Advent is a 4-week season that begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continues through Christmas Day. “Advent” comes from a Latin word meaning “to come.” So, these four weeks provide an opportunity to focus on the two comings of Jesus Christ—His first coming 2,000 years ago and His second coming in the future.…
One of my friends stays home to pray on Halloween because in her childhood she was a victim of satanic ritual abuse. Other friends dress their children in wholesome costumes and head out to connect with neighbors on the one night when doors and, in some cases, hearts are open. I recently read an article…
by Arik Stewart, Youth Pastor In our three years leading youth ministry, Bryan, Nano and I have grown in our understanding of how to encourage our young men to pursue God in all areas of life. But one area we never approached, at least not with everyone at once, was sexual purity. Our delay came from a desire to build relationships and establish trust…
by Leah Stewart Youth Group (Ignition) for 6th through 12th grade students continues to meet every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30pm. Students and volunteer leaders engage in creative activities, thoughtful discussion of the Word, and intentional application of the things God is teaching them to their daily lives. Each week at Ignition, students engage in small group discussions following a similar format to Hope’s…
Seth Slay began his new role as Hope’s Equipping Music Director starting September 1st. If you haven’t had a chance to meet him yet, be sure to say hello the next time you see him. In the meantime, we asked Seth a few questions to better get to know him and his family. When and…
Q: What is the new service start time? A: 10:45 am. As before, the service will conclude around 11:45 am. Q: When does the change begin? A: Next Sunday, Sept. 3 (one week from tomorrow). Q: Can you remind me again why we are changing to 10:45? A: One of Hope’s 5 big next steps…
Hope’s Kid’s Ministry continues to make major strides in the following areas: safety for children, coaching for volunteers, team leadership, focused discipleship for children, and hospitality for new families. We are moving into the new ministry year with a fantastic new curriculum, high quality safety standards, and a clear focus on relational disciple-making among our…
In 16 ½ months it will be Christmas Eve, 2018. Sanctuary lights are dim. Neighbors, family and guests join us for a celebration of Jesus’ incarnation. Each walks up the sidewalk and through the entrance to receive their candle. Children skipping past the shiny railings enjoying the aroma of already lit candles at the table,…
Dear Hope, Before ascending, Jesus summoned His followers to live in His presence and power in order to go love everyone in action and word, baptize those who turn to Him and train as many as possible to obey His commands which He summarized as love for God and neighbor. This way of life He…
Good Saturday morning Hope! Though things are not all heavenly as we live between the first and second arrivals of our King, one of the many ways we can experience the joy of his kingdom is through celebration (i.e. the report of the one thankful leper whom Jesus healed in Luke 17:11-19). As I consider our…