Dear New Hope AME Church Family,
I pray this letter finds you warm and safe. In these days, being warm and safe is truly a grace, one that we do not take for granted. I appreciate your understanding and support as we pivoted our worship service to Saturday afternoon for the safety of everyone. Your peace and protection are paramount.
I must also address a matter of deep concern that affects our national conscience and touches the heart of justice in our communities. We mourn the fatal shooting of Keith Porter Jr., a 43-year-old Black father of two, who was killed by an off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on New Year’s Eve in Northridge, California. His life mattered, and we lift his name in prayer and remembrance because far too often the injustice perpetrated against African Americans is ignored or absent from the headlines.
As followers of Christ, we stand for justice, for the dignity of all human life, and for our shared calling to pray and act against injustice in all its forms. We do not condone nor accept as the status quo actions that harm God’s beloved children.
Our Wednesday Night Bible Study will focus on Nehemiah 5 (NRSVUE) under the theme “Justice Within the Walls: Confronting Internal Oppression.” As we study together, we will see how God calls God’s people not only to rebuild but to confront injustice wherever it shows up, even within our own walls. We will pray together for courage, discernment, and faithful obedience.
The sermon theme for the week is “Never Be Moved” from Psalm 15 (NRSVUE). We shall ponder who is able to abide in God’s sanctuary and commit ourselves to the life God honors, one marked by righteousness, integrity, humility, and steadfast love.
Be prayerful and attach action to your prayers. Let the Scriptures be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.
Take the opportunity to invite persons to worship with us on Sunday or attend Bible Study on Wednesday. Sunday Church School is available in person and virtually Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Let us continue to walk in prayer, in justice, and in Christ’s peace as we keep the charge of the Lord.
With love and resolve,
Reverend Aaron Tinch
Pastor
