Church, there are things we have heard and things we have known about the goodness of God. There are stories that were shared with us by generations before us, and there are stories we have experienced for ourselves. We know what God has done. We know how God has made ways. We know how God has sustained us when we did not know how we were going to make it.
The whole story must be told so that others can know the goodness of the Lord.
Today, we also give God praise for the new member who joined our church family! We celebrate what God continues to do in the life of New Hope. Let us welcome our newest member with love and intentionally help them become connected to the worship, fellowship, and ministry of our church. Church growth is more than someone joining, it is about creating a community where people can grow in Christ and discover their place in the body.
Our Wednesday Night Bible Study will focus on John 12:20–26 (NRSVUE) under the theme “Unless a Grain of Wheat Falls.” Jesus uses the image of a grain of wheat to teach us that there are moments when something must fall into the ground before new life can emerge. The seed does not disappear without purpose. It is planted for multiplication. Together, we will explore sacrifice, surrender, discipleship, and the spiritual fruit that can emerge when we are willing to place our lives completely in God’s hands.
This Sunday, the preached Word will be delivered by Reverend James Turner, Jr. With great anticipation, let us prepare ourselves to receive a profound Word from this Howard Thurman scholar. Be in prayer for Reverend Turner as he prepares, and let us come ready to hear what God desires to speak through him.
Our continued effort to prepare for our Thanksgiving Basket Ministry is underway. We are currently collecting stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and instant mashed potatoes. Our goal is to collect 1,000 of each item, allowing us to place two of each item in 500 Thanksgiving baskets. This is an ambitious goal, but it becomes possible when each of us participates. Every box, every package, and every donation moves us closer to blessing 500 families. Let’s continue to do the work that allows our community to experience the love of Christ through New Hope.
Finally, look for opportunities this week to do more than simply invite people to church. Look for opportunities to tell them the whole story. Tell them how God kept you. Tell them how God provided for you. Tell them how God met you in difficult places. Tell them about the prayers God answered and even how God sustained you while you waited for an answer.
Someone may need your story to help them navigate their own.
Church, tell the whole story so another generation and another person can know the goodness of the Lord.
Let’s Keep the charge of the Lord!!!
With gratitude and expectation,
Rev. Aaron Tinch
