Brief Timeline History of New Hope United Methodist Church:
1st year history - 12/14/1964 – Survey was conducted to see who would be interested in becoming charter members of the new church. 144 families totaling 535 persons indicated a desire to become charter members
Naming the church - In the early months of 1965 it was the hope of the committee that our new church would serve the community in such a way that “new hope” would emanate from that fellowship hence the name “New Hope” was adopted as the official name of the church.
May 1965 - First congregational meeting held in the Grace Methodist Church Basement. Attending the meeting was Rev. Basil Grimes, Joe and Joan Clay, and Vernon and Mildred Doty.
June 1965 - First worship service held at 8:00 a.m. at the extreme east end of the church property by a large oak tree. Minister at this time was Reverend Basil Grimes.
July 1965 - Ground breaking ceremony – approximately 30 people attended
September 1965 - First indoor service of the New Hope congregation was held in the Acanthus Lodge.
February 1966 - Consecration Sunday for the new building.
Fall 1989 - New sanctuary began. First Sunday in new sanctuary, March 4, 1990.
March 1996 - First Hand of Luke meal prepared, serving meals at Central Iowa Shelter & Services on the 14th of each month.
Fall 1999 - TGIW (Thank God it is Wednesday) children’s program started
Fall 2000 - B.L.A.S.T. was organized (Believing, Learning, Assisting, Serving Teens). Jr. & Sr. High youth groups.
April 2004 - Groundbreaking of New Life Center.
May 2004 - Dedication of the Ruby Chapel – In Memory of Ruby Wells.
October 2005 - Contemporary Worship begins in the New Life Center.
August 2011 - Johnston “River of Life” ministry begins at Beaver Creek Elem School.
April 2017 - Johnston “River of Life” charters as a new United Methodist Church for Johnston, Iowa
March 2020 – The mortgage was paid off. Began our first Parking Lot services due to Covid-19.
New Hope Pastors:
1965-1967: Rev. Basil Grimes
1967-1970: Rev. Bill Trembly
1970-1978: Rev. Dean Fullerton
1978-1982: Rev. Romaine Barber
1982- 1984: Rev. Egon Gerdes
1984-1997: Rev. Robert (Bob) Cook
1997-2014: Rev. Neil Cross
2010-2018: Rev. Craig Ferguson, Outreach Pastor
2014-2019: Rev. Jon Gaul
2019-2024: Rev. Lilian Gallo Seagren
2024-Present: Pastor Amy Johnson
2024-Present: Associate Pastor Wendy Zadeh