Hope Community Wilmington: NEWSLETTER #1

Hope's Very First Newsletter!

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Peter has always been one of my biblical heroes.

He reminds me somewhat of a labrador retriever. Peter is eager, passionate and sometimes knocks the drinks off the table with his tail as he slobbers everywhere.

Peter and I are similar.

Oh I wish I could have been in the boat that day with the other disciples when Jesus came walking towards them on top of the water. Peter the labrador recognized his Lord and hurled himself over the side of the boat to be closer to Jesus. Jumping out of a boat to walk on water is not exactly the social norm, yet Peter risked.

Starting Hope Community is a risk. Moving across the country is a risk. Following Jesus in general calls us out of safety and to risk. As we go together on this holy journey remember that we are not risking for the sake of risk, but for Jesus Christ and his Kingdom. May we keep our eyes fastened to the Savior, the One who keeps us from sinking.
God is Good,
Nate

Greetings!- Many of you met with us for our very first informational meeting two weeks ago at Steve and Kathy Risley's. We really had no idea what to expect or who to expect at that first gathering. Needless to say, it has been humbling to see the excitement in many of you as this new mission begins to take shape. In this very first Hope newsletter we aim to keep you informed so you might be able to discern how God might be calling you to partner with or pray for Hope.

Where will Hope meet? At this very moment, many of us are looking around town for a place to gather on Sunday evenings. We have looked at schools and other churches who do not have Sunday evening programming. This temporary space will allow us to meet for the first 6 months as we pray, study scripture and discern the future of Hope Community. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Where are the Stratmans? Nate’s last day of work in Colorado is August 1st. The house will soon go on the market and the 4 of them will make the trek to NC, visiting family on the way. First Presbyterian of Colorado Springs has been so supportive of the Stratmans, taking every chance to celebrate their ministry over the past 9 years.

Who is paying for all of this?
A new church must raise up and recruit both leaders and every bit of financial support to sustain itself for the mission it is called to. At first this seems daunting, yet God reminds us of his faithful provision each step of this journey. We have received financial support from across the country, including Wilmington. Some have made monthly pledges of all amounts while others have made one-time gifts. Each gift has been a lesson in faith and humility for us. Hope’s projected budget for the first 18 months is $160, 000 and we are well on our way. If you are interested in making a tax deductible financial contribution, please send a check to:
Hope Community Church 3418 Prince George Avenue, Castle Hayne, NC 28429

Put August 21st on your calendar for our first time of
bible study and sharing a meal as a community.

Our mailing address is:
3418 Prince George Avenue
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
Our website is:
www.hopeforwilmington.com

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Hope Community · 3418 Prince George Avenue · Castle Hayne, NC 28429 · USA