In October of 2009, a group of 40 Christians met at the home of Matt and Erica Wilson in Hanover, Pennsylvania. This group gathered to share their concerns, joys, heartaches and struggles. As they met for worship and conversation it became clear that most were seeking a new direction in their spiritual lives. As the group continued to grow, Jim Wolf offered to host the group at his restaurant in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. Pastor Tim Kielley was approached to lead the group and they began meeting Sunday evenings in January of 2010.
The Sunday evening gatherings continued to grow to the point where they outgrew the restaurant. At the same time, they began the process of organizing a church, a leadership team, and searching for a name. One of the young adults, Kristin Fowble, suggested the name “New Hope” since this gathering had given so many people just that- HOPE. One of the group’s primary missions was to reach out to people who had become disenfranchised and disengaged from the church. They intentionally did want not to call themselves a church. They settled on the name “New Hope Faith Community.”
In June of 2010, they began meeting outdoors on Sunday mornings in Littlestown and continued to grow. In the fall they moved to the Littlestown High School cafeteria. For the next two years new ministries formed like the choir, a kid’s outreach and Sunday School classes.
Over the next couple of years, the congregation looked for a permanent building. They finally purchased the Brushtown Fire Company in December of 2013. Over the next three years the church continued to grow and mature.
Tragically, on December 29, 2016, Pastor Tim Kielley died. His death was unexpected. As a result, the congregation was traumatized and many were deeply impacted. Thankfully, Jeff Reaver Sr. stepped up to serve as an Interim Pastor. Jeff along with staff (Debbie Jo, Jean and Wes) led the body through some very difficult days. The church convened a Pastoral Search Team to find someone who could replace their beloved pastor. In May of 2018, Pastor Jim Herbert was voted in as the next pastor of New Hope.
Over the next two years, New Hope Faith Community made big decisions to prepare for its next phase of existence. A new 40 x 60 ft. building was built and used as a sanctuary. The congregation has affiliated with the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) church network. New dreams are being dreamed to reach the next generations for Christ.
After some very difficult years, the future of New Hope Faith Community looks bright.
The Sunday evening gatherings continued to grow to the point where they outgrew the restaurant. At the same time, they began the process of organizing a church, a leadership team, and searching for a name. One of the young adults, Kristin Fowble, suggested the name “New Hope” since this gathering had given so many people just that- HOPE. One of the group’s primary missions was to reach out to people who had become disenfranchised and disengaged from the church. They intentionally did want not to call themselves a church. They settled on the name “New Hope Faith Community.”
In June of 2010, they began meeting outdoors on Sunday mornings in Littlestown and continued to grow. In the fall they moved to the Littlestown High School cafeteria. For the next two years new ministries formed like the choir, a kid’s outreach and Sunday School classes.
Over the next couple of years, the congregation looked for a permanent building. They finally purchased the Brushtown Fire Company in December of 2013. Over the next three years the church continued to grow and mature.
Tragically, on December 29, 2016, Pastor Tim Kielley died. His death was unexpected. As a result, the congregation was traumatized and many were deeply impacted. Thankfully, Jeff Reaver Sr. stepped up to serve as an Interim Pastor. Jeff along with staff (Debbie Jo, Jean and Wes) led the body through some very difficult days. The church convened a Pastoral Search Team to find someone who could replace their beloved pastor. In May of 2018, Pastor Jim Herbert was voted in as the next pastor of New Hope.
Over the next two years, New Hope Faith Community made big decisions to prepare for its next phase of existence. A new 40 x 60 ft. building was built and used as a sanctuary. The congregation has affiliated with the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) church network. New dreams are being dreamed to reach the next generations for Christ.
After some very difficult years, the future of New Hope Faith Community looks bright.