Pastor Vicki's January Letter – Leadership, Prayer, and Vision
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at New Hope,
Happy New Year! My prayer is that the Christmas season brought you much joy and peace. And now it’s time to wrap our brains around a brand-new year. I am excited for what God will do in and through New Hope!
Leadership Labs
I want to formally invite all of you to our Leadership Labs. There will be four identical sessions: January 11 (this Sunday) at 11:00 AM and 12:00 noon, and January 25 at 11:00 AM and 12:00 noon. The 12:00 noon sessions will serve a light lunch.
All New Hope leaders are strongly encouraged to attend one of the sessions, but everyone is invited. Learn more about what our emphasis will be in this new year. These labs will include a brief time of worship, and then we will go over 2025 celebrations, our new vision and core values, the extensive 2026 calendar, and leadership expectations. Each session should be less than an hour. It’s also a good time to ask questions in a smaller setting.
We Need Your Prayers
Oftentimes, I’m asked how people can pray specifically for the church. Prayer really is the engine room for New Hope — it’s what keeps us moving and thriving. Here are some areas that need extensive prayer:
Family Ministries
Pray for a smooth transition this Sunday as our English and Spanish-speaking kids move to the newly renovated Wesley and Epworth buildings on the Moon Ave. side of campus. This allows both congregations to have family ministries side by side in the same space. Our family ministry team (and many other volunteers!) have been working tirelessly to get the buildings ready for Sunday.
New Hope Early Learning (NHEL)
Pray as we begin to communicate our Fall 2026 opening to the community. Pray for the right operations director and the perfect teachers. Also, pray for the families who will be part of NHEL. We want them to see and experience the love of Jesus.
Wednesday Nights at New Hope (Recharge)
Pray for the new class cycle at Recharge. We will now have our men’s and women’s groups during the small group time, as well as an Essentials of Faith and a Books of the Bible track. Pray that people will be open to the new structure and new people will attend.
Upcoming Women’s and Men’s Conferences
Pray for the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit at both conferences. Pray for changed lives, for our speakers and breakout leaders, and for good registration.
Sunday Morning Worship
Pray specifically for Spirit-led worship that leads to life change in the name of Jesus.
Protection of Staff and Clergy
Pray for our entire staff team — that they (and their families) will be protected from attacks by the enemy. Spiritual warfare is real, and we need all of you praying diligently for us!
Our Sick and Shut-ins
We have many people who are ill or homebound. Pray for their encouragement and that they know we love them and God loves them. Pray healing over all of them.
Youth and Next Gen
Pray for our teenagers and young adults, specifically that their ministry areas will grow and thrive. We pray that those who are currently in these ministries will be strongly rooted in their faith and passionate about sharing it.
Our Many Missions and Ministries
Pray that all the ministries and missions that are part of New Hope will thrive and help people grow in their walk with Jesus Christ.
Pray that we will have laser focus on our mission and vision!
If you need me or want to get together to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am never too busy!
Blessings,
Pastor Vicki