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Our Special Events
"Dinner and a DVD" is Back
On Wednesday, December 13th we took a break from the commercial December rush we all get caught up in, and joined together for a royal feast of Mediterranean origin as we viewed the Day of Discovery DVD, "The Two Kings: Jesus and Herod."
We journeyed with the narrators to the Holy Land, where the stories of Jesus and Herod intersect. Saw the contrasts in the lives of two kings and their kingdoms. Learned about the reign of Herod the Great, and the role of the Magi.
As with previous Day of Discovery offerings, the commentary was presented in an interesting manner with the Biblical citations, and the views of actual Holy Land locations were starkly beautiful. We took this opportunity to examine the less familiar parts of the story of Jesus’ birth.
We began with appetizers at 6 PM, viewed the 30 minute film at 6:30, and then gathered for dinner, fellowship, and informal discussion as we sampled various examples of Mediterranean cuisine.
Every year in September, the Deacons host a backyard picnic to which everyone is invited. Hotdogs and hamburgers are provided and cooked by the deacons and other church members bring salads and desserts.
Games and other activities are organized for the children.
One occasion when the whole church can come together to have fun as well as provide a valuable service to the community, is our annual Pumpkin Festival. Invite your neighbors and friends to buy their fall decorating needs at our Pumpkin Patch of Hope. We'll have the best pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, crafts and more. Guaranteed!
The Annual Crop Walk in October raises funds for hungry neighbors around the block and around the world. Local aid goes to Lunch Break, Aslan, The Center for AIDS and HIV in Asbury Park, just to name a few.
"We walk because they walk."
November is a month of Remembrance. In our daily lives and also in church we celebrate the feasts of All Saints, All Souls, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christ the King. At Hope Church. November is the month when we remember our beloved friends and family members who have crossed the threshold between this life and eternal life.
Our Annual Candlelight Remembrance Service is usually held on the Sunday in November closest to All Saints Day. At three different places in the liturgy, names are read as family members come forward with candles, light them from the Christ Candle and place them on the Communion Table. With the growing number of lighted candles, the sanctuary increases in brightness until it is fully lighted, reminding us that the One who claimed to be the Light of the World - our Savior, Jesus Christ, is present with us.