Hello New Story Church Family,

As I reflect on this past year, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s kindness to me and to our church family. It’s the kind of gratitude that sits heavy on your chest. It’s humbling & beautiful. I don’t know what to say, except: "Thank you, Lord.”

At New Story, we long to become a church where life transformation is normal. A church where the deep, inside-out transformation promised in Scriptures works in us until it overflows into our homes & neighborhoods. And, over the past couple of years, we have witnessed God beginning to do this very thing in and through us.

Here are just a few of the things that make me smile as I look back on 2024:

• Taking Steps of Faith: 3 out of 4 adults in our church family took steps on the Spiritual Formation Pathway through groups or courses. Over half participated in Practicing the Way.

• Global and Local Impact: We sent two teams to Potter’s House in Guatemala, strengthened partnerships with local ministries like Logan Hope and Ann’s Heart, and invested more than $40,000 to bless these ministries.

• Community Connection: We sponsored the Phoenixville Bed Races, and – my favorite – we beat the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in a head-to-head competition. ;)

• Natural Church Growth: 21 babies were born into the New Story family this year! How great is that?!

And those are just a few of the many, many stories of God’s faithfulness in 2024.

This December, we’re asking God to provide $440,000—a record amount for us. Here’s how that breaks down:

1. Projected December Need ($220,000): Our church programs, staff, and facilities have grown considerably over the past year, so our budgeted needs are greater than ever. December giving helps carry us through the rest of the year.

2. Year-End Giving ($220,000): We ask that you prayerfully consider giving an “above & beyond” gift to our Year-End Fund. The first $20,000 will be given away for the sake of others. Anything beyond this will go to support the renovation, overhead, or ongoing costs associated with Hillview. If we raise the full amount, it will break out as follows:

o $20,000 for Missions: $10,000 to further our partnership with Potter’s House in Guatemala and $10,000 to strategically support two local ministries: Logan Hope and The Sparrow Fund.

o $200,000 for Hillview: To begin renovations and leverage the property’s potential for ministry.

Check out Paul’s full letter for more details.