The Presbytery of New Hope

04/06/2026

The Youth Council of the Presbytery of New Hope recently hosted a weekend retreat for middle school and high school students in Washington, NC along the Pamlico Sound at Roanoke Christian Camp. 61 youth and 24 adults representing 15 churches gathered for singing, Energizers, skits, Gaga Ball, canoeing, small groups, and an Amazing Race all over the camp! Katherine Peiper offered keynote reflections on the theme, "Open Your Heart" and Howard Dudley led music alongside YC members. Thank you to the students and adult volunteers of the Youth Council for a fun and meaningful retreat!

Join the Youth Council for next year's retreat scheduled for March 5-7, 2027! And if you know a student who may be interested in being part of the Youth Council next year, applications will be opening soon! Email [email protected] for more details.

03/23/2026

On Saturday, March 21, the Presbytery of New Hope and Presbytery of Coastal Carolina hosted a Matthew 25 Conference: “Seeking & Embracing Unity and Compassion in a Chaotic World.” Floretta Barbee-Watkins from Synod of the Mid Atlantic preached a powerful sermon, reminding us that we to be salt where we see decay. Siembra NC led an empowering Immigration Training. CRE Rachel Doll sparked our holy imagination with a Biblical storytelling workshop. Over a dozen exhibitors provided resources to participants. Thanks to FPC Sanford for hosting us! Three cheers for the organizers and planning team! It is good to be the connectional church!

03/16/2026

The Presbyterian Women of New Hope gathered at the Eastern 4-H Center on the beautiful Albermarle Sound in Columbia (yes, we have a Columbia in North Carolina!) for their Annual Retreat, March 6-8. 24 women turned out from across the presbytery for fellowship, quiet reflection, worship, and spending time in the beauty of God’s creation! Rev. Katie Cashwell facilitated the retreat, "Held in the Balm." Thanks to the Coordinating Team for their organizing efforts and the outstanding program. Save the date for next year's retreat, March 5-7, 2027. Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA) Presbyterian Women of New Hope Presbytery

03/11/2026

We are so honored to be a part of this project and today’s celebration! It was a meaningful occasion, honoring the legacy of Milner Presbyterian Church, the faithful work of the Administrative Commission, and the amazing partnerships that have developed from the missional repurposing of church property. Thanks be to God!

Today, we're excited to celebrate the dedication of Milner Commons, a 156-unit affordable housing community for adults ages 55+ in Raleigh!🎉

Built on the former site of Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church, Milner Commons reflects the power of faith-based partnerships to transform underutilized land into lasting community impact. The development is part of the growing Yes In God’s Backyard movement, which encourages congregations to reimagine their property as a way to meet pressing housing needs.

We look forward to gathering with community leaders, partners, and residents to recognize the collaboration that made this project possible, and to celebrate a future where more residents can call Milner Commons home.

Learn more about Milner Commons: https://www.dhic.org/news/milner-commons-celebration

02/28/2026

The 127th Stated Gathering of the Presbyterian of New Hope is underway. Thanks to Peace Presbyterian Church for hosting us! Rev. Dr. Antonio Lawrence brought us a word about Wisdom in the Wilderness and we have installed our new Moderator, Rev Sydne Allen. It’s going to be a great day! To God be the glory!

02/17/2026

Our own Katie Cashwell attended this important gathering of small church mid-council leaders. Stay tuned to hear more about her experience at Strategically Small!

02/17/2026

Does this sunshine look lovely? Do these women seem amazing? It does and they are! If you are looking for sunshine (hopefully) and the company of amazing women (definitely) then make plans NOW to attend the presbytery’s annual Presbyterian Women Retreat. It will be held March 6-8 at the beautiful Eastern 4H Center in Columbia, right on the Albermarle Sound. Rev. Katie Cashwell will be keynoting. This retreat is open to ALL women in the presbytery (psst you don’t have to be in a PW group to attend!). Grab your friends and join us! Fellowship, worship, rest, and time by the water. Check the Feb 6 e-newsletter for registration information OR comment below and we will send you the registration form. 📷 from the 2025 NHP PW Retreat Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA) Presbyterian Women of New Hope Presbytery

01/23/2026

This week, the Coordinating Body (the session of the presbytery) gathered on retreat at the Trinity Center in Salter Path. Guided by Steve Lindsley of Horizons Stewardship, they worked through a working styles assessment and created a shared covenant, while also spending time in focused conversations around risk mitigation, the strategic plan, organizational restructuring, and gap analysis. The retreat was grounded in worship and reflection on Jesus’s words about new wine in fresh wineskins (Matthew 9:17). We’re grateful for this meaningful time together and for the generous support of the presbytery’s congregations who made it possible. Stay tuned to hear more about what’s ahead!

01/11/2026

Yesterday (January 10) the Presbytery of New Hope installed Reverend Katie Cashwell to the position of Associate Presbyter. It was an amazing day in the life of our presbytery! This was a greatly anticipated, long-awaited day and it was full to the brim with joy, hope, and good partners in ministry! The service included liturgical painting, hand puppets, communion, bagpipes, laying on of hands, and presenting Katie a hand quilted stole with images and symbols representing the presbytery. Thanks to everyone who participated in the service. And many thanks to Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church for hosting! Thanks be to God!

11/23/2025

10/29/2025

The 126th Stated Gathering of the Presbytery of New Hope was a joyful and Spirit-filled occasion. We are deeply grateful to First Presbyterian, Kinston and Pastor Rev. Travis Allen for their hospitality and delicious food, which nourished both body and soul. The presbytery was blessed to welcome PCUSA Co-Moderator Rev. Tony Larson, who brought greetings and encouraging remarks from the PC(USA). Rev. Sydne Allen reminded us of our yoked commitment to each other as the Body of Christ and challenged us to high standards of practice and ministry. A highlight of the day was the election of our new Associate Presbyter, marking an exciting new chapter in our shared ministry. With worship, fellowship, and faithful conversation, the gathering reflected the deep connection and hope that define the Presbytery of New Hope.

10/24/2025

We are looking forward to tomorrow's 126th Stated Gathering at First Presbyterian Church, Kinston, North Carolina! The meeting will be livestreamed on the Presbytery's YouTube channel. Please note that the link provided in the Commissioner Handbook does not work. Please use the link below to watch the meeting.

126th Stated Gathering of the Presbytery of New HopeFirst Presbyterian Church, Kinston