On March 20, 1988, Hope Community Church was officially planted.

In this episode, Pastors Sid and Dave sit down with Pastor Steve Elzinga, the first pastor of Hope Community Church.

They discuss the vision and some of the behind the scenes of this original church plant back in the late 80s!

Pastor Steve Elzinga currently serves and resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife.

Time Stamp:

0:00~6:00 Introductions

6:01~21:59

22:00~34:48

34:49~41:18

41:19~55:01

55:02~1:00:14

1:00:15~End

What advice would you give to us now?

Mark 11:15-18

This week, Pastor Jonathan brings us the good news from the Gospel of Mark.

Jesus displays for us the heart of the Father, which is to live justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. Just like Jesus, we strive to reflect real justice, right-relationship and shalom, which is the will of the Father.

Matthew 6:19-25

This week, Pastor Dave brings us the good news of being a contrast community of generosity for this Thanksgiving Sunday.

Through the practice of gratitude, generosity, and cultivating relationships, we witness to God's Kingdom for a world that still wrestle against its master of money, greed, and possessions.

In this episode Pastor Dave sits down with Brittany, Audrey, Lydia, Joyce to discuss the topic of hospitality.

Over the summer, some ladies at our church met up to discuss the importance of hospitality. This conversation was inspired by the book that these ladies read together: "The Gospel Comes with a House Key."

Time Stamp:

0:00~1:54 Introduction

1:55~7:50 Memories of experiencing good hospitality

7:51~18:16 Some key things from the book?

18:17~21:06 Some encouragement from the book?

21:07~26:44 Some challenges to do something different?

26:45~30:40 What are some baby steps, practical takeaways from this book?

30:41~35:18 What steps should we as a church take to recover holistic hospitality?

35:19~ Ending

John 13:34-35

This week, Pastor Sid brings to us the good news about our calling to be a community of peace and reliance on God in a culture where fear, anxiety define the present moment.

What does it mean to be "political"? What does it mean to be Christian in politics?

In this episode, Valerie sits down with Dr. Leanne Smythe to have a live conversation about faith and politics.

This episode is a recording of a live All of Life event held at our church.

Dr. Leanne Smythe is the Assistant Professor of Political Studies at Trinity Western University.

Time Stamp:

0:00~2:01 Introduction

2:02~8:48 The basics: how do you define "politics"? And how would you define "faith"?

8:49~16:16 What is the political "right" and "left"? What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of each wing?

16:17~17:55 Why is there so much fighting in politics right now?

17:56~19:18 Why did you decide to get into politics as a Christian?

19:19~22:55 As a Christian, what is your opinion of the best form of government?

22:56~27:18 Key components of a liberal democracy?

27:19~35:11 Does faith belong in the public sphere? If so, how should we engage? What are some dangers of engaging?

35:12~41:21 How do we deal with government diversity?

41:22~48:51 How then can we deal with serious, divisive topics?

 Questions from the audience

48:52~50:11 If you could change 2 of the worst Canadian policies right now, what would they be?

50:12~56:25 When should we obey or resist the government?

56:26~59:49  How would you adjudicate the truckers' protest last year?

59:50~1:01:50 How is the Canadian Prime Minister's authority stronger in our government than the American President in US government?

1:01:51~1:04:37 Can a society survive without its foundational moral standards?

1:04:38~1:06:56 In world politics, where can we see God?

1:06:57~1:11:47 How do we navigate through our mass globalization?

1:11:48~1:15:59 Do you see our radical-individualism as a

Genesis 2:2 & Exodus 20:8-11

This week, Pastor Dave brings us the good news of our calling as a contrast community.

A part of our calling as Christians is to embody and live out the command to rest, to have sabbath as part of our lives.

We reflect God's image as our God also rested and embraced creation with joy. In the same way, we witness to the world of what it means to flourish and live as God first intended.

Matthew 20:20-28

This week, Pastor Dave starts our new sermon series called "Contrast Community." In this series, we want to reflect on our calling to be counter-cultural, to name and resist the idols we have in our culture today.

In Matthew 20, we read of a story of 2 disciples that sought greatness, but Jesus calls them to a way of humility and serving with our gifts. This is the upside-down Kingdom that seeks to serve in humility, not to lord over others.

Matthew 16:13-21

This week, Pastor Sid brings us God's Word for us from the Gospel of Matthew. Just as he asked his disciples, Jesus asks us: "who do you say I am?"

In the face of so many idols pulling for our attention, we confess that only Jesus is Lord, not Jesus plus something else.

Matthew 11:25-30

For this week, Pastor Jonathan brings us good news about putting on the yoke of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

Jesus invites us to a life of blessing, a life of putting on his yoke, not anyone else's. It is only by his grace and loving guidance that we can find true rest and comfort, which is why we can say amen when Jesus invites us to put on his yoke.