Stories of Hope

  RAD! A cool name for a hip Junior High youth group (It means Reaching and Discipling). Matt, Kathryn, Rebecca, Craig and part-time leaders Jason, and Larry - a team of awesome leaders for whom we’re very grateful.

  The “same old, same old” is never a good thing. Not in business. Not in relationships. And not in churches either. It’s important to keep things vibrant, fresh, and exciting. That’s why manufacturers put out products that are “new and improved.” That’s why happily married couples go on dates and intentionally explore novel ideas in the kitchen and in the bedroom. That’s why healthy churches always keep their eyes and ears open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

  It is often said that small groups are the key to feeling connected in a large church. That’s why we urge everyone at Hope Fellowship to belong to a small group.

  On December 5, 2005, with a $10,000 loan approved by our church’s Administrative Board, we purchased an inventory of gift cards to start the Hope Fellowship Fundraiser. That loan was paid off in less than 2 ½ years, and since then we have paid $21,000 towards our mortgage.

  Five persons just completed the Fall session of the New Members Class and shared their testimonies with the pastoral elders. We enjoyed a terrific small group experience together while getting to know each other better and sharing our spiritual journeys. Spending eight weeks together talking about faith related matters made us feel more connected to each other, to our church and to God.

  Whenever we go on a vacation or a trip, I am usually the one who asks for the lightest, smallest or most compact things to take along. “Will it fit in the car? How much do we REALLY need to take along?”   On Tuesday, December 18, the elders, deacons and zone coordinators met with Jack Tacoma, Leader - Regional Resource Team, Christian Reformed Home Missions, to be introduced to what we are calling, at least for now, Journey Of Hope: The Next Chapter.

  It’s always nice to have quieter days, especially during “giving” season as we have lots of donations to put away and organize for when it is needed. When Nancy came in, we were excited to see her! She had been on the prayer chain.