HOPE news - January 2012

A word from Roy Crowne
Let me take this moment, in the first month of 2012 to wish you an amazing and blessed year. A Year of Jubilee has a biblical precedent in Leviticus 25 and Luke 4. We invite the favour of the Lord on all that is planned throughout 2012. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is an amazing moment in our country’s history and an exciting opportunity for mission in both words and actions. Let’s pray that God will do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine and that within the party celebrations something of the kingdom of God will be expressed. Let’s pray that the power that was in Jesus to fulfil the Jubilee mandate – setting captives free - will be at work in us, in our communities. If there’s any way that we can serve you to bring this about together then do get in touch. May you know the Lord’s favour on all that you seek to do. Roy

Queen’s Big Jubilee Lunch
This is going to be big! A Big Jubilee Lunch on 3rd June in fact. By the 6th of Feb (the actual Accession day of our Queen) the whole range of resources, provided by HOPE partner organisations, will be available on our website. Everything you need to make your Diamond Jubilee celebrations a success - including videos, games, leaflets, the Grace, lesson plans and dramas. As the Big Jubilee Lunch resource page builds, find out how easy it is to hold a Big Lunch by watching our Queen's Jubilee video.

Care for the Family, another HOPE partner, supports the Big Jubilee Lunch as part of its aim to promote strong UK family life. “The Big Lunch is a great opportunity for churches to encourage parents within their communities to spend special time together with their children, and create memories that can be treasured for a lifetime,” says Mark Molden, Chief Executive. They have a great Host a Roast idea

Share your experience, ideas and plans
HOPE is about what happens in towns, villages and cities and we’re collecting stories and ideas for a new HOPE book for 2013. Tell us how you shared hope at Christmas or if you have plans to use a HOPE for Easter mission idea in your area. Send your input to us via Lucy Cooper. Get your copy of HOPE for Easter.

Remember Christmas?
The Queen’s Christmas broadcast was one of the stand-out moments of the festive season for us at HOPE. She talked about forgiveness and...you guessed it...hope! “Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: 'Fear not', they urged, 'we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Queen’s Christmas Day message

 
Light in every street update
Over 3,750 candles and prayer cards were distributed around the city of Hull throughout December as part of the Light in Every Street prayer project. Up to 10,000 people are estimated to have joined in prayer for the city and region on Christmas Eve: a great example of united prayer and sharing hope at Christmas. Light in Every Street

Prayer
Effective mission starts with prayer. We are thrilled that each month this year the Redeemed Christian Church of God have one church dedicated to praying for the nation and for HOPE as a catalyst for local transformation. 2012 is a year of prayer and opportunity. Use the HOPE prayer videos can help you explore what prayer means or get going. As it is the week of prayer for Christian unity this week, read what Bishop Graham Cray shared on this very topic: prayer and unity.

Sharing HOPE wider
HOPE is here to help you get your good news story to a wider audience. When you tell us what you are doing and give us your contact details, your HOPE activities become part of the big picture attracting maximum publicity. Recently, Liberti and Sorted magazine published articles highlighting just two leaders who are passionate about HOPE; Pastor Agu Irukwu from RCCG (Out on 18 Feb in Mar/Apr Sorted) and Rachel Jordan from the Church of England (Here's hope - January's Liberti article).

Mandy Harvey from Swansea HOPE suddenly found herself on local telly and in newspapers about the new night shelter hosted by seven churches. “It is amazing how it has really captured people’s attention and is causing conversations to happen in unusual places. Already, 2 guests have found accommodation and we’ve prayed with quite a few.” she said. Listen to Mandy on UCB UK, Sat 21st Jan at 10.15am or listen to Mandy here. Get inspired about telling your story and engaging with your local media.

Home HOPE – combining practical provision with pastoral care
Nottingham churches have added another element to their HOPE mission package. Home HOPE fits alongside existing healing and foodbank ministries, responding firstly with a pastoral visit to individuals who may need practical help at home. After discovering the need, the contact returns with a volunteer team to paint and repair the house or rescue the garden. Nigel Adams tells us more

Activate local youth mission - HOPE Revolution
“It’s exciting to see young people share eternal hope with passion. I meet with youth leaders from the north, south, east and west, as they seek God on regional missions and creative youth outreach. 2012 plans include; York mission in April, Ignite HOPE in Cardiff, Olympic outreach and a group marking one year on from the August riots.” said Phil Timson, HOPE’s Youth Director. Phil is available to speak at events, share vision, pray and plan with anyone who is activating local youth mission. Hope Revolution website.  Get in touch to see how he can support you.

God bless you, from the HOPE team.