The Meet Hope Podcast

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...

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 initia...

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...

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...

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 resharin...

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 an...

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 communi...

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-app...

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 than...

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 use...

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...

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...

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...

Hello listeners! Happy New Year! Did you know that we celebrated 3,951 downloads last year? We get to share stories and nurture our faith here, together, because of 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...

In our latest Meet Hope podcast episode, we sit down with Olivia Salandra, a dedicated high school English teacher, who opens up about the joys and challenges of creating a classroom where students feel free to explore and express their thoughts. Her experiences remind us of the true essence of teaching—not just imparting knowledge, but inspiring critical thinking and open dialogue. This episode a...

In this special series for Advent called, "Encounter Loves Pure Light,"  we're here to guide you through the season with a fresh perspective and creative reflection. Join us this week as we talk with Battalion Chief George Read. What drives someone to run towards danger when others run away? Growing up in a family devoted to firefighting, George shares how his father and godfather&a...

In this special series for Advent called "Encounter Loves Pure Light,"  we're here to guide you through the season with a fresh perspective and creative reflection. Join us this week as Matt and Rachel Abad, both healthcare professionals and a part of HOPE's community, share their thoughts and experiences about what it means to be human. Our conversation revolves around how we...

How does light shape our lives? In this special series for Advent called, "Encounter Loves Pure Light,"  we're here to guide you through the season with a fresh perspective and creative reflection. Join us this week as we illuminate the powerful metaphor of light with HOPE member Jack Shaw, who has vast experience in lighting and set design. Jack explores how lighting transforms spa...

What if the words you choose could transform your relationships and deepen your connection with God and others? In this special series for Advent called, "Encounter Loves Pure Light,"  we're here to guide you through the season with a fresh perspective and creative reflection. This week, we explore the power of language and its ability to shape our environments. Inspired by Jesus as...

Thanksgiving is this Thursday, but Amanda Cavaliere (THPS Preschool Director, Marriage & Parenting Coordinator) and Heather Mandela (Pastor of Families) are here to convince us that gratitude shouldn’t wait for a holiday invitation. Join in as Amanda and Heather explore the art of letting go of picture-perfect expectations and shifting focus towards meaningful connections.  NOTES: - Contact he...

This week on the podcast, Ashley chats with ministry leaders Andrew Barber and Jason Shinn as they share their unique paths into church ministry. We also talk about how everyday interactions can be powerful avenues for meaningful connections and what it means to be "church in the margins." We celebrate the small, everyday moments where faith and action intersect, encouraging you to liste...

Join in with us as we CELEBRATE this week! The Meet Hope Podcast published it's 100th episode this week and we are so grateful to each and every one of you who listens and makes it possible to keep going!  We gather six of HOPE's incredible staff to commemorate this milestone. They share the journey of the podcast, their favorite episode moments, and laugh a lot along the way. Don't...

Join us on the Meet Hope podcast for this week's fun conversation with Kasey Cornforth, HOPE Kids Director! Ever wondered how you can connect emotions with spirituality for kids? Kasey introduces an innovative small group initiative inspired by the Inside Out movies called "Turning the Bible Inside Out." This creative approach helps children, especially third to fifth graders, navig...

Are you feeling the stress and tension of existing alongside others who think or feel differently than you right now? Join in as Pastor Jeff Bills shares insights from Andy Stanley's compelling book "Not In It To Win It." We confront the challenging reality of election seasons, where fear and anger often overshadow compassion and understanding within the church. Jeff emphasizes how...

Join Worship Director Andrew Barber, along with our guests Ryan and Olivia, as we explore the idea of throwback worship music and why those songs stick with us. Be sure to come to worship night on OCTOBER 23 at 7PM at HOPE ! NOTES & RESOURCES: Songs and Bands mentioned: We Fall Down Oceans MercyMe Who Am I? I Can Only Imagine Shane & Shane Christ Be All Around Me Majesty Yearn Delirious? Y...