From January 22, 2017
During the Annual meeting, congregation members discussed several questions around their tables. The following is a sampling of the kinds of responses people shared most frequently.
When you talk about Hope Church to friends, what do you talk about?
- Room for All – welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ community
- Feeling of welcome, acceptance, “safe” space, sense of home and belonging
- Worship: strong liturgy, blend of contemporary and traditional, ritual, relational
- Political & social activism
- Great music and organist
- Commitment to progressive thinking & theology; willingness to explore
- Involved in community
- Challenging and insightful sermons
- Cherish diversity
- Healthy church environment; function as a church family
How does Hope Church enrich the way you live out your faith in our community?
- Worship & preaching challenges us, helps us be involved
- Makes facility & resources available to support us & outside groups
- Recognizes broader community needs
- Adult Education and other adult programs
- Room for All
- Equip us for the next 6 days
- Emphasis on God’s love
- Encourages membership
- Picnics help meet neighbors
- Kids Hope
How do you hope to engage in the ministry of Hope Church over the next year?
- Work for social justice; call legislators and contact political leaders
- Choir
- Serve on ministries
- Book discussion & midweek studies
- Outreach to new members and visitors – especially single people
- Worship
- Outreach of community; engaging in community
- Caring for others; visiting homebound members
- Prayer chain
- Notice the aging of helpers in long time roles; need to develop new volunteers