Come and See: Five Summer Invitations from Pastor Roberto
A Word from Pastor Roberto • July 2026
Dear New Hope family,
I have good news and bad news. The bad news: this letter contains five invitations, and I fully intend for you to say yes to all of them. The good news: some of them include food, and one of them involves inflatables.
Before you start checking your calendar for excuses, remember how Jesus recruited His first followers. When two curious men asked where He was staying, He did not hand them a brochure or share His location on Google Maps. He simply said, "Come and see." Philip tried the same line on Nathanael — and guess what, it worked. Two thousand years later, it's still the best evangelism strategy going, and it requires no training, no seminary degree, and no public speaking. Just an open seat and an open heart.
Here's what's coming, in chronological order — so, you're welcome.
Recharge — Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM
The first invitation shows up every single Wednesday, faithful as a Florida afternoon thunderstorm. At 6:30 PM we gather in The Garage (130 N Moon Ave), which — despite the name — is the only garage in Brandon where no one will try to sell you an oil change, but you can get a free life change. Recharge is unplugged worship that refuels, classes for every season of life, and a place for kids, students, and adults alike. This summer we're in our Summer in Scripture rhythm, taking the Sunday message deeper midweek. There's no registration and no dress code — it's July in Florida; we're just glad you made it out of the parking lot.
Come and see at findnewhope.com/recharge.
Made New — Baptism Sunday, July 26
On Sunday, July 26, men, women, and young people will step into the water to declare, out loud and in front of everybody, that they belong to Jesus. "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We'll celebrate in the main sanctuary and, at the same time, in Logan Hall with our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters. One church, two languages, one Lord, and twice the joy.
Is God nudging you toward baptism? Don't wait until you feel ready — nobody ever feels ready. I've been a pastor for years and I'm still taking notes. We're teaching a baptism class during Recharge on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 PM. Sign up here or email info@findnewhope.com. Already baptized? Then your job is the easy one: show up, cheer loudly, and bring the friend or family member you've been praying for. Nobody in history has ever regretted watching a baptism.
Rise Conference — Saturday, August 8
Two weeks later, the next generation takes over Logan Hall — and I say that with zero fear and enormous excitement. On Saturday, August 8, the Rise Conference brings powerful messages, unashamed worship, dinner, and real community for ages 16–30, from any church or no church at all. Doors open at 4:00 PM, the conference runs 4:30–8:30 PM, and we'll welcome guest pastors Ricc Conner (Lake Magdalene Church, Tampa) and Shane Rawlins (Brandon Church of God).
Now, if you haven't seen 30 in a while — no judgment, some of us haven't seen it since the last century — you still have the most important job of all. You know a young person who needs a night like this: a son, a granddaughter, a coworker, the young man who mows your lawn. Invite them personally. The "come and see" method has a two-thousand-year track record and, unlike most things that old, it still runs perfectly.
Register at riseconference2026.rsvpify.com, and for groups contact Pastor Julie Hamilton at julie@findnewhope.com.
Fall Kickoff — Saturday, September 12
Then, on Saturday, September 12, we throw the doors wide open for Fall Kickoff — a completely free community celebration with football on the screen, great food, a local vendor market, mission partners to meet, and yes, the promised inflatables. Officially, the inflatables are for the children. Unofficially, every year a few adults use them to test their knee or hip replacement.
Wear your team's jersey — we'll love you even if you cheer for the wrong one; the sermon on loving your enemies applies. This is the easiest "come and see" you'll ever hand a neighbor: no sermon to explain, just a Saturday full of joy. Want to help? Sign up to serve or apply for a vendor booth.
New Hope Early Learning — Registration Open for 2026–2027
Finally, one invitation that stretches across the whole year ahead: registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year at New Hope Early Learning. This ministry has been teaching Brandon's little ones for 60 years — long enough that some of you reading this attended it yourselves, which explains how well you turned out. We offer half-day and full-day programs from age two through VPK, with small classes and teachers who truly care. The children learn that they are known and loved by Jesus. They also learn to share, which some of us adults are still working on.
Visit newhopeearlylearning.com or call (813) 689-9482.
Church, when I read the Gospels, I notice how much of Jesus' ministry happened because somebody said yes to an invitation. A wedding in Cana. Dinner at Zacchaeus' house. Breakfast on a beach. The Lord rarely turned down a meal, and at New Hope we're proud to honor that tradition.
So, say yes to one of these. Better yet, say yes to all five. Come and see — and whatever you do, don't come alone.
God bless you,
Pastor Roberto