OUR STORY…
In October of 2009 a group of 40 Christians met at the home of Matt & Erica Wilson in Hanover, PA. This group gathered to share their concerns, their joys, their heartaches and their struggles. As they met for worship and conversation it became clear that most were seeking a new direction for their spiritual lives. The group of Christians committed to meet together for a time of fellowship and study. Mr. Jim Wolf offered to host the group at his restaurant in Littlestown, PA. The group decided to meet on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm beginning in January 2010.
The Group asked Pastor Timothy Kielley to lead them in the study. The group gathered for study with well over 40 people attending. They began a study of Luther’s Small Catechism. They continued to grow as many new faces joined them for study and fellowship. The group decided to hold an Easter Service and it was preceded by an Easter Breakfast.
As the group was growing, they decided that they needed a new name. One of the young adults, Kristin Fowble suggested the name New Hope, since the gathering had given so many people just that, NEW HOPE. Wanting to reach out to people who had become disenfranchised and disengaged from the church, we intentionally did not call ourselves a church. We became known as New Hope Faith Community.
As summer approached many at New Hope expressed a desire to have regular worship on Sunday mornings. The group had grown to such a size that the restaurant could not hold the crowd. It was decided that we would hold outdoor Worship at the restaurant’s location in Littlestown. In June of 2010 New Hope Faith Community held its first regular Sunday morning Worship service at 8:00am. Participants brought their own lawn chairs. Mr. Wes Morgan agreed to provide sound for the Worship service and thus began his relationship with New Hope Faith Community. Holy Communion was celebrated every Sunday and the community continued to experience great growth.
In August of 2010 New Hope held its first Church Picnic at the location of its Worship service. Over 100 people attended. Games were held for children and adults. Delicious food was provided by Mr. Wolf and each family shared a dish. A great afternoon was enjoyed by all.
As fall approached, New Hope Faith Community realized that it needed a new place to meet. The restaurant could no longer hold the crowd that was gathering and the thought of worshipping outside in the snow was not very appealing. The congregation approached the Littlestown Area School District and permission was given to rent the high school cafeteria. In September 2010, Worship services were held at the Littlestown High School under the Leadership of Pastor Tim Kielley, accompanied by Mrs. Debbie Jo Sheffler and sound provided by Mr. Wes Morgan. Sunday School classes were held for Children and Adults. A weekday program for children was started known as Wacky Wednesday and Church choir was formed. All weekday events were held at the Pastors home in Littlestown.
The congregation continued to grow and a Vision Team was established to provide direction and insight to New Hope Faith Community. Mr. Bill Black was elected to be the first President, Linda Stonesifer Vice-President, John Flickinger Treasurer, & Debbie Sheffler Secretary. As we moved forward the Vision Team transitioned into a Church Council and elections were held. Our first council was Bill Black, Larry Bair, Debbie Prior, John Flickinger, Merl Brilhart, Lois Brunner, Lynne Morrison, Gary & Patti Waltman and Pastor Keilley.
One of the dreams of New Hope was to have a permanent place to call home. Almost immediately the Church Council began working on this particular issue. In June 2012, a meeting of the congregation was held at the Littletown VFW to discuss our current situation and to express our hopes for the future. Many options were discussed and guidance was provided by the congregation to the Council.
As this process moved forward a generous offer was made by Mr. Wolf to allow the New Hope Faith Community to purchase the Hillcrest Restaurant and the 6 acres on which it was located. The congregation could purchase this at the sum of $1,000 a month as long as Mr. Wolf was alive. Upon his death the property would be deeded to the New Hope Faith Community. The Church Council accepted this offer and called for a Congregational Meeting on July 14, 2013. At that meeting the congregation voted to accept Mr. Wolf’s offer and to make this their new home. The motion carried 95 to 5.
On August 3, 2013 Mr. Wolf presented to Pastor Keilley a new contract with the new terms that included a provision that stated the congregation must accept a bid by Morton Buildings to build a new church structure for $812,000. All previous terms remained the same. At a meeting called on August 7, 2013 the Church Council unanimously rejected this offer. At the same meeting the Council began to make inquiries into purchasing the Brushtown Fire Company. A bid of $400,000 was offered.
At a Council meeting of August 25, 2013, the Council was informed that the bid had been rejected by the SAVES Fire Company. The Council counter-offered with a second bid of $425,000. At a special meeting on September 8, 2013, the Council was informed that SAVES had indeed accepted this offer. A Congregational Meeting was scheduled for September 22, 2013. The congregation voted 117 to 2 to purchase the Brushtown Fire Hall.
The Congregation moved forward with the preparations to purchase the building. The financing was secured through M&T Bank. Settlement was scheduled on December 23, 2013. On Saturday December 14th a snow and ice storm moved into the area. The Littlestown Area School District informed New Hope that they would not be able to hold Worship Services at the High School. New Hope inquired with SAVES Fire Company about the possibility of holding worship at the new building and they agreed. The congregation was invited to bring a lawn chair to worship and on December 15, 2013, the first Worship Service was held in the new building.
On December 29, 2016, we lost our beloved Pastor Timothy Keilley. Our hopes and dreams were shattered, and we felt so lost. We thought all hope was lost. What would we do, where would we go from here? God had a plan, he always does.
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.
Our Associate Pastor Jeffrey C. Reaver stepped in to fill the vacancy and led us with great compassion with the love of Christ in his heart. Pastor Jeff continued to build on the foundation that Pastor Tim began in 2013. He served us for 18 months, then Pastor James Herbert became our permanent full-time pastor. The congregation has affiliated with the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) church network. Pastor Jim served us from the summer of 2018 until September 30, 2022 when he was called to another congregation. Again, we knew God had a plan for New Hope.
Chaplain Gary Grecco graciously became our interim pastor as the call committee searched for another full-time pastor. Pastor Vince Hall also helped with Worship Services. On June 5, 2023, Pastor Nathaniel Hedin-Schmidt agreed to become our full-time pastor and began his official duties as Senior Pastor on June 25, 2023. He is continuing to reach out to our community for us to grow and continue to flourish. We currently have three different Bible Studies during the week, a Traditional Worship Service and a Contemporary Worship Service, along with Sunday School for all ages. We also serve a “free will” breakfast once a month. We pray and ask God to continue to bless us and to lead our congregation into the future as we continue to serve our Lord and our community.
After some very difficult years, the future of New Hope Faith Community looks bright.
In October of 2009 a group of 40 Christians met at the home of Matt & Erica Wilson in Hanover, PA. This group gathered to share their concerns, their joys, their heartaches and their struggles. As they met for worship and conversation it became clear that most were seeking a new direction for their spiritual lives. The group of Christians committed to meet together for a time of fellowship and study. Mr. Jim Wolf offered to host the group at his restaurant in Littlestown, PA. The group decided to meet on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm beginning in January 2010.
The Group asked Pastor Timothy Kielley to lead them in the study. The group gathered for study with well over 40 people attending. They began a study of Luther’s Small Catechism. They continued to grow as many new faces joined them for study and fellowship. The group decided to hold an Easter Service and it was preceded by an Easter Breakfast.
As the group was growing, they decided that they needed a new name. One of the young adults, Kristin Fowble suggested the name New Hope, since the gathering had given so many people just that, NEW HOPE. Wanting to reach out to people who had become disenfranchised and disengaged from the church, we intentionally did not call ourselves a church. We became known as New Hope Faith Community.
As summer approached many at New Hope expressed a desire to have regular worship on Sunday mornings. The group had grown to such a size that the restaurant could not hold the crowd. It was decided that we would hold outdoor Worship at the restaurant’s location in Littlestown. In June of 2010 New Hope Faith Community held its first regular Sunday morning Worship service at 8:00am. Participants brought their own lawn chairs. Mr. Wes Morgan agreed to provide sound for the Worship service and thus began his relationship with New Hope Faith Community. Holy Communion was celebrated every Sunday and the community continued to experience great growth.
In August of 2010 New Hope held its first Church Picnic at the location of its Worship service. Over 100 people attended. Games were held for children and adults. Delicious food was provided by Mr. Wolf and each family shared a dish. A great afternoon was enjoyed by all.
As fall approached, New Hope Faith Community realized that it needed a new place to meet. The restaurant could no longer hold the crowd that was gathering and the thought of worshipping outside in the snow was not very appealing. The congregation approached the Littlestown Area School District and permission was given to rent the high school cafeteria. In September 2010, Worship services were held at the Littlestown High School under the Leadership of Pastor Tim Kielley, accompanied by Mrs. Debbie Jo Sheffler and sound provided by Mr. Wes Morgan. Sunday School classes were held for Children and Adults. A weekday program for children was started known as Wacky Wednesday and Church choir was formed. All weekday events were held at the Pastors home in Littlestown.
The congregation continued to grow and a Vision Team was established to provide direction and insight to New Hope Faith Community. Mr. Bill Black was elected to be the first President, Linda Stonesifer Vice-President, John Flickinger Treasurer, & Debbie Sheffler Secretary. As we moved forward the Vision Team transitioned into a Church Council and elections were held. Our first council was Bill Black, Larry Bair, Debbie Prior, John Flickinger, Merl Brilhart, Lois Brunner, Lynne Morrison, Gary & Patti Waltman and Pastor Keilley.
One of the dreams of New Hope was to have a permanent place to call home. Almost immediately the Church Council began working on this particular issue. In June 2012, a meeting of the congregation was held at the Littletown VFW to discuss our current situation and to express our hopes for the future. Many options were discussed and guidance was provided by the congregation to the Council.
As this process moved forward a generous offer was made by Mr. Wolf to allow the New Hope Faith Community to purchase the Hillcrest Restaurant and the 6 acres on which it was located. The congregation could purchase this at the sum of $1,000 a month as long as Mr. Wolf was alive. Upon his death the property would be deeded to the New Hope Faith Community. The Church Council accepted this offer and called for a Congregational Meeting on July 14, 2013. At that meeting the congregation voted to accept Mr. Wolf’s offer and to make this their new home. The motion carried 95 to 5.
On August 3, 2013 Mr. Wolf presented to Pastor Keilley a new contract with the new terms that included a provision that stated the congregation must accept a bid by Morton Buildings to build a new church structure for $812,000. All previous terms remained the same. At a meeting called on August 7, 2013 the Church Council unanimously rejected this offer. At the same meeting the Council began to make inquiries into purchasing the Brushtown Fire Company. A bid of $400,000 was offered.
At a Council meeting of August 25, 2013, the Council was informed that the bid had been rejected by the SAVES Fire Company. The Council counter-offered with a second bid of $425,000. At a special meeting on September 8, 2013, the Council was informed that SAVES had indeed accepted this offer. A Congregational Meeting was scheduled for September 22, 2013. The congregation voted 117 to 2 to purchase the Brushtown Fire Hall.
The Congregation moved forward with the preparations to purchase the building. The financing was secured through M&T Bank. Settlement was scheduled on December 23, 2013. On Saturday December 14th a snow and ice storm moved into the area. The Littlestown Area School District informed New Hope that they would not be able to hold Worship Services at the High School. New Hope inquired with SAVES Fire Company about the possibility of holding worship at the new building and they agreed. The congregation was invited to bring a lawn chair to worship and on December 15, 2013, the first Worship Service was held in the new building.
On December 29, 2016, we lost our beloved Pastor Timothy Keilley. Our hopes and dreams were shattered, and we felt so lost. We thought all hope was lost. What would we do, where would we go from here? God had a plan, he always does.
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.
Our Associate Pastor Jeffrey C. Reaver stepped in to fill the vacancy and led us with great compassion with the love of Christ in his heart. Pastor Jeff continued to build on the foundation that Pastor Tim began in 2013. He served us for 18 months, then Pastor James Herbert became our permanent full-time pastor. The congregation has affiliated with the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) church network. Pastor Jim served us from the summer of 2018 until September 30, 2022 when he was called to another congregation. Again, we knew God had a plan for New Hope.
Chaplain Gary Grecco graciously became our interim pastor as the call committee searched for another full-time pastor. Pastor Vince Hall also helped with Worship Services. On June 5, 2023, Pastor Nathaniel Hedin-Schmidt agreed to become our full-time pastor and began his official duties as Senior Pastor on June 25, 2023. He is continuing to reach out to our community for us to grow and continue to flourish. We currently have three different Bible Studies during the week, a Traditional Worship Service and a Contemporary Worship Service, along with Sunday School for all ages. We also serve a “free will” breakfast once a month. We pray and ask God to continue to bless us and to lead our congregation into the future as we continue to serve our Lord and our community.
After some very difficult years, the future of New Hope Faith Community looks bright.
