The Meet Hope Podcast

Join in for the second of two episodes where Dave Falcone, Executive Pastor and now HOPE Food Pantry Director, shares stories of local businesses, volunteers, and organizations that make the pantry a cornerstone of community support. This episode shines a light on the collaborative spirit and dynamic volunteer engagement that keep the pantry thriving. We had so much great information to share and...

Join in for the first of two episodes where Dave Falcone, Executive Pastor and now HOPE Food Pantry Director, shares stories of local businesses, volunteers, and organizations that make the pantry a cornerstone of community support. This episode shines a light on the collaborative spirit and dynamic volunteer engagement that keep the pantry thriving. We had so much great information to share and s...

What does it truly mean to be defined by faith and service? Join us on the Meet Hope podcast for an inspiring conversation with Chris Black as he shares his journey from a high school student invited to a church dodgeball tournament to becoming a part of Hope's community. Chris's story, marked by impactful moments like a roofing service project and deep community bonds, reveals the profo...

Join us this week as we chat with Rob and Dana Carson, who share insights from their 17-year journey of marriage. They share ways they keep their bond strong amidst busy schedules with two teenagers and full time jobs. Together, they talk about the communication strategies that have helped them maintain a loving and resilient relationship, no matter what difficulties or challenges they have encoun...

Join in this week as Mark and Cindi share with us how God has shown up in their lives in unexpected ways, including through their place of residence! Together they share their heart for opening themselves up to whatever God gives them. They give numerous examples of the value of inviting others alongside you in your life, faith, and in their particular story, on their farm! Special thanks to Mark...

What happens at the intersection of faith and mental health? Join in as Ashley Black and Pastor Heather Mandela revisit this profound topic, building on our previous discussion from February 2023 - which is still one of our most listened to episodes! By fostering an environment of grace and curiosity, we can build deeper connections and appreciate the diverse ways people experience faith. Don’t mi...

This week we are sharing a favorite previous episode as we continue our back to school encouragement of you and your family! This episode was first released at the start of the school season in 2023. We hope it blesses you if it is new to you OR blesses you again in a new school year! Have a kid heading back to school this week? Know a parent or a teacher who is stressing about back to school? Thi...

Ever wondered how to seamlessly transition your kids from the carefree days of summer to the structured school year? Join in as Amanda Cavaliere, Director of Tomorrow's Hope Preschool and HOPE Marriage/Parenting Coordinator chats with Suzanne Passanante, an experienced kindergarten teacher. Learn practical tips on fostering independence and confidence in children of all ages. With personal an...

This week we sit down with Gabby and Andrew, who courageously share their personal journey through the trials of infertility and IVF. Their conversation sheds light on the complexities of infertility and offers a personal look at the blend of frustration and hope, doubt and joy that defined their path. This episode reminds us of the value of living in community, trusting in God's plan, and sh...

Curious about HOPE's Lead Team? Discover the unique leadership model that has been guiding Hope since 2007, as we sit down with a few current team members, Kelly Walenda and Jamie Reynolds. Their collaborative efforts highlight how this cohesive team balances serious business matters with fostering a supportive environment in line with the church's mission. Join us for an insightful epis...

Over this summer, we've been exploring a few phrases in our Christian culture and language that many of us say -- but we don't often consider what we mean when we say it. Today, Jason and Andrew taken on the phrase "God Doesn't Give You More Than You Can Handle." They share why those words can create more isolation than connection AND encourage us that there is a better wa...

On this special shorter summer episode, we hear from a few kids who attended VBS back in early July to hear, "how do you be friends with God?" Find out what they have to say about being friends with God, what makes a good friend, and their favorite parts of VBS this year! Send us Fan Mail Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about faith and hope! You...

What does it mean to truly "do life together"? As life throws its inevitable challenges our way, how can faith and community be a vital source of strength and support? In this  episode, Pastor Heather introduces the empowering concept of being a "hope holder"—someone who offers steadfast support and empathy without the need to fix everything. By sharing personal stories, we hig...

Why do certain songs stick with us? How can they make a difference in our lives? Listen in this week as Andrew shares with us a SUMMER PLAYLIST! Don't miss this fun and encouraging episode over at the Meet Hope Podcast! NOTES & RESOURCES: Get HOPE's SUMMER PLAYLIST! meethope.org/today Let Andrew know about your favorite songs! Email andrew@meethope.org Send us Fan Mail Thanks for bei...

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and your world is suddenly filled with uncertainty? In Part 2 or this 2 episode interview, Frank and Christy Appello open up about Frank's life-altering heart attack and journey of recovery. Together, Frank and Christy reflect on how love for and from their community has been both a source of strength and a testament to the power of belonging. T...

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and your world is suddenly filled with uncertainty? In Part 1 or this 2 episode interview, Frank and Christy Appello open up about Frank's life-altering heart attack and journey of recovery. Together, Frank and Christy reflect on how love for and from their community has been both a source of strength and a testament to the power of belonging. T...

 On this episode,  Amanda Cavaliere and Jason Shinn from family ministry team share their firsthand experiences and insights from leading small group sessions for parents. They delve into the unique opportunities that come with raising older kids and how community and open dialogue make all the difference. Amanda and Jason offer practical advice on fostering real-world connections and enhancing cr...

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 eve...

Ever wondered what "listening for God" really means? On this episode we explore this often-used but rarely defined phrase. Pastor Heather Mandala shares with us insights and personal experiences of how God's nudges can urge us out of our comfort zones to grow in unexpected ways. Discover how vulnerability, effort, and trust in God can transform your spiritual journey, pushing you to...

Join in for an insightful episode with Pastor Jeff Bills, as we learn about the transformative decisions and pivotal moments from the United Methodist Church's 2024 General Conference. We welcome back Director of Communications for the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Conference, Pastor James Lee to share about  his conference experience, where unity and diversity collide to forge the chur...

Join in for today's episode as we embark on the start of an ongoing conversation about transition and succession at Hope Church. Listen to Lead Pastor, Jeff Bills, answer questions you might have about the transition process and his eventual retirement. Jeff also shares what he is learning right now as he waits for what's next and invites you, listeners, to join him in the process! Have...

Discover how the act of legacy giving can carry forward your values and beliefs long after you've left the room. Brian Roberts of the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Conference joins Jeff Bills for a conversation on this transformative practice within faith communities. Find encouragement that you don't need a hefty bank balance to leave a profound impact. Brian shares how these choi...

Hello listeners! Whether you're in the midst of parenting challenges or just looking for a dose of inspiration, this one's for you! Coming off the celebration of Mother's Day, we wanted to share this encouraging conversation between Caitlin Peluszak, an elementary educator and active person of HOPE and Amanda Cavaliere, Marriage & Parenting Coordinator. Today we're talking...

Are you a parent of a kid or teen trying to decide what to do with your summer? Listen to the stories from these HOPE kids and teens this week to hear how VBS and Music Drama Camp made a difference in their lives last summer! If you are local, head to meethope.org/today to sign up for these fun activities this summer. If you live far away, we still hope this episode brings you hope and joy for how...

Join us this week as we welcome Dr. Nicole Widmer  to share her faith journey! Nicole shares how she desired to find a faith community for her family, how she wound up at HOPE, and how she has followed God's nudging her heart to create a community for women to be together, just as they are. Special thank you to Nicole for sharing with us! NOTES & RESOURCES: Want to share your story? Conta...