The New Hope Community

Greetings

Dear New Hope family and friends, as we enter the final months of the year, I find myself thinking about the people who make New Hope more than a place we visit on Sundays. For decades, God has sustained this congregation on Glengarry Road.

Why a Newsletter?

We have stories worth telling and questions worth discussing that cannot fit into a Sunday worship bulletin. The New Hope Community is a way to share how God is at work among us, explain our ministries, offer timely Consistory news and invite every person to take part.

Our intention is to publish four times each year—fall, winter, spring and summer—with shorter monthly updates when significant news or urgent needs arise. This inaugural issue is a beginning, and we hope you will help shape what follows.

As Thanksgiving gives way to Advent and Christmas, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness and look with hope to the coming of Christ.

Jose Garreton

Thanksgiving at New Hope

Around Our Table

Our Thanksgiving gathering reminded us that belonging often begins in ordinary ways: a chair pulled out, a favourite dish shared, a guest welcomed and people staying afterward to help clean up.

In John 6:1–14, Jesus receives what seems too little and feeds a multitude. The lesson is not simply about food; it is about offering what we have and trusting God to use it for the good of others.

What to Expect Each Quarter

Growing in faith: Where we are going in our sermons and Bible studies, and why the passages matter.

From the Consistory: Significant decisions, stewardship, ministry priorities, and matters still under discussion.

Prayer and community: Ways to pray for one another, forthcoming gatherings, and opportunities to volunteer.

Friday Bible Study

Why Are We Studying 1 Corinthians?

Imagine a church full of enthusiasm but divided by competing loyalties. Some members are proud of their knowledge; others struggle with relationships, worship, money and Christian freedom. The Corinthians were imperfect people learning how to live as one body in Christ—much like every church today.

Paul brings them back to the crucified and risen Jesus. Christian maturity is not measured by knowledge alone but by faith expressed through love, humility, holiness and service.

So far we have explored unity, the wisdom of the cross, relationships and faithfulness in our callings. The coming lessons turn to temptation and idolatry, worship and the Lord’s Table, spiritual gifts, the greater way of love, and the resurrection.

Join us Fridays, 7:30–9:00 p.m. New participants are welcome even if they missed earlier studies.

A Question for Reflection

What would change in our church and our daily lives if we measured spiritual maturity less by what we know and more by how we love?

Wednesday Zoom Bible Study

Hearing God Today

Many people wonder: Does God still speak? How can we distinguish God’s guidance from our own fears, preferences or the most confident voice in the room? Those questions shape our Wednesday Zoom series.

We began with “Does God Still Speak?” and continue with discernment. Romans 12:1–2 invites us to minds renewed by God; 1 John 4:1–6 urges us to test what we hear.

We will consider God’s leading in family, work, relationships, service and congregational life, always testing our understanding by Scripture and seeking wisdom together.

Second and fourth Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m., via Zoom. The series continues through December, with more studies planned in the new year.

Join the Conversation

Bring your questions, invite a friend and take part in the discussion. At New Hope, Bible study is a place to listen, learn, encourage and grow together.

What Consistory Discussed

Consistory met by Zoom on October 20. The September minutes were approved. Discussions covered building repairs, ministry coordination, hospitality, upcoming worship and community events, and church property matters.

Ministry and Communication

Consistory supported publishing The New Hope Community quarterly, electronically and in print. The Coordination Team continues planning worship, children’s ministry, fellowship, Advent and Christmas activities. Arthur Zernov is assisting with social media and livestream technology, while lighting and projection improvements are under review.

Everyone Can Welcome

Our hospitality plans include greeters, newcomer information and welcome gifts. If you see someone new, introduce yourself and connect them with a greeter. Volunteers are needed for greeting, children’s ministry, coffee, decorating, communications and events. Speak with Pastor Jose or a Planning Committee member to help.

Children and Community

Leonie Chang is assisting with children’s ministry. Operation Christmas Child boxes and instructions will be available; collection week is November 16–22. New Hope also plans to host World Day of Prayer on March 6, 2027, following the community breakfast.

Caring for Our Building

Roof Repairs — Progress

Roof repairs are more than halfway complete. Consistory is reviewing the timing of final payment in relation to a church investment maturing in mid-December. We thank everyone overseeing this important work.

Building Hope Together

Consistory has approved a Christmas poinsettia fundraiser to support roof repairs. Our proposed fundraising target is $20,000, above and beyond regular offerings.

This Christmas, members and friends can purchase poinsettias while supporting New Hope. For pricing and ordering details, please speak with Jim Chang at (647) 389-3536.

We also welcome other fundraising opportunities that encourage giving, volunteering, and community involvement.

Together, we are doing more than repairing a building; we are preserving a place where faith, fellowship, and community grow.

Property and Safety

Consistory continues working with Fun to Learn Montessori on zoning and playground safety. Proposed barriers, alternatives, and costs remain under review, with no installation or cost-sharing decision made. Driveway repairs and rear-door protection were also discussed.

Next Consistory Meeting

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. For questions or suggestions, speak with a member of Consistory.

Joining Together in Prayer

Healing and Care. We continue to pray for Isabella, who lost her foot in a boating accident. We praise God that Bella and her mother have returned to Hamilton, where she continues her recovery at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Consistory contributed $1,000 toward her recovery fund. We pray for her healing, strength, and encouragement, remembering also others facing illness and the families who care for them.

Homes and Relationships. We pray for our families, marriages, children, and loved ones. May our homes be filled with love, patience, forgiveness, and understanding. We remember those experiencing loneliness, grief, financial hardship, or broken relationships, asking God to bring comfort, reconciliation, and renewed hope.

Our Congregation. We thank God for our New Hope family and all who faithfully serve. We pray for our pastor, elders, deacons, ministry leaders, and volunteers. As we prepare for the upcoming Middle Assembly meeting, formerly the Classis of Ontario, we pray for wisdom, unity, and discernment among delegates and church leaders. May God guide their decisions, strengthen our shared ministry, and help New Hope remain a welcoming community where everyone experiences Christ’s love.

Our Neighbours and the World. As municipal elections approach on October 26, we pray for wisdom among voters and integrity in those seeking public office. We remember communities affected by conflict, poverty, injustice, and natural disasters. May God guide our leaders, bring peace to troubled places, and inspire us to serve our neighbours with compassion and generosity.

Share a Prayer Request or Story

Do you have a prayer request, an answered prayer, or an encouraging story to share?

Please contact Pastor Jose at 416-540-1548. Prayer requests will remain confidential unless permission is given to share them.

Coming Together

Dates to Remember

Every Sunday: Worship at 10:00 a.m.; bring a neighbour or friend.

Fridays: Bible study, 7:30–9:00 p.m., studying 1 Corinthians.

Second and fourth Wednesdays: Hearing God Today, Zoom Bible study, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 14: Community Breakfast, 9:00–11:00 a.m. “When Is Enough, Enough?” A conversation inspired by Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13–21).

Sunday, November 29: First Sunday of Advent and planned celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Saturday, December 5: Community Breakfast, 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Sunday, December 20: Christmas concert/story and congregational potluck are being planned.

Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve service is being planned; time to be confirmed.