Dear Hope friends and family,
May God be with you and yours during these days. As we all experience the difficulty and stress surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to respond to limit its spread, I’m praying that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Our God is always good, and His love has and will continue to endure forever in Christ. And because He is good and is able to supply all of our needs in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), we are able to overflow in love and generosity to others in their time of need. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be God’s people – don’t take these moments for granted! Even if our routines must change for a period of time, opportunities abound for us to grow in Jesus and to share His love.
Given the ever-changing nature of this situation and the ways that governing officials are directing us to respond to it, we ask you to continue to check in for information about how we plan to conduct our life together at Hope. With the help of our dedicated staff and lay leaders, we are moving forward with the following plan, effective through the end of Governor Evers’ “Safer at Home” order (May 26, unless it is canceled earlier).
- For the coming weeks, normal worship services at our church building will be canceled (Wednesday and Sunday). We will provide a video recording of worship for use in your homes, with a link available at our website hopedepere.org. As we approach May 26, we will reevaluate the situation and communicate a plan for the weeks that follow.
- In cooperation with Gov. Evers’ order, we are encouraging members to avoid non-essential travel, including trips to the church building. If you have a pastoral care concern or request, please feel welcome to contact Pastor Baye at mbaye@hopedepere.org or call/text me at 586-495-0253.
- Our DCE Hannah Zahrte is working diligently and creatively to provide youth and Sunday School content on our website for use in your homes with your children. Please visit hopedepere.org in the days to come to make use of what will be made available, and enjoy learning the amazing accounts of God’s Word with your children!
- Our Confirmation families will be sent weekly links to continue instruction via the Zoom platform on Sundays at 10am.
- All non-worship in-person functions at Hope will also be canceled. Again, we will reevaluate this practice as we draw nearer to May 26. Boards, committees, and other groups may be meeting online – check with the leader of your group for more information.
- In compliance with Gov. Ever’s order and in concert with the De Pere School District, Angels of Hope Preschool will be closed through May. I praise God for Gail Thiel and Kim Thompson, who are working diligently and creatively to give our preschool families supplies and online resources to continue their educational journey at home. Plans are also being made to celebrate our graduating 4K students.
- As you are aware, the “business” of our ministry is supported through the resources that God supplies through His people. He is good and faithful – He will see us through! I ask you prayerfully and generously to support the work that God has given us to share, either by mailing your offerings or by using the Online Giving option available at our website.
- Additionally, our friends and neighbors in our community will continue to experience need. We are blessed to be partners with the De Pere Christian Outreach Food Pantry, which supplies donated food to hundreds of individuals each month. We would encourage you to leave a gift of non-perishable food in the storage containers that will be placed outside our front doors at Hope. These containers will be checked regularly, and the donations will be delivered to the pantry.
- During these times of increasing isolation, I would encourage you to reach out by phone to fellow members of our church community – especially to those who may be in need of cheer or even a grocery delivery. This is a great chance for us to love one another in words and actions! And if you are a person in need of connection, please do not hesitate to call me or one of your fellow members in the body of Christ.
May God be with you all! I pray that He’ll keep us grounded and established in the sure footing of His presence and promises in Jesus. Today and always, we live by faith in Him and in love toward our neighbor. May He grant you the grace to trust in His goodness and to be a blessing to the people around you today! These are the moments where Jesus’ love shines bright.
Christ’s peace and joy be yours,
Pastor Baye