We believe that God has a purpose for each life that He has created.  We are all called into service, using the talents and resources with which God has blessed us. Service takes many forms. Some serve by traveling to volunteer with construction projects or disaster relief efforts. Others are called into educational and caretaking roles with children or those in need within the church or our community. Still others are called to service by organizing worship and fellowship opportunities, or by supporting any of these efforts.

No matter what you're looking for, New Hope United Methodist Church provides a variety of worship services, organizations and ministries to help keep you actively engaged.  Please read below for a small sampling of the things we offer and feel free to speak with any of the contacts (or contact the pastor) if you have any questions or would like to volunteer to assist with any of them.  We'd love to have you!

Chancel Choir                                                                                 
Our choir provides and leads most music for our worship service.  Choir practice is held as needed (usually on Tuesday evenings at 7:30) in the sanctuary.  Contact Rebecca Pitts for more information.

Sunday School Classes
Sunday school begins at 10:00 AM every Sunday morning.  New Hope UMC offers classes for people of all ages.  Contact Aaron Livingston for information.

Age Level Ministries
We offer age-level ministries for people of all ages.

• United Methodist Women:  The New Hope UMW is very active in the local church and community and is connected to global missions through the Women's division of the United Methodist Church.  They sponsor a monthly women's prayer breakfast which meets the Thursday after the third Sunday of the month at 8 AM in the fellowship hall.
   
• Men's Group:  The Men's Group meets for breakfast on the first Sunday of the month at 8:00 AM in the fellowship building for devotionals and to address church concerns. They also provide logistical and financial support for church ministries and local missions.  
   
• Kids In Christ:  Kids in Christ is designated for all children - from birth until 5th grade.  The group meets and has devotions, games, a craft, snacks, and fellowship.  Although the group tries to meet regularly, there is no set date at this time.  Please check the bulletin and newsletter for announcements.
   
• United Methodist Youth Fellowship:  The UMYF is a comprehensive program and is a place for religious education and spiritual development for youth in grades 6 through 12. New Hope UMYF members also participate in summer service projects, spiritual life retreats, and domestic and overseas missions.  Meetings are usually held the third Sunday of the month at 5:30 PM in the fellowship hall.
   
• Young Adults:  The Young Adult group is for everyone between the ages of 21 and 50.  The group meets for fellowship and assists with local missions.
   
• Middle Agers:  The Middle Agers group is for everyone between the ages of 50 and 65 ... and anyone who'd like to join.  The group meets for fellowship and assists with local missions.
   
• GO (Golden Oldies) Group:  The GO Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at Noon. The GO Group is for our senior members ... or anyone who'd like to join.  The group has a great time learning about God, engaging in fellowship, visiting shut-in members, and sharing lunch. The GO Group goes on several outings during the year including visiting shut-in members in the area, going out to eat lunch, and picking apples in North Carolina. 
   
• SOC (Sisters of Christ):  SOC meets on the fourth Sunday of each month at 7:00 PM in the fellowship hall for devotionals and to discuss church concerns. SOC is a women's service auxiliary which is actively involved in the worship life and outreach ministries of our church. They sponsor our annual church bazaar and recently co-sponsored (along with our UMW) our most recent New Hope United Methodist Church Cookbook.

Special Worship Services
During Lent, Easter, and Advent, New Hope UMC offers special evening services.  In January, we traditionally participate in evening community services entitled "January Journey" with area churches and the Newberry Area Council on Ministries (NACOM).

Vacation Bible School
An important part of the continuing Christian education program at New Hope UMC, Vacation Bible School is held during the summer, usually during the month of June.  This is a fun-filled week of extensive Bible study based on a theme that is taught using crafts, activities, music, storytelling and recreation. All ages are invited.  Contact Aaron Livingston for more information.

The Responsive Reader Church Newsletter
The Responsive Reader is issued monthly to members of New Hope UMC.  The deadline to submit information for the newsletter is the 15th of every month.  To update or add information, contact Elaine Bedenbaugh.

Outreach and Mission Opportunities
Each summer, members of the congregation participate in Salkehatchie Summer Service.  Members of our church also have the opportunity to participate in other mission trips abroad through UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) and UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).   We participate in many local charities such as the Woodyard Fund, Manna House, and Pomaria Foodbank.  The UMW assists many overseas missions. Contact Dianne Graham for more information.