HopeGateWay

Christie Dahlin, HopeGateWay’s community and administrative coordinator, presents the sermon for the third Sunday of Lent. “Sometimes it feels safer, easier, wiser,” she says, “to do acts of love and care that show love in subtle ways rather than to proclaim them boldly with our words.” In a world that misunderstands or distorts his message, it is crucial to proclaim Christ clearly.

Rev. Sara Ewing-Merrill’s sermon for the first Sunday of Lent encourages us to take a leap of faith and follow Jesus, even when we don't know what the future holds, and reminds us that Jesus will always be with us on the journey.

In a co-created sermon, facilitated by Ophelia Hu Kinney, people of the HopeGateWay community noted that belonging is prioritized over belief, mirroring Jesus's approach with his followers. Members are committed to creating a just and transformative world through service, witness, and advocacy. They value diversity and inclusivity, striving to create a welcoming environment for all, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances.

Ophelia Hu Kinney, Robin Jellis, Wanda Stahl, and Allen Ewing-Merrill discuss HopeGateWay’s core values: community, inclusivity, creativity, simplicity, and transformation. They share personal experiences and insights on how these values have deepened their spiritual lives and impacted their relationships within the church. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing change and fostering a welcoming environment where people can explore their faith and grow together.

"Our mission is to become fully human, to become who we are meant to be," said Rev. Sara Ewing Merrill, in the beginning sermon of the "Belonging" series. "I hope that in the next few weeks you'll feel challenged" as we look at our core values through the lens of Micah 6:8.

Welcome Home to 515 is an open house for our new neighbors of the Woodford/Rosemont community as well as an opportunity for HopeGateWay folks to experience our new ministry center. Rev. Sara Ewing-Merrill joins Dr. Arthur McClanahan in a conversation, about what to look forward to during Welcome Home and what help is needed for it to be an exciting event.