Better than a pop up art show or a beer garden, Circle of Hope gathered together partners, neighbors and friends to connect with God and each other at St Timothy’s Episcopal Church yesterday. Rachel Sensenig said it well – that our meeting might be more like a seed that has been germinating underground, sending out roots and pushing towards the surface, awaiting the right moment to pop up.
Pop up we did! Just over 100 people gathered for our first Sunday Meeting in the northwest. It was exciting to break out of the ‘”soil” to see what kind of new growth might happen. Some people showed up to this meeting for the first time, while a whole team of others hosted, led, or cared for the 25 children that came to the meeting. At the end, we all celebrated over an impressive spread of chips and dips. There was a lot of connecting going on.
A bunch of people told me they are looking forward to our next pop up in the northwest on May 22nd! We learned a lot this time around and can make some practical improvements. We didn’t do everything right, but we didn’t need to. We did act on our conviction and our love and took a risk to try something new. Under the expansive love of Jesus, something good will grow.
Julie Hoke, reporting
Julie Hoke is the Lead Cell Leader Coordinator for Circle of Hope, she’s a part of the South Broad congregation and one of our apprentice pastors.
great to hear about this! thanks for the pics and the story.