Our Humble Beginning
Perhaps you've heard someone say, "When a door closes in your life, God will open a new one." I've seen this over and over in my life, so I can truly say I believe this. It really is a matter of seeing the door ajar.
My wife, Sue, and I felt a strong urging from God to assess our church's circumstances and direction. Without going into the details, suffice it to say that it was very evident, once we put our emotions aside, that we needed to find another place of Worship. As hard as it was for us to suppress our emotion over what was taking place, harder still was it to find that Spirit-filled church that we deeply craved. And we were not alone. Many of our church family and friends found that they also needed to find a place that cherished God's Word and Spirit. We searched and tried attending local churches, and while some were warm and friendly, none felt like home. Our heart was broken. We missed the Eucharist. We missed the Liturgy.
Sue said to me one evening that she had felt the urging of God to plant a church. She started praying about this after seeing a Facebook post from a friend attending All Saints Anglican of Attleboro, Massachusetts who had said that the Northeast Anglican Diocese was trying to start new churches, especially in the Northeast. I started to pray about this as well. It did not take long for me to hear God's call to action.
We prayed. We took council from a few church friends, as well as a former Rector from our previous church. This is a man who, along with his wife, showed me true Christianity, a relational bonding with Jesus Christ, and I greatly respect his opinion. We received much positive feedback and prayerful support in what we were discerning. God called us to action. As terrifying as an endeavor as it was to us, we moved forward.
We attended an Ordination at All Saints Anglican that was Spirit-filled, moving, and beautiful. After, we found ourselves engaged in conversation relative to our calling to plant a church. It could have quite easily had the feel of an "interview" but it did not. This was a group of Christians that sincerely invested themselves into supporting us, even before we started talking with them. They had numerous individuals, some known to us and others, that had been lifting our discernment and desires in this calling in prayer.
We opened our hearts to God's will and started praying over the plans we were forming. We scheduled an informal meeting at our house and invited that core group of friends that, like us, had left our previous church. We also made it clear that this was for anyone interested that was searching for a house of Worship. We talked of our support church, All Saints Attleboro, and of the ways in which they have committed to help us grow as a church. There were 18 people that showed up, curious as to what we were trying to do. We laid out our plans, discernment, dreams and desires before them. Sue and I had expressed our deep commitment into the charge that God has placed upon us. There was a noted excitement as our guests left for the evening.
Sue and I bought a dozen folding chairs. We cleaned our house as thoroughly as it had ever been cleaned. And we set up our living room as reverently as we could. A modest table became our altar. Our first church gathering was on Advent 1 Sunday. Bishop William Murdoch, also very supportive of what we were doing, assigned Mother Leah Turner of All Saints to be our Vicar. She expressed her commitment to New Hope Anglican and has been our Vicar since our first gathering.
Bishop Murdoch attended service on Advent 2 Sunday. Before service, he had an informal gathering of New Hope Parishioners where he talked of his thoughts about our newly-planted church. He also emphatically apologized for the treatment of the Gospels that was taking place in the churches that we all had left.
Our living room becomes intimate and Holy as we all gather to Worship. It fills my soul to hear the Gospels spoken of with respect and awe, and to be taught from them. We cherish the Worship with our friends. Every Sunday Sue and I wonder as to why God would ask us to do this. As ill-equipped as we feel to be His vessel for Worship, we are Christian enough to know that it is in our weaknesses and in our small way that God will use us to build His church. Sue and I often say to each other, "He asks us only to set the table, He will bring those who will eat." So despite that in our hearts we want our living room to burst at the seams each Sunday, we try not to worry about who will show up for service. God will be there. Our dream is that one day we will no longer be able to meet in our living room because so many have seen that there is a place to go to truly Worship. Sue and I have Faith that He will lead us to our Spiritual home.
Peace.
Dave F
Perhaps you've heard someone say, "When a door closes in your life, God will open a new one." I've seen this over and over in my life, so I can truly say I believe this. It really is a matter of seeing the door ajar.
My wife, Sue, and I felt a strong urging from God to assess our church's circumstances and direction. Without going into the details, suffice it to say that it was very evident, once we put our emotions aside, that we needed to find another place of Worship. As hard as it was for us to suppress our emotion over what was taking place, harder still was it to find that Spirit-filled church that we deeply craved. And we were not alone. Many of our church family and friends found that they also needed to find a place that cherished God's Word and Spirit. We searched and tried attending local churches, and while some were warm and friendly, none felt like home. Our heart was broken. We missed the Eucharist. We missed the Liturgy.
Sue said to me one evening that she had felt the urging of God to plant a church. She started praying about this after seeing a Facebook post from a friend attending All Saints Anglican of Attleboro, Massachusetts who had said that the Northeast Anglican Diocese was trying to start new churches, especially in the Northeast. I started to pray about this as well. It did not take long for me to hear God's call to action.
We prayed. We took council from a few church friends, as well as a former Rector from our previous church. This is a man who, along with his wife, showed me true Christianity, a relational bonding with Jesus Christ, and I greatly respect his opinion. We received much positive feedback and prayerful support in what we were discerning. God called us to action. As terrifying as an endeavor as it was to us, we moved forward.
We attended an Ordination at All Saints Anglican that was Spirit-filled, moving, and beautiful. After, we found ourselves engaged in conversation relative to our calling to plant a church. It could have quite easily had the feel of an "interview" but it did not. This was a group of Christians that sincerely invested themselves into supporting us, even before we started talking with them. They had numerous individuals, some known to us and others, that had been lifting our discernment and desires in this calling in prayer.
We opened our hearts to God's will and started praying over the plans we were forming. We scheduled an informal meeting at our house and invited that core group of friends that, like us, had left our previous church. We also made it clear that this was for anyone interested that was searching for a house of Worship. We talked of our support church, All Saints Attleboro, and of the ways in which they have committed to help us grow as a church. There were 18 people that showed up, curious as to what we were trying to do. We laid out our plans, discernment, dreams and desires before them. Sue and I had expressed our deep commitment into the charge that God has placed upon us. There was a noted excitement as our guests left for the evening.
Sue and I bought a dozen folding chairs. We cleaned our house as thoroughly as it had ever been cleaned. And we set up our living room as reverently as we could. A modest table became our altar. Our first church gathering was on Advent 1 Sunday. Bishop William Murdoch, also very supportive of what we were doing, assigned Mother Leah Turner of All Saints to be our Vicar. She expressed her commitment to New Hope Anglican and has been our Vicar since our first gathering.
Bishop Murdoch attended service on Advent 2 Sunday. Before service, he had an informal gathering of New Hope Parishioners where he talked of his thoughts about our newly-planted church. He also emphatically apologized for the treatment of the Gospels that was taking place in the churches that we all had left.
Our living room becomes intimate and Holy as we all gather to Worship. It fills my soul to hear the Gospels spoken of with respect and awe, and to be taught from them. We cherish the Worship with our friends. Every Sunday Sue and I wonder as to why God would ask us to do this. As ill-equipped as we feel to be His vessel for Worship, we are Christian enough to know that it is in our weaknesses and in our small way that God will use us to build His church. Sue and I often say to each other, "He asks us only to set the table, He will bring those who will eat." So despite that in our hearts we want our living room to burst at the seams each Sunday, we try not to worry about who will show up for service. God will be there. Our dream is that one day we will no longer be able to meet in our living room because so many have seen that there is a place to go to truly Worship. Sue and I have Faith that He will lead us to our Spiritual home.
Peace.
Dave F
New Hope Blesses Our Chalice Set
New Hope Anglican of Whitman, Massachusetts had a special blessing at the Sunday, March 9th service. The custom made Chalice and Paten set, a gift to the church from Sue and I, was officially blessed by our Vicar, Mother Leah Turner. We used the set for our celebration of Holy Eucharist for the first time during the service.
The set was hand-made from an artisan potter named Brent Long in Billings, Montana. He created the set specially for New Hope Church.
Inscribed on the brim of the Paten is scripture from Romans
15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing." Sue and I chose this as a most fitting legacy to our humble
beginning as a church.
Sermon Page is Up and Running
A page for Sermons has been created. Click the menu header "Sermons" and you will be taken to the Sunday Sermons from Mother Leah. Each sermon is labeled by date, with an audio player and a listing of that week's lessons. I encourage you to visit and check it out.
A page for Sermons has been created. Click the menu header "Sermons" and you will be taken to the Sunday Sermons from Mother Leah. Each sermon is labeled by date, with an audio player and a listing of that week's lessons. I encourage you to visit and check it out.
The Rt. Rev. Foley Beach
New Archbishop Elected
The Anglican Church of North America has elected the Rt. Rev. Foley Beach to succeed Archbishop Robert Duncan.
Link to article:
http://anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/832
The Anglican Church of North America has elected the Rt. Rev. Foley Beach to succeed Archbishop Robert Duncan.
Link to article:
http://anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/832
New Hope Commits to a Backpack Ministry
The Parishioners of New Hope have committed to setting aside 10% of the church's income specifically for Outreach. As part of our outreach effort to the community, we are supplying backpacks stuffed full with school supplies to the Whitman Food Pantry. The Pantry supplies not only needed food to families, but other things as well.
The sad truth is that most public school systems do not have adequate funding to supply even the most basic of supplies used in school. They rely on families to supply their children with these basic things. Many families simply do not have the resources to outfit their children with the things needed for the start of school, and the Pantry does a very good job of filling these needs.
This not only happens through the hard work of those that organize and run the Pantry, but from those that donate as well. The backpacks and supplies that New Hope is supplying are earmarked to go to local families with children in need of these supplies.
If a person feels a desire to help in any way, I encourage you to email one of the wardens, Dave or Sue, or Mother Leah.
The Parishioners of New Hope have committed to setting aside 10% of the church's income specifically for Outreach. As part of our outreach effort to the community, we are supplying backpacks stuffed full with school supplies to the Whitman Food Pantry. The Pantry supplies not only needed food to families, but other things as well.
The sad truth is that most public school systems do not have adequate funding to supply even the most basic of supplies used in school. They rely on families to supply their children with these basic things. Many families simply do not have the resources to outfit their children with the things needed for the start of school, and the Pantry does a very good job of filling these needs.
This not only happens through the hard work of those that organize and run the Pantry, but from those that donate as well. The backpacks and supplies that New Hope is supplying are earmarked to go to local families with children in need of these supplies.
If a person feels a desire to help in any way, I encourage you to email one of the wardens, Dave or Sue, or Mother Leah.
Some of the Parish
Involved in the Backpack Ministry
Praying for Those Who are Persecuted for Their Faith
We encourage all to pray for those facing persecution for their faith, especially those in Syria and Iraq. Prayer is a direct line to God, and as Christians we know that all troubles should be laid at God's feet. Sincere prayer to God is powerful beyond our understanding, and in these times of increasing strife we need to commit ourselves to increased prayer.
Follow this link to a collection of prayers and Psalms one might use during their prayer time.
We encourage all to pray for those facing persecution for their faith, especially those in Syria and Iraq. Prayer is a direct line to God, and as Christians we know that all troubles should be laid at God's feet. Sincere prayer to God is powerful beyond our understanding, and in these times of increasing strife we need to commit ourselves to increased prayer.
Follow this link to a collection of prayers and Psalms one might use during their prayer time.
A Link to a Report from Bishop Bill Murdoch on the State of The Anglican Church in New England
http://www.ad-ne.org/slider/murdoch-centers-of-thriving-spiritual-life/5181/
http://www.ad-ne.org/slider/murdoch-centers-of-thriving-spiritual-life/5181/
1st Year Anniversary
With the coming of 1st Advent, it marks the first year anniversary of New Hope Anglican. We celebrated with a feast after service, and great fellowship.
We feel blessed that God has brought us this far. Our hope truly is in Him as we look to the upcoming year and the plans He has for us.
With the coming of 1st Advent, it marks the first year anniversary of New Hope Anglican. We celebrated with a feast after service, and great fellowship.
We feel blessed that God has brought us this far. Our hope truly is in Him as we look to the upcoming year and the plans He has for us.
New Hope's Support for Teen Challenge
Some of the Parish attended a celebration banquet hosted by Teen Challenge in Brockton. Some keynote speakers lauded the efforts of this ministry to help young men and women get on their feet through a program based heavily on the Gospel. We were blessed to hear the choir sing, as well as a few soloists who shared their testimonies with those attending.
Some of the Parish attended a celebration banquet hosted by Teen Challenge in Brockton. Some keynote speakers lauded the efforts of this ministry to help young men and women get on their feet through a program based heavily on the Gospel. We were blessed to hear the choir sing, as well as a few soloists who shared their testimonies with those attending.
As part of New Hope's continual outreach effort the parish put together 15 backpacks that we gave to the Whitman Food Pantry. These are given to kids that have a need for school supplies to begin the year. We stuffed the backpacks full of notebooks, pens, folders, and all sorts of supplies so these kids can get a good jump-start on their school year.
Baptisms and First Communion
On All Saints Day, 11-1-2015, New hope celebrated 2 Baptisms and 1 First Communion. It was a beautiful and special service. New Hope has celebrated 4 Baptisms and 1 First Communion this year.
On All Saints Day, 11-1-2015, New hope celebrated 2 Baptisms and 1 First Communion. It was a beautiful and special service. New Hope has celebrated 4 Baptisms and 1 First Communion this year.
Teen Challenge Annual Celebration Banquet
New Hope bought a table in support of this ministry's fundraiser and 10 Parishioners enjoyed a meal and the evening's entertainment.
New Hope bought a table in support of this ministry's fundraiser and 10 Parishioners enjoyed a meal and the evening's entertainment.
Operation Christmas Child
New Hope once again gave a tremendous effort for Operation Christmas Child. After a blessing from Mother Leah, all of the Parish's boxes were turned over to Ann, who each year organizes and conducts this very worthy cause.
New Hope once again gave a tremendous effort for Operation Christmas Child. After a blessing from Mother Leah, all of the Parish's boxes were turned over to Ann, who each year organizes and conducts this very worthy cause.
SYNOD 2015
The annual meeting of the Diocese, known as SYNOD, was held on Saturday, 11-21 at All Saints in Amesbury. Two Parishioners, including New Hope's voting Delegate attended along with Mother Leah.
The annual meeting of the Diocese, known as SYNOD, was held on Saturday, 11-21 at All Saints in Amesbury. Two Parishioners, including New Hope's voting Delegate attended along with Mother Leah.
Holy Week Schedule
{All at New Hope except Maundy Thursday)
Wednesday 3-23rd - 7pm - Stations of the Cross
Thursday, 3-24th - 7pm at All Saints Anglican in Attleboro - Maundy Thursday
Friday, 3-25th - 7pm - Good Friday
Saturday, 2-26th - 6pm - Easter Vigil
{All at New Hope except Maundy Thursday)
Wednesday 3-23rd - 7pm - Stations of the Cross
Thursday, 3-24th - 7pm at All Saints Anglican in Attleboro - Maundy Thursday
Friday, 3-25th - 7pm - Good Friday
Saturday, 2-26th - 6pm - Easter Vigil
Welcome to New Hope Anglican of Whitman, Massachusetts.
We are a group of Christians that have been meeting in what is called a Mission Station (a fancy Anglican term essentially meaning a small start-up church). We are meeting at the home of one of our Parishioners every Sunday for Worship and Eucharist. It is our desire and prayer that God will bless New Hope and grow it to be the church that He desires, and we grow to a point when we will seek a larger place for Worship services. We love the intimacy of our Sunday service, however we want to share that personal intimacy with Jesus that we feel. We want all to know and desire Him in that way.
Our Vicar, Mother Leah Turner is a great teacher and mentor, staying true to God's Word. Read her bio here.
Feel free to browse our website. I invite you especially to check out our sermons page, accessible through the link in the menu at the top of the page. You will find each week's lessons, and an audio sermon for that week, if available. Look for contact links in the left hand column to email Mother Leah, or the Warden, Dave Frazier. We would love to hear from you with questions about our church, how it may be of interest to you, or general comments. Thanks and welcome!
Peace in God's Grace.
We are a group of Christians that have been meeting in what is called a Mission Station (a fancy Anglican term essentially meaning a small start-up church). We are meeting at the home of one of our Parishioners every Sunday for Worship and Eucharist. It is our desire and prayer that God will bless New Hope and grow it to be the church that He desires, and we grow to a point when we will seek a larger place for Worship services. We love the intimacy of our Sunday service, however we want to share that personal intimacy with Jesus that we feel. We want all to know and desire Him in that way.
Our Vicar, Mother Leah Turner is a great teacher and mentor, staying true to God's Word. Read her bio here.
Feel free to browse our website. I invite you especially to check out our sermons page, accessible through the link in the menu at the top of the page. You will find each week's lessons, and an audio sermon for that week, if available. Look for contact links in the left hand column to email Mother Leah, or the Warden, Dave Frazier. We would love to hear from you with questions about our church, how it may be of interest to you, or general comments. Thanks and welcome!
Peace in God's Grace.
As part of our Collect each Sunday, we have been praying the following special prayer as petitions for the people facing troubles as part of the overseas strife. I would invite all to pray it as they would in support as well. Thank you.
Special Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we bring before you today the people of Syria and Iraq, asking you to be their defender and help in their time of need. Walk with them in their suffering and loss, and give them strength to face the days ahead. We pray for release of the captives and freedom for those held hostage. We pray for your intervention against the violence and evil against your people. We pray for your provision for the hungry, the homeless, and the bereaved. We pray for you to help your people who are called by your Name, Jesus’ Name, and it is in His Name we ask these things. Amen.
Special Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we bring before you today the people of Syria and Iraq, asking you to be their defender and help in their time of need. Walk with them in their suffering and loss, and give them strength to face the days ahead. We pray for release of the captives and freedom for those held hostage. We pray for your intervention against the violence and evil against your people. We pray for your provision for the hungry, the homeless, and the bereaved. We pray for you to help your people who are called by your Name, Jesus’ Name, and it is in His Name we ask these things. Amen.