Dear Hope,
Jesus is brilliant. “… go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matt. 6:6) Many of us have recently turned areas of our homes into offices, classrooms and more. Here are some ideas for creating a calm area to have private conversations with God.
- Ask God to guide you to an area in your home where you can fulfill His intent to be alone and undisturbed. Be still and wait for Him to bring a space to mind.
- Go into that area and ask our Heavenly Father for ideas on how to set things up so it can be a place of quiet, peace and sacred conversation. Listen to what He brings to mind… fresh paint, clutter removed, change in lighting or sunlight, candles, furniture adjustment, fish bowl, plant, small water feature, etc.? As long as what you receive does not counter God’s character as revealed in His Word, trust that He is consulting you.
- Create the space in a calm and patient way as He has shown it to you while delighting in His Spirit’s companionship throughout the process.
- Respond to Jesus’ wisdom by going into your room, shutting the door and praying to your Father who is in secret.
Enjoy His reward,
Dean
Dean Wertz | Lead Pastor
9 AM SUNDAY SERVICE OPTIONS | JOIN US!
In-Person Guidelines & Registration
September 27 — online 9 a.m. service & recording (no in-person gathering this week)
October 4 — required registration (58 seats available as of 9/26)
Livestream — View live and recorded services here.
HOPE KIDS | SUNDAY SERVICE RESOURCES
— Print ahead: Do Everything in Love
— Kids Song: Lord I Lift your Name on High
— If you have questions or feedback regarding Hope’s Kids Ministry please email Anna McMichael, Kids Ministry Director.
DISCOVER YOUR GIFTS. As Pastor Dean mentioned in his sermon last week, we recommend using the Motivational Gift Mix (MGM) Assessment to help you discover some of your spiritual gifts. Click here to take the assessment. When you get the results, contact Rob Cupp and he or Pastor Dean would love to review the results with you.
FINANCIALS. View the August Financial Snapshot.
HAVE A NEED? Your Hope family is here for you.
Prayer — Submit your request here.
Financial Assistance — If you have had an income disruption, submit a request for transitional financial assistance here.
Other Need — Please email Adult Ministry Pastor Rob Cupp.
GOOD NEWS. On September 17, the below note of encouragement was sent to Hope leadership and is shared now with permission. (Thanks Ardetta – we love you!)
Hi, It was so unforgettable to be back in Hope Church. You all made it feel safe. The time it must have taken to let us go through the door of our church. Safe enough for me to return next Sunday so put me on the list to attend.
Love & Hugs,
Ardetta
