What God Did at VBS — and What's Ahead This Summer at New Hope
Dear New Hope Family,
What an incredible week we experienced together at Vacation Bible School! I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on all that God did through this ministry. Every hallway filled with laughter, every song sung, every Bible story shared, and every conversation about Jesus was evidence of God's faithfulness and the power of His church working together.
First, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our 60 volunteers. From decorating and registration to teaching, leading games, preparing snacks, and loving children so well, you gave your time, energy, and hearts to serve. You helped create a place where children felt safe, welcomed, and excited to learn about Jesus.
This year, 207 children registered for VBS, with an average daily attendance of 160 kids. Even more exciting is that nearly two-thirds of these children came from outside our church family. VBS continues to be our largest community outreach event and one of our greatest opportunities to plant seeds of faith and build relationships with families in our community. What a gift it is to serve in this way!
Already, we are seeing the fruit of this ministry. Families who first connected with us during VBS have joined us for worship services and have signed up to participate in our summer SPARK program. It is beautiful to watch parents and children eagerly return to spend more time with our church family. These moments of connection are evidence of the Holy Spirit moving among us.
One of the most touching parts of the week was our mission emphasis supporting our sister churches in Cuba. Together, our children raised an amazing $768 in mission offerings! Throughout the week, we heard stories of children praying for their friends in Cuba and parents sharing how amazed they were by their children's understanding and compassion.
Looking Ahead: SPARK
As VBS transitions into our summer outreach efforts, I invite you to continue praying for our SPARK ministry. This Friday night outreach is becoming a beautiful opportunity to continue building relationships with families and sharing the love of Christ.
This Sunday, June 28, at 12:00 noon in Social Hall C, volunteers and SPARK leaders will gather for a time of equipping and prayer as we prepare for what God will bring through this ministry. If you are interested in learning more, would like to intercede in prayer, or are considering participating, we would love for you to join us. There is no need to register or make a commitment—simply come and hear the vision. A light lunch will be served.
Our Young Adults & the Next Gen Conference
Summer is also an exciting season for our young adult ministry. With lighter work schedules and college students returning home, this is a unique time of connection and discipleship. As our young adults help lead the SPARK outreach, they are also partnering with other local Brandon and Tampa churches to host New Hope's first-ever Next Gen Conference on August 8th.
Guest pastors Ricc Conner and Shane Rawlins will share messages centered on identity, purpose, and God's call on the next generation of believers. This conference is designed not only for those who already follow Jesus, but also for those who are curious about what it means to know Him and live for Him.
Our young adult leadership team needs your help extending these invitations. Postcards are available in the sanctuary lobby, social media posts are being shared, and personal invitations are being made. Please share the posts on Facebook and Instagram, tell your families, friends, and neighbors. You may think you don't know many young adults, but every person we tell may know exactly the person who needs this invitation. This is how the gospel spreads—one conversation, one invitation, one relationship at a time. Age is never a disqualification for sharing the good news of Jesus. Let's continue opening our arms to this next generation so they may come to know the mighty God we serve.
Recharge & Fall Kick Off
As summer continues, I also invite you to join us for Wednesday Night Recharge: Summer in Scripture as we unpack God's Word together and practice one of our most important spiritual disciplines—studying Scripture.
And don't forget to mark your calendars for our Fall Kick Off September 12th! We look forward to gathering together for food, football, games, vendors, and fellowship as we celebrate the goodness of God and the joy of community. Be sure to check our website for additional details and vendor applications.
Church family, thank you for being a congregation that believes in reaching the next generation, serving our community, and sharing the hope of Jesus. The seeds planted during VBS, SPARK, and our summer ministries are already bearing fruit, and I cannot wait to see what God continues to do.
Please continue praying for our children, our families, our volunteers, our young adults, and all those who will walk through our doors in the months ahead.
To God be the glory for the great things He has done!
With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Julie