Week 1 - New Hope Church of Christ

From Vicki: Ok, I have to confess that we kind of took the easy route this morning. We attended New Hope Church of Christ. We’ve visited there once before and we know a lot of people there. I learned a couple of things right off the bat. I really miss a lot of these people. We attended church together for many years before our church split into two congregations. I don’t personally know each of their motives for making the change to New Hope, but what I do know is they were friendly, welcoming and clearly a group who loves each other—a lot. That’s a good thing to find in any congregation. The next thing I learned was that I really have not been paying enough attention in church each Sunday. Something about knowing you are going to write about what you learned makes you a more tuned in worshipper. I have learned that I should attend church actively seeking to know what God wants me to learn that day, not just warming up the seat. I was reminded also that we aren’t the only ones who have felt lost and out of place since our church split. I have encountered several people, one this morning, who still haven’t settled in a church home after the split. I will pray for them this year. The last thing I learned is that Satan is already trying to get me to abandon this project. As I sat in church this morning, more than once I thought “you know this is a great congregation, with great friends. I could be very happy here and just forget this whole 52 churches in a year thing.” That would indeed be easier. For now, we’re sticking with the plan.

From John: Mark’s discussion about stewardship of our gifts and resources was a much needed reminder about letting God be in control. This is a lesson we all need on a regular basis. To see 1st hand the closeness of this congregation, I can only guess as to what drove this unique love, caring and involved congregation. They truly have elements of what I believe existed in the early church. Today’s visit made me ponder if I truly wanted to embark on this journey. I was able to see several good friends and re-kindle relationships. But, I still feel as Vicki does the need to finish what we began and see where God is leading us.