Many Members make up New Hope

Community Project Teams

New Hope Toy Makers Team -- This group works to provide age appropriate wooden toys to not-for-profit agencies and families in Southwest Florida. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of most months 8:30 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m. This Team began in 2004 and more than 350 toys were made available through local social service agencies without charge.  During 2005 the project continued and two of those toys can be viewed below. When you visit New Hope at Palm Square sitting on top of the bookcase areas are samples from the 2004, 2005 and 2006 editions of the Toy Makers' handiwork. New models for Christmas 2007 are in production.  To find the current meeting schedule see the weekly news bulletin section of our site.

New Hope Stitchers Team -- This Team has a varied meeting schedule. They make dolls, bedding for doll cradles, teddy bears and such. If you sew, knit, crochet, or just cut and stuff, we need you. Check out the newest bears below.  See the weekly news bulletin (also on this site) for the current meeting schedule and contact information.

S.H.O.E.S. Team - Sharing Help On Every Step -- Shoes are provided to any child in need. The project occurs at the start of each school year, but is available throughout the year. At the start of the 2003  school year we distributed gift cards for 103 children; then,148 pairs of new shoes went out in 2004. During 2005, and again in 2006, nearly 200 of the $20 gift cards were provided. We support children and families  identified by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County.  We want to thank the Venice Kiwanis Club for their partnership with us in 2005, 2006 and 2007.. The 2007 emphasis is set for early August prior to the start of school.

Community & Worldwide Projects

Habitat for Humanity  -- As a congregation we support the local work of Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County by serving on its Board and Committees. Andrew Simkins is serving his third term as a member of the Board of Directors.  

World Vision -- We actively support the work of World Vision International by praying for and sending financial assistance to ten children. While we are not the largest or strongest congregation, we believe that each group of God's people can make a difference. These children live in countries throughout the world. Currently, $272 a month is sent to World Vision to support these children. When you visit with us check out the bulletin board in the rear of the auditorium and in Main Street.

Samaritan's Purse --Through Samaritan's Purse International we participate in the program called "Operation Christmas Child." Over the past six years we have actively engaged as partners with Samaritan's Purse as they send millions of shoe box gifts to children in war-torn and impoverished areas of the world. Over 220 shoe boxes were filled by New Hope  for the project in 2003. The funds for the project came from the people of New Hope and contributions within the Greater Venice community. The expenses include purchasing the gifts and sending approximately $7 per box to help defray the costs of international shipping. On November 15, 2004 282 shoe boxes were sent. The 2005 and 2006 editions finished with over 380 shoe boxes each year. We anticipate that the 2007 emphasis will also be successful.

Partnership & Team Ministry

We encourage people to serve

We encourage people to do what they do best

We pray and encourage these people as they serve alongside us