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News And Strories

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Our lesson study for our Wednesday prayer service is from the stories of Hezekiah!

New Hope Baptist Church Opens with Powerful Message One Brick at a Time

 In a striking visual illustration, Pastor Andrews brought a stack of bricks to the pulpit—each one labeled with burdens many carry: “Fear,” “Debt,” “Grief,” “Shame,” “Loneliness.”
As he spoke, he lifted each brick, describing the weight it represents in people’s lives. “Some of us walk around with these every day,” he said, his voice steady but impassioned. “We try to carry them alone. But God never intended for us to bear these burdens by ourselves.”
In a moving moment, Pastor Andrews placed the bricks in a satchel bag that was on the back of church attendee Jaylen. “This,” he said, “is the burdens we bear, and all god is asking is for us to lay our burdens at his feet.”
The congregation responded with quiet reflection, as they watched Jaylen maintain his posture as the load bearing bricks where affixed to the satchel he wore. The message was clear: no matter how heavy the load, faith offers a place to lay it down.
The service also featured spirited worship music and the traditional communion along with the reading of the church covenant. Children played on the church lawn while adults shared stories and laughter over potluck dishes.
New Hope Baptist Church, located just off Palmetto Street, aims to be a place of restoration, community, and spiritual growth. Pastor Andrews closed the service with a promise: “This is just the beginning. We’re building something here—not just with bricks and mortar, but with faith, hope, and love.”
The church will hold regular Sunday services at 11:00 a.m., with midweek Bible studies occurring every Wednesday at 7:30 pm. 

New Hope Baptist Church Hosts Gun Safety and Training Weekend for Congregation

In a unique blend of faith, fellowship, and firearm education, New Hope Baptist Church recently hosted a two-part gun safety and training event aimed at promoting responsible gun ownership and community bonding.
The initiative began with an in-depth safety seminar held at the church, where experienced gun owners and certified instructors led discussions on firearm safety, proper handling, and the responsibilities that come with gun ownership. Participants learned about different types of firearms, safe storage practices, and the legal and ethical considerations of carrying and using a weapon.
“Our goal was to educate and empower our members,” said Deacon Blakley, one of the event organizers. “We believe that knowledge and safety go hand in hand, especially when it comes to firearms.”
The following weekend, the congregation reconvened at the Clay County Outdoor Adventure Gun Range for a hands-on training session. Under the watchful guidance of trained professionals, church members had the opportunity to test their skills with a wide array of firearms — from handguns of various calibers to shotguns, hunting rifles, and more.
Safety remained the top priority throughout the day. Range officers and instructors ensured that every participant followed proper procedures for loading, aiming, and firing. For many, it was their first time handling a firearm, and the supportive environment helped ease nerves and build confidence.
“It was empowering,” said longtime member Kimberly Brooks. “I’ve always been curious about firearms but never had the chance to learn in a safe, respectful setting. This gave me that opportunity.”
As the sun dipped low over the pine-lined range, the day wrapped up with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Smiles were abundant as participants packed up their gear, already looking forward to the next outing.
Pastor Adrian Andrews praised the event’s success, noting, “This wasn’t just about guns — it was about stewardship, safety, and strengthening our community. We’re already planning our next trip.”
With a strong turnout and enthusiastic feedback, New Hope Baptist Church’s gun safety weekend stands as a testament to the power of education, fellowship, and faith-driven engagement in today’s world.

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