What To Expect
Construction
Since early 2024 New Hope has been heavily engaged in a building addition and renovation. The guiding principles for the project were:
Accessibility: Barrier-free access for present and future members of the church family, including Sanctuary, Fellowship space, and Washrooms.
Debt-Free. We believe it would have been dishonouring to God, and unfair to the generation who comes behind us, to saddle them with a debt which could severely hinder future ministry.
Missions. Contributing a minimum of 10% of the value of our build for the advancement of the Gospel overseas.
We praise God that the guiding principles have been realized and that the building is now fully functional.
A ribbon cutting took place on Sunday May 25th, 2025. In the picture are (left to right) Mr. Ed Walsh, Mayor of Clarendon, Mr. Bill McCleary, Mayor of Shawville, Mr Darryl Moffatt, Lead Trustee, Mrs. Elaine Richardson, LBA Vice-Chair, Rev. Dr. Peter Rigby, District Superintendent Emeritus, Mr. Justin Presley, Contractor, and Rev. Stuart Marples, Pastor
Anticipating the kinds of questions that people ask before attending a new church we offer the following Q&A. If we haven’t anticipated your question, please don’t hesitate to ask.
How long is the service?
Most services run between 60 and 70 minutes, including lively singing, an interesting children’s moment, sincere prayer, and a 20-25 minute message from the Bible.
What is the music like?
Our worship team includes a variety of combinations of piano, organ, accordion, violin, sax, guitar etc. We try to use a balance of older hymns and newer Gospel songs, but overall, our ‘style’ seems to be more traditional than contemporary.
How should I dress?
There is no dress code. Some men wear shirt and tie, others, jeans and t-shirt. Some ladies wear smart dresses, others are in pants and tops.
What is there for children?
Children are always welcome in the service, even if they make a little noise. However, there is also a nursery for infants/toddlers and a Sunday School class for school-age children. (see more information about children’s ministries under the ‘What We Offer’ drop down menu)
Do you take up an offering?
We do pass the offering plates in the Sunday morning services but we fully recognize that some of our members give by e-transfer and others are not able to give regularly, therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to skip the offering.
At our monthly family service (generally the last Sunday of the month) we also have a cup offering through which attendees are encouraged to give coins to assist children at home and overseas who struggle with food security.
Guests and newcomers are under no obligation to give.
Will I be singled out?
No, you will not be pointed out, asked to introduce yourself publicly, or otherwise identified. Our members are generally warm and friendly without being overbearing. It is our desire that everyone who attends New Hope will be greeted warmly before they even step-inside the building. Once inside there are greeters who can help you find a seat and answer any questions you may have.
A small folder can be found in each seat back which contains an informational flyer, a Communications Card, and Offering envelopes.