concert, FBC, Nashville, TN
Monday, Oct. 10 Brunch & travel to Tellico Village, TN
Covered dish at 4:30 with concerts at 6:00 & 8:00
Tuesday, Oct. 11 Travel to FBC, Bowling Green KY, concert at 7 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 12 7:30 AM Concert at Lifeway Chapel
1:00 PM Travel to Huntsville, AL
7:00 PM Concert at FBC, Huntsville, AL
Thursday, Oct. 13 Travel home

I will be back to lead our morning worship service on Sunday, October 16. That afternoon Armand Melnbardis will treat us to a Farewell Concert of violin and piano music. He has asked me to have a part in that concert and I will be singing several favorite solos. Armand has been not only an outstanding and talented musician but also a loyal and dear friend. We wish him well as he goes. He will certainly be missed.
Dennis Bucher
Music for Healing
Wednesdays, 12:15, All Saints Lutheran Church
Oct. 5 Musician: Don Roy, Organ/piano
Oct. 14 Musician: Vita Fortin, piano
Oct. 19Musicians: Rusty Baker & Susan Acree, piano & violin
Oct. 26 Musician: Wanda Ross, piano. Host: Dennis Bucher

SERMONS IN OCTOBER
Oct. 2 God’s Purpose for Parents and Children, Proverbs 13:24 & Ephesians 6:1-3
Oct. 9 To Find Joy, Philippians 4:1-9
Oct. 16 People Are Talking About You, 1Thessa-lonians 1:1-7
Oct. 23 To Please God, Not People, 1Thessalonians 2:1-8
Oct. 30 God at Work in You Believers, 1Thessalonians 2:9-13

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Daniel Vestal, CBF's national executive coordinator, announced last week that he will retire in June 2012 following the General Assembly in Ft. Worth, Texas.

WHAT’S COOKING?
Pat Dugan’s Nutty Colelslaw
By request, but also in Savor the Flavors, p. 26.
Dressing: ½ c. sugar
1 c. oil
½ c. balsamic vinegar
2 dry seasoning packets from Ramen soup mix
Salad:1 bag coleslaw
1 bag red cabbage (smaller than coleslaw bag)
2 pkg. Ramen soup mix noodles (beef)
½ c. scallions, chopped
1 c. sunflower seeds
1 c. sliced almonds
Mix dressing ingredients well with mixer or blender. Refrigerate overnight. Mix salad ingredients close to serving time. Add dressing at the last minute to keep crunchy.

BIBLE BUZZ
Harvest time is just around the corner. Can you answer these food/nature-related questions?
1. What two types of fruit did the spies sent by Moses bring back from the land of Canaan?
2. Complete this sentence from Proverbs. “He who tends a fig tree _________________________.”
3. From what tree were Adam and Eve not supposed to eat?
4. Who is the first recorded man to have planted a vineyard (and then got drunk on the wine he made)?
5. Isaiah the prophet healed Hezekiah’s boil by applying a poultice made of what?
6. In the book of Revelation what were the leaves of the tree of life used for?
7. According to John the Baptist, what would happen to every tree that did not produce good fruit?
8. Complete this sentence from Micah, “In the last days men shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, and every man shall sit ____________________________.”
9. Proverbs tells us that a word fitly spoken is as ______________________________________.
10. God told the Israelites that if they disobeyed him, they would be so full of fear they would flee at the sound of ________________________________.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
A new Grief Support Group, led by the pastor, will meet Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30 PM for eleven weeks. The group uses the book Understanding your Grief. Please invite any friends or neighbors who are dealing with loss. The group is open to the community.

CUB SCOUT PACK HAS OPENINGS
Fred Griffin notes that a number of Cub Scouts have moved on to Boy Scouts and there are openings in the pack which meets at New Hope on Thursdays. If you have child, grandchild or neighbor in grades 1-5 who may be interested, see Fred.

Answers to Bible Buzz
1. grapes, figs 6. healing of the nations
2. eat its fruit 7. it would be cut down
3. tree of the knowledge of 8. under his vine and fig
good and evil tree
4. Noah 9. apples of gold
5. figs 10. a windblown leaf

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, September 27, 11:45 AM
Leanh’s Chinese Restaurant
Nova Road, just north of Big Tree Road
Please let Linda Manners know your plan to attend
by the Sunday prior.


MUSIC AND WORSHIP
We are happy to have Lydia Mulkey as our guest soloist on Sunday, September 4 at the 11:00 AM worship service. She will be singing during the observance of the Lord’s Supper.

A Community Choir is being organized by the Port Orange Ministerial Association and directed by Constance Poitier, Ormond Middle School Choir Director. The choir will sing for a special 9-11 service at 6:00 PM at the Port Orange City Center Amphitheater. There will be two rehearsals: September 6 and 8 at 7 PM at the All Saints Lutheran Church, Port Orange, Florida. The music will include “This Little Light of Mine,’ “Bind Us Together” and a special arrangement of “America the Beautiful.” The soloist will be Harry Burney.
Dennis Bucher
Music for Healing
September 7 Musician: Vita Fortin, piano
September 14 Musician: Rick Shaw, piano
September 21 Musician: Judy Brown, piano
September 29 Musician: Casey Baker, piano
Host: Dennis Bucher

NEW HOPE 101
An introduction to Baptists and New Hope Baptist Church, taught by Dr. Mulkey, will be offered on Sunday afternoon September 18, 5 – 7:30 PM. This is especially for new members, visitors and any current members who wish to support new members.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY

First & Third Tuesdays
7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

BOOK EXCHANGE
We have a waiting list for the following books:
Heaven is for Real; Stand by Me; and The Woman I was Born to Be. Thanks for returning books promptly when you finish reading so that we may get them back in circulation.

NOTE TO NEW MEMBERS
New members, there are a few copies of New Hope’s cookbook, A Taste of New Hope, published in 2009 still available. These sold for $10. It’s a good way to know New Hope’s good cooks, but the books also make nice gifts.

FILM REVIEW
The setting is the early 1960's in Jackson, Mississippi. It is one of the most segregated, dangerous places for blacks (using the terminology of the film) to live among the most terribly prejudiced white people one could imagine. Educated black people are being murdered. People of color who are trying to get educated are being denied that opportunity. It is here that a heroic recent college graduate named Skeeter decides to write an article which ultimately blossoms into a book about the unfair way that wealthy families treat the people they hire to be "the help". She begins by interviewing Abilene, her best friend’s maid, then Minnie and eventually a host of others.

This film portrays the wealthy female socialites who employed poor black women in the early 60's in Mississippi not only as maids but nannies, cooks and governesses for their children. The white women show almost no love or concern for their own children and leave them to be raised by their maids. This seemed unbelievable to me. Then they deny the same women who are loving and taking care of their children's every need the right to even use the bathroom in their home. They treat their help like animals and yet they are the women who are tending to the most intimate details of their children's lives.

This is a film primarily about women, and their interactions with one another. It is about the wealthy white women who humiliated the unfortunate black women who needed the work to support their families. It is mostly about the terrified yet courageous maids who raised their employer's children while they had to neglect their own children just to make a living. It is about the younger generation (Skeeter) who in interviewing the help and wanting to publish their stories knows she is not prejudiced like her parent's generation and is brave enough to risk everything to try to enact change. God bless young people and their courage.

"The Help" to me had a somewhat predictable outcome. The unbelievably mean white women get a little of what they deserve. Unfortunately the black women do not. I thought the movie a bit longer than necessary. But the tenacity and love “the help" were capable of just goes to show what people will endure and still manage to survive with God's help. The main character Abilene, after being fired and forced to abandon her employer's little girl says to herself "Lord, it's really hard to love your enemies". And it really is hard to love your enemies. It would take a supernatural, incredibly loving God to allow us to love our enemies. Wouldn't it? Sandy Kleinschmidt

Missions
Halifax Urban Ministries
Recent news reports stated that 1/3 of Central Florida children are in families which sometimes go hungry. Your donations of canned goods and staple food items help to meet the growing need here in Port Orange and Daytona Beach. Thank you for your continued giving.
Countryside Lakes ALF
New Hope members will greet residents and celebrate birthdays at the Assisted Living facility on Wednesday, September 21. Our Wednesday night kids made birthday cards in August which will be delivered this month by the group led by Bill Batchelor.
Famine in the Horn of Africa
The Love Class, taught by Dr. Mulkey, has recently discussed this crisis and has suggested a special offering to be collected on September 18. Review the following facts of this crisis as you consider giving.
•Thirteen million are in need of emergency assistance, including as many as 35% of children.
•There are at least 3 million people in southern Somalia and parts of Kenya that cannot yet be reached due to ethnic conflict.
•Sixty percent of cattle have died in the drought.

What you can do
•Think of something that you could do without this week, then donate the savings.
•Spread the word via social networks and email.
•Pray for children and families affected by this severe drought and the resulting food crisis.

The Good News: New Hope Baptist Church will give to World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

•Thanks to government grants, every dollar donated to World Vision can multiply up to 5 times.
•World Vision not only provides emergency food, they also provide seeds, supplies and training to establish sustainable food sources.
* * *
9/11 OBSERVANCE
September 11, 6:00 PM
Port Orange City Center
Observing the 10th anniversary of the events of 9-11-2001

Missions
Disaster Relief
Tommy Deal of Florida CBF writes, “We put out a plea for donations to help those forgotten in The Bahamas whom Hurricane Irene attacked first. Immediate needs were for ready-to-eat food, water, tarps and nails. Thanks to six churches who collected and delivered these items to Orlando: College Park Baptist, FBC Cocoa, FBC DeLand, Canvas Church, PIB Deltona, and New Hope Port Orange. Many others are giving cash to help with the cost of delivering these items. To ALL: THANK YOU!

“This was truly a ‘cooperative’ effort of many! Dave Ward from Miami was our pilot-extraordinaire! Bob Showalter of Showalter Flight Services in Orlando and all of his staff and crew were such a blessing to help us load the plane and gave a discount on the fuel. The plane's owner from Miami, a very generous Christian man, loaned the use of the plane. Christian Service Center for Central Florida loaned their truck to get the items to the Orlando Executive Airport. We delivered the items on YOUR behalf to Acklins on Tuesday, August 30. Also, cooperating were the churches of CBF of The Bahamas.

“The second half of our trip down was to have an assessment of needs and how we can suggest YOU can continue to help them recover. We are still working on those plans, but it appears the greatest need is on Abaco, at Pastor McIntosh's church. As we get more details together, we will put the call out, but basically, once supplies can be secured, there will be a need for construction/repair volunteers. Please be ready to go. If you would be interested in knowing what the need is and perhaps volunteer when the time comes, please let me know.”

SEPTEMBER SERMONS
Sept. 4 “The Huge Debt of Love You Owe Each Other,” Romans 13:8-14
Sept. 11 “Taking Care of Your Own Life before God,” Romans 14:1-12
Sept. 18 “Life Versus Even More Life! I Can’t Lose” Philippians 1:21-30
Sept. 25 “Think of Yourselves This Way,” Philippians 2:1-13

Bible Buzz

In recognition of Labor Day, can you match these occupations with Bible characters? Some numbers have multiple answers.
1. tentmaker
2. carpenter
3. shepherd
4. tax collector
5. fisherman
6. hunter
7. queen
8. doctor
9. farmer
10. king
11. saleswoman
12. dressmaker

CHILDREN’S & YOUTH MINISTRY
The Wednesday night children and youth activities are in full swing with the start of a new school year. Carrie Sue Frank leads the children in a music time and Trae Ford-Jones and Fleda Mulkey are the missions leaders. Leesa Holloway is leading the youth.

Youth Beach BlastSaturday, September 10, 1-4 PM
Meet at the church by 12:30.
Games, prizes, sandcastle contest
Drinks and snacks provided

WHAT’S COOKING?
Mexican Chicken Penne
Submitted by Leesa Holloway
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 jar (15 oz) salsa con queso dip
½ cup milk
¼ tsp salt
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large tomato, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine the chicken, dip, milk, and salt.

Drain pasta; add to chicken mixture and toss to coat. Top with black beans, tomato, onions and cheese. Yield: 6

NINE ELEVEN
The morning opened peacefully,
an ordinary day.
but, all that changed
before our very eyes
in one swift terrorizing moment.
Can it be?
Am I dreaming
in living color?
Watching towers crumble,
people screaming,
people weeping
people running
for shelter from the blast.
Hearts pounding from fear,
lost in a cloud of thickened smoke.
They must keep running, following the crowd
to escape it's fury.
America! the home of the Brave.
America! the land of the Free.
How did this happen
To you and to me?
Lois Herouart

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
A new Grief Support Group, led by Dr. Mulkey, will begin on Tuesday, September 27. This group, which will meet from 1-2:30 PM, is open to members and anyone from the community. If you have a neighbor or friend dealing with loss, please let them know about this group.

HOLY HUMOR
A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?"
A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy. "Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked. "You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "

Answers to Bible Quiz

1. Paul 7. Esther; Queen of Sheba
2. Joseph 8. Luke
3. David 9. Noah; Cain
4. Levi 10. Saul; David; Solomon
5. Peter, James & John 11. Lydia
6. Nimrod 12. Dorcas