Hope is Needed Now - August 23, 2025

Dear People of Hope,
Isn't HOPE and people who practice it exactly what is needed right now!? I suppose none of us are Superman, but we ARE all part of bringing goodness into this world! Some days that feels harder than others, maybe today is easier? Last week I referenced the work of sociologist Robert Putnam who has studied for decades that offering hope and goodness into communities is significantly more effectively when individuals are part of groups- service groups, sports leagues, book clubs, faith communities, whatever. (Netflix Doc: https://www.joinordiefilm.com/). There is some recent data that suggests the U.S. hit an all-time low in group participation in 2023 (including, but not limited to, church attendance) BUT early information from 2024-2025 suggests that is starting to slightly trend back up. I don't know if that will continue to be true, but I do know we are welcoming more people both in-person and on Hope Digital!

For our in-person congregation, as you might remember, it takes SO MUCH courage to walk through the door of a faith community, a few helpful ways we can all be part of hospitality:

• If you have good mobility, save the closest parking spots for the newest guests.
• Notice if someone is looking for a place to sit, be ready to create more room if needed.
• If someone is sitting alone in the Gathering Space, say hello as they are intentionally in the room with people. If someone is sitting alone in the Sanctuary, ask if you can sit next to them, as they intentionally drove to church versus worshipping from home digitally.

For our digital congregation, a few ways to offer hospitality:

• Say hello in the chat, ask a question, or share your opinion about what is happening in worship.
• Share the livestream.
• Invite someone who needs an LGBTQ+ inclusive congregation, but is not in Central IL, to belong to our digital community!

Tomorrow morning, we are launching a brand-new way of showing our appreciation to those who are newer to Hope! Moving away from a branded gift that might end up in a landfill, the first time someone, online or in-person, checks in with at least a name and email, we will make a donation of $15 in their honor to a nonprofit. We are starting with donations to Home Sweet Home Ministries! We hope this makes it easier for YOU to invite a friend, too.

Tomorrow is also the SUPERMAN movie AND Blessing of the Backpacks!
In It With You, Jennie

P.S. Don't forget about the bigger, gayer sword being auctioned off to support Hope Church and Prairie Pride Coalition. Also, it's @michealcthulu's way of letting his audience of a million+ followers know that you can super into swords while showing inclusion to all! (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bigger-gayer-sword-auction-for-hope-church-and-prairie-pride)