Recently, my home group enjoyed our weekly Zoom meeting, but we also all shared how much we long just to be together again. I think that is the feeling most of our church is experiencing. For at its very core, the church is a social and relational body designed to encourage one another, serve one another, love one another, and greet one another. God’s Word exhorts us to continually gather to keep each other on the race of faith until Jesus returns (Hebrews 10:24-25). As we consider possibilities of meeting together again, at least at the very beginning, what will be our new normal?
Lifeway Ministries recently wrote an article called 24 things you should consider before meeting together again. I’ll share some of the questions that apply to Hope.
What if worship services are limited to no more than 50/100/200 people? Do we add more services and shorten them? How do we provide a place and time for worship for the entire body? How can we utilize home groups in this?
What adjustments will we make to the Lord’s Supper, baptism, offering, coffee, donuts, etc.? If we are still practicing physical distancing and avoiding touching the same things all together, how will that affect these practices of remembering the grace of God and fellowship with one another?
What will we do to sanitize and sterilize the facility? How can we be prepared for that when we get a green light and who will be our team?
Will we have HopeKids classes on Sunday mornings and AWANA Wednesday nights? What about HopeYouth? Since kids can’t help but hug and share all their sweet little germs, maybe we do “Family Sunday” for the short term. What would be our marker to start up the ministries again? Youth in relationship with other godly Christ-serving youth is one of the strongest forces in a teenager’s life. When can we foster and encourage that again?
When can we do special events in the park, youth camps, men’s gatherings, women’s gatherings, outreach projects? Which things will we be able to do right away and which things do we continue to hold off on?
Will we continue to offer online worship? Our online views have obviously increased dramatically and our views from folks not attending Hope has increased. Some folks may not feel comfortable when Hope begins meeting (whenever that is). Therefore, maybe offering some sort of video online is a good option.
What about home groups? When is a good time for groups of people to gather again to share food, pray for one another, and read the Word together?
Jesus told us to not worry about tomorrow for today has enough worries of its own. In addition, I think all of us have been encouraged not to ask “what if” questions. Yet, it’s wise to be as prepared as we can as a church while still trusting the Lord with what the future holds. He remains in control and Jesus told us His Father is always at work – so let us keep making the most of every opportunity and do our best in joining what the Lord is up to in all of this.
Love you and miss getting to see you all face to face.
~ Pastor Randy
Thanks to all of you that helped with the following outreaches:
Fire Victims
Hands of Hope
Navajo Nation
Way to be the CHURCH!
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Discipleship Corner
God is at work and He continues to invite us to join Him, isn’t that amazing! The God of the universe has invited us to join Him on His rescue mission, what a privilege!
I have been super excited to see how the body of Christ continues to make disciples during this time. There were a couple of families that put together a small, outdoor Easter service and invited their neighbors. People came and the Lord was worshipped and the Gospel was shared! Let’s continue to be intentional about how we can reach out to our neighbors to share the Good News of Jesus! Let’s also consider how we can be intentional in helping believers grow in their faith!
Go Get ‘em! Pastor Dave
Susan Woodford - Director
children@hopetucson.com
God told His people how to build the tabernacle where He would dwell with them. God desires to be with His people. As part of His plan to save sinners, God sent Jesus to “tabernacle” with people on earth.
We sure miss getting to see all of you! We’d love to hear what you’ve been up to, if you want to share on our HopeKids Families Facebook page! Be sure to check out the Family Friday link sent each Friday… we now have The Gospel Project videos available, just like what we watch at church on Sunday mornings.
Many of our Hope families have children that participate in the Awana ministry. We haven’t met for some time because of the virus situation. We want to encourage you to continue to study the scriptures and memorize the verses in your Awana books. You can get help online from your leaders and also at the drive-in on Wednesday evenings at the Hope Church office parking lot. We really look forward to being able to meet again and will let you know when this is possible. If you have questions, contact Tim Tolson, timtolson@comcast.net or 575-1307
5/5 Case DeVries
5/10 Lucy Catania
5/11 Charlotte Schultz
5/12 Addison Roberts
5/14 Toby Carlson
5/15 Ali Carpenter
5/15 Ella Mason
5/15 Oliver Whiting
5/23 Madi Mason
5/26 Charlie Schwarz
5/26 Kayla Bogard
5/26 Ruger Walker
Kevin Mason
Youth Pastor
kmason@hopetucson.com
Virtual Schedule for HopeYouth
Monday: Middle School Bible Study at 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: Live IG Devotional 10:00 a.m. (@HopeYouth_IGYG)//Middle School Boy Bible Study at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Live IG Devotional at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday: Middle School Girls Bible Study at 3:00 p.m.
Friday: Live IG Devotional at 10:00 a.m.
Middle School Girl Bible Study Zoom invite:
https://zoom.us/j/841976088?pwd=cENvdDNocDVUNVV1aTExajRTZ1ltdz09
Meeting ID: 841 976 088
Password: 028002
Middle School Boy Bible Study Zoom invite:
https://zoom.us/j/781682079?pwd=aExOUklWL0Q4V1BRZEpQbXpzWjFSUT09
Meeting ID: 781 682 079
Password: 068413
Also, watch all HopeYouth Videos at https://hopetucson.com/youth/
HopeYouth will continue to be virtual until further notice. We are waiting to see how Arizona leadership decides to move forward as we enter summer. Right now, summer camp is still ON for June 22- 25. We will decide if camp needs to be canceled by May 22. In the meantime, please pray that we would still be able to accomplish God’s will even during this time of isolation. If you have any questions about HopeYouth please contact me at kmason@hopetucson.com.
Love doing ministry with each of you!
Contact Information:
Website:
www.hopetucson.com
Administration:
info@hopetucson
Pastor Randy:
rbrainard@hopetucson.com
Pastor Dave:
dcollins@hopetucson.com
Pastor Matt:
mpoling@hopetucson.com
Mailing Address:
2114 W. Grant Road, PMB 87
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Phone:
520-400-1483
