Summer Excitement

It’s been a long time coming, so we are savoring the arrival of summer 2010. (I did have a dream last week that we had another snow storm in the middle of June. I think that was from all the times I wondered out loud if winter would ever end.)

At the Hoover house, we just enjoyed a visit from some of our kin folks from Burnet, Texas. It was a sweet reunion for Mark’s dad, WM to spend time with three of his siblings, John, James and Faye and also John’s son, Dennis. When the Hoovers get together they eat, share stories and sing. These are memories to treasure.

Another big event coming up is the Almost 4th Celebration at NewSpring. We will be treated to a performance by the well-known Christian Comedian, Anita Renfroe. To express appreciation to all of our NewSpring volunteers, postcards have been sent out that can be exchanged for a free ticket. If you are a volunteer and have not received a postcard, please contact your ministry leader.

Happy Summer!

Mary Alice

 

Seasons and Things

It looks like another cloudy, unseasonably cool day here in Kansas. I’m thankful for the moisture which is needed to keep things green and growing, but I really miss the sunshine when the clouds stay more than a day or so. This reminds me of what I used to hear as a child when the weather seemed out of the ordinary — that it was a sign of the end times. Actually, I’ve never found the verse that they were referring to, but in case you’ve been told the same thing, there is a verse you might like to know. It was after the flood and God was making his covenant with Noah. Among the promises God made, you may find this one interesting.

Genesis 8:22
“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”

Since the earth is still here, we can continue to count on the seasons to keep coming around — even if they do arrive later than we would like.

Life at this Hoover house has been very fast paced lately with end of year school activities, family celebrations  and so many things going on at NewSpring.

A couple of things I especially enjoy being part of at NewSpring are Discovery Reception and Starting Point/Next Step. Last weekend four new Starting Point groups along with two Next Step Groups were launched. It’s an exciting journey getting to know everyone in those groups!

Also, this weekend I’ll be hosting Discovery Reception on Saturday and Sunday. I love meeting people who are coming to NewSpring and this is an opportunity to do just that while sharing with everyone what NewSpring is all about and how to get involved in a ministry — either as a participant or a volunteer. It’s also an opportunity to meet our leadership team in person.

Mark has a great message for this weekend — I get to hear previews as he prepares. This may be his most powerful message ever — and I’m not given to hyperbole.

Hope to see you at NewSpring this weekend!

Mary Alice

 

Out of Summer and into Fall

It’s hard to believe that summer has come to a close — but what a summer! We had some great times with family — especially Jared and Jessica’s wedding on July 31. Here’s a few photo highlights from that day. (Special thanks to Barbara Hotalen and Jessica’s cousin for the pics.)

Our granddaughter, Cheyenne and great nephew, Nathan

Jonathan, Stephen, Kyle May and Matt Rosson

The Big Moment

We’re so glad you said “I do!”

showered with bubbles

see you at the reception!

Arriving at the reception

Mom and Dad at the reception

Reception Dance

Bride and Groom

In addition to Hoover family additions this year, we have celebrated NewSpring family additions with almost 300 people going public with their faith at Watermark 09.

Last weekend we had a great Starting Point Orientation with five new groups beginning Sept 12-13. By the way, there’s still time to sign up if you’re interested.

The new message series “Love Songs” also begins Sept 12-13.  Mark, Lance and the entire team have been preparing for this series for months and even though I get some previews, I can’t wait to see it all come together.

Speaking of “coming together,” I hope many more NewSpringers will consider making Saturday their preferred time to attend worship. I think there’s just a little more energy in the room on Saturdays and there’s definitely more music with XL. The main goal, of course, is to make more room for first time guests at 11 on Sundays. So give Saturday a try!

 

Two June Anniversaries

It’s been a lovely vacation down here in Texas. After Mark spent the first couple of days in meetings, we enjoyed a couple of days of family get-togethers and then enjoyed being tourists here in our hometown. Last Saturday, June 6th was the 24th anniversary of the day we moved to Wichita. Today has been extra special as it is our 32nd wedding anniversary.

We look forward to being back home this weekend.

 

Drive

Today I am in Atlanta attending the third day of an awesome conference called “Drive.” I was invited to come as a part of the Starting Point Advisory Board. Starting Point was developed here at North Point Community Church and they continue to update and improve it with new and fresh ideas. If you are wondering what Starting Point is, you can check us out at newspring.org/startingpoint. There are new SP groups forming at NewSpring every 6 to 8 weeks.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, last Friday, May 1, our granddaughter, Summer Juliette Hoover, was born, weighing in at a little over 6 lbs. She is absolutely beautiful as is her sister, Cheyenne. We are very thankful for our children and grandchildren by birth and by marriage. God is very good to us! (If you Facebook, our son, Jonathan has some awesome pictures uploaded.)

We had over 50 people at the Discovery Reception last Sunday. If you missed it, but would like to attend the next Discovery, registration is open for June 28. We have a great time in Discovery! Of course, my favorite part is just getting to know all the people who are new to NewSpring.

Tonight is First Wednesday, but not just your average First Wednesday — we will have an official groundbreaking for the new Kid’s Building. What an exciting day! I can’t wait to see this building start going up! Besides all the amazing new Kid’s space, there will be many other improvements to the main building that we will all enjoy.

Please pray for our safe travel as Debbie Kubish and I fly home this afternoon. See you at First Wednesday!

 

Room for More

As we anxiously await the arrival of our granddaughter, Summer, I’m reminded of the feelings I had with the arrival of each of our children. It would seem that all the love we had was invested in the children who were already in our family, but with the birth of each child, God increased our store of love so that we had more to give to the new arrival. It is hard to imagine another grandchild as wonderful as Cheyenne, but I’m sure that God will increase our love to shower on little Summer. There’s always room for more!

At NewSpring, there is always room for more as well! This Sunday is our next Discovery Reception, which is a unique opportunity to learn more about NewSpring and how you can get involved. You’ll hear from the NewSpring leadership team and have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. There are still about 20 places available, so if you’re new to NewSpring, come join us this Sunday, May 3, from 9:15 to noon. You can register online.

If you’ve heard about the new Kid’s building, but would like to get more details, you’re invited to come to a Full Access Group. Opportunities are about to come to an end for Full Access Groups, but there is still room on April 29 and May 7. On Wednesday, April 29, childcare is provided, but you don’t need to have children to attend. You can register online.

 

Catching Up

I just realized that it’s been almost a month since we’ve posted on our blog! There are so many exciting things happening, so I’ll try to bring our blog up-to-date.

First of all, our family is looking forward to the arrival of our granddaughter, Summer, who is scheduled to arrive in mid May. Her older sister Cheyenne was in town with her Mom, Wendy over spring break and we enjoyed that visit. Stephen is looking forward to his 15th birthday in just a few days and Grandpa Hoover (WM) will celebrate his 84th birthday this Saturday. Grandma Hoover (Edith) had a little health scare that kept her in the hospital overnight for the first time since Mark’s birth, but she is responding well to medication and is her normal, energetic self.

Last Sunday we had a Discovery Reception and 57 people were present. As a result, NewSpring will again be welcoming many new members into the family. The next Discovery Reception will be May 3 and registration is already underway.

Mark is at the church tonight with a Full Access Group, which is a small group of people who would like to get some up close information about the exciting new building project that is about to begin at NewSpring. Although most of the groups are now full, there are still some spaces available. If you’re interested, you can register online at newspring.org/fullaccess.

This Sunday is Easter and every staff member and volunteer is doubling their efforts in anticipation of an overflow crowd — especially at the 11 o’clock service. Many people in our community will come to NewSpring this Sunday for the first time because of the holiday. There will be two services on Saturday — 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to allow many of our regular Sunday attenders to come on Saturday and make extra space for visitors coming on Sunday. Because we are also offering a full KidzWorld program for both services on Saturday, many of you I have talked to are volunteering for extra services to make this possible. NewSpring volunteers are awesome!

Mark has also been working on the new message series that begins this weekend, u x 2 – Double Your Impact. Along with the weekend talks, he has also written a daily journal that corresponds with the series. These will be available this weekend, but you can pre-order online. Because of God’s gift to Mark of expressing things so simply and clearly, I have been trying to encourage him for years to write a book. Being humble as he is, he never feels his material is worthy of print, but this particular series has so captured his passion that he has devoted many hours to writing this journal. I am very confident that God is going to use it to bless each reader in an unusual way. Even though I’ve gotten many previews, I can’t wait to get my copy!

I hope every NewSpringer will be praying for God to do amazing things this weekend at NewSpring and throughout the world as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Mary Alice

 

This is winter?

I don’t want to say it too loudly, because I realize that blizzards could be in our near future, but the weather is beautiful! Who would have predicted that the day after Christmas, it would be warm enough (in Kansas) for a game of backyard football?

Jared, Jonathan & Stephen Hoover

As they were growing up, all three of our sons enjoyed playing a little football outside with their dad. I guess somethings don’t change — well, except the cheerleading section!

Cheyenne Hoover & Ellie Cummins

We had a great time of celebration with friends and family — and good weather too!

The Hoover Family

 

Dressed for Snowy Weather

Here’s Fred, our family pet, dressed for the frigid weather.

Fred in his winter coat

 

Getting in gear

I’m still enjoying my reflections on a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. All of our family was able to be together here at our house for turkey and last Monday I was able to briefly visit with my parents in Texas as well. I am so thankful for the blessing of family and the love we share.

Now that Christmas season is upon us, we’re gearing up for the next big holiday. Although my decorating skills leave much to be desired, I’ve tried to set aside my insecurities and start getting our Christmas decorations up. One of my struggles though is that at my age time flies by so fast that it seems like I just finish getting everthing in place when it’s time to take it all down again!

I am really looking forward to the new message series that starts this week.  Mark usually shares his thoughts with me, so I get some great previews of what’s coming. I also got to see the stage decorations as they were going up during the week. It’s amazing! Dale Poore and his team always manage to top their last project with more creative genius!

I’m also excited to get back with my Starting Point groups after our break for Thanksgiving. I get to know so many people through SP and I love that!