As we continue to reflect on the message, “This Time I Will Praise the Lord,” I encourage you to make this time different. This time, put a praise on the circumstances. It is easy to praise God when life unfolds according to our plans, but faith is revealed when we choose to praise God in the midst of uncertainty, disappointment, and waiting. Be reminded and encouraged that God sees you and God hears you. Nothing you are facing has escaped God’s attention. The Lord who heard Leah’s cry is the same God who hears yours today. Lift your voice in praise, trusting that God is already at work on your behalf.
Our Wednesday Night Bible Study will focus on Hebrews 12:1–3 (NRSVUE) under the theme “Running the Race with Endurance” – Persevering in Faith While Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are called to lay aside every weight that hinders us and run with perseverance the race set before us. Our strength is found not in ourselves, but in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured the cross and now reigns in glory.
The sermon theme for the week is “How You Show Up” from Matthew 14:8–14 (NRSVUE). This passage reveals the remarkable compassion of Jesus. Even while grieving the death of His relative, John the Baptist, Jesus continued to show up for ministry. Rather than allowing grief to prevent Him from serving, He met the needs of the crowd with compassion. Together we will consider what it means to faithfully show up for God and for others, even during seasons of personal sorrow and struggle.
As a church family, we remain committed to serving our community. In preparation for our Thanksgiving Basket Ministry, we are beginning our collection of canned corn and canned string beans. Our goal is to provide 500 Thanksgiving baskets, which means we will need 1,000 cans of corn and 1,000 cans of string beans. Let’s begin our efforts now so that, together, we can be a blessing to families throughout our community during the holiday season.
Please remember that our Quarterly Conference with Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Dededrick O. Rivers will be held virtually on Tuesday, July 28th at 7:15 PM. I encourage everyone to participate as we continue the work of the Kingdom and the ministry of New Hope.
Lastly, make inviting someone to experience New Hope a “This Time” moment. Let’s all invite at least one person to join us for Bible Study, Church School, or Worship Service. If any of these ministries have strengthened your faith, encouraged your spirit, or drawn you closer to Christ, why not share that blessing with someone else? Your invitation may become the answer to someone’s prayer.
May God strengthen your faith, sustain your spirit, and remind you that this time your praise will become your testimony as we continue to keep the charge of the Lord.
With faith and praise,
Reverend Aaron Tinch
Pastor
