Read about what's going on in our HopeGateWay Community Newsletter July 18, 2026.
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
Our Summer Series is TELL ME MORE: Giving Voice To The Stories That Shape Us
What is the best and most engaging way to learn? A story!
Last summer at HopeGateWay we spent some time learning from one another through the stories of our lives, and we loved it so much we decided to do it again this year.
We have invited different members of our community to share their personal life-giving practices and their thoughts about God or the divine. We hope you will join us as we learn from one another.
Alternative Gathering • Sunday, July 26 • 11am – 1pm
We will not gather at 515 Woodford Street or online.
Invitation from Cassie Moon: I would like to invite you to my home as a celebration of trees! In appreciation of all the support I received. I'm planning on having grilled hotdogs and potato salad and watermelon. If anyone would like to bring something to share, you are welcome to do that. This will be rain or shine. We have an easy-up canopy and a screen tent.
To receive Cassie's address, contact hello@hopegateway.com
Celebrating Home: Hope Acts Summer Fundraiser
Thursday, July 23 • 5 pm
at the Jewish Community Alliance
Join others from the HopeGateWay community for Celebrating Home, a special evening that marks a transformative milestone for Hope Acts and offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Hope Acts hope you can join on Thursday, July 23, at 5:00 pm at the Jewish Community Alliance, 1342 Congress St, Portland.
Celebrating Home marks the completion of the renovation of Hope House, a 13-bedroom low-income apartment building for asylum seekers. We will honor Martha Stein, who has led Hope Acts for the last 8 years, as she retires this summer, celebrating her extraordinary contributions and the lasting impact of her work.
Celebrating Home will feature a special performance by Pihcintu, the Maine-based multinational girls chorus, accompanied by the Akiwacu band. We will share updates on the Hope House renovation project and Hope Acts’ work. There will be plenty of time to enjoy refreshments and connect with staff, volunteers, and friends. Celebrating Home is both a celebration and a call to action: we are committed to welcoming and supporting immigrants to our community and country.
Click here to purchase your tickets!
Film Showing: Magdalene: I Am the Utterance of My Name
Friday, July 24 • 7pm
515 Woodford St, Portland
In honor of Mary Magdalene's Feast Day: a video presentation of the Off-Broadway show.
Magdalene: I Am the Utterance of My Name is a work of music-theater that illuminates the myths, beliefs and contradictions that have surrounded Mary Magdalene for over 2000 years. Drawing from ancient texts, artworks, and contemporary writings, the piece centers the revolutionary message from her banned and buried “Gospel of Mary Magdalene”, lost for centuries.
Created by playwright, director, and actor Sylvia Milo alongside composer and percussionist Nathan Davis, the complex work creates a prismatic image of Mary Magdalene that is revealed through seven apparitions. Milo embodies these archetypes as Davis performs his score live onstage using instruments both ancient and modern – hammered dulcimer, harmonium, sand, and water – interweaving the sound design with field recordings from sites significant to the myths. A radiant video projection design by Monica Duncan, movement direction by Janice Orlandi and choreography by Natalie Lomonte and Joanna Kotze expand the space — and our understanding of this essential story.
Equal parts theater and ritual, Magdalene: I Am the Utterance of My Name is a transformative and spiritual experience that wrestles with flawed histories in an attempt to reach true transcendence.
Donations received at the event will go to the creator Sylvia Milo and to HopeGateWay.
Alternative Sunday Gatherings • July 26, & August 30
The last few summers, we have experimented with not meeting in the typical way once a month, and this year we are going to continue that practice. For three Sundays this summer, we will be gathering differently in ways similar to what we did last summer. More details to come, but mark your calendars with these special dates.
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. 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 2026?
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!