News from New Hope United Methodist Church

Gather for worship!

2014-09-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

Kick-Off Sunday is September 7, 2014! We will gather at 10:30 Sunday mornings for worship, and join together in fellowship afterwards.

Starting on September 14, we will meet in small groups at 9:30 AM before worship - there will be groups for adults, youth, and children.

All are welcome at New Hope Chicago. We are a community in all stages of life and faith, where everyone has a place at the table. If you are looking for somewhere to worship God, to seek to know Jesus Christ; a place to bring your hopes and fears, your faith and your doubts, a place to sing and pray - please join us at New Hope Chicago, 7115 W. Hood in Chicago 10:30 every Sunday morning. Come as you are: God loves you and we love you.

"Creation" Art Classes for Youth!

2011-10-12T10:47:00.002-05:00

"In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth."
Those are some of the most well known words in the Bible. But what do they really mean to the creative mind? We are created in God's image... which means that we are created by our Creator to be creative!

Join us for "Creation" art classes led by Karen J. Layer on Fridays, October 14 and 28!
These classes, designed for creative types of grades 6 and up, will begin at 6:00 p.m. Pizza will be served promptly at 6 and all illustration supplies will be provided.

October 14 will be a cartooning class!

Any questions? Contact Pastor SoYoung Kim (773-344-7704) or Karen Layer, karenlayer(at)aol(dot)com.

Outreach News for October

2011-10-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

New Hope received donations for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) in response to news stories of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Thank you for your compassion and generosity!

"New Hope Knitters" can begin making scarves for Night Ministry clients.

Food pantry donations for the months of October and November will be used for the Thanksgiving distribution on November 19th. On the first Sunday, please bring:

canned sweet potatoes
cranberry sauce
vegetables
gravy
boxed instant mashed potatoes

The food pantry generally distributes the holiday meal bags to 250 families!

On September 10th we set a new record! 22 volunteers trekked to GCFD from our food pantry. While there they:

Packed 1,040 senior boxes that will help senior citizens fave food for 3-4 days.
Placed 14 items in each box, packing a total of 11,960 pounds.
Earned $5 credit per service hour = $330 that will go to our account at the depository. We are charged between 7 and 15 cents per pound of food we receive from them.
This is enough for nearly a two-week supply of food.
Especially good news is that it was the first time for 9 of our volunteers.
To date, about 75 different volunteers have joined us for at least one Food Depository experience.

Thank you to everyone who participated in HopeFest on September 11th. Our church was an outstanding witness to the love and hope we find through faith. Special thanks to Sue Laurie, Liz Okayama, and Pastor SoYoung for your leadership roles serving on the planning team.

We really surpassed our goal by providing 413 prayer squares that were placed in "Thank You gift bags" to first responders in Norwood Park, Park Ridge and Des Plaines. The bags also contained homemade cookies and a thank you card. In our neighborhood we delivered bags to the Emergency Room at Resurrection Hospital and the Norwood Park Firehouse.

A snapshot of successes -- Besides the relationships built with First UMC Park Ridge, FUMC Des Plaines and with organizations in our community:

over 200 people experienced a commemorative service at 7:30 a.m. Darryl Stephens played taps here.
600 Thank You bags were assembled
50 volunteers worked at Park Ridge Youth Campus
4,000 items of food donated and dispersed between 3 food pantries
Over 25 people visited Bethany Terrace in Morton Grove, sang in a combined choir, visited with residents, decorated a party room for Grandparents Day
80 units of blood donated at the two blood drive locations
1400 thank you notes written to our first responders and military
1200 people participated throughout the day

Nurture Volunteers Needed

2011-10-11T10:10:00.002-05:00

Would you be willing to:

Make coffee on Sunday mornings?
Bring light refreshments on Sunday mornings?
Serve as a greeter for worship, providing a warm welcome, handing out bulletins, lighting candles and assisting those using the chair lift?
Serve as liturgist during worship, reading the welcome, Scripture, and announcements?

If so, we would like you to volunteer! Thanks to those who are already serving faithfully in these roles. An orientation to each of these activities can be provided for new volunteers. Hospitality is one of the core ministries of a congregation. Sign up to offer one of these simple acts of kindness.

Fall Cleanup Day!

2011-10-11T10:08:00.002-05:00

Join us on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to noon for our annual fall yard cleanup day! We will rake, weed, clean, chop and mow to get our church yard ready for winder.

Doughnuts and cider will make an appearance. There will also be some indoor cleaning projects for those who can offer some elbow grease there as well.

House Gatherings in October!

2011-10-11T10:05:00.002-05:00

Join New Hope friends in your neighborhood at a House Gathering during October! One of your neighbors has offered to host you and others in the area for an evening of light refreshments and a time to get to know our new pastor.

Gatherings will begin at 7 p.m. and end by 8:30 p.m. In the comfort of your neighbor's home, you will have an opportunity to get to know your New Hope friends better. Pastor SoYoung would like to hear about your faith journeys and vision for New Hope.

Your host will contact you with the date of the House Gathering in your neighborhood. Don't miss the chance to get together for fellowship and friendship. (If that particular date is not good for your schedule, please join with another group.)

October 15 is Repack Day at GCFD

2011-10-10T11:00:00.001-05:00

We are now recruiting volunteers to help at the October 15 repack day at Greater Chicago Food Depository. Group will meet to carpool at New Hope at 8 a.m.; return around 1 p.m. Participants must wear long pants and closed toe shoes (regardless of weather). All are asked to bring a food item or two to give to the Depository. If interested, contact Bob Burkhart at 847-583-1088 or rgburkhart(at)att(dot)net.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

2011-10-10T10:57:00.002-05:00

Join our knitting circle on October 16 after worship!

Shawls and scarves are intended for anyone who can benefit from a token of love and support from the New Hope community. On the third Sunday of each month, all are invited to bring their knitting or crochet projects.

HopeFest ~ Together with First UMC of Park Ridge and First UMC of Des Plaines...

2011-09-16T14:20:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all who participated in our Hope Fest.
If you still have your Piggy bank box, please bring it to church on Sunday.

Together with other United Methodists and community members:
600 Thank you bags of cookies, cards and prayer squares were made and delivered to First Responders.
50 volunteers worked at the Youth Campus
4000 items to the 3 food pantries
Over 25 people to Bethany Terrace
12 units of blood donated at New Hope joined with 68 units elsewhere
and other projects.
Over 1200 people participated throughout the day.

Church Council Report for July 2011

2011-08-11T11:02:00.003-05:00

Circumstances have led to the decision to cancel Summer Arts Ministry. Initially scheduled for late July, the Council discussed postponing SAM I AM due to the floods and pastoral transitions. New Hope did receive a $1000 grant for SAM I AM and is checking to see if the monies can be used for a kids’ program in the fall. Stay tuned…

At the July Council meeting, gratitude abounded for the commitment and generosity of this church community. At the midpoint of the year, pledges received were equal to 50% of the amount pledged for the year. We are right on schedule! In addition, there was overwhelming support for our 4 week sound system fund drive, “So the Word Can Be Heard!” With a goal of $6000 and 100% participation of the Church Council, Trustees and Choir (and the 2nd row!), all goals were exceeded. The total received was $7184.42. The sound system is installed and the
remainder of the monies will be utilized for the flood control system.

The bid on the flood control was just over $7000. New Hope (thanks to quick work by Pastor Wendy and Sheila Moyer) received a grant for $5000 from Community Partners for the Common Good (CPCG). The work on the flood control system is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 8th. The council wisely delayed the renovation of the basement until after the system is
put in. Bids are in and a contractor has been retained.

The next Church Council meeting is Monday, August 8. We will focus our work on the ministries and programs of the New Hope community as we look toward fall.

In a summer of perpetual “distractions” and significant change, we continue to learn and celebrate God in the midst of those distractions and transitions. The love and persistence of this community deepens. The ministry is sturdy. Thank you for being a part of this community and sharing the love of Jesus with each other.
~Submitted by Julie Bruno

New Hope Knitters meet Sunday, August 21

2011-08-11T10:49:00.003-05:00

Those interested in our prayer shawl ministry are encouraged to join us after worship on Sunday August 21. Bring your projects and tools, and come join our circle! Contact Julie Bruno if you have any questions or want more information.

Volunteers needed for Greater Chicago Food Depository

2011-08-11T10:34:00.004-05:00

We are now recruiting volunteers to help at the September 10 repack day at GCFD. Volunteers (both returning and new volunteers) are needed to repack food at this center which supplies food for our New Hope Pantry. Group will meet to carpool at New Hope at 8 am; return
around 1 pm. Participants must wear long pants and closed toe shoes (regardless of weather). All are asked to bring a food item or two to give to the Depository. If interested, contact Bob Burkhart at 847-583-1088 or rgburkhart@att.net.

If you know of someone not involved who might be interested, pass on this information.

PS. Plan ahead to participate on October 22.

Summer Arts Ministry is coming in July!

2011-05-23T19:12:00.004-05:00

Join us for Summer Arts Ministry (SAM I Am) on July 25-28, 6-8 p.m. For children ages 3 through 12, we will have dinner followed by art activities, games, singing, and FUN! Mark your calendars now and registration forms will be available after June 2.

Souper Supper is Coming Soon!

2011-02-12T17:28:00.003-06:00

Third Annual Souper Supper

Saturday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m.

By the end of February, we'll all have Cabin Fever - so plan on a night out! Treat your family and invite your friends and neighbors. Due to the popularity of our past Souper Suppers and their overflow of diners, we are limiting our seating this year to those who have purchased tickets. This means you must have a ticket to enjoy this year's array of stupendous soups!

The price is $12 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under.

For this small amount, you will enjoy homemade soups, salad, bread and desserts. There will be musical entertainment in the sanctuary following our supper. This will include the vibraphone, some rhythm & blues, and rock--upbeat favorites are promised!

There will be door prizes awarded to lucky ticket holders.

We could use a few more worker bees to set up the day before, pick up donated foods the day of, or clean up after. If you have new items to donate for door prizes, please see Helene. Please check out our signup sheet and see where you can fill in a blank to do your part or contact Liz Okayama.

Whatever you do, don't miss this year's Souper Supper! Mark your calendars and buy your tickets!

Volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository

2011-02-12T17:02:00.002-06:00

The Food Depository is an interesting and well-run operation. . . the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning!

Future dates for volunteer groups are March 12, April 16 and May 21.

Volunteers meet at New Hope at 8:00 a.m. and return around 1:00 p.m. Bring along one or two food items for the Depository.

Contact Bob Burkhart, 847-583-1088, to reserve your spot.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

2011-02-12T16:56:00.003-06:00

Shawls and scarves are now available for anyone who can benefit from a token of love and support from the New Hope community. This ministry has many facets: you do not have to knit or crochet to be a part of its warm intentions. If you know of someone who needs to receive a prayer shawl, please let Pastor Wendy know of this need. Also, if you could help to deliver prayer shawls or scarves this would be much appreciated.

The third Sunday of each month all are invited to bring their knitting or crochet projects to show off or to ask for help. Come with your tools and join our circle.

Lay Academy for Chicago Northwestern District, Feb. 19 & 26

2011-02-12T15:14:00.003-06:00

Are you a teacher, committee member or officer in your church? Do you share God's Good News and the Love of Jesus with others? We are looking for you! We each "speak" for God through our daily lives and the use of our unique gifts and talents.

Lay Academy: a district-wide annual event

Saturdays, February 19 & 26

8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

First UMC, Park Ridge

All laity and clergy are welcome. These courses will help you better serve your local church. Registration is $35 for both days, including all materials, breakfast and lunch. Flyers with more information are available at the church office. Contact Vivian Matthews for more information.

Scrip Sunday is Coming!

2010-10-10T11:02:00.006-05:00

Scrip orders due October 10th and 17th!

As most of you know, this is an ongoing fundraiser for New Hope. When you buy Scrip, you get gift cards to use for shopping, gifts for birthdays or other special occasions, dining out, or whatever you want. New Hope receives a percentage of your purchase, so this is a great way to help New Hope and you don't spend anything extra!

Scrip Sunday order dates: October 10 & 17
Scrip Sunday delivery date: October 24

New order and vendor lists are available in the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall on the information tables. Make checks payable to New Hope UMC and give orders and checks to Trudi Enea or Helen Murphy.

Communion Study for Adults and Children

2010-10-04T19:03:00.002-05:00

Adults and kids are invited to participate in a special study on the meaning of Holy Communion during the month of October. Rev. Darryl Stephens, our resident deacon, will lead our adult study and it will take place October 10, 17, 24 and 31 following worship. Grab a bite to eat in fellowship hall and adults will gather in the "Brown Room" (next door) for the study. Our children (all ages) will take part in a fun learning experience focusing on communion and worship, while also preparing to lead worship on October 31. A light lunch will be provided for children as well. Led by Pastor Wendy and Deaconess Myka, our kids will meet in the church office and sanctuary. Hope you will plan to join us for this opportunity for education and spiritual growth!

Charge Conference is November 17!

2010-10-04T18:47:00.001-05:00

Our annual meeting with our District Superintendent will be Wednesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Staff-Parish Relations Committee will meet beforehand with Rev. Preston at 6:30. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!

Church Office staffing update

2010-10-04T14:54:00.001-05:00

Helen Murphy continues to recover at home following her back surgery in July. Meanwhile, we give thanks to Norma Miller, who pitched in SO much over the summer and early fall. Norma will return to Florida on October 11. If you can help on Wednesdays or Thursdays in the church office with answering phones, preparing mailings, etc., contact Pastor Wendy at 773-775-1215.

Nurture Volunteer Opportunities

2010-10-04T14:44:00.002-05:00

Each of you is invited to consider participating in the special nurture roles that we have available each week.

Greeters arrive 15-20 minutes ahead of worship and welcome members, friends and guests to worship on Sunday mornings with warm smiles and friendly greetings. They hand out worship bulletins and children's bulletins and encourage us to wear our name tags. We are in need of greeters each week for the next few months. Please contact Julie Bruno if you are interested in learning more about serving as a greeter. Training can be provided.

Lectionary readers welcome us to worship at the beginning of each Sunday service and read the Bible lesson(s) for that week. This is an opportunity to actively participate in worship as you come forward to the microphone and speak. Readers are provided with the information they will read by Thursday to allow time for preparation to read on Sunday. You are asked to prayerfully consider participating in worship in this way.

Each week, we gather as a community after worship for fellowship and snacks. We take turns as a community to host the fellowship hour. We are in need of hosts each week that we don't have potluck. Hosting involves bringing snacks to share like breads, crackers, cheese, fruit, veggies, or cookies. The church provides dishes, utensils and drinks. There is a sign-up sheet on the bench as you enter the fellowship room. Set up and clean up assistance is always available.

Girl Scout troop is beginning here at New Hope!

2010-10-04T14:38:00.002-05:00

Beginning this fall, New Hope will be hosting a newly formed Girl Scout Troop! The group will meet on Thursday evenings and will be open to girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Watch for more news and the faces of smiling girls around the church.
If you would like more information for a child, please contact Patty Johnson.

Food Pantry Seeks Your Help

2010-10-04T14:30:00.002-05:00

Our Food Pantry needs assistance...
Each Monday: We need help at 9 a.m. for unloading vans of food.
If you have a vehicle that can handle a load of food, help is needed with early pickup from the Chicago Food Depository. We leave early to arrive there by 7 am.
Each Tuesday: We need assistance from 9:00-11:30 when our clients come in.
For more info contact Bill Murphy, Director.

Volunteer Opportunities for Greater Chicago Food Depository

2010-10-04T14:19:00.002-05:00

Join us as a volunteer to repack food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Saturday, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18 (choose one or two dates!) Volunteers will meet at New Hope at 8 am; return will be around 1 pm. Advance reservations are necessary because we are limited in number of persons who can go. Contact Bob Burkhart if interested, 847-583-1088. Volunteers are reminded to bring along one or two food items for the Depository.