On the Bubble for New Hope Ashland

Hey NHA! Thanks to everyone who made it out to the cafeteria at the high school for worship this last Sunday! If you showed up in the Little Theater and were wondering why it was so dark and quite for worship, it's because we weren't there. We'll be in the cafeteria again this Sunday, so make the short trek across the courtyard and join us there! This Sunday, Dan Peterson of Converge MidAtlantic will be sharing with us from "Vintage Church" on the use of technology in the church and how the local church can become involved in the global church. Come hear how NHA is, and can continue to be, impacting people around the world through our support of the Converge missionaries.

In other news...KIA meeting tonight at Tiki Peterson's house at 6:30 PM! Help plan the February KIA event and future events, for directions call 419.566.4790. Small group sign ups have begun for the next round, set to begin the week of February 7. We have 2 co-ed groups, a women's group, a men's group, and a youth group. Indicate your interest in being a part of a small group on a Connection Card or email us at traci@newhopeashland.com. Lastly, we mentioned this past Sunday that NHA is having a baptism service on February 28 and if you're interested in exploring baptism, contact Jared at jared@newhopeashland.com.

Have a great week NHA, and remember: Don't just go to church, be the church!

Change of venue this weekend!

There is an event going on at Ashland High School this weekend so that the Little Theater isn't available for our worship service on Sunday morning. Instead, we will be meeting in the cafeteria at the high school, across the courtyard from the Little Theater. We'll have signs and greeters out to direct foot traffic from the parking lot and assist you as you make your way in. We're still meeting at 11 AM, the children's ministries won't be affected, and there will still be coffee (I know some of you were worried!). See you Sunday!

Vintage Church Returns This Sunday!

Happy Tuesday, New Hope Ashland!
I hope you were all as blessed as I was by Jamey Ragle this last Sunday in worship. I think I may read the newspaper a little too much and follow the news shows too closely because my spirits were way down until Jamey came along and gave me someone to laugh at...me! I loved what Jamey said about our happiness resting in our own attitudes and it got me thinking that I spend too much time dwelling on all that is depressing in our world without giving equal attention to all the great things going on. We had people make a first time commitment to Jesus as their Savior this last Sunday! Praise God! We had about 40 people, plenty of food, and great fellowship at our potluck breakfast before service! Hallelujah! We have all of our small group leaders and hosts for the next round of small groups! Thank you Jesus! And all around the world, people are rising up to come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Amen! There's lots of work to do in our world as we try to bring the message of God's love to every person, but let's not allow that to take away our joy of a life spent in relationship with a loving God.
This Sunday, we'll get back into our "Vintage Church" series as we take a look at some of the practices of the church, those of preaching, communion, and baptism. Are these dusty old traditions we do because "that's what we've always done"? I hope not! These are supposed to be joyful celebrations between us, a sinful creation, and our perfect Creator! Let's examine the Scriptures and shake off any dust that may be hindering our relationship with God as we participate in these activities. We'll also continue taking small group sign ups this Sunday on the Connection Cards. We have groups for men, women, couples, and youth and I think we all fall into at least one of those categories!
Have a blessed week, NHA, and we'll see you on Sunday!

In Response to the Devastation in Haiti

With the earthquake in Haiti earlier this week, many from our fellowship have been contacting NHA seeking advice in how we can get involved in the relief effort going on there. While there are many worthy organizations available to donate to, and we would encourage you to do some research and work through the organization you trust most, I (Jared) would like to tell you about one that is close to my heart. Last summer, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Pignon, Haiti in the northeast region of Haiti. We worked with a brilliant and passionate Haitian pastor named Jephthah Lucien. He comes from a family of pastors who are spread out around the country of Haiti bringing the gospel message to many who don't have the means to travel to one of the many churches their family and disciples have planted. Jephthah's brother, Henoc, has an organization called Vision of Hope Ministries that is based in Haiti and ministers to the Haitian people through church plants, orphanages, schools, and missions trips for foreigners to Haiti. I would like to submit Vision of Hope Ministries as a choice for your earthquake relief support. To find out more, visit www.vohmhaiti.com and click on the earthquake support button on the homepage. There are many ways to donate money, from credit/debit card to PayPal. As we hear about other opportunities, such as donating items (hygiene products, batteries, non-perishable food items, etc.) rather then money, we will let you know.

Jamey Ragle- LIVE this Sunday!

Hey NHA-ers (or is it NHA-ians?)

Thank you for the warm welcome this last Sunday as it was my first as your Transitional Navigator! I had a blessed time and I look forward to the coming months as we continue to walk through this season of life together. And I promise, next week I'll remember to let you guys sit when I get up to do announcements! :)
Couple of things to remember: This Sunday at 10 AM we will be doing another Breakfast Potluck. Few things in this world are more Baptist in nature then the potluck, so bring your favorite breakfast dish to share and celebrate NHA's theological roots with us! I'll be bringing the Captain Crunch and I'd be happy to save you a seat. Also, this Sunday, Jamey Ragle will be sharing with us during the service. Jamey is a nationally known speaker and preacher who has shared the stage with people such as Chris Tomlin and Todd Agnew (Christian recording artists) and Jeff Foxworthy (the "You might be a redneck if..." guy). Jamey has a unique way of communicating with audiences and we're sure you'll be blessed by what he has to share.
On the bubble: January 24th we'll get back into our Vintage Church series on Sunday mornings. From this last week, remember that church is about people and about purpose. Christ came that we might be more like him and lead others to him. Also, be praying about the upcoming small group ministry. If you're willing to host a small group this time around, contact Howard Walters or the church and let us know!
Have a great week, NHA, and remember: You might be a redneck if you see a sign that says, "Just say no to crack" and it reminds you to pull up your pants!

Hello and Vintage Church!

Hey New Hope Ashland,
This is Jared, your friendly TSA-approved "Transitional Navigator" with a short introduction and a word about the series we'll be starting next week at NHA called "Vintage Church." You already know a little about me from yesterday's bulletin and the announcement/intro that Kevin gave, so I'll skip the "where I'm from" and get right to the "what I'm excited about for the future." I'm coming to NHA with a great excitement for sharing God's word with you on Sunday mornings and the opportunity to encourage and coach the various leaders you've got at NHA. I've had the privilege of meeting with many of them and I have a great respect for the work of Kevin and the leadership team to already encourage and equip them during this transition. My only goal is to come alongside and join in the work that is already taking place. I haven't had a chance to meet everyone involved though, so please seek me out on a Sunday morning and say "hi" or drop me a line at jared@newhopeashland.com. I'm also a big fan of lunch and coffee, so don't hesitate to ask to meet up somewhere else. Being a temporary resident of Ashland during my seminary days, I'm a big fan of Aroma's, Belly Busters, and Jake's "Half-price burger Tuesdays." :)
Looking forward to the sermon series starting this Sunday, "Vintage Church" comes from the book of the same name written by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. It speaks to what the church is, what it does, and what it's supposed to be in our world. Many of you have probably heard that "church" isn't supposed to be something or someplace you go to, but rather "the church" is something you are a part of, it's you. Christ established the church to continue his ministry and the major agent in bringing people to Christ isn't a building, it's people like you and me! This fits perfectly with where NHA is right now. Some may be tempted to think that since Kevin is leaving the church will suffer, or since I (Jared) am only here temporarily the church will suffer, but the health of the church depends only on those who make up the church and that's you! Are you going anywhere? 'Cause if you are, then yes, the church will be affected, but you as a Body of Christ at NHA are so much bigger then Kevin, or Jared, or anyone else who shares from the stage on Sunday morning. Come out this Sunday and be a part of the "Vintage Church" series.
Grace,
Jared

Happy New Year Ashland!

It's been a crazy year of ups and downs, but through it all God is at work in our lives and our community. Here are some of my favorite blog posts from 2009...

•  Old School Pot Luck Celebration
•  40 Days of Love Word on the Street
•  40 Days of Love Service Projects
•  NH Block Party
•  NH Paint Party
•  Serve | Kristi's Story
•  Easter Sunday

If you want a spiritual New Year's Resolution I encourage you to adopt a bible reading plan.  YouVersion is an online bible tool than can help you.

At New Hope Ashland the Good News has been shared to hundreds of people, lives have been drastically changed for eternity, the church has grown in maturity, and the city has been loved in Jesus' name.

I'm so excited to see what God has for our future. Many blessings in 2010!