February 24, 2024 - Hope is Needed

Dear Friends,

Each week there are situations around the world which we need to offer our thoughts and prayers - including Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine daily for a multitude of autrocities. Sometimes there are particular ways we can move to thoughts, prayers, AND actions (beyond social media). This week in Owasso, OK a 16 year old nonbinary teen named Nex Benedict was assaulted in a high school bathroom and died the next morning. While the connection of the assault and death are being questioned, what is unquestionable is the bullying and transphobia present in this young person's life.
Here in Bloomington-Normal parents of LGBTQ youth began reaching out to Prairie Pride Coaltion to ask the question - where are the places in this community where MY kid is unquestionably safe? One of the answers PPC consistently shares with families is Hope Church. These questions overlap with a week that PPC is already offering a town hall meeting, and Hope has been invited to be present! The meeting is the 28th from 6:00-7:30 at Heartland - see the flyer below.
Beyond the Town Hall meeting, this is another reminder that we are NEEDED. Thank you for making it safe for all to share their pronouns and their names while honoring and celebrating this. Thank you for loving everyone who comes into our building. Thank you for being Hope Church.

I love you, Jennie