2019 Year in Review
2019 saw a number of “firsts” for Hope, and God worked in both big and small ways to form us together, add to our number, and send us out to proclaim his goodness in word and deed. Here are just a few of the highlights…
Goodwin Frazier Elementary
In February 2019, we moved our worship service to Goodwin Frazier Elementary School. The environment of the school has allowed us to spread out a bit more, and we’ve seen some of our highest attendance this year (169 on Mother’s Day; 184 at our Anniversary Sunday; 200 on Easter). However, the space has also required more of us, as we’ve increased our setup activities by having to pull a trailer back and forth each week.
Serving those near and far
We’ve been able to serve our neighbors in New Braunfels and around the world this year, including participating in the Big Serve for local nonprofits, painting the playground pavilion at Goodwin Frazier, and helping build houses in Puerto Rico for those affected by Hurricane Maria (our first ever mission trip).
Summertime Student Trips
Like the previous Summer, we took a group of high school students to the RYM Youth conference in Estes Park, CO, but this year we also added a Middle School camp. In both instances, students were taught from God’s Word and challenged with the Gospel message (some for the first time), all in a fun and relaxing environment.
A New Staff Member
In June, Hope added Jim Hahn as a youth intern. Jim Joined Amanda Armstrong in ministering to the youth of Hope and gathering middle and high school students in New Braunfels. We’re excited to have Jim a part of the staff team!
We Turned Two
In 2019, Hope celebrated her two-year worship anniversary. For a “toddler-aged” church, these yearly markers are beneficial touchpoints, as they are both cause for celebration and reminders of the long-term mission we are a part of.
Christmas Eve in Landa Park
For the second year in a row, Hope will celebrate Christmas Eve in Landa Park, singing carols and reading the Christmas story together under the canopy of Oaks and beside the Comal River.
Looking toward 2020
As we approach 2020, the Lord is opening up even greater opportunities for us. Here are a few of the things on the docket for 2020 and the ways you can be praying for them. Please join me in asking God to lead and guide us into this new year, move in the hearts of those who do not yet know him, and continue His work in, among and through us.
New Location
God has opened an opportunity for us to worship at the lower school campus of New Braunfels Christian Academy (the one on Mission Hills Drive). I believe this move will benefit us in many ways—the location is directly within our target area, we’ll have more available meeting space, and setup will be greatly reduced (we won’t have to drag around a trailer anymore!). I’m hopeful that this location will provide a great place for us to grow in the coming years.
Please pray that God would bless this new worship location, and that it would prove to be an easy place to bring your friends and neighbors.
Community Groups
After a short break, Hope’s Community Groups will resume in January. These groups will meet in homes throughout the week for fellowship, prayer, and study. The goal of these groups is to provide pathways to connection, friendship and belonging.
Please pray for God to connect us to Him and to each other as we get together.
Meeting the needs of the poor
Proverbs 14:31 says “whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors Him.” This and many other Biblical passages speak of the Church’s obligation to care for the poor, but though the call is clear, the method often isn’t. I’d like us to increase our care for the poor among us (both in our congregation and our city).
Please pray that God would clarify how our church will go about this.
Leadership training
In September, we began a class called “Hope DNA.” This class, while open to anyone, is required for those seeking ordained office. The class will continue until Easter of 2020, covering four major categories: Hope’s Vision and Values; Theological Basics; Christian Worldview; and Christian Living.
Please pray that God would raise up both ordained and lay leaders to continue to build His Church in New Braunfels.
Projections for 2020 Giving
We are introducing something new this year. In November, we will be asking members and regular attenders to give us an estimate of their 2020 giving. These “projections” will help me and our finance team get a better understanding of what the church’s income will be like in 2020, therefore enabling us to budget most wisely.