POTSDAM -- New Hope Community Church, formerly Koinonia Church, is recognizing the church’s 40th anniversary during the weekend of July 30 to Aug. 1 with the theme, “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness: Yesterday, Today, and Forever.”

Special services will take place at the church, at the corner of Grant and Chestnut Streets, on Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning.

Guest speakers representing all four decades will include Dr. Harvey Smith, Dr. Mike Webster, Dr. Bryan Moore, Pastor Dave Coles, Dr. Gary Pasquarell, and Pastor John Ault.

A picnic is planned for Saturday afternoon at Sandstoner Park which will include a baptism service. Over 80 out-of-town alumni are returning to join the 200-plus congregation for the anniversary weekend.

New Hope Community Church grew out of a Bible study and prayer group with a vision toward reaching out to the college communities. Today over 40 students representing SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton, Clarkson University, and St. Lawrence University are actively involved, in addition to several professors and staff.

The church also offers ministry to children of all ages, including a large, active high school outreach. New Hope offers spiritual care and counseling to people in the community ensnared by chemical, drug and alcohol addiction. The church also sponsors Home Group Bible studies in nearby communities.

Weekend services are Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. For more information call the church office at 265-7094.