Message from the Board Chair

All are Welcome

On my 60^th birthday, which was also Palm Sunday, we dedicated our home to whatever God wanted from us in terms of its usage.  When the opportunity came to host 15 people who had a vision to start a new church within the Advent Christian denomination, my husband and I were delighted to host this endeavor.  We started in April of 2023 and grew to love our emerging congregation. 

Rev. James Missick, an ordained Advent Christian minister, felt called to be our pastor, and lovingly guided our process to become incorporated and a fully endorsed member of the Advent Christian denomination as New Hope Advent Christian Church of Aurora, as of March 2024.

The people who initially came were mostly ones I had had acquaintance with for over 40 years, yet never really knew.  It has been my utter joy over the past 30+ months to see each one begin to blossom and express individual gifts, which together have made our church emerge.  No one is left out, and every gift counts, just as every part of the body is essential.  We work collaboratively and without discord or excessive ego.  People have been able to express hurt and find acceptance, perspective, and healing.  We are a church in which we are growing to know and to love one another authentically, and to cherish the best in each.

In the spring of 2024, we found ourselves outgrowing our home and had the desire to expand our mission and ministries.  We looked at various sites and felt God opening the door to move to the Jewish Temple on Edgelawn in Aurora.  We were so blessed to be welcomed by the leadership of the Temple, with no expectation from us other than we worship God.  Step by step, God took us from a house where we could worship, heal, and grow, and transplanted us to a new home that has all the necessary provisions for continued expansion.

It is my dream that we are a church where individuals find God living in our collective midst, transforming our personal lives, and together making a difference in our community.  We have prayerfully sought direction for our ministries and have recently posted our discernments.  Please check out our ministries page for opportunities within our fellowship.

We want people to know that all are welcome in our space. We strive to celebrate individual differences and cherish the gifts that emerge from people feeling seen and welcomed for who they are.  St. Iraneous in the 3^rd century said, “The Glory of God is the human being fully alive.”  We strive to provide a safe environment in which each person can be their best self, in Christ and with one another.

Please consider visiting us and then discerning if you want to join our fellowship.  We are not perfect, and all of us are committed to grow and to love God, as God enables. If you have questions, please feel free to leave a message ar (630)360-2240 and someone will call to speak personally with you. Our email address is info@newhopeacc.org. We also invite you to check out our website at newhopeacc.org.  If you have a specific prayer request, visit our prayer ministry site at prayers@newhopeacc.org.  Robin Marlow will receive your request and forward it to our church prayer chain.  God is with us in all ways, and God answers prayers.  If you need to remain anonymous, please let Robin know that.

We meet at the Temple at 400 N. Edgelawn Dr. at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings for praise and worship.  There is plenty of free parking and someone will greet you.  We invite you to stay for coffee and refreshments afterwards. Please note due to safety concerns at the Jewish Temple, the outer door of the Temple is locked. We have a greeter at the door until our service begins at 10:30. After that, please text the number posted on the door and someone will come to greet you.

Please know that you are welcome in our place of praise and worship; you are not alone.  We are a community of radical hospitality, and we invite you to come just as you are, as together we seek God’s transforming power in our lives.  Always, may God bless you and keep you.  May He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.  Amen!!