Read about what's going on in our HopeGateWay Community Newsletter May 9, 2025.
Sundays at 10am EST
In person at 515 Woodford St in Portland, Maine
& on Zoom
Dial in audio: 1.929.205.6099
Meeting ID: 533 469 2118
Our New Sermon Series is Undeterred: Stories Of The Resistance
The powers and forces of Empire both in Ancient times and today make life hard for those of us who struggle to be treated with human dignity and to have enough to survive. Even though life may be filled with challenges, we continue the struggle. We don't give up. We are undeterred!
In these weeks between Easter and Pentecost, we will hear stories of our ancient ancestors who used their unique positions to side for justice, to stand against harm, and to work together to find a way through the chaos life brought them. These biblical stories highlight different ways of resisting, of persevering in the face of setbacks, of remembering that there are many roles needed as we stand up against the powers of Empire. We hope that these stories may inspire us to each find our own unique place in the world today to use the power we have for the good of all.
For more inspiring ideas of "How to resist an oligarchy" check out all the different roles that are needed.
Pause & Reflect through the practice of Lectio Divina
Tuesdays • 10:00-10:30am on Zoom
In these days with a lot of troubling news swirling around and within us, taking a moment to simply pause, reflect, and be with others can be a gift. All are welcome to join Pastor Christie each Tuesday at 10 am via Zoom to do just that. We will center our time together around the practice of Lectio Divina, or sacred reading. We will read and reflect on either the text for the upcoming Sunday or a poem connected to the theme. This is not a “heady” study but a space to listen to the text, ponder it, and see what invitation is arising within you. This group will be on zoom and just 30 minutes. No prep needed. This is an open group — you can join any week.
Life After Doom
A Book Study with Wanda Stahl & Allen Ewing-Merrill
Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm (a combination of in-person and online sessions)
Join others from the HopeGateWay community for a 9-session study of Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, by celebrated author Brian McLaren. As we wade more deeply into the realities of climate change, and as the instability of our systems and structures becomes more apparent, we are confronted with many possibilities for what the future may hold — and all those scenarios, to varying degrees, hold suffering and darkness as well as potential for healing and transformation. The work of holding these unknown worlds while actively working toward a better future can be lonely, especially when the scaffolding of our systems feels inadequate at best and actively harmful at worst. How do we look honestly at what is while envisioning a way forward for ourselves, our communities, and our world? Join us for the conversation.
- First Session: Monday, March 31 • 6:30-8:00 pm at HopeGateWay
- Online Sessions: Mondays, April 14, April 28, May 19, June 2, June 16, June 30, and July 14 • 6:30-8:00 pm
- Final Session: Monday, July 28 (tentative) • 6:30-8:00 pm • in person (location TBA)
If you're interested in participating, please sign up here. We encourage you to obtain your own copy of the book at your favorite bookstore. Please let Wanda or Allen know if you need assistance in locating a book.
HopeGateWay Kids: Children's Faith Formation & Parent Fellowship
Sunday, June 1 • 9am
Calling all HGW Kids ages 4-10! Save the dates of May 4 and June 1 for our next HGW kids gathering!
HGW Kids is a time of exploring what it means to follow Jesus in community through singing, storytelling, discussion, and sensory play. We can't wait to wonder and listen and play with you! Parents are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation together during the kids' meeting time.
As we figure out the best flow and the amount of volunteer energy we have for HGW Kids faith formation, we will be aiming to do a monthly pre-worship gathering. If you are interested in volunteering with HWG Kids in any capacity (bringing snacks, telling a story, leading a song, being the helper for the lead facilitator) please contact Christie.
Faith in Action Community Forum
Saturday, May 10 • 12:34 – 2:30 pm
First Parish UU, 425 Congress Street
Co-sponsored by Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition and Multifaith Justice Maine
First Parish joins with the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition and Multifaith Justice Maine to present a Community Forum that provides clarity around current issues facing the immigrant community and offers guidance on how best to support those in need.
The event on Saturday, May 10, 12:30-2:30pm, will include a call to action by Rev. Jodi Hayashida, Director of Multifaith Justice Maine, and a panel moderated by Mufalo Chitam, Director of Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition. There will be light snacks and informational tables for participating organizations from 2:30 to 3:30pm. No registration is necessary for attendance. If you have questions or accessibility needs, please visit: bit.ly/FIAcontact
Panelists include Crystal Cron, Founder and Director of Presente! Maine; Molly Cullen Rowles, Director of ACLU Maine; and Sara Ewing-Merrill, Lead Pastor of HopeGateWay Church. (See link for full bios.) There will be time for questions and action planning, followed by a social hour that includes light snacks and information tables hosted by participating organizations.
Spring Community Sing
Sunday, May 11 & 25 • 3:30-5pm • 515 Woodford Street
Facilitated by Emilia Dahlin and Deb Bicknell (Transcendence Project) in a perfection-free field. No Experience necessary.
Difficult times call us to utilize one of our oldest social technologies to keep us united, connected, motivated, and regulated — singing!
We sing to fuel our movements: Songs can ignite and sustain causes for liberation and progression that we hold dear.
We sing for medicine: We can regulate and activate our bodies and brains, feel a sense of belonging, connect with neighbors and friends, and fill our cups to sustain our work. We can channel grief and anger or elicit reverence and PLAY! Through singing we practice bravery, vulnerability, and community care. We feel the power generated by joining our voices as ONE.
You’re welcome to bring a simple song to share! Please add to this song/singing resource we’re building, which also offers some considerations for songs to bring.
Please listen to your body and come another time if you’re feeling less than healthy. Masking is always welcome. Air purifiers will be present. Children welcome!
Free to all (any donations to support the space appreciated).
What is a community sing? Questions: emilia@emiliadahlin.com
Sign up for the mailing list to learn about future dates.
Spring Work Day (Part 2)
Saturday, May 17 • 10 am – 12 pm • 515 Woodford Street
We had so much fun at the first work day that we are having another one on May 17! You are invited to come help with indoor and outdoor projects, from painting to organizing to yard work, and a variety of other handy projects. All are invited and encouraged to join us on Saturday, May 17 for another work day!
There are also some small projects that could be completed on a Sunday after worship. Please contact a Building Team member with questions — these include Martin Turnidge, Katie Mears, Sara Bruce, Allen Ewing-Merrill, Stephanie Cooke, Luke Brostek, Jean Oligny-Warrow, and Rick Smart.
Youth Service Corps
Sunday, May 18th • 12-2 pm
1st Lutheran Church • 132 Auburn Street, Portland
The Youth Service Corps will gather to make trail mix snack bags for the Preble Street Food Security Hub. Pizza lunch will be provided.
For more information email Amber here.
Interacting with Wabanaki-Maine History
Sunday, May 18 • 1-3 pm
First Parish Portland, Unitarian Universalist • 425 Congress Street, Portland • Parish Hall (right side entrance)
This program is an interactive experience in which we engage in a story of particular events in the history of 400 years of colonization of Wabanaki people by Europeans in this territory now called the state of Maine. This highly engaging experience requires our full participation in order to genuinely increase our understanding of colonization and what it means for current descendants and future generations; to reflect on what story we are writing for our grandchildren.
Limited to 40 participants. We ask for a $20 suggested donation to cover program costs. Please register on the Google registration form, and – separately – donate on the donation form:
FMI and questions, contact the Wabanaki Ally Team: Meret or Jake.
Pentecost Kite Flying
Sunday, June 8 • 3 pm • Bug Light Park, South Portland
Gather at Bug Light (Madison Street in South Portland) to celebrate Pentecost! Bring your own kite and some to share — or come empty-handed to enjoy the wind and the waves and our fun-loving community. On Pentecost, the Spirit came in wind and flame, and we remember the story by letting our spirits and our kites soar together. All are welcome.
Meditation & Conversation Small Group beginning Thursday, January 9
Second & Fourth Thursdays 7-8pm • 515 Woodford Street
Are you looking for a chance to ground yourself? A time to step away from the chaos of life? A chance to connect with God and others? Join Pastor Sara at 515 for 20 minutes of guided meditation and 40 minutes of conversation. Let's talk about the longing of our own souls, the questions we have, and our own experiences of the Divine. This is an open group — you can join any week.
Tai Chi Practice
Tuesdays at 10am • 515 Woodford St
You are invited to practice Tai Chi and Qigong at HopeGateWay, led by Bronwen and Francis. This practice encompasses beginners and those who have practiced before. Tai Chi and Qigong - described as meditation in motion - are ancient Chinese practices promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being through soft flowing motion harmonized with the rhythms of breathing.
Classes are wide open, warm and welcoming for anyone interested. They run a little over an hour in length and people participate as their schedules allow. There is no fee; however, modest donations, based on whatever participants can afford, are welcomed.
If you are interested, please contact Bronwen so that you can be placed on an email list that is just used if class is cancelled for that day. Otherwise, classes are every Tuesday at 10 .m.
Facebook Livestream and on-demand video
Worship services are usually live-streamed and recorded on Facebook.
If you miss worship, you can always join us! facebook.com/hopegateway
Gather and Grow with HopeGateWay Small Groups
HopeGateWay offers a number of small groups. Our Active Hope group and our three Murmuration groups meet monthly. Recovery groups meet weekly on most nights of the week. We're always planning ahead for our next book study, film or podcast discussion. If you're interested in being part of a small group or if you have an idea for either a short-term or longer-term small group, talk with Christie or email christie@hopegateway.com.
Community Care: Caring for One Another
At HopeGateWay, we follow Jesus' invitation to "love one another as I have loved you." Sometimes we offer our gifts and support and at other times we find ourselves on the receiving end. This is community, the kind of community that we want to be, graciously giving and receiving. Currently, we are providing meals for two families and we are looking for drivers willing to give rides to one or two people before and after worship on Sunday mornings. Please contact our Care Coordinator if you'd be willing to help! If you need assistance with some home cooked meals, groceries, errands or a visit, please contact us as well!
Looking to serve in a new way in 2024?
Consider Volunteer Opportunities with Hope Acts!
Hope Acts is seeking new volunteers as housing mentors, English language program support, transportation needs, and more. Check Hope Acts' volunteer page for more information. If you prefer, please call the Hope Acts office at 207-274-6005 or 207-228-1140 to discuss volunteer opportunities. Contact Alice for the ASAP program, Sarah for HHELP and Martha for anything/everything else. Volunteering is an act of hope AND a gift of hope. Reach out today.
HopeGateWay Conversations and Sermon Podcasts
If you'd like to learn more about what's going on within our HopeGateWay community, simply connect to our podcast page. You will find our weekly sermon podcasts at the same link. We encourage you to stay connected; let us know if there's something you'd like to know about HopeGateWay. Art McClanahan puts his heart and soul into making these conversations come alive.
Gateways Daily Reflection
Gateways is a daily email offering inspiring words for your daily time with God from HopeGateWay. Each morning we send out a prayer, reflection, poem, or other thought-provoking work along with a question or observation to take with you into your day. If you would like to try adding this to your daily spiritual practice, please sign up and join us. Subscribe here.
Sing along with the HopeGateWay Virtual Choir
Do you ever have worship songs going through your mind long after worship? You can now sing along at home any day of the week! Kelly and the HopeGateWay Acapella Virtual Choir creates a new song recording for worship every week. So our library of songs is growing! You can listen at this link.
Thank you for your faithful Stewardship!
Your generosity fuels HopeGateWay's Micah 6:8 mission to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God." You can access all of the materials to make your pledge commitment for 2024 here. You may also make a one-time or recurring gift through our website or send a check to 515 Woodford Street Portland, ME 04103. We are grateful for your generous support of HopeGateWay's ministry and programs.
Grab a CLYNK Bag and Support HopeGateWay
Support the ministry and mission of HopeGateWay in a super easy way! Just pick up one of our Clynk bags in the green tote in our lobby, fill it with returnable bottles and cans, and return it to a Clynk collection site near Hannaford. If you have a personal Clynk account, you can also donate your balance to HopeGateWay!