Recently New Hope Presbyterian church said goodbye to our full-time minister. This season of change offers our church a beautiful gift — the chance to hear God’s voice through many of His servants. As we welcome a variety of speakers over the next several months, we do so with expectation, believing that each one has been sent for a purpose.
Every message, every story, every perspective is an opportunity for us to grow, to be renewed, and to see God’s faithfulness in fresh ways. Even in transition, the Spirit is at work among us, guiding, shaping, and preparing our church for what comes next.
Sunday, September 27th 11:00 am – Reverend Rob Evans
Rev. Dr. Robert C. Evans, III (Rob) is a Raleigh native and is honorably retired. Rob is a graduate of NC State University, Union Presbyterian Seminary, and served churches in Fayetteville, North Wilkesboro, Greensboro, Lewisville, NC, & Virginia Beach, VA. He played football at NCSU, enjoys all college sports, golf, and gardening, but his number one hobby is spoiling his grandchildren. He and his wife, Lavinia, moved to Hickory in 2024 to be nearer to their son and family who live in Boone. Rob has been our “visiting minister” many times over the last several months. He has told us to “Come to church–you never know when God is going to show up” and reminded us that “God is up to something!”
Sunday, October 4th 11:00 am – Reverend Alyce Kelly
The Reverend Alyce Spells Kelly is an ordained Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 1995 and is now honorably retired from pastoral ministry. She remains a member of the Presbytery of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Born in a religious family, Reverend Kelly is a PK (Preacher’s Kid) who was brought up in the church and taught the responsibility of contributing to church and society. Her ministerial call includes releasing the Word of God in preaching, teaching, mentoring, counseling, and writing.
She has written and published two books. Her first book The Golden Boom, A Message of Hope and Promise to the Baby Boomer Generation and her most recent The Eighth Day: Preparation for Life After Death. Reverend Kelly uses the acronym of her name A.S.K in her online and writing ministry to express that if we will ASK, there are answers to our questions about God and about life.
Terry Foster serves as our Office Administrator and has been a joyful part of New Hope Presbyterian since September 2021. She is often the first friendly face (and voice) people encounter—greeting visitors, answering calls, managing bills, balancing accounts, and keeping our office running smoothly. Terry was born in Asheboro and moved to Dallas, N.C., with her family at age 12. In addition to her work at New Hope, she has been employed with H&R Block for 25 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, browsing thrift stores, and visiting her “happy place”—the beach.
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Dean Newkirk, who joined New Hope Presbyterian as our Director of Music in September 2025, brings nearly 30 years of experience in leading worship, creative ministries, and music production. A passionate worship leader and encourager, he has served in a variety of roles and leadership positions in both church and music industry settings. Dean’s career also spans the Christian music industry, where he managed over 1,000 projects at SONY Music/Provident Label Group. Dean looks forward to leading our congregation in vibrant, Christ-centered worship.