Posted: 04/01/2012 01:00:40 AM PDT

Minister Johathan Johnson, right, at the keyboard, rehearses the New Hope Church's Youth Music and Arts Ministry chorus as they prepare for an April 13-16 trip to Los Angeles. The group, consisting of 25 signers and dancers and 8 chaperones, could use some help, as several recent fundraising car washes have been rained out, leaving the group short of money needed for the trip. (Mike Jory/Times-Herald)

Two fund-raising car washes were rained out. But, as needed as the money is, it’s going to take a lot more than that to deter the Rev. Terry Nichols, pastor at the New Hope Church Community.

Nichols fully intends on sending the Vallejo church’s Youth Music and Arts Ministry to three scheduled concerts in Southern California from April 13-15. Each member needs $300 and the car washes were going to help the cause.

“We usually raise anywhere from $500 to $700 per car wash,” Nichols said.

Fortunately, a bake auction and a raffle for gas added some cash to the cause.

One way or another, the church will be well represented at the Watts Power House Church on April 13 in L.A., the Wayside Christian Church on April 14 in Lancaster, and the New Birth Bible Church on April 15 back in Los Angeles.

“This is a tour of faith,” Nichols said. “We are a small church and it is a tremendous undertaking to begin with. Especially during this economy. We have youth in Vallejo who are talented, yet are not rich. So it is a challenge for most of these single-parent households. We all believe that this trip will further develop their talent, character, faith, integrity and leadership skills.”

As the national president of a group of African American churches, Nichols visited five of the member churches in Los Angeles last year.

“We all realized that they were struggling to reach the youth in their areas,” Nichols said. “We felt that this type of weekend really would help them introduce themselves to the parents, youth, schools and other local youth organizations.”

The three areas of the churches selected “are heavily identified as a low income, gang area,” Nichols said. “We are going to encourage the youth who are already attending their churches as well as those that they are reaching out to. They have invited an after-school and breakfast program and the boys and girls club.”

Nichols said 25 members 13 to 18 will make the journey.

“Their purpose is to encourage the youth in L.A. to use their music and arts talents in a positive way,” Nichols said. “Our youth will intersperse some of their life challenges in between songs and dances. They will also have a lunch chat encouraging them to get involved in summer and winter camping programs that build character and leadership.”

To donate or for more information, call Nichols at (707) 310-3926.

Jan 8: “We Need a New Attitude!”, Numbers 13:25

Jan 29: “We Need a Renewed Focus on Fasting!”, I Chronicles 18

Feb 4: “We Need a Commitment to Our New Covenant!”, Genesis 17

Feb 19: “We Need a New Mind!”, Romans 12:1-5

Feb 26: “We Need a New Vision!”, Mark 2:18-22

Mar 4: “We Need New Mercies!”, Lamentations 3:1-23

Mar 11: “We Need a New Song!”, Psalm 40:1-10

Mar 18: “We Need New Manifestations from the Master!“, Isaiah 43:19

1. God asks his people to understand a. see b. hear c.feel? Isa 43:19
2. What does God desire to do in our lives? Isa 43:19
3. What is the significance of seeing what God is doing?
4. Do we perceive everything that God is doing in our lives? Isa 43:19
5. What might hinder us from perceiving God?
6. How does God provide for nature? Isa 43:20 (Also read Matthew 6:27-31)
7. How does knowing God’s provision for nature encourage you today?
8. What did God provide in the desert? Isa 43:20b
9. How has the Lord provided for you in the midst of a financial desert?
10. Who formed us? Isa 43:21
11. Pastor Nichols stated that this describes God’s S___________. God is the ______ and we are the ______.
12. What response does God expect from his people? Isa 43:21b

Application

What area of your life do you need to surrender to the Lord today? Do it! Simply pray, “Lord, I surrender my fears about my future!” or “Lord, I surrender my family to you.” Let go; God wants to do a new thing in your life.

On a sheet of paper, or on your computer, list your blessings. Look at what God has done! Thank God for each one.

$35 adults/ $20 children 12 and under.

Includes Spaghetti, salad, French Bread, Crab, of course, and Punch!

Don’t miss our Silent Auction!

* Pre-Orders for Crab to GO available also

Tickets may be purchased from the Deaconess’ and Ministry Leaders.