The Anchor

September 21-27

WORSHIP & FAITH FORMATION

Click the QR code or scan it with the camera app on your phone to access a Bulletin for Livestream Worship, the Anchor Weekly Newsletter, the full Prayer List, Virtual Worship Services, an Online Contact Card, or to make a gift electronically.

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

September 24, 2023

In-Person & Streaming - 10:30 AM

Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial parables in which Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of a landowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. When God changes God’s mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars.

Exodus 16:2-15

Manna and quail feed the Israelites in the wilderness

Psalm 145:1-8

The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Ps. 145:8)

Philippians 1:21-30

Standing firm in the gospel

Matthew 20:1-16

The parable of the vineyard workers

NURSERY HELP

Our Nursery Worker, Ann Campbell, is having hand surgery on both hands soon. Please keep her in your prayers for a smooth recovery.

Sophia Hooper is Red Cross Certified in Babysitting and will be filling in as much as possible.

But we need you!

Consider volunteering one Sunday in September or October. Contact [email protected] to pick a Sunday that works for you!

STEWARDSHIP & MISSION:

Family Promise

Family Promise week provides meals and fellowship to area families experiencing temporary homelessness.

Thanks all who helped feed many young people and their parents this past week hosting our Family Promise guests.  We had a good crowd to feed, and the kids enjoyed our fabulous gym every night once they cleaned their plates, (patroled by Family Promise staff:)  

Also appreciate the new volunteers this week to see how easy and heartwarming it is to serve those families going through difficult times.  

Next hosting week is November 12-18 right before Thanksgiving Week, so please mark your calendars.  YOU CAN SIGN UP NOW WITH THE BUTTON BELOW!

Thanks, 

The Uschkrats and Browns

Please sign up at the SignUp Genius below, and please put down your expected menu so we can provide some variety to the families.  

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

El Buen Pastor Sister Church Relationship Retreat

Sunday, October 15 at 11:30am after Worship

In the Community Center

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us after worship on Sunday, October 15 for an all-church Retreat to learn more about New Hope's relationship with El Buen Pastor and discuss the future of our sister church relationship.

Lunch will be provided.

Topics for Discussion:

• A short history of New Hope’s sister church relationship with El Buen Pastor in El Salvador, including recent visits and current financial support.
• Proposed next visit to El Buen Pastor and the current conditions in El Salvador.
• Exploring ideas to involve more New Hope members in the ministry of El Buen Pastor.
• Review and adopt sister church mission and vision statement and covenant.

Make plans to join us for this wonderful time together

about this important ministry of New Hope!

New Hope is on our RIC Journey

Join us on a journey toward inclusivity and diversity through the Reconciling in Christ movement (RIC). The NHLC Welcome and Inclusion Working Group openly supports and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, racial and ethnic minorities, promoting love, acceptance, and inclusivity, just as Jesus did during his ministry, to bring hope to those who need it and revitalize our congregation. Stay updated with our regular posts, events, and dialogues by watching for updates here. Click below to see detailed posts about what’s happening!

Why do we need to single out one group of people? Click the button below to find out why.

New Hope’s Partnership

With Armstrong Elementary

Ways to Participate in this Ministry:

Reading Buddy/Mentor Program.  Spend 30 mins/week reading with a student.

1. Complete the Mentor Interest Form
2. Complete the Background Check outlined below 
3. Attend online mentor training (The Mentor Form explains this)

Brighter Bites.  Work with others bagging fresh produce for Armstrong families.  Use this sign-up link to view the schedule and sign-up if you are able:

BRIGHTER BITES

Other Opportunities.  New to volunteering at Armstrong? Watch the “Anchor” for upcoming opportunities to participate in one of New Hope’s community partnerships. Thank you!

All volunteers to the school campus must complete the required background check. The link below will take you to the appropriate Fort Bend ISD web page to begin this process. If you need help or have questions, please contact Joan Keahey or Reba Cook with FBISD at 281-634-1109. 

Criminal Background Check Link



New Hope Contacts:

Joan Keahey: [email protected]

Jim Uschkrat: [email protected]

Food Pantry's Most Needed Items:

Hamburger Helper, Velveeta Shells and Macaroni, Span, Chicken, Tuna, Beef Stew and Chili,, Beef Ravioli, Beefaroni, Lasagna, and Spaghetti & Meatballs, Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruits, Boxed Mashed Potatoes, Crust and Pie Filling, Pancake Mix and Pancake Syrup.

Need brown shopping bags

Egg cartons and plastic bags

not needed at this time

Building On Hope Capital Campaign!

Your gifts make possible EVERY ministry: Worship, Faith Formation, Property, Scouts, AA...

Recurring Gifts Online:

Setting up online giving

is quick, easy, and safe!

FAITH-FILLED FELLOWSHIP:

Phil Kramer Recital Series

The Lynx Trio

Sunday, September 24

2:00 PM

The Lynx Trio (Mary-Elizabeth Thompson, flute; Jorge Martinez-Rios, viola; Hope Cowan, harp) are presenting an engaging program of music that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. Join this unique ensemble as they explore the colorful sounds and exciting rhythms of chamber music from Latin America. Featured on the program is a brand new work by composer Alejandro Basulto that is based on musical memories from his home of Yucatán, Mexico. Also on the program is music by tango master Piazzolla, and a magical piece by Miguel del Aguila.

CHURCH COUNCIL AND STAFF:

Church Council Minutes

Stay up to date with councils deliberations. See the link below to read the minutes from their meetings.

Last Sunday at New Hope

September 17

Worship Attendance:

(in-person & online)

75

Offering:

$2,983.07

Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, September 24

After 10:30 Worship

We will hold our regular Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, September 24 after Worship. Among items on the agenda will be the election of our new Council Members. Click the button below to learn more about them.

Church Council Leaders: Mike Ditsky (President), Joanne Meyer (VP) Steve Schnellhardt, Karen Serri, Alan Wilken (Secretary), Bryan Metting (Treasurer,) Pastor Chris Michaelis

Council can be reached via email at [email protected]

Office Hours are by appointment:

Pastor Chris - Senior Pastor

Pastor Janelle - Pastor of Faith Formation

Jessica Myers - Director of Worship & Music

Danny Sigmon - Campus Administrator

Deacon Aimee Elles - Bookkeeper