Recently I was out of town and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. I tend to like that particular chain. The price is economical, their breakfast contains the necessary fiber, protein, and the popular cinnamon bun.
One problem. There were no cinnamon buns. What's up with that? Now I am sure not everyone missed what was missing, but don't you hate it when you go somewhere and expect something and it's not there?
When I think of New Hope, I try to process things thru the same grid. People come expecting some things and if what they are looking for they will be disappointed.
Now obviously we can't provide everything. For instance, we do not observe the Lord's Supper every week. For some that would be missing a crucial element.
While you could go crazy trying to 'have everything' someone could expect, we have simplified it a little.
Every week we do not want to be missing a welcoming atmosphere, heartfelt worship, or an encouraging message. Also, we want the kids to have fun and learn something from the Bible. Those are the things we don't want to have missing.
We could also include things like excellence, harmony, and order. I mention things like that because if you were to go to Lowe's you may not think going in 'I hope to get help in an orderly fashion,' but if it is missing you will notice.
One of our goals every week is to not miss anything.
