The Meet Hope Podcast

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 conversati...

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 th...

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...

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!

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 @meethop...

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 ...

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 H...

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...

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...

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 lik...

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 conversation...

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...

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/...

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 commun...

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...

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...

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 fulfill...

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
• Emphasi...

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...

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 sto...