The Meet Hope Podcast

This week we welcome Rachel Abad to the podcast! Rachel is a nurse practitioner, mom to five, and self-proclaimed “fiber enthusiast” loving all things related to knitting and fiber arts. Rachel shares with us how her faith has always carried her, no matter what the different chapters of her life have looked like. She encourages us in what it means to take a chance on a new place and find a support...

Have you ever been witness to unwavering faith and resilience that shapes a life's story?  Join in for this episode where a HOPE community member, Bob Brown, shares part of his story with us. In our conversation Bob shares how consistent pursuit of sharing his faith with others transformed not only his personal life but also his business. If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader o...

What does it look like when we step out of our comfort zone in an effort to follow God's lead? Listen to Scott Crews, HOPE's New Food Pantry Director, share a bit about his story of faith. Scott also gives us recent updates on the day to day of the Food Pantry! We hope this episode will inspire you to follow whatever "inner nudging" you might be feeling in your life too, trusti...

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of skepticism and faith, wondering if there's a place for you in a spiritual community? Our guests, Bill and Kelly Walenda, understand that feeling , and they're here to recount their story of  finding a faith home at Hope.  Their  stories of navigating initial doubts and discovering an energetic, personal worship experience are both inspiring and re...

Pursuing Anti-Racism is a Jesus thing. It's a disciple of Jesus thing. This week, Betty Joynes and Lori Chewkanes, Members of HOPE's Lead Team and HOPE's Racial Justice Team, continue the conversation with Pastor Rick Court about  choosing to be anti-racist and why it is a necessity to how we live our lives as Christian. Betty and Lori share practical ways we can work to end the sin...

"Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in,” writes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands.” This week, Betty Joynes and Lori Chewkanes, Members of HOPE's Lead Team and HOPE's Racial Justice Team, join with Pastor Rick Court in a conve...

Join in this week as HOPE Worship Artist and Youth Leader, Gabrielle Byrnes, shares her story of how creative expression can deepen our connection with God and infuse our everyday lives with a sense of divine purpose. Listen in as we discuss the myriad ways in which our passions can serve as conduits for prayer, worship, and a richer, more intentional faith journey. NOTES & RESORUCES: Glorify...

Join in this week as Katie Barok, HOPE community member, small group leader, and experience hiker shares how her passion for hiking led her to grow in her faith and discover the value of a spiritual family in her life. Listen in!  Send us Fan Mail 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 social...

Join in as Kris Peluszak, one of HOPE's worship leaders, shares how he worships, not just in music, but in his life lived every day. This episode is not just about songs on a Sunday; it's about the rhythm of a Christ-centered life.  NOTES & RESOURCES: Contact Andrew to learn about worship at HOPE - andrew@meethope.org Send us Fan Mail Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as...

Raising teenagers can feel like navigating an ever-shifting maze, but you're not alone! In our latest episode, we sit down with Brynn Gutelius, who having raised two teens,  shares how she has sought the delicate balance of fostering independence while maintaining connection.  Brynn also shares what she has learned about herself in her parenting journey. NOTES & RESOURCES: Contact Heather...

Struggling to find balance as you care for your children and aging parents? You're not alone. In today's episode Vickie Crews shares her own story of caring for multiple aging parents, what helped her, and where she finds hope in the process.  NOTED & RESOURCES: Book  - "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande Contact Amanda at amanda@meethope.org for more Marriage & Parenting Re...

Recently, HOPE hosted Parenting in 2024 - a series of workshops for parents with kids of all ages. We’re excited to share some of the content from those workshops here on the podcast too! On today’s episode, Marriage & Parenting Coordinator, Amanda Cavaliere, talks with Licensed Professional Counselor, Gabrielle Morreale, about how to foster a healthy self image in our kids. This is a great ep...

For this episode Bruce Main of Urban Promise shares how Urban Promise International began, the difference it makes in empowering young leaders around the world, and what it means to cast vision as a leader.   Send us Fan Mail 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 @ meethopechurch . ...

We're glad to welcome Glenn Conaway this week as he joins us to illuminate the responsibilities and joys of a district superintendent in the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Glenn shares the essence of the Hope Centers initiative, where church walls expand to embrace the pulsing needs of the community, breathing new life into both sacred spaces and neighborhoods a...

Hello Listeners! In celebration of the new year, we're looking back to our top 3 episodes that you downloaded and listened to the most in 2023! We'll be back with new content on January 22 - until then we hope you enjoy re-experiencing these wonderful stories of HOPE or experiencing them for the first time! Here is your number one downloaded episode: Episode # 11 - Grief and Gratitude in...

Hello Listeners! In celebration of the new year, we're looking back to our top 3 episodes that you downloaded and listened to the most in 2023! We'll be back with new content on January 22 - until then we hope you enjoy re-experiencing these wonderful stories of HOPE or experiencing them for the first time! Here is your number two downloaded episode: Episode # 1 - Let’s Grow - Relief, Re...

Hello Listeners! In celebration of the new year, we're looking back to our top 3 episodes that you downloaded and listened to the most in 2023! We'll be back with new content on January 22 - until then we hope you enjoy re-experiencing these wonderful stories of HOPE or experiencing them for the first time! Here is your number three downloaded episode: Episode # 13 - Faith AND: How Our F...

Today we're sending Christmas wishes from everyone here at the Meet HOPE Podcast into your audio feed! Wherever you are this Christmas, we are praying it is one filled with the hope, joy, peace, and love that Jesus brings. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We'll meet you here in 2024! Send us Fan Mail Thanks for being a part of the HOPE community as we continue conversations about fait...

Each week during Advent, Rick Court and Randy Petersen are getting together to reflect on one word that represents the Advent season! This week's word is "GIFT." Join in to be encouraged and help center your spirit on the reason to celebrate the season!  NOTES & RESOURCES: Advent Devotional: The Wonder of Christmas by Randy Petersen - https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Christmas-Caro...

Each week during Advent, Rick Court and Randy Petersen are getting together to reflect on one word that represents the Advent season! This week's word is "MAGI." Join in to be encouraged and help center your spirit on the reason to celebrate the season!  NOTES & RESOURCES: Advent Devotional: The Wonder of Christmas by Randy Petersen - https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Christmas-Caro...

Each week during Advent, Rick Court and Randy Petersen are getting together to reflect on one word that represents the Advent season! This week's word is "STAR." Join in to be encouraged and help center your spirit on the reason to celebrate the season!  NOTES & RESOURCES: Advent Devotional: The Wonder of Christmas by Randy Petersen - https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Christmas-Caro...

Do you celebrate the Advent season each year but wonder, why exactly do we call it Advent? On this episode, we discover the fascinating evolution and purpose of Advent in Christianity as we sit down with Randy Peterson, author and member of the Hope community. We learn some of the rich history and significance of this season as well as fun facts like, why all those candles? A promise rings clear t...

Ever find yourself torn between the blissful cheer of holiday decorations and melodies, and the creeping stress of high expectations and obligations? You're not alone. This week, Pastor Heather Mandala and Licensed Professional Counselor Gabby Morreale, explore these conflicting emotions many of us face during this festive season. We’re here to assure you that it's perfectly okay to admi...

Get to Know HOPE! On this episode, HOPE's Visual Tech Coordinator, Corey Tyler, shares a little about himself, how he came to serve at HOPE, and how tech is a form of worship for him and his volunteers. NOTES & RESOURCES: Connect with Corey: Email corey@meethope.org Learn more about Worship Arts at HOPE: https://www.meethope.org/worshiparts Watch: Ted Lasso - https://tv.apple.com/us/show/...

It's November, which means in addition to celebrating Thanksgiving, here at HOPE we are looking forward to our annual Tree Lighting! Ever wanted to hear more behind the scenes of how we do the tree lighting or why? Listen to Kasey and Rick share in this fun conversation that brings tidings of comfort and joy your way!  NOTES & RESOURCES: Learn more about the Tree Lighting, sign up for gin...