Read about what's going on in our HopeGateWay Community Newsletter October 24, 2025.
If you don't find the information you're looking for in the newsletter, on this page or within the website, please send us an email!
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
Thecla: An Ancient Story of Resistance and Resilience
Our Current Worship Series
Why have you never heard of Thecla, the Apostle Paul's most famous sidekick? Because her story was hushed by church authorities who chose which books were included in the Bible and which stories were authorized to be told. Nevertheless, she was one of the most famous followers of the way of Jesus until the 6th Century.
Starting September 21, Pastor Sara will lead a 5-week series on the Acts of Thecla, which is an action-packed story that was a part of the larger text, The Acts of Paul, an ancient writing circulated widely during the first few centuries after Jesus' life and death. God rescues Thecla from being burned at the stake. She fights an assaulter in the street, with absolutely no help from Paul. A lioness becomes her admirer and defender. She baptizes herself in a pool of deadly sea lions. And the women unify to defend and protect her.
During these days of turmoil and chaos, we need stories like Thecla's, both to give us the hope of miracles and to teach us to center ourselves in Divine Love, even in the midst of persecution. Join us to learn an unforgettable story — a tale of faithfulness, resistance, and resilience.
HopeGateWay Kids
November 2, December 7 • 9am
Calling all HopeGateWay Kids ages 4-10! You're invited to gather on the first Sunday of the month from 9-9:45 am, starting in October. Our theme for the fall is: Being Church Together
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..
Dates and Topics:
- Nov. 2 What is prayer?
- Dec. 7 Serving others. Putting together warming kits for our neighbors.
MultiFaith Prayer Vigil near Cumberland County Jail
Wednesdays • 2:45-3:15 pm
You are invited to join leaders from the Greater Portland MultiFaith Organizing group who will host weekly vigils, starting this Wednesday, October 29, to lament the harm inflicted on all those caught up in the immigration system, and to affirm the inherent worthiness of all people. Each gathering will include songs, silence, prayer, or other spiritual practices. We are planning this action to pray for those detained by ICE locally at the Cumberland County Jail and those who are a part of that system that is detaining them.
Maine ICE Watch Operator Training
November 3 • 5:30-7:00 pm • Zoom
Do you want to support your community? Do you have language skills? Take this training to become a Volunteer Operator for the Maine ICE Watch Hotline. You'll learn how to support people through their concerns and refer them to resources they need. Sign up at this link.
Gospel Messiah: A Refugee Oratorio
Nov 14-16 • The Hill Arts, Portland
This event runs Friday, November 14 - Sunday, November 16. (2:00 p.m. matinee and 7:00 p.m. evening show on Saturday, November 15). Panel Presentation on Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. Talk-back with performers on Saturday, November 15 at 8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets for $15 here.
The power of Handel's music in a dynamic gospel interpretation will create a riveting theatrical experience you won't soon forget! A reimagining of The Messiah, Handel's masterpiece, as a secular gospel music oratorio from the lens of immigrants and refugees in crisis zones.
The Gospel Messiah is more relevant than ever, given the ever-increasing number of refugees seeking shelter worldwide. The performances will feature local musicians and a core group of singers, along with the multi-national girls' refugee choir Pihcintu, interlaced with spoken word pieces by Moon Machar, former Indigo Arts Resident in addition to alumni of The Telling Room.
HopeGateWay Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 23 • Potluck Lunch following worship
Our Annual Meetings are full of updates about various aspects of our life together in ministry. We hope you'll set aside this time to gather together and to participate in a potluck following worship, to be present to hear updates on aspects of HopeGateWay ministry we don't always have lots of time to talk about, to vote on our 2026 budget, and to have fun together, too.
Meditation & Conversation Small Group
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.
Gather and Grow with HopeGateWay Small Groups
HopeGateWay offers a number of small groups. 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, email hello@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 2025?
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS