Have you ever held your hand very close to someone else's without actually touching?What do you notice in the space between? What did you feel? Perhaps a sense of connection and of separation, at the same time? If someone asked: "So, are you connected or are you separated?" And the answer would be "yes", or perhaps closer to one side or the other depending on the circumstance. This is what we want...  Read More

Lent is a way of growing spiritually during the six weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. This year, we are going to really lean into this special season at Hope Church.It will start tomorrow, March 5th, 6-7:30pm, with a simple meal, short Ash Wednesday worship, and conversation groups for adults, kids, youth, young adults.Please join us at Hope Church tomorrow 6-7:30If you've never really observed t...  Read More

Dear Hope Friends,As we continue to be distressed and horrified by our country's treatment of vulnerable people and countries, I want to acknowledge how difficult this week has been close to home, too. Sitting on the bleachers at a junior high volleyball game, I heard the whispered words of encouragement from the parents behind me as their 8th grade daughter sang the national anthem. At the end of...  Read More

Dear Hope Friends and Family,I don't know about you, but nearly every in-person and text conversation I've had since January 20th has included at least a small section about what is being decided and declared in D.C. That's true even as Ryan and I check in with each other about our days and our kids.On one hand, it is helpful to say some things out loud. On the other, I hear the question repeatedl...  Read More

Hey Hope!Tomorrow morning our own Norris Porter, passionate Abraham Lincoln scholar, will teach us about the role that faith did and did not play in Abe's life. We'll be inspired by how President Lincoln navigated the challenge of a deeply divided country. And we'll get to hear his impression of the role of Christian congregations!This will also be Isaac Gaff's first Sunday as our worship leader, ...  Read More

Hey Friends,Now is a time when the rubber hits the road with our name. Do we have the strength and/or faith to offer hope to ourselves and those around us? It is time. We practice this every year in Advent - waiting in active hope not knowing what the next months or years (or days) will hold. And at the same time, needing to look at each other and say, "You are important." "You are loved." This is...  Read More

Dear Hope Family and Friends,We've always loved our kiddos at Hope - Van (my oldest) was born at the same time we were gathering a launch team for this would-be church, so it's the only church he's ever known. (One time when he was little he asked if could ever visit one of those churches with all the benches!) However, in 2025 our students and kids are getting a special focus.Sunday Hope Kids: At...  Read More

Dear Hope Friends,Who knows what the weather is going to be tomorrow!? If there is a storm, please take caution when deciding whether or not leave your home - including volunteers, we'll go forward with whoever is present. We have confirmed that the parking lot will be cleared if/when it snows, the heat in the building works, and I'll be there!Still, I'd love for you to join our new year conversat...  Read More

Hey Hope Friends,I am sucker for a good house renovation - especially when I can watch it on TV and it's someone else's time, money, and mess! Friends in Nashville were on one of those shows, and I got to walk through their house before the episode aired - it really was remarkable and beautiful. What hooks me is the potential seen in very run down properties, and then watching it restored to its f...  Read More

Dear Hope Friends and Family,All day yesterday I felt like I was missing something, there was so much time to just be with family! Clergy are used to one-day weekends which part of why Thanksgiving weekend is so fun! Ryan and I took the kids to see Moana 2 in a packed theater. (It was fine, but does not have the music of Lin Manuel Miranda and is not necessary viewing if you don't have a young kid...  Read More

Dear Hope Church Friends and Family,Part of creating meaningful relationships is holding space for each other's feelings, reactions, and thoughts. As a congregation we care deeply about the rights of all LGBTQ+ people as a starting point. It does not end there, as we are clearly called by Jesus' words in Matthew 25 to care for all marginalized people. The policies (not yet enacted, but) promised b...  Read More

Seeking to avoid platitudes, I just want you all to know that our congregation, our faith community, will not change our values and actions. We'll continue to be a place for those who are cast out, and together we'll work toward justice and mercy: God's kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven.I am going to a funeral this morning, and will be back at the church by 1:00pm and stay until at least 7:00pm....  Read More