At its September meeting, the RCA Holland Classis approved our plan for financing our facility renovation project through construction, as pledges are received. That approval was the last requirement to be fulfilled to assure that resources are in place as construction begins. Our financing is through the RCA Growth Fund, which uses income for benevolence, […]
As reported in the August newsletter, work is ramping up on design following Consistory’s June approval of the facility renovation project scope to include the elevator for access to the second floor of the education wing. The Design Team met mid-month and is confirming schedules. As it currently stands, the “design and development” work, which […]
As communicated following their June meeting, Consistory has approved moving forward with the Living Hope facilities renovation project. Their decision was based on the “superb” and “tremendous” progress toward the fundraising goal, as measured by both dollars and the number of donors. After some discussion about design intent and resources available, Consistory also specified that […]
We approach several important milestones for the Living Hope Capital Campaign. It’s clear that we achieved the $100,000 challenge grant that was offered for pledges before May 18, by a wide margin. The Capital Campaign Team is humbled by and grateful for the support shown for the continuing mission of Hope Church. May 31 is the […]
The current design scope and direction for the Living Hope renovations were presented at a congregational gathering on March 29. They are summarized–with pictures–on the project website, at LivingHopeRCA.wordpress.com and linked to from the Happenings page of HopeChurchRCA.org. If you don’t have online access, contact the church office for a paper copy. Pledges received from […]
We, at Hope Church, are part of a long history (more than 150 years!) and we want to be mindful of looking toward the future. Part of how we are “discerning our future” has been working with polarities. See Gordon’s “…and finally” piece in the April newsletter for an introduction to the polarities concept and the […]
Here’s something that a number of you have participated in, that many of you probably aren’t aware of, and that I’d like to invite everyone to think about a bit: POLARITIES. ‘Polarities’ refers to the idea of two qualities that may seem in contrast or tension with each other being brought together as necessary parts […]
Framing the Conversation We are a Room for All church that has already embraced full participation of LGBTQ people in the life of the church. The current process is designed by the elders to answer a specific question: “Should we as a congregation agree to affirm same gender marriages and permit our church resources and pastors […]
As many of you know, Hope Church has enthusiastically become a Room For All congregation; that is, it is open and affirming to all. If the US Supreme Court affirms the right of marriage to all, (anticipated this June), clergy and congregations throughout the country will be faced with their own decision about blessing and […]
Choose a conversation to attend with members of the Living Hope Design and Capital Campaign Teams: Sunday, April 12, at 9:40 am in the Garden Lounge Thursday, April 16, at 2:30 p.m. in Commons II Sunday, April 26, at 12:30 p.m. in Room 106