en http://www.newhopepeninsula.org © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=354 Last week, Ben shared his thoughts on being disciples to those around us, sharing our faith with gentleness as we share the reason for our joy "one beggar to another." This week, Edie will continue this idea by exploring ways we can turn every day conversations from the mundane to the spiritual. Does the word "evangelism" make you run the other way or bury your head in the sand? Come learn about Jesus' example of talking to ordinary people, in ordinary ways, about the extraordinary love of God. Service is Sunday at 5pm. MEMBER FEEDBACK We are seeking your input for discerning God's leading for New Hope. Click here to take the survey. We'll be having a follow up town hall meeting on March 21st at our regular service time of 5pm. PRAY FOR NEW HOPE We will be praying for New Hope and our community Wednesday evenings in March at 7pm at the home of Ben and Christy Pierce. Join us this Wednesday, 3/10. Email Judy Adams for directions. UPCOMING EVENTS March 10, 2010 from 2:30-6:30pm. Join other New Hopers as we partner with Serve the Peninsula and Second Harvest Food Bank to serve food to families at Hawes Elementary School in Redwood City. Click here to sign up. March 21, 2010 during service, join us for part two of our Town Hall Meetings to hear about God's leading for New Hope and the results of the survey. March 22, 2010 at 6:55 at the home of Brian and Cari McDowell in San Carlos. Join parents of other middle/high schoolers to meet our new Youth Director, Mike Francisco and talk about the direction for our youth in San Carlos. April 14, 2010 from 1-5pm. Save the date for a family outreach day where we'll be creating Care Kits for people in Haiti. Details to come. HAWAIIAN ISLAND MINISTRIES BLOG Christy Pierce spoke last week at a conference in Hawaii and had several members of New Hope join her as her prayer team. Susan Campbell-Hartzell joined the team for the first time and has written a blog to describe her experience. Visit here to get Susan's updates. Mon, 8 Mar 2010 17:21:31 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=281 Thank you for visiting the on-line home of New Hope Peninsula Church, serving the San Francisco Bay Area. We are a vibrant, small church in the heart of one of the country's least-churched areas. We emphasize the direct and personal experience of God's love. And, we help each person find ways to make a difference for God in the world. Our church is a loving community of people journeying with a loving God. We are committed to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we reach to benefit people beyond our walls. We work to change lives for the better both in and out of our church walls. Come and see us some time. We encourage you to check us out for a few weeks maybe part of God’s plan for you involves New Hope. Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:26:32 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=89 You can call the church office at (650) 579-7815 or contact our New Hope Staff and Board Members directly. Click on a name to send an e-mail: New Hope Staff Members of the Board Ben Pierce Pastor Edie Dwan Associate Pastor Kyah Combs Children's Ministry Steve Young Worship Leader Mike Francisco Youth Ministry Judy Adams Administration Matt Westman Chairman Ben Pierce Pastor Christy Pierce Pastor Rod MacLeod Susan MacLeod Kim Thacker Tue, 2 Mar 2010 23:55:43 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=155 New Hope Peninsula Church meets at the Mid Peninsula Vineyard Church in San Carlos at 5pm on Sunday nights. Our address is 1566 Arroyo Avenue (94070) and we are 3 blocks west of El Camino Real.From Highway 101 Take the Holly Street exit and head West Turn left (South) on El Camino Real Turn right (West) on Arroyo Avenue (we'll be on your right) From Highway 280 Take the Edgewood Road exit and head East Turn left (North) on Alameda De Las Pulgas Turn right (East) on Brittan Turn left (North) on Cedar Turn right (East) on Arroyo Avenue (we'll be on your left) Click here for Map sc_project=3703248; sc_invisible=1; sc_partition=44; sc_security="5e79dec8"; Tue, 2 Mar 2010 23:52:59 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=55 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=55&article_id=195 “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is our church's effort to mobilize people of good will to help neighbors with needs. The “work force” reaches way beyond people who are associated with New Hope church. We simply realize that the pool of people with compassionate hearts is huge; so are the needs of people in our area. Our projects tend to target people with lower incomes and specific physical, social, and spiritual needs. We invite you to join us in any of our events. If you’d be willing to lead an effort and want to discuss getting it on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors calendar, please contact us at jadams@newhopepeninsula.org. MARCH March 10, 2010 from 2:30-6:30pm. Join other New Hopers as we partner with Serve the Peninsula and Second Harvest Food Bank to serve food to families at Hawes Elementary School in Redwood City. Click here to sign up. Tue, 2 Mar 2010 17:47:30 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=84 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=84&article_id=337 If you use iTunes you can go directly to our PodCast. You can listen to sermons using the jukebox below or you can download individual mp3 files (below the player). 02/28/10 Ben Pierce: Jesus Leads His People (11 Megs) 02/21/10 Ben Pierce: Faith that benefits our loved ones (13 Megs) 02/14/10 Christy Pierce: Looking for Love in the Wrong Places (11 Megs) 02/07/10 Ben Pierce: Loving Jesus Way (13 Megs) 01/31/10 Edie Dwan: Experiencing God (12 Megs) 01/24/10 Ben Pierce: Experiencing God's Love (13 Megs) 01/17/10 Edie Dwan: Connections: Spiritual Disciplines (12 Megs) 01/10/10 Ben Pierce: Connections: First Things First (15 Megs) 12/27/09 Steve Young: God's Love for us (15 Megs) 12/20/09 Christy Pierce: Christmas: Good times in Bad times (15 Megs) 12/13/09 Ben Pierce: Christmas: Hope (13 Megs) 12/06/09 Ben Pierce: Christmas: A Time for Giving (21 Megs) 11/29/09 Edie Dwan: Good Times in Bad Times (12 Megs) 11/22/09 Christy Pierce: Thanksgiving (14 Megs) 11/15/09 Ben Pierce: Removing the Impostor (18 Megs) 11/08/09 Ben Pierce: Control versus Trust (18 Megs) 11/01/09 Ben Pierce: Letting God out of the Box (18 Megs) 10/25/09 Edie Dwan: Obstacles to Trust (15 Megs) 10/18/09 Ben Pierce: Gratitude, Dependence and Grace (17 Megs) 10/11/09 Ben Pierce: Ruthless Trust Begins (19 Megs) 10/04/09 Ben Pierce: Spiritual Legacy (15 Megs) 09/27/09 Tim Borland: Extreme for God (23 Megs) 09/20/09 Ben Pierce: Looking forward - Vision Sunday (21 Megs) 09/13/09 Ben Pierce: Happy 5th Birthday New Hope (19 Megs) 09/06/09 Ben Pierce: What on earth am I to do? Part 2 (12 Megs) 08/30/09 Christy Pierce: Intercession (27 Megs) 08/23/09 Ben Pierce: What on earth am I to do? (21 Megs) 08/16/09 Rwanda Team: Rwanda Report Back (17 Megs) 07/26/09 Edie Dwan: Filled with grace is - Graceful living (11 Megs) 07/12/09 Charley Scandlyn: Retiring (16 Megs) 07/05/09 Ben Pierce: The Fall: Good News about the Bad News (19 Megs) 06/28/09 Ben Pierce: Creation: Whos in charge anyway? (20 Megs) 06/21/09 Ben Piere: Great things to do when you're ditching church (20 Megs) 06/14/09 Edie Dwan: Encouragement (unavailable, sorry) 06/07/09 Christy Pierce: Summer Rest from Crazy Busy (18 Megs) 05/31/09 Ben Pierce: Am I my Brothers Keeper? (19 Megs) 05/24/09 Ben Pierce: Remembering (12 Megs) 05/17/09 Christy Pierce: Beyond ourselves: Forgive one another (15 Megs) 05/10/09 Ben Pierce: Beyond ourselves: Love like a girl (16 Megs) 05/03/09 Ben Pierce: Beyond ourselves: Accept one another (15 Megs) 04/26/09 Christy Pierce: Beyond Ourselves: Don't give up on Prayer (21 Megs) 04/19/09 Ben Pierce: Beyond Ourselves: Love One Another (18 Megs) 04/12/09 Ben Pierce: Easter: What's the Big Deal? (16 Megs) 04/05/09 Christy Pierce: What's up with the palms? (15 Megs) 03/29/09 Ben Pierce: PS. Don't Forget Joy (18 Megs) 03/22/09 Stephen Lungu: Healing to transform a negative past (36 Megs) 03/15/09 Ben Pierce: Built to Last: Putting wood behind the arrowhead (15 Megs) 03/08/09 Ben Pierce: Built to last: Riches in God (13 Megs) 03/01/09 Ben Pierce: Built to last: Better from the bottom up (16 Megs) 02/22/09 Ben Pierce: Built to last: Loosing the last 20 pounds (17 Megs) 02/15/09 Josh Combs: Built to last: I have a question for ya (21 Megs) 02/08/09 Ben Pierce: Built to last: What's Church got to do with it? (20 Megs) 02/01/09 Christy Pierce: Built to last: Joy in Troubled Times (15 Megs) 01/25/09 Ben Pierce: Built to last: Standing on the Word of God (21 Megs) 01/18/09 Ben Pierce: Built to last: Digging into our faith (13 Megs) 01/11/09 Ben Pierce: Built to last: Prayer (21 Megs) 01/04/09 Ben Pierce: Built to Last (19 Megs) 12/28/08 Marc Davies: More than Conquerers (12 Megs) 12/23/08 Esther Schuelke: Lighting the Christ Candle (2 Megs) 12/23/08 Ben Pierce: Twas Two Nights Before Christmas (10 Megs) 12/21/08 Christy Pierce: The Christmas we Really Need (12 Megs) 12/14/08 Ben Pierce: Wise Men Still Seek Him (13 Megs) 12/07/08 Christy Pierce: Christmas When Life is Hard (14 Megs) 11/30/08 Ben Pierce: The Christmas we Really Need (14 Megs) [Click here for Misha's Story] 11/23/08 Matt Westman: Trusting God (17 Megs) 11/16/08 Ben Pierce: When Life is Difficult (16 Megs) 11/09/08 Larry Holser: Pause then Pray (17 Megs) 11/02/08Ben Pierce: Prayer (19 Megs) [Click here to see Ben's Prayer Guide]10/26/08Bob Rice: Giving it Away (17 Megs)10/19/08Todd Johnson: Every Person has a calling in God (22 Megs)10/12/08Ben Pierce: Strong in the Word, Strong in the Spirit (17 Megs)10/05/08Ben Pierce: Beneficial Faith (14 Megs)09/28/08Christy Pierce: Being Real (10 Megs)09/28/08Charley Scandlyn: Youth Ministry Evening (20 Megs)09/21/08Ben Pierce: A Relationship with Jesus (22 Megs)09/14/08Christy Pierce: A Different Take on Suffering (16 Megs)09/07/08Ben Pierce: A Survival Kit for Following Jesus (28 Megs)08/31/08Christy Pierce: Perseverance to run the Rat Race (15 Megs)08/24/08Ben Pierce: Descending into Greatness (19 Megs)08/17/08Rod McLeod: What's so amazing about grace? (14 Megs)08/10/08Josh Combs: The Gift of Right Now (22 Megs)08/03/08Ben Pierce: Wanting God's Best for Eachother (20 Megs)07/27/08Ben Pierce: Heart Wounds (20 Megs)07/20/08Daniel Brown: Never Getting Lost - GPS from God (29 Megs)07/13/08Christy Pierce: Help God! I'm Tired! (15 Megs)07/06/08Ben Pierce: When we can't stop - Addiction (19 Megs)06/29/08Ben Pierce: Abundance (16 Megs)06/22/08Ben Pierce: Worry and Anxiety (20 Megs)06/15/08Larry Holser: Faith of our Fathers (15 Megs)06/08/08Ben Pierce: Materialism- Honoring God with our Stuff (20 Megs)06/01/08Christy Pierce: Communicating God's Way (15 Megs)05/25/08Ben Pierce: Bearing Fruit from a Full Heart (18 Megs)05/18/08Ben Pierce: Living out calling - Part 2 (18 Megs)05/11/08Ben Pierce: Living out calling in "all the stuff of life" (17 Megs)05/04/08Ben Pierce: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (10 Megs)04/27/08Saleen and David: A Muslim comes to Christ (31 Megs)04/20/08Ben Pierce: Identifying your Spiritual Gifts (23 Megs)04/13/08Christy Pierce: Jesus, Mr.Potatohead, and changing the world (21 Megs)04/06/08Ben Pierce: You had me at "Hello" (25 Megs)03/30/08New Hope Staff: Youth Vision Night (27 Megs)03/30/08Christy Pierce: Eyes of Faith (13 Megs)03/23/08Ben Pierce: Easter (14 Megs)03/16/08Ben Pierce: Palm Sunday (17 Megs)03/09/08Christy Pierce: Healing and Tough Questions (19 Megs)03/02/08Ben Pierce: How Jesus Heals Today (19 Megs)02/24/08Brian McDowell: The Kingdom of Heaven (19 Megs)02/17/08Ben Pierce: Jesus Calms the Water (12 Megs)02/10/08Ben Pierce: What Kind of Savior, What Kind of Salvation (16 Megs)02/03/08Christy Pierce: Jesus, Stressful Days, and Smelly Roses (14 Megs)01/27/08Josh Combs: Bringing what you have to Jesus (22 Megs)01/20/08Ben Pierce: Where Extraordinary Love Comes From (16 Megs)01/13/08Ben Pierce: Living as "Sent Ones" (15 Megs)01/06/08Ben Pierce: Where God Wants us to Go (14 Megs)12/30/07Marc Davies: Where we've been and where we're going to (13 Megs)12/23/07Ben Pierce: The Christmas we Really Need: The Shepherds (8 Megs)12/16/07Ben Pierce: The Christmas we Really Need: The Wise Men (12 Megs)12/09/07Christy Pierce: The Story of Mary (18 Megs)12/02/07Ben Pierce: The Christmas we Really Need: Joseph (12 Megs)11/25/07Ben Pierce: The Christmas we Really Need: Zechariah (15 Megs)11/18/07Christy Pierce: Thanksgiving Homework Isn't All That Bad (13 Megs)11/11/07Ben Pierce: Many Different Aspects of Faithfulness (10 Megs)11/04/07Ben Pierce: When our Needs Outstrip our Resources (14 Megs)10/28/07Ben Pierce: The Kind of Heart God Can Use (15 Megs)10/14/07Christy Pierce: "Lord Help Me" Prayers (16 Megs)10/07/07Ben Pierce: Praying Like Jesus Prayed (15 Megs)09/16/07Ben Pierce: No! Rest for the weary - part 2 (15 Megs)09/09/07Christy Pierce: No! Rest for the weary - part 1 (19 Megs)09/02/07Ben Pierce: Whats Holy About Resting From Our Labors (12 Megs)08/26/07Ben Pierce: Finding Strength in God When Life Doesn't Make Sense (14 Megs)08/19/07Christy Pierce: Jesus, Pedicures and You (10 Megs)08/12/07Ben Pierce: How Faith Really Works (16 Megs)07/29/07Josh Combs: Being Non-Judgemental (17 Megs)07/15/07Ben Pierce: Remembering and anticipating God's goodness (12 Megs)07/08/07Christy Pierce: The bad thing about good things (19 Megs)07/01/07Ben Pierce: The good thing about hard things (16 Megs)06/24/07Ben Pierce: The good thing about bad things (23 Megs)06/17/07Ben Pierce: What men have and what they need (17 Megs)06/10/07Christy Pierce: Discerning God's Will (20 Megs)05/20/07Ben Pierce: Descending into Greatness (14 Megs)05/13/07Christy Pierce: Thirsty No More (18 Megs)05/06/07Donna Kennison: A Tale of Distortion and Restoration (18 Megs)04/29/07Ben Pierce: Getting People to the Feet of Jesus (16 Megs)04/22/07Ben Pierce: Where is God at times like these? (20 Megs)04/15/07Ben Pierce: Learn to be Jesus' Disciple (19 Megs)04/08/07Ben Pierce: Sunday Faith in a Friday World (16 Megs)04/01/07Ben Pierce: Palm Sunday (14 Megs)03/18/07Ben Pierce: The Dream Team (17 Megs)03/04/07Ben Pierce: Dealing with Temptation (14 Megs)02/25/07Christy Pierce: Jesus, Healing and Gummy Worms (25 Megs)02/18/07Mary Schaller: What about Harry? (18 Megs)02/11/07Ben and Christy Pierce: Vision Night 2007 (27 Megs)02/04/07Christy Pierce: A New Year, Changed Lives (15 Megs)01/28/07Josh Combs: Preparing Our Lives for God (17 Megs)01/21/07Ben Pierce: Knowing Who You Are (14 Megs)01/14/07Christy Pierce: Hope when things seem hopeless (16 Megs)01/07/07Ben Pierce: Introduction to Luke (19 Megs)12/10/06Christy Pierce: Mary's First Christmas Gift (12 Megs)12/03/06Ben Pierce: Preparing our Hearts for Christmas (19 Megs)11/26/06Christy Pierce: Healing Prayer (16 Megs)10/22/06Ben Pierce: Jesus Left The Building (9 Megs)10/15/06Josh Combs: Art of the Story (18 Megs)10/08/06Ben Pierce: Baptism of Christina Rose (5 Megs)10/08/06Ben Pierce: Old Pipes, New Pipes (14 Megs)09/17/06Christy Pierce: Loving Your Neighbors (15 Megs)09/10/06Ben Pierce: Big Rocks First (16 Megs)08/20/06Ben Pierce: Building the Kingdom at New Hope (25 Megs)08/13/06Christy Pierce: Loving People Where They're At (14 Megs)08/06/06Panel: Loving God in the 9 to 5 (21 Megs)07/30/06Josh Combs: Loving those who are hard to love (23 Megs)07/09/06Ben Pierce: A Love Based Relationship With God (20 Megs)06/25/06Ben Pierce: Introduction to Loving People series (14 Megs)06/18/06Christy Pierce: After Da Vinci - Where next Lord? (13 Megs)05/21/06Ben Pierce: Da Vinci Code Week 5 - Christianity: Imitation or Original? (22 Megs)05/14/06Ben and Christy Pierce: Da Vinci Code Week 4 - Jesus and Women (26 Megs)05/07/06Ben Pierce: Da Vinci Code Week 3 - Who was Jesus (poor audio) (16 Megs)04/30/06Ben Pierce: Da Vinci Code Week 2 - Why the Bible is Reliable (19 Megs)04/23/06Ben Pierce: Da Vinci Code Week 1 (26 Megs)04/16/06Ben Pierce: Take Easter Personally (17 Megs)04/09/06Christy Pierce: Hosanna: Our Real Peace (15 Megs)04/02/06Ben Pierce: A Tale of Two Churches (12 Megs)03/26/06Ben Pierce: When the Right Thing is the Hard Thing (13 Megs)03/19/06Christy Pierce: Prayer (19 Megs)02/26/06Ben Pierce: Scrolls- Acts 19:23-41 (13 Megs)01/29/06Ben Pierce: Vision Night (22 Megs)12/08/05Lois Darbonne: Emmanuel: God With Us (11 Megs)11/13/05Ben Pierce: Dealing with conflict God's Way (20 Megs)10/30/05Ben Pierce: Hardship and Suffering (25 Megs)09/25/05Josh Combs: Patience (16 Megs)05/19/05Ben Pierce: Holy Spirit (Father's Day) (24 Megs)05/01/05Ben Pierce: Understanding Answers to Prayer (16 Megs)04/24/05Lois Darbonne: What it means to be called a Christian (15 Megs)04/03/05Ben Pierce: Finding God's Will (19 Megs)03/13/05Christy Pierce: Annanias and Dorcas: Acts 9 (16 Megs)03/06/05Josh Combs: Acts 19 (16 Megs)02/13/05Ben Pierce: Receiving the Spirit: Acts 8 (21 Megs)01/16/05Ben Pierce: Commending Jesus (15 Megs)01/02/05Josh Combs: New Things (16 Megs)10/03/04Ben Pierce: Joining Team New Hope (12 Megs)08/29/04Ben Pierce: "Change The World" Faith (22 Megs)08/22/04Christy Pierce: Intimacy with God (14 Megs)08/15/04Ben Pierce: Revival (13 Megs)08/08/04Ben Pierce: Handling the Hard Stuff (16 Megs)01/01/04Ben Pierce: First Sermon - Vision and Church Planting (17 Megs) Mon, 1 Mar 2010 23:40:47 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=86 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=86&article_id=352 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:36:40 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=81 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=81&article_id=307 A group of New Hopers went to Rwanda during the summer of 2009. They have posted pictures and updates of their exciting mission experience Click Here for access to NEW HOPE RWANDA TRIP 2009 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:10:27 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=156 Our office is in a residential neighborhood in San Carlos. We're often out meeting with people, so please call ahead if you need to meet someone or drop off an item. (650-579-7815) Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:34:25 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=345 The following books are recommended reading for our January 2010 "Connecting with God" series: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers - devotional classic, with scripture and challenging thoughts for each day of the year. The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen - "ancient spiritual wisdom to heal our troubled modern souls" - teaching on the contemplative life of the early church. The Attentive Life by Leighton Ford - paying attention to God in each day and each season of life. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence - the discipline of noticing God in each moment and communing with Him continually. Devotional Classics by Richard Foster - readings from great Christian thinkers and theologians throughout the ages, Scripture, and follow up questions. Receiving the Day by Dorothy Bass - challenges us to "embrace time as an opportunity, not an adversary," and to use it to deepen our relationship with God and with one another. Daily Office: Remembering God's Presence Throughout the Day by Peter Scazzero - practical and quick daily devotional with Scripture and prayer. The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer - a study of the inner life by a heart thirsting after God. Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:41:54 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=315 Can I just say "Wow!" This is the best thing I have read all summer by far. A friend handed it off to me with an urgency conveyed only in her insistence at walking out to her car to get it for me right then—apparently it could not wait. I was going to put it on the stack of "to read", but didn't. My favorite themes of redemption and faith in the face of difficulty are well portrayed in Same Kind of Different. It is the compelling story of two entirely different worlds that meet when two men become true friends. This happens after Denver grills Ron about white men who "catch and release" fish, a practice that sincerely distresses him. Where he came from people were proud of their fish and showed them off. He then sidewinds Ron with the point being that friends are not "catch and release". From there a friendship is born that you would never have predicted to be a possibility, but with God it happened and it was a thing of beauty when it did. There is so much beauty in this story and the really terrific part is that it is a true story. It gives hope and fortifies. Most people I know suffer in one way or another and "why" is often a question that comes with it. Here is at least one story where some of the "why" becomes evident. Perhaps we will know our own "why's" soon enough as well. Don't miss out! Click Here for the Amazon link if you're interested. Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:32:09 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=311 Brian is one of our own at New Hope. And if you know him at all, you know that he has a lot of good things to say about many things. Currently, Brian captains his own successful placement and recruiting agency here in Silicon Valley. His work is enlivened by his faith and his knowledge that God created him to help other people pursue their dreams. This new book by him, tracks the story of how he learned his trade from an amazing boss and mentor, June. The story of his growth under her tutelage is bare in its honesty and that's what makes it a page turner. Brian is so honest about his own short comings and disadvantages as a young man that you really trust the lessons he learned as applicable to many. There are many useful pearls in this book and it makes for a thought provoking summer read. Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:32:09 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=234 Described as a novel approach to a reasonable faith, this book is a very entertaining and compelling approach to apologetics. You will get a kick out of the plot and enjoy the arguments put forth in favor of the christian faith by the protagonist, Michael Jernigan. However, this book really engages with people representing other faiths in a respectful and loving way. The author also does not turn a blind eye to people who proclaim christianity, but lack the love that should be its most identifiable feature. It is a great read and perfect for airplanes or car journeys at only 169 pages. Amazon link, Click Here. K. O'Rourke Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:32:09 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=236 This book was given to me by a friend who, basically felt sorry for me and wanted to aid me in some way. I have to say I started to read it out of politeness to her effort with me. But, wow, I got a lot out of it! It is a wonderful taking stock and centering kind of book. I really liked much of what the author had to say. He is a christian and mentoree of Henri Nouwen's. He quotes many other faith traditions when making his points. Sometimes I have wondered about his theology, but he definitely loves Jesus and quotes a lot from the Bible too. It is the sort of book you want to give others as a gift so they can sort themselves out in this crazy overdrive kind of world. Amazon Link, Click Here. K. O'Rourke Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:32:09 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=233 Unbelievable and compelling...full of the love of God. The premise that sets up the story can be hard to want to read, but believe me it is worth it. Such a wonderful account of the God head and how it functions in its parts. This book really communicates the nature of being the beloved of God. Eugene Petersen says, "This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!" When I saw that comment, I grumbled about marketing. After reading it, I think he is absolutely correct. Amazon link, click here. K. O'Rourke Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:32:09 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=256 Eagle’s Nest is the spiritual equipping ministry of New Hope Peninsula Church. We offer conferences throughout the US including "Whispers of God" and "Healing" conferences led by Christy Pierce and/or Sharon Waldorf. At Eagle's Nest, the Word and The Spirit are taught together—empowering Believers to walk in their gifts as they pursue greater intimacy with God. All teaching rests on a strong scriptural foundation. Our greatest hope is to equip leaders with knowledge and skills to form teams for prayer of many kinds and outreach into the community. If you would like to attend one of these conferences or invite the Eagle's Nest team to speak and lead one at your church, contact Christy Pierce or Ben Pierce or call the office at 650.579.7815. EQUIPPING THE BODY OF CHRIST IN 4 AREAS ~ As God seeks to awaken and revive His Body in all churches, we believe He has called Eagle’s Nest to focus our ministry on mainline denominational churches. The growing hunger for intimacy with Him among Believers is aided by equipping people in 4 areas. HEALING PRAYER ~ Heal and be healed. Our ministry provides opportunities to gain knowledge in this area of prayer, to practice it and to experience healing yourself. LISTENING PRAYER/COMMUNION WITH GOD ~ Practice the presence of God. We teach people to hear the “whispers” of God for themselves and others. Learn or expand on basic skills for communing with God, for example, a devotional prayer life, journaling, soaking, etc. INTERCESSORY PRAYER ~ Engage God. Teaching people how to pray in the vision of their local church, their city, state and the nation. Learn more about intercessory prayer coverage for church leadership and the intricacies of interceding for a geographical area. We mentor Believers who are called to intercessory ministry. PROPHETIC MINISTRY ~ Move in the area of revelation with gifts of prophecy, dreams and visions. We provide opportunities for people to use prophetic gifts in a variety of applications including healing prayer and outreach to unbelievers. Tue, 5 Jan 2010 21:23:16 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=333 Judy Adams has been in the Bay Area nearly 20 years, but still considers herself a Midwestern girl at heart. High tech brought her to the area, meeting her husband kept her here. She noted the beautiful weather wasn't bad either. Judy worked at Oracle in a variety of marketing and customer service roles then migrated to human resources with a staffing firm onsite at Netscape and E*Trade. After her second child was born, Judy opted to stay home and became involved in a variety of church ministry and school volunteer leadership and development roles. The deepest desire of her heart is understanding the love of God and building an authentic and loving family life on the foundation of Christ. She is an avid reader, loves water sports and likes to dabble in artistic pursuits. Judy, her husband, Brian, and their two children, Jacob and Heather, enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hanging at the beach and hiking with their German Shepherd dog, Cali. If you need to contact Judy, click here. Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:50:54 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=173 The Local Kid - Steve Young grew up on Cedar St. here in San Carlos. He attended Central MS and Carlmont HS as a kid. College years were spent at Bethany University where he earned his degree in music. Steve has been playing music since the early 90's and leading worship for over ten years. Steve recently became an EMT and is looking forward to a career in emergency medicine. He loves long walks on the beach and hugs make his day. If you need to reach Steve, click here. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:51:13 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=170 Born in Corinth, Mississippi, Ben became a Christian at 16 years of age. Up to that point, a fulfilled life equaled a golfing life on the professional tour. But, God had different plans for Ben. Over time, he developed a passion for serving God and a deep compassion for the needy and poverty stricken. After completing his undergraduate studies at The University of the South in Tennessee, Ben left for Africa as a missionary. From 1984-1987, Ben worked for then Bishop, now Archbishop of Rwanda, E. M. Kolini in Zaire. Kolini, a man dedicated to the reconstruction of Rwanda after the genocide, is one of Ben’s most significant mentors. After Africa, Ben attended Fuller Theological Seminary where he completed his Master of Divinity degree. As he was finishing seminary, his future wife, Christy, (copastor of New Hope church) was starting. Ben admits he may have been scamming on the freshmen babes, but God blessed his efforts and gave him his best friend, soul-mate, and partner in ministry. Although New Hope church is non-denominational, Ben and Christy are both ordained Presbyterian pastors and have served on the San Francisco Peninsula since 1991. Ben started his vocation at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (MPPC) as an intern in the Single Adults Ministry. In 1993, he and his wife, Christy, served at First Presbyterian Church in San Mateo. From 1998 to 2003, Ben and Christy returned to MPPC to lead the Single Adults Ministry. As 2003 came to a close, they were surprised by God’s leading to plant a church on the San Francisco Peninsula. In July of 2004, they began New Hope Peninsula Church with the help of many people who believed that God was calling this to happen. They have three children: daughters, Corey and Annie, as well as their son, Benji. Ben says of starting a new church on the Peninsula; “It ain’t for sissies, but I love the church we are trying to become. It’s the church I always wanted to be a part of.” The call to be a “church for others”; that does the works of Jesus in the world, rather than just talking about it, makes his heart beat faster. So does helping people experience the love of God in a personal, transforming, and healing way. Ben also believes that what God is doing at New Hope is part of His movement to do a larger work of spiritual renewal and awakening in the SF bay area. Ben is an avid golfer, runner, and biker; a big fan of the Miami Dolphins, and an enthusiast of anything that flies. If you need to reach Ben, click here. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:50:23 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=332 Edie grew up in the Palo Alto area and attended Stanford University, where she met her husband, Bill. She led various church and para-church ministries while her children were young, and when they were teens, was called to the pastorate. After graduating from Fuller Seminary, Edie was ordained by the American Baptist Church, USA. She has served in a number of ministries, including church planter, campus minister for Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, program director for the Sandy Ford Fellowship, teaching director for Community Bible Study, and staff pastor at several churches. In her spare time, Edie enjoys hanging out with her husband and with friends, riding her horses, eating chocolate, spiritual conversations, singing, eating chocolate, gardening, reading, eating chocolate, and acting in community theatre. If you need to reach Edie, click here. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:49:06 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57&article_id=341 Our search is currently underway for a Youth Leader and we have some great candidates we're considering. Meanwhile, we have a great plan in place for the interim while our staff search continues. HIGH SCHOOL GROUP In the interim, our high schoolers will be led by Tim Combs. Tim is the husband of Kyah Combs and older brother to Josh Combs. Tim is a fourth generation pastor. He has been a pastor to teenagers and ministry leader for over 15 years. After graduating Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, CA in 1993 and marrying Kyah they served in churches throughout Northern and Southern California before planting a church in Oakley, CA. With his relevant and humorous teaching style Tim's philosophy of ministry as it relates to high school students is to challenge them to develop a Christ-centered life. Tim will take the next several weeks setting a foundation on which a strong and healthy high school ministry can be built. Tim would say his greatest accomplishment is marrying way out of his league to Kyah, his wife of nearly 16 years, and having two AWESOME kids; Austin and Autumn. MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP Brian McDowell, Rod MacLeod and Kim Thacker will be leading our middle school group. They have developed some great lessons and are looking forward to coming alongside our youth during this transition time. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:58:20 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71&article_id=218 .......ABOUT YOUTH!!!The New Hope "all high" (middle and high) school group is a multifaceted ministry that aims to be a resource for parents as they raise a family of faith. It is open to boys and girls between grades 5 and 12. There are four ongoing events that make up the core of our ministry. They are the Weekly Gathering, Home Invasions, Monthly Youth Outings, and OTS and in the summer, pool parties! Weekly Gathering ~ On Sunday nights during New Hope's regular Sunday service, “all high” students (middle and high schoolers) are invited to attend a small group study. There is typically a game or an ice-breaker, and an age appropriate, biblically based lesson. Some of our lesson series have been The Beatitudes, Life of Christ, and Basics of Faith (A study on the basics of Christianity). Home Invasions ~ Once a month, we descend in mass on the home of one of our own. There we will find food and sustenance to fortify during any number of activities planned by the host family. Prepare yourselves for a good time. Summer Pool Parties ~ These will run every other week from June through August. Monthly Youth Outing ~ One Saturday each month we will have either a service-oriented activity or a fun event. Even months are slated for service and the odd months are for a recreational activity such as Malibu Gran Prix or Sky High. OTS ~ OTS is an acronym that stands for Opportunity To Serve. It is an opportunity for our “all high” schoolers to take an active role in the worship service. Opportunities have included operating the sound board, or PowerPoint; preparing the sanctuary for service, ushering, or passing out bulletins, as well as communion prep, and a host of other unique serving tasks. These typically take place on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Tue, 1 Dec 2009 23:26:11 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=80 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=80&article_id=282 Sunday worship ...will keep your faith stoked with encouragement, guidance, and power. Small Groups ...gives necessary relational support to live out God’s agenda for our lives. Serving with us in the world ...it’s the right thing to do; and one of the easiest ways to get to know others in meaningful ways. Serving here at the church ...we’re in this together – and everyone has a role and responsibility. Pray with us ...let us know your needs and we will pray for you. ...join in praying for needs in the body, the area, and the world Social gatherings ...besides being fun, you’ll make friends for the journey. Take initiative in relationships ...jump right in there; don’t wait to be asked. Contact Edie Dwan or Ben Pierce for the Who, What, Where and How of any of these things. Tue, 1 Dec 2009 19:48:53 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51&article_id=153 The mission of the Children's Ministry here at New Hope Peninsula Church is to provide a safe, fun and welcoming environment where children learn and grow as disciples for Jesus Christ. Our earliest vision was to create a spiritual haven where kids would love coming New Hope as much as their parents. Our children's team seeks to support our families with creative and practical resources for spiritual development at home and school. New and exciting stuff is happening with Children's Ministry. We have an amazing children's curriculum called "Amplified" led by Kyah Combs. The program is high energy involving children's worship, puppets, skits, memory verses, and small group time. Kids seem to be loving it! Age range is K - 4th grade. Feel free to stay with the kids and check it out! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:09:49 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=85 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=85&article_id=338 If you use iTunes you will be able to go directly to our iTunes video channel. In the meantime you can try downloading the files below. Your browser does not support iframes, sorry. Please use a different machine. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:09:03 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=205 If you use iTunes you can go directly to our PodCast. You can listen to sermons using a jukebox on our audio page, or you can download individual mp3 files there. You can also choose the audio option from the menu to see a list of audio files. If you want to see video of the sermons choose the video option from the menu, but please note this is experimental at this time. We're working on it! In the meantime, check you have a good internet connection if you're going to watch video. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:40:37 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=257 As a child Kyah loved to play with dolls and dress up. She enjoyed creating a fun atmosphere in her bedroom at all times! Kyah sang in the mirror and wrote stories, casting her favorite barbies and action figures into the dramas. Little did she know how much this would prepare her for all the “ministry hats” she would one day wear. Kyah comes to New Hope as our Director in the Children's Ministry. She is also a Worship Leader and Children's Director for "The Gathering" in Oakley CA. Kyah was born and raised in California, primarily Southern Cal, the daughter of a pastor and now the wife of one. She calls her life blessed in every way. She pursues her passion to teach and train people of all ages in becoming fully devoted followers of Christ. Oh, and let us not forget, her favorite things are: Taco Bell, Iced Venti Americano w/ no water, 3 pumps of Toffee Nut, and non-fat milk, the movie Enchanted, any activity with her family, Worship music: David Crowder, Family Force Five, and her favorite indulgence is buying guitars!!!!! Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:48:02 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=148 "Love people till they love Jesus...then help them change the world" WHAT IT MEANS TO US.... "Love people till they love Jesus..." ~ We want to help you personally experience the love of God. Church isn't a club for holy people. It doesn't exist to condemn those outside it's walls. Come, experience the love you were made for in the image of God. "...then help them change the world" ~ We believe God has a piece of His work in the world made especially for you. God didn't make any throw-away people. He didn't make any people whose lives wouldn't matter. After we help You experience His love, we'll help you find a piece of the world's need with your name on it. We will help you find your purpose. For Information on "What We Believe" , "Our Personality" or "How To Participate", click on the topic. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:33:18 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=79 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=79&article_id=280 Churches are kind of like people in that they have “personalities” that make them unique and different from one another. God is huge, otherwise known as glorious, with many attributes. It is hard for any single person or church to emulate Him fully. Most churches get really good at one or maybe even two of His glorious aspects. The result is that you may find different things emphasized at different churches. These things often determine the personality of the church and indicate a possible "fit" for any given person. Below is a verbal snapshot (yes, we like dogs too!) of our personality: BLING IS NOT OUR THING ~ We are really down to earth, we are not particularly showy. But, if you are, we'll love you anyhow; because, we will get to know your heart—that is the thing we value and seek. WALK THE TALK ~ We are more experiential than academic in our approach. Experiencing God’s love and walking in what He’s teaching us is more valuable to us than stockpiling knowledge about God. This does not mean that we don't have our people who love to study the word in detail. However, New Hope is missional in its focus. REAL PEOPLE, REAL INTIMACY ~ Relationships with others who are following Christ is the medium in which most spiritual growth happens. Since worship services alone are limited in how much relationship can develop, we encourage people to be in small groups and to serve together. BIBLICISTS, NOT PUBLICISTS ~ We take the Bible seriously and “mine it” for learning Who God is and how He wants us to live. You don't need to publicize these results, they show! LISTENING TO GOD'S VOICE ~ And no, we are not taking medication for that! We believe that God’s Spirit yearns to breath His power, healing, and word to us today. So we value learning to hear God’s voice and doing life with Him. PUT YOUR MONEY (OUR YOUR TIME) WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS) ~ We emphasize putting our time and money into serving the poor and those in need. Real faith in the church should be beneficial to people outside the church. MANY STRANDS MAKE A STRONG ROPE ~ We love other churches and partner with them often. We are trying to build the Kingdom of God, not the “kingdom of New Hope”. LAUGHTER IS THE CLOSEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE ~ We have fun. We laugh a lot. We’ll kid around with each other. Though God’s work in the world is important business, we have a lot of fun doing it. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:59:53 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=78 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=78&article_id=279 The Holy Scriptures ~ We believe the Bible is God-inspired. (2 Timothy 3:16,17) The Eternal Godhead ~ We believe God is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14) The Fall Of Humanity ~ We believe that people were created in the image of God, but that by voluntary disobedience we fell from perfection. (Romans 5:12) The Plan Of Salvation ~ We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe in Him. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8) Salvation Through Grace ~ We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ. (Ephesians 2:8) Repentance And Acceptance ~ We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God. (I John 1:9) The New Birth ~ We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20) Daily Christian Living ~ We believe that it is the will of God that we grow to be more like Jesus in our characters and in our works of service to the world around us. (Hebrews 6:1) Baptism And The Lord's Supper ~ We believe that baptism is an outward sign of an inward work. (Matthew 28:19) We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's Supper by the symbolic use of the bread and juice of the vine. (I Corinthians 11:24, 25) The Spirit-Filled Life ~ We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the power and enablement of the Spirit daily. (Ephesians 4:30-32) The Gifts And Fruit Of The Spirit ~ We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian; and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life. (I Corinthians 12:1-11; Galatians 5:22) Moderation ~ We believe that the experience and daily walk of the believer should never lead him to into the extremes of fanaticism. (Philippians 4:5) Divine Healing ~ We believe that divine healing is the power of Christ to heal people physically, emotionally, and physically in answer to the prayer of faith. (James 5:14-16) The Second Coming Of Christ ~ We believe in the second coming of Christ. (I Thessalonians 4:16, 17) Church Relationship ~ We believe that all other churches that proclaim Jesus are our partners regardless of their denominational affiliation. (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:25) Civil Government ~ We believe in the Bible's command to obey, honor, and pray for civil authorities. (Romans 13:1-5) The Final Judgment ~ We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgment seat of God, and there receive eternal life or death. (2 Corinthians 5:10) Heaven And Hell ~ We believe that Heaven is the glorious eternal home God had prepared for his people and that Hell is the destiny of those who want no part of God in this life or in the next. (John 14:1-3; Revelation 7:15-17; Revelation 20:10,15) Reaching Out To Others ~ The church exists to benefit other people both in terms of their spiritual needs and in terms of their physical and material needs. (Ephesians 2:10) Tithes And Offerings ~ We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and spread of His cause is by giving of tithes and free-will offerings. (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7) Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:11:43 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=147 Would you like to learn more about the heart of New Hope? Would you like to listen again to a message you've heard here? Do you have a friend who might be encouraged by one of our messages? If so you can download them or listen to them on Itunes by clicking here. Wed, 3 Sep 2008 19:26:10 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=145 If you're looking for a daily devotional study guide that will keep you in God's Word, we recommend the "Life Journal" diaries put out by New Hope Church in Hawaii (no affiliation with us). The journals are available at our services with a recommended donation for them. The daily readings are available online by clicking Life Journal Online. Wed, 3 Sep 2008 19:26:10 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=146 Got a theology question? Is there a passage in the Bible that's got you stumped? John Fess, a scholar who's part of New Hope, works hard to track down the best answers to your questions. Visit the homepage of the Bible Guide. Wed, 3 Sep 2008 19:26:10 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69&article_id=212 ....THIRD WEDNESDAYS Trying to figure out a way for your family to grow closer to God and spend quality time together? Do you struggle to find time to play games and really talk to your children? Do you find that you need some alone time with your spouse? In answer to these needs, we are starting a new ministry, meeting every 2nd Wednesday of each month....COME BE STRENGTHENED Ephesians 6:1-4 ~ Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right ~ Honor your father and mother ~ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Where: New Hope Church, 1566 Arroyo Avenue (94070) Date: 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 2008 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 ~ Family game time (Children and parents come together for the first hour. We will provide games, activities and conversation starters for discussions. 6:30 - 8:30 ~ Adult time (The New Hope staff will stay with the children and play games, watch a movie, make valentines cards, do homework and eat pizza.) RSVP or questions: Donna Wood, dwood@newhopepeninsula.org Only 10 families will be able to enjoy this opportunity, so please RSVP early to avoid disappointment. Wed, 7 May 2008 20:39:58 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69&article_id=209 ....YOUNG CHILDREN "Raising Kids to Love Jesus" Norm Wright and Gary Oliver point out that in the 9th grade, 80% of Protestant kids profess a love of Jesus. But, by 12th grade that percentage has dropped to 20%. What gives? This book is an in-depth road map for parents who want to give their kids tools to emerge from their youth as followers of Jesus. ...TEENS "Hurt" by Chap Clark. What do teenagers really think about? You may be in for a surprise. Clark asserts that today's adolescents have been abandoned by adults. They are left to fend for themselves and make sense of an uncertain world. His observations are based on six months of participant-observer research at a California public school. An insightful aid to parents, youth workers, counselors and pastors. This book is especially recommended by our youth pastor Julie Davies. Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:59:34 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=208 Take advantage of the following for wonderful resources to expand your own spiritual life and to offer friends as they quest for answers about God and Jesus. CLICK ON THE UNDERLINED TO GO THERE. Jesus Central, is a great website with categories designed for in depth discovery and affirmation of Jesus and his ministry on earth both historically and today! The categories are: "Words directly from Jesus", "Historical Sources Describe Jesus", "History and Timeline of Jesus", and "Modern Interpretation and Application". TheOOZE: The heart of this site is to encourage the Church to engage our emerging culture by developing its relationships and resources. TheOOZE works to create environments where church leaders (traditional teachers/theologians as well as emerging storytellers/artists) can collaborate on how to be the story of Christ to our emerging culture. Life Journal Links: Already featured in many places on the New Hope website. This internet resource aids you in pursuing your daily bread from God's word. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:00:26 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=171 Born and raised in Kansas, Christy became a Christian during confirmation class with Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village. She went on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a B.A. in Economics and English. Following college, Christy was asked by the staff of Secretary Elizabeth Dole to work with them in Washington, D.C. During Senator Dole’s Presidential Campaign, she traveled with Senator and Secretary Dole. Her responsibilities included point person for press events, scheduling and the organization of the advance teams preceding the Dole entourage. At the Department of Labor, Christy was Elizabeth Dole’s Special Assistant, briefing Mrs. Dole on official meetings, travel and events within the country and overseas. In addition, she was Elizabeth Dole’s liaison for all Christian issues including religious speeches, hardship cases and Christian events. After Washington, Christy moved to Pasadena, California and completed her Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary where she met and married her husband, Ben. Together, they’ve been ministering in the Bay Area for 13 years. Most recently, they served as Associate Pastors for Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. While there, they pastored at a congregation of about 6,000 people—where approximately 20% were single adults—their area of ministry at that time. Specifically, Christy grew a GenX ministry from 12 to 400 people there, preached and also led a healing ministry. Christy is writing a book called, Whispers of God, and longs to empower people to hear God’s voice in their daily lives. One of Christy’s passions is speaking at conferences where she spends equal time speaking & praying for those who attend. It is truly exciting for her to see people experience God’s touch personally in their lives. Christy and Ben have 3 children – two daughters, Corey and Annie, as well as their son, Benji. She is impressed by Pilates, loves to garden (but, never gets to!) and is always available to her friends and neighbors who need her wise counsel and compassionate heart. Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:23:09 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=129 A reader asks: One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 27: 13&14. I believe I received these scriptures as an encouragement to something I am waiting on. What do you think "take heart" means in verse 14? Scripture that speaks of the heart can be challenging to our sense of understanding. Often, our western sensibilities separate the concept of heart as something "emotional and engaged" from the concept of "mind" as something "rationally detached." However, the Hebrew use of "heart" carries a very rich sense of meaning, most often referring to the whole, complete person. This is the case here where the verse expresses the "heart of the person" as the totality of all that makes the person who he/she is. To say "take heart" is a correct idiomatic interpretation of the Hebrew, but it loses some of the depth of what the Psalmist is saying. Overall, the Psalm speaks of confidence in the Lord and the final verse encourages the reader to find a confidence in the Lord that lives at very core of his/her being. This lovely verse begins and ends with the same imperative to "wait for the Lord." This could also be translated "Look to the Lord," or "maintain your hope in the Lord." Between these identical imperatives are three Hebrew terms which give more depth to "wait for the Lord." The first two are verbs which both carry the meaning "to be strong." The first is an imperative to be strong and have good courage. The second verb refers to "your heart" (the third term) and is in a form which means "let your heart show (or prove) your strength." Psalm 27 is a triumphant song of confidence in the Lord. Note that in verse 8 it is the "heart" or the "innermost person" that seeks the face of God and it is here, at the innermost self, that confidence in God is engendered. The final verse encourages the reader to seek this same kind of confidence, perhaps by reflecting on situations in his or her life where God has remained steadfast. Putting it all together, the verse might be translated like this: Maintain your hope in the Lord! Be strong and of good courage, Let your innermost being show your strength, Maintain your hope in the Lord! God Bless You, The BibleGuide Fri, 7 Jul 2006 22:20:37 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=98 Bill D. writes: Dear BibleGuide, A friend just gave me a writeup of his personal interpretations of the Book of Revelation. His interpretations seem reasonble, but it made me wonder: does the Bible itself say anything about the proper guidelines for interpreting Scripture? Dear Bill D: Great question! Does the Bible itself say anything about the proper guidelines for interpreting Scripture? Well, I would say "yes" but then qualify my answer by saying that the "proper guidelines" provided in scripture are not the type of thing that our culture would accept as an answer. This should make more sense with a couple of observations, both historical and theological. First, from a historical perspective, the need for interpretation of scripture has changed dramatically since the biblical scriptures were first written. The writers of scripture lived at the same time, in the same place, spoke the same language, and, to a certain degree, shared a common cultural understanding. We are not so lucky. Today, we are separated from the original writers by differences of time, language, and cultural understanding so we, as interpreters, need to account for these differences in our search for biblical truth. The original writers could not directly provide "proper guidelines" to address our needs any more than they could address the needs of interpreters a thousand years ago or a thousand years in the future. So the answer from the perspective of getting specific guidelines to meet the needs of our time, place, language, and culture, is "no." Now, from a theological perspective, proper interpretation of scripture is, in effect, a search for truth. In this vein, scripture is very clear. Consider the book of John, chapter 14 (NRSV). In verse 16-21, Jesus speaks to his disciples: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate (other translations "Counselor" or "Helper") to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in1 you. 18 "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them. Part of what Jesus is saying is that knowledge of the truth is tied up with loving Jesus and being obedient to his commandments. Discovery of the truth is expressed as Jesus' revelation of himself as an aspect of mutual love. Another way to think of it is that those who invite the Spirit to live in them are, in some way, equipped to see and understand the truth. In a practical way, this "guideline" for interpreting scripture plays out in a number of ways. First is what may be taken controversially in our culture is that interpretation of scripture can only be done by one who believes in Christ as savior and invites his Spirit to guide his or her interpretation. Second, interpretation does not involve "knee jerk" reactions. Rather, it is more a process of prayerfully contemplating a specific passage in light of "all truth" or, in other words, in light of all scripture. This is often stated as "the best interpreter of scripture is scripture itself." While this might seem like circular reasoning, it emphasizes the need to search for truth in scripture alone. Third, in addition to the work of scholars to overcome our separation of time, language, and culture, interpreters should "lean into" the promptings of the Spirit in efforts to communicate the gospel message to our culture and generation. Beyond this guideline, scripture gives many "guidelines by example" as there are numerous cases where interpretation takes place within passages of scripture. One example is Matthew 21:42. Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'? Here, Jesus quotes Psalm 113:22. In the context of Matthew 21, Jesus gives the passage in Psalm 113 a Messianic interpretation - something not difficult for us to see in retrospect, but perhaps quite difficult for Jesus' audience to grasp at the time. Also, Paul's letters are, to a great degree, interpretations of the Gospel message to the new churches - an incredible collection of examples of "proper interpretation!" Blessings, The BibleGuide Tue, 4 Jul 2006 00:23:42 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=102 A reader asks: Was baptism a unique "invention" of Christianity or did it already exist in Jewish practice prior to the time of Jesus? Dear Reader: Historical antecedents to Christian baptism may include the Jewish rite of circumcision, proselyte (convert) baptism, baptism in the Qumran community and the baptism of John. In general, the ceremonial act of immersion in water, or "baptism," existed long before Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. The Old Testament provides many examples of ceremonial purifications as a type of "spiritual cleansing." Examples from the NRSV include: Numbers 19:18 then a clean person shall take hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle it on the tent, on all the furnishings, on the persons who were there, and on whoever touched the bone, the slain, the corpse, or the grave. 2 Kings 5:14 So he [Naaman] went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean. Zechariah 13:1 On that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. Ezekiel 36:25 I [the LORD] will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. Baptism as "spiritual cleansing" continued into the New Testament, with the baptism of John and with Jewish proselyte baptism. Certainly, the Jews at the time of Jesus would see the ceremonial meaning of immersion in water as a form of "spiritual purification." Jewish ceremonies that involved some form of ritual purification included (and still include) a bride prior to her wedding, men on the eve of Yom Kippur, converts to Judaism, preparation of the dead, cleansing of kitchen utensils, as well as several others. These rituals were at the command or example of God as an outward, visible act of cleansing. Many continue to this day in Jewish practice. Christian baptism, however, carries a very different meaning than these prior forms of ritual cleansing. Christian belief would only see true "spiritual cleansing" through the Blood of Christ shed at Calvary. Accordingly, for Christians, John's baptism would be more of a preparatory cleansing of the Jews prior to the true cleansing through Jesus Christ. Much more than simply "cleansing," Christian baptism is an act which attests that the person is declared to be a member of the body of Christ, 'in the name of Jesus Christ' (Acts 2:38) or 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit' (Matt. 28:19). It is an outward act which signifies inward grace received by the believer. Blessings, The BibleGuide Tue, 4 Jul 2006 00:22:21 MST http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.newhopepeninsula.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=125 Helen writes, Dear BibleGuide, WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE "GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JUDAS" THAT WAS IN THE NEWS RECENTLY? Thanks, Helen Dear Helen, It is no surprise that this document has caused something of a stir. But it is important to look beyond the hype and take a look at the document itself. First, claims that this writing is "authentic" are actually true -- it is an authentic ancient writing from the second century, preserved in a fourth century copy. On the other hand, to say it is authentic says nothing of the accuracy of its claims. As background, the document is a Gnostic text from the "Nag Hammadi Library" discovered in Egypt in 1945. The Gnostic movement was quite active during the second century AD and produced numerous writings, of which the Gospel of Judas is one. In particular, Gnostic heresies were a primary focus of the early Christian "apologists" who sought to defend Christianity against heretical ideas and movements. (It is interesting to note that the Christian Church has been aware of the Gospel of Judas for over 1800 years as Irenaeus mentioned it in his "Against Heresies" in the year 180!) Among Gnostic belief was the idea that the physical world of "matter" was bad and "spirit" was good. Salvation, for Gnostics, was achieved through special knowledge (Greek "gnosis" or knowledge, hence the name) whereby the believer's spirit was released from the evils of the material world. Much of Gnostic writing uses Christian concepts, names, and ideas, twisted to fit Gnostic cosmology. Given it is a Gnostic text, it is no surprise that the writing refers to itself as the "secret account of the revelation that Jesus spoke in conversation with Judas." In the text, Judas is given secret knowledge by Jesus which sets up his betrayal of Jesus to successfully release Jesus' spirit from the material world. As well, the text gives a very harsh critique of the other twelve disciples and emphasizes that they are not given the same secret knowledge. This theme runs throughout. What this document provides is further insight into Gnostic belief around the year 180. Beyond that, it provides nothing. No historical review of the lives of Jesus or Judas is warranted. As a witness to the life of Jesus, the writings we have in the New Testament were written as much as 100 years nearer to the actual events of his life. Imagine a document written in 1985 claiming to be authoritative about the life of Abraham Lincoln. Now imagine another document, written in 1885, that claimed to be authoritative, written by people who interviewed those who actually knew and worked with Lincoln. Which would you believe? It is discouraging, but understandable, that the hype surrounding this document suggests that it provides a more accurate view of the events leading to Jesus' death. It is fascinating how much persuasive energy goes into efforts to depict Christ and Christianity as something other than exactly what the Bible says they are! When in doubt, I would encourage people to actually read the Bible accounts for themselves as well as the various Nag Hamadi and other non-biblical texts (which are readily available) and draw their own conclusions rather than allowing the New York Times or National Geographic Magazine to do their thinking for them. As a start, the Gospel of Judas English translation is available in a PDF from http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/document.html. Hope this helps! The BibleGuide Tue, 4 Jul 2006 00:20:37 MST