June 15, 2013

newhopefulton

Praise and WorshipKatina Chappell

MessageLet it Burn

Pastor Rajkumar Dixit

Community LifeMarty Chappell (First Service)

Ruthie Vasconcellos (Second Service)

BenedictionPastor Rajkumar Dixit

Worship at New HopeCommunity at Worship - 10:30 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. | Kingdom Kids Worship (Resumes next week) | Middle School Worship (Resumes August 24)

Community Life 2

Dixit Tributes 3- 6

Congrats, Adventurers & Pathfinders 7

Celebrating Dad 7

Family Tools 4

connect. serve. grow.

Need an activity for this afternoon? Help prepare a meal at Grassroots TODAY! The team sets up at 4 p.m. and leaves by 6 p.m. Interested in lending a hand? Contact Nathan Taylor at 478-737-4224.

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communitylife Welcome to New Hope! We're here to help you grow in your spiritual journey. This page highlights some exciting ways for you and your family to make meaningful connections and grow your relationship with God. 

If there is anything we can do to support you on your journey, let us know.

Church OfficeMon-Thu 9a-5p, Fri 10a-2p

Phone/Text Message410-541-6394

Emailinfo@lookingforachurch.org

june june junecommunitylife Welcome to New Hope! We're here to help you grow in your spiritual journey. This page highlights some exciting ways for you and your family to make meaningful connections and grow your relationship with God. 

If there is anything we can do to support you on your journey, let us know.

Church OfficeMon-Thu 9a-5p, Fri 10a-2p

Phone/Text Message410-541-6394

Emailinfo@lookingforachurch.org

15There is no Kids Church this week. Quiet bags are available at the Ask-Me Desk.

22Sharing Our Pantry Food Drive after first service. Help sort, bag and deliver groceries to seniors in need at Morningside Park Apartments in Jessup! We need donations of nutritious, imperishable food. Questions? Contact Angie Bernard at aabernard@cincere.com.

24Tickets are no longer available for the free WGTS 91.9 Listener Appreciation Concert at New Hope. We do need volunteers to act as ushers and help with merchandise sales. Contact Prithy at 301-854-1866 if you’re available.

communitylife Welcome to New Hope! We're here to help you grow in your spiritual journey. This page highlights some exciting ways for you and your family to make meaningful connections and grow your relationship with God. 

If there is anything we can do to support you on your journey, let us know.

Church OfficeMon-Thu 9a-5p, Fri 10a-2p

Phone/Text Message410-541-6394

Emailinfo@lookingforachurch.org

19Ignite your prayer life Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Come out for praise and prayer.

22Sabbath Jams, a social gathering for musicians and singers, will take place June 22 at 4 p.m. Come glorify Jesus’ name in song!

25The High School Ministry plans to see the Baltimore Orioles take on the Cleveland Indians at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12. If you'd like to go, give your ticket payment to ministry leader Keith Blair by June 15. Questions? Call Keith Blair at 443-629-3686.

CHURCH LIFEAre you visiting? Thank you for coming to worship with us today! You are invited to New Hope in Seven Minutes or Less, a brief information session at the front of the auditorium. In addition to learning more about us, you will get a free gift bag filled with goodies!

YOUNG ADULTSwww.youngadultsconnect.com

Connect, a Bible study group just for young adults, meets Sabbaths from 11 a.m. to noon in the trailer. Let’s explore the life-changing teachings of God’s Word together!

FAMILY MINISTRIESwww.newhopelovesfamilies.com

Kingdom Kids will learn that God wants us to love our friends no matter what. The Bible story is found in Ruth 1:1-22, Ruth is faithful.Download Take-It-Home sheets at newhopelovesfamilies.com.

Middle School Worship goes on summer break June - August. New season: Aug. 24. Middle School Sabbath School will continue to meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 206.

We need volunteers for VBS 2013! This year's program will take place on Sabbaths from July 6 through Aug. 17, starting at 10:30 a.m. Through every twist, turn and dive, Colossal Coaster World will challenge kids to face their fears and trust God. With excitement around every curve, kids will learn that God has given them a spirit of power, love and sound judgment. For more information, send an email to vbs@newhopelovesfamilies.com. If you would like to volunteer, sign up at the VBS table in the foyer.

FLAG Camp registration is filling up. Register today for July 8-12, 2013. Worship; arts and crafts; sports and a daily field trip. For children grades 1 through 8. Registration is $100.00 per child. Pick up a flyer at the 1st floor bulletin board.

The next family dedication is July 13. To be scheduled for a dedication, contact Prithy at 301-854-1866 or send an email to info@newhopelovesfamilies.com

Do you like to organize? We’re looking for someone to spend two to three hours monthly to help organize children’s ministry supplies, For more information, contact Lynne at office@lookingforachurch.org.

Communion and the Act of Humility

We will celebrate Communion during both June 29 services.

In addition, a special quiet room will be available for those who wish to participate in foot washing and to pray for one another.

There also will be a space specifically designated for women.

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An Irresistibleand Unforgettable Influence

It’s nearly impossible to say everything there is to say about Pastor Rajkumar Dixit in seven minutes or less, though he’d probably be up to the task.His irreverent and quick humor. A savvy for ministry in a Web 2.0 world. A passion for reaching people, whether next door, abroad or online, who just might be looking for a church.

Like the ministries and events he has launched in his decade as pastor for outreach and administration — Miracle and Healing Night, the Ask-Me Desk, Festival of Hope and, yes, Seven Minutes or Less — Dixit is a fixture at New Hope, an intrinsic ingredient hard to imagine doing without.

Still, the time has come to start looking for substitutes, however reluctantly: Dixit, along with wife Rajinie and children Jaelin, Eli and Wilo, is bound for Vancouver, where he will lead Oakridge Adventist Church. His final sermon is today.

“New Hope has been exceptionally blessed to have Kumar,” said Gary Krause, who leads the church’s executive committee. “He truly is an outstanding pastor — mission-focused, organized, caring, well-read, great communicator, excellent preacher, committed to Jesus. He also has the common touch — and is the only pastor I’ve ever had stop by my office to check that I was doing OK.”

Many have experienced that touch, often accompanied with persistent encouragement to participate in one ministry or another. “His infectious personality and persuasiveness made it easy to say yes to his call to service. He saw potential and value in people and brought the best out of them,” said Brian Wright, who serves in the audiovisual ministry. “His confidence and trust empowered me into dedicated service to New Hope.”

Dixit’s sermons further reflected his gift for connecting with people and continually revealed what lay behind that mischievous smile and wicked wit: a mind teeming with spiritual understanding — and a fervent desire to share God’s message, whether in an hour or 140 characters.

“The admission of his weaknesses and struggles as a human being and the fact that he was transparent about his mistakes endeared him to me as a pastor,” said Katina Chappell, a praise team leader. “His friendship, influence and messages have had a profound effect on me as an adult Christian.”

Dixit’s impact spread far beyond the pulpit: He helped turn New Hope’s focus outward with an emphasis on reaching out to the unchurched and the community. He laid the foundation for the church’s robust local outreach program by forging ties with community leaders and organizations such as Grassroots, the Howard County Pregnancy Center and the Domestic Violence Center. He also supported the growth of international outreach and evangelism in Mozambique, India and Haiti.

His efforts led to annual evangelism funding from the Chesapeake Conference and helped the church set a baptism record for the conference.A key step in his outreach efforts — and gradual brand makeover for the church — was the move to the new lookingforachurch.org URL, aimed at attracting people doing just that. And it succeeded: The website saw thousands of monthly hits that led to more visitors and eventually contributed to the need for more space than the church’s Burtonsville, Md., home at the time could provide.

“Pastor Kumar’s exceptional giftedness in communication and technology, combined with his love for Jesus and people, have contributed significantly to New Hope’s growth over the past 10 years,” said Rick Remmers, Chesapeake Conference president. “The influence of his ministry will continue to be a blessing here.”

Indeed, said Ann Roda, New Hope’s pastor for families, “Kumar is one of the smartest and most creative thinkers I have ever met. He leaves a deep legacy of innovative ministry approaches at New Hope….His motto was always a willingness to trying anything for the Kingdom of God.”

Dixit said he was grateful to the congregation for being open to his experiments and to trying new evangelism methods. “New Hope has been a wonderful church to minister,” he said. “I am looking forward to keeping in touch and seeing how God continues to bless the church.”

Don’t worry, Pastor Kumar. You’ll be hearing from us.

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WE WILL MISS YOUR QUICK wit and salty remarks, your friendship and genuine care and your beautiful family. You made New Hope a comfortable and easy place to

love. May God bless you in your new home, as you have blessed us. Until next time!

Nathan, Laura and Jillian Krause

KUMAR’S FRIENDSHIP and ministry have meant so much to me….His passion, energy, and humor kept me motivated and engaged when times got tough. He embodied grace through the inclusion of even the most disenfranchised and marginalized. Simply, you will be missed...as my pastor and my friend.

Brian Wright

KUMAR WAS THE FIRST PERSON I was introduced to when I visited New Hope for the first time eight

years ago. The impression he left then was a seed planted that reignited my once-lost passion for ministry. For this I am

truly grateful. Kumar, I wish for you, Rej and the kids the love, faith and peace of Christ on this next era of your ministry.

Colin Jeffers

I AM TRULY BLESSED TO WORK as an assistant for the infamous Pastor Kumar Dixit. As the Dixits move upwards to Canada, my desire for them is this: Let God be the priority in your home. Don't stop dreaming, continue to teach and reach people, and spare not the word of God. The future of our church depends on your continued ability to dare us to reach what we once believed unobtainable. And always remember: I got your back.

Prithy David

memories

WE WILL MISS PASTOR KUMAR’S humor — warped as it may be — and give him and his family all our best wishes as they begin their Canadian adventure.

David and Sheri Flower

We can’t gather all the stories New Hopers have about you (probably a good thing) or fully capture all the good wishes for you and your family. So consider the following a mere sample of sentiments from a cup that’s overflowing with love for the entire Dixit clan.

Dear Pastor Kumar:

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well-wishes

WHAT I APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KUMAR is that when I’m around him, I don’t feel like he’s sucking the air out of the room with disapproval. I can just be myself, and he trusts that the Lord is going to grow me and teach me. And then he’s free to just love me and be my friend, and to be honest when he needs to be — and provide nonjudgmental guidance.

Season Townsend

I WILL MISS TEACHING KUMAR about sports. I guess I should have taught him more about hockey. I

will also miss hanging out with him as a friend.…I hope the family does not get attacked by bears, but if you do, record it.

It could go viral.

Marty Chappell

KUMAR, I HOPE THAT YOUR EXPERIENCES and ministry in Canada will be enriching and deep, but I also hope that your journey will lead you back to our neck of the woods again really soon (besides, you're an American now!)... All God's best to you and your family!

Grace Brown

I KNOW GOD has great plans for the Dixits as they start this next chapter in their lives, but they will be greatly missed by their New Hope church family.  Thank you for all you do!

Jill Peralta

I HAVE BEEN AT NEW HOPE, working with Kumar, for seven years. He is a joy to work under! Kumar is the funniest pastor I

have ever seen, and I've been around a lot! He's a very understanding and easy-to-talk-to guy, and I'll miss that, from my heart!

Collier Rowe, Sr.

I WILL MISS Kumar, Rej, Jaelin, Eli and Wilo so much. They have been an intricate part of my life for the past seven years. They

have allowed me to love the kids as grandchildren. I will not miss Kumar coming into the office and saying, “This is a place of

business — clean up the mess.” The Dixits are etched in my heart.Lynne Ekelof

WE ARE REALLY going to miss the Dixit family, but our loss is the Oakridge Church’s gain. Vaya con Dios, Dixit family!

Candi and Malick Beyai

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As a mother of three, pastor’s wife and school speech pathologist, Rajinie “Rej” Dixit already wears a considerable number of hats. But over the past decade, she continually has found time to lead or join one church ministry or another — always with her characteristic calm and poise.

Whatever her role — first organizing a group for mothers, then coordinating Sabbath School and, most recently, leading Little Hawks Adventurer Club — Dixit sought to build a sense of community for New Hope parents and children alike. The mothers' group forged bonds among women who remain friends today. Family Food Friendzy, which she originally launched in connection with Sabbath School, helped people get to know each other beyond Saturday mornings.

“Rej has been an inspiration to parents with children of all ages as she puts time and energy into making things like Sabbath School and Adventurers a success,” said New Hope member Jill Peralta, whose children are involved in both programs. “She makes me want to be a better mom, and I am so thankful that she has been a part of my children's journey to know the Lord.”

Dixit sought ways to make that spiritual journey a dynamic one, in addition to being educational — perhaps reflecting her dual experience as teacher and parent.

“Getting on board with whatever current passionate church mission Rej was behind…was paramount to family fun and development,” said Katina Chappell, a longtime friend and member.

Candi Beyai, whose son Malick is in Adventurers, has seen that

firsthand. “Rej really took Adventurers to another level this year,” she said, citing such club activities as visiting the Walters Museum in Baltimore, hiking in a nearby park and learning about different countries.

As much as she’s given, Dixit said she departs with her own share of blessings.

“I have had such a wonderful time at New Hope for the last 10 years,” she said. “Much of what I've learned and practiced as a parent has come from long talks and meals shared with many of you. Thank you for being so kind and loving to our family, laughing, teaching and entertaining all of us over the years. The friendships I’ve made will surely last forever!”

INHER

DECADE AT

NEWHOPE, RAJINIE

DIXIT HAS LEFT HER OWN MARK

A Blessing to Child and Family Ministries

A FEW WORDS FROM SOME OF THE FOLKS TOUCHED BY REJ’S MINISTRY AND FRIENDSHIP

“Thank you for always going above and beyond your calling and faithfully serving. You've always inspired me!” — Tina Pillai

“Rej has greatly contributed to Kingdom Kids ministries, and her leadership and guidance will truly be missed. I have enjoyed volunteering and collaborating with her — and gained a great friend along the way.” — Keila Barceló

“I want to say a special thank you to Rej for all of the time, energy and creativity she has invested in the Sabbath School and Adventurers programs. My children, and many others, have been tremendously blessed by her ministry.” — Krissie Little

"Rej is an enthusiastic, positive, trustworthy, honest, gracious, welcoming, devoted, real, warm, inviting, friendly and genuine person who values every child — and loves a good brownie recipe. We will miss her, and her laugh, greatly." — Michelle and Keith Nudd

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Cologne. A tie or mug that shouts, “Best Dad in the World.” Maybe something to do with golfing or fishing or football. These are standard Father's Day presents, handed down from one generation of absolutely desperate children to another. But, dads, while you may not be easy to shop for, it doesn't mean we don't appreciate you — or the many things you are to our families. 

You are heroes to your little boys, soft putty in your little girls’ hands. You are bug-catchers and

monster patrol, checking those closets (and under the bed!) every night. You act as driving instructors, road-trip warriors, masters of the map and kings of direction (most of the time). You are enforcers — at least, when Mom’s not around. You’re the household Mr. Fixits and most reliable movers. You are our soccer and football coaches, pushing us to do our best and cheering us on when we win. You are the bank whose funds never seem to run out, dispensing advice as well as money. And most importantly, you are earthly representatives of our heavenly Father who show us His love and compassion from

the moment we’re born. The Bible tells us “the father of one who is right with God will have much joy” (Proverbs 23:24). Perhaps the greatest gift we could give our dads — and moms too, for that matter — is to seek, know and love our Father in heaven. Thank you, New Hope dads, for the many roles you play.

During their investiture programs last Sabbath, New Hope’s Little Hawks Adventurers and Night Hawks Pathfinders celebrated their achievements and all they learned through various activities and outings over the past several months. Club members, thank you for all of your hard work and enthusiasm, and congratulations on another outstanding year spent learning about God and growing in your relationship with Him. Parents, we couldn’t have managed without all your help and contributions along the way; many, many thanks for your support! Did you miss out on all the fun? Be sure to sign up for next year! Keep an eye out for details on club registration this fall.

Check out the photos from last week’s event at www.facebook.com/newhopefulton

Celebrating DadCONGRATULATIONS,

Adventurers and Pathfinders!

Happy

Father’s Day!

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Find us: 12350 Hall Shop Road, Fulton, MD 20759 Call us/ send a text message: 410-541-NEWH (6394)

Email us: info@lookingforachurch.org Visit us online: www.lookingforachurch.org

2012 @newhopefulton

God’s Daily WordUse the following passages to explore additional biblical insights about gifts God gives us to serve Him.

SUNDAY Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

MONDAY Matthew 5:43-44

TUESDAY Matthew 25:31-40

WEDNESDAY 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

THURSDAY Galatians 5:22-23

FRIDAY Galatians 6:1-5

Weekly ChallengeDo you regularly pray for your friends? Ask God to reveal to you what prayer your friends need. Then begin praying for them daily.

The Back Page follows the Bible lessons that children and youth are studying and serves to help kids and adults continue the spiritual discussion at home and establish patterns of a devotional life.

MYNEWHOPECHURCH.COM/GIVE

At a recent concert at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Va., I noticed in the playbill an invitation to be a “Friend of Wolf Trap.” I inquired what it meant to be a friend of a place and was given a laundry list of the requirements. First and foremost, it meant donating money; lots of money. Second, it meant I would be invited to attend various receptions and dinners with other “friends.” Ironically, attending those dinners and receptions would cost me more money. And third, as a friend, I would be responsible for promoting Wolf Trap in my community. In return, my name would be listed on the friend list, and I would be given a lapel pin to wear “with pride and satisfaction of having made a contribution to Wolf Trap.” 

What does it really mean to be a friend? There are many ways to define friendship, but Jesus gives us the ultimate definition. Through His life we see what true friendship is: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I

learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:13-15).

Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for us, His “friends.” What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as a personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him.

This is a pretty high standard for friendship. That is why Jesus Himself demonstrated friendship first before making it a requirement for His followers. Then He promised us that we would not have to do it alone. That He would be with us, paving the way and showing us how. He would be our friend so we can be friends to others.

Who is your friend? What kind of a friend are you?

Thought for the Week

Ann Roda

Pastor for Families

annroda@lookingforachurch.org

For the FamilyThink of people in your neighborhood who could use a friend right now. Write their names on an index card, post it in a place that will remind you to pray for them, and think of ways to reach out to those people.

DownloadFor additional family resources about the teaching for this week, scan the code to download the Take-It-Home sheet or visit newhopelovesfamilies.com.

Today, if you aren’t sure where you would spend eternity if this were your last day on earth, we want you to know that God loves you and made a way for you to have eternal life. For more information about accepting Him as your Lord and Savior, visit www.lookingforachurch.org/discoverjesus or send a text message to 410-541-6394.