New Hope will be holding a Good Friday Service on Friday April 7, 2023 at 6pm and our Easter Sunday morning service at 10am on April 9, 2023. Please come and worship with us!

Lent is a 40 day long journey on the road to Easter. As we walk along that dusty road we remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus. On this road we try and mirror the journey of suffering that Christ endured and we try to mirror His obedience to the Father's will. The good news is that Jesus' suffering resulted in a chance for us to gain salvation. His resurrection on Easter morning makes our salvation possible and in that we can rejoice! The bad news for some is that the journey after Easter includes suffering. We do not like to experience suffering. Suffering makes us grumpy and impatient. This impatience and disdain for struggle points to a certain amount of immaturity in our Faith. 
Scripture tells us that trials produce something wonderful in us: James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
So we do know that Christians live in a perpetual Lenten Season where we continue to prepare for Christ's return, strengthened by trials for His glory. The trials deepen and broaden our faith, helping us to glorify God and draw others to the love and strength of God they see in us. So, be strong  in Him Christian! Expect the journey to contain struggles and rejoice as you continually  mature in Him. 

See you in Church!

Pastor Lillian