The Cry, the Call!

This Sunday will be my (Kevin Rush) last week preaching before I begin my work in Cleveland and I would love to see you there at 11am.

Here is a recent photo of my family...

If you would like to stay connected with me and my family's ministry you can go to www.planterinthemaking.com, Church Planter in the Making Fan Page, or you can contact me directly via email at kevin@planterinthemaking.com.

If there is anything I can leave you with it is this...

Hear the cry, head the call, and choose to follow Christ!

I will miss you and the ministry of New Hope Ashland dearly. I will do my best to keep in touch.

Angel Tree Drop Off!

This Sunday is our Angel Tree Gift Drop Off! Do not forget to bring your the gift, wrapper, with the tag attached to the outside of the package so we can deliver them to the families in time for Christmas.

May Grace Steal Back Christmas through acts of grace and generosity!

Again I'll ask you, "Does your heart break for the things that break the heart of God?"

Christmas at the Movies Continues!

So far we have looked at our past, present, and future with A Christmas Carol...


and learned about grace-filled generosity with How the Grinch Stole Christmas...


This week we will explore Elf!


You're not going to want to miss this!

Let's All Go to the Cafe!

This Sunday at 11am, as we continue our Christmas at the Movies series, we will be giving away free bags of popcorn!

Also there is soda pop and snacks available for purchase.  Don't forget to stop by the Cafe this Sunday!

Angel Tree

Every year during Christmas we provide gifts for families in need. We call this Angel Tree. This year is no different. If you aren't familiar with Angel Tree it is very simple. Three steps simple...

1. Take a tag from one of the trees in the lobby - on these tags describes what gift you need to buy.
2. Buy the gift and wrap the gifts - attach the tag to the wrapped gift.
3. Bring the wrapped gift back

It's as simple as that! Then we will contact the families to have them pick up their gifts in time for Christmas.

This Sunday (the 13th) is the last Sunday to pick up a tag, and all gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 20th! Let's make this Christmas a grace-filled and generous one!

A Bittersweet Moment

For those of you who were at NH-Ashland yesterday for service you already know what I'm going to be talking (or more accurately writing) about.

During the service I shared a message about Abram, the one who exalts the father, and how God is present in our past and has a vision for our future. During this message I made an announcement that I will be leaving New Hope Ashland in January and that the search for a new Lead Pastor is already underway.

As many of you know my calling has been and continues to be towards church planting. Early fall of an opportunity was laid before me to be a Church Planting Apprentice at a church on the Eastside of Cleveland. Our plan is to apprentice there for one year as we gear up to launch/plant a church on the Westside of Cleveland. After a lot of prayer, time in the word, and wisdom from my mentors it became clear that this was what God is calling me, and my family to do.

The Leadership Team has been working with Converge Mid-Atlantic for several months to give the church direction and leadership through this transition. A search process has been defined and is underway. We will be rolling out the details in the weeks to come. I ask that you enter into a season of faithful prayer for our Leadership Team, our church, and our future Lead Pastor.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Don't be afraid. I know that God is at work (as he has always been) at New Hope Ashland and in the heart of your future Pastor. Please know that Sondra, Selah, and I are praying with confidence that God will provide beyond your wildest dreams.

This is a bittersweet moment for me personally. Although I know I am following God's leading, that leading is away from many people whom I love to serve and minister with. Throughout my time here I have been blessed with many friendships and memorable moments. It has been a privilege to lead you and be called your Pastor.  I will not be far away and I will do my best to stay in touch.

Grace and peace to you,
Pastor Kevin Rush

P.S. - If you have questions please contact myself or someone on the Leadership Team. They are here to serve the church through this transition.

Christmas at the Movies

Do you love Christmas movies? Who doesn't!

Grab a bag of popcorn as we explore some of your favorite Christmas movies. Through these timeless films we will identify and explore key biblical themes of faithfulness, gospel generosity, forgiveness, and joy during the holidays.

Join us every Sunday in December at Ashland High School's Little Theater for our brand new series called Christmas at the Movies!

Our worship gatherings start at 11am.