Welcome to the HOPE update for November and December
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: The Big Lunch – book the date
A record number of people are expected to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by taking part in The Big Lunch on Sunday 3 June 2012. This is a perfect opportunity for churches to take a lead in building stronger communities. Mission ideas and HOPE resources will be available in the new year. Press Release -Churches called to be at centre of Queen’s Big Lunch.
Archbishops endorse HOPE
The Presidents of Churches Together in England, meeting at Jesus House in north London, signed a declaration endorsing HOPE, giving it the backing of all the major denominations. It describes HOPE as ‘a gift’ to the nation’s churches and a launch pad for united action.
Churches Together back HOPE – photos and more. If you can use this photo in your network’s publications contact our communications team.
HOPE Forum: Christian leaders pray and plan together
An unprecedented HOPE Forum brought together more than 70 leaders from many different styles, denominations and traditions of church in November. Bishop Graham Cray and Pastor Agu Irukwu highlighted the need for churches to be seen to work together in unity – as Jesus said in John 17. Can you spot leaders from your denomination or stream in the Forum photos or video?
2012 year of prayer
Effective words and actions for God’s Kingdom are embedded in prayer. Join HOPE and other organisations by making prayer a priority in 2012, a year filled with mission opportunities. Watch out for a HOPE prayer website with creative ideas and resources which will go live in mid-December.
Hope Revolution – Beyond Belief
The city of Cambridge is well known for cycling. Last month 150 young volunteers offered bike repairs to residents as one way to bless people as part of the Beyond Belief youth mission. It was a life-changing week of worship and local action to start regional missions as part of Hope Revolution.youth mission. It was a life-changing week of worship and local action to start regional missions as part of Hope Revolution.
Christmas is coming
You can’t escape the commercialism of Christmas. But do not fear, we bring you good news…there are plenty of resources from our partner organisations which can help you keep the season Christ-centred, from a twitter Nativity outreach tool to service planning and films for all ages. Invite your neighbours to a Christmas service, for mince pies or give them a part in a facebook play.
HOPE where you are
Lancaster and Birmingham hosted HOPE gatherings in November to encourage local churches as they work together in mission. HOPE founders Mike Pilavachi, Andy Hawthorne and Roy Crowne chatted to church leaders and shared the HOPE vision at celebrations. Feedback from Church leaders Mark Ryan and Chris Drury give you a flavour of these two events. When could you hold a HOPE event next year?
A light for every street
Churches in Hull are praying for their city during Advent. On Christmas Eve Christians throughout the city will light a simple tea-light in a front-room window and pray a short prayer for their family, neighbours and city, aiming to encourage all to do likewise. More about the initiatiative run by Hope – the next chapter and One Voice (Hull)
Tell us your stories
How are you sharing HOPE in words and action in your area? Tell us your stories so we can share your experience more widely. We want to hear what projects and outreach ideas work for you (and what doesn’t) so we can inspire others. Get in touch with us
Congratulations
Two HOPE leaders have received awards this year. HOPE founder and Board member Andy Hawthorne has received an OBE and Pastor Agu Irukwu,Senior Pastor at Jesus House, whose church hosted the November HOPE Forum, was named London’s most inspirational black person.
Spread the word
Forward this e-news update to people in your church, Christians in your networks or editors of diocesan or local publications and link the HOPE website from your church website. You can use our HOPE logo online or in print.
God bless you, from the HOPE team.
HOPE exists to equip and support local churches to speak and live its mission, effectively using word and action outreach to share the gospel. The desire is to see long lasting spiritual change in the lives of individuals and whole communities transformed. You have been sent this email because you have provided HOPE Together or HOPE 08 with your email address and signed up to be part of HOPE. If for any reason you wish to discontinue receiving HOPE email updates please reply to the email with ‘unsubscribe to general updates’ in the subject field along with your name and address.
