This week on the podcast, Pastor James joins us for a Staff Interview episode and answers all our fun "rapid fire" questions. Hear about his life, background, passions, what he's reading and what he loves about HOPE. 

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Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

What does it mean to actively wait in a season of transition or when we find ourselves in the wilderness with God? 

On this special episode, Pastor Jeff and Pastor James join Communications Director Ashley Black to discuss the significant leadership transition at Hope Church, reflecting on the nature of transition as "when what is is becoming what was and what's next is becoming what is." 

They offer encouragement to anyone going through a major transition in their own lives with the gentle reminder that "God isn't in a hurry, so you don't need to be either."

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Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

As Pastor Jeff prepares to transition out of the role of Lead Pastor of HOPE at the end of June, we're speaking with him today about a few things he's learned along the way, specifically what makes a church well-positioned for growth. Take a listen!

NOTES:

• Quote from episode: 
  • "Don’t even entertain the idea of separating yourself from your brothers and sisters, whether or not they agree with your opinions. Don’t assume someone is wrong or sinful just because they don’t believe what you do or don’t accept your perspective. That kind of thinking leads to division; every time we act that way, we teach others to do the same against us." - John Wesley

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Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

This week on the podcast we're catching up with HOPE Kids Director, Kasey Cornforth, as she shares about some exciting new things happening at HOPE Kids and what it means to raise kids to be peacemakers and bridge builders with a heart for Jesus. 

NOTES:

Get HOPE kids emails! Sign up at meethope.org/email.

Contact Kasey at kasey@meethope.org

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

This episode originally aired in June 2024, and we hope you enjoy it again as a Second Listen this year! Be sure to check out HOPE's social media or research in your own community for local Juneteenth events you can plan to be a part of!

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Original Show Notes:

On this week's episode, members of HOPE's Racial Justice Team - Betty Joynes and Lori Chewkanes - return to the podcast to help us learn the history behind the upcoming Juneteenth holiday on June 19. They offer to us personal reflections and also encouraging ways we as individuals and a faith community can honor, celebrate, and grow in not only the marking of this holiday, but in our every day lives as well. See notes below for local Juneteenth events and helpful resources!

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Learn more about Juneteenth: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth-digital-toolkit
• Looking for a great kids book? Try this one! https://a.co/d/49ZY519
• The Opal Lee Walk: https://opalswalkdallastx.raceroster.com/
• Get involved with HOPE's Racial Justice Team! Email us at podcast@meethope.org for more info. 

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

This week on the podcast, we are grateful for a volunteer at Hope's Food Pantry who shares her story of finding both food assistance and a newfound family of support. Her story reminds us how HOPE's Food Pantry provides not just groceries but genuine community, hope, and healing to those experiencing difficult life circumstances.

To support Hope's Food Pantry, email foodpantry@meethope.org. Food distribution occurs on the second, fourth, and fifth Wednesdays from 12:15-2:15 PM at the corner of Centennial and Cooper in Voorhees, NJ. Donations can be dropped off 24/7 in the vestibule or made online at meethope.org.

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

This week, we explore the powerful community-building impact of our monthly Third Tuesday dinners at Hope Church! Have you been to Third Tuesday yet? Maybe this is the one to come to! Sign up for the June 17 Third Tuesday at meethope.org/today!

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Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Are you a first time parent with a little one who is quickly getting bigger? Wondering about all the big next steps such as preschool? Join in for this episode with Amanda Cavaliere of Tomorrow's Hope Preschool to hear her talk with our podcast producer (and preschool parent!) Ashley Black about when and how to choose a preschool program that is right for your kid! If you feel like you have no idea where to start, you are not alone! Be sure to subscribe and share this episode with a friend who has a toddler/soon to be preschooler!

NOTES:

• Check out Tomorrow's HOPE! - https://www.meethope.org/tomorrows-hope

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Rick welcomes Katie Barok and Ryan Tomlinson to discuss Hope Church's first mission trip to Malawi, partnering with Urban Promise International to support education initiatives, including the new Longezo University project. Hear why both Katie and Ryan chose to go on a mission trip for the first time, what it means to them as educators, and how you can support the team!

Support HOPE in Motion: meethope.org/motion

Pray for HOPE's Malawi Team! Malawi Trip Dates: June 19-29

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

In this week's episode, we explore the complex realities of being new to motherhood with Gabby Morreale, LPC, and owner of Recovered and Restored Eating Disorder Therapy Center. We dive into conversations about mental load, body image, and finding support through the challenging seasons. Whether you are a new mom, know a new mom, or are a partner or caregiver, this episode is a great listen! And to all the moms out there - you are doing a great job! May you know God is with you every step of the way. 

Contact Gabby: gabby@recoveredandrestored

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Gabby's Free Course for New Moms: https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/journey-of-motherhood-course
• Podcasts:
  • The Motherhood Body Chronicles
  • Mom Well
  • Holding Space
  • The Power of &
  • The Mom Hour
  • The Birth Hour
  • The Fertility Journey
• Instagram:
  • @drcolleenreichmann
  • @gabriellelpc
  • @motherthrivetherapy
  • @jennifer_rollin
• Books:
  • Rattled: the Postpartum Pregnancy and Mood Workbook
  • Beyond the Blues

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Thinking about coming to HOPE? Listen to this episode! We lay out everything you can expect as a new visitor. We also talk about how to start to get connected if you have been coming for a little while now and looking to take the next step! 

Know a friend you'd love to invite? Send them this episode!

Notes & Resources:

- HOPE's Today Page: meethope.org/today

- Contact us! ashley@meethope.org, heather@meethope.org

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

This episode originally aired on Sep 11, 2023 but we think it's worth taking a second to have a second listen, today! We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Original Show Notes:

Have you ever said (or thought) "I want to read the Bible more but I just don't know where to start?" On this episode we talk with Pastor Heather Mandala about how to get started and how to shift our mindset away from feeling like it's something we "should do" to embracing it as one of the best ways to get to know who Jesus is so we can be more like him.  We explore various methods to connect with the Scripture and are reminded that this journey is not about perfection, it's about grace and growth. 

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Looking for a Bible? 
  • Let us help! Reach out to Pastor Heather at heather@meethope.org. 
  • Check out a few on this Amazon List: meethope.org/mhpamazon
• YouVersion Bible App (It's FREE!): https://www.youversion.com/
• A few more Bible Resources:
  • The Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/
  • The Bible for Normal People: https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/about-b4np/
  • Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/
• Small Groups at HOPE: meethope.org/groups
• Contact staff at HOPE for support! meethope.org/staff

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Talking to your kids about dating, relationships, and sex may be one of the most uncomfortable parenting responsibilities, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Jason Shinn (Hope Youth Director) and Amanda Cavaliere (Parenting and Marriage Coordinator, Preschool Director) tackle this conversation with humor, practical advice, honestly, and encouragement.  

Ready to become more comfortable with these essential conversations? Want to keep talking about it? Join Amanda and Jason for a parenting small group on April 27th at 9AM in the chapel at HOPE. Sign up here! meethope.org/groups

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

In this final episode of our four-part series, Pastor Jeff Bills talks with Bruce Main of UrbanPromise about Lonjezo University. The conversation reveals a pressing challenge in Malawi: only 3,000 university seats exist annually for more than 50,000 high school graduates. Urban Promise's seven high schools alone graduate 700-800 students yearly, with most having no pathway to higher education. Lonjezo University addresses this gap with a 60-acre campus featuring dormitories, classrooms, and facilities designed to provide quality education in an environment where students can thrive academically and spiritually. Learn more and make a gift to HOPE in Motion today at meethope.org/motion!

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Hope Church's Family Ministry team shares their vision for two reimagined classrooms as part of the Hope in Motion capital campaign, addressing crucial gaps for children with special needs and fourth/fifth graders in transition between children's and youth ministries.

If you'd like to support the Hope in Motion campaign to fund these classroom transformations along with other initiatives, visit meethope.org/motion and consider increasing your annual giving by 10% toward this initiative to help us reach our goal of $125,000.

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

What happens when centuries-old traditions of visual storytelling meet cutting-edge digital technology? At Hope Church, the answer comes in the form of an LED wall that promises to transform the worship experience.

Join some of HOPE's staff and future staff as they discuss one of the three initiatives connected to the Hope in Motion campaign, exploring not just what an LED wall is, but how it can impact a faith community.

Learn more and be a part of HOPE in Motion at meethope.org/motion

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

From a simple phone call asking "what can we do for Jeff when he retires?" emerged Hope in Motion, a capital campaign aimed at raising funds for innovative initiatives both locally and globally. In this conversation, Pastor Rick talks with Pastor Jeff and long time HOPE member and member of HOPE's Lead Team, John Grace, about how generosity today creates an impact far beyond what we can envision. Listen now and learn more at meethope.org/motion.

NOTES:

• HOPE in Motion Info can be found at meethope.org/motion.
• Have a direct question? Reach out at jeff@meethope.org.

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Hello, HOPE Podcast Listeners; we live in a fast-paced world where new material and ideas are thrown at you 24/7. Some of you told us this and said, "I want to listen to everything, but it's hard to catch up!" Well, we're here to help. We desire to be a place that is grateful for and respectful of your precious time. And so, to serve you best, we will every so often be resharing past episodes that we call second listen - because we think they are worth taking a second to replay! Even if you are an every week listener, we think having a second listen to these episodes will make an impact on your week and life. And if you have heard this one but are behind on new episodes, now is a great time to catch up on any others you have missed! 

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ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES (8/2023)

For this episode, we're welcoming James Lee, Director of Communications for the United Methodists of Greater New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.  This episode is a deep dive into the innovative world of online ministry, moving beyond merely streaming services to fully embrace the potential for technology to enhance faith communities and connect people to the local church. 

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Special Thanks to James! You can reach out to him at jlee@gnjumc.org
• Join in for HOPE online!
  • Worship: https://hope.altarlive.com/
  • Small Groups: https://meethope.org/groups
  • Social media: @meethopechurch on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
• Want to get involved with online ministry at HOPE? Emailing rick@meethope.org would be a great place to start!
• Checkpoint Church in NC link: https://www.checkpointchurch.com/

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Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Keith Mellon shares his journey of faith and service as the Facilities Manager at Hope Church. Discover what drives him to make a difference in the community and how he felt led to this role after searching for his own church family. 

• Keith's background and role at Hope Church  
• Transition from full-time public service to church ministry  
• The impact of faith on community involvement and personal fulfillment  

If you see Keith around the church, don't hesitate to stop him and thank him for all the hard work he does! 

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Pastor James Lee shares his inspiring journey of faith, growth, and finding his calling to ministry. Through transformative experiences, he reveals how he became a passionate advocate for community and service within the church.

Hear James talk about:
• James’s early influences in the church
• Wrestling with internal expectations and personal calling
• Discovering the church as a place for community service
• Emphasizing the value of engaging others' gifts in ministry

If you're enjoying the Meet Hope Podcast, subscribe and share it with your friends!

NOTES:

• Pastor James Lee's Bio: https://www.meethope.org/james-lee-bio-announcement
• Get to know James from previous podcast episodes!
  • Episode 37: Bridging Faith and Technology: Finding Community Online - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2065910/episodes/13383952
  • Episode 44: Exploring AI and ChatGPT's Impact on the Church with James Lee - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2065910/episodes/13403636
  • Episode 77: Seeking Unity and Transformation: Updates from the United Methodist Church's 2024 General Conference - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2065910/episodes/15079867

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Join in on the podcast this week where Pastor Rick talks with Pastor Jeff and Pastor James about the process that led to being appointed as HOPE's next lead pastor. Hear from both about what excites them about the future of HOPE as we get to know Pastor James and look towards the next chapter for HOPE's community.

NOTES:

• UMC Appointments Page: https://www.gnjumc.org/appointments/2025-appointments/
• Pastor James Lee's Bio: https://www.meethope.org/james-lee-bio-announcement
• Get to know James from previous podcast episodes!
  • Episode 37: Bridging Faith and Technology: Finding Community Online - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2065910/episodes/13383952
  • Episode 44: Exploring AI and ChatGPT's Impact on the Church with James Lee - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2065910/episodes/13403636
  • Episode 77: Seeking Unity and Transformation: Updates from the United Methodist Church's 2024 General Conference - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2065910/episodes/15079867

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

You're invited into a conversation with Christian Boynton about his transformative experience serving in Guatemala with the Peace Corps. Through personal stories, he shares how the power of silence and community impacted his faith and understanding of God’s presence in daily life. If you are contemplating how you can listen for God more in your own life, don't miss this one! Special thanks to Christian for sharing his story and experiences with us!

NOTES:

• Looking to practice prayer and contemplation, here are a few resources to check out:
  • Lectio 365: https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
  • Dwell: https://dwellapp.io/
  • Hallow: https://www.hallow.com/
  • 
    

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Hello HOPE Podcast Listeners, we are EXCITED about what we have coming your way throughout 2025. That being said, ALOT of the feedback some of you gave us in the last year was that it's hard to keep up sometimes! We recognize that we live in a fast paced world where new material and new ideas are thrown at you 24/7. We desire to be a place that is grateful for your time and respectful and useful for your time. And so in an effort to serve you best, we will from time to being resharing past episodes that we'll be calling second listen - where we'll be encouraging you to take a second to listen to an old episode we think is still relevant today. Even if you are a every week listener, we think having a second listen to these episodes will make an impact in your week and life. This second listen is called "Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable." 

NOTES:

• Original show notes for this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2065910/episodes/12170556
• Find a group at HOPE! meethope.org/groups

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

What are your hopes as a parent in 2025? What are you happy to say good bye to and leave behind in 2024? Hear from Amanda Cavaliere - Preschool Director & Marriage and Family Coordinator as we talk about navigating the unrelenting pressures of being a parent in 2025. You're invited to continue to conversation at Parenting 2025 in person on February 8! Sign up at meethope.org/parenting now!

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!

Hello listeners! Happy January! We're so thankful we get to share stories and nurture our faith here on the podcast, together, because of listeners like you! As we enter into a new year, we wanted to take some time to look back and share your top 3 episodes of 2024 so you can enjoy them again or perhaps catch an episode you missed for the first time! We also think this is a great time of year to scroll back through your podcast feed and catch up on other episodes you may have missed during the busy holiday season. So, here we go - at #1, this is episode 80, which was originally published in June of 2024, "Parenting Teens and Tweens and How to Not Do It Alone."

Be sure to tune in next week for our first NEW episode of 2025!

Send us a text

Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You can learn more at meethope.org or find us on socials @meethopechurch. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.online.church! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate us on Apple Podcasts and click the subscribe button so you don't miss new episodes every Monday!