New Hope Lutheran Church

08/09/2026

Our Gospel lesson will be the source of Sunday's sermon: the well-known story of Peter walking on the water, found in Matthew 14:22-33.

Much has been sermonized about Peter's faith, or lack of it, as he sinks with huge waves crashing about.

Little has been said about the storm...or any storms for that matter, including today's storms. We have them: sicknesses, challenging/troubled relationships, dying, death.

Can we learn from Peter's sinking? I think so.

New Hope Lutheran. Tomorrow morning at 9:30. Let's worship and seek His Presence. Bring a friend.

Pastor Craig

07/25/2026

During this last week, we had a San Jose "invasion" at New Hope. Twenty-six retreat'ers took up residence at our church. Various 'tasks' were completed, tasks which benefited individuals and the Foresthill / Michigan Bluff communities, tasks done in the brutal heat.

Boasting rights were earned.

Good deed boasting doesn't really belong in God's Kingdom.

So what is the alternative? What does belong in His Kingdom?

We can talk about it at tomorrow's service. (hint, consult 1 Corinthians 13)

New Hope Lutheran, Sunday at 9:30. Bring a friend.

Pastor Craig

07/18/2026

Sunday's message comes from Matthew 13, where Jesus gives another seed-planting parable.
This time, the 'seed' represents 'good' wheat and 'bad' weeds.

What to do when these seeds mix it up and grow together?

You may be surprised by Christ's answer. I was.

Let's talk about it.

Also, we kick off a week of young people's retreat, complete with community/church projects.20+ young people and staff will arrive Sunday evening and leave on Friday. Jan Riedel will tell us
all about it.

Finally, we kick off the use of our outdoor grill. Come see what's for brunch.

Hope to see you there. New Hope Lutheran. 9:30.

In Him,

Pastor Craig

07/12/2026

Sunday's sermon comes from the book of Matthew, chapter 13, the parable of the sower. Jesus explains it all to his disciples. What's left to talk about?

What about the relationships?

Hope you can join us.

New Hope Lutheran, Sunday at 9:30. Bring a friend.

Pastor Craig Wheaton

07/02/2026

Sunday's sermon comes from the book of Romans, chapter 7, verses 14-25.

We discover St. Paul has something in common with Robert Louis Steven's characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They are afflicted with the same disease; evil.

Same affliction, different cures.

Hope to see you there, Sunday morning, 9:30 am, New Hope Lutheran.

Have a safe 4th.

Pastor Craig

06/27/2026

"I do not come to bring peace, but a sword," - Jesus (Matthew 10: 34)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Angels announcing Christ's birth (Luke 2:14)

A quandary. A sword or the Prince of Peace.

Sunday, New Hope Lutheran, 9:30

Join us in worship.

Pastor Craig

06/03/2026

05/03/2026

Thought for the Day

In a world that constantly tells us to stand out, to be noticed, the idea of shining can feel very self-focused. We are encouraged to chase applause, validation, and visibility. But there is a quieter, deeper kind of light—one that doesn’t point back to us at all. This perspective reframes what it means to live with purpose. It suggests that our lives are not meant to be spotlights aimed inward, but windows—clear, humble, and open—through which something greater can be seen.

05/02/2026

Tomorrow's sermon comes out of our Gospel lesson, John 14: 1-14

Jesus is with his disciples the night before his crucifixion. He's giving some last-minute teachings when the disciple Thomas challenges him.

"Show us the Father. How can we know the way unless you do?"

We have been known to throw down the gauntlet ourselves.

What is the answer?

Let's explore. Let's talk about it.

Tomorrow morning at 9:30. New Hope Lutheran.

Come, let us worship and bow down.

In Him,

Pastor Craig