Monthly Mission Focus for June & July 2021
Support our Mission Partners and Greater Brandon Community.
Our mission focus for May and June will be Family Promise and the collection of school supplies for the 2021/2022 school year.
NH Kids and Passion Student Ministry Programming for July 4, 2021
New Hope Kids and Passion Student Ministry will not be meeting on July 4, 2021.
This Sunday we will offer child care ONLY for children 2 and under during both the 9am and 10:30am service. We hope to see everyone in "big church"!
COVID-19 Update for June 25, 2021
Face Covering Requirements effective June 25, 2021
June 25, 2021
An important Face Covering Update from New Hope:
Indoor and outdoor mask wearing is optional for those fully vaccinated while masks are encouraged for unvaccinated or immune-compromised persons.
We care about the safety and well-being of every individual who is part of our extended church family. We trust that all who attend our worship services and other campus events will honor these guidelines with integrity and compassion.
For the time being, we will continue with other COVID-19 safety guidelines. These include social distancing for most gatherings, using electronic check-in before worship services, and extensive cleaning before and after events.
For those who still are not comfortable with in-person gatherings, our online campus will continue to stay dynamic and active.
Thank you for your patience as we have navigated the difficulties of the last year.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Vicki
New Hope Online Store NOW OPEN!
Support our children and youth ministry with every purchase!
COVID-19 Update for May 21, 2021
Face Covering Requirements effective May 21, 2021
May 21, 2021
An important update from Pastor Vicki Harrison:
Based on the new recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Conference of the UMC, New Hope has revised its mask policy.
Indoor and outdoor mask wearing will now be optional for fully vaccinated people. Persons who have not been fully vaccinated or are unable to receive a vaccine are asked to continue to wear a mask and observe CDC recommended safety protocols.
We care about the safety and well-being of every individual who is part of our extended church family. We trust that all who attend our worship services and other campus events will honor these guidelines with integrity and compassion.
For the time being, we will continue with other COVID-19 safety guidelines. These include social distancing for most gatherings, using electronic check-in before worship services, and extensive cleaning before and after events.
For those who still are not comfortable with in-person gatherings, our online campus will continue to stay dynamic and active.
Thank you for your patience as we have navigated the difficulties of the last year.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Vicki
COVID-19 Update for May 15, 2021
Face Covering Update for May 15, 2021
Over the past several days both the CDC and the Florida Conference of the UMC updated their recommendations for vaccinated individuals wearing masks indoors. Considering these changes, New Hope will reevaluate our mask policy this coming week as well. The executive team will draft a proposal to be voted on by the leadership team very soon. Whatever changes are made will be widely communicated with all.
Pastor Vicki Harrison
Be sure you have completed our Communication Survey. Updates will be sent out via our weekly e-newsletter and social media channels.
We are continuing to:
Sanitize all common areas before and after services
Require all attenders over the age of seven (7) to wear a mask while on campus
Adhere to social distancing guidelines
Provide overflow worship space for each service
Highly recommend that we continue with no congregational singing
New Hope is also committed to provide an engaging and Spirit-filled online worship experience to allow our church family the opportunity to stay connected each week without venturing out to our campus locations. For those who do not yet feel comfortable returning to campus we hope that you will join us online each week and connect with others through our moderation and interactive services.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email or at (813) 689-4161.
Monthly Mission Focus for May and June 2021
Support our Mission Partners and Greater Brandon Community.
Our mission focus for May and June will be Family Promise and the collection of school supplies for the 2021/2022 school year.
Press Play VBS Registration is NOW OPEN!
We’re turning up the volume at VBS to remind each kid that they can have confidence because of Jesus. When kids begin to see themselves the same way that Jesus sees them, then real confidence begins to take root and grow.
Big News from New Hope on Announcement Sunday
Did you miss our big announcement from Sunday, April 25, 2021? Check it out here!
Join us on May 16, 2021 in the Social Hall as we celebrate Pastor Riley, Pastor Vicki, Pastora Yamiley and Pastor Roberto! We will gather to celebrate not only our Pastoral staff but also their families!
A cupcake reception will take place between the 9:00am and 10:30am service in the Social Hall.
Cards and notes of well wishes can be dropped off at the church office Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm. You can also drop items in the collection boxes each Sunday in the Sanctuary or in Logan Hall. Emails can be sent HERE and those items will be printed for you.
While we know everyone is not comfortable returning to campus we hope that you will consider returning for our celebration if you are ready! We will continue to enforce social distancing requirements and masks will be required at all times for attenders.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email.
PSM Walk/Run-A-Thon
Passion Student Ministry is raising funds for our summer youth mission trip to Blue Ridge, N.C., as well as summer camp at Warren Willis. We are looking to lower the costs for students to experience lessons and life experience that camp and the mission trip has to offer, as well as gaining the many possibilities for growth in their relationship with Jesus. Students and participants will have one hour to travel(walk/run) a mile around our Brandon campus of New Hope. You may pledge per how many times they can do this ($ per mile) or you may make one pledge.
Donors: Thank you in advance for your support of Passion Student Ministry. We appreciate your generosity! Students will collect pledged money during the week following the Walk/Run A-Thon.
Lenten Devotional - Happy Easter
Happy Easter
Happy Easter!
Luke 24:6-7, He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.
Matthew 28:5-6, Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.
Now, sing with joy and passion as we praise our risen Savior today!
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Charles Wesley, 1739
1. Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
2. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
4. Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
5. Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!
6. King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy pow’r to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!
Easter Sunday at New Hope - You're Invited!
Easter Invite from New Hope
We want to personally invite you and your family to New Hope. We’re gonna have great worship, an awesome message, and whether you here on-campus or online, your kids are gonna have a blast!
Lenten Devotional - Day 40
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, April 3, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Augustine Nobles
Scripture Reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:18, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
Colossians 1:9, For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.
Reflection:
Prayer was obviously a high priority for the apostle Paul, who wrote the letter to the Colossians. Some of the most beautiful prayers ever written are found in his letters. Paul's prayers are magnificent, not only because of their content but also because he was so diligent in prayer. He prayed “continually” for others and always thanked God for them.
It's true that some people are simply more interested in prayer than others. But God wants prayer to be a top priority in everyone's life. God wants us to experience prayer as a delight, and not a duty. Let us ask God to help us develop a passion for prayer and make it a cherished habit.
Prayer:
Lord, I know that prayer is always a blessing, but it's easy for me to neglect it. Help me to make it a top priority. Please increase my desire and my opportunities to spend time with you. Dear God help me to be devoted to prayer. Help me to connect with you in whatever way I can. Use me to help others grow in prayer as well. In Jesus name. Amen
Lenten Devotional - Day 39 - Good Friday
Lenten Devotional for Friday, April 2, 2021. Good Friday
Lenten Devotional
John 17, A Prayer of Jesus
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” [Amen.]
Lenten Devotional - Day 38
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, April 1, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:12, In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God.
Reflection:
No matter when or where we are, mountains stand remote, somehow removed from congestion and busyness characteristic of valleys below. They are majestic in height, drawing our attention and encouraging the expenditure of effort required to climb.
Once on a mountain, you experience a different environment than below. You breathe different air and respond to exertion differently. You have a different perspective not just of the ground below looking down from above, but also of things above and the mountain itself.
While prayer can and should happen anywhere and everywhere, it is good to sometimes get away from everyday tasks, take in a new perspective and quietly spend time talking to God alone.
“And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people…” Luke 6:17
Following mountaintop experiences, it’s also good to come back down to share with others the hope and joy you found there.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness! Help me remember and keep in constant communication with You, as Your line is always open.
Lenten Devotional - Day 37
Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Carina Lopez-Ramos
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 6,
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
My soul also is struck with terror,
while you, O Lord—how long?
Turn, O Lord, save my life;
deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
Reflection
At times, I have a hard time saying, “I’m sorry.” Actually, I do say “I’m sorry, but …” My acknowledgment of how I have hurt someone or disappointed someone is often followed by my excuse as to why it happened. However, I don’t think I’m unique in this. Perhaps you may too, have a hard time saying it. The psalmist expresses deep sorrow for his sin, asking God for help and forgiveness. Both his body and his soul feel overwhelmed with terror. David realizes he is experiencing the consequence of his own sin. He cries out in physical and spiritual pain, knowing that God’s discipline is justified for the ways he has disobeyed God.
David’s confession before God is anchored in his confidence that God will forgive. He calls out for God’s deliverance, convinced that God will hear and answer because of God’s steadfast love. Despite the situation in which David finds himself, he knows that he will not permanently abide in terror and distress because of God’s unfailing love. “Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer” (v. 8–9).
As we enter this Lenten season, we can say, “I’m sorry” before God. When we confess before our merciful Lord, we are assured of God’s forgiveness. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry, but” we can say, “I’m sorry because of your steadfast love and forgiveness!” What a wonderful God we serve! What a wonderful God who still accepts us with all our flaws, with arms wide open.
Prayer:
Father God, we confess before you our sins, our brokenness, our mess, and our lives. We all need to experience your abundant mercy. We are not perfect Lord but please help us each and every day to come before you to say, “I’m sorry” with a sincere heart and no explanation. Thank you for your grace. We pray this in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Lenten Devotional - Day 36
Lenten Devotional for Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:17, Pray constantly.
Reflection:
Have you ever thrown coins in a fountain, raised your feet off the floorboard of the car when crossing a railroad track, held your breath while traveling through a tunnel, and kissed the clock when all the digits were the same number (for example, 4:44)? All of these were fun games I played as a kid to occupy otherwise idle moments. All were accompanied by making a wish, which was thought to come true if the given procedure had been followed.
There were plenty of wishes to not come about, but that didn’t keep me from the fun of playing the game.
Nowadays, I take such opportunities as a reminder to pray. I offer up a prayer request for whatever is my greatest wish or concern at the moment. Whether prompted to by reflexes from a childhood practice or just because something important is on your mind, turn every wish into a prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, please help me instill practices in myself to constantly remember to pray and “have a word” with You. May it be as fun as childhood games, a long-lasting impression and bring joy!
Lenten Devotional - Day 35
Lenten Devotional for Monday, March 29, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Jeff Brant - Hope and Praise in Psalms
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 33:20-21, We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help, and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.
Psalm 150:6, Let everything that has breath, Praise the Lord!
Reflection:
From my earliest memories of reading the Bible, I remember other believers of the faith telling me that if I read anything in the Bible, read the book of Psalms. It seems to speak to you. I found that to be very true. I can relate and find great comfort, hope, and encouragement, in all the books of Psalms.
The mega themes of the books speak about praise, God’s power, forgiveness, thankfulness, and trust. These are all the things I need to hear on a daily basis, to give me hope for the new day, as each morning begins. The scriptures above are some of my favorites. I enjoy and live for singing His praises, as in Psalm 150. I trust in His help in all I am about to face in a new day, as in Psalm 33.
And Psalm 23, I was advised many years ago, to recite over and over again whenever I was fearful, anxious or scared about what I was about to face. Throughout my life, I have found that it really works. As I recite that Psalm, over and over again, saying it out loud, a great calm, or peace, floods over me, and I am able to deal with the challenge at that moment. I encourage you to do the same. I have found it something I will always do, throughout the rest of my life, to help me get through whatever it is I need to, with the confidence that the Lord is with me!
Prayer:
Dear Lord God, continue this day to be the Good Shepherd you have promised to be for us, each and every day, and through each and every circumstance. Protect us, guide us, deliver us, and give us the confidence to show others, the joy, peace and comfort we receive by trusting in you! Amen.
Lenten Devotional -“Little Easter”
Lenten Devotional for Sunday, March 28, 2021
Every Sunday in Lent is considered a “little Easter,” a time to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection and spend time praising God. So, in keeping with this, our Sunday devotionals will be traditional Easter hymns. Take a moment to sing these with your family or by yourself. If you like, listen to the song on your computer or phone. But be sure to spend time rejoicing and praising God for our new life in Jesus Christ.
Because He Lives
By Bill and Gloria Gaither
1. God sent his son, they called him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives.
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living
Just because he lives.
2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain day because he lives.
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living
Just because he lives.
3. And then one day I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know he reigns.
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living
Just because he lives.
Lenten Devotional - Day 34
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, March 27, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison: Made New
Scripture Reading:
2 Cor. 5: 14-17, Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Reflection:
The Apostle Paul, who wrote this Scripture, is saying, “I know personally that God’s love can change people!” Because of Christ’s death on the cross, his old way of life – his angry, Christian-hating, law-obsessed way of life – it died up on that cross with Jesus. Now, he has an intimate relationship with a life-giving Savior. He became a different person when he received new life in Jesus. In fact, Paul went from a man who persecuted and stoned Christ-followers to one of the strongest, most amazing Christian missionaries of all time. He was made new. This was great news.
Even better news is that Paul is saying and we can be made new too. We also can experience transformation in Jesus Christ. No matter who we are or what we’ve done, when we say yes to Jesus, our old life dies and a new life begins. Remember, when we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God, comes and makes a home within us, transforming us from the inside out. This doesn’t mean we just try a little harder and we become a better person. No, we become new people!
And yet, as we walk further on our faith journey, life gets messy and difficult. Sometimes, it feels like our “newness” has worn off. We don’t feel new anymore. In my own life, as the pandemic has worn on, I simply felt tired and heavy burdened, not new! What God has taught me is that I have to be very intentional about staying connected, walking hand in hand with Jesus through prayer, reading Scripture, and daily worship. Being made new is not a one-time experience. I need God’s renewing power every, single day! I need to constantly, continuously be reminded of who and whose I am. I am made new and transformed, a new creation, and a child of the one true King!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your amazing love and sacrifice. Thank you for salvation and the newness and transformation that can only come from you. Jesus, I need you. Fill me anew today so that I can be renewed and refreshed by your grace and power. I want to live like a new person, one who is totally and fully focused on you. In Your Name, Amen.