The Meet Hope Podcast

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 Performing Arts: https://glorifyperformingarts.org/

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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! 

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 at heather@meethope.org
• Connect with Brynn at The Center for Christian Counseling & Relationship Development: cccrd.org
• Find a Parenting Small Group! meethope.org/groups

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 Resources or Support.

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 episode to pass on to a friend who is raising kids too! 

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Recovered and Restored: https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/
• Contact Amanda at amanda@meethope.org

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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.  

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 alike. As we converse with Glenn, his journey from his family's spiritual roots to spearheading regional church missions unfolds, revealing a landscape where faith doesn't just meet tradition but innovates to serve humanity.

Glenn also helps us better understand the nuanced path of pastoral appointments, where the art of matching a pastor's unique gifts to a congregation's needs is as delicate as it is profound.  Join us for an episode that promises to enrich your understanding of the interplay between faith, leadership, and community.

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 Our Limitations: Jeff and Marilyn Bills Share an Update on Jeff's Eyesight.
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This week on the podcast, Pastor Jeff Bills and Worship Director Marilyn Bills share an update on the latest changes to Jeff's eyesight including new accommodations and the new opportunities that come with them. Whether you want to learn more about Retinitis Pigmentosa, or are looking for encouragement with areas of limitation in your own life, today's episode is a very special interview we hope you'll learn something new about faith and hope from. 

NOTES & RESOURCES:

More information on Retinitis Pigmentosa: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa
The Seeing Eye Organization: https://www.seeingeye.org/
2 Corinthians 12: https://www.bible.com/bible/111/2CO.12.NIV
You Version Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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, Recovery, Reformation.
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How have the last two years led us to where we are now?  And why are we doing a podcast? In this episode Rick Court & Jeff Bills talk about where we have come from so we can look ahead, including a new three year challenge for HOPE we're calling, "Let's Grow." 

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Article -- "Leading Beyond the Blizzard" by Andy Crouch, Kurt Keilhacker, and Dave Blanchard.
• Podcast on church attendance  --  "Are People Coming Back to Weekend Services?" by The Unstuck Church Podcast.

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 Faith Partners with Our Families with Amanda & Lou Cavaliere

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Today is week two of our three episode series where we take a look at how our faith partners with other parts of our lives every day. For this first episode Heather Mandala talks with Amanda & Lou Cavaliere on what it looks like to practice our faith in the day to day life of family life and raising kids. 

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Family Ministry at HOPE: meethope.org/family
• Tomorrow's HOPE Preschool: meethope.org/preschool

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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!

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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-Carols-Celebrate-Advent/dp/1640702709
• Contact Pastor Rick at rick@meethope.org
• Learn more about Christmas at HOPE! Go to https://www.meethope.org/christmas

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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-Carols-Celebrate-Advent/dp/1640702709
• Contact Pastor Rick at rick@meethope.org
• Learn more about Christmas at HOPE! Go to https://www.meethope.org/christmas

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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-Carols-Celebrate-Advent/dp/1640702709
• Contact Pastor Rick at rick@meethope.org
• Learn more about Christmas at HOPE! Go to https://www.meethope.org/christmas

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 throughout our conversation: Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. As we enter into this time of celebration, we invite you to experience Advent with HOPE this year!

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Contact Pastor Rick: rick@meethope.org
• More about candle colors: https://www.learnreligions.com/symbolic-colors-of-advent-700445
• Check out some of Randy's writing: http://www.randypetersen.com/
• Join in for Advent and the arrival of Christmas at HOPE: https://www.meethope.org/christmas
• Have a Monday School Idea? Email us at podcast@meethope.org

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 admit that holidays can be challenging and to help you navigate this journey with glimmers of hope and grace.

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Special Thanks to Gabby of Recovered and Restored: https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/
• Need Support? Reach out to Pastor Heather: heather@meethope.org
• Find community at HOPE this Christmas: https://meethope.org/christmas 

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy
• Read: Branden Sanderson - https://bookshop.org/contributors/brandon-sanderson
• Local Place: On the Border - https://www.ontheborder.com/

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

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 gingerbread, volunteer or learn about Christmas at meethope.org/christmas!
• Contact Kasey Cornforth at kasey@meethope.org
• Contact Pastor Rick Court at rick@meethope.org

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.

Every once in a while we do an episode on the podcast we call "Monday School" where we dig deeper into the what's, how's, and why's for different aspects of faith and hope. Since HOPE is part of the United Methodist Church we thought we'd take an episode to talk about - what exactly does that mean? After some brief background, Pastors Jeff and Rick turn their focus to one word that could explain it all - grace. How does the practice of grace impact and influence all that HOPE does as well as for each of us in our individual faiths? 

NOTES & RESOURCES:

• Contact Pastor Jeff at jeff@meethope.org
• Contact Pastor Rick at rick@meethope.org
• Learn more about the UMC - https://www.umc.org/en and https://www.gnjumc.org/

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. Join in for worship on Sundays at meethope.live! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@meethope.org.