Lent & Easter | Newhopebrunswick

What makes a life good? The question is inherent to the human condition; asked by people across generations, professions, and social classes; and addressed by all schools of philosophy and religions. This search for meaning is at the heart of who we are, individually and together. It is the Question that shapes our lives.

This Lent at New Hope, we’ll consider together the shape of our lives, look for wisdom from Jesus and the stories in our bible, and reflect on where each of our lives hold meaning - and where things might need to change. Join us at 9:30 am for worship each Sunday, or click on any of the images below for more details about special events.

Ash Wednesday

February 14

Pastor Katie will be offering the imposition of ashes and a prayer.

8:00-10:00 am at Beans in the Belfry
11:00 am - 1:00 pm in the New Hope sanctuary

Drop in when you can to mark the beginning of the season of Lent.

Holy Week

Thursday, March 28

Join us at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall for our Holy Week service, which will include a light supper. The service will lead us through the stories of Jesus washing his disciples' feet and inviting them to share a holy meal, Jesus' betrayal and arrest, and his death on the cross.

Easter Sunday

March 31

6:30 am First Service of Easter
Sometimes called an Easter Vigil, this sunrise service will begin on the front steps of the church around a fire. We'll light candles and wait together for the sun to rise, when we discover the good news that the tomb is empty and Christ has risen! This service will include Holy Communion.

7:30 am Breakfast
All are welcome to the Fellowship Hall for a light breakfast as we celebrate Easter together!

9:30 am Easter Worship & Pageant
Our Easter morning worship service will feature our children and youth's Easter pageant, and together we will celebrate the joy of the resurrection! This service will include Holy Communion.

Grow Groups

Wednesday Evenings
beginning February 21

Join us for a time of fellowship and learning together! Our spring Grow Groups include a handbell choir, knitting & crocheting group, "Life Worth Living" book club, and Messy Church for children.

Sunday School for All Ages

Figuring out Faith with Peter

Sunday School classes meet after worship, 10:45 to 11:30 am. Ask an usher to point you toward the right room for your class.

This Lent, all of our Sunday School classes will be considering the same stories, following the life and faith of Peter, one of Jesus' disciples. We have classes for all ages, from the youngest children through to adults.

Youth Trip to Christ House

Good Friday
March 29

Christ House in DC provides comprehensive and compassionate care for people experiencing homelessness with acute medical needs in the District of Columbia, and offers assistance in addressing critical issues to help break the cycle of homelessness.

Middle and high school youth are invited to a service-learning trip on Friday, March 29, 2024. The cost is $20/person to cover travel and lunch (scholarships available as needed - talk to Pastor Katie).

Women's Retreat

March 15-16

Join us March 15-16, 2024, for a women's retreat at Manidokan Camp & Retreat Center! All women are welcome, as well as young women in high school accompanied by a parent or guardian. Feel free to invite friends and neighbors, even if they aren't a regular part of New Hope. Please complete this form for each person who will be attending. Our theme will be "Shaped by Community," and we will reflect together on bible stories of sisters, daughters, mothers, cousins, and friends, all of whom need one another to live fully and faithfully.

We will share more details about our schedule and planned events before the retreat, along with a packing list. You should plan to be at Manidokan by 5:00 pm on Friday and to stay until 4:30 pm on Saturday. Dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday will be provided. If you are only able to join us on Saturday, you should plan to arrive no later than 9:30 am (breakfast is at 8:15 am, and you are welcome to come for breakfast). The full overnight retreat is $130; the Saturday-only option is $80.

Email Devotional

Each day during Lent, you'll receive a brief devotional email with contributions from members of our community, reflections on scripture and art, prayers and poems, and more to help you engage more deeply with this holy season of preparation for Easter.