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, October 11th 11:00 am – Reverend Lauren Vanacore
Reverend Lauren Vanacore brings a rich blend of pastoral experience, nonprofit leadership, and deep commitment to community well‑being. A native North Carolinian, Lauren earned her BA in Religion and Philosophy from Greensboro College and her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She served as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), including eleven years at First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia, before transitioning to nonprofit service as Community Engagement Officer at the Gaston Community Foundation.
Reverend Vanacore has long been connected to Covenant Village through her board service and now serves as Director of Resident Well‑Being. Lauren and her husband, Jeff, are the proud parents of two sons: Will, a rising junior at Elon University, and James, a rising junior at Highland School of Technology.
Sunday, October 18th 11:00 am – Dean Newkirk
Dean Newkirk, who joined New Hope Presbyterian as our Music Director 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.
Sunday, October 25th 11:00 am – Dr. Jeff Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton is an educator, organizational leader, and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He recently completed the Presbytery of Western North Carolina’s two-year Church Leadership School in preparation for service as a commissioned pastor and has served in worship leadership and pulpit supply at Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Grover, North Carolina.
Jeff has spent more than four decades in education, serving as a teacher, school administrator, community college executive, and university professor. Much of his work in higher education focused on organizational leadership, leadership development, and helping individuals and organizations navigate change and renewal.
He believes that congregations are continually called to discern who Christ is calling them to be in their particular time and place. His approach to ministry emphasizes Scripture, grace, Christian formation, and equipping people to participate in the work to which God has called them.
Jeff and his wife, Laura, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. He especially enjoys playing music and being “Poppy” to his two granddaughters.
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.