July 21, 2022

Dear Friends,

I’ve shared in recent letters that it has felt like we’ve moved from winter to spring. And this indeed continues to be the case in the general forward movement of the fellowship and signs of the grace of God in the health of the body. Could it be that the Lord is preparing us for summer and harvest?

We have come to the end of our series on the Psalms, and I trust that we are in step for “the heart of worship,” “giving praise where praise is due,” and living “real life” with the Lord of the Psalms.
We begin a new Sunday series on August 14 called TOXIC: How to deal with toxic people!
This new series is creating some interest, and I ask that we all invite as many as possible to join us as we examine specific Bible passages that help us see others and ourselves in a biblical way!

During August we will be having promotion Sunday, the return from summer, and we’re anticipating a tremendous surge forward leading to a high point as a Church: BBQ and Baptism on Sept 11. Imagine having a friend or neighbor watching those baptisms with you! We are relaunching our mid-week ministry “What’s up Wednesday,” including a full return of weekly fellowship dinners! (And yes, we will be continuing the shut-in meals). We have some new discipleship offerings, especially how to help our children and students sustain the faith in this hostile culture. We will also have a church-wide Prayer Night at Northgate on August 15th.

I would also like to update you on changes in your church staff.

First, Lee Brewer has accepted the position of Senior Pastor at Palmetto Baptist Church. We thank Lee and Emily for their service at New Hope and pray for the Lord’s blessing on their ministry. Rich Terry will be assuming the interim role as Campus Pastor at our Northgate Campus.

For some time now, we have been looking to continue strengthening both our Media and Technology teams. I am happy to announce that we have three new staff members that have or will be joining our ministry team. In due course we will be introducing you to Erin Murant, Scott Wilson, and Canute Ellis!

Finally, it was a busy summertime for our Missions ministry. Thank you to the whole fellowship for praying, for going and giving. We look forward to what is ahead for the fall season. We praise God for your generosity and trust that we will only strengthen in faithfulness.

We look forward to seeing the new playground take shape. We’ve had new roofs and air-conditioning units, but most importantly, the building is His people, and we are thankful that God is building His church.

With love to you, as your Pastor.

In Him,
Rhys