Mission Statement
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We are a welcoming, inclusive faith community, seeking to respond to Christ's call to love and serve, through ministries of compassion and social justice.
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Kim Wells, Pastor
Kim has been the pastor of New Hope since 2016 and is so grateful to be in ministry alongside the people of this congregation! Having been raised from early childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kim completed her B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley and her M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary. In addition to her ministry at New Hope, Kim serves as the Chair of the Board of the Asheville Poverty Initiative and participates in Faith 4 Justice Asheville. Kim enjoys frequenting the shops and walking in her West Asheville neighborhood, working in her garden, making mosaics out of salvaged and foraged items, and vacations that involve tide pools and echinoderms. Contact Kim. Office hours by appointment
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Erin May, "The Hub" (Church Administrator)
Erin is raising two children with her husband, Darrin, who is the Air Traffic Manager at the Asheville Regional Airport Control Tower. Before moving to Asheville, Erin and her family previously lived in Elmira, New York, where Erin worked in a similar administrative role at The Park Church, a UCC congregation. What Erin enjoyed most in that position was getting to be “the hub” of all the church’s administrative activities. She would love to meet you! Come by the church office during office hours to say hello. Contact Erin. Church Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 AM-2 PM
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Rob Blackwell, Director of Music Ministry
Rob Blackwell received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Ohio State University. He is currently both the pianist for Cantaria and the Music Director of the Asheville Community Theater, having led over a hundred musical productions in the U.S. and abroad. He has also served as a vocal coach in both Philadelphia and New York. Prior to joining the staff at New Hope, Rob served as the pianist at Jubliee Church here in Asheville. He would love to talk with you about joining the choir or playing your instrument in worship! Contact Rob. Choir rehearsals: Wednesdays, 2:30-4:00 PM, September-May Choir warm-up for worship: Sundays, 10:20 AM |
Ken Meeks, Parish Associate for Visitation
A native of Aliceville, Alabama, Ken is a retired PC(USA) pastor, having served several PC(USA) churches and presbyteries, culminating in his service as the General Presbyter of the Northeast Georgia Presbytery in Athens. A graduate of The Citadel, God interrupted Ken’s plans for a military career and led him into ministry. He received his M.Div. at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia and his D.Min. from McCormick Theological Seminary. Ken’s most recent educational experience was his completion of the Certificate for Spiritual Formation and Faith Companioning at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. Ken and his wife Jane share two sons, Joshua and Ian. In retirement, Ken plans to enjoy gardening, golf, and helping to provide pastoral care for the people of New Hope. Contact Ken. |
MINISTERS
The Whole Congregation |
ELDERS
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DEACONS
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Click here for the 2023 Leaders Guide.
Nancy Spann, Clerk of Session
Have a question for New Hope's Session? Contact Nancy. Nancy grew up in Statesville, North Carolina and moved to Asheville in 2013. She is a graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Nancy spent her career at Appalachian State University, where she oversaw programs that helped freshmen become acclimated to college. A lifelong Presbyterian, Nancy served as a deacon and an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Boone. She is happy to be at New Hope, where she is inspired by the worship services, fellowship, and open-minded discussions. Having previously served as the chair of the Faith Formation Committee and as a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee, Nancy enjoys time with family and friends, books, and travel opportunities. |