Hope 08
Begin 2008 in Prayer
Some years ago a woman was explaining to me that she had no formal religious beliefs. Instead her creed led her to live life to the full, not to hurt others as far as possible and generally to have a good time. I suggested there was nothing wrong with any of these, but what about “hope”? Her reply has stayed with me: “There’s no such thing as hope.”
Without hope there is death – mental, emotional, spiritual or even physical death. Most of us operate with some sense of hope, whether or not we recognise it. Perhaps we know people who have lost hope and feel “Something inside has died.” Meanwhile the Bible has much to say about hope: “…suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5: 3-5). “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). And even if the greatest of these three is love, it shows how special hope is!
Lots of people around see the church as utterly irrelevant to life. Yet many Christians live out their faith in ways which are central to other people’s well-being. Hope08 offers opportunities for Christians from all church backgrounds to work together with and for their local community on practical projects. Over time relationships can develop, leading to conversations about the God who provides hope in all circumstances, even bringing resurrection out of death.
The people who devised Hope08 want Christians to offer hope to our nation. To paraphrase from the Hope08 DVD, it would be wonderful if the church were seen not as one million fingers wagging in disapproval but two million arms outstretched in welcome!
There are copies of the Hope08 DVD in every Anglican Church in Derby Diocese and several more in other churches. There is also an excellent Hope08 resource manual, giving ideas for use throughout next year. Already in Chesterfield and Glossop churches are working together to bring hope to Derbyshire. Why not watch the DVD with other Christians, pray together and discover how God might use you during a year of hope.
Contact us for more information or click Hope08 to look at the main Hope08 website
Hope 08 in Derbyshire >> (NEW)
BRINGING HOPE to NORTH WALSHAM >> (NEW)
HOPE 08 FLYER >> (NEW)
Give blood - Save a life today >> (NEW)
Declaration of Hope for 2008 >>
Hope 08 Postcard >>
Hope 08 Novemeber update >>
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