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.  When you visit New Hope sitting on top of the auditorium bookcases are samples from the 2004 through 2008 editions of the Toy Makers' handiwork. New models for Christmas 2009 are in production.  To find the current meeting schedule see the weekly news bulletin section of our site.

New Hope Stitchers Team -- Just as the work of Toy Makers supports not for profit agencies the Stitchers share this passion. They make dolls, bedding for doll cradles, teddy bears and such. If you sew, knit, crochet, or just cut and stuff, we need you. Examples of their work are also displayed in the auditorium area. If you are interested in connecting with this group you should check 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. 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 2006, nearly 200 cards went out each year.  After the 2008 we recorded assisting more than 800 children with a new pair of shoes for a positive back to school experience.

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 - 2009 emphases. The 2010 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 in its Board, Committees and Staff positions. 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. Since that time we have annually continued to be a strong supporter of this outreach. We anticipate that the 2009 emphasis will enrich this tradition of caring for people.

All Faiths Food Bank -- New Hope believes and acts to enthusiastically support the work of All Faiths Food Bank. We believe their vision and best practices are a model of compassionate concern for hungry people. We periodically sponsor food drives for direct contribution to All Faiths.

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 together