This past year we focused on evaluating what we are doing and how we can more effectively align with our mission.
Mentoring Ministry
One goal became enriching our Mentoring Ministry (previously called Sponsorship of New Members), which was accomplished by finding people (Guides) interested in making the transition into Hope Church as seamless as possible.
Each “Guide” walks beside several members (as opposed to the one-on-one “sponsor” system), to welcome and acclimate them to the many activities of our church family. We hope to get enough people in the “Guide” pool so each person will have only one mentoring role per year.
If you enjoy meeting new people and helping others, you are perfect for this Mentoring Ministry! Please see one of the ministry members listed below if you are interested in learning more.
Engaging One Another
“Second Sunday Snacks”, which support one of the guiding themes of our ministry: “to work within the church to foster a sense of warmth, openness, and hospitality that will enrich the life of the church and promote interaction between members and visitors”, have been enthusiastically received! Besides giving congregants another place to engage with one another, it was also our wish to create a space where visitors and new members are also comfortable.
As you enjoy this opportunity for fellowship, please be on the look out for and welcome people you may not know.
Room for All
Outreach & Hospitality supports the Holland Pride Festival, which will take place June 21-22, in Centennial Park, and also the LGBTQ (GLOBE) students on Hope’s campus by supplying snacks for their meetings.
If you would be willing to provide a snack, please contact the church office. Students are incredibly grateful for this gesture of kindness.
Other Ministry Tasks & Responsibilities
We also plan and coordinate Orientation to Hope Church Classes, New Member and Confirmation Receptions, Sunday Greeters, the Welcome Desk, and we support the Fellowship Ministry.
Comments, suggestions, ideas and new members are welcome!
Ministry members include Al Bradfield, Sue Hondorp, Jean Martin, Dee Dee Piers (co-chair), Wendy Rebhan (co-chair), and Lori VanDoornik. Supporting members include Trish Gosselar, Audrianne Hill, Kyle Volken and Sara Wilson. Staff support is provided by Pastor Jill Russell and Jocelyn VanHeest.
~Dee Dee Piers, Outreach & Hospitality Ministry co-chair