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

Dear Hope Friends and Family,We are going to shift gears for the month of November, and talk about what it takes to create meaningful friendships in our lives (the photo below is my friends Halloween 1976). Studies about how to be happy and how to live a long life and how to deal with anxiety all talk about deep breathing, exercise, and eating healthy. They all also include meaningful friendships ...  Read More

Dear Hope Church,Tomorrow in our final week of Why? we'll consider our own personal spiritual practices and why this particular congregation matters. In some ways it is easier to critique faith and institutions of faith from a more global perspective. We can identify hypocrisy or harm in people and places out there.What about right here?How do we create healthy spaces for spiritual growth, practic...  Read More

Dear Hope Friends and Family,One year ago our congregation had to answer the question of whether we were going to open our doors for good. If you are newer here, please know it was a miracle that we made it to our current location, and I don't use that phrase lightly. You might not "feel" it with varying worship patterns and 2 service times, but we have grown 15% since January!A year later, withou...  Read More