What Happens at Church?
Because we strive to be fresh and creative in our approach to worship, it can be hard to pin down what's "typical" at New Hope, but most Sunday mornings follow a basic outline...
Gathering and greeting. People begin showing up around 9:30 or so, and gather in the foyer to meet one another, have a cup of coffee and get caught up on each other's lives. Greeters and ushers are on hand to help you find your way around and answer any questions you might have.Worship begins at 10:00. At the conclusion of the first song there is an "official" greeting - usually by the pastor - and a time of "setting the stage" for what the day is going to be about. This time concludes with prayer and we continue to worship for about 20 more minutes.
Giving and praying. The offering is the opportunity for the members of New Hope to financially support the ministry of the church. If you are our guest, 
please know that we don't expect you to give, in fact we'd rather you didn't. After you've been around for awhile, and you feel that God really wants you to help the church carry out the mission, please feel free to participate.
please know that we don't expect you to give, in fact we'd rather you didn't. After you've been around for awhile, and you feel that God really wants you to help the church carry out the mission, please feel free to participate.One of the neatest things we do is have our leaders and their spouses pray for the children and students of the church. After the offering, all children 18 years old and younger are invited to come forward for prayer. Obviously, this is voluntary, and no one should feel like they have to come down front. After this prayer time, children in 5th grade and down are dismissed for Children's Ministry time.
The message. Every week our pastor shares a message from the Bible. Messages are on a variety of topics, but have a few things in common: A focus on understanding the truth of the Bible and applying it in practical ways to our everyday lives. Pastor Scott uses humor, contemporary stories and illustrations, video, drama, and even object lessons to help us understand God's word to us and use it in our lives.Ministry Time. At the conclusion of most messages, an opportunity is offered to respond in some way - to trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, to receive prayer for any needs we might have, or to receive prayer and encouragement to put into practice what we've learned. Typically, those who want to be prayed for will come to the front of the worship center and receive ministry from the pastor or other ministry leader.
On the last Sunday of each month, we celebrate Communion. We practice what is know as the "open table," which means anyone who is a believer in Jesus Christ and has trusted him as Savior and Lord is welcome to participate in Communion with us.
And that's just about it! Services usually run about an hour and a half, sometimes a little more or less.