We are a serving community.

We take our cue from Jesus, who said, "The greatest is the one who serves." 


In fact, we think of service as a spiritual practice, right up there with worship, prayer, and reading the words of the Bible. When we serve, we're putting our hands and our feet where our mouth is, and we think that's a pretty important for followers of Jesus.


Whether it's serving at a Community Meal, sharing our resources with others, cleaning up trash in our neighborhood, collecting socks to be given to people experiencing homelessness, hosting families through Greater Portland Family Promise, going on a week-long mission trip to help provide medical care for people in remote villages of Guatemala, or simply living quiet lives of service 24/7, we strive to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.


And we experience, almost always, what St. Francis of Assisi, the great 12th-century Franciscan monk, wrote so long ago: "It is in giving that we receive." As we give of ourselves, we receive so much more in return.

greater portland family promise

HopeGateWay is a proud Host Congregation for Greater Portland Family Promise


Co-founded by HopeGateWay co-pastor Sara Ewing-Merrill, Greater Portland Family Promise addresses needs of families experiencing homelessness in the Portland, Maine area. Through an interfaith network and connections with existing community resources, Family Promise provides housing, meals, case management and community for children and their families experiencing homelessness.


Thirteen Host Congregations in Greater Portland have committed to hosting families for a week at a time, four times per year, in the buildings of their faith communities. During their host weeks, families enjoy meals together onsite, and classrooms are converted temporarily into bedrooms. Members of the congregations volunteer in many different capacities.


Whether you provide a hot meal, arrange activities for children, come to share dinner, or stay overnight, you can make a difference in the lives of families who have suffered the ordeal of losing their home.


HopeGateWay's Host Coordinator is Cassie Moon.  Contact Cassie.


Learn more about Greater Portland Family Promise.


Learn more about the larger Family Promise organization,  of which Greater Portland Family Promise is an affiliate.


Questions? Email Sara: sara@greaterportlandfamilypromise.org.


IMMIGRANT SUPPORt

The HopeGateWay community includes people from many different countries of origin, including Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, the United States, and others. We celebrate the rich diversity that we share, and we give thanks for the opportunity to be in ministry with one another. No us-and-them. Just us.


Hope House


In 2012, the people of HopeGateWay gave birth to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Hope Acts, as a way of extending its ministry within the immigrant and recovery communities. In 2013, Hope Acts launched Hope House, a residential program at 14 Sherman Street, where 13 asylum seekers at a time live in community, strengthen their English skills, work through the asylum process, and form social connections that will help them thrive. HopeGateWay continues to celebrate Hope House, and as a partnering faith community, we support this important program in as many ways as we can.


Laundry Ministry


We have a Laundry Ministry, with a washing machine and dryer onsite at HopeGateWay (509 Forest Avenue, Portland) where, by appointment, recipients of Portland's General Assistance can do their laundry — no charge. We are grateful for a grant from the United Methodist Foundation of New England in 2017 that enabled the purchase and installation of the laundry machines.


Supporting Immigrant Tenants


Springing from the vision and passion of HopeGateWay member and champion of social justice, Sue Rudalevige, Supporting Immigrant Tenants (SIT) is now a program of Prosperity Maine (formerly Community Financial Literacy). Through this program, immigrants can apply for an interest-free loan for a housing security deposit, and then receive education, advocacy, and support that will help them to achieve long-term, sustainable housing. Immigrants wishing to apply for a loan are invited to participate in a workshop called "How to Be a Successful Tenant." Community members are invited to be trained as a Housing Coach, offering support and guidance for new tenants.


These are just a few of the ways we strive to be in ministry with our immigrant friends and neighbors.


Guatemala service trips

Twice a year — in the fall and spring — Guatemala Grace offers opportunities for HopeGateWay members (and others) to be part of a Service Trip to Guatemala. 


Some teams bring medical care to remote villages that only rarely have access to this kind of care. Doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists are welcome; team members without medical training are also encouraged to participate.


Other teams go to work on the facilities used to provide medical care and education in remote villages of Guatemala through Project Salud y Paz. No experience or special skills are necessary — just an open heart and a willingness to do whatever is needed. 


Cost for each trip is about $2,000 per person, which includes airfare, food, housing, transportation within Guatemala, interpreters, etc.


For more information about Guatemala Service Trips, contact Mike Davis.