On Sunday evening at our Vision Night the elders shared all that's coming up for us as a church. In this blog we share some of those highlights, including the links to connect to some great events.
Lots to give thanks for.
Since our last Vision Evening in January lots has gone on in the life of the church. It's been quite a difficult season for many of us and you've all been in our prayers. Stuart and Chris have had the pleasure of meeting and praying with many of you and remain available for anyone who would like to meet.
We're encouraged that in the midst of it all we've got much to give thanks to God for. Here are a few highlights...
We completed a great short series on Sexuality, Gender and Singleness as well as completing our series in Mark's gospel.
The couple that we sent to the Middle East have now completed a whole year! Amazing!
We had 5 days of prayer
Started our new Hope Tots Toddler Group which grows from strength to strength
We've had guests like Guy and Heather Miller, Vinu Paul and Dub Everitt.
People have continued to grow and gather in our life groups, students, youth, 6th form, men and women's groups as well as on Sundays.
We've been able to continue to support our Hope Works, like the Christian Union events week.
Summer Term Events and Courses.
We've got an exciting term of prayer, courses and lunches together. As well as all our usual groups that meet regularly, we've also got the following coming up this term...
The Marriage Course
Everything valuable is worth investing in, especially marriage relationships. At Hope Church we're running The Marriage Course and it's for anyone who has been married or living together more than 2 years. Click here for more details and to sign up. Sign up and/or feel free to invite your friends and neighbours too.
The Preaching Course
We want to see all the gifts that God has given our church grow and so in June we're putting on a preaching course. This is for anyone who feels they have a gift of preaching or would like to see if they have that gift. It's a great opportunity to explore all the key components of a preach and give it a go. Click here for more details and to sign up.
Lunches
Over the next few months we're taking the time to stay on a littler longer at church to enjoy a bring and share lunch together. The first one was brilliant and a great time to catchup with one another. our next one is on Sunday 5th June - everyone is welcome.
Prayer
Lifting our gaze to God, the creator of the heavens and earth together in corporate prayer is one of the best things we can do as a Christian. So over this term we're going to take time to pray together every other week on zoom. The first one is Wednesday 11th May at 8pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 889 2136 8635
Passcode: Prayer
Leadership.
All our ministries across the church are lead by volunteers in the church. We would like to extend a big thank you to those who have recently stepped back from various roles, having served for many years. We are so grateful to God for every person. Here is an update as to who leads each of our church ministries now and if you'd like to get involved in any of these ministries or our serving teams then do contact us.
Creche - Sue P
Hope Tots - Charlie R & Anna P
Kids - Stuart P
Youth - Patrick & Kate O
6th Form - Andrew & Amy F
Students & 20's - Rehana N
Hope Men - Jon P
Cherished - Hannah L
Worship - James A
We'd also like to say a big thank you to Rachel May who is supporting us as our Interim Operations Coordinator - If you haven't already I'm sure you'll get an email from her soon :)
Ministry Leaders and Life Group Leaders
On Sunday evening 26th June we're going to have an evening for all our ministry leaders. This is a time of equipping and encouragement from the elders. It's also a great opportunity for anyone in the church who might be willing to lead a group to find out more info about what's involved and what support is available. more info and to sign up can be found here.
Commission.
Leadership Conference
As a family of churches we are on a mission together to see thousands of lives transformed, through hundreds of churches, in tens of nations. The recent pandemic has thrown up all sorts of new challenges for us, not least that we’ve been unable to gather for our annual Connect Festival event.
With this in mind, Commission have decided to run a leadership conference for our churches this year. We believe that effective, godly leaders are a great blessing to the church, the workplace, and the world. So if you’re interested in growing as a leader and as a Christian, and if you want to gain momentum and build fresh faith, this event is for you.
It's open for all leaders at all levels, in the church and in the workplace and even for aspiring leaders too. Whether you lead a small group, a life group or something at work - this will bless you. It's on Wednesday 28th September to Friday 30th September in Bournemouth - all the details can be found here.
Training
Commission are committed to training and equipping men and women from across our churches, and have developed a range of training courses with something for everyone.
They have courses that will suit those who have never had any theological training before, those starting out in ministry and even a Graduate Diploma for those wanting intensive formal training. You can see the full range of courses below and if you’re not sure which one would best suit you, the training team would be happy to chat through your options at training@commission.global